Etsy store: Toodles Arts & Crafts

Because my sister is my biggest fan and vice versa, I want to share a link to her Etsy store. She makes the cutest eco-friendly crocheted coffee mug cozies and jewelry. Right now her items are limited as she keeps selling out BUT keep checking back as she is about to post a TON of new items. :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ToodlesArtsCrafts?ref=seller_info

Pumpkin Stencils

I took my son Drake to the pumpkin patch today so I though I would share some cute pumpkin stencils and carving ideas that I came across. We will be carving pumpkins after naptime so I will post pics later :)

1) http://www.parenting.com/gallery/halloween-pumpkin-carving-stencils?pnid=114608


2) http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/beginner-halloween-pumpkin-carving-templates/pictures/index.html?nl=HGI_090512_bottom1img

3) http://www.marthastewart.com/275573/pumpkin-carving-and-decorating-ideas/@center/276965/halloween

4) http://www.freshhomeideas.com/entertaining---parties/halloween/halloween-decorations/carve-pumpkins-with-cookie-cutters

Coconut Pineapple Cake

Coconut Pineapple Cake 

Cake

1 light colored Super Moist or pudding included cake mix, white, yellow, even golden butter, your preference
3 eggs

1 (14 oz.) can coconut milk, not cream of coconut
1/2 cup flaked coconut

1 (8 oz.) can of crushed pineapple, drained, juice reserved for glaze

Glaze
1 1/2 cups of milk, or less depending on pineapple juice
reserved pineapple juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup coconut

Frosting
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (use 1 teaspoon if you like more)
coconut for dusting

Prepare pans. If using two 9-inch circle pans, grease them, add a layer of traced parchment paper, then grease and flour. If using a 9x13-inch pan, spay the bottom with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, and coconut milk with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping occasionally. Stir in coconut and pineapple. Pour into pans. Bake as directed per pan size on box. Don't over bake, I take it out when a few moist crumbs stick to a toothpick. Cool 15 minutes.

While cake is cooling, add enough milk to reserved pineapple juice to make 1 1/2 cups. Combine pineapple-milk mixture, sugar, and 1/2 cup coconut in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 minute. Poke holes into cake using a fork, straw, or even a kabob stick. Carefully spoon evenly over warm cake allowing liquid to soak into holes. Pop cake into the fridge to cool completely.

Beat heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form. (If making a layer cake, you may want to beat it just a little extra so that sticks to the sides of the cake. I also spread a little of this prepared cream between layers). Frost cake with prepared whipped cream. Cover cake with remaining coconut. Keep (and store) in refrigerator until ready to serve.

You will not regret making this cake, it is DELISH!! Trust me...I ate the whole thing by myself (you heard me right, ALL BY MYSELF. Don't judge!)