Just A Thought

                                    

Mommy Scenario Tag!!

I had so much fun making this tag video with my big sister. Whether you're a new mom or a pro, we all have questions about our kids. This is just a really fun way to get a glimpse into how other mom's handle certain situations. As a mom of two young boys, I've learned a lot from other mother's and somethings I've picked up along the way. Hope this video helps you and yours...enjoy!! 

Mommy Scenario Questions!

1. Your kid is refusing to eat dinner, do you stand your ground and demand they eat what you made? Or make something else?

2. Your kid has a melt-down at the store, nothing is working to calm them. Do you leave & come back another time, or grit your teeth and finish shopping?

3. Your kid gets too many toys for their birthday, do you make some returns or save them for a rainy day?

4. Your kid is protesting sleep, do you give in at 3am, get them up & turn on a movie? Or continue to rock them, nurse, etc to try to get them back to sleep?

5. You have an appointment and no babysitter- do you bring them with you or reschedule?

6. You have 20 minutes until unexpected company arrives. Do you rush to clean up your messy house, or just figure- "hey, it's okay. I've got kids!"

7. You're running late & only have time to do your hair or makeup- which do you choose?

8. You're at the park and another child pushes yours, do you intervene and correct them- or go find the child's parent?

Gratitude Pumpkin - 2014

   The "Gratitude Pumpkin" was in full swing this year in the Lopez household. We were a little late starting the project, ten days to be exact, but we caught up. We finally laid our pumpkin to rest yesterday. As I admired for one last time the words that adorned our pumpkin, my heart was truly field with gratitude. I am beyond grateful for all the wonderful things the good Lord has given me and my family.

   It's easy to get distracted from what really matters when we live in fast pace society consumed with getting more and superficial things. We focus on what's wrong in our life before appreciating what's right. We obsess over the bad and neglect the good. This project has definitely been a wonderful avenue for my family to adjust our focus on the many blessings in our life. Now I'm not saying everyone has to run out and get a pumpkin every November! But we should all strive to have a heart of gratitude!!   

                             

No Frizz Please!!

I can't stand frizzy hair, but to be honest who can?? There's nothing more annoying than having a perfect hair style ruined as soon as you step outside!!  Or having to plan your hair style by the weather. Many of us women deal with this problem, which is why there are hundreds of products appealing to our anti-frizz addiction...lol.


I use to think frizzy hair only happened if your hair was damaged. I have now learned that even the healthiest, undamaged hair can get frizzy. So what causes frizz? Humidity, excessive heat-styling (use of flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers), and excessive combing / brushing of dry hair.  Chemical processing (perms or dyes) also contribute to frizz because they change the structure and integrity of hair.


My frizzy hair problem has worsened since I went natural. My natural hair soaks up humidity like a sponge. Seriously, the moment it comes it contact with the moister it frizzes and draws up. This has been so frustrating for me. I can't tell you how many times I opted to put my hair up in a bun just because I didn't feel like dealing with the fuzzy drama that would be sure to follow if I wore my hair down...lol.


Recently, I been on a quest to "Fight the Frizz!". I started with two popular hair products: TRESemme Keratin Smooth flat iron smoothing spray and Fantasia Frizz Buster Serum.
TRESemme promises to protect your hair from heat while providing shine, as well as, controlling frizz for up to 48 hours. Fantasia Frizz Buster Serum promises to be 100% effective in instantly eliminating dry, frizzy damaged hair. 


The Results: I give both products a strong OK!! Can't say they worked great in controlling the frizz but TRESemme did seam to protect my hair from the heat during flat ironing and Frizz Buster made my hair incredible soft and silky which is always a plus for me. Check out my YouTube video for more details!!

How to Make a Minecraft Cake

It all started with me asking my nephew what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday. "Minecraft, I want a Minecraft cake!" " I have to admit that I have been asked in the past to make a Minecraft cake but they wanted the pixilated look which is labor intensive and requires a lot fondant  I thought to myself, there has to be a simpler way to make this cake without all the fuss of fondant. For all the Moms, Aunts, or beginner cakers out there that want to know how to pull off a simple version of this cake...here it is!!

Tools:

Spoon

Spatula

Sharp knife

Grass Tip

Coupler

Decorators bag

Minecraft figurines

Cake board

Two 9"x13" chocolate cakes

Green Buttercream  (around 5 cups)

Blue Buttercream (1 cup)

Directions: 

Place one chocolate 9"x13" cake on cake board. Using spatula, thinly frost top of cake with green icing. Don't worry about crumbs in your coat because you will be adding another layer of frosting 
that will cover it later

.                                    

Cut second 9"x13" cake into cut three pieces:

1. Square shape - 4"x4"

2. F shape - 6"x6"

3. L shape - 3"x4"                                                                              

 Final arrangement will look like picture below.

Place both on corners of the cake and thinly frost the tops.
With grass tip, cover tops of the frosted areas with green frosting.
Hold tip at 90 degrees, gently squeeze and pull up.
See picture below.

Leave area, about 4"x6," unfrosted. Using back of spoon, add blue frosting to uncovered area.  Once covered, make peaks with spoon. To make peaks, make "S" shaped design and then pull away at 45 degree angle.  It will resemble ways.
Add figurines wherever you see fit! For my details, see video below.Have fun and happy caking!!

5 Year Natural Hair Mark

  
I'm sure you're familiar with the term "natural hair" by now. It's been going around for the past few years. I've been natural for over five and a half years. It has been a long, and sometimes challenging journey. The first time I went natural was shortly after my wedding in August 2007. My beautician talked me into to doing it. Healthy, thick hair were just some of the great results she promised. I only lasted six months before I caved in and permed my hair! I couldn't do it. I was so use to permed hair and didn't know how to manage this "new hair." All of the products I used before didn't seem to work. Frustration soon led to giving up and going back to what was familiar.

     It was almost a year later, three months after having my son James, I decided to give it another try. I was so busy taking care of a newborn that I didn't have time to get my hair permed. I thought to myself, It's already been three months, I might as well see how long I can last. Five and half years later I can't imagine giving up now!!! Once I learned what products and hair styles worked for me, it wasn't so difficult. I actually find it easier to deal with my natural hair. I don't have to use as much products and styles last longer.
 Here is a brief video I made for my YouTube page about my progress.

Happy Thanksgiving

                       

Two Brothers One Couch

     Soon after giving birth to Jase, I decided to take pictures of him every week for a year. I told my husband, "It would be awesome to see him grow week by week in each photo." But soon my maternal instincts kicked. "What about James? I didn't want him to feel left out. So I decided I would take a picture of the two of them every week for a year together on my sofa.
    
     The first photo shoot was so much fun! But as time went by and my schedule grew more crowded it began to become harder and harder. There were times that I had to double on a week because I forgot and there were times the boys just didn't want to take a picture. This was one of the HARDEST things I have every committed to doing. Believe me, I wanted to quit more than a few times. I'm glad I didn't because this was also one of the BEST and most rewarding things I have ever done. What started out as a photographic project for one son turned into a bonding session between two brothers that emanates from each photo.

Chocolate Crusting Buttercream

I've received some requests to post the chocolate crusting buttercream recipe that I use when I decorate my cakes. I used chocolate buttercream in the "How to Make a Quick and Easy Camouflage Cake" tutorial I posted on my blog and on YouTube. I tend to use Chocolate Buttercream whenever I need black frosting because I don't have to add as much black dye as I would if I used vanilla / white frosting. Believe me, it takes a lot, I mean a lot of black dye to get white icing the perfect shade of black. And if you achieve that dark, rich shade of black that you want, there usually is a lingering after taste which is not good. As a decorator and as a baker, you always want a perfect balance between taste and appearance.

Chocolate Crusting Buttercream Recipe
1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
1/2 cup of butter
3/4 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or madagascar bourbon vanilla
4 cups of sifted powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar)
3-4 tablespoons of milk or water

Will yield around  3 cups of icing...stiff consistency.
Add 6-7 tablespoons of milk to get medium consistency.

Directions:
In large bowl, mix shortening and butter with electric mixer. Add cocoa and vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time. Beat well on medium speed. Icing will appear dry and crumbly. Add milk or water and beat at medium speed until icing is fluffy. Any additional milk or water should be added one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the consistency that you want.

How to Make a Quick and Easy Buttercream Mustache Cake

I finally got around to making a cake for one of the biggest trends right now....the mustache! 

I recently had a birthday party for my son Jase, who turned one, and my husband John. 

It was so much fun and it's such a cute theme for all ages!! 

Once I decided I was going to have a mustache bash and I picked out the cake design, I knew I wanted to do a tutorial and share it with you guys. The cake looks complicated but its actually very easy. It basically comes down to four steps: 

Step One: Bake cake in a round pan (any size you want)

Step Two: Cut a yin yang pattern into cake 

Step Three: Turn one side over and align pieces making the mustache design

Step Four: Frost cake 

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did and as always Happy Caking!! 

Just a Thought

Just A Thought

                                  

Just A Thought

                                

Just A Thought

Four Quick and Easy Buttercream Piping Techniques for Cupcakes

Over the years, I have always been asked how I get my frosting on my cupcakes to look the way it does. I've come to realize that some tools and techniques cake decorators may know may not be common knowledge for others. So I decided to make a piping tutorial for cupcakes.

This video shows you four easy and beautiful techniques you can use to really make your cupcakes stand out. I hope this helps...Happy decorating!!!

                                  

1. The Swirl

2. The Rose

3. The Star

4. Multiple Stars / Bouquet 

What if I Fall? Oh Darling What if You Fly?

     This has be the topic of discussion lately in the Lopez residence. Let's face it, we all have dreams, ambitions and desires for our lives. Some dreams are as big as the sky, while others are as simple as a blade of grass. Deep inside every individual lies an innate desire to be bigger and to crave more than what we see in our present situation or circumstance. Deep inside every individual lies the innate ability to imagine a future with limitless possibilities.

     As a child, it was easier to "dream the impossible dream."  It was easy to believe I could be anything I wanted to be. So with an ambitious heart, I imagined my future. I carefully sculpted my soon to be adulthood. Boy did it look great!! I eagerly looked forward to each year and the chance to achieve my goals.

     As life went on, my dreams soon met reality. I found myself not achieving most of my goals, and when achieved it was definitely not in the time frame I set for myself. This was devastating to say the least. Consequently, I slowly began to stop dreaming and having desires. "Grow up and be more realistic," I said with clinched fists. Though necessary, realism has it's flaws. It's a good quality to accurately assess a situation and see it for what it really is, but it does have its down side. Realism allows you to live with levelheadedness and practicality. Where's the joy in that? Sometimes dreams are irrational and unpractical...but that's okay! It's good to have your head in the clouds sometimes and focus on something beyond you, beyond natural ability. It gives you a sense of hope. It gives you something to strive for!

     The truth is, most of what we desire will never come to past. Should we stop dreaming? Should we allow past failures to negatively affect our ambition, resulting in a defeated perspective? Of course not! The possibility of failure is always present, but the possibility of flying is present as well.  In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, "If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving!"

Happy 4th of July!!!!!

                            

30 Day Abs Fitness Challenge

   As I was engaging in one of my daily Facebook scrolls, I came across an event titled,

"30 Day Abs Challenge." Most of my friends were joining, so I decided to see what all the

fuss was about. The challenge promised to tone up and boost core muscles while pushing

your body strength to the max. It consists of four different exercises: Sit ups, Crunches, Leg

Raises, and Planks. The time spent performing each exercise gradually increases day by

day, helping to slowly build core body muscles.

   Over the past thirty days, I followed the challenge chart and completed each exercise as instructed. To be honest, I did take a couple rest days early. I just made sure I continued exercises on scheduled rest days just so I would still end the program on day 30. It was definitely a challenge but I managed to push through it. To maximize my results, I decided to change my diet by decreasing my sugar and carb intake, while adding more fruits and vegetables to my family's daily menu. I did splurge on the weekends but not to much. In addition to this challenge, I also started jogging at least two miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I used my elliptical for 30 minutes once a week.

I used the following apps to help keep me on track toward accomplishing my goals:
30 Day Abs Challenge - Contains a monthly calendar with a daily check list. Each day lists the exact amount of sit ups, crunches, leg raises, and planks that need to be completed.
                                       

                                                                                       

My Fitness Pal - Helps you lose weight the healthy way by tracking your nutrition and caloric intake. It contains an extensive food database that makes it easy to keep your own personal food diary.

                                                      

RunKeeper -  Allows you to track your pace, measure workout distance, chart weight loss, and plug in what exact workout you're actually complete (ex: elliptical, walking, biking, etc..). It also allows you to link up with friends and you can see what activities they're completing as well.

                                             

I have to admit it was hard to do something basically everyday for a month and not give up but I am pleased with the results. It's taken longer the second time around to tone my stomach up, but this challenge really works!!!

                                       

                  My 30 Day Abs Challenge Fitness Vlog!!

                                              

Just A Thought

                                   

The Multi-tasking Mother

   As my kids play in the background and I walk around my messier than usual house looking for my work notes, I can't help but think about the age old question, "Can mothers really have it all?" Can mothers be 100% successful in business and 100% successful in their personal lives (friends, family, finesse, etc..)? I'm sure most women would laugh at the absurdity of this question and quickly answer, "Of course!" In theory, I would LOVE to utter the same words too! I would love to say I can do both extremely well. But that's just not true. I find the more I focus on one, the more the other suffers.

                                                    


   This brings me to a deeper question, "Is it really possible to do two things at once?" As I try to muddle through my never ending to do list of mommy duties, the thought of saving time and working smarter always crosses my mind. That's when I decide to multi-task!! Of course, why don't I cook dinner and clean at the same time...this usually results in the burning or overcooking of   dinner...lol.  Multi-tasking is defined as the process of performing  two or more tasks simultaneously . Research has shown our brains can only process one activity at a time. Our brains are just extremely good at rapidly switching from one task to another.


                                            

  I'm starting to realize that it's okay not to be 100% all of the time. Actually, research has proven, it's impossible to give your undivided attention on two things simultaneously. So why do mothers, like myself, continue to buy into this lie. Is it such a bad thing to prioritize??? NO!!! There are going to be times where family will demand our attention, superseding work and vice versa. One of the best lessons of life that I have learned is, you can never be your best when we try to be all things to all people at all times. We just weren't built that way. It doesn't make me unsuccessful or an inferior mother when I can't juggle everything, it makes me human.