Twinkie Cupcakes

Here we are. My last post of 2012. Although I am not a food blogger, I still like to post recipes and it's been awhile since I've posted one. So I thought I would share these luscious treats that will be accompanying me to a New York New Year's Eve Party (aka everyone at this party has kids - so midnight is not an option).

Seems fitting to say farewell to 2012 with a tribute to Hostess, right? Even though I haven't purchased the infamous Twinkies in a very long time . . . shhh, I admit that I was a big fan when I was younger. That is when my mom would give in and buy a box. : )

Can you really go wrong with marshmallow fluff? I think not!

The best part of the Twinkie! The cream filling.

My added touch with a fancy rose swirl.

Thank you Pinterest and thank you The Domestic Rebel! I will for sure be running a few miles tomorrow.

Happy New Year to all of my family and friends!

Merry Christmas

See you next Christmas.

Don't forget to be good!

xo - Luke the Elf

Fast Forward

When I look at this picture a few tears start to stream down my face, as I can vividly see a beautiful bride walking this path.

Teddy Bear Tea

On Sunday, Sophia and I attended the Teddy Bear Tea at the Biltmore. This was our second year at the event and it was FUN! We went with 4 of her girlfriends and their mommies : ) Everything was so beautiful and festive. A little girl's dream tea party decked with hot chocolate, tea sandwiches, mini desserts, cookie decorating, arts & crafts, and SANTA! It's so precious having a daughter to share these moments with.

Kalista's First Roller Coaster

Ah, the wonderful world of Disney. Check out Kalista's first roller coaster rider - it's short but sweet. I believe the ride was Gadget's Go Coaster in Toon Town : ) I would have made a longer video but David had me paranoid that I was going to drop my phone and I was kind of getting sick filming backwards.

Happy 3rd Birthday Kalista Marie!

How did this happen?! Kalista turned 3?! Oh my, that happened super fast! We had a fun celebration for Kalista at My Gym with her close friends and chums from school.

Having a party at My Gym is so easy. You basically just show up and the staff take care of the rest. So since it was too easy, I thought I would put a little effort into a few details and go with a Minnie Mouse theme.

Now on with the show!

Happy Birthday to our silly 3 year old!

Smarty Pants

Our Super Star

We are super proud of you, Sophia! A total of 4 Super Stars since the beginning of school = AMAZING! And two in one week?! Keep up the good work!

Teamwork!

Well, we did it! With the help of my darling hubby and friends, Lorie and Erik, we completed the Santa Barbara International Marathon Relay. Our official time was 3:57 23.6.

It was THE BEST day I've had in quite some time. And the most special part of this experience was watching The Strongs complete the half marathon with sweet Gwendolyn!

Thank you to everyone who donated to my fundraising website and supported The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. You made a difference!

Boocara

The girls needed a little practice run with trick-or-treating : ). So we headed up to Bacara, where they put on a festive Halloween evening for the kids, as well as the adults.

The hotel was dressed to die for, yes pun intended, complete with safe trick-or-treating, DIY s'mores over fire pits, mini burgers & hot dogs, portable wood burning pizza oven, an indoor movie set-up with popcorn and lemonade, and a cocktail station : )

Happy Halloween! (Take 1)

Lanikai Beach

I am going to wrap up our Hawaiian getaway with Lanikai Beach in Kailua.

The most gorgeous beach and soft sand I have ever felt!

Find a spot to park along the neighborhood street and take the path.

Which leads to this:

Until next time Hawaii! Aloha!

Giovanni's and Matsumoto's

Ever heard of Giovanni's Original White Shrimp Truck? Neither had we. Until this trip.

And OMG! It's so yummy!

You can find Giovanni's in the town of Haleiwa.

You gotta keep your eyes peeled though.

There are a lot of shrimp trucks along the highway.

The simplest of menus make for easy ordering:

The Scampi:

 And my little shrimp ; )

And last but not least . . . The famous Matsumoto's for shave ice:

North Shore

North Shore was perfect the way to venture out of Waikiki and all of its' business. 

First stop was the Dole Plantation:

All Aboard!

Could not leave without having their famous pineapple whip!

Next stop was North Shore:

Hunting for serious treasures : )

The next two stops within North Shore need their own posts : )

See ya soon!