This + That + a Sprinkle of This = THESE

I wanted to make something other than cupcakes for Sophia's school birthday treats. I'm not sure I would have thought of these if her birthday was in the winter. Although the kids did not help me (I wanted to surprise Sophia) this would be a perfect and delicious activity.

Snickerdoodle Cookies

 +

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

+

Lot of Sprinkes

 =

Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches

Snickerdoodle Recipe: (Passed down to me many years ago by one of David's patients.)

2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla and almond extracts. Sift dry ingredients together minus the 2 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon. Blend sifted ingredients into creamed mixture. Chill dough for about an hour.

Use ice cream scoop of your choice size to make dough balls. Roll each ball into cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes (depending on size).

*I used the smallest of ice cream scoops which made about 4 dozen cookies or so. I lost count after hubby ate some. : )

A Bowling Birthday

On Saturday we had the pleasure of celebrating Sophia's 4th birthday a few days early. For the last 6 months she has mentioned and reminded us about wanting a bowling party. What could be easier?! All I had to do was bring in the cupcakes and party favors and Zodo's took care of the rest. Bowling, pizza, pink lemonade, cupcakes and friends - what more could a girl ask for?

Miss Kalista - entertaining herself

The kids got to write & color on a real bowling pin for Sophia to take home.
Such a cute idea!

Make a wish Sweet Sophia!

Yay!

Some of the funnest cupcakes I've ever made!
Yes. FUNNEST.

I thought the bowling pin and ball were an adorable addition.
But I'm biased. : )

Happy 4th Birthday Sophia Grace!

App Fun

I love the iPhone. It's just an amazing, addicting gizmo-gadget. Here is what one of my favorite apps 

(Color Splash) can do:

Friday Fun - Prelude to A BIG DAY

Last Friday, Sophia eagerly waited for her cousin, Caroline, to arrive with Grandma & Grandpa. They made the trip up for her birthday party on Saturday (stay tuned for that post). As soon as Caroline arrived, David & I grabbed the girls (minus Kalista) and took them to the little carnival that was set-up for Old Spanish Days here in Santa Barbara. We were just there on Wednesday, twice, but thought it would be fun for the girls to go together. I think the pics speak for themselves.

Then it was off to Padaro for more family fun. And a nice cold beer or two : )

Yummy Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos

David thought adding this salad would cancel out the picture below...

Whatever you say, Honey!

Stay tuned for more FUN - Starring a very cute almost 4 year old : )

But here's a little sneak peek. Check out how I ended my Friday Fun...

I had lots of fun making these. Hot pink frosting was the request.
I added my own personal touch with the toppers.
And by the way, I LOVE Candy Melts.

Taste the rainbow of fruit flavors with these fun miniature candy bins I found at Michaels.
They even came with the cutest little scoop.

The Meaning of KALISTA &hearts&hearts

I've been asked several times the meaning/origin of Kalista. Side note - Just to clarify how we pronounce Kalista, since there are 2 ways: Kuh-lee-sta. I had to look up the meaning because I didn't know. I knew Sophia was Greek for "wisdom." Kalista...I had no idea. But now I do.

KALISTA

GREEK

MOST BEAUTIFUL ONE