Insta-Friday #13 {Even Though It's Saturday}

We started off last weekend with... you guessed it... Snow.

My friend & I started our #nosockrebellion just to stick it to the snow. 

We must have hurt the snow's feelings because it's now quickly retreating.

Finally.

Have I told you that I'm in love with washi tape? It's true! It can be used for so many things. One of my favourite being a great way to dress up a plain brown paper package. And topped with a little felt pinwheel... the ultimate cute factor.

Diaper Box Upcycle Tutorial

Hello, friends!

Today I have an extra special treat for you... my beautiful friend, Darlene, is going to share with you how she made these fun "baskets" for her baby's change table. 

Aren't they super fun?

Darlene & I have been friends for many years - since our college days! 

She is a SAHM to her 3 adorable children. She makes divine bath & body products. 

(Her bath bombs are the BEST!)

In the last year or so, I've started to see Darlene share some of her other creations & home decor on Facebook. I asked her if she would like to share a project with my readers & I'm thrilled she said yes!

She's put together a fabulous tutorial on how to upcycle diaper boxes into storage baskets!

Enjoy!

Strawberries & Cream Trifle

On Friday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a baby shower for a dear friend of mine. We were celebrating the birth of her precious little boy. 

The night was full of delicious food & desserts, cuddles with the new baby, & laughter with friends. Perfection.

I was asked to bring a dessert of some kind 

so I was thinking through some of my favourite things to bring to a party, 

& this trifle popped into my mind.

It's a wonderful thing for a spring party. After all, strawberries just scream spring, don't you think?

Just look at the yummy layers of angel food cake, strawberries, custard, & jam... **drool**

Insta Friday #10, #11, & #12

***WARNING: This is a very photo-heavy post. Proceed at your own risk.***

In the business of the last few weeks, blogging has mostly fallen by the way side for me. 

I'm looking froward to getting back to a more regular schedule. I've been working on some recipes & projects this week so I'll have some brand new stuff to share with you next week!

Because blogging has taken a back seat, my weekly update - Insta Friday - has also not taken place, although I'm still posting on Instagram when inspiration hits.

Let the epic update begin...

Week 10:

My husband, James, & I started the weekend off with a bang - date night at our fav Mexican joint here in Toon Town, La Bamba. I drank an apple pop in honour of our last trip to Mexico when I was introduced to apple pop. It's yummy!

After supper, we perused a favourite home decor store - Urban Barn.

Never-Fail Chocolate Cake

When I was a beginner in the homemaking profession, a big goal of mine was to build up a repertoire of great recipes that I would go back to & use time & time again.

One such recipe I wanted to find was a great basic chocolate cake that I could use for birthday cakes & such. Ever since I first made this chocolate cake years ago, it's been my go-to recipe for chocolate cake. You can use it for a sheet cake, a layer cake, & it also makes great cupcakes! Just adjust your baking time accordingly.

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can reduce the fat & it tastes just as good if not better! (See my notes in the recipe.)