Ice Skating

When we moved to the city... there was quite a bit of adjustment for us.

But, one of the perks of living downtown is close proximity to great landmarks and locations.

And when I say.... proximity.... 

I am referring to NOT having to hop in a car --- worrying about the traffic --- or worrying about parking.

Because, I AM NOT A FAN OF DRIVING.

So, oh happy me when I can just say to my kiddo, "Let's go for a walk!" and then we end up ice skating at Klyde Warren Park.

Now, if you are one who has to drive... they have plenty of parking options, so just check out their website.  

Or, use the trolley, Dart, or DLink. Lots and lots of options for visitors to the park and Dallas.

Anyway, back to our skating adventures...

It was a GORGEOUS day yesterday [and today for that matter], so we thought we would tryout this skating rink we heard about at the park. And although I grew up in Northern Indiana where ice was plentiful during winter, I have never been on ice skates before in my life. So, why not try on a 62 degree sunny day!

Well, the ice rink.... isn't ice. It's plastic!

Pretty cool.

Pretty difficult for me to "skate" on.

But, kiddo..... kiddo HAD A BLAST!

So, we will be going again.... soon.

Like... maybe today, when we go for "a walk".
I think we will also hit up the Dallas Museum of Art on today's jaunt.... and the food trucks.

So, if you are around the Dallas area and looking for something to enjoy in this beautiful weather.... this is definitely something to try out.

Find more details here.
$5 skate rentals... but, it's FREE on Tuesdays!

Just a Touch of Sparkle

Only 10 days before Christmas.

Wow!

We are pretty much ready. Well.... at least all the gifts are accounted for and now it is just completing the task of wrapping. We still have some baking to do... and then the eating.  We still have a party or two left to attend. But, we are pretty much ready for the week of Christmas to be enjoyed with family.... togetherness. Lovely! 

How about you? Are you pretty much ready?

I came across this design and I just love how bold it is in black with just a touch of sparkle.

That tree is a feather Christmas tree.... a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

Style at Home

It would be a lovely and glamorous setting to host a little holiday dinner party.

Don't fret too much over these next 10 days.... enjoy the season!

I'll try to keep that in mind, too. Wink... wink.

WORDS: Little Black Dress

In honor of Karl Lagerfeld in town for the Chanel Matiers d'Art Fashion Show at Fair Park Monday night.... I thought this was appropriate for today.

Source

I'm planning to rock a few Little Black Dresses for some holiday parties... with killer statement necklaces... of course!

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

We have been iced in for several days...

But, today things are getting back to normal. 

It'll be above freezing soon and the rest of the ice will melt. 

We plan to venture out [doctor appointment and what not] for the first time since Thursday morning!

We have really enjoyed our time entombed in ice. For real.

We are introverts at heart.

Not to mention, I was able to complete an insane amount of Christmas preparations!

Plus.... I got to bake these cupcakes!

I shared them last year in a post, but here is the recipe again:

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT CUPCAKES

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Bake Time: 22-25 minutes

Yield: 20-24 cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes:

1 3/4 cups cake flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa {I used Ghirardelli}

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 eggs at room temperature

1 cup milk {I used non-fat and they still turned out great}

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:

~7 ounces cream cheese softned

1/2 cup butter {1 stick}

1 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups confectioner sugar

1-3 Tablespoons milk 

CUPCAKES

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pan.

2. In mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

3. Add eggs, oil, milk and vanilla and beat on medium speed for 1 minute.

4. Add boiling water and blend together. 

NOTE: the mixture will be VERY thin. I am thankful I was warned about this because it really is the consistency of buttermilk or so. But, don't worry. They turn out fabulous! But, instead of using an ice cream scoop to fill my liners, I just used a bowl with a pouring spout.

5. Fill liners 2/3 full with batter.

6. Bake at 350 degree for 22 - 25 minutes.

7. Cool cupcakes completely on wire rack prior to frosting.

FROSTING

1. Beat cream cheese and butter for about 30 seconds until smooth.

2. Add confectioner sugar a little at a time. Once combined increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy.

3. Add peppermint and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

4. Slowly add in the milk until you reach the desired consistency. 

5. Beat until fluffy {about 1 minute}.

Makes approximately 3 - 4 cups.

Utilize frosting immediately or it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Frost cupcakes and ENJOY!

I added Hershey Peppermint Kisses to the top for an added festive punch.

And then I had fun breaking up a whole bunch of candy canes to sprinkle around the serving platter. I just spread the fine dust left from the candy canes across the top of the cupcakes.

ENJOY!