Oh Happy Day!

So I mentioned last week that Sugar Mama Bakeshop has some really exciting stuff coming up... And then I disappeared for a week.
Oops.

I really am sorry about that.
I've missed you!
Anyway, I've been working my booty off getting ready for my eversave.com daily deal that is running TODAY!
(Well, that and I've been playing in the sunshine and 80 degree weather!)
When I told you all about my baking class that I'll be teaching I got the most encouraging and supportive responses.
Thank you sweet friends!
I wish you could ALL come to my cupcake class.

BUT since you can't, here is the next best thing :)
For $7 you get $15 in Sugar Mama store credit!
You can get cookies, cake pops AND mixes.
You can host your very own cupcake class if you're feeling crazy!
I also have brownie mixes and all-purpose gluten free flour mixes coming very soon.
I am PUMPED can you tell? ;)

I'm also really thankful for this opportunity.
If you don't mind spreading the word I would love any/all shout outs and I'm not too proud to ask for them :)
Besides, you get eversave credit when you refer your friends.

It's a win-win really.

Follow Along {with me}

Today is going to be fun!

I was invited to co host a facebook party with Aimee from byAimee.com

I've never hosted a blog hop before... or a facebook hop :)
She explains everything so just keep reading but basically link up your fb page and find some new buds!

Huge thanks for Aimee for hosting and for letting me in on the fun!!

we want to connect with YOU!

this week we're focusing on building & connecting on Facebook. every other Friday we want to connect with you on Social Media -- Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook...

we are featuring five fabulous blogs this week:

how to connect:

1: "like" my Facebook Page using your personal page AND THE FIVE lovely FEATURED HOSTS by clicking on their buttons above or the {hosts} linked up below! {using your personal page is great because then these awesome women will show up in your personal feed & they get the benefit of watching their fan numbers grow with new friends & connections.}

2: Link up by following two EASY steps!

Step #1: Fill out the "submission" form below & enter your FACEBOOK FAN PAGE URL into the "URL" section.

Step #2: On the next screen, select "Upload from Computer". Consider selecting your brand or logo to help build brand awareness of your blog or business. {Or your pretty face is fine too!}

3: go to as many links as you can {leave them some comment lovin' and i'm SURE they will return the follow-back favor.} come back in a few days & check out a couple more!

4. IF you want to share our little get together, please tweet: “follow along with @byAimeeSki today at http://wp.me/p1yWH4-bM." or you can always tell your lovely Facebook followers too!

5. Come back and leave a comment at the end of our post telling us who your favorite page is... or the friendliest commenter... or the sweetest product offerings... or the loveliest timeline. Our features & I will take a vote and pass out some blog badges on Wednesday!

thanks for stopping by today. we look forward to following along with everyone that links up!

{don't want to miss another one of our fancy dancy Follow Along parties? sign up for email news in the sidebar!}

Tulip Cupcake Wrappers for $0.02!!

Have you heard of Pick Your Plum?

It's a fun new website that offers one deal each day on crafting supplies.

They only have a limited amount so you have to hurry and order before they're out!

Anyway, today they have precious tulip cupcake wrappers so I thought I would let you all know :)

They're way cheap and super springy!

Don't worry I already ordered... a lot.

Here's the link if you want it:

Happy Cupcake-ing my friends.

Chocolate Chip Scones

I don't really know a whole lot about scones.

I didn't know exactly what an amazing scone was supposed to taste like with gluten & dairy so I didn't have a reference for how to make my own.

So I just didn't.

But then Katie left a comment last week requesting a scone recipe.

I really love a baking challenge.

Plus Katie is just so sweet. (Check out her awesome blog.)

So I looked around and found this bad boy that looked amazing.

I made a batch and LOVED them!

...so did Hunter, and his sister, and his mom :)

So I sent the recipe to Katie for a trial run.

I just got word that they passed the test!

She made them with blueberries & said they were amazing.

So here you go. Now it's your turn :)

Chocolate Chip Scones

(printable version here)

Ingredients:

• 1 TBSP flax meal
• 3 TBSP hot water
• 1/2 cup plain coconut milk (or soy)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 cups flour**
• 1 tsp xanthan gum
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 stick vegan butter (I love Earth Balance)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips, blueberries or any other fruit!

**For the flour in this recipe I used 1/2 cup each of:

• brown rice (or sorghum)flour
• garbanzo flour
• tapioca starch
• potato starch

Instructions:

Prep a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat over to 425.

In a small bowl mix together flax meal & water.

Let mixture set at least 5 minutes and stir "goop" together until well blended. (This is your "egg".)

In a glass liquid measuring cup combine milk & lemon juice. (This acts as a "buttermilk".)Set aside.

In a medium bowl whisk together: flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and brown sugar.

Cut butter into chunks and add to the dry mixture. Cut in with knives or a pastry blender tool until crumbly.

Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dry mixture. (Or wait and add blueberries or other fruit at the end.)

Add flax "egg" into mixture above.

Then add "buttermilk" mixture.

Finally add vanilla & almond and mix until just binding together.

Sprinkle rice or sorghum flour onto countertop. Place dough on top and knead a few times (5 or 6 times).

Pat into a round shape (like a really big thick pancake). Cut into 8 pie shaped pieces.

Place on cookie sheet, brush tops lightly with milk and bake in 425 degree over for 13 –15 minutes.

Cool for a couple minutes on the pan & then on wire rack.

Enjoy!

--->Pin this recipe!

Some fun things.

I have a love/hate relationship with routine.

I wish I was organized and I do try. Honestly.

For example I've tried having scheduled posts on the blog.

Mondays are usually recipe days, Fridays are party days, etc.

But schedules and routines, they kind of bore me.

As soon as I get into the swing of things I start itching for spontaneity.

(I believe that's a major reason it took us 6 months to get Lily on a nap schedule.)

So I learned that lesson and we don't stray far from the sleep schedule.

But that means when I'm feeling rebellious I'll be taking it out on the blog.

Sorry for those of you who prefer order.

Today, I'll be talking about a little of everything so here it goes.

(See? Total random-ness & chaos :) I love this picture of Milo though! It's from our Friday afternoon sunshine basking party. Ahh... spring!)

First off I'm offering a cupcake class on April 17!

This is SO EXCITING to me so you might be hearing a lot about it.

Hope you're excited too :)

It's $40 and you get to come hang out with me for 2 1/2 hours.

Snacks are included of course. ( I don't really believe in getting together with out snacks.)

All supplies and ingredients are included.

We'll mix, bake AND decorate beautiful cupcakes and you get to take home a dozen (which is a $36 value all by itself.)

I'll also send you home with the recipe and let's be honest there will probably be prizes.

Soooooo if you live in or near Denver, please sign up!

I would love to party with you :)

I have a second piece of exciting news today.

I am now baking from a certified gluten free kitchen!!

Deby's gluten free bakery is a wonderful and well known shop in Denver,

and I am now renting space from them!

Monica, the owner, has been nothing but wonderful & I am so excited about working with her :)

Plus, it means there is no chance of anything being cross contaminated so even the most gluten sensitive can rest assured.

(Here I am on my first day headed in to "work" at the commercial space... and feeling like a dork :) Hunter insisted that I document the moment for my blog.)

Coming soon...
My very first scone recipe!
These got enthusiastic thumbs ups around here,
but we're far from scone experts :)
So I sent out the recipe for a test run.
A sweet reader actually requested a scone recipe so she is testing them out and letting me know.
The recipe will post as soon as I get the go ahead from Kate!


Final piece of important news for the day:
I went to Canvas & Cocktails with my friend Sarah last week.
And now I have new art :)
I'm not much of a painter but my chandelier makes me proud.

Have a wonderful & blessed Monday!

Fiesta Friday {go green}

I inherited my love of celebrations from my mama.
We don't have even the tiniest bit of Irish in us,
but growing up she would always do something for St. Patrick's Day :)
Not your typical corned beef and cabbage though.
(We would have thrown fits and made pb&j if she tried to feed us that.)
No, I specifically remember one year she outdid herself with the green food coloring...
We had green beans, green mashed potatoes, and green MILK?!
Hahaha! It was pretty sick. But so fun!
This year I don't have a whole lot of green goodness planned.
If I were going to throw an Irish party tomorrow, however,
this is what it might look like...
There would (obviously) be a big fat rainbow layer cake.

Source: flickr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I guess I would probably have to wallpaper my living room with yellow polka dots.

Source: blowoutparty.com via TRES on Pinterest

Yep. Rainbow cupcakes too... in case there wasn't enough cake for you.

Source: hoosierhomemade.com via Emma on Pinterest

Aaaaaaaand cake pops.

I guess this party is just turning into one big excuse to have cake.

Story of my life...

Source: celebrations.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Oh and Milo can invite his pug friends.

IF they come in costume :)

I'm sorry for this post guys.

I'm in a weird mood.

But I do love cake, and rainbows, and green mashed potatoes, and pugs, so...

Maybe it's not a mood.

Maybe I'm just weird?

Either way...

Happy St. Patty's & Happy Friday!

Source: bahhumpug.tumblr.com via Funaek on Pinterest

Thankful Wednesday

Yeah I know it's not as fun to say as Thankful Thursday, but I couldn't wait :)

This week I am bursting with thanks for this GORGEOUS 70 degree weather!

Baby girl seems to have forgotten how to sleep... which is a huge bummer,

but then I go outside in a t-shirt and rolled up jeans and the sun is shining and no amount of (lack of) sleep seems to matter anymore.

I'm also way thankful for these sunglasses.

And see Elmo way down in the bottom of the picture?

Well he lights up and sings songs and *barks* over and over and over and over....

And I'm thankful for him too because he makes Lily laugh and I can't think of anything I've ever been more thankful for than her sweet giggle.

(My favorite part of this picture is that it looks like she's really rockin' the glasses but really I just distracted her with Elmo for about 15 seconds so I could get the picture before she ripped them off and started eating them.)

I'm thankful for bath time skype dates with my dad and 2 of my bros.

So fun!

I'm thankful for some crazy awesome & exciting Sugar Mama plans that are in the works.

I've been daydreaming about the farmer's market all week...

and by daydreaming I mean pinning wonderful extravagant booth displays.

If anyone has an antique pickup I can borrow... PLEASE call me?

Source: urbanfarmgirlandco.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Or the coolest TOY BAKERY set up EVER?

Yep those are felt baked goods that the mom made and put in the display case the dad build.

I just hope those kids know how lucky they are :)

Source: bakerella.com via Ashley on Pinterest

(You can see the whole board if you really want to.)

Also have you heard of a cool website called Dabble?

Well, it's filled with $20 classes and it's perfect for those of us who can't ever make up our mind and want to try a little of everything!

So far I'm signed up for a small biz class, intro to photography, acting 101...

Just kidding. Kind of.

I'm not signed up yet, but I really do want to take the first 2.

I just want to sit in on the acting class so I can meet the teacher... who was on the Sing Off last season!

Um, you know how I feel about the Sing Off right?

Anyway. Sugar Mama Bakeshop will be offering a gluten free & vegan cupcake class SOON!

You get to bake & decorate your own cupcakes and go home with a dozen!

Plus I'm working on sweet little aprons for class participants :)

Finally, I'm thankful for some exciting news Hunter got about an internship yesterday!!

It's still in the works but very encouraging.

I'm incredibly proud of him for working AND going back to school so that he can make a living doing something he is passionate about.

What an amazing example for our daughter!

Aaaaaaaand that is all.

Nap time is halfway over and I still have to make muffins and take a shower!

Peanut Butter+Pretzels+Dark Chocolate=YUM (in case you didn't already know)

Lately I've been getting a lot of emails from people who are intimidated to try Sugar Mama recipes.
To that I say whaaaaaaaaaaat?

They're not scary I swear!

BUT if you're not much of a baker I get it.

So today's treat is dedicated to the no-bakers.

The no-baker loves sweet treats (and usually pretty ones).

She likes to show up at parties with a dessert more impressive than a bag of Oreos...

But she's not that interested in spending more than 20 minutes prepping :)

Obviously I'm a baker, but I'm also a TOTAL no-baker!!

I only love to bake if I have time to experiment and enjoy.

If I need something tasty and quick, well... I make these.

They honestly take no time at all & who doesn't love the peanut butter/ chocolate combo?

For real.

These are dairy free, gluten free, vegan, and you'll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't love them :)

Peanut Butter + Dark Chocolate + Pretzels

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces) vegan cream cheese (Toffuti is my fave)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (Sweet Earth is my favorite place to get vegan & fair trade chocolate!)
• 1-2 tsp vegetable shortening
• Pretzels (I have found gluten free ones at Whole Foods & my regular grocery store)

Instructions:

• Mix cream cheese, peanut butter & brown sugar together.
• Slowly stir in powdered sugar.
• Spread mixture between two pretzels to make a sandwich.
• (Eat a couple this way because they're already fab.)
• **Optional: Pop in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes for maximum dipping success, not necessary if you're drizzling.
• Melt your chocolate in microwave at 30 second intervals (stirring each time) until smooth & stir in shortening to make even smoother!
• Now dip pretzels in chocolate or drizzle the sandwiches, whichever you prefer.
• Back in the freezer until chocolate sets!

**Word to the wise:

• This recipe makes TONS of pretzel sandwiches. Seriously, I made a 1/3 batch and still probably ended up with 3 dozen. Not that you couldn't handle over 100 of these bad boys... I'm sure I could have :)
• They got a little soggy after the first day so if you think you'll have leftovers, save the filling and make another batch later!
• The filling is adapted from this peanut butter cheese ball recipe... Another fun way to serve it!

Enjoy!

Fiesta Friday {Baking Party}

So last night I was watching Cupcake Wars and dreaming about how amazing (and by amazing I mean totally stressed out & awkward) I would probably be on that show.
Anyway, I looked up one of the bakeries that was competing and saw that they offer baking parties at their bakery!

Source: sweetarleens.com via Ashley on Pinterest

That is SO fun!
And that reminded me of these super awesome rolling pin invites I saw once on pinterest...

Source: jacolynmurphy.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Which got me searching "baking party".
Which basically overwhelmed me with cuteness & fun.
But really what I'm trying to say is I found a darling party to share with you today.
I mean really really stinkin' cute.
And honestly, I don't think you have to be 3 to enjoy this party... I'm 26 and seriously considering hosting one soon.
I posted my faves here but you should definitely head over to Our Daily Obsession for more of Ava's Birthday Bakeshop goodness!

Source: ourdailyobsessions.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I love the rolling pin invite but this little bag of cookies is way cute too!

Source: ourdailyobsessions.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: ourdailyobsessions.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: ourdailyobsessions.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Awesome right!?
The colors, the cupcake wrapper garland, the treats, the aprons!
I'm in love :)
Please head over to Amy's amazing blog and check out the rest of the party!
Also if you want to pin these great ideas, PLEASE pin them from HER blog not mine!
Happy happy weekend :)

Thankful again :)

So I wasn't planning on doing a Thankful Thursday post again today... let's be honest. I wasn't planning on posting anything today. I was actually feeling pretty sorry for my poor self.

I've got a sick baby who also happens to be teething :(

AND a sick hubby.

And a headache and a sore throat.

Plus I cooked dinner last night and it was gross and the house is a serious wreck because sweet sick baby wouldn't sleep all day yesterday... or all night!

But then it hit me.

That's a perfect reason to post about what I'm thankful for!

It doesn't matter how bad the day is, there is always SO much to be grateful for.

Amen?

So today I'm thankful for:

-My brother, who wrote this awesome article that pushes me to stay focused on what really matters. Tyler is the most passionate person I know and he constantly inspires me to not settle for what's popular and/or easy.

-Our general health. Colds and coughs are a bummer for a few days but really we are so blessed to have healthy bodies!

-The blessing of being able to be home with Lily. We've sacrificed a lot to make this possible and at times I've even doubted myself for doing it, but I am 100% positive this is where I should be and I'm more thankful than ever that I can be at home to take care of my sick baby.

-My new leopard print flats from Target. I "splurged" and bought them at the full $14.99 instead of waiting for them to go on clearance. They feel like spring :)

So there you have it. I'm thankful again!

Dark Chocolate Espresso Cookies

So remember when I featured Jacky from The Sweetest Petunia?
Remember how she shared her favorite recipe?
That just so happened to be a fabulous recipe for dark chocolate espresso cookies?
Uh... YUM.
Anyway, it called for a brownie mix... which Sugar Mama happens to have :)
But I still needed to make some changes to make it work.
So I slaved away (and was forced to eat a couple batches that "failed").
But they're ready.
And I feel like I should warn you:
They're really good.
Just be careful ok?
I'd hate to be responsible for tummy aches.



ingredients:

• 1 cup garbanzo flour
• 1/4 cup potato starch
• 2 TBSP tapioca starch (or arrowroot)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup cane sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 TBSP vanilla (or vanilla powder)
• 3 TBSP coffee (or water)
• 2 TBSP instant espresso
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Stir espresso powder into coffee for a stronger flavor (or water if you prefer a more subtle coffee flavor) and set aside.
• Whisk together all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Add oil, applesauce & espresso liquid and mix until combined.
• Stir in chocolate chips.
• Drop by tsp onto cookie sheet & bake for 8-10 minutes.

Enjoy!

Thank you Jackie for the sweet inspiration.

And thank you Lord for dark chocolate & espresso... and cookies.

New Shop!

Thanks so much for all of the feedback and support yesterday!

I'm so encouraged to know that such wonderful people are actually reading what I put out there :)

Thanks for that!!

I'm still brainstorming about the best way to throw a killer link up party.

When I get it nailed down you'll be the FIRST to know.

.........

In the meantime, I've got exciting news today.

My new store front is open for business!! Yay!

Go on click it! Let me know what you think :)

I'm so happy! It feels so much more personal.

I'm doing a HUGE promotion soon so get ready for that!

(More details to come shortly.)

I've also got new recipes comin' your way I promise.

Tonight we had some deeeeeeeeeeelish peanut butter-chocolate-pretzel-ness. YUM.

(If you can't wait, you can get a sneak peek of my Dark Chocolate Espresso Cookies over at The Flaming Vegan.)

Also you can vote for them... No pressure though ;)

Penny for your thoughts?

So last week was SO FUN!
I loved seeing what everyone linked up :)

I love working with other bloggers & connecting with Paige through this link up has been so great!

I did receive some valid feedback about the linkup last week, though.

As fun as it is to share, it doesn't seem to make much sense to have recipes with gluten, dairy, eggs and/or meat in them.

So I'm opening up this post for comments.

What do you think? What would you like to see?

A new gluten free/ vegan linkup? No link up? Stay with The Sweet Spot?

Consider this your invitation.

Let me know what you want from Sugar Mama Bakeshop!

But I would definitely love to know if there are things you would like to see different/ improved around here!

In the meantime, please do check out The Recipe Party at Paige's blog.

It's full of delicious inspiration like always :)

Oh, and I'll be responding to all comments in the comment section, not by email, so that the answers are available for everyone!

PS- The new store front is opening sooooooon! It's looking good & I'm real excited! It's chalk full of cookie/ cake pop goodness. Hurray!

Recipe Party Features

Thank you to everyone who linked up last week.

There were so many awesome recipes!!

I picked my top recipes that are gluten free & vegan (or easily adaptable).

Check these out. They look amazing :)

Crispy Peanut Butter Cups

GF & so easy to make with vegan butter & chocolate!

Puppy Chow

A serious classic. I love how it's gf & easily vegan if you swap out the butter & chocolate :)

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Is it just me or are pumpkin dessert good ALL the time... not just in November?

I can't wait to try this with vegan cream cheese!

Maple Syrup Granola

I've been searching for a good granola recipe & I love anything with maple syrup... It think it's meant to be. These are totally gf & vegan!

Mango Milkshake

I'm sneaking a healthy one in on you :) This one is gf & vegan!

If any of these are yours (or if you've been featured on Sugar Mama before) grab a button!

And come back tomorrow for more partying.

<a href="http://www.sugarmamabakeshop.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Go Greeno" src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa326/ashgreeno/DSCN3482-1.jpg"/></a>

Fiesta Friday {orange & pink}

Happy Friday!!
Right now I'm dreaming about gorgeous, summery pink & orange parties!

I think it was the first day of March that did it to me.

I started dreaming about spring.

That led to wishing for sunshine and pools and a tan and...

Source: wileyvalentine.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Source: karaspartyideas.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: blog.effortless-style.com via Morgan on Pinterest

Source: bdesign009.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

This is such a fun (& cheap) backdrop idea! It's just rolls of crepe paper :)

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Don't forget to come back tomorrow to see my top picks from last weeks linkup and share your recipes again on Sunday!!

<a href="http://www.sugarmamabakeshop.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Go Greeno" src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa326/ashgreeno/DSCN3482-2.jpg"/></a>

{ps None of these amazing pictures are mine. If you love them & want to pin them for your own inspiration, please click on them & pin them from their owners, not me!}