Fresh Start

Today was the warmest day we've had in months. High of 45!! If you don't live in the Midwest, this probably sounds insane to you. For the rest of my Midwesterners, hang in there, spring is coming! I always love signs of a new season. Today was the first day it officially felt like a new season is just around the corner. I was beginning to completely lose hope. But alas, the snow is slowly melting. Now our biggest concern is whether or not this city is going to flood, and if so, if it'll be worse than last year's 'Great Flood'.

 

Katelyn's wearing: Pants- Sfera // Sweatshirt- Forever21 // Jacket- Victoria's Secret // Boots- Target

Necklace- Francesca's

I feel relieved and stress-free for the first time in a while. I'm trying to maintain a carefree attitude so that work, wedding planning, and my busy calendar don't negatively impact my mood. Also, because it's Lent, I have let go of some things that can help my new lifestyle. 

More veggies, less sugar. 

More exercise, less television. 

More homemade lunches, less eating out.  

More compliments, less gossip.

More solitude, less stress.
More simple, less complex.

I love this feeling of a fresh start. It was overdue.

 

Laura's wearing: Blouse & Earrings- Old Navy // Cardigan- Love Culture // Pleather Pants- h&m // 

Samantha Pleet Arc Boots- Wolverine // Watch- Kohls // Necklace- Premiere Designs

So here's to a fresh new season around the corner and a new outlook on life.

xoxo,
Laura

Prints + Layers

We can't possibly wait any longer to bust out new prints and patterns for the upcoming season. Although the streets are still covered in thick, white, (and often dirty) snow, we are ready to welcome spring and wear our colors and florals proudly. So now we're transitioning some prints and spring colors into our wardrobe while the temperatures are still freezing.

 Laura's wearing: Lace Raglan Sleeve Tee- Express // Skirt- Forever21 // Floral Kimono- Marshalls //

Shoes- HauteLook // Earrings- Francesca's 

While I went with a bold floral pattern, Katelyn brought out a spring favorite: mint green. To step it up a notch, she paired with this darling cat printed blouse.

Katelyn's wearing: Cat Print Button-Down Chiffon Blouse- Delia*s // Sweater- h&m // 

Jeans- American Eagle // Boots- Target // Glasses- Vogue

Hope you're all having a great weekend.

xoxo,
Laura & Katelyn

Frozen

Winter weather still has not subsided in west Michigan. We're doing our best to just embrace it. Yesterday we headed down to one of our favorite spots in Grand Rapids, Riverside Park. It actually looked beautiful with the frozen river and the hundreds of birds bathing and basking in the bright, white snow. It was practically blinding with the sun reflecting off the banks.

Katelyn's wearing: dress- Target // sweater & belt- Forever21 // scarf- h&m // shoes- Aldo // watch- c/o Fossil

 Laura's wearing: shirt- Gap // cardigan- Forever21 // jeans- h&m // necklace- Charming Charlie

shoes- Deena & Ozzy f/ Urban Outfitters

 

Today I (Laura) was reminded of how much love and compassion is surrounding me, regardless of the crummy weather and work stress. For those of you who don't already know, we lost our long-time beloved family member, Gemini. She was our dog of 14 years. It's been an insanely rough week, and even more difficult day. But through all the tears and struggles while trying to make it through the day, I had several reminders of the beautiful and loving souls that surround my life. I thank you all for being so kind and supportive during this difficult time.

I love you all.

xoxo,
Laura

Boston Cream Cupcakes

A couple weeks ago, a friend and coworker celebrated a birthday. I decided it was a good time to put my new cupcake recipe book to good use. Since I didn't know what her preference was, I went with my gut. Due to the fact that she's a Boston native, I went with Boston Cream Cupcakes.

Last week, a friend and coworker celebrated a birthday. I decided it was a good time to put my new cupcake recipe book to good use. Since I didn't know what her preference was, I went with my gut. Due to the fact that she's a Boston native, I went with Boston Cream Cupcakes. 
I'll share two versions for you all. One is the simple way, one is from scratch. Take your pick!

Ingredients for Cupcakes: 
-1 package yellow cake mix, plus ingredients
-1 cup milk
-1/2 cup french vanilla instant pudding

Ingredients for frosting: 
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 tbsp cocoa
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 stick butter
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions for Cupcakes:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cupcake liners in cupcake pans. 

• Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

• Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Spoon batter evenly into cupcake liners. 

• Bake 15-20 minutes, or until cupcakes look golden on top. 

• Meanwhile, whisk milk and pudding mix in medium bowl for 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until set. 

• Gently poke a small hole into the top of each cupcake with tip of a knife. Spoon pudding into pastry bag fitted with a small, round tip. Insert tip into tops of cupcakes; squeeze bag gently to fill cupcakes with pudding. 

Directions for Frosting: 

• Mix sugar, cocoa powder, and milk together in a large saucepan. 

• Cook over medium-high heat until large bubbles form. Boil one minute. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla.

• Return to medium-high heat and boil until thickens. Remove from heat and beat with a wooden spoon until thick and smooth.

Frost when cakes are cooled. 

Yields: about 22 cupcakes

Enjoy!

xoxo,
Laura

Laura's Month of February via Instagram

If you all are wondering where we went.. we're still here, just busier than ever. We miss you and we miss blogging! The fact of the matter is: we're freezing, we're stressed, and we're exhausted. It's been a rough winter and I'm so glad to see the chilly months of this season pass by. SEE YA LATER, FEBRUARY!

Ok, it hasn't been a terrible month, I'm just ready for a fresh, new season. February had some great highlights. 

 1. We had some friends over for a super bowl party and I made some themed goodies. 

2.  I ordered my new favorite mug from Sweaty Wisdom and use it every day. 

3. I made tons of Valentine's Day treats during the entire month. 

4. Steve and I celebrated Valentine's Day in Detroit and drank champagne out of hotel cups. 

5. He also gave me these beautiful roses. :)

6. We went to the George Strait concert and I loved seeing Steve smile ear to ear for the entire show. 

7. We registered for our wedding! I've been dreaming of this day since I was a little girl. ;]

8. I picked up my wedding dress! (not pictured) And I also tried on some reception/shower dresses. 

9. I traveled over to Lansing for a work meeting. I love the look of the capital building against the blue skies. 

See ya'll soon. 

xoxo,

Laura