how did it get to be the end of November already??

Over the past month I have knit several pairs of fingerless mitts, all of which I gifted before taking pictures.  In the past 2 weeks I haven't knit a single stitch.  sigh.  Quilting?  nope.  Spinning?  nada.  I have baked up and storm for a few different parties and events, but that's all eaten and gone too without any pictures or recipes posted...
The only pictures I do have lately are of Nina - puppy girl is doing great in the show ring, so lots of fluffy poodle puppy pictures.  She's half way to her Championship and entered again in December.  No wonder I have no time to knit...    enjoy the puppy pic, she's looking very grown up, but just turned 8 months old.

Be well, be happy and hug those you love!
Renee

Thanks for the good luck wishes

They must`ve worked! 

Nina was expertly presented by pro handler Chrystal Murray - whom Nina loves.  She`s now Champion pointed and well on her way to her Championship!!  I`m crazy busy over the next 2 weeks and apologize for not being quick to respond to comments and emails - just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate hearing from you so much!  

Knitting posts to come - honest - lest you all thing this has turned into a poodle blog!!  Poodles and Wool do go so well together though...

Happy Hallowe'en

How did it get to be the last weekend of October already? Fall has been flying by. I won't be around the blog (or home for that matter) for the next 2 or 3 weeks much - off every weekend to dog shows with Ms. Bella Nina. Nina is fluffed, buffed and ready to roll with me before dawn tomorrow morning for her first ever dog show. She's 7 months old already, looking very grown up.  No - won't be sporting her pink elastic horns in the show ring, but I'm sure her halo will be showing.  Wish us luck.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Halloween.  Have fun and enjoy some candy!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I absolutely love this!  Sending it out to all the amazing women I know and have yet to meet for whom I am all thankful for.  Especially my mom and daughter.  This Thanksgiving I'm most thankful for family, friends and what each new day brings.

Wishing you all a great day!  Renee

S'more cupcakes

These are decadent.  Oh ~ so good!  Recipe can be found HERE

I brought 2 dozen of them to class to celebrate this. 

My comments on this recipe:  the cupcake itself is really wonderful and one I'll bake again.  The batter is watery and runny - but like the recipe says - it's ok and will bake up nicely.  They did.  Light and firm, tasty and tastes like homemade - very very good!

The icing recipe says it makes enough for 30 cupcakes - the recipe makes 24 cupcakes.  Truth is the icing makes enough for probably 60 or 70 cupcakes!  Even halfing it would be far too much.  I found the icing too sweet for my liking.  The first time I try a recipe I follow the directions as written.  Next time I'll drop the sugar added to 1/3 or 1/4 of recommended and 1/2 the marshmallows. The icing texture is wonderful - light and fluffy, just way too rich for me.

I grated some of the graham crackers over the icing and had no problem making the graham wafers and chocolate stand up in it.  These look even better than they photograph and are going into my recipe file, with the tweeking of the icing.  The cupcakes themselves would be great topped with whip cream and berries, how I plan to serve them next time.

If you like s'mores, you'll love these cupcakes!   They were a big hit at class.  I'm giving them a big thumbs up.  What's your favourite cupcake?  I'm looking for new recipes, I'd love it if you'd share your best with me.  :)

Be well, be happy and take care!  Renee