Vanilla Buttermilk Cupcakes

Do I like cupcakes? Yes. Do I like making them? Currently, yes. Did you already know this? Probably, if you've read previous posts. So let's move on then to my most recent venture in the kitchen.

I at first wanted to make those red devil cupcakes for a party, but due to time constraints, I had to save it for later. Unfortunately, I had bought buttermilk, and that doesn't last too long. So I thought I'd search for a simple cupcake recipe that used buttermilk. Google found me this. Looked easy? Check. Sounded pretty good? Check. So off I went.

The process was easy, and I topped the cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese frosting, which I thought complimented them well. The cake itself was fairly moist, but very thick. I think the recipe was more suited for a cake rather than a cupcake. Or maybe a cupcake filled with something. Or this cupcake was meant to be eaten with a glass of cold milk.

If you're looking for an easy recipe, can't miss with this one.

Wash with method

I've been using Tide for years. Don't get me wrong, it worked well and the smell pleasant, but I wanted something different. Since I'm a sucker for method products, I thought I'd check out their inventory. They had a few kinds, and after smell tests, I decided upon the fresh air scent. But then I looked at the label again, and saw the HE sign. Uh-oh, because I own an energy-consuming washer, and usually it's not recommended to use HE detergents in standard washers. But those guys at method, always thinking, their detergents are compatible with both energy-efficient and standard washers. So smart. So I took the detergent home.

After a few loads, I've been content with the results. The smell is not too overpowering, and my clothes feel clean. I haven't tried it on any super dirty clothes, since I haven't played in the mud in awhile, but I don't see why it wouldn't continue doing a good job. Plus, it's super concentrated, so you don't need as much detergent, and like all method products, it's friendly to Earth. Which I'm sure she's happy about.

Cheap and comfy flats

I love flats, but I only love comfy flats. I have wide feet, so it's been a struggle trying to find a pair of flats that are comfy, look good, and don't make my foot look so wide. I may have found a solution from Old Navy.

I bought it in platinum gray, and so far I've been wearing it for 4 hours and I haven't been complaining. Usually with cheap shoes, the fabric doesn't give, but this one stretches quite well and is soft too. Of course, there is no padding in the soles, so I use my trusty Dr.Scholl's to up the comfort level. I also applied BodyGlide over my feet to prevent any blisters. Better to be safe, because I'm a horrible shoe-pain whiner.

Not sure how long these shoes will last for, but at $20 I can see myself getting my money's worth of use. Note though, that my job doesn't require a lot of walking. So I'm not sure yet how these do on long walks...