And So I Baked.

Yesterday was a great day. Until a couple things happened and my good mood went spiraling downwards...only to be remedied by baking. For today's challenge, the prompt is to list "ten things that make you happy".

1. Chocolate chip cookies. I love sweets in general, but these are a fail-safe. They definitely didn't disappoint last night! And yes, my mood greatly improved after eating a few of these cookies :)

2. Sunshine.

3. Fresh flowers.

4. Wine and margaritas. Not together, unless it's a sangria swirl.

5. Country music. Any and all of it.

6. Palm trees. I belong where they are.

7. The beach. It's my "happy place"

8. Nail polish. I can't even count how many colors I've collected.

9. Animals. Specifically, giraffes. I can't explain it, I just love em.

10. Chris, my family, and friends. They make my world go round.

What makes you happy?

A Face-lift and an Apology

I got a little Face-lift! Or an identity change...that's more like it. 

Sugar, Spice, and a Dash of Advice is now Sweet Shangrila!

There are a few reasons... I was ready for a change. I want to put more time and energy into blogging and I just felt the old name was difficult. It was long, annoying to type, and I hated the "advice" part. I don't presume to be worthy of giving anyone advice, and it kind of got on my nerves every time I saw it. I thought it was cute when it was just my family reading and I posted pictures of cupcakes every couple months, but not so much anymore.

"Sweet Shangrila" is shorter, simple, and also holds a special meaning.

Sweet = my love for sweets. Plain and simple.

Shangrila = a street I lived on in Texas when I was little. I have wonderful memories there and it reminds me of a time where things were simple, pure, and happy. Just like the word... "shangrila".

There are still some kinks to work out (umm...like a blog design and domain) but I'll be making those changes soon. Stay tuned!

So, what do you think?

gorgeous flowers from mom's porch

It's also Day 13 of Blog Everyday in May. I've skipped a couple days, but this weekend was so busy!

Today's prompt is to "issue a public apology".

So, I'm sorry...

To Chris. I'm not the easiest person to live with and you're amazing to me when I least deserve it.

To my family. I wish I was better at being there for you all. I love you all so much.

To my body. I'm so terrible at being consistent with working out, but I feel so much better when I do. I'll try harder.

Well, That's Embarrassing... And More

Happy Friday! 

Today's Blog Every Day in May Challenge is to reveal your most embarrassing moment.

Well, I feel like my whole life is a series of embarrassing moments. I'm so clumsy, I'm always tripping and falling and saying stupid things. I'd have the say the most embarrassing moment from my childhood was in first grade and some boy tripped me on purpose into a mud puddle. I was so embarrassed, muddy, and was afraid everyone would think I had an "accident" if you know what I mean. I remember my mom coming to pick me up early because I was so sad and embarrassed. That was really mean of that little boy, come to think of it! I hope he got detention.

I tend to not get embarrassed anymore... I feel like that's something that just evolved as I became older. I'm really not afraid of acting stupid and laughing at myself... for example, dancing the salsa outside of Chipotle, much to Chris' dismay. Not much shame. 

Moving onto my High Five!

1. I also missed yesterday's Blog Every Day in May prompt... "a moment in your day"

After work yesterday, Chris worked on his car in the garage while I lifted weights...in flip flops. Hey, at least I did it and thankfully I didn't drop one on my foot. My arms are in need of some serious toning...I don't even remember the last time I worked them out with weights.

2. In case you missed it, I posted a fabulous Twice Baked Potato recipe. Make it this weekend, you won't regret it.

3. I got this dress, in Navy Blue, for $9.99 at the Old Navy outlet. I'm so excited, it actually fits really well and is perfect to dress up or down depending on the event.

4. I'm totally obsessed with this wine. Of course, it's not as good as the amazing peach wine that Leigh sent me, but it'll have to do until I can visit her. 

5. It's the freakin weekend, baby I'm about to have me some fun. Or something like that. Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies out there, and best of all my own mommy! I can only look up to you all and hope to be half as wonderful to my own babies someday. You guys are super-women.

A Dash of Advice

Day 8 of the Blog Every Day in May Challenge asks, A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

Here it is. Don't take yourself too seriously and certainly don't worry about what others think (that was kind of a 2-parter)
Having a bad hair day? Chances are, no one has noticed.  People are too worried about themselves to notice little things about you. Don't put that pressure on yourself. Remember to laugh at yourself always. And if all fails, enjoy a glass of wine.

That's my advice for today. What's yours?

Twice Baked Potatoes

You've had twice-baked potatoes (aka re-baked potatoes) before, right? If not, you're missing out. Gather your ingredients immediately and get cooking, because these are a-ma-zing.

Ingredients:

5 potatoes (a potato per person = 1 serving, so you can tweak ingredients as needed)

1 cup or more shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

2 green onions, chopped

1 tsp dry mustard and/or 1 tsp dijon mustard, depending on how mustard-y you like

1 tsp paprika, ground red pepper, or cajun seasoning. I used all, but that's because we like things spicy around here

Bacon pieces (optional, that comes in a jar or you can use cooked bacon)

Dash of pepper

For baking the potatoes:

1 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt

Directions:

Bake potatoes. If you need directions on this, keep reading. If not, skip to the next paragraph. Under running cool water, scrub those potatoes. Dry them off thoroughly, then poke about 10 holes with a fork to let steam escape. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt. This will make the skin taste amazing, and that's where those nutrients are! Bake at 350F for 1 hour on a pan (flip in between).

Let potatoes cool for a few minutes before handling, or wear gloves. Cut potatoes in half, scoop out insides. Be careful not to scoop too much- you want the skin to stay intact. Mix scooped insides with all ingredients, minus some of the cheese. You can mix the bacon in now or leave it out to use as a topping- totally up to you. Scoop the filling back into the potato skins, then top with cheese/bacon.

Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, then broil on "high" for 5 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. 

These are great as leftovers so I always make extra. Enjoy!