Insp-HER-ation

When Hudson was born, people kept telling me that the only way to stay sane & un-sleep deprived was to sleep when he slept.  I tried it once or twice & just felt like I was wasting precious "get-something-done" time.  We're incredibly {in-cred-ib-ly!} lucky to have a baby that sleeps through the whole night just about every night.  {He fell asleep at 8:30 last night & didn't wake up until after 7 today.  ♥!}  He is also a good napper.  His excellent sleeping skills leave me with some extra time on my hands most days.  As a new SAHM {blog-speak for 'Stay At Home Mom'}, I like to stay on top of things & like to find ideas that are unique, creative & fun.  I tend to turn to the internet. 
I've seriously become addicted to a few blogs & as crazy as it sounds, these gals have really inspired me to try new things {hence this blog & all those insane cupcake recipes I've been posting} and to not feel bad that I made the choice to stay home with my baby.
While the little guy is out like a light, I decided that I would introduce you to a few of my favorite blogger gals in hopes that maybe you'll like them too.

PS: I'm sorry that most all of the images pertain to food... I haven't eaten lunch yet and I'm kinda hungry.  I promise, these sites do have more to offer than just yummy desserts!!!


Amanda from kevinandamanda.com
http://www.kevinandamanda.com/

Favorite.  Website.  Ever.  Seriously, I *just* want to meet this gal.  She is all kinds of incredible.  From her amazingly adorable free fonts, to her home decor, photography & website tutorials, delicious recipes, to her cute Boston Terriers... *sigh*  I just ♥ her.  Amanda's scrapbooking room {yep, she has an entire ROOM devoted to scrapbooking} makes my eyes tear up just a bit.  I can't even begin to add enough links to show you how talented she is.  Just spend some time on her blog.  You'll see what I mean.  {Today's post is a recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes.  Be still, my little heart!!!}


Ree aka The Pioneer Woman

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

This woman is insanely talented.  She cooks, she bakes, she photographs, she homeschools & she writes.  I *adore* her writing style.  If you get a chance, you need to read her multi-part rendition of how she & her husband met started dating & got married.  I especially love the photography portion of her site.  The funny photos that she features are just hysterical!



Michelle from Brown Eyed Baker
http://www.browneyedbaker.com/

A Pittsburgh gal who makes the *cutest* cookies that even the men-folk would appreciate.  Michelle recently posted these incredible Steelers jersey cookies.  She even included my absolutle fav, Brett Keisel!  She has made Steelers logo cookies, and even Pittsburgh Penguins cookies!  I *need* to get these cookie cutters!!!  I love that she includes tutorials on her website so that if you're just a beginner {like me}, you'll still be able to follow along without getting frustrated.  This royal icing tutorial is my #1 choice!




Bakerella {She doesn't even need a first name.  She's just that cool.}
http://www.bakerella.com/

This woman started out just putting her cake pops on her blog to show them off a little.  Now she's an internet sensation!  She's been on Martha Stewart's show, featured on about a bajillion websites & blogs & she has a new book out.  I can not wait to get her book!  For my bridal shower, my mom & I made the cake pops & they were a huge hit!  Yum!  My all-time favorite cake pops are these adorable little chicks!  You MUST check these out--and perhaps even try your hand at making them!


Shelley, Missy & Alison from How Does She?
http://www.howdoesshe.com/

Can we just take a moment to discuss how *incredible* this cake is?  I would probably pass out if I made it & it turned out like this.  This website has so much stuff to share!  From crafts, to holiday ideas, to date ideas, to recipes {like that gorgeous cake!!!}, this site has it all.  I like how everything is organized and I really love that there's more than just one contributor.  I really enjoy the decorating ideas.  And... being the... um, slightly unorganized gal that I am.... I do love her organizing hints.  {I'm trying!!!}

Hopefully after reading this post, you'll feel inspired & will check out these blogs from time to time!

Ohh, it's just about that time of year. Technically, it's still summer... but I can already feel Fall in the air. With just a few days until we officially ring in the autumnal season, here are the top five things I'm most looking forward to:

1. Caramel Apples- Oh, yum. I *have* to eat at least one of these in order for it to really feel like fall. I loooove making them with a layer of caramel, then a layer of chocolate over them. I have this adorable little Apple Dipper that I need to use again this year!

2. Wearing LONG sleeves--especially cardigans! I ♥ feeling all cuddled up in my cardi's. I am absolutely loving the styles {but um, not so much the prices?) of Anthropologie's fall sweaters. {Swoon!}
 

3. The return of Glee {Season2}- Oh, Emma Pillsbury.  I have missed you & your exquisite fashion sense.  I just ♥ her.  {And you too, Mr. Schue!} Does anyone else envy her cardigan clips as much as I do?
 
 

4. Taking Hudson to the pumpkin patch-- I can't even wait.  I have some photo ideas that I'm excited to try out.  I even got him an adorable little pumpkin hat to wear!
 
 

5. Everything Halloween-realted!  I think it just might be my favorite holliday.  Costumes, decorations, candy... I love it all!  I can't wait to dress up Hudson in his very first costume!