dan griffin, the arkells

I am going to see some serious Canadian music this week and I am super excited about it. Its strange, I feel as though I have been missing out lately on lots of shows. As we all know the busier life gets the less time you have for things like going to shows. Sometimes I am just so tired from work that I just want to snuggle into my bed with my puppy and watch tv. But I think we all have to make time to do the things we have a passion for. Music is definitely something I have a passion for! Thankfully there are a lot of amazing shows coming up in the near future including BONNAROO!

Anyways back to Dan Griffin.....

You can actually download his whole album on his website, dangriffin.ca. You probably know how I feel about acoustic music already, there is some acoustic tunes on this album, but if you like folk music, indie music, or just want a song to make you smile check him out because he's amazing.
 

I am absolutely stoked to go see him live. I hope he has his whole band there, violins always get me at a concert. ;)

Until next time dears, -- xo boom boom boom.

well gosh its been a while.

hello friends!

I know it has been a heck of a long time. I can't believe we are almost already in June! Work has been quite busy. Not only has my full time job been busy, but the boombox bakeshop is getting a lot of orders lately which is amazing!

The summer officially started for me this weekend, I went away with some friends, went to the beach, gambled away some money at the casino, and really just relaxed, which was very amazing.

my feet in the sand for the first time this year.

gorgeous sunset on lake huron

There are lots of cupcakes jobs coming up in the near future, bridal showers, weddings, and many other exciting things. I can't wait to share all of these endeavors with you, and some other fun things too! There has been so much support from lots of people and it has been amazing!

Thanks for all the support and encouragement with the bakeshop! Today is officially the day I start blogging again.....


Until next time my dears! xo

warning...in a silly mood: oh gawd....its happened.

I am in a bit of a silly mood today! A good mood nonetheless though! Its been a good day, and the weather has been gorgeous this past couple days (although it rained today...but it was warm!... and it is now torrential raining, but whatever....its going to be gorgeous all week so....) Just so happy for spring! And thinking about Spring I WANT SUMMER --- and thinking about SUMMER made me think about this ----

I am a lover of all music, but have not always been the hugest fan of country music...I could take it or leave it to be honest..but its starting to happen....i am starting to really enjoy country.

WELL I NEVER....

shock and awe? surprise? .... yeah. lol.

I thought that I would enjoy the occasional country song once in a while, but between traveling to Calgary during the stampede (literally all that was on the radio in Alberta was country music) and going to a country bar recently has put me in this country mood. I have officially downloaded two country albums on itunes....yep.... I can officially say that I am getting into country....a little bit.....but its happening.

These songs makes me want summer so badly. I just want to go sit on the beach, have a bonfire, throw some ribs on the BBQ, have a beer, and just have good times with friends and family.....

 An Ode To Summer:

Dear Summer,

I know that it is a tad bit early to see your lovely light, but it would be great if you could show your face a little early. There is literally torrential rain out there right now. I guess we have to get through the rain before we see your lovely sunlight..... *sigh*

But seriously --- I would like the beach to be ready now. Thanks. 

Warmest Regards,

Alex

Yep...like i said....I am in a weird mood.......haha....thanks for reading this far ;)

Look forward this week to DIY Cake Plates, and Raspberry Rose Cupcakes...om nom.

chocolate ricotta mousse

As of January I have been trying to eat healthier. This is a larger feat than I thought because being a baker/lover of all food, all I want to do is try new recipes and eat them. Thankfully I stumbled upon this wonderful website called Skinnytaste and it has so many great recipes! I have already made a few! Macaroni and Cheese, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and of course what I am talking about today  

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse!

I went to Homesense and picked up these cute ramekins made by Le Creuset, and as soon as I saw them I knew I wanted to put desserts in them.

my new ramekins!

I was having a little dinner party/settlers of catan night (yes I am a nerd) so I was determined I was going to make something with them! So I settled on a mousse. I just made half a recipe because I didn't want any extras....because if there are extras I will stuff my face with them! (honestly!)

Chocolate Ricotta Mousse
Adapted from: Skinny Taste

1 cup part-skim ricotta
1/2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp of skim milk
1 egg white (i used egg whites from a carton, really simple)
1/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
______

Place pot of water on stove and turn on stove.

While waiting for water to start simmering. Use a food processor to whip up the ricotta and cocoa mixture (1 tsp of milk and cocoa -- I found that the cocoa powder was a bit grainy in the finished dessert so next time I am going to mix the cocoa powder with a teaspoon of milk, just to dissolve the cocoa in --) until smooth. Place this in a large bowl and set it aside.

Put egg whites, sugar, salt in a metal stand mixer bowl and put bowl on top of the simmering water pot as if you were making a swiss meringue. Whisk Whisk Whisk until the sugar dissolves, make sure you keep whisking or your eggs will COOK, we don't want scrambled egg whites, this should take about 3-5 minutes.

Once the sugar has dissolved, you want to put the bowl on your stand mixer and mix until you have stiff peaks, usually around 10 minutes.

Once your egg whites have stiff peaks, you want to fold the egg white mixture into the ricotta mixture using a spatula.

Separate the mixture into your ramekins, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the mousse, and place in fridge overnight.

Top the mousse off with some whipped cream right before you serve it. I was lazy and bought a can of low fat whipped cream, and it was delicious. You can use whipping cream as well though and whip up a batch :)

Mousse without whipped cream.

Until next time my friends, happy eating, and look forward to a blog on diy cake plates, and raspberry rose cupcakes......

tune obsession: lana del rey

I know its been a heck of a long time since I last blogged. Its just been so busy! So sorry my dears!

Look forward to tomorrow when I'll be blogging about a seriously yummy low fat chocolate dessert!

For now though I am obsessing  over Lana Del Rey. I know I am probably a bit behind the times, and probably should have heard about her a while ago, but I just discovered her and I LOVE this music. It is so chill, and just good listening music. Good tunes to go along with contemplating, reading, baking, doing the dishes, dancing in the kitchen, other things.....

Her voice is so...so...I don't even know how to describe it, its haunting almost. That contralto husky raspy voice. I just love it! Not to mention she has style for days. Love it!

bridal shows, valentines, the cupcakes keep rolling!

so it has been a pretty busy couple of weeks in the baking department! The Boombox Bakeshop participated in a bridal show in Ingersoll! It went pretty well, and I met some great people and made some great connections!

My lovely friend Katie and I decorated and made a bunch of cupcakes for display as well for samples. We had great fun decorating, and talking to everyone at the bridal show! Here are some pictures of the table at the show, and some of the cupcakes we made.

The Table at the Show

Conversation Hearts, Red Velvet Cupcakes topped with a sugar cookie heart covered in fondant.

I also made these too cute for words cupcakes for my co-worker on Valentine's day. Mini Raspberry Lemonade cupcakes! So cute and rather delicious! My co-worker was so happy when she saw them! I wasn't sure I would be able to make them in mini form, but they came out super well! 

old school obsession: say anything

Max Bemis

I can't get enough of going through my old music right now! I have so much music on my computer that I have iTuned (is that a word?!) and so many CDs! I just rediscovered my love for Say Anything they just have some feel good music. And so witty! I just love it. Consequently when I saw Thrice (see last post) in concert, Say Anything opened for them.




I don't know about you but I always love a good concert....if you have been reading my blog for a while you will definitely know! I find that going to a concert (no matter what it is) always puts me in a good mood. Its such a pure form of entertainment (as long as they aren't lipsynching!!) But one of my favorite things at a concert are the acoustic sets. I cannot get ENOUGH of acoustic music. I will sit at home and listen to acoustic performances all the time. I love it when the crowd sings too...gives me chills! Just like it would if I was there! I LOVE IT! Like this video of Say Anything....

Another band I cant get enough acoustic music from is 30 Seconds to Mars...If you have a chance go watch their "MTV Unplugged" because it is seriously amazing. Here is a little taste of it. Sadly there is NO video on YouTube of the actual performance....at least I cant find it....