PUMPKIN SPICE CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

10.27.2016

all is here, which means time for baking! During this season, I love pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice everything. These cupcakes are ridiculously easy to make, so much so I questioned even posting it. But, I know that some of you like easy right? I enjoy baking, and cooking, but spending money on ingredients you'll only use one time, or hours on end preparing a particular recipe, isn't ideal. So I hope this simple and plain recipe idea appeals to you during this beautiful autumn season, or Halloween which is a few days away! And what's better than some mellow-cream pumpkin candies to top it off?


Cupcake Ingredients:                                                                                 

  • 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour                                        
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder    
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla 


Cream Cheese Frosting: 

4 ounces of unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
2 cups of powered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Baking the Cupcakes: 
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl add the remaining ingredients, and whisk them together.
4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together, until well combined.
5. Place in the oven for about 16-20 minutes.

Making the Frosting: 
Beat together the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Then add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract, and voila your done!

cupcake recipe, frosting recipe

5 THINGS I WANT TO MAKE TIME FOR


eing productive has never been my forte. I've always struggled with time management, and still do to this day. It's a habit that is really hard to break. I hate it. Lately, I feel like my days consist of college classes, coffee house studying, daily errands, and cleaning my space up. Of course, my days aren't boring or useless, but that's life. Life happens. But, I don't want that to be my excuse anymore. I realize it's November, and almost saying goodbye to 2016, but I seriously do not want it to end, without tackling some of my new years resolutions. I hope that this post can motivate me, and keep my accountable for a few things I listed down below. I have so many things I need to complete, and desire to do more of (hence this post). So, it's time to get off my phone, and make more time for the things I love having/doing in my life! Who's with me?



ORGANIZATION: Oh my! I definitely need more of this in my life. When I'm organized everything feels right, like I can function properly and complete certain tasks without any stress. Yes, I believe my mom is responsible for this obsession of mine - always growing up in a clean and organized home, ha! It truly is a great routine to have though, so thanks mom!

READING: I miss reading for pure enjoyment - school textbooks are such a bore. Granted, I already read everyday for homework, so by the end of the day I'm exhausted. During last summer I read over three novels by Francine Rivers, and I absolutely loved spending hours on end laying on bed getting lost into the story. As soon as summer came to an end, I started a new novel and I've had plans to jump back into the story - definitely something I need to make more time for! It would be a great alternative to wind down, instead of becoming addicted to Netflix every night, right?

JOURNALING: I've been doing pretty good with this goal. However, I'm juggling a few different journals that I love filling out, it's just more time consuming when I'm needing to do each one daily. Right now I keep a personal diary about my life; Q&A journal from Anthropologie where you answer a question everyday of the year, for 5 years total; and lastly the 52 list journal which I featured on my blog!

DIY'S + CRAFTS: I have started this new DIY which I love, and it's bible journaling! I've created about four entry's, yet my goal is to make sure I never neglect this art I enjoy so much. If you want to know more about bible journaling check out Illustrated Faith blog to view some gorgeous pieces of art capturing the beauty of every word of scripture.

LOCAL LOVE: California is a beauty state, and I'm lucky to live an hour away from San Diego and LA. I would love to make more time for exploring around my fellow cities. These past months I've been able to check out the Spectrum in Irvine,  The Succulent Cafe, & The Bean, all which was a blast.

FAVORITE SONGS AT THE MOMENT

10.21.2016

love music, so it's no wonder why I'm sharing my favorite songs today! I listen to music when cleaning my room, driving, or studying homework! It's a routine to turn on my iPod in all of these situations. My most listened to genre is pop, but I do have a deep love for R&B! Of course, I was raised on country music and it's my favorite to sing to, but when listening to music alone in my room or rocking out behind closed doors to have a little dance party, nothing says it better than pop! Which is your favorite?

It's true I have an obsession with my Biebs, so you'll see his name pop up a few times down there! I also, cannot give up my ten year old crush of Jesse McCartney, and I'm not even embarrassed. And, of course I could not leave out The Backstreet Boys, because at four years old I was in love with their "cool" band name! There you have it, my confession when it come's to male artists! Enjoy!

Blue Ain't Your Color - Keith Urban
This Town - Naill Horan / Cover by Citizen Four
Champagne Problems - Nick Jonas
Cold Water - Major Lazor ft. Justin Bieber
Tie the Knot - Jesse McCartney
How Not To - Dan + Shay
All in my Head - Tori Kelly
Home to Mama - Cody Simpson ft. Justin Bieber
Suffer - Charlie Puth
Mercy - Shawn Mendes
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye
On Purpose - Sabrina Carpenter
Leave the Light On - Sam Hunt
I Got the Boy - Jana Kramer
Piece by Piece - Kelly Clarkson
I Want it That Way - Backstreet Boys

AUGIES COFFEE ROASTERS

10.17.2016



offee shop exploring has become a new hobby of mine! I love feeling regenerated and inspired in new spaces, especially ones that are blog worthy. This cute coffee house just opened up in my town which was perfect for me and my blogger friend! Becca is a dear friend, who adores photography which always makes the perfect shoot for the two of us! Becca and I are actually Biology classmates in college, and therefore get together for every lab, and this week Augies was our choice of venue (yay)!

Augies Coffee Roasters has the cutest decor inside. It's aztec, and rustic. The only thing it lacks are some more pure windows, but the feeling inside is full of warmth from the beautiful hanging light fixtures! I just prefer the natural lighting, if you watch Fixer Upper than you will understand exactly what I mean ;).  I ordered the iced chai tea, and enjoyed it! The overall flavor was more nutmeg than cinnamon, but still refreshing. The muffin you see, is pumpkin maple and Becca loved it. The only downfall to this coffee place is that their pastry and bakery selections are slim, and unfortunately expensive. But, it's the perfect place to spend a few hours studying because they provide outlet plugs, free wifi and comfy seating!



OUTFIT DETAILS: 
Top & Jeans - Target 
Watch - Francesca's (similar
Sandals - TJ Maxx 

MY FALL BUCKET LIST (2016)

10.14.2016

utumn is my favorite season, and I'm so excited that it's here. For me, it's a time of rest, growth, and reflection. I so enjoy watching the change of colors in the trees, although here in Cali that most likely don't take place until November (if we are lucky). Now is the time when I can decorate my room for the occasion, which is currently filled with gold glitter jars, pumpkins, orange flowers, and my cozy throw placed across my bed. It's the perfect time, to be sipping' on some apple cinnamon tea, burin' my pumpkin candle, while catching up on my Netflix episodes! With that being said, I really want to enjoy the simplicity of the season, by exploring some local spots, and revisiting some old hobbies. I have created a list below of what I call my "fall bucket list," in hope that it will keep me accountable to actually complete these goals of mine! This post isn't suppose to be a one time mention, yet I hope I'll be able to keep you updated through some spotlight posts of my weekend days when I begin to cross these off my bucket list.


Go up to the Mountains: I've been, and shared it on the blog before, an old-time local love, Riley's Farm. It's beautiful in the fall season, because it's up in the mountains, which means apple picking, and the most gorgeous autumn leaves falling everywhere. They have a little village that has apple pie pastries, a petting zoo, and an open grass field perfect for picnics. I can't wait to go up one Saturday once it becomes a littler colder here in Cali.

Watch the Parade: During Thanksgiving I love watching the parade, however last year I barely paid attention (so sad). The parade always has celebrities perform, & this year, I'm not missing out.

Carmel Apples: This is my favorite fall treat, and Riley's Farm has the absolute best!

Go on a Hike: Nature walk/hike sounds wonderful with some fresh air, and a day that's overcast. For my college course, extra credit can be earned by taking a hike around Santa Rosa Plateau, so I know this one will be accomplished for sure.

Wear a Floppy Hat: I own one floppy hat, that I bought last year, yet I've never even wore it! This season I want to gain some confidence, and rock the floppy hat that I hope is still in style?!

Photo Shoot: Nothing says autumn like the fashion! Skinny jeans, scarfs, and leather jackets sums up my outfit pretty much everyday in October! When I go up to Riley's Farm, you can bet I'll be begging my sister to take some portrait photos for the blog.

Bake Pumpkin Bread: My mom makes the best pumpkin bread, and I can't wait to give the recipe a go myself this year. Hopefully it will end up on the blog, if it turns out well.

Warm Smokey Eye: I'm a total makeup junkie, and an eye look that focuses on warm tones is my favorite. The fall season is just the perfect excuse of being able to apply gold glitter, and buff up my crease with dark browns! I hope to create something like this.

Decorate a Pumpkin: Last year I skipped out on the carving/decorating pumpkin theme because time slipped away from me, and it was too late. This year, I want to decorate my pumpkin with some glitter, and of course document that here on ABH. Stay tuned.

Be Thankful: Every year I create a grateful list reminding myself of all my blessings no matter how big or small. It truly shifts my attitude, and helps me through my day.

Read A New Novel: There's this book I've been waiting to read by Francine Rivers, and this season is the best time to begin!

THE BEST BEAUTY INSTAGRAMMERS IN MY FEED

10.11.2016


Instagram is just my favorite social media network because of the gorgeous photo's I encounter, and it's where I interact with my friends & fellow bloggers. Instagram keeps me updated related to all things beauty & blogger worthy! I wanted to dedicate this post all to some of my favorite beauty bloggers, and YouTubers I love while scrolling through my feed. Get ready to click "follow" because their advice + tips are just too good to pass up! Have any beauty accounts to share, let me know below! 



I found Alix through YouTube, and was instantly drawn to her style. She is a Londoner and has a gorgeous British accent ( so jealous ). Her photos make me want to visit London so badly! As you see from her collage her from her feed, her images are light, airy, and fresh.  She's a sweetheart, and must give her a follow! You won't regret it. 
@savannahkwallace 

Savannah is one of the sweetest gals out there! I've been following her since she was a blogger, began her YouTube channel, and now create the most beautiful layout on Instagram. She's a wife, and mother to two little ones, but that doesn't stop her from using her beauty products daily. She no longer has her own blog as of now, but is a contributor to A Beautiful Mess's blog, which is wonderful for seeing the step by step tutorial of her nail art, hair styles, and facial DIY's, on a blogging layout (score)! Can her beauty ideas get any better? Seriously want to try the eyelash nail art.
@ashleytia 

Ashley is your go-to girl for ANY beauty, hair, nails, or makeup questions you may have! She is a YouTuber, which is perfect because she honestly has too many tips + advice to share, via a lengthy post on Instagram which only allows 140 characters. I love everything she has to say, especially when it comes to makeup. Her style is natural, and simple. Plus her photography layout, rocks! Who wouldn't want to have her gorgeous pics in their feed?!
@hellooctoberxo 

Susannah Bonaldi is such a cutie! I love her feed because it's full of lifestyle, and beauty layouts! She also has a YouTube channel (notice a theme here, I'm obsessed lol) and I love her presence on camera. She's very minimalistic with her products, which is what I love about a beauty gal. She doesn't have to have it all, but with what she loves, you will too!

A BEAUTIFUL HEART 4.0

10.08.2016


Beautiful Heart finally has a few new design features! I came back blogging for about three weeks, then stopped. What? I tend to do this a lot. For awhile I thought of just packing it up and leaving my blog behind, but I cannot stop daydreaming about blog posts for the life of me. There's just something about typing onto a blank canvas, taking flat lay photos, and meeting awesome gals in the blog world, that keeps me coming back for more. I honestly lose so much inspiration when my blog design is not updated, or cute. I changed this issue, hence my new header, sidebar image "about me," added more organized categories, and updated all my pages. I think it's the perfect touch for fall, and I love how it all turned out. So there are a few things I want to touch on, for this new re-launch of ABH!


There are so many new features I want to include on my blog. One of them is, "Coffee Diaries" which is a collection of the many coffee shops I have explored around my local town, and while traveling. I've made a little bit of progress on this, so check it out under the new tab!

Another thing that really needs to change around here, is my pup. One thing I love about fellow bloggers is how their lifestyle photos, and (some) posts include or are dedicated to their pets. I'm trying to brainstorm, and figure out how I can incorporate Lily into ABH more often. Any ideas, let me know!

Hope you enjoy the new layout + features! Get ready for this gal to be a full time blogger! Yay!


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