JUST BECAUSE.......It's Funny, Gorgeous, Cool, Boho, Good For You, True, Special, and Wise...........

So, what on earth is a blog post titled 

JUST BECAUSE?

It's a blog post from someone whose brain is somewhat fried,

who saw a bunch of random things and thought

"Why can't I share that on my blog?"

"Why does it have to make sense?"

So here we go, JUST BECAUSE!

Just because this made me laugh:)

Just Because this may be the most GORGEOUS Cupcake ever!

Just Because I have ALWAYS loved this idea....

and when my daughter eventually goes away to school, I will do this.

A packet of letters for various occasions/moods/moments

 when she may want or need a note from me.

Just Because I think these letters are so COOL and BOHO and perfect for spelling the word 

"WANDER"  

 (letters from Urban Outfitters)

Just Because this is something good to know and good for you!

 Just Because this is another great idea.......instead of fixing all our little issues all at once, plug away at them month by month, setting NEW habits in the process!

 

Just Because this is so stinking cute and clever and makes me SMILE!

 Just Because this is so true.  

 Just Because we all need a break once in awhile, right?

Just Because I MISS TUTUS and BALLET so much, especially my beautiful daughter's dancing.....and I even miss being a Dance Mom.......but the good kind:)

 Just because I think this is an awesome quote and the girl could be one of my daughters.

Just Because I love horses and if I could have one, it would look like this!

Just Because it's almost Summer and therefore it's swimsuit time.......so it's time to get to work:)

Just Because I love throwing parties for kids way more than adults,

I love fussing over cute treats,

I miss these days and I can't wait to be a Grandma.  Or a GiGI.  Or a Memaw.

Or whatever the heck they want to call me......... on a regular basis.

And also Just Because I love yummy and EASY treats and this looks like

cupcakes with gumdrops, gumdrop slices and peach rings!

Just Because I LOVE my dogs and believe this with my whole heart!

Just Because I love jars, and flowers, and burlap, and lace!

Just Because I believe this!  Sometimes I need to be reminded of this.  Oftentimes.  But I always believe it.  And I hope you do too. <3 p="">

Fresh Fruit Kabobs, Tacos, Cones, Parfaits and MORE Crazy Combos!

 It's that time of year again.......

Warm weather, Summer Holidays, Picnics, Fireflies and Family Fun!

It's also the time of year when so many fruits are at peak season........

which means fresh, healthy, fun snacks!

I'm all about EASY.  And DELICIOUS!  And if a snack can be FUN, even better;)

I swear, I can think of all kinds of treats for kids (or young at heart).

Just don't ask me to do sophisticated, please! 

So here are some SUPER FUN and EASY treats for a picnic, birthday party, cookout or anytime in between........

Summer Holidays usually have a bit of red, white and blue going on,

so why not make our treats that way too!

1.  Red/White/Blue Parfait.......just layer whipped cream (or yogurt) with blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.  Personally, I'd add a cherry on top:) BHG

2.  Fruit "Sparklers" or Kabobs:)  Berries and Marshmallows in the shape of a flag.  Berry Kabobs

3.  Flag Fruit and Cheese Tray......Don't just bring a boring fruit and cheese platter.....dress it up like a flag! Red, White & Blueberries & Cheese Tray

4.  Watermelon Pop Stars.........Star shaped pieces on a popsicle stick! Watermelon Pop Stars

5.  Flag Fruit...........This is also a cute and simple way to display fruit....The stars are black raspberries and the stripes are rows of banana slices with strawberries on top.

More Fruit Fun.........

1. and 2.  Kids LOVE fruit in an ice cream cone.  Trust me on this one:)

3.  Sugar Cookie Fruit Taco........so cute and delicious! Just a Pinch

4.  Chocolate chip cookie cups with fruit.......cookie cups

Don't you think the little picnic munchkins will love these ideas?  The not-so-little ones do too:)

If these summery fruit ideas don't get you excited for summer......how about these?

Summer flowers.......daisies in a glass of water with food coloring aded.  Cute:)

Guess that's it for now, my chicas!

Aunt Foo's Bestest Brownies EVER.......

I know what you're thinking.......

Who.......or WHAT is an Aunt Foo?

Well, that would be me!

When my sweet niece Macy was little,

she called to wish me a happy birthday.  When she tried to say "Aunt Sue", it came out as "Aunt Foo", so my happy birthday message was Macy singing "Happy Birthday Aunt Foo." :)

Absolutely made my day!!!!!  

She probably doesn't even remember that but I sure do!

My girls know that it is a special memory to me because she sounded so darn cute!

I used to joke that I was going to name my blog Aunt Foo or something.

Hey.......it could still happen;)

But on to the brownies, right?

Everyone has their favorite brownie so it's hard to say one is "the best".......

which is why i call these "the bestest":)

I do know my grammar, but eating these makes you forget all about things like that.

At least they make me forget!  They're chewy, fudgy, just the right amount of cakey, sweet but not sickening sweet.......simply the BESTEST!

AUNT FOO'S BESTEST BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup milk ( I use 2%)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 cups powdered sugar

BROWNIE INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with foil and spray foil with non-stick spray. I don't know why exactly but it works.  So do it:)  

If you have an electric stand-mixer, add the melted butter and cocoa powder and use the paddle attachment, blending until smooth.

Add the flour and sugar. Beat together then add the eggs and vanilla. Mix just until combined. The batter will be thick but remember not to over mix. 

Pour batter into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove brownies from oven and let stand 15 minutes before frosting.  The brownies will still be slightly warm when you frost them but that's a good thing:)

 FROSTING INSTRUCTIONS: 

Beat together all the frosting ingredients until smooth. 

Pour and spread over warm brownies. 

Let cool completely before cutting and serving.

Makes 12 large brownies or 24 small brownies

*These brownies were adapted from Saltbox House Creations with a few minor changes such as the omission of nuts.

So there you have it!  Now, if y'all make these and decide your own are better, that's cool. We each have our own preferences.  For me.....it's Aunt Foo's Bestest Brownies all the way:)