Two little cakes

To celebrate my brother's 19th birthday, I eagerly (maybe a little more than eagerly) made two mini cakes. And friends, with cake, you can never go wrong. He was happy. My mom went on to say that I'd better make her a few mini cakes when her birthday rolls around. ;)

Both cakes were made with a boxed chocolate cake mix (the easiest way to go), and covered in a classic butter cream. The cake with green icing was made with an almond butter cream, with flaked almonds pressed on the sides and top. The blue was made with a vanilla butter cream with coconut and dark chocolate bark to top it off.

I had so much fun making these cakes! And I'm talking dancing in the kitchen kind of fun. I hope you feel inspired today to whip up a couple of your own, and if you do make sure to let me know! :)

Much love, Vivi

2013

A new year is here! This year I've decided not to make too many New Year's goals, but to instead make a few more challenging goals that I can work at everyday.

1. Read my bible cover to cover for the second time (completed in 2012!)
2. More water, less sugar
3. Read 10 books on faith
4. Photograph people more, and make time to learn more about my camera
5. Everyday, be open to learning something new

This year is going to be big for me. I'll be graduating from high school in June and starting university in the fall. (eeek!) Changes are in store. What gives me the strength to walk in confidence is the truth that I'm never alone, but everywhere I go, God is right beside me.

As for today, we celebrate. This past year has been full of firsts for me in photography. I photographed my first couple,  my brother Wes, had two photo shoots with my dear friend Shelby; one in Summer  and one in Autumn,  photographed the beauty of Spring, Summer, fall, and our back garden in its full glory. I also baked more than I ever have, and you can see my favourites in this post. I can honestly say that 2012 has been a year where God did more than I could've dreamt. What is your favourite post from 2012? I would love to hear your thoughts! :)

Here's to a 2013 full of blessings!

Much love, Vivi

Let's take hold of this winter thing

Notice the cuddly scarves and knit toques? It's winter time people! And we love it over here in Canada. ;) Yesterday my brother Wes and I embraced the icy breeze and went for a walk up our road. It's a rare thing where we live for the sky in winter to be sunny AND not raining AND not raining. Did I say not raining? Today also happens to be this guy's 19th birthday! So, for the rest of the day we'll be celebrating with lots of cake and a little surprise we have for him. :) I hope you all have a wonderful day on this New Years eve!

Much love, Vivi

Salted Chocolate-Caramel Clusters

What's not to about love crunchy pecans and chewy caramel covered in white and dark chocolate? These chocolate caramel clusters are delicious on their own, and just as tantalising with a sprinkling of coarse sea salt for a finishing touch. I enjoyed more than a couple with a cup of holiday chai by stash tea. Also, these require no baking! So go ahead and eat a bunch while you're putting them together. No judgement here. 

Ingredients:

1 8-ounce package pecan halves, toasted
1 14-ounce package vanilla caramels, unwrapped
1 tablespoon milk
1 12-ounce package dark chocolate pieces
2 ounces white chocolate, chopped   

...

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Arrange pecans in single layer clusters of five halves each.
2. In a small heavy saucepan combine vanilla caramels with milk. Heat and stir over medium heat until caramels melt and mixture is smooth. Spoon caramel over each cluster of pecans and let stand for 30 minutes or until firm.
3. In a medium heavy saucepan heat and stir the dark chocolate pieces over low heat until chocolate melts and is smooth. Set aside 1/4 cup of the melted chocolate. Spoon remaining melted chocolate over clusters, gently spreading to the edges. Let stand until firm, about 30 minutes.
4. Microwave white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for about 1 minute or until chocolate is smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Spread white chocolate over tops of clusters. Pour reserved dark chocolate into a resealable plastic bag and snip a very small hole in one corner. Drizzle chocolate over each cluster. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt. Makes 20- 24 clusters.

 Much love, Vivi        

the morning of Christmas

the tiniest snowflakes cascading down from morning skies

presents wrapped lovingly underneath our Christmas "shree" (tree/shrub... :)

handmade Christmas cards and presents wrapped in twine

emerald green vines freshly soaked with rain

mandarin oranges make Christmas in our house :)

peaceful, restful rain

I'm sure someone wise once said, "the more cream the better"

steaming organic tangerine dream by David's tea making it's way into my mug

I hope your Christmas was filled with everything you love! Christmas morning has always been my very favorite part of the day. I love the anticipation of unwrapping gifts, the strong sense of love and excitement in everyone's faces. I love reading the Christmas story as a family, and thanking God for sending His son Jesus to be our Savior. I love the soft music my mom always puts on, and the baking that's brought out with joy. 
What is your favorite part of Christmas?  I would love to hear.

 Much love, Vivi 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope your day is beautiful and full of love. And really delicious food. ;)

Much love, Vivi

Thoughts on blogging

When I started this blog little over a year ago, my main goal was for it to be a style blog. Well, it has very quickly become more a food blog than anything. ;) Writing this blog and capturing pictures has been such a learning experience. In all its cheesiness, I have learnt more about myself through this blog than I thought possible. Every stage has taught me something; the imagination behind each word and photograph, the editing, creating, fine-tuning, the final product. It's shown me what I truly love most. And truly, I love this little blog and all the people who have made it possible. Yup, I love you. Thank you to the moon and back for reading these words, browsing through these photos. You're the best.

Much love, Vivi