Hayley is well-known for her ribbon-tying abilities. Her bows are definitely showstoppers for any present. So, she came over after work one evening to give us all a tutorial for our own gift-wrapping endeavors! Continue reading “Fancy Bow DIY”
Holiday Get Up
Ready or not, the holidays are here ya’ll! Here at the Smith household, festivities are well on their way with gift wrapping, party going, and all things Christmas. Continue reading “Holiday Get Up”
Gifts For Those Men on the Nice List
Peter Millar Competition Stripe Polo in College Emblem of Choice
(College emblem choices here.)
Are you looking for that special something for your guy? Did he make the “Nice List” this year?
Well, Hayley and I have combined our shopping efforts and made you a gift guide for that man in your life. We have tried to include a gift from just about every category. Continue reading “Gifts For Those Men on the Nice List”
Lavish Libations Series: Rudolph and the Red-velvet Nose Cocktail
Great Bouncing Icebergs!
After a fun Thanksgiving week spent with family and friends and also feeling slightly under the weather, I took a little break from the blog. But, I am back and ready for this Christmas holiday season to start! Continue reading “Lavish Libations Series: Rudolph and the Red-velvet Nose Cocktail”
Fab Fitness Finds
As a fitness fanatic, I am always on the hunt to up my fitness game. I have found a few items that do just that! I wanted to share so you could up your game or someone else’s.
Check these out! Continue reading “Fab Fitness Finds”
GF Pumpkin and White Chocolate Trifle
I made this two times recently. Once for a Halloween party and again for a Friendsgiving Hayley was attending. Both times, it was a hit.
I am always looking for gluten-free desserts. But, I have yet to find a trifle recipe. So, what to do? Come up with your own.
And, with it being fall and all, I went with a pumpkin twist and made it more decadent by adding the white chocolate.
The beauty of a trifle is that it can be made days in advance. Freeing up your time for something else!
I used this pumpkin bread mix. I made it according to package directions, using eggs, oil and canned pumpkin.
I doubled the recipe for the bread. I reserved for garnish 1/4 loaf of bread.
I then made this vanilla pudding according to directions. I stirred in the package of white chocolate chips while pudding was still warm. I allowed to cool completely.
I used this clear serving dish with tall sides so that I could layer the flavors. 
While the pudding and bread was cooling, I whipped the cream. Stirring in powdered sugar and vanilla. I reserved for garnish 1/4 loaf of bread.
I gently folded the cream into the pudding until incorporated. Patience is the key!
I used this clear serving dish with tall sides so that I could layer the flavors. Then I began layering crumbled pumpkin bread and pudding mixture.
I covered with plastic wrap tightly and placed in the fridge. When I was ready to serve, I topped with remaining crumbled pumpkin bread.
Recipe:
2 boxes of Gluten-free pumpkin bread mix
3/4 cup of oil
4 eggs
1 can of pumpkin
2 cups cold whipping cream
1-5 ounce box cook and serve vanilla pudding
3 cups milk (lactose-free milk may be substituted) (other milks not recommended)
11 ounces white chocolate baking chips
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
Make pumpkin bread according package directions. Allow to cool.
Prepare pudding according to directions and add chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Allow pudding to cool completely.
Using a very cold bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla and powdered sugar.
Reserve 1/4 of a loaf of bread for garnishing.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding until incorporated.
Using a serving dish with tall sides, layer crumbles of pumpkin bread and the pudding mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
When ready to serve, top with pumpkin bread crumbles.
Enjoy!
Bon appetit!
Toodle-oo,
Melanie
HNOTD: Good News in America
Thanksgiving Timeline and Menu
I sometimes get overwhelmed when hosting a big event. And, I definitely consider Thanksgiving a big event. I do better when I make myself a timeline as a guide.
So, I thought for my benefit and yours that I would share this year’s timeline plus give a few tips. Continue reading “Thanksgiving Timeline and Menu”
