* Inspiration You CANNOT live without *

Sometimes life is too much to bare, sometimes it strikes us at times of such unbelievable pain that our minds think we shall not survive.

I have no answers to these situations but I do know that there must be purpose behind every action, our destiny's mapped out for each of us. 

Life is what it is, sometimes glorious and beautiful beyond belief and other times gut wrenching horrifyingly painful to the point of near insanity. 

We may not have much control over much anyway so we must make the best of whatever our situations may be. 

I hope some of these quotes hope you day to be just a tiny bit brighter!!! 

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Lauren Rebecca......A Beautiful Soul

 Hello Bouffe e Bambini Readers. First, I am so very happy to be a guest here today. I want to thank Hanna for having me. She is one of the sweetest girls I've ever met and such an inspiration! I am so happy to have found her through this blog world.

My name is Lauren. I'm Scarlett's Mama. Ty's fiancé. Stay at home mom by technicality, and writer by passion. My blog, Lauren Rebecca, is named after me because it's about just that...my life. Three years ago, I was in a completely different place in my life. I was a full time banker, consumed with what I wanted in life. A bit of a wild child, if you will. The honest truth... I was empty. A hallow soul that was living a meaningless life. I was in desperate need of something more. 

And then, my Ty came into my life like a knight in shining armor. Oh, I could go on about this magnificent man & all he's done for me, but that would use up quite a bit of your time. You can read our incredible love story here, and many other love stories including real life diary excerpts, on my blog. The bottom line is, he saved me in so many ways.

In the last three years, I've fallen in love like never before, I've gotten engaged, had a beautiful baby girl, bought not one, but two houses, moved to New York and started discovering a lot about myself. How amazing it is that I could go from vacant to genuinely happy in just 3 years. I have found that love is really all that matters in this life, that the small things are the most important, and that less is more.

If you stop by, you will get to take a peak into my life, flaws and all. You will find posts about:

Love like the one HERE.

How I stayed fit while pregnant HERE.

Stories of me as a new mother like HERE.

True life diary excerpts. Even the heartbroken ones, like the one HERE.

Pieces of my writings, HERE.

My take on style,  HERE.

And our Journey, HERE.

I'm just an ordinary girl that's a sucker for all things love & a passion for writing.

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Lauren Rebecca Blog/ Twitter/ Facebook

Candy Cane Oreo Truffle Pops

FESTIVE. FESTIVE. FESTIVE.

I know it's early but I have so many ideas that I have to start sharing them now or their won't be time to see them all!!!!  

Check out my Candy Cane Oreo Pops!!!!!!

 What you'll need:

1 package of Oreo cookies 

1/4 package of cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup  Nutella

1 bag of white chocolate chips

20 mini candy canes for decorating

wooden skewers with the tip cut off or lollipop sticks

Recipe:

1. Either put the entire bag of oreos in the food processor if you have a big one and make crumbs out of the cookies or place them in a large zip lock bag and smash them with a hammer on a hard surface until fine crumbs. Nothing fancy needed for this recipe folks:)

2. Next put your cookie crumbs in a bowl with your Nutella and Cream Cheese. Now mix together with your hands. They should be just moist enough to stick together. Next roll them into balls and place on a cookie sheet coated in wax paper. Tip: if you are having trouble rolling them because your hands are so coated in cookie crumbs that they won't stick together simply run your hands under water every few balls that you roll. The few drops of moisture does wonders. You won't have any more trouble forming your balls.

3.Now, take a small amount of the chocolate chips (about 1/16 of the bag) and melt in the microwave. Now dip your stick into the chocolate then stick it into the oreo truffle.Be careful not to stick it in too far and break the truffle in half.

4. Once you have completed them all put them in the refrigerator or freezer to cool and set. 

5. After they are cool you can melt the rest of the chocolate in the microwave and dip the pops

in the white chocolate and then either roll in the candy cane mix or drizzle it on top. I prefer to drizzle with my fingers because if you roll in it, it is more likely to get clumpy because of the excess white chocolate that's dripping off.

6. When finished place them on a clean piece of wax paper to set. Store them in the fridge until ready to eat. You may decorate with ribbon, twine or fabric. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! 

Christmas Special:
I am offering an advertising special until Christmas Day.....20% using the code "save20"

Simply click HERE to purchase space!!!! 


Oh and I almost forgot..........gorgeous statement necklace giveaway {HERE}

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Snipits from * TODAY *

Today the kids and I had the pleasure to celebrate Christmas with Grandma and their aunts and cousins because they will all be out of town for Christmas Day. 

We all got spoiled with gifts and FUN !!!!! 

#1. Ginger got a pair of *HOT* Pink Patent Leather Mary Janes!!!!! 

OMG!!!!! It doesn't get ANY better than that!!! 

SERIOUSLY lucky little girl!!!!! 

#2. This morning before all the fun I made Peppermint Brownie Bark which I will have proper photos and a recipe to go with in a day or two so no worries! 

#3. My munchkins playing in a G-I-G-A-N-T-I-C fort that we made out of a 6 foot high box. It is awesome!!!! We're never throwing it away!

#4. Ginger *peeking* out the fort's window which I made curtains for:)
#5. My Husband's gift.........A HUGE marching drum. SO COOL!!!! 
#6. HOLY MOLY CANNOLI!!!!!!!!!!!! My mama gifted me these gorgeous, gorgeous Ugg boots!!! I think I've told you this before but I have had Uggs since I was a kid.  W-A-Y before they became all the rage. Some of you may not know they are actually made for surfers to wear pre and post ocean. They originally were made in Australia (I have no idea where now)  but yes, they were actually made for warm weather, beach wear for wet feet. They are meant to be worn barefoot.  Anyway, the point is, I have pretty much always had a pair but the last winter we spend in Brooklyn I wore them to SHREDS!!  I mean literally holes in them and leather ripping off so I haven't had a pair in about 3 years and now I have pretty much the most gorgeous pair E*V*E*R.  Thanks MOM!!!!! 

So that was our day!!!!  I've decided that I love to post beautiful photos and recipes but I also like to post just *FUN* photos, like little snipits of my life from that day. I think it lets you get to know ME better!!!! 
I truly love this blog. It grounds me. It lets me express and decompress at the end of each day. It gives me a creative outlet. I get to let all my feelings out!!!  It's pretty much the most fantastic shrink I've ever found!!  I'm so grateful today for this little blog and all you beautiful people who read it and gratify me. 

THANK YOU!!!! and Good night!!


*Reminder*  Statement Necklace Giveaway going on {HERE} if you care to enter!!! 



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Peppermint Hot Cocoa Spoons

Once again my friend Marina at {Yummy Mummy} has outdone herself and when I saw {THIS} gorgeous recipe of hers, I  had to make it!!!!!!!! 
I mean, Chocolate Peppermint spoons for dipping in your Hot Cocoa???? Honestly, it doesn't get ANY cuter or ANY more festive or ANY more delicious. 
I  A*D*O*R*E these and will be giving them out for holiday gifts!!!!! 

The directions were so so simple. All I did was take 2 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips into a plastic container with 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract  and microwaved it in 30 second intervals stirring each time until just melted (be careful not to burn it). 

Then simply spoon about 1 -2 tablespoons in to each mini muffin cup and top with crushed candy cane. Then place in fridge for only about 5 minuets, just enough to firm the chocolate enough to be able to hold he spoon upright when inserted in the chocolate. NOTE: You may use Popsicle sticks for a cheap option or Whole Foods also sells disposable wooden bamboo spoons. 

Once in place, put spoons back into the fridge to set for about an hour. You may then place them in bags and decorate. 

You can wrap these in SUCH a cute way! I just placed each one in a celephane bag from Hobby Lobby, tied it with some twine from The Twinery and placed a tiny tag that said, "peppermint spoons, for dipping in hot cocoa"

CUTE, HUH?

Directions for Use:

Simply make Hot Cocoa and stir in Minty chocolate spoon and enjoy it's rich deliciousness.

H*A*P*P*Y   H*O*L*I*D*A*Y*S
and thank you Marina from Yummy Mummy for continuing to inspire me!!!!
Christmas Special:
I am offering an advertising special until Christmas Day.....20% using the code "save20"
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Lotus Blossom Holiday Necklace Giveaway

I absolutely and utterly adore this woman; smart, talented, wise, full of grace and spunk. 

In honor of Audrey we have a necklace to give away today! 

Need a GORGEOUS statement piece for your holiday party dress?
Look no further!!!!! 
Let me introduce you to the "Audrey" Necklace. I think very appropriatly named!!!! 

One lucky reader is getting the chance to win this gorgeous necklace from 
Lotus Blossom Design

To enter simply fill out the Rafflecopter!!! GOOD LUCK!!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear Mr.

Ahhh....Bedtime, 

it's my favorite time of day, not because I don't love and cherish every darn second with my kids but because it gives me a sense on C-A-L-M to finally take in the days happenings and reflect on the ups and the downs and I finally get one little ounce of "me" time. 

 So tonight the kids are snuggled in their beds, my husband left for a late rehearsal and it's just me. 

I will probably make a hot cocoa the size of my head and drink it until my belly is warm and full and just sit still feeling this baby kick.

This morning I had a LONG cry, which lately is not unusual for me. The pregnancy hormones and my depression have gotten the best of me the past few months. 

I cried this morning because I miss my husband. I want to be close to him. I want to talk to him about my feelings. I want to spend hours on the couch watching movies and snuggling like we used to. I want to go somewhere and hold hands like we used to. I want to sleep late just rolling around in bed snuggling in the morning.

I feel like it's been so many years since any of this has occurred. Sometimes I feel like I see him for 5 minuets a day and it's only to discuss 

"business" 

meaning the business of having children; who's getting potty trained when, who ate their lunch and who needs a snack, who had a tantrum and a fever..... what needs to be bought at the store and which couch cushions are in the washing machine because someone peed all over them.........it goes on and on. In fact it never ends.

I just miss him! 

PERIOD!!!!!

I miss his warm smile with dimpled cheeks. I miss his joyful laugh. I miss his ridiculous silly behavior that will make me laugh until my sides hurt.

I MISS MY HUSBAND!!!! 

I love my children and unborn child more than anything in this world but sometimes, just sometimes, I REALLY, REALLY just want my husband to myself for a little while. 

We've only been on 2 dates in over 3 years. I suppose that will so it to you, huh?

I just want him to know how much I love him, I cherish him, I can't wait to grow old together(oh wait, we already are), I want to hold his hand when he's scared, I want to make him beautiful food when his soul hurts, I want to listen to him play music endlessly and watch the passion in his face as he strikes his drums. 

He is mine and I am the luckiest girl in the world. Thank you God for blessing me with a truly good man!! 

I MISS YOU AND I LOVE YOU PAPA MILTON!!!! 

You will A-L-W-A-Y-S be "IT" for me. You always were!!!!!! 

 ALWAYS!!!!!!! 

You can rad more about how I make my marriage work {HERE} or about how I fall in love with him everyday even after 10 years in a post {HERE}

SPECIAL POST!!!!!!!

 And I have a special TREAT for you all today. I am guest blogging and telling a little more about me and my story over on a new friend's blog, Lauren Rebecca.

Number one, you *MUST* meet her
And Number two she left her special December giveaway open for US....YES, all you beautiful people, so please do me a favor, go read my chatter, meet Lauren Rebecca, and enter win like 50 million fabulous prizes while your at it.
K, GOT IT? Thanks!!!!! 
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Egg Nog PinWheel Christmas Cookies

Clearly I have become obsessed with pinwheels. They are just too gorgeous to resist. SO this time I made EGG NOG Pinwheels!!!!! 

H*O*L*Y Scrumptious heaven on earth!!!!! 

Merry Christmas my friends!!!!!! 

(This recipe will yield about 18-24 cookies depending on the width cut the cookies and these freeze beautifully.Whatever you don't use simply tightly wrap in Saran wrap and place in freezer. Then when you are ready to use simply defrost and bake.)

 WONDERFUL!!!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup of egg nog
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring.( I highly recommend the gel variety. You can buy it at any craft store. It is much brighter and you can use less)
• 1 tablespoon of green food coloring. I also recommend the gel to get that vibrant color.
• Silver edible glitter stars (available at any craft store in the baking section)
• Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
• 3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Sift together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and baking powder and set aside.

Cream butter and sugar together in another large bowl. Add egg, egg nog, vanilla, milk and beat until incorporated. Gradually add the dry mixture, beating until combined. Remove half of the mixture from the bowl. Add red food coloring, beating until fully combined. You may have to knead the colored dough a bit to get it mixed thoroughly.  On a sheet of Saran wrap OR waxed paper, roll out dough to form a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat this step with the other half of the dough. Add food coloring, beat and then knead to get even color.

 Now very carefully, slide the red dough on top of the green dough and slide the parchment paper out or flip one on top of the other in one swift movement. Trim edges if uneven and patch if necessary. Roll dough into a log, creating a swirl effect. NOTE: do not worry if the dough starts to tear a little when you are rolling it. This is normal. Simply mend it with your fingers as you go along. Use the  Saran wrap or wax paper to guide you as you roll so it remains even and has less tearing and ripping.

Now place a generous amount of sprinkles or stars in a shallow dish and roll the cookie dough log firmly over the sprinkles until they stick and its covered. Wrap tightly with saran wrap and place the dough back in the refrigerator and let chill for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Slice the dough into 1/2-inch slices and place on a parchment lined sheet tray about 1-inch apart.  Bake fo2 10-15 minuets depending on how thick you sliced the cookies.

NOTE: These photos are from my red and white pinwheels so they don't match the red and green color of this recpie but the technique is EXACTLY the same. Message me if you have any questions whatsoever.

For Old fashioned milk bottle, simply dip lid in melted white chocolate and then dip in sprinkles. VOILA!!!

Magic in the making !!!!!!!!!


Christmas Special:
I am offering an advertising special until Christmas Day.....20% using the code "save20"

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