Happy Birthday 'Mercia!

I know that I'm a few days late on the post here but I have some things I wanted to share.  I've been on vacation all week so I haven't been the best at keeping track of the days first of all. 

I love the 4th of July, it always makes me think of cookouts, family time, going to the pool and of course fireworks!  Growing up I would usually spend the 4th at my Grandma Joy's (cute huh?) in the country.  So, last Saturday I was explaining to Jeff how much fun we would have and how everyone would get together when we came up.  I decided that I would go, and by myself since Jeff didn't have the vacation time from work to go.  It's about a nine hour drive but the best part is I could take my time and stop when and where and how often I wanted too!

It has been a few years since I was last out that way and I forgot how pretty it really is out there.  They live outside a small town that a has a river that runs alongside the town.  It is the typical small town America type place.  Definitely a change of pace from Dallas where everyone is constantly in a hurry and you don't take the time to appreciate the small things.

Such a great way to spend the holiday and my vacation!  I was even home in time to watch the fireworks with the hubster.

Northeast Arkansas

House Love

I realize that it has been quite awhile since I've posted anything.  I have actually been enjoying summertime and weekends packed with family and friends!

The house is moving along pretty steadily, its crazy how quickly it can change.  There has been so much progress in just the past few weeks.  The exterior is almost completely bricked, the walls are up and textured, the trim, cabinets and doors are all up.  When we started this process it seemed like it would be FOREVER before it was finished!  Now it's only about six weeks away from being complete and ready to be called our home. 

Future Home!

View of kitchen with the unfinished cabinets

The Good Life

The last few weeks have been a complete change of pace for me, I love it!  With summer quickly approaching I am dutifully spending time at the pool each weekend soaking up the sun, enjoying the occasional margarita and great quality time with the hubster. 

I look back at how much our life has changed over the last year: we finished remodeling our previous house, job promotion, moved states, welcomed our first niece, made great new friends, began the building process of our dream home and I graduated college.  WOW!  It's crazy the path that life takes you - I am unbelievably happy for those changes! 

Home front update: Everything with is house is moving along great, we expect to be in by mid-September!  

Home Sweet Home

Sunday Sweet Eats - Chocolate-Caramel Sheet Cake

I've been absent for a few weeks, very much enjoying the warm weather and lots of pool time!  You can't blame a girl for soaking up the sun, right?!  Well I did spend a good part of my Saturday in the kitchen cooking up a storm.  Thought I would share a great recipe that is absolutely delicious and a southern specialty - Chocolate Caramel Sheet Cake.

This cake melts in your mouth and can satisfy the biggest sweet tooth there is!  It makes quite a bit so it is perfect for a get together.....or not, if you love to eat cake! ;)  With all the butter that is in this cake I will definitely be hitting the gym this week....So what I'm basically saying is making this cake will motivate you to workout.  That's a win, right?  It is in my book!

AH-MAZE-ING!

Chocolate-Caramel Sheet Cake

 Prep:  15 min  Cook:  25 min

1 cup butter

1 cup water

1/4 cup unsweetened coca

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1 tsp. baking soading

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

Quick Caramel Frosting

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

Cook first 2 ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts and mixture is smooth; remove from heat.

Beat buttermilk and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; add coca mixture, beating until blended.

Combine sugar, flour, and salt; gradually add to buttermilk mixture, beating just until blended. (Batter will be thin.)  Pour batter into a greased and floured 15 x 10 inch jelly-roll pan.

Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes or until center is baked through.  Cool cake completely in pan on a wire rack.

Pour warm Quick Caramel Frosting over cake, spreading evenly to edges of pan.  Sprinkle evenly with pecans.  Makes 15 servings.

Quick Caramel Frosting

Prep: 5 min  Cook: 10 min

2 - 14 oz cans sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

Place all ingredients in a heavy 3-qt saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, over medium-low or low heat.  Cook, stirring constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture reaches a pudding-like thickness. Remove from heat. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

* Recipe/Photo compliments of Southern Living

Hope you enjoy the Sunday Sweet Eats!

As always, I welcome you to share your thoughts/comments.