Back in Business

I'm super excited to share this post today. I've had something in the works now for quite a while, and I've finally gotten the motivation to do it.

I'M STARTING UP THE CANDLE BUSINESS AGAIN!!!!!

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I am super excited to be starting up again. I've been absent from it for about a year and a half, while I went through my separation and divorce. I'm starting over again, and that means starting fresh with a lot of things.

I've missed my little business so much over the last several months. I made a lot of friends, and had so many loyal customers from the different venues where we would show. I can't guarantee that I will be at every single event, but I'll make it to as many as I can. It'll be just me for now, but I'm coming back in a big way

I have to repurchase the domain name and set up shop online. Besides the independent site, I'll also start posting on Etsy again. For now, the easiest way to reach me is to email me at sjcandleshoppe@gmail.com or find me on Twitter (@TXshoppegirl) if you want some info, to place an order, or just wish me luck!

*SJ*

Back in the Saddle Again

Well, we made it back safely from Waco. It was a nerve-wrackimg, somewhat dangerous drive, but we made it.

Of course, we both ended up sick and feeling like crap by the time we got home. To be fair, I'm pretty sure he was coming down with the flu before we even left. I, however, managed to come back slightly more congested & sneezing more than when we left.

Tomorrow I plan to update with a Thirsty Thursday post. For now, I'm going to make friends with a bottle of Nyquil. I hardly slept at all last night, and it's catching up with me.

*SJ*

Starting Over

So, I guess I pretty much sucked at the whole "blogging every day" thing in January. I'm giving it a go again starting today, so here's my first one!

I am blogging today from a hotel in Waco, Texas. I am tagging along on a business trip with my beloved. I was joking around with a girlfriend today about our little adventure. I said, "Our first out-of-town trip somewhere, and it's to Waco!" In case you're not familiar with it, Waco is not exactly the biggest or most exciting destination in Texas. I am, however, thrilled to be here with the Love of My Life.

We had a fantastic dinner tonight at a steakhouse here in town. Well, I had a fantastic dinner. Poor thing, he is feeling pretty sick (probably the flu) and didn't have much of an appetite. After dinner we found the Coldstone Creamery. Did I mention it is 17 degrees here today? Umm, yeah, we were the only ones eating ice cream in the freezing cold!

Tomorrow he is taking me to visit his two new properties. We should head back to Fort Worth by late morning, early afternoon. I really hope the roads have cleared by then; we had an interesting ride down with all the ice on the roads!

In the month since I last updated here, I've been cooking and baking a lot. I will be updating with recipes and reviews in the coming days. I also have a new career path to look forward to, and will be returning to school (again!) in May. Whew! I'm going to be busy!

*SJ*

Recipes and Resolutions

Today I made Butterscotch Chocolate Chunk Muffins. As I post this, I am waiting for them to cool. The recipe was modified, as always, from something I found. I used the 'Epicurious On the Go' app on my Droid phone, and searched "Chocolate Chip Muffins." What I found was a recipe for Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. Since I wanted to use the last of the butterscotch chips, I made a few substitutions. Here's how I made them:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 350. I always spray my muffin pan with Bakers Joy before I insert the cupcake liners.

Mix flour, sugar, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Mix egg, melted butter and milk in a medium bowl. While mixing, I also added 1/2 cup of applesauce. The original recipe called for bananas, and I was afraid the mixture would be too dry without something as a substitute.

Stir wet mixture into dry ingredients, just until blended (do not overmix). Stir in chocolate chunks and butterscotch chips.

Bake about 32 minutes, until pale golden in color.

NOW on to my resolutions....

• Be on time, all the time.
• Be healthier.
• Spend more time with family.
• Find a job that allows me a better quality of life.
• Stop wasting time and money on things that don't matter.
• Worry less, enjoy more.

What are your resolutions? What do you hope to accomplish in the new year? Happy New Year!

*SJ*

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Thirsty Thursday: New Years Eve Champagne Cocktail

2010 is almost over. I love new beginnings, so what better way to celebrate than with a cocktail?! Today I am sharing a champagne cocktail that is just as good for a midnight toast as it is with your breakfast toast! (Yep, I think I just solidified my dork status!) You'll need:

• Strawberry Puree
• Orange Juice
• Champagne

The amount of each that you'll need really depends on your taste. I like to fill the champagne flute about halfway with the strawberry. Then I add orange juice until the glass is about 3/4 of the way full. Top of with a good champagne. I prefer an Extra Dry champagne, as it is a little sweeter.

For a kid-friendly version, you could use sparkling apple cider or sparkling grape juice. I don't add ice cubes to this one, as I feel it will water down the champagne. You could, however, add frozen raspberries or blueberries to keep the drink cold.

What New Year's Eve traditions do you have? Come back tomorrow when I discuss lessons learned from this year, as well as resolutions I'm making for 2011. Enjoy!

*SJ*

Wordless Wednesday: Self

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Two-fer Tuesday, Take 2

This recipe is a fun take on peppermint bark. You'll use the same ingredients, but the presentation is a little more "formal," in my opinion. I love the surprised look on everyone's faces when they bite into my chocolate truffles and find them filled with a white creamy filling and peppermint!

To make these bite-sized treats, you'll need:

• 1 bag white chocolate chips (12-16 oz)
• 1 can prepared white frosting
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 12-16 oz)

THEN...

Crush 1 box (12 count) candy canes and set aside. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave (30 second bursts, stirring in between, until completely melted). Add one can of prepared white frosting. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract (I also add peppermint extract); blend in the crushed candy canes.

Refrigerate until firm enough to handle, about one hour. Roll into balls and refrigerate again, usually overnight.

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dip truffles in semi-sweet chocolate, then set onto waxed paper. Refrigerate again until firm.

Enjoy!!

*SJ*

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