Honey, I baked! Baby gender reveal cupcakes!
So, what do you think little Iowa Baby Eats is? A boy? A girl? A HUMAN, as my smarty-pants brother predicted? (Oh, brothers.)
Well, it’s…
a…
BOY!
A truck loving, football throwing, snuggly baby boy! AHH! I get more and more excited each and every day, and Ben and I cannot wait to hold our little guy in our arms! (PS: could you not just die over baby shoes??)
Seriously, thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for the sweet congratulatory messages that you continue to send. We really appreciate it! :)
Now, this wouldn’t be a proper IGE post without a some instructions, so here’s how you make these super-cute gender reveal cupcakes, in case you ever need ’em. First bake up a batch of cupcakes. Homemade, boxed – whatever.
Once they’re cool, insert a sharp knife into the center on the diagonal then turn the cupcake as you cut to slice out a little cone. Cut off the “cone” so you’re left with a flat, cupcake “lid”.
Next mix up the frosting! I used store-bought then dyed it blue with gel food coloring. This stuff works great as you only need a tiny drop to get really bright colors. I got mine at Michaels.
Mix the frosting up then scoop it into a piping or ziloc bag and snip off the corner.
Pipe the frosting into the holes then pop the lids on top. (Note: I didn’t cut the “cones” off the lids in the second row of cupcakes which is why they’re riding a little high!)
Next, using another container of frosting, frost all the tops.
Unwrap, bite, and share the good news!
Now that we know we’re having a boy, nursery preparations can get underway. I think Ben and I are heading out to shop for furniture this weekend, as apparently some pieces can take up to 4 months to get in. I’m also seeing a blue, green, yellow and white argyle theme in my head…we shall see though. :)
Anyways, that’s the latest news on the home front! Oh also, re: bump pics, I don’t think I’ll be posting the standard side shots on the blog (they’re a little more private for me – that said, I LOVE other bloggers’ bump shots and stalk them like crazy) but I’ll definitely take some candids when we’re in Charleston in a few weeks. By then I’ll be big enough to properly fill out some maternity clothes too. Right now I’m in the awkward, too small for maternity, but too big for regular clothes phase, hence the reason why I’ve been wearing my black fleece 99% of the time!
Oh also, I wanted to mention that I am finally coming out with the Weekly Update e-newsletter that I’ve been working on for, oh, EVER! You can click here to signup > or click on the link in the grey bar at the top of the site to signup. Emails will be sent out weekly on Saturday mornings and include a wrap up of the week’s recipes and going-ons, in case you missed anything.
Ok I think that’s it from me! Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and in the meantime, please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web in this week’s Friday Favorites!
Click on the light blue links to be taken to the original source.Â
Favorite treat: Pineapple Sorbet. I have been eating pineapple like a CRAZY PERSON lately – it’s so sweet and inexpensive right now. This sorbet looks absolutely mouthwatering. Psst: Here’s how I cut a pineapple!Â
Favorite learn: Minimalist Baker Food Photography E-Course. My friend Dana, the blogger behind the Minimalist Baker, recently came (just wrote “cake”) out with a food photography e-course and I was absolutely blown away by the content, helpful tips, and videos she’s included in it. She also recently lowered the price from $99 to $19.99 to make it more affordable.
Whether you are a novice photographer who wants to learn more about their camera or editing software like Photoshop, or a more seasoned photographer who wants some creative ideas on how to stage and style their food shots, I cannot recommend this course enough! (Full disclosure: Dana let me review the course for free but I’d pay full price for it in a heartbeat.)
Favorite kicks: Suede Fringe Moccasins. I cannot get over how comfy these moccasins look. I am praying that they get more 6-1/2s in stock soon because I’m dying for a pair.
Favorite St. Patty’s Day: Corned Beef Poutine with Guinness Gravy. Guinness Gravy, people. Need I say more? If I can’t partake in a cold one this weekend, I would sure love to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with these gravy and cheese-laced fries, oh my!
Favorite tip: Clean your Microwave with Lemon. I hate cleaning microwaves or other surfaces that I eat off of with harsh cleaners (not that I eat off the microwave plate, but I don’t like spraying it with chemicals then heating up my food in there.) Anyways, I followed this tutorial on how to clean your microwave with lemons and water and it worked perfectly. Not a speck of grease or grime left anywhere.
Favorite fashion: Noonday Collection Acai Ombre Necklace. Not only is this necklace absolutely gorgeous, and perfect for the spring and summer, but it’s also handcrafted out of sustainable seeds by artisans in Ecuador, providing them with economic opportunity and sustainable income. Can’t wait to order this stunning piece.
Favorite indulge: Creamy Chicken & Spinach Lasagna. I know I just shared 15 light and fresh spring recipes, but this creamy chicken & spinach lasagna is calling my NAME! I’ll keep the recipe for an unseasonably cold night in the next couple of weeks.
Favorite fitness: Tuff Butt April. Totally doing this. Printed and hung on the fridge.
Favorite follow: Murad Osmann on Instagram. This professional photographer has a series on his Instagram account that show shots of his girlfriend leading him by the hand into beautiful and exotic places they visit around the the world. Too much fun.
Favorite decor: Illusorio Console. I wish this piece came in a darker stain (and lower price range) but I absolutely love the design and rustic feel.
Favorite accent: Mint Fox Bangle. Saucy, yet sweet! I’m loving spring’s pastel color palette too.
Favorite DIY: Jute Wrapped Light. I’m so mad, I just threw away a super yellowed shade (nobody wanted it, trust me, or I would have donated it) that I’m now wishing I would have saved to wrap like this. So cool!
Favorite find: Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch. Obsessed with the old-world, grandfather-feel of these handsome watches.
Favorite fresh: Orange Carrot Ginger Juice. I know I said when it came to juice, the greener the better, but Orange Carrot Ginger Juice is by far my favorite non-green juice. The hint of ginger is pure brilliance with the sweet orange and carrot. I could drink this every single day!
Have a great weekend, everyone! :)
Lindy 03.18.2013
Congratulations!!
Kathy 03.18.2013
Congrats on your exciting news. Your cupcakes are adorable! Love your blog!
Maggie 03.17.2013
You’re going to LOVE having a boy! Congrats!
Emily @ Life on Food 03.17.2013
The pineapple sorbet is calling me.
Jennifer 03.16.2013
Such happy news! I know we all pray for happy healthy babies, but as a mom of three boys, I have to say I squealed with joy for you! Congratulations!
Tieghan 03.16.2013
I am so excited for you! Boys are so much fun + No drama! You are going to be an awesome mom!!
Terri 03.16.2013
Congrats! That mother/son bond is so special!
Pam 03.16.2013
Congratulations on your exciting news! I also got my ultrasound the same day as you but we’re leaving our little bundle a surprise! We’re due at the end of July as well. This will be our 3rd. I always enjoy your posts, especially since you may have some pregnant influence included and post recipes that I can eat.
Becca 03.16.2013
Congratulations Kristin! I love your blog, and I’m really excited for you.
Shari 03.16.2013
Baby boys are the best. They are so special to moms and being the first is the best. Feel good and congrats to you and your family.
Rachael {Simply Fresh Cooking} 03.16.2013
Congrats! I’m usually pretty quiet here, but I read every single one of your posts… top to bottom. I adore you, and thank you for sharing your special moments with us! :)
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen 03.16.2013
Congratulations on the baby boy! I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and great birth :)
Brittany 03.16.2013
Hi IGE! I’m a newish (okay couple of months now) follower of your blog and I have to say I just love it! I make your recipes all of the time and always look forward to getting them in my inbox at night! Just wanted to say I’m so excited for you and your family! Congratulations!
Michelle 03.16.2013
Congratulations!!! I don’t comment much but this post deserved it. I want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog being an Iowa girl too I love to see and hear what is going on in Des Moines and all your recipes. I type this while holding my 3.5 month old son Theo…boys are the best. One piece of advice would be to run not walk to the nearest Barnes and Noble and purchase “Baby Bargains” it is the best shopping guide for all things baby! I used it for both my sons purchasing the latest edition for each. I guarantee you will love it. Happy Shopping!!!!
Colleen M 03.16.2013
Yay! I’ve been following your blog for quite some time and at least 2-3 of your recipes make it into my weekly meal planning rotation.
I’m so excited you’re having a boy!!! Congrats!!!! :) If I can tell anything by your blog you’re going to make a great momma!!
Trisha 03.16.2013
Awww, congrats you two! Now Ben has some competition for the number one Iowa Boy Eats spot. ;) Love your gender reveal. I’m not pregnant, but when we get there, I have no desire to find out the sex. However, all of the gender reveals I’m seeing are so adorable I’m not sure I’ll be able to not find out!!
Jeri Wendzel 03.16.2013
A Guinness (ONE!) is fine while you are pregnant. Drink slowly and alternate with water! Also, if you plan on nursing and are having problems with milk let-down, a glass can help with that….maybe it has to do with the relaxation factor. :)
Julie S. 03.16.2013
Congratulations! There’s nothing like the love between a little boy and his mom! As I said earlier, I have three boys and they are the best!
Geri Salat 03.16.2013
I am so happy for you and Ben. You will be wonderful parents and the little guy will be lucky to be yours.
Caitlin in MD 03.16.2013
Congratulations! I have a baby (well…2 and a half year old) boy and he is the light of my life :) You will love it.