Yahoo! Published

I recently heard about Yahoo! contributors network that allows writers to submit freelance work for Yahoo's sites. Well, after just signing up a couple of days ago, they published my short story! They pay per page view, so feel free to share the link for your friends to click on ;)

Click to read:
Funny Farm by: Randi Riggs

Mini Chocolate Chip Calzones

Here is a dessert that I made for Christmas that turned out really well. Very gooey, rich, and delicious! I think I originally saw a picture of these on Pinterest and decided to try them for myself. Take a look and if you love dessert as much as I do, give it a try!

Ingredients:
Chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Ice cream, whipped cream, and/or cool whip


Step 1: Preheat oven to 350. Roll out the dough triangles and fill the wide end with some chocolate chips and just a few marshmallows...

Step 2: Roll up into crescent rolls and place on lightly greased cookie sheet...

Step 3: Bake as directed on crescent roll package (10-12 mins. @ 350 degrees)...

Step 4: Serve with ice cream, cool whip, etc. for that nice warm & gooey + cold & creamy combo... (drizzle with fudge if you feel so inclined; I made these on Christmas so, of course, I felt so inclined ;) )

ENJOY and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Fun (albeit fattening) New Hobby

I have really enjoyed experimenting with cupcakes the past few months. I started by making a simple, boxed cupcake mix and focusing on decorating them really well with ideas from Hello Cupcake! (http://www.amazon.com/Hello-Cupcake-Irresistibly-Playful-Creations/dp/0618829253) Here are a couple creations I made:

These were my first, and favorite to date! Sunflowers with Oreo cookie centers and red M&M ladybugs :)

This was a stab at a summertime, beach theme - with school of Swedish fish and donut life-preservers. 

So after a few attempts at fun decorating, I decided to try a from-scratch cupcake recipe. This is AMAZING! If you like cannoli, you must try this recipe from the Food Network [warning: only bake these cupcakes if a.) you have a lot of will power, b.) you have been exercising lately, or c.) you like great cupcakes and don't care how many you eat ;) ]

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cupcake on the Food Network

Let me know if you try them and what you think!

Wedding Inspiration

Research, research, research! The wedding research never ends for me ;) Steve and I have not set a date yet, as we are waiting to decide on a venue until we move Northern CA and get settled in. But it hasn't stopped me from looking for inspiration!

I love the creativity of this Willy Wonka themed wedding... How cute is the "Golden Ticket" Invite?!

And the edible bouquet! ;)

Steve & I both like the idea of cupcakes instead of a big wedding cake. I really like this... what do you think?

So cute, fun, and old-fashioned! (Just like me) ;)

http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-willy-wonka-inspired-wedding-shoot/

ELLEN + LADY ANTEBELLUM = Best Week EVER!!

The video below pretty much speaks for itself - Steve and I are so grateful for the amazing experience we had this week! We can't stop smiling :)

WE LOVE YOU LADY A & ELLEN!!

A little bit of this... and a little bit of that..

Check out some of my most recent writing for AOL. . . I have had several posts this last week that have been published (mostly about fashion, you know, since I'm so trendy) ;)

You'll have to scroll down until you see my name on each one to read my excerpt.

Thanks for reading!


http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2011/01/10/best-bra/
http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2011/01/18/best-jeans/
http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2011/01/22/how-to-slim/ (my tip is #10)

Family Day in Pasadena!

Yesterday my mom, dad, and I drove up to Pasadena to see the Arellano's! We got to see their new loft for the first time (very cute), went to lunch, drove around the city, did a little shopping of course, and filled up on dinner at Buca di Beppo's! I missed my Baby C soooooo much, it was a wonderful day!!

(P.S. Caydence is definitely a little smarty pants! She was showing me her math skills at dinner, which are excellent, and then read a book to Nana, Papa, and me.... and WOW! She is SUCH a good reader! She makes her Auntie very proud!)

A couple of cool chicks with their matching Louis Vuittons :)

                          Riki and Joe at lunch 









 

Caydence with her Nana and Papa!

   Enjoying our lunch at Whole Foods

             
Caydence took us to her school

     Sportin' her cute new gloves

       Caydence and Dad at Buca's
       (or, The Lady and the Papa) :)

                        Tickle Monster! 

                                                          

  I love my Baby C!!!