Europe Day 1: Oxford, England

Something truly life-changing happened to me this past year, and it has a little something to do with a seven day trip across Europe. To start off, I guess I should mention this trip was through my school, and it just so happened that every single one of my friends was registered to go, except for me. I was not supposed to go, and by that let's just say I'm not made of money and spending $4,000 on a trip was just not ideal, let alone realistic for someone still in school. It was extremely difficult seeing their excitement grow as the departure date came closer, but I had begun to accept the fact that I just would not be joining them on their exciting adventure together.

Five weeks before departure, the person in charge of the trip announced that someone registered had made a last-minute cancellation. Since they could only get half the trip refunded, they were nice enough to offer someone else their spot for half the total price of the trip. So, in total that came to around $2,000 to go to Europe!!! And by the way, that is including airplane tickets, hotel, tours, and one meal a day. That is just unheard of these days.

My friends immediately turned their heads towards me and pleaded that I just had to go, that it was meant to be. And I guess it was because I had just enough saved up to send myself to Europe with $200 to spare. I can't express how grateful I am that everything fell into place, and can now say with confidence that I firmly believe everything happens for a reason. It was by far the best week of my life. I learned so much and my perspective on the world and on life in general has been dramatically broadened. So with that said, here is where I will start sharing, stop by stop, my incredible experience abroad. First stop: Oxford, England.

Chocolate Sundae Surprise Cupcakes

Cupcakes. What can I say, it's sort of an addiction. I can't remember exactly where my love of baking emerged or how. Maybe it was watching my grandma and mom at work in the kitchen and wondering how they created such delectable things. Maybe it was walking into bakeries, or parties, or weddings and admiring the delicate confections that all seemed so simple and effortless, but complex at the same time. Regardless of where this passion for baking came from, all I know is that every possible excuse or occasion to make cakes or cupcakes that arose (birthdays, holidays, etc.), I immediately volunteered. I began to take pride in the completed products and more importantly the expressions of those who ate my treats.

As I'm sure any person who enjoys creating and seeing their visions come to life will understand, once one project turns out just as you envisioned, it soon becomes a contest with yourself as to just how far you can take things to the next level. That's exactly what has happened here with these cupcakes...

So here is a new cupcake idea I tried based off a classic Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae. As if that isn't 

enticing enough, there's a chocolate syrup surprise in the center that takes things to a 

whole new level. If you love ice cream or just cupcakes in general, I promise you will love these. 

They're perfect to make for a birthday party or just for fun!

DIY Jewelry Tray

Am I the only person who finds themselves rarely wearing jewelry because it's hidden away in some remote jewelry box away from sight? Well here is a super easy fix I discovered that beautifully displays your jewelry, making it much easier to find pieces to wear with your everyday outfits.