Texas Roadhouse Rolls

These are the yummiest rolls!

Texas Roadhouse Rolls - Copycat Recipe
adapted from Eat Cake For Dinner

4 tsp. active dry yeast

1/2 c. warm water

2 c. milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm

3 Tbl. of melted butter, slightly cooled

1/2 c. sugar

2 quarts all purpose flour (7-8 cups)

2 whole eggs

2 tsp. salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar; let stand until frothy.  Combine yeast mixture, milk, 1/2 cup sugar and enough flour to make a medium batter (about the consistency of pancake batter).  Beat thoroughly.  Add melted butter, eggs and salt.  Beat well.  Add enough flour to form a soft dough.  Sprinkle a small amount of flour onto counter and let dough rest.  Meanwhile, grease a large bowl.  Knead dough until smooth and satiny and put in greased bowl; turn over to grease top. (I used the dough hook on my Kitchen-

Aid to knead this for about 4-5 minutes).  Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.  Punch down.  Turn out onto a floured board.  Divide into portions for shaping; let rest 10 minutes.  Shape dough into desired forms.  Place on greased baking sheets.  Let rise until doubled. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Baste immediately with butter.  Yield: 5 to 6 dozen.  Serve with Cinnamon Honey Butter. 

*Extra Tips: Shape the rolls into a rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick, then fold it in half, making it an inch thick. Roll over the dough to seal the two halves and using a dough scraper, cut them into squares and place them on the baking sheet 

[Photo]

Home

I've only been married a year but I'm already dreaming about having my own home.

How wonderful would that be?

I can decorate it as I please.

Plan parties and invite people over.

I simply can't wait.

I'm a little obsessed with bathrooms and kitchens.

Aren't these two just lovely?

Oh if only...

Cream Cheese Rippled Pumpkin Bread

Oh my are you ready for Fall as much as I am?

My mouth is already watering for Fall recipes.

Check out this yummy pumpkin bread with cream cheese, mmm!

"This pumpkin bread is very moist, with just enough spice and pumpkin flavor.

The cream cheese ripple is so, so good – if I would change anything, I might double the cream cheese filling."

Cream Cheese Rippled Pumpkin Bread

From Joy of Baking
Makes two 9″x5″ loaves
Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounce package (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour

Pumpkin Bread

1 cup (110 grams) toasted pecans or walnuts [optional, I leave them out]
3 1/2 cups (450 grams) all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 large eggs
2 cups (400 grams) granulated white sugar
1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 – 15 ounce (425 grams) can pure pumpkin
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9″x5″ pans.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Beat the cream cheese just until smooth in a stand mixer or food processor. Add the sugar and process just until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, processing just until incorporated. Do not over process. Stir in the flour. Set aside.

For the Pumpkin Bread:

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl and set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs until lightly beaten. Whisk in the sugar and melted butter, then stir in the pumpkin, water, vanilla extract, and (optionally) nuts.
Stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture, being careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are fine.

Divide the batter in half. Take one half and divide it between the two pans. Pour half of the cream cheese filling into each pan, then top with the remaining half of batter. Smooth the tops and bake an hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn out and cool loaves to room temperature.

Fall's Top 12 Trends

Are you ready for Fall?
Here's some great fashion to get you into the season.

1. Pendants

2. Midi skirts & dresses

3. Chunky-heeled boots

4. 70s platforms

5. Capes & ponchos

6. Bellbottom flares

7. Spicy tones

8. Hiker boots

9. Tie-neck blouses

10. Faux fur

11. Ladylike bags

12. Feather pony-tails

Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps

Photo Credit

See full recipe at Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Mentionable unmentionables

There's a member of our family who loves to get a hold of my unmentionables.

No not him, the other him.

The furry him.

It's really sort of strange.

I can't understand a bit of it.

I devised a plan to keep them up in a high unreachable place.

Amazingly though, somehow he still got a hold of a pair.

It's really the only time you can say, "I still love the little pervert."

This time, we got them to fight back.

Life

Recently I've started wondering what my life will be like.

I've always known what I want it to be like.

I could describe it, explain it, draw it, cut out a million pictures depicting it. But I've realized that's probably not the life I'm going to get.

I think this because it's already happening.

My life has gotten progressively better through one factor or another.

Graduating from high school was great, moving out was better, living on my own and meeting so many people was the best.

It's truly amazing how your life can change and before you know it, you're in a different place and you can't believe you got there.

There was one night when I decided to take a drive and it changed my life. The drive was harmless. Truly. However, it sparked a series of events that has changed the entire course of my life.

I am now somewhere I never would've imagined I'd be.

As I sit and think back, I had it really great before. As time passed and situations changed, it was a natural step in the general direction of my life but will now forever shape my future.

It's so strange to me. Realizing it now, it's overwhelming to think about all the different outcomes that could come next.

Where do I want to go? What do I want to happen ? How much control do I have over the ending?

I guess that's just life.

7 Tips to Avoid Making Bad Shopping Decisions

7 TIPS TO AVOID MAKING BAD SHOPPING DECISIONS

1. What you did: You just purchased a really cute dress from Ebay, and even though it said “one size only,” you still bought it anyway.

What to do: Purchase at big retailers.

Ebay is such a great marketplace to find inexpensive clothing. But, most Ebay retailers and small shops do not offer returns and exchanges. No matter how big or small your purchase may be, the regret feeling is the same in both situations. To prevent this from happening, make sure you shop at large retailers that offer returns. Even Style Icon HallieDaily believes that “if you don’t take tags off and don’t damage the clothes, it is easy to [get] a full refund.” So, if you decide to change your mind on that Rachel Zoe furry jacket, at least you’re able to return it and not be obligated to look like an abominable snowman everyday.

2. What you did: Your favourite colour is red, and you just spotted this really great cut out tank top in red! Must. buy. it.

What to do: Ask yourself consciously if you have a similar top and if you need it.

As you’re shopping, we’re pretty sure you’re naturally attracted to your favourite colour, style, etc. Instead of picking up the item immediately and going to the nearest mirror, stop for a second and think to yourself if you already have a similar item back at home. If you can answer a “maybe,” odds are that you most likely already have that item. You may just need to take it out from that corner of your closet, dust it off, and wear it out happily.

3. What you did: You went to the mall just to buy a pair of heels for work. But, you ended up with heels, a pleated skirt, and a handbag. Uh oh.

What to do: Plan it – with a pen and paper.

Seeing all those colours, textures, and signs when shopping can be overwhelming for your brain. So, instead of going for a pair of heels, it’s no surprise you end up with a brand new outfit with the heels. Style Icon, TheVagabond suggests, “noting down certain colours/palettes to watch out for [and] the certain colours that you’d like to add to your wardrobe.” Not only will jotting it down help you remember, but physically holding the list in front of you may actually help hold back your impulses, too. In addition, realistically writing what you think you will buy can help you debate whether or not you really need it when you’re at your shopping destination!

4. What you did: You and your friends decide to go shopping and you guys ended up at your favourite store. Naturally you know your size there and ended up snagging a few pieces – without trying them on.

What to do: Not only try it on in the fitting room, but walk out the fitting room with the clothes.

It’s normal to know your size at your favourite store, but this can get carried away when you start clicking quantities of 5 online. However, the luxury of shopping at the store is that you’re able to try clothes on. What would really help is not only trying the clothes on, but also try walking outside the fitting room to see how you feel. Usually, when we see something we really like no matter where you try it on, you’ll always want to wear it. See if you get that feeling once you step out the fitting room and into the public corridor. Walk in and out to see if you feel confident (even slightly is a good sign!) about what you’re wearing. If so, you know you’re not going to regret it once you have it in your closet.

5. What you did: After seeing your favourite blogger wearing a neon handbag, you get yourself a pair of neon leggings, neon headbands, and neon lipstick. But once you start wearing it, you realize the neon makes you look like a highlighter and instead of highlight your features.

What to do: Don’t indulge in trends, go for what’s really you.

While flowy midi skirts and onsie rompers are trending, figure out whether or not these types of looks are for you. Sometimes we see someone with a gorgeous outfit, but it may end up looking drab on yourself. Take it from Style Icon TurqouisePassion who says, “I try to avoid a look that’s too [seasonal] so [that] I don’t get tired of it quickly.” So, try not to indulge in what’s trending now, and if you’re not sure of what your style is – don’t go shopping online. Instead try a few outfits out at the store and see if you feel and look comfortable. If you end up looking and feeling strange, odds are that ‘trend’ is not for you.

6. What you did: You’re having a cruddy day at school, so after school you decide to hit up your favourite store. Before you know it, you ended up with five pieces of the same crew top.

What to do: When feeling bad, don’t go shopping mad.

Ah, lots of us are guilty for engaging in some shopping therapy when we’re feeling bad. But, don’t do it! Though most times it does make us feel better, it’s like feeding your brain a drug – as you buy more, you get an instant high! And as you’re ‘high,’ your brain is less likely to be on the conscious level on making decisions. So, if you are feeling cruddy, it’s better to go home, take photos of yourself in a rocking outfit, and have it uploaded here on Chictopia.com. It’s free and you won’t need to worry about having too many clothes!

7. What you did: You and your boyfriend don’t know what to do for the day, so dressed in sweats, you guys decide to go to the mall before the movies.

What to do: Dress your best!

When you’re dressed in sweats, you may not be looking your best. So naturally, you think you look absolutely dreadful as you see your blurred reflection against the store windows with those meticulously dressed mannequins peering through. It’s almost an ‘on switch’ for your brain to immediately buy clothes that look better than what you have on. It’s best to dress your best (or at least your near best) so the clothes from the boutique can’t even compare to your awesome outfit.

By Crystal (watermoolen)

Source

How to Wear: Neons

Have you heard about the neon trend? It's taking everyone by storm including celebrities, bloggers, and girls on the street. It can be a tricky mix and very overwhelming when you've never mixed it into your wardrobe before. So to help give you peace of mind, I've got some inspiration from some of Chictopia’s best and brightest. You’ll soon be splashing on the fluorescents and catching everyone’s eye.

TINY TOUCHES

If the fear of coming off as a giant highlighter (a totally valid fear, by the way) is keeping you from filling your closet with neon, then you should dip into the trend with accessories. Take any neutral piece in your closet, add a bright bangle or belt and WHAM! Instant chic!

An electric hued purse is a great way to show off your neons like kayture did with her tangerine bag. Or, get in on the oversize clutch trend like fashionchalet We love a pair of crazy colored kicks like PinkRibbons. Get yourself a pair and stand in awe at how versatile they are. Frame your face with a neon scarf like jamour’s and get that darling glow-from-within look.

A PRETTY PUNCH
The power of a punch of neon is undeniable. Think of it as a neon sign to draw attention to your favorite features. And here at Chictopia we’ve got a lot of ladies who love showing neon off on their legs!

Take BROOKLYNBLONDE’s look for example. Her bold high waisted pants spotlight her long legs. The same goes for FRICKYS, ATLANTICPACIFIC and BEWARE_OF_MY_HEELS in their magnificent minis. When splashing on one neon piece leaving everything else neutral is usually a safe bet and the contrast is gorgeous!

BIG & BOLD
Don’t let the thought of full on neon have you running for your LBD. All you have to remember is one little trick to prevent you from looking like a glow stick: color-blocking.

Pick your two or three favorite colors and throw one on top and the other on bottom. Just keep the cut of the pieces simple. A pair of bold streamlined skinnies with a vibrant crew neck long sleeve top provides the perfect balance of color. JOANNATAMSIN and StylePantry rock the combo like it’s their job!

A structured blazer and a swinging mini works just as well. We love BROWNEYES’ take on the trend (bonus points for her matching lipstick!). A prim and proper pencil skirt is wild in an unexpected neon hue. JENIFER_A looks mesmerizing in hers!

How bright will you go?

Sourceby Missy Steinberg
Main image via Sergi Pons for View of the Times

Feather Denim

(H&M shirt; F21 skirt; Franco Sarto heels; H&M shades; Nats bracelets & earrings}

This morning when my alarm went off AJ wasn't even in bed yet.

He's a night owl.

He works til 1 AM and gets home all hyped up on caffeine.

He usually stays up watering the lawns, doing homework, and whatever other random things men do in their spare time.

After I hit snooze to lay in bed a little longer, he came strolling in.

Me: "Hi! I stole your pillow because it's fabulous and I knew you wouldn't go to bed until I woke up!"

AJ: "Thief"

{He has one of those tempur-pedics that is basically heaven in foam form and shapes to your head}

Me: "Your pillow is so nice. I want one."

AJ: "Lets get you one.....I mean don't worry about it."

Then I asked him how he could possibly stay up so darn late!

I'm a morning person through and through.

I love to get up before anyone else and enter the world with everyone still in bed.

So as he lays in bed and cuddles up to me he says.

AJ: "I'm like a sleep camel."

Me: "What's a sleep camel?"

AJ: "A camel only drinks water when it can get it. So it can save it up. I only sleep when I can get it....

That doesn't make sense, but it made sense in my sleepy head."

Adam's Canyon

 Monday we decided to "do something fun."

Monday's are husband's day off so we have the night to spend together.

He always asks me what I want to do.

And I'm never sure about what sounds good.

So he usually says, "Let's do something fun."

Which generally means anything besides watching a movie.

Well, I love going on walks. 

So I said to him if I had to think of something, I'd say to go on a walk.

Which he responded to "Why don't we hike up Adam's canyon?"

That's considered a walk I guess and it's something he wants to do that's not a movie so I conceded.

Gosh don't we live in a beautiful world?

I can't believe how gorgeous everything looks from a mountain side when the sun is setting in the sky.

It's just amazing.

We are so blessed to have such beautiful things around us.

Turkey Crescent Roll-ups

I also made these for our trip to Pineview.

They turned out well but we ate them cold so I'm sure they would've tasted yummier hot.

I saw a picture of a roll-up so I decided to make an adaptation and put my own favorite things inside.

Then cooked it according to the package instructions.

Ingredients:

1 package of Phillsbury crescent rolls

Sliced pepperjack cheese

Sliced mesquite turkey

Honey mustard sauce

Directions:

I squeeze honey mustard on each triangle of dough then layered slices of turkey with slices of cheese then rolled each one up.

I placed them on an oiled cookie sheet and baked at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

I want to try these again but use pesto, mozarella, and tomato.

Peanut Butter S'mores

I made these for our little trip to Pineview.

They turned out super yummy so AJ was all over them like white on rice.

PEANUT BUTTER S'MORES

1 1/2 sticks (or 3/4 cup) butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 (3.4 oz) package instant chocolate pudding

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

2-1/4 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

10 oz bag Reese's Peanut Butter Chips

1-1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Stir together flour, salt and baking soda and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together.

Add in pudding package and beat until well blended.

Add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Add flour mixture slowly until well incorporated.

Add Reese's Peanut Butter Chips and mini marshmallows and mix in.

Roll into 1" balls and place on greased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!

Fall

My heart literally leapt out of my chest when I saw this picture.

I love Fall.

I love Fall and everything that goes with it.

Sweaters, Jackets, Boots, Pants, Leaves, Books, & School.

I can't even do it justice by explaining it in words.

The feeling I get when I think about these things is pure bliss.

I am so jealous of all the little kiddies that get to start school soon and am so anxious for the upcoming weather that follows.

This picture perfectly depicts all the things I love most in this world and how badly I wish I could bottle it all up and take it with me everywhere.

{Plus, I secretly wish I was one of the lucky ones to have red hair...luv you C, S, & Goose}

12 Big, Fat Lies

Pineview

On Saturday, me and AJ decided to take a little family trip up to Pineview.

It was a lot of fun.

I made some crescent roll-ups and peanut butter s'mores (recipes later).

And we did a little swimming, lounging, and relaxing.

We didn't have a boat or anything to take up so we had long covnersations about how we thought we might want to own one some day or if we'd ever live in a community like the ones around there.

The scenary was just perfect for a Saturday evening and the heat had calmed down nicely.

I can't wait to go again soon before the autumn winds and rain settle in.

Wanna come next time?

We'd love for you to join us.