Hey there!
So, it's now going on my third week of Cinch! I sprained my ankle so I haven't been able to get as much exercise in as I had hoped - but I'm still down in my weight and plan to weigh in again and measure in a few days.
I'm still feeling really great and am truly enjoying the program. I have started incorporating more food and snacks into my diet instead of a shake or a bar and I have gotten my appetite, portions and hunger much more under control.
I think a lot of the credit goes to Cinch for that! I saw a friend yesterday - one of my very best and dearest friends in the world - and even she noticed I've slimmed down a bit.
However, I might be undoing what Cinch has done due to my new obsession:
 |
| Image courtesy of ME! |
A KitchenAid Stand Mixer!
I have been wanting one of these for quite some time. And this one was free. Yes - you read that right.
Free.
How, you ask? Thanks to my wonderful mother - this beauty was laying unused and unloved in the basement at my parents house.
How did I
not know she had this? Apparently she bought this when I was in high school. I had no clue. And, she had no clue I wanted one.
Equally silly on all parts.
So, her nearly $300 investment years ago is my amazingly awesome gain. Now, onto my newest obsession - aside from the mixer - baking. As you all know, I love Pinterest. I've been pinning recipes for quite some time. Sadly (until now), each time I read the recipe or directions for these lovely looking breads, muffins, cupcakes, pretzels and more - they all seemed to call for a mixer. Since I had nothing but some mixing bowls and a whisk - it just wasn't going to cut it. So, I pinned it, sighed and moved on.
 |
| All mixed & ready to assemble - so easy! |
Today is a different story! I literally
just whipped up a recipe in my new mixer for homemade vanilla cupcakes. I actually had all the ingredients in the house. However, I do not have the makings for any sort of topping or frosting - so today, I will cheat and go get some pre-made frosting. (shhhh - it'll be our secret!)
So, as I mentioned I had all the ingredients and made this recipe found on Allrecipes called Simple White Cake - you can see it
here. It received some fantastic reviews.
I have to admit that I was a little nervous making something from scratch and using this mixer for the first time - but it went very nicely. The mixer is easy to use and really is so much better than my measly whisk and mixing bowl.
Oh boy, how I love the smell of vanilla! The house smells very yummy right now - and I'm not dying to dive into these cupcakes either! I may actually even abstain from having one - that's how awesome this Cinch Plan is :)
 |
Cupcakes cooling & waiting
to be frosted! |
Another side note - in case you counted in the picture - I have 11 cupcakes now made, that are cooling and waiting to be frosted.
Why 11 and not 12 like my baking pan allows? It never fails - whether it's prepared mixes or now apparently recipes from scratch - I always end up with not enough batter to fill that 12th spot! Quite frustrating, but at least I'm consistent!
Now that this initial baking adventure is done - I cannot wait to try more recipes, flavors and combinations. As I've learned on Pinterest - the possibilities are truly endless. My next project is to try making some homemade frosting - minus the trans fats of the Duncan Hines I bought just now.
That way, my family can enjoy the occasional tasty new treat - but they will be healthier versions with organic ingredients and no unwanted chemicals or trans fats.
Behold - the final product:
Not too shabby for my first go around. I had all the ingredients - minus the frosting. I now plan to make more and more goodies in the near future! I'm now debating whether or not to sprinkle the tops with some of those ball-shaped sprinkles. Hmmm - watch out, I'm unstoppable now! Hah!
Also, you can f
ollow my boards on Pinterest if you'd like!
Have a great night!
~Carly
