The B-E-S-T Blueberry Scone Recipe ever. No, really. EVER.

I had my daughter's birthday last weekend and we decided to make sort of a brunch for the family which was pretty cool and I made all this finger food stuff. Then I came upon a really delicious recipe for blueberry scones and a really nice lemon glaze to top it off!

I loved it so much (and the fam loved it too). I decided to share the recipe with you!
Note: I really am not much of a cook or baker. So it's a pretty big deal when I find a recipe that is SUPER EASY to make. I will include the original source(s) at the end of this post.

BLUEBERRY SCONES (10-12 servings)
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
6 tbsp salted butter
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh) I used fresh blueberries!

For the lemon glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon lemon extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400(F).

2. Place all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) into a bowl. 

3. Cut the butter into slices and place them in the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to mix everything together until you have made a lumpy, yellowish tinge in the entire batter.

4. In a separate smaller bowl (I used the same measuring cup I measured the buttermilk), add your vanilla, egg and buttermilk and mix well.

5. Add the blueberries into the lumpy batter. Be sure to have all of them completely covered in dry batter. (The author says this helps to avoid bleeding)

6. Make a hole in the middle of your lumpy batter. Pour buttermilk mixture into the hole and start mixing carefully until all your batter becomes moistened.

7. In the original recipe, the author says place the mixture on a board and cut the batter into circles. I preferred the muffin pan method. Just spray some PAM, pour into the pan (about 3/4 full) and after 12-14 minutes (until the edges are golden brown), done!
Note: She puts some buttermilk and sprinkles sugar at the top of the scones before baking. If you'd like to do that sort of thing.

While the scones are baking, you could also make the lemon glaze which takes like almost nothing.
Mix the sugar, milk and lemon extract by whisking. Once you have a white-ish, gooey mixture, brush it or pour onto the scones once they cooled down a bit.

Took this baby to work. :9

I mean, super easy. If you try it out, let me know! 
Cause I know my first time is usually like the experimental stage and this time is was more like level Expert. The lemon glaze was an idea I threw in there and it was better than the first time around. :D

If you'd like to see the original recipes: Buttermilk Blueberry Scones; Lemon Glaze

Friday's Letters

Since I haven't posted in a LONG while...I decided to participate in this week's Friday's Letters. 

Cheating? Maybe. But I don't mind. I pass by her blog a lot and I love seeing her new bundle of joy :D

Dear Friday, you are the last Friday of the month and this also means that I am one week closer to my cruise <3 Excited? You bet your happy ass I am.

Dear Carnival Cruise, I am excited to finally get to see what the fuss is about cruising that makes people go crazy for. It's the all-you-can-eat, isn't it?

Dear E, you are getting so big I can't imagine what it's going to be like when you are talking and walking around like your brother. I love seeing how he makes you so happy and how excited you get when he comes back from "school". It brings tears to my eyes...

Dear JD, you are such a great big brother and such a good little (oops, big) boy. You are such a sweetheart and such a great kid and I'm not just saying that. Seriously. You're great. I am one lucky momma.

Dear Edward, I love you. That is all.

Dear me, you should stop slacking from your workout mode. One whole week without stepping foot in the box*, shame. You bring shame!

Dear Breaking Bad, I am one episode away from being completely caught up until your series finale. Can I just say, your creator, is the devil.

Dear SVU, WHAT A GREAT EPISODE. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO START THE SEASON.

Happy Friday readers.

Day 9 BLOGTEMBER

"A self portrait"

After much thought and several of "no", "ew", "what the hell...?"'s, I finally took one. I NEVER take pictures of myself anymore. I mainly take pictures of the kids, well, because they come out great in every picture! I for one, have terrible luck in self portraits.

...I should smile more.

Five on Friday...and MORE!

It's Friday! Oh my...I can't believe this week has passed by so quick! It seemed like so long ago that I was waiting for my birthday and now I'm officially 24 as of Sunday!

You're a baby!

So I'm told. But that doesn't bother me. I've always been the baby of every group of people I'm in. It's weird to be the oldest one @.@ I've already got that problem with being the oldest of 3.

My birthday/labor day weekend consisted of BBQ, beach, presents, cake and milestones! My baby E has officially started standing up (grabbing on to something of course) and she's unstoppable! She's also got her second tooth popping out so you all know what that's like: drool central.

On to my Five on Friday for this week:

{ONE}

I am LOVING my new coffee maker! As I have mentioned in previous posts, I was resorting to making coffee the old fashioned way, which meant that I wasn't having any coffee some mornings due to rushing out the door. Then birthday morning, BAM! I've got myself a new coffeemaker! I am in love!

Who wants a coffeemaker for their birthday?

ME.

{TWO}

My munchkin JD. He's been so patient with me and so loving...it's unfathomable how much a child loves their mom. Because I know I love him from heaven and back <3

{THREE}

Date Nights <3 This is so important as a couple to get away from it all for a bit. Although we came home before 12 (damn, I think it was even before 10), we enjoyed a little bonding time with each other. I think he's more than aware of how chattery I get after a couple drinks. Oops. lol

{FOUR}

via ipsy website

OMGOSH OMGOSH OMGOSH! September is my favorite month because Fall is near and because it's the month I was born in. I love love LOVE the spoilers (I will post those up soon) and the bag is a sapphire blue which is the birthstone of the month. I CANNOT WAIT TO HAVE THAT BAG IN MY HANDS!

{FIVE}

Shame shame shame on me for not catching up yet! D: I know that it's pretty repetitive: drama = someone dying + someone has sex + something traumatic happens to important character.

So sue me, I like watching it especially in my down time. But more importantly than me missing out is SVU coming VERY VERY soon. 

via tumblr

Thanks for stopping by!

Five on Friday Link-Up

OK I'll bite. I have always wanted to join up since this week there are plenty of things that I am loving and you all know how much my brain likes to ramble on...

{ONE}

My baby MOVES! She's on the go and no one can stop this unstoppable force! ...Except sleep.

{TWO}

I think I'm getting to the point where Crossfit is the part of the day I look forward to. Which actually is a good thing! I used to loathe and complain about going and now I think of it as a day in the park. A park where I get extra sweaty. lol

{THREE}

The view from my classroom. I know I should be 100% focused on the lesson of the day but seriously. I can't help it if I can daydream a bit and zone out to all the things I am thinking at that particular moment...

{FOUR}

I went to try this for a week. 2 meals for $75/wk delivered right to your doorstep. Healthy eating which tastes SOOO good. I love it! Who knew healthy eating could not taste so bland? It's too good, in fact...

{FIVE}

courtesy of http://www.creativereview.co.uk

MY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND! Which also falls with Labor Day weekend so that means party party party! No, not really. 

But it does mean that I get to celebrate being home with the kids and the hubby :) And that is something definitely great to look forward to :D

Have a great Labor day weekend!

It's Friday, y'all!

Ok, I don't normally say "y'all" but it seemed like something that fit with "It's Friday"! ...Or am I wrong?

SO happy Friday to you all, there's a few things on my mind today...

When isn't there any?

- First and foremost, Ben Affleck as the new Batman.

courtesy of nerdist.com

Can I just say: I am neither for or terribly against it. I mean sure, it's weird seeing Holden (See: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) becoming the Dark Knight himself, and I don't necessarily agree that he would be a perfect candidate for Bruce Wayne. But like all movies, we just have to wait and see what the future holds. 

This is some big ass shoes for Affleck to fill and the internet is not a kind place ATM(*).

Observe, Exhibit A.

- I am seriously thinking about going on a trip to Target soon. Since Fall is upon us soon, the bikini and swimwear/outerwear are going to be on the clearance rack. Meaning more savings = more yummy drinks on the cruise. 

I swear I am not an alcoholic.

- This is my last weekend where I will be worry-free. I start classes again this Tuesday. yikes. I am sort of looking forward to it since I am just THAT much closer to graduating with my Bachelor's. But I'm pretty sure that I will be so much happier once I am in December. (end of the semester)

So, until Monday my fellow bloggers/readers :)

(*)At the moment.

Friday's Letters

Dear blog, I am horrible for leaving you alone for so long. Busy busy busy with many things and it makes me go nuts trying to keep up with you. But I have remained faithful to reading blogs every day. I think Blogger should create a better mobile form of you so I can keep at this at a normal rate. :3

Dear JD, I will have to thank your nana for putting you in a week of summer camp. I know that you are in a big need for being with other kids in your age range. I know that you will make your mommy and daddy proud :) I'm more than sure you are one friendly kid and make lots of friends. Just don't bite anyone...that's a definite no-no.

Dear E, aaaaahhhh! My beautiful baby girl, you are getting so big, where has the time gone? 7 months old and you are getting smarter and smarter. Pretty soon, I'll find you running into my arms :3 Just please, don't only call me "mama" only when you want something...makes me a little jealous that daddy gets the fun part of you.

Dear ipsy, your back to school theme this month has me super excited! Your Harry Potter-esque looking bag is totally awesome and makes me wish I was going to Hogwarts this year. And what's the surprise inside? Let us hope that it's something (hopefully) I like!

Dear Friday, you being here means we are getting closer to our cruise! We paid it off today and now even more excited! I am working extra hard in Crossfit so I can have that cruise body! Then eat my heart out on the all-you-can-eat only to come back to Miami and work hard to get rid of those extra pounds ;]

Happy Friday everyone!

Disclaimer: Links posted are referral links.

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday, I can't believe you are here again! Where has this week gone?!
Dear Blog, I promise I didn't mean to neglect you...but I'm back! I promise :)
Dear E, omygosh, I heard you finally speak (the first "da-das")! You are growing up so fast, I cannot believe that you are 6 months old already! <3

Happy 6 months E!

Dear JD, you are so precious to me. But I don't think you get it just yet. I know that all the attention looks like it's going to your little sister, but I promise, it's only temporary...
Dear bluum, I was a little disappointed this month with the stuff E got. Plus the shipping took a little longer than last time. BUT, at least I got them, right?
Dear Edward, I know you are crazy about having a dog in the house. I know you want JD to grow up with a best friend. I'm not ready. I'M NOT READY. T_T

Friday's Letters

Dear Miami weather, first you are hot. Then you are rainy. Then you are blazing hot and now you are extremely rainy with thunderstorms and everything. Please make up your mind. I do not work well with indecisive people, let alone indecisive weather. -.- Is there a hurricane I am not aware of?
Dear E, I feel like I'm in the singing frog situation where you are babbling away and it looks like you are about to say your first word. As soon as I pull out a camera, you stop. I'd like very much to catch this special moment and you are being silly. Do it for Mommy, please? Pretty please?
Dear Edward, I don't know how else to plead with you about the coffeemaker thing. I promise that this what I really want and it won't sit there in a corner!
Dear JD, I am so proud of you. You behaved like a good little boy at the movie theaters last week when you went to watch Monsters University with your aunt and uncle. AND you behaved extremely well when you were at church with your grandmother. Just, enough with that one piercing scream when you have to say good-bye.
Dear bluum, I can't wait to see what you have in store for E this month! "Little Chompers"? Right on time with the milestones, keep it up!
Dear Friday, you're back! But just like you came back so quickly, you will also end quickly. <.<;
Dear Crossfit, we will see each other again today. Bring it on!

Disclosure: Some of the links are referral links, which of course mean bonuses for you and me. Win-win, right? Otherwise, those links are just links to their respective websites.

Friday's Letters

Dear FIU Summer A: GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE.

Dear Cookie and Kisses: The next time you bark like crazy at the UPS guy or ANYBODY that comes to the house for that matter, I will be sure to muzzle the both of you. (no, not really but you don't need to know that)

Dear JD: You made my heart swell up with emotion the other night when you told me that you really love me. I really love you too baby <3

Dear E, Those grunting noises to get my attention does not work on me. Maybe to your grandparents but not me. Just stop, please. It was cute the first 100 times and now I'm just tired of it because you seriously think that you will get me to pick you up.

Dear Edward, Have I told you today that you are just the sweetest, most loving husband in the world? No? Well, I just did :)

Dear Readers, You guys rock, end of story. <3

Friday's Letters

Dear Mail-lady, Have I ever done anything to offend you that I gotta get attitude with eye rolling and everything? Or is it that you had to get out of your mail truck in order to give me my package?
Dear E, I assume when you pull away from me, you're done eating. So, why do you cry when I straighten you back up? Or when I do put you back, you pull and tug? It hurts. A LOT. Make up your mind, for both our sake, yes?
Dear JD, I know that you are a big boy. You don't let me forget it. But, those tantrums? Yeah, that's not big boy behavior. Please, oh please, get over the tantrum stage soon. kthanks.
Dear FIU, we are almost at the end of the Summer A term. Then good-bye until August! Then I will once again be your slave.
Dear people on FB, if I read ANY spoilers for Man of Steel, I promise you, I will leave you for the Twitter people.
Dear Candy Crush, I have been on the same level for 3 weeks now. 3 weeks! If you don't let up soon, I'm leaving you for another game.

Happy Friday readers.

Friday Phone Dump

So I feel like showing off my weekly pictures over at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom so I'm linking up!

I love seeing how big JD is getting and how proud he gets when he accomplishes something. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Although I thank my lucky stars he didn't try to hammer my finger...

The many faces of E. I love how happy she looks...it's like she knows the camera is ready to take a photo of her and she puts forth her best smile. <3 JD gets defensive when I take too many pictures of them, he looks like he has better things to do. Hahahaha...

I should have a series called "When E eats...". Seriously. Mission and a half. I think she wants to catch up with her big brother because it's impossible to feed her! She insists on keeping hold of the spoon. She's her own boss!

I have WAY too many pictures of E...but it always happens when you have a baby. JD has like 3+ SD cards of just him! He was such a cutie too <3

Friday's Letters

It is Friday's Letters over at The Sweet Season and I am linking up!

Dear Edward, I know that you hate when I say I told you so. But I did tell you! Why is it so hard to accept that I was right? It is some biological thing to have to prove me wrong? I love you, but believe me when I say that it was difficult enough to not let the words escape my mouth. But I f*cking told you so.

Dear JD and E, I know you guys don't do it on purpose but I feel like sometimes you guys plan these things out. Mommy and Daddy are really tired this morning from both of you crying last night at such odd hours of the night...have patience with us today, kay?

Dear Apartment, you know how I like to keep you clean and organized? Could you stay that way for like a month? Please?

Dear School, I have 2 weeks left of you. Please stop with the 5 chapters a week thing. I am losing my mind and my sleep trying to keep up. And no more trick questions. I really hate that.

Remixing Wardrobe? Whaaaaa?

I still dress as if I am still a 17 year old. And I'm talking MY 17 year old self--baggy pants, tank tops, loose fitted clothing. Edward recently started buying more "woman-like" clothing for me and I feel like a fish out of water. I liked my tom-boyish look...-.- and I don't want to dress like a mom. There are clothes in my closet (given to me as gifts) which I have not even worn.

Soooo, I started doing some googling (this should be an official word by now) and I found this page Putting me together. I have no fashion sense. I did not know a lot of things that this page was talking about but it peaked my curiosity and helped me see clothes in a different way. Remix-able!

So I am challenging myself to try to change up my look and try something new. I'm not getting younger (ok, I know 23 is not old, but it feels it when you have 2 kids!) and instead of   buying new clothes, I'll change it up!

What about you? Are you fashion forward or fashion handicapped? Maybe this website could help you out or reinforce what you already knew?

- Mel

Friday Phone Dump

Should be called smartphone dump, but I'm linking up to show off a little bit of my adventures :P

1. My poor JD (this was LAST Friday). He was really sick, throwing up and all that ugly jazz. He spent most of the day sleeping which I'm guessing really re-energized the little one cause...
2. I find him Saturday morning COVERED in permanent marker. Oh and my bed too. And me. And Edward. I'm guessing that it happened in the middle of the night. Where he found the Sharpie? Your guess is as good as mine.
3. While I was trying to figure out how to remove all the ink from JD (and my bed which to no avail was I able to remove it.), E was also grumpy because she was very sleepy. Edward started playing the guitar...and there's your result. Sweet lullaby hearing her father play the guitar for her.

4. These two are the sweetest little things to each other. I love how much JD loves his little sister...these are the moments I cherish.
5. E is just so cute.
6. On Saturday (permanent marker incident), we went out for an Aunt's birthday. This is me taking a picture of Edward's food as incentive to hurry up and get to the restaurant or his food will get cold! lol

7. E was just chilling in her little rocker when I noticed she was doing something with her feet. She was grabbing them! Omgosh. I took a few pictures and sent them to Edward. She's getting so big!
8. Feeding time with E! Now that she knows she's growing up so fast, now she thinks she can feed herself. Hm, nice try, you got a long way to go!
9. Now this one, JD CANNOT be growing up so fast. Edward was in Wal-Mart and besides buying him some new crayons (never again -.-), we bought him a dry-erase book for letters. I'm thinking JD is too small for it. Think again Mommy! He took a HUGE interest in the book. He's such a smart cookie...It's nuts (hahaha).

I love taking pictures of E when she's super concentrated on something. It makes me wonder what's going through her mind...

- Mel