Friday, November 30, 2012

Fantastic Discovery

My husband and I decided to take a day to our selves and go out and shop around town. Belgium has unique things. I really wanted to go to the art store here and find some paint. I really want to make these hand ornaments out of the salted flour dough and paint them as Santa Claus. The post on Pinterest is super cute so I am going to give a go and I will blog about the results when I get them done.

So we got paint and paint brushes. We went to the mall and picked up Christmas presents for family and friends. Then we went looking for a stocking for a stocking exchange I am doing and I was surprised to realize the Belgians don't fill stockings. I wonder if it's an American thing. I did find my amazing new Christmas table cloth and runner and then my husband found this sugar. It's not just any sugar it's FLAVORED sugar. I got the Strawberry, Cotton Candy, Green Apple, and Chocolate. I thought about doing a give away since this is so awesome. If I get enough interest I might do it.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Coffee talk # 2

So this is the second coffee talk I've participated in and I am having so much fun with it and bring something new to my blog. I decided to do this again.

1. What is the meaning behind your blog name?

I am a huge strawberry fan. I love anything and everything strawberry. I am also a sprinkles fanatic. I have a huge massive collection of sprinkles that I hesitate to touch because of my love for them and how beautiful and simple they make everything look. When I was starting my blog I wanted something that meant something to me and could bring some of who I am to my blog.

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That is just a few of them. I have since added to my collection =P

2. How long have you been blogging? What made you start?

I have been blogging since 2011. I mostly started to blog because it's lonely over here in Belgium and I needed a creative outlet to help me get through this long assignment. I also wanted to start saving my favorite recipes. I found that people wanted to know what I was cooking, how I was doing it, and the recipes I used or came up with on my own. So Strawberry Sprinkles was born.

3. What is your blog generally about?

Mostly food and the traveling I do around Belgium and Germany. I love baking and love to share what I've created and recipes for others to use.

4. Do you have any funny blogs you would like to share?

I am still very new to blogging so I haven't met a lot of people yet. So I may come back to this.

5. What are your hopes for your blog?

Honestly I would just love to be able to provide new and fresh recipes. I don't really want to make money or anything off my blog. If I do then hey that is amazing and I would love to be able to sponsor give aways and things like that but if not that is awesome too. I just want to be able to connect to readers and meet new people =)

Coffee Talk with Natalie Blair


Please come Join Natalie & the other wonderful bloggers who are joining in the coffee talk.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Brugge Ice Festival

Every year in Brugge, a very famous city in Belgium, puts on a big Ice show. 30 artists from 12 different countries including the USA come together to form a team and create these massive ice sculptures. Last year's theme was Paris Disney. This year's theme was Harry Potter, The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings. If you would like some information like pricing & addresses you can check out that link Here.

This year we went for my son's 9th birthday. We took one of his friends and off to the train station we went. We had to change trains in Brussels and while we were hustling our way to the next station we saw a huge gigantic train made all in chocolate. It was to celebrate Brussels chocolate week.

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We had to take 2 trains to get there and it can be quite a bumpy & long ride. The boys did really well and my husband I just chatted the whole way there. It wasn't too bad and most of the trains were fairly nice. They have 2 classes. You have first class and then you have 2nd class. We went on a weekend day so our fare was half price and kids under 12 are free which saves a bundle of money.

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My children and Jakob's friend Jeremy being goobers on the train. I love the second picture. It perfectly captures my youngest son's personality. He is quite the character.

We finally make it the Brugge train station. I had been previously disappointed because there was no StarBucks at the Brussels midi station. What do I find staring at me in the Brugge train station??? Yes, a Starbucks!! It wasn't there last year. The Starbucks in Belgium are all hours away from me so I took advantage of this magical moment and got a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. Let me just say there was a moment between me and my coffee. I also got a new Starbucks mug to add to my collection & the new 2012 ornament for the tree. I am thrilled! I love coffee. The boys also got some cinnamon roll things and hot chocolate. They were loving it.

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After my freak out because there was a brand new Starbucks in the station we headed over to the Ice Festival. When they say it's chilly, they mean it. They gotta keep that ice cold. I had 2 layers on plus a wool jacket and massive scarf and gloves and I was frigid. The boys were cold but they didn't care. They were too busy going down the ice slides to care worry about that.

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A little dwarf dude and Ice Festival sign greeted us and that is when the cold hits you. You need a minute to take it all in that is for sure.

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I want to party with those guys!

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You know some one was ribbing their friend and saying "I dare you." Seriously..

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I think the sculptors have a sense of humor.



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Giant mug o ice beer anyone?

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You Shall Not Pass!!

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Scary!

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My husband losing his head!

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Chilling literally =P

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Seriously an ice slide!! How fun is that?!? To bad they didn't have the ice shovels this year to let the kids fly down that thing. I wonder if people got hurt with it last year and that is why they didn't do it again.

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Jakob and his friend Jeremy.

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My little man Conner


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Finally able to relax with some coffee and warm up! I hope everyone enjoyed living through us on this magical journey through the ice. If you get the chance to go, please do! This is a once in a life time experience and something you won't regret getting to see. This was our last year being able to do this so I am glad we went.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Friday Favorites # 2

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know we can all find something to be thankful for! We are in Europe right now so I am thankful for family who called to talk to us and friends who came over and celebrated with us to help us all feel a little less home sick. I think I am still turkey drunk ; )

Today I am going to tell you about my absolute favorite Etsy store to order cupcake supplies from. They have seriously everything a baker could dream of. Also score for you guys right now they have a sale coming up Monday at Midnight you can use the code THANKS15 to get 15% off your order. I am not lying when I say I get everything from them. They have single handily fueled my sprinkle addiction =P Go check them out The Bakers Confection .

First let me show you what I love about them. I get so excited every time I get one of their boxes. The ladies put such a personal touch in these boxes. They don't just slap it together and throw some bubble wrap and call it a day. They added glitter.. that speaks volumes!!

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Yeah see, not kidding about the glitter. Glitter makes me happy.

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They add a recipe in the box along with a thank you note. It's super awesome.

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Close up of the cute recipe card.

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As you can see I make a ton of cupcakes and yup more sprinkles. One of these days I will have to show you my sprinkle collection =P I need sprinkles addiction anonymous.

Let's go over a little of what they offer. They have a nifty bulk/close out section if you are looking to save some money. That is awesome in its self if you ask me. Who doesn't like deals? They offer printables, cupcakes liners both regular, mini, & jumbo, they offer straws/cake pop sticks, sprinkles, food coloring, spices, twine, tie bags, and so much more.

I wanted to show how amazing they are and I asked if I could share their beautiful photography with you because as you can see mine leaves something to be desired. All the credit goes to The Bakers Confection for the photos below.

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Photo by The Bakers Confection, used with permission

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Photo by The Bakers Confection, used with permission

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Photo by The Bakers Confection, used with permission

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Photo by The Bakers Confection, used with permission

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Photo by The Bakers Confection, used with permission

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Photo by The Bakers Confection, used with permission

If that doesn't convince you to go visit their amazing little spot on the web I don't know what will! Please go stop by and tell them Ashley from Strawberry Sprinkles said hello! You can also find them on Facebook, go by and give them a LIKE

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What to give your favorite baker for Christmas pt.1

I don't know about you guys but I know I have tons of people I love who bake. I am always wracking my brain for ideas of what to get them that they could truly use. Here is a good list that you can use for a few ideas.


First I would be remiss if I did not mention a Kitchenaid mixer. It is the true workhorse in my kitchen and I would not be cranking out half the things I make without it. This mixer makes my life so much easier. It is also so versatile and you can buy all kinds of attachments for it. You can make your own pasta & ice cream with it as well.

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They retail between 267$ and on up from there. Here is a link where you can purchase one from Amazon

Next up is a good, cute apron. I can't seem to bake without getting flour in my hair, on my clothes, or all over my kitchen. I always make a huge mess so this is essential. I love Jesse Steel. The company makes amazing aprons and they are so old school and retro.

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You can find them all over Amazon for less than 40$. This makes the perfect Christmas present.

If the baker in your life decorates cakes this next item is a must. This bad boy is so sturdy and revolves making your next cake frosting a job a piece of cake so to say ;) Ateco is a great company and I will swear by them and this stand.

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You can find that here on Amazon.

Next up is measuring cups and spoons. This area so you have so many choices and some are better than others. My personal favorite is the set I am using from Pampered Chef. You really just gotta look around and see what fits you and what you are comfortable using. Here a few ideas though.

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You can find that Here on Amazon. It retails for less than 10$ making this a very affordable gift that your baker will appreciate.

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If you are looking for something quirky or just not the norm this is perfect. I love these. You can find those here for less than 11$. This is another affordable gift.

Next up is a Food Processor. I am in Europe so we use 220 power so right now I have a cheapy food processor that gets me by until we move back to the states and I get a nice one. I could not live without my food processor. I love it! It chops and grates and purees things in seconds. Food processors are almost magical. They can mix doughs together, grate cheese, make quick work of those veggies you need to chop up, and so much more. Here is the one I am currently drooling over.

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These are a little pricey but believe me when I say so worth it. You can find this one Here for 216$. You can NOT go wrong with this.

So that was pt. 1 of what to get a baker for Christmas. There is so much more and I will be doing a pt. 2 here soon. I hope this helps inspire some of you guys.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Favorite Things Friday # 01

So I am constantly being asked who to use for cupcake liners, premium vanilla, baking equipment, Kitchenaid or off brand, who to go to for spices, etc. etc. So I am going to start my favorite things Friday. Every Friday (well almost) I will try to post a new blog about a favorite product of mine. I am not being compensated or given anything free. These are all products I have purchased with my own money and have fallen in love with.

Without further adieu I give you Favorite Things Friday reveal 1. I am in love with, as if I could I would marry Beanilla. If you have never heard of them don't walk, run to this website as fast as your legs (or well fingers) will carry you. Why are you still here go to Beanilla. This site is essential in my baking. I won't, no I refuse to use any other site for my vanilla extracts, vanilla bean pods, or any other flavor extracts.

You are actually in luck because of Friday November 16th 2012 they are having a 25 for 25 sale. You get 25 Madagascar beans for 25 bucks plus free shipping. That is a steal, those beans can be expensive.


Let me give you a short run down as to why I love this company and then I will get into what the site offers and all that amazing stuff.

Living in Europe presents it's challenges. I have to use the APO mail box system and anyone who uses them can assure you it's a pain and it takes a long time to get anything. That is a problem for me as one I need ingredients that I can't get here in Belgium such as amazing vanilla, my American size cupcake liners, etc. etc. So I shop online and have to wait for the mail system to provide my goodies.

Beanilla got my box here in a week! So that a plus for them. I always love opening up my box and seeing this.

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Who wouldn't smile seeing that?

Another reason I love Beanilla is because they provide high quality vanilla at great prices. So far I have tried the Tahitian Vanilla that is to die for and now I am working on Madagascar vanilla. They are both amazing and I wish I could bath in it.. not really but you get the point.

I also ordered these glass jars to eventually make my own vanilla extract when we PCS back to the states.

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Throw some vodka and vanilla bean pods in there throw a bow on it and you have yourself a fantastic Christmas present.

Beanilla also provides other wonderful extracts such as Chocolate extract, Lavender flavor, Cinnamon flavor, Cherry Extract, Coffee flavor, raspberry extract, coconut, orange, almond, and it keeps going.

They provide an assortment of glass jars and bottles and also have instructions so you can even make your own vanilla extract.

So for all your extract and vanilla needs please be sure to give this site a chance. You will not be disappointed. I sure wasn't.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Coffee Talk # 10

So I am really trying to be more active and steer my blog away from just more than recipes. It's not really any fun unless you really get to connect with your audience and let them get to know you a little more.

So a friend recently has been doing swaps and I really wanted to get involved. So she steered me to a blog who is doing a coffee mug swap and that is awesome! It kinda stinks being overseas because the mail is sooooooooooooooooooo slow..literally slower than the speed of snail. Not joking here.

So without further adeu I give you coffee talk with the very funny mrs. Nat over at ohemgee

This week it's all about your pet peeves and bad habits and we all know I have a ton of those. I am super opinionated so here we go.

1. What is your worst habit?

By far my worst habit has got to be that I bite my nails and the skin around it. Also when I paint my nails, because I am super lazy, I don't repaint them until the nail polish has chipped its way off my nails. I know attractive. My hands are a mess. Here I'll even throw in an example. No judging.

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2. What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve has got to be when my family leaves trash around the house. Case in point- my husband is losing weight right now so he makes these nasty diet shakes and drinks them in the living room. He will just set them on the window sill behind the couch, his computer desk, or even on TOP OF THE TV. As you can tell that infuriates me to no end. I don't get why he can't simply pick up his cup and take it to the trash can. My children are included in this. They leave trash all over the place. It is seriously maddening.

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^ Totally my husband ^




3. What is annoying you right this very minute?

This is an easy one. We are waiting for the USAF to give us orders so we can get the heck out of dodge (Belgium). It's maddening waiting for something and being told well for sure on this day.. no just kidding we actually meant this day... oh just kidding 2 more weeks. I really just want to know where we are going so I can start planning our PCS back to the states.

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4. How do you relieve stress?

I either drink a nice glass of red sparkling wine, watch my favorite shows, or bake.

5. What TRULY makes you happy?


Maybe it's cliche but really it's my family. They are my rock. This includes my amazing mom and dad & my husband & boys. My boys are truly one in a billion. They are both seriously hilarious and so loving. My husband is hilarious too, well when he is not being irritating by leaving his empty cups everywhere ;)

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I hope you enjoyed reading about my bad habits and pet peeves =P

Coffee Talk with Natalie Blair