Mandarin Orange Cream Cake

My son always picks this for

his birthday cake in December.

But this cake is awesome in the

summer because the icing is light and creamy.

Mandarin Orange Cream Cake

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup vegetable oil. (I use canola)

15 oz. can of mandarin oranges including juice

4 eggs

Orange Cream Frosting

15 oz. can of crushed pineapple plus juice

15 oz can mandarin oranges drained

1 small box instant vanilla pudding

1  8-ounce container of Cool Whip thawed

Preheat oven to 350-degrees.

Start by preparing the cake pans.

I use two 9-inch round pans to make

a two-tiered cake, but you can make a 9 X13" cake.

If you need to remove the cake from the pan

to make the round layer cake,

rip off two sheets of waxed paper.

and stack them one on top of the other.

Trace around the bottom of

the cake pan you are using.

Cut out the two rounds

of waxed paper at the same time.

Place a waxed paper round

into the bottom of each cake pan.

Spray with Pam over the

waxed paper and sides of the pan.

Now mix up the cake ingredients in a large bowl.

The electric mixer will pulverize the mandarin

oranges and that's fine and yummy.

Divide the batter

among the two prepared pans

and bake according to the directions

on the cake mix box.

Allow cakes to cool about one minute,

then run a knife around the edge to loosen.

Place a cooling rack over the top of the pan...

Then, using oven gloves, flip the cake over

onto the rack and lift the pan.

The cakes will easily slide out.

Now, peel off the waxed paper.

While the cakes cool completely

whip up the cream frosting.

Mix together the fruits.

Add the pudding mix.

Use a large spoon to fold in the Cool Whip.

To frost the cake,

lay three small sheets of waxed paper onto

your cake plate as shown:

Place the first layer on top.

Spread with the orange cream.

Place the second layer on top and

frost the entire cake with the orange cream.

Carefully slide out the waxed paper

and you will have a clean cake plate.

I love seeing that smile

when Sonny sees his

Orange Cream cake!

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks first "I want what she has!" goes to Michelle McSweeney. I am loving this color block top!

Top: ??

I just love the little button detail on the arms too!
Sadly for me(and anyone else who wants this top), Michelle does not know the price or place of purchase, as it was a gift. ;( That's OK, I will just want what she has for this one! Great top Michelle, you look amazing and I want to borrow this one!



This weeks second "I want what she has!" goes to Kelly Duffy. I am loving her hair bling!

Hair Pins: $12.50 (set of 6) Claire's

These are great Kelly. Every girl needs a little sparkle and these are amazing for this holiday season (and NYE for sure). Thanks for reminding me that my hair could use a bit of "jewelry" too! ;)



This weeks third (and final) "I want what she has!" goes to Kristen Javens. Ummm, head to toe LOVE!

Dress: $22 Charlotte Russe
Shoes: $10 (on sale) Charlotte Russe

These prices are amazing. I just love when you not only get a good price, but the outfit doesn't look like it was that affordable. Wonderful holiday look and with 5 inch heels at a x-mas party, it's safe to say we are related for sure! lol

Have a Happy New Year!

Hope you all have a spectacular time celebrating -- see you in 2012! ;)

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Dance With Me Tonight

Today's song is "Dance With Me Tonight" by Olly Murs.
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Holiday Outfit

Dress: MNG by Mango, Jacket: The Desert Foxx's shop my closet, Shoes: Alloy, Tights: Modcloth, Necklace: Jewelmint, Ring: TplusJ Designs, Earrings: House of Harlow, Bag: Michael Kors

This was my Christmas Eve look. I love that this jacket was bought from a fellow blogger's shop my closet section and I think it was the perfect color for a holiday outfit!
I kept it simple yet classy in this black wrap dress with black and gold detail accessories. I know it's a bit matchy matchy with the gold and black ring, necklace, earrings, and bag, but it all looked so good together as I set the outfit out on my bed.
By hour 8 I was second guessing my choice of 5 inch heels, but all and all I loved this look. What do you think? (I felt a bit retro sturdiest, but in a good way;)

Product Review and Giveaway: Miracle Skin Transformer

As a member of IFabbo I am able to work with different brand members to do product reviews. I was beyond excited when I received my Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20, MST treat and conceal in light, and Miracle Skin Transformer body SPF 20 in Glow enhancer. Even though it was a risky move to start using these products over the holiday (what if they didn't work, all my holiday photos would be bad! Oh the horror! lol) I went for it and starting using them last Wednesday. I can say without a shadow of a doubt these products are AMAZING! Here's a little about them:
"Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20- An antioxidant-rich tinted skin enhancer that leaves your skin airbrushed, hydrated and protected in one easy step. Who knew that one product could transform skin instantly? Miracle Skin Transformer SPF20’s first-ever naturally derived silicone formulation is designed to improve skin texture, minimize fine lines and pores and reduce pigmentation spots over time.
MST treat and conceal- Erase imperfections with pigment rich coverage. Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal illuminates and visibly reduces imperfections. Blends seamlessly, immediately improving the complexion for flawless, fresher looking skin.
Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20- is a high performance tinted treatment body enhancer with a naturally derived silicone base plus antioxidants and natural actives that zeros in on your body’s skincare concerns to give skin a total transformation.
Transform the appearance of arms, legs and décolleté – you’ll see a difference instantly: Skin looks smoother, firmer, and totally flawless."
These products do what they promise to do! I used the MST treat and conceal under my eyes and the MST SPF 20 all over my face. I didn't need to use my photo finish because this product does the same thing, smoothes out your skin and makes you look perfect!
My skin looked flawless when I wore them and my husband kept telling me I look like a doll. (Well you don't see too many dolls with uneven skin, so I think that's what he meant.) My skin tone looks even, and in photos, it's down right amazing. I'd even explain it as porcelain esk. Yeah, that great! The MST body was also a pleasant surprise. I used it on my arms and the tinted lotion smoothed away any imperfections and made them look perfect and the glow picked up the right amount of light in photos. I can't wait to use this product on my legs on NYE. You need no hosiery because the MST body makes the skin tone even and smooth.

Now for the really exciting part. One lucky winner will win all 3 MST products I tried!
To enter to win (Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20, MST treat and conceal, and Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20) worth $118, leave me a comment in the comments section below telling me which Miracle Skin Transformer product you’d most like to try. Visit miracleskintransformer.com to see all the fabulous products they have. Make sure you leave me your email below too!

Get additional entries by doing each of the following (leave one comment below for each you do!):
- Like Sarah McNamara Beauty on Facebook (let me know you did so in your comment)
- Follow Sarah McNamara Beauty Miracle Skin Transformer on Twitter (let me know you did so in your comment)
- Tweet the following: @MiracleSkin and @sadbblog are giving away Miracle Skin Transformer products!(let me know you did so in a comment below)
- Follow Sarah McNamara Beauty on Tumblr (let me know you did so in a comment below)
- Follow Stilettos and Diaper Bags by email (left side of my home page). (let me know you did so in a comment below)

I must receive all entries by 1-11-12 and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be announce 1-12-12 at 7:00 am.

Tasty Thursdays: "Garlicky" Green Beans

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String beans are one of my favorite vegetables, and a fun way to jazz them up is with garlic! I found the following recipe on Delish & it serves 8 people.

Ingredients:

• 2 pound(s) green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoon(s) minced fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoon(s) minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh tarragon or 2 teaspoons dried
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place a large bowl of ice water next to the stove.
2. Add half the green beans to the boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer the beans with a slotted spoon to the ice water to cool. Repeat with the remaining beans. Place a kitchen towel on a baking sheet and use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans from the ice water; blot dry with another towel.
3. Just before serving, heat oil in a large Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the green beans and stir. Add parsley, tarragon, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until heated through, 1 to 3 minutes.

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Heavy

Today's song is "Heavy" by Tegan and Sara.
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Top 12 outfit posts of 2011

Here are my favorite 12 outfits of the year! Why 12? Well, when I looked over the 118 outfit posts from 2011, these 12 just stood out to me. ;) Enjoy!







What do you think? I think all in all it was a great outfit year! ;)

ABC Family/Jane by Design Challenge #5 - Day to Night

Yay! I've made it to the next round -- and I'm so glad too; this next one was probably my favorite so far since it was more of my thing. Having experienced busy days & learning how to quick-change for multiple events in a short amount of time in addition to commuting definitely helped influence my looks.

Task #5: Take the white shirt out of your trunk (if you're just catching up, ABC Family/Jane by Design sent us a big trunk full of items which are to be used for these challenges & participants get challenges sent to us by email twice a week, that is if we make it to the next round!) and put it on your dress form. Using accessories from your own collection (or anything else you can think of), show how you would style the shirt for a day at the office. Then, change the look entirely and show me how you would style the same shirt for a dressy cocktail party. Post photos of both styles to your blog, and write an entry explaining what you did to create each look. Ask your readers to share their day-to-night styling tips here and mention the name of your blog.

Click on images to enlarge

Here is my look for a day at the office. I paired with a black cardigan, a printed high-waisted pencil skirt, and coral heels (which aren't so high so it's still comfortable) along with a beautiful cocktail ring and a chunky necklace. The outfit is still fun but still business appropriate. I picked that big peach ombre bag because it compliments the outfit and it's the perfect size to carry essentials... and even some extra pieces to change into for a great cocktail party after work!

Click on images to enlarge

I ditched the cardigan and rolled up the sleeves. I changed the printed high-waisted pencil skirt into a cute sparkly mini and exchanged the chunky necklace for a fabulous pair of cluster earrings. I kept the cocktail ring, but decided to go for this stunning black clutch. For the shoes, I went just a bit higher with these wonderful color-block heels - definitely added some color to the look. And a swipe of lipstick always make a difference!

Voilà! A day-to-night transformation in less than 5 minutes. :)

P.S. Here's another exclusive clip from Jane by Design, which will premiere on Jan 3 on ABC Family!

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Share with me & Jane by Design what YOUR own day-to-night styling tips are here & remember to mention Audrey Allure! Remember, help me get to the end & I have the chance to pick one of YOU to be Trendsetter of the Week on ABC Family!

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