Brownie ice cream cone cupcakes, anyone?

Today was the first day back to some sort of normal routine around here. My mother-in-law had been visiting since early December, but she returned home yesterday afternoon. This morning, my big girl started back to school for the year. Hubby was off to work, of course, which left me and my Wee One alone together for the first time in a couple of months. We had a blast! I so enjoy her company! Too soon, she'll be off to school herself. Whatever will I do?

Today's mission was to the huge home decor and crafter's shop (warehouse), Spotlight. I don't like going as it's quite a way from home (my kiddies have low tolerance being in the car much more than 10 minutes), and the shop is a bit overwhelming for me and any littles I have in tow. However, some things are best acquired at Spotlight (in our case, a cheap but functional curtain rod), so off we went! I checked in with the very productive Aussie Mum in case she needed anything, and she added colorful zips to my list (note to self: someday, I really must learn how to sew in zippers properly!).

My Wee One was thrilled to select some ice-cream-shaped candy decorations for cupcakes, and she waited most patiently for us to get home to bake them. Once the process started, however, the patience evaporated quickly. She started asking if it was time to decorate the cupcakes once the mixers started working on the eggs and sugar and didn't stop asking until...well, until the entire process was done over 40 minutes later. Hmm. Although it took ages in 2-year-old time to finish our baking, in the end we had these:

Wee One wanted cake and ice cream. I wanted brownies. We compromised by baking brownie cupcakes in a cone. Tah-dah!

When I mentioned to Aussie Mum that I had no idea what we'd be eating for dinner tonight but I prioritized by baking brownie cupcakes, she reassured me that all I needed to add was a glass of nice wine and at least my own dinner would be complete.

I am blessed with very clever friends.