FRIDAY FAVORITES.......SWEET SPRING EDITION

Happy Sweet Spring Friday Friends of mine!!! Spring is definitely in the air, while Thunderstorms have rolled through here the past couple days, the grass is so green, the trees are a blooming something beautiful and bunny rabbits hop around our yard. Mr. Nine was gone part of this week on business. Every.Single.Time he is gone something goes wrong. This time, The storms knocked our TV dish reception out cold for 2 days and I realized how much I love TV or least having it on, lol. A cold front comes in this weekend but then after that I hear May will be above normal temps. I'll take it. Are you doing anything fun this weekend? I hope it's awesome and sweet!!

1. Having my LOVES Home
Well, the Spring Finals are upon them and my babies will be home for 3 months in 2 weeks from this weekend. It's been tough on this mama to have 2 away but we are so proud and I am sure they are both happy to have  a year under their belts. This past weekend we got a taste of what summer will be like with these 3 wild and crazy guys all together in one house again!! AND all 3 have employment for the Summer!

2. Sweet Friends Keep the Party Going
Monday was one heck of a day so imagine to my sweet surprise to get another birthday extravaganza of goodies from one of the first bloggers I came to love when I started blogging..... Nadine from Life By Nadine Lynn. 

Nadine is truly one of the sweetest people I know. This new mama to the most beautiful baby girl (See sweet Zoe's adorable foot in the picture). She is smart, sassy, classy and knows how to shop!!! Go say "Hi!!" You'll love her as much as I do!

Get Nadine's Cute Pink Jacket HERE

3. Week's Attire

Target Blazer, The Loft Pants

Blush tunic from Macy's, Jessica Simpson shoes

American Eagle top

4. A Jean Jacket & A Black Dress
Nothing beats a jean jacket and easy black dress as you can see on my girl Nadine above. On our last day in Vegas, I just had to get a shot of the canoe structure in front of the Vdara hotel. Super cool!!

More Inspo

5. Misc. FUN

Mom's Deviled Eggs..our favorite deviled egg maker in the fam...look at the cute little birdie picks!

And Her Amazing Pineapple Upside Down Cake make in a cast iron skillet.
Similar recipe HERE

In case you missed em', Polka Dots everywhere with posts HERE and HERE

The beautiful Purple Plum bush in bloom on a beautiful day and walk at work

I hope your weekend Is Blooming in Goodness and Grace!!!

Linking up with  Amanda // Friday Favorites  // Oh Hey, Friday  // High 5 For Friday // 5 on Friday // Fashion Friday

xoxo

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE...and A MARTINI TOO!!

Both my parents are excellent cooks/bakers and growing up, a Pineapple Upside Down Cake was made in our cast iron skillet often. The caramelized pineapple from the brown sugar mix drizzling down the cake after inverted was a sight to behold. Loved eating a slice warm. 

Imagine my awe and delight when this Sumner on vacation, I saw the words Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini on the menu. Yes please!

It was love at first sip! I knew I'd have to make this!

You can make it in a 9x13 pan but for me, this cake baked in cast iron, is the only way.

So, here is the cake and the martini recipes for you to enjoy by themselves or go upside down crazy and enjoy them together!!!! That's what I'm doing!!! Pineapple Paaaar-Tay!!!!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake 
INGREDIENTS
1 Box Yellow Cake Mix ( I prefer Betty Crocker)
1/4 cup (half a stick) butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 can sliced pineapple (reserve the juice)
Maraschino Cherries

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees, (350 if using a glass or light metal pan) In a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a 

9 by 13 inch cake pan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar until well blended. Remove from heat.

 Drain canned pineapple, reserving pineapple juice (for cake batter). Arrange drained pineapple slices onto top of sugar mixture. Place a maraschino cherry in center of each slice.

Set aside until ready to pour the prepared cake batter on top.

Make cake batter as directed on box, substituting pineapple juice mixture for the water. Add water to desired amount need if not enough juice. Pour batter over pineapple and cherries.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Place heatproof serving plate upside down onto pan; turn plate and pan over. Leave pan over cake 5 minutes so brown sugar topping can drizzle over cake; remove pan. Cool 30 minutes. Serve warm or cool

NOW to THE EVEN BETTER RECIPE.....

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini 
2 oz. vanilla vodka
4 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. white cranberry juice
Splash of grenadine

Combine vodka, pineapple juice and white cranberry juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and pour. Add a splash of grenadine to each glass. Garnish with a cherry and or pineapple slice! Optional : Garnish rim with sugar or graham crackers.

Enjoy!!

Linked With: Favorite Things Blog Hop // Friday Favorites // Saturday Sharefest // Totally Terrific Tuesday // Inspire Me Tuesday // Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party  // Delicious Dishes Recipe Party // Weekend Potluck #327 // Meal Plan Monday #116
xoxo

"Life is like a Pineapple, sweet and undefinable."

~Piet Hein