VIP Bakes: When a Gluten-Free Recipe Epically Fails

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

On this week’s VIP Bakes blog, I was planning on showing y’all how to make an AWESOME gluten-free Halloween cake; however, my end result aesthetically disappointed me even though it was deliciously moist. So, it was a win lose…I guess it was better to have an ugly cake that tasted good rather than a pretty cake that tasted gross *wink*

#FAIL Though the cake looks abnormally disgusting, I guess it is still appropriate for Halloween LOL *wink*
#FAIL Though the cake looks abnormally disgusting, I guess it is still appropriate for Halloween LOL *wink*

I am no five-star baker; however, from my baking experiences, I realized that the issue with the particular recipe I used was that the batter was too runny from the beginning. It called for milk, vegetable/canola oil, eggs, and a cup of coffee. At first, I did not think much about the batter being exceptionally runny because I assumed a lot of the moisture would bake out…BUT boy, oh boy was a I wrong *wink* The ridiculously runny batter made the cakes very crumbly, which made it quite difficult to transfer the cakes from their cooled pans to the decorating plate. The first cake was a success; however, the second one crumbled in half–I should have taken this as my first sign it was going to be a disaster *wink* 

In addition to the crumbling cakes, the individual tiers were so dense that they essentially “squeezed” all of the icing out of the middle. It didn’t do this at first; however, once I started icing the top, I noticed that the cake was sliding apart as icing oozed out of the sides. I became extremely erratic and upset because the one time I don’t follow my regular chocolate cake recipe…everything goes horribly astray *wink* BUT that’s okay because it did taste pretty terrific. 

Individually sliced, the cake doesn't look as shameful *wink*
Individually sliced, the cake doesn’t look as shameful *wink*

Now, just in case this is your first time visiting VIP or reading a VIP Bakes blog, let me reassure you I am pretty good with baked goods–especially chocolate cakes *wink* Check out the awesome cake below I made not too long ago that did not epically fail. 

 https://instagram.com/p/7jhvReNJhu/?taken-by=abbyhathorn

Other baked goods I made prior to my being diagnosed with Celiac disease.

https://instagram.com/p/LY1cerNJqf/?taken-by=abbyhathorn

https://instagram.com/p/LY2mu5tJrR/?taken-by=abbyhathorn

https://instagram.com/p/K1aG0rNJod/?taken-by=abbyhathorn

Do you have Celiac or just enjoy living a gluten-free life? If so, share with VIP your favorite GF recipes + favorite website/magazine/book in which to find delicious recipes!

Also, show off your GF baking skills to us by tagging @AbbyHathorn on Twitter/Instagram OR posting a photo to the Facebook page here.

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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Gluten-Free VIP: Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice | Gluten Free & Paleo Recipes

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

This week, I am going to be introducing the Gluten-Free VIP segment where I will be blogging about legitimately gluten-free goodies that you can make at home. I am not a culinary artist or bakery shop owner, so expect these recipes to be easy-to-follow and expect the baked goods to be simple-to-mimic *wink* So, now that we have that out of the way, let’s get started–shall we?!

The Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks (and every other coffee shop chain) is back, and my Instagram newsfeed is filled with pictures of lattes *wink* Before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease several years ago, I used to drink SO MANY pumpkin spice lattes every season because the beverage simply tasted like fall (if fall could taste like anything *wink*). Now that I think about it, it is probably a miracle I didn’t just turn into a Starbucks cup *wink* Even though I would love to go order a PSL now, I cannot just waltz into the nearest Starbucks buy any seasonal beverage and drink to my heart desires because of my disease. Isn’t it crazy how we basically put gluten in everything?! ANYWAY, I digress *wink* So, since I cannot get anything and everything pumpkin spice I want from anywhere and everywhere, I decided to research some LEGIT gluten-free recipes that I could easily do at home. So, here are a few of the recipes on my list to try out :)

Note: some of these recipes are also Paleo even though I am not on a Paleo diet *wink*

This pumpkin spice latte from Averie Cooks looks absolutely delish! Not only does it look good, but it is also gluten-free AND vegan! Click here to read the recipe + see the step-by-step guide.
YUM! Don’t these pumpkin muffins look lovely! I found this gluten-free, grain-free, paleo-friendly, refined sugar-free recipe on Leelalicious, and I cannot wait to try it out one morning for breakfast :) Click here to see the recipe.
Okay. So, there is no denying how much I love my sweets *wink* I love to bake and eat cupcakes/cakes, so naturally, I love the fact that some genius baker out there figured out how to make GF pumpkin spice cupcakes! I found this particular recipe on Simply Recipes. Click here to get all of the details! :)

For more gluten-free pumpkin spice recipes, click here!

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn 

VIP Home: Fall Must-Haves for the Home + a Baking Extra

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

AHH! Can you believe it–fall is just 2 days away! So, we have no time to lollygag getting our homes (and wardrobes) in line for the new season (and arguably the best season *wink*). 

So, for this week’s VIP Home, I have compiled a list of fall must-haves for the home. I went shopping recently, and saw lots of the things below in multiple stores like TJMaxx, Marshalls, Target, and Home Goods, so it should not be too hard for you, readers, to find them either *wink* Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at this week’s VIP Home post!

Note: keep scrolling past the must-have board to see a baking extra *wink*

fall must-haves for the home

Flower wreath
etsy.com

Wooden wall art
target.com

Leaf home decor
kirklands.com

Orange home decor
kirklands.com

Autumn candle
kirklands.com

Recently, I baked this AHmazing gluten-free, chocolate rum cake for a dinner at my parent's place. I have always loved baking, and when I was diagnosed with Celiac about two years ago...I didn't know how I was ever going to manage it. With all the complicated flours and special recipe conversions--I let a hobby slip through my fingers. It wasn't until recently that I discovered the easy and delicious way to make gluten-free desserts. So, coming in October, the VIP will have a gluten-free baking blog once a month showing each of you how you can make yummy gluten free goodies for yourself and family! Whether you are Celiac or just joining the gluten-free bandwagon for the health benefits, the recipes will be for you :) Please send in your baking suggestions for October here.
Recently, I baked this AHmazing gluten-free, chocolate rum cake for a dinner at my parent’s place. I have always loved baking, and when I was diagnosed with Celiac about two years ago…I didn’t know how I was ever going to manage it. With all the complicated flours and special recipe conversions–I let a hobby slip through my fingers. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered the easy and delicious way to make gluten-free desserts. So, coming in October, the VIP will have a gluten-free baking blog once a month showing each of you how you can make yummy gluten-free goodies for yourself and family! Whether you are Celiac or just joining the gluten-free bandwagon for the health benefits, the VIP recipes will be for you :) Please send in your baking suggestions for October here.
Blooper from my photoshoot last week. *wink*
Blooper from my photoshoot last week. *wink*

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Happy Birthday to Me!

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

If you have been keeping up with me on my social media today, you already know that it is my BIRTHDAY! Ah! And for those of you who have been off social media and out shopping killer Black Friday sales…SURPRISE–it’s my birthday *wink*

So, in celebration of the wonderful day I had with my family, I am going to share a few of  the highlights with y’all! :) 

http://instagram.com/p/v8zRwYtJuK/?modal=true

The Black Keys never sounded so wonderful...#LoveBeatsByDre
The Black Keys never sounded so wonderful…#LoveBeatsByDre
Already ahead of you, parents *wink* Lounge pants, sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks on--I am ready for Etsy shopping *wink* Be sure to tune in to the blog next week where I will be revealing the awesome birthday goodies Beadsoul sent me! Whoo hoo! It is going to be awesome!
Already ahead of you, parents *wink* Lounge pants, sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks on–I am ready for Etsy shopping *wink* Be sure to tune in to the blog next week where I will be revealing the awesome birthday goodies Beadsoul sent me! Whoo hoo! It is going to be awesome! P.S. Does the about $50 include shipping? Hmmm *wink* 
A photo taken by my lovely Deddy at Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City, Tennessee. My mom and I enjoyed gluten-free cupcakes (we are both Celiac) and my dad had a "normal" Birthday Cake flavored one :)
A photo taken by my lovely Deddy at Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City, Tennessee. My mom and I enjoyed gluten-free cupcakes (we are both Celiac) and my dad had a “normal” Birthday Cake flavored one :)
I picked up this AMAZING, navy lace frock from Serendipity Boutique in Johnson City today during their Black Friday sale! I cannot wait to wear this!
I picked up this AMAZING, navy lace frock from Serendipity Boutique in Johnson City today during their Black Friday sale! I cannot wait to wear this!

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And of course, when I spotted this precious vintage Santa Clause yard decor at a local shop...I had to get it *wink*
And of course, when I spotted this precious vintage Santa Claus yard decor at The Next Best Thing in Johnson City, I had to pick it up *wink*
My awesome Aunt Karen shipped me a birthday care box. Love her:)
My awesome Aunt Karen shipped me a birthday care box. Love her:)
Lots of goodies that will keep me above water during finals *wink*
Lots of goodies that will keep me above water during finals *wink*
I also picked myself up this SEXY Rebecca Minkoff bag! Check out the photo below to learn more about how the VIP will be meeting the ONE...the ONLY...Rebecca Minkoff! Ah!
I also picked myself up this SEXY Rebecca Minkoff bag! Check out the photo below to learn more about how the VIP will be meeting the ONE…the ONLY…Rebecca Minkoff! Ah!
Oh, and did I mention...you can meet her too at her public meeting?! Yep--well...you can! :)
Oh, and did I mention…you can meet and mingle with her too at her public appearance?! Yep–well…you can! :)
And I wrapped up the day with this fabulously delicious ice cream treat. I am still a little kid at heart *wink*
And I wrapped up the day with this fabulously delicious ice cream treat. I am still a little kid at heart *wink* P.S. thanks, Deddy, for making me gluten-free sloppy joes and tater tots! *gluten-free macaroon from Cakes in a Cup in Johnson City #shoplocal #dinelocal

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Frugal Friday: A Trip to Sephora + Happy Birthday, Mom!

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Happy Friday, y’all! Also…happy birthday to my mom–the coolest mom EVER *wink* 

I am going to keep this week’s Frugal Friday brief because I still have yet to make my mom’s gluten-free brownie cake–as she requested–and I have to rest up for the Kingsport Art Crawl tomorrow! Oh, goodness….what shall I wear?!

I digress…This week’s Frugal Friday is all about an outfit I created by shopping in my own closet–take a look:

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Blouse: Deep South Pout (click here to see other ways I’ve worn this dime of a top *wink*)

Skirt: Molly Green Boutique (click here to see other ways I’ve worn this fabulously floral frock)

Heels: BCBG (These were actually my mom’s shoes–she bought them several years ago–it’s safe to say these heels were a classic buy *wink*)

Mom and I totally failed at our attempt to get the Sephora sign in our selfie...our luck--it's backwards *wink*
Mom and I totally failed at our attempt to get the Sephora sign in our selfie…our luck–it’s backwards *wink*

While shopping at Sephora in Johnson City, I picked up a lip gloss for the slamming price of $1.99–now, that’s a frugal buy! To make it even better–it’s universal pink…my favorite *wink*

Stay tuned to Beauty Tues in the coming weeks to find out the other awesome things I purchased + mini tutorials! Yay!

Now, readers, I am off to make gluten-free brownie cake in celebration of my mom’s 20th birthday *wink*

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn