Chocolate & Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

I mean duh! Is there even a better combo out there than chocolate and peanut butter? I will wait…. In the confinement of social isolation right now I have been trying to find things I love doing but never took the time to do. Reading, baking, family games, and puzzles. Funny how once everything is erased from your social calendar, you find time for the simpler things in life.

This recipe is really easy to make so involve your kiddos! They can even taste the batter safely as there are no eggs 😉

I also cut this recipe in half because Lord knows I do not need any more sweets laying around then I already have. It was actually the perfect amount and I used a cake pan instead of a jelly roll. If you make the whole recipe, use a jelly roll pan.

Tag me in your photos if you make any of my recipes! I love to see them! @ladyandredstyle

Chocolate Cake:

1 cup butter

1 cup water

1/4 cup cocoa powder

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup sour cream

Peanut Butter Icing:

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp milk

6 Tbsp butter- melted

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup peanut butter

For The Sheet Cake:

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, water, and cocoa powder in a saucepan, then bring to boil. Remove from heat and set aside to slightly cool. Could microwave too.

2.) Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl then create a well in the center. Add cocoa mixture and whisk until smooth. Add sour cream stirring until smooth.

3.) Pour cake batter into a non-stick sprayed jelly roll pan, spread evenly. Bake for 15-18 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

For The Icing:

1.) Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl. Add the peanut butter and microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk to combine until smooth.

Frost & Serve!

**I pour the frosting over the cake while warm because I like it to melt into the cake. I also like to microwave leftover cake for 10-15 seconds and eat with coffee!

Joe Fresh+Hy-Vee- 8 Must Have Spring Looks

One stop shopping! Who doesn’t love that? Other retailers are doing it so naturally it has progressed to more stores, including grocery stores. Did you know that Joe Fresh is already in 350+ grocery stores in Canada? Hy-Vee employs an amazing staff who are stylists to work in their clothing departments. They are knowledgeable about the products and are willing to help you put together an outfit if you are looking for advice.

I am so excited to collaborate with Hy-Vee and share the Joe Fresh Spring collection. It is a Canadian company founded in 2006 and it’s where you will find some of the best basics that will last you season after season. Bold colors and a few trendy pieces to keep your closet fresh. Available for everyone in the family, Joe Fresh offers men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel, sunglasses, intimates, cosmetics, footwear, swimwear, activewear, and women’s plus sized range of clothing.

I have put together some looks below to make your shopping experience with Joe Fresh at Hy-Vee even more successful! You do NOT want to miss these pieces in stores.

**Not all Hy-Vee Joe Fresh merchandise is not available for sale online. Shop new spring looks in-store at your local Hy-Vee Joe Fresh. See participating locations at Hy-Vee.com

Look #1

-White exposed button jeans. I am wearing a 26 (tts) and they are a slight kick flare and button front which is on trend for this Spring.

-Tan sweater is a closet staple. Pairs well with everything. I am wearing a small. Great for layering over chambray or plaid too for Fall and Winter.

-Laser cut Slip on shoes. I am normally an 8.5 so I sized down to an 8. They are the perfect shoe that can transition from casual looks to athleisure.

-Fun sunglasses. They have a great print to them and a trendy shape.

Look #2

-Knit Tweed top. Great with joggers (as seen here) or pair with work pants, leather skirt or jeans. Wearing a size small.

-Mixed media Joggers. They are also available in khaki color. I sized down to an XS. Great travel pant too!

-Laser cut Slip on shoes or tennis shoes would be cute too!

-These sunglasses are currently 50% off

Look #3

-Essential V-Neck tee. If you don’t have one, you need one. Best basic ever. Pair with a denim jacket, trench coat like below, or plain like I styled it here.

Each of these looks can be mixed and matched. Wear the sweater with the joggers and the tweed top with the white denim. See how a few key pieces can transform your closet?

Look #4

-Print slim fit chinos. These are navy with white dots and run TTS. I am wearing a 2. Navy is a great color that pairs well with a pop of color or keep it simple with a white blouse and bright shoe.

-Rib Crew Neck Tee. Wearing a small. It also comes in other colors and is light and stretchy.

-Trench coat. I sized down to an XS. This is a classic Spring look and you can wear it over joggers or to work.

Look #5

-Scoop Neck One-Piece Swimsuit. Navy striped one piece that is the most comfortable and flattering thing ever! They also have bikinis and high waisted swim suits as well. Wearing a small.

-Chambray pull on shorts. I am wearing a small and the tie is functional. Great coverup for the beach.

Look #6

-Quilted Jacket/pullover. This comes in 2 other colors. Perfect for everyday or a light jacket over your tanks.

-Leggings. This print is so fun and I sized down to an XS. I would say these are better for travel or running errands and not hard core workouts. (P.S. they have a matching sports bra too)

-Laser cut Slip on shoes.

Remember when I said that the staff in Hy-Vee clothing are professional stylists? Rowan and I received 2 boxes in the mail complete with outfits customized based on our styles. We unboxed them live over on my stories @ladyandredstyle. I would say they absolutely nailed it. Each one of these pieces can be worn together or separately, making a few outfit choices just from a few key pieces. See how we styled them below.

Look #7

-Striped long sleeve dress. This is the best closet dress that is classic. It will never go out of style. It is navy and white. Runs TTS, I am wearing a small.

-Scarf. Can be worn as a cover up or as an accessory.

-Navy sunglasses.

-Light washDenim Jacket. Everyone needs a good one! I love the lighter color of this one and I am wearing a small.

Look #8

-Pink Tunic. Adorable happy day sweatshirt is so soft and can be worn for many seasons or chilly nights.

-Leggings. Love the classic colors of these.

-Pink Water Shoe. Perfect Summer sandal that is non-slip. Of course Rowan loves the pink!

**This is a sponsored post with Hy-Vee. All thoughts, words, and images are my own.

February's Top 10 Best Sellers

January felt like it was 787 days long and February flew by. Anyone else feel that way? Also, whatever budget I had started, I blew it once Spring stuff started gracing the shelves of every single store. Ugh. But once I book a trip I get soooo excited to shop for it and for you guys too! Below are the best sellers from my blog and Instagram @ladyandredstyle ❤️

1.) LV LIP TEE This tee runs tts and also comes in a mint color! I am wearing a small.

2.) PUMPS I linked these as a look alike and y'all loved them! They are only $39 and come in black and white.

3.) T-SHIRT DRESS You ALL need this dress. I sized down to an XS and it is perfect! Great length, fabric, and it comes in a ton of colors/stripes.

4.) HAT This $28 hat is great for working out or running errands. It has the best fabric (its not cotton) and the color is fab. Just pair it with some tie dye 😉

1. 5.) LIP GLOSS I should actually refer to this as lip magic. I am serious. This is the only lip stuff you need for anything. It can be worn alone as a chapstick, over a matte lip color for a sheen, or wear it at bed and wake up with baby butt soft lips. I even rub it over my daughters upper chapped lip and by morning it is healed 🙌

6.) BIKINI TOP I only shared the top because that is all I ordered. It will go with any black bottoms or printed ones too! I love the halter look plus it is under $20 and keeps everything in.

7.) JACKET Horrible photo but you obviously got the point because you loved this jacket as much as I do! It comes in several colors and is under $50. It’s the best!

8.) BODYSUIT I am glad you are all jumping out of your comfort zone and grabbing this awesome bodysuit. It also comes in red!

9.) SHORTS Must have denim shorts for your Summer wardrobe. They run tts and I am wearing a 26.

10.) COVER UP 2 months in a row as a best seller and still available in 3 prints! You won't want to miss this one! Plus it is under $25. S/M size fits all

Botox & Fillers- Q&A

So happy to be writing this post about Botox and fillers because there is a big stigma behind injectables. Who gets them? Why do they get them? They over did them. I don’t want anyone to know I get them. My husband would kill me if I got them.

You all know that I am an open book when it comes to what I do and what I have done because I feel that transparency is the best way for you guys to relate and trust my opinions.

First off, I am not just some random lady who ordered some drugs from Mexico and started poking people 😂 I am a Registered nurse and I was a labor & delivery nurse for 9 years until I stayed home with my daughter. I still have my license but am not “working” in the hospital setting. I took basic and advanced classes and obtained my certification. I loved it so much, I am continuing my education and flying to Dallas in May for a lip course by the most known lip gal in the business, Julie Horne. Get in line because when I get back I am going to want to do lots of lips 👄

I want you to leave me looking exactly like you wanted to look. I will never over inject, I will never “sell” you on getting anything more than you are comfortable with. I would rather under-inject or fill and have you come back than you leave me not liking what you see. Remember, I CAN NOT discuss who comes to me and whom I treat. It is against HIPPA and I will lose my license. So if you choose to keep it a secret, it’s safe with me.

If I go to parties or pop up in places, I do NOT drink alcohol while I am working and I still maintain a sterile field when injecting. First and foremost, I am a professional. With that being said, yes I can inject other places rather than an office chair. They do it all around the United States and because I am one of the few “traveling” Botox ladies, it seems different to some. However if you host a party, the consents will be signed before any consumption of alcohol begins. ☺️

I do parties, pop up in salons, office calls, wedding parties, house calls, and whatever else, so if you want me to come to your place of business, contact me through my email: Ladyandred2504@hotmail.com. Every patient gets my personal cell phone. I don’t have it posted online because some may think it is a calling card 😂.

SERVICES I OFFER **every patient will be assessed to determine if they are a candidate for treatment

• Lip flip

• Gummy smile

• Nasal flare (stops it)

• Nose slimming

• Turn down a nose, or slim a wide nose

• Liquid nose augmentation

• Neck lines, chest lines (aka sleep lines), cheek lines, under eye lines, bunny lines

• Under eye fillers or tear trough

• Cheeks

• Platysmal bands

• TMJ

• Jawline Slimming

• Botox for migraines with therapeutic Botox

• Botox for excessive sweating, hands & underarms

• Jaw contour with filler

FILLERS

Let’s chat lips first because I do more of those than anything else as far as filler goes and I think more would do it if they weren’t scared they would look like a duck upon leaving. Am I right? I WILL NOT put in more than you want. I will allow you to use a little then come back for the rest if you decide that you want more. When you do fillers, you see immediate results. You will have swelling so typically once the swelling goes down, people come back for more!

My actual patient with 1ml syringe of filler. Before and after photo.

Will I have bruising and swelling with fillers?

• Yes. That is a side effect of any injection. You are injecting a foreign product into your body and swelling is a natural response to that. Bruising is normal as well. I tell everyone to expect it and plan your appointment around the event to prepare for time to heal.

Will fillers really help deep smile lines?

• Yes! Obviously assessing your face first will determine the best route to go as far as if Botox can correct some lines or fillers is the best option. Also it could be that you may need cheek volume to help correct them as well. Best advice is to start small then advance treatment. It is unlikely if the lines are too deep that 1ml syringe will correct it. You may need more filler injected over time to correct it.

What is your price for fillers?

• Pricing depends on what product you are wanting. I will also base it on which area you are interested in filling and how much filler you will need for that specific area. Prices range from $250-$550.

How long do the fillers last?

• This is a tough question as it varies so much from patient to patient and on the product you are using to inject. Allergan products such as Juvéderm, which there are 5 types, last anywhere from 1 year to 2 years and It depends on the area. I have seen cheeks and under eyes last 2 years with no problem. Galderma products such as Restylne are comparable.

I have heard that fillers are painful. Is that true?

• Well yes I would assume without numbing the area it could be very painful as a needle is going into your face. I would not inject without numbing first. It puts me at risk for error when the patient is jumping and moving from pain. Cannula treatment for cheeks or under eyes is significantly less painful but I will leave that up to the patient if they want numbed or not. However I do not numb when injecting Botox.

Do you use numbing cream?

• Heck yes! I numb you up good before any filler is injected. I use a prescription cream I get from a compound pharmacy called BLT. It is a topical cream ( Not injected) and you apply it to the area 30-40 minutes before I start and I will re-apply if you start to “feel” something. Also some of the fillers already come with lidocaine in them.

Do men get fillers?

• YES! Some men want lips, under eyes, or jaw line contouring. Some men lack the upper lip and using a touch of filler in the top can balance it out. Filler is also good for the small lines!

Where have you had filler done?

• I have had filler placed under my eyes and in my lips! My lips were about 2 years ago and the under eye filler was a little over a year ago. So right now I need more ☺️

What if I don’t like my filler once you are done?

• I would hope that we wouldn’t have that issue but if you are for some reason unsatisfied with any filler treatment, I can inject a product to dissolve the filler. I keep this on hand in case of any emergencies as well.

BOTOX

I already have deep wrinkles on my forehead, will botox even help?

• Yes! It may not disappear the first treatment but over time and with maintenance, they will improve significantly! **I just injected a patient with deep lines and they were gone after first treatment.

What is your price per unit on Botox?

• I charge $11 per unit. Below is an image I have created to give you an idea of a price based on the area you are interested in.

How long does Botox last?

• It will last anywhere from 3-6 months. It is different for everyone. The more active you are and the more that you use your facial muscles, the quicker it will wear off.

How often do I need to get Botox to maintain it?

• If you want to stay up on it, every 3-6 months or when it starts to wear off or you see movement in the treated areas. Some people like a little movement so it varies based on personal preference.

What is baby Botox?

• It is a slang term for using a little bit of Botox allowing for some movement. My goal is not to freeze your face unless that is what you come to me asking me to do!

What is Microtox?

• Basically it is diluting the botox to a different ratio and using it in smaller doses and using it more superficial for wrinkles on the cheek area, neck lines, and décolletage ( sleep lines on your chest). It treats the lines not the muscles.

Do you ever use Dysport?

• I have used it but majority of my clients prefer Botox over Dysport. I would be more than happy to order and have some on hand for anyone preferring that I use that on them. Just ask!

Are there any side effect to Botox?

• Of course. There are side effects to almost anything. For me I make sure my patient knows you could have a dull headache afterwards, bruising, swelling at injection sites, and redness. I have. not had anything worse occur. You can find the entire list of side effects and usages HERE.

Can you just get Botox in your forehead?

• Yes!

Why does it raise your eyenbrows? Like “Spock brow”.

• Typically it is due to overtreating depressors and/or undertreating elevators in the forehead. It can be corrected usually by placing a small amount of Botox into the specific area of the forehead.

What is the cost for just around the eyes? Crows feet.

• Typically runs about $45-$135 depending on the severity of the wrinkles in that area.

Dysport lasts longer for me. What makes one work better than the other for people?

• It is usually due to your body’s metabolism. Some find that Dysport results are visible sooner and some find that Botox lasts longer, but again it varies from patient to patient.

How many units for a “gummy” smile? I heard that Botox can help that.

• Yes it can absolutely help! Assessment is always necessary for a more accurate estimate but I would guess anywhere from 2 units to 6 units.

If I am trying to get pregnant, is Botox off limits?

• As a labor nurse if you are not pregnant, it is considered safe. As always you may consult with your OB and most definitely when you are confirmed pregnant or breastfeeding it is discouraged.

How old do I have to be to get Botox or Lips?

• It is FDA approved for patients 18 and older. Often now, women and men are using it as a preventative instead of waiting until they are mid to late 30’s to get their first treatment.

How do you fix “smoker lines” around the mouth?

• Botox is a great place to start depending on how many, how deep, and age. Also filler is a great option if Botox does not correct to your satisfaction.

Can men get Botox?

• YES men get Botox….we just refer to it as Bro-tox 😂 I mean ya’ll are drinking White Claws so what’s the difference?? Haha but seriously it can make a big difference in your appearance and who doesn’t want to age gracefully? I know women like some lines but again, you won’t look fake and I can leave a few lines.

Botox lip flip. Results will vary from patient to patient.

*Photo courtesy of Regents Park Aesthetics

*Photo courtesy of Milliefiori Medical Skin Rejuvenation

*Photo courtesy of Pur Skin Clinic

*Photo source unknown.

If you would like more information you can contact me! Ladyandred2504@hotmail.com.

You can contact me to:

• Book a party (wedding parties too)

• In home procedure

• Pop up in your place of business