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Marbled Cake Massacre

This may be the saddest cake story ever.

On June 27th my daughter Stephanie tagged me in a Tasty video Facebook post:

“This gorgeous 4th of July Marbled Cake will add a spark to your Independence Day! “

I loved it and shared the video as one of my Friday Favorites.  You can find the recipe here.

The following Sunday I baked the three marbled layers.  After they cooled, I wrapped them in clear plastic wrap to store until July 3rd when I would put the cake together and add the finishing touches.

On that fateful Tuesday evening [while I worked to complete my masterpiece] as I put the final layer in place, I noticed a rather larger crack.  Nevertheless I continued and began frosting the cake, hoping the frosting would help to hold it together.  It did not.  One third of my top layer fell off of my cake.  My first inclination was to throw it across the room in the trash.

At that point my brain disengaged and my insanity accelerated: I decided I would smash the broken layer together, invert the cake and frost the bottom.

So I did.

And I turned the entire cake over.

It wasn’t meant to be.

LB and I discussed it at length.  He suggested there may be a problem with the egg substitute that I used.  I thought it may be the way I stored the layers.  Or maybe because I used the wrong size cake pans.  I know better than to tamper with a recipe.  But alas, I did tamper.

Unable to bear the thought of disappointing Stephanie, LB and I headed to Winn Dixie for the ingredients necessary to begin again.

And I began again.

I imagined the Jolly Rancher fireworks would be the most difficult part of the cake creation.  Strangely enough it was the easiest part.

There was no do-over involved.

And because I did not plan on adding sparklers to the finished product [as is shown in the Tasty video], I made extra fireworks.

Not too shabby for a second attempt.

 

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July ~ Vacation Edition

Today is about one of my favorite events:

VACATION!

TBB ASKS ~ July ~ Vacation Edition

Will you go on a summer vacation this year?

Yes, LB and I take a vacation on or around my Birthday in June.  That vacation is over.  You can read about it here.

Do nothing but relax or a pack it all in vacation?

Both.  I think.  I’m not entirely sure what pack it all in means.

What month do you like to vacation?

I’d like to go on vacation every month, but it typically only happens in June, October, and November.

Cruise: YES or NO?

YES!  I love to cruise!

It would be great if we could take a cruise now, however LB likes to avoid cruising during hurricane season and has recommended a May 2019 alternative!

Favorite Vacation Tradition?

While I thoroughly enjoy visits to the ocean, the autumn trip to see the leaves change is my favorite.  I must be getting old.

Most Memorable Vacation?

The most memorable one was the first.  LB and I went to Asheville and toured the Biltmore Estate while it was decorated in Christmas splendor!  Other memorable vacations were:

The Captiva Island adventure which included a day in the ER.

Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

And all of the cruises.

Pack Light or Pack it ALL?

Although I attempt to pack light, I always pack way too much.  And I’ll still manage to forget something.

Hotel, Condo or House?

Hotel.

My favorite is the Residence Inn.

Favorite Thing(s) to Eat on Vacation?

Each vacation includes a visit to a local Mexican restaurant.  At least once.

Warm or Cold Destination?

Both. I enjoy relaxing on the beach with LB or collecting shells.

However I also enjoy a scary hike in the woods to find a waterfall.  The complete story on that can be read if you click here.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Donny & Marie

 Concert Time!

I have been looking forward to this for several weeks:

Donny and Marie Osmond

 performing at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on Sunday night July 1st. LB and I have attended many concerts.  Among our favorites have been Garth Brooks and The Eagles.  Although LB may have a different opinion, I believe Donny and Marie were the best thus far!

Celebrity siblings Donny and Marie Osmond have been in show business since they were babies.  Donny was only 5 years old when he appeared on the Andy Williams show.

During the concert, many photos were displayed from early in his music career, which took me strolling down Memory Lane.

Hearing him sing songs like Go Away Little Girl and Puppy Love reminded me why he was such a heartthrob!

Donny would continuously grace the cover of Tiger Beat when he was a teen idol.

At 60 years old, he is still as handsome as ever… and Marie is just as beautiful! 

Donny and Marie Osmond have been performing in Vegas since 2008 and a chat with a friend gave me reason to believe the concert I was seeing was very similar to their Vegas production.  Although they have always been entertaining on television, nothing compares to their live performance.

More Memory Lane:  I can remember the Donny and Marie variety show on television in the 70’s and when they co-hosted a talk show in the 90’s.

At one point during the concert, Donny asked that the audience like his Facebook page and send a message to win a prize.

I managed to NOT pull this off as intended

and posted on my own Facebook wall/page instead.

A lucky woman with Facebook skills got to walk to the stage and accept Donny’s latest CD.

That was fine… she didn’t get to go home with LB and I Did!  (Also LB bought the CD!)

 

One of my Donny favorites:

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

RED, WHITE & BLUE Edition

We are celebrating our Independence next week and we’re practicing for that party today with a celebration of

FRIDAY

Kicking it off with my Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

After repeated attempts to make an appointment to have my quarterly cut and color, I decided to try something new

William Taber Salon

in Fleming Island was more than happy to accommodate my wishes.  You can read about my experience here.

While this Favorite has nothing to do with a RED, WHITE & BLUE Edition, one of the NEW DO photos is pertinent

This is the

Bob on Fire

This is a beautiful color and was a photo in my Hair Do list of contemplation(s).

And then I remembered Mama telling me how she had once wished that I wouldn’t be born a red head.

So never mind.

 

 

Favorite # TWO

Marinara Sauce

It is red after all.

On Saturday mornings, Elvis and I watch the Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond).  LB doesn’t mind as long as he is permitted to rewind the show to review exceptional camera shots and various technical things.

Last Saturday Ree was talking about a trip to the market to stock up on staples, but was VERY careful to avoid sharing the brand of “good quality marinara sauce” she purchased.  This prompted me to unleash LB and his google search skills to find this marinara sauce.

Yesterday he surprised me with this:

 

Favorite # THREE

Stephanie’s Cake

This week I my attention was driven to a

Marbled 4th Of July ‘Box’ Cake

I’m already on it Steph!

 

 

Favorite # FOUR

Shopping for a patriotic

Swimsuit

Since it provides a slimming effect, black is typically the go-to color.

HOWEVER, wearing a red, white, and/or blue swimsuit for the Fourth of July pool party is festive!  I have just about every color [swimsuit] in the rainbow collected in my swimsuit drawer, but I’m always looking for another.

Here are some favorites:

1  / 2  /  3

4  / 5  / 6

 

 

Favorite # FIVE

This one needs no commentary

Enjoy…

Made in America

by Toby Keith

My old man’s that old man,

Spent his life livin’ off the land

Dirty hands, and a clean soul

It breaks his heart seein’ foreign cars

Filled with fuel that isn’t ours

And wearin’ cotton we didn’t grow

He’s got the red, white,

And blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more in the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Loves his wife, she’s that wife

That decorates on the fourth of July

But says, “Every day’s Independence Day”

She’s golden rule, teaches school

Some folks say it isn’t cool

But she says the Pledge of Allegiance anyway

He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more in the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Born in the heartland, raised up a family

King James and Uncle Sam

Got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm

Semper Fi tattooed on his left arm

Spends a little more at the store for a tag

In the back that says U.S.A.

Won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix

With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench

He ain’t prejudice he’s just, made in America

Made in America, made in America

Yeah my old man’s that old man,

Made in America

Songwriters: Bobby Pinson / Gregory Scott Reeves / Toby Keith

Made in America lyrics © DO Write Music LLC, ME Gusta Music

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

thredUP Thursday

The first blog I followed was

J’s Everyday Fashion

Recently in her post “My Office Style Secret” I read that she prefers to purchase office attire secondhand.  In this post about office attire, J explains that shopping secondhand is cheaper and good for the environment.

The item she shared in this post was a Cynthia Rowley floral pencil skirt c/o thredUP.

It set her back a mere $14 and I was impressed.

Since I like to try something new every now and then, I decided to check out thredUP.

thredUP

 is an online consignment and thrift store.

I logged on, created a profile, and answered a few style and size questions.

A few days later a

Goody Box Just For You (me)

was on the way!

Today I received an email:

Hooray, your Goody Box℠ has arrived!

In that Goody Box was a custom mix of 15 items, handpicked by my stylist:

Club Monaco Shorts, alice + olivia Khaki Shorts, Lilly Pulitzer Casual Skirt, Paige Jeans, Lilly Pulitzer Tank Top, French Connection Sleeveless Silk Top, DL1961 Jeans, Paige Denim Shorts, Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, Juicy Couture 3/4 Sleeve Silk Top, Kate Spade New York Casual Skirt, Broome Street Kate Spade New York Long Sleeve Top, True Religion Jeans, and a New York & Company Denim Jacket (similar).

When I retrieved it from my front door, I took it into the house and opened the box.  I then proceeded to try on all 15 items starting with this

Juicy Couture Silk Top.This was my favorite top in the collection.  I thought it was cute, comfortable, and one of my favorite apparel colors: black.  It is difficult to see the detail from this photo, but it is very feminine and I’m close to talking myself into keeping it.

My next favorite was this

Banana Republic pink  3/4 sleeve top

I tried it on with these Paige denim shorts which LB liked, but I didn’t like them enough to invest $32.

Then things took a downward turn.

Although I love Kate Spade, this top did nothing for me.

Broome Street Kate Spade long sleeve top

And when paired with this

Kate Spade New York casual black skirt…I began to shed tears.

The outcome was not much better when paired with these

black alice + olivia Khaki Shorts

I tried on everything and was not compelled to keep any of the clothes.

In my welcome letter, I was advised:

“Items you’re not keeping need to be postmarked by Tuesday, July 03 to avoid additional charges.  If you keep over $100 in item value (excluding taxes), you will receive a $10 shopping credit for a future Goody Box℠ or thredUP purchase.  Shopping credit is good for 1 year and excludes future Goody Box℠ deposit fees.”

Today Everything Went Back

…with the exception of the denim jacket.

What do I think about thredup?

Like any thrift/consignment shop, there will be a search involved for items that appear to be not very used.

In my Goody Box℠ of 15 items, I chose 1 item…A denim jacket from New York & Company.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Camping Food

Not a title I EVER imagined using (as I don’t camp).

Today The Blended Blog is focusing on

Camping Food

A quick look at the post will cause you to begin craving S’MORES.

Let me help you.

I must confess that I have no interest in camping because:

I do not like snakes and avoid them at all costs.

Nor do I want to sleep on the ground, in a tent, in the woods, or with any creatures other than my cat.

That said, I do like to cook out, and LB and I cook out often:

At the beach

At the park

In our backyard

My favorite cookout food (which could also be categorized as camping food) is

Hot Dogs

Although they are high in calories, Johnsonville Jalapeño Cheddar Smoked Sausage are the best!

These are best enjoyed on a toasted bun with grilled peppers, onions, and doused in yellow mustard!

If  a low calorie option is preferred, Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Franks is 45 calories per dog, is kosher, and contain no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or by-products.

(Now I sound like a commercial)

Some other easily portable items that grill nicely are:

Corn on the Cob

(an LB Favorite)

Kabobs

Fish

marinated in Ponzu sauce which looks very weird, but tastes good.

And believe it or not

Peaches

Cut in half, remove the pit and brush each cut side with oil. Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill and cook undisturbed until grill marks appear, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the peaches and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

Grilled peaches are Very Tasty!

According to this week’s author of the  Blended Blog Camping Food post, you haven’t lived if you haven’t cooked Jiffy Pop popcorn over a fire.

I’m thinking LB and I will have to try this.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.


Filed Under: TBB

Summer Plans

What are my plans for the summer?

They have already been put into motion.

Fortunately, I don’t have to engage in summer planning.

LB is a Master Planner.  He enjoys

GOING

and likes to keep the road hot.

He is always planning events to keep us entertained and this summer will be no exception.

Going to the Beach

is a summer weekend activity that LB enjoys.  Having seen more than one horrific shark movie, I intend to avoid venturing into the ocean.  Nevertheless I delight in having a tan on my legs, collecting shells and being by his side, so I am happy to accompany him.

Going to Concerts

especially outdoors, is a favorite summer activity.

Although we have yet to attend a concert at the new Jacksonville amphitheater, LB and I enjoy attending concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.

Plans have been made to attend an upcoming concert in July.  I’m looking forward to seeing Donny and Marie!

In addition to concert performances by celebrity musicians, the concert fascination extends to other musical events.  Each Wednesday night throughout the summer there is the Music by the Sea event at the St. Johns County Pier.  The Little Light Music Concerts are on Sunday evenings on the oceanfront lawn beneath the St. Simons Lighthouse.  These are great opportunities to get outside and have a good time.  If we happen to be in Daytona Beach for the weekend, we will go to the Bandshell to see what tribute band is featured.  The Summer Concert Series happens every Friday night and occasionally on Saturday.

Speaking of Daytona Beach

Going to a Pool Party

is another summertime event to attend when visiting Daytona Beach for the weekend.  For the past several years there has been a weekend pool party every Saturday [beginning on Memorial Day through Labor Day] at the Daytona Beach Shores Hampton Inn, complete with a cookout and karaoke.  It has always been a fun weekend getaway during the summer.

Going on Vacation

is a given every June.

Although summer hasn’t officially arrived, we have already taken a summer trip.  The plan was to begin with the aforementioned pool party, take in a few concerts, relax, shop, then head to Orlando.

As usual we stayed at the Daytona Beach Shores Hampton Inn.   This year we found out the hard way, that management decided to forego the regular weekend pool party and feature the event only occasionally.  It was a little bit of a disappointment and planning trips to Daytona Beach will now require extra research in the future.

Not to be undone, LB arranged an afternoon on the beach.Under a blue and yellow umbrella!

He always recovers nicely.

Both LB and I agree that there should be a summer trip do over.  We also agree that a cruise would be nice.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

 

 

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