tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84871618753071620782024-03-14T02:26:50.317-07:00FLOUR & SUGARthoughts from the kitchen of SANDWICH cookies & cakesLinzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-69745667501219076702013-09-05T08:28:00.001-07:002013-09-05T08:28:41.860-07:00Gender Reveal!Well y'all as promised...here is my gender reveal! Hope you enjoy my cookie and our news!<br />
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Wait for it...</div>
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It's A...BOY!!!</div>
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Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-23666795409039817032013-08-28T11:23:00.001-07:002013-08-28T11:23:48.415-07:00The Year in Review...I'm Back!Well hello all! I know I know, it's been A WHILE!!! I am so sorry...I don't know why I haven't gotten around to blogging. I had a bit of a spell of burnout to be honest. I think the combination of working countless hours in residency and spending my non-working hours fulfilling cookie and cake orders put me into a pretty heavy phase of burn-out central! However, I'm making my way back to my passion with the perspective of everything in moderation.<br />
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So what have I been doing the last year...well living of course! A lot of living with so many fun memories to look back on. Y'all know we moved to Texas, which we love! I passed all of my grueling board exams so now I don't have any tests for 7 years...can you believe it, 7 years?!? This is the first time since birth that I have not had a huge test every year...okay a little exaggeratory but you get the point! I now have a beautiful nephew whom I love and adore beyond words! I got to visit the beautiful state of Florida with my amazing hubbs...and speaking of...we are expecting our first little bambino in January! In addition to these highlights, I also made an occasional cookie or cake in my free time! So now for a brief preview of some of the stuff I worked on...<br />
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Christmas 2012:<br />
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Birthday Treats:</div>
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Engagement/Bridal/Baby:</div>
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Random:</div>
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Well that is all for now, I'm trying to sort out the direction of my blog...my original direction was more along the lines of recipe testing and reviews in addition to posting my own recipes or projects. However the last year or so of my blog, all I really had time for was posting pics of my work, more like show and tell blog as opposed to an educational blog. I'm thinking I want to I back to the recipe testing perspective but who knows, I guess we will see! I will just let it go wherever it takes me...sound good?<br />
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For those of you still with me, THANK YOU for sticking it out in my absence! I hope the other millions of talented bloggers have kept you entertained the past year! Be looking out for my gender reveal treats! We find out soon and I will be posting soon to share! Thank you for being here!Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-86067205807816402082012-08-19T16:34:00.002-07:002012-08-19T16:38:09.421-07:00Knock Knock...Who's there?<br />
Linzy...<br />
Linzy who!?!?<br />
See I knew I'd been away too long!<br />
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Hi lads & lasses! OMG I'm back, can you believe it? It's been a while, so what have I been doing? Hmmm...a lot of things like spending lots of time with my hubby and moving and studying and test taking and starting my new job and keeping cool in the pool and river floating with the hubs and eating, oh yes, a lot of eating! I am thoroughly amazed by the fantastic food that South Texas has to offer, seriously people, we have lived in a lot of food cities but San Anton rivals the best of them!<br />
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Look at this HUGE pizza! Everything really is bigger in Texas! We went to a friend's birthday celebration at Big Lou's Pizza: home of the 42" pizza...crazy big & crazy good!</div>
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I've also been doing a lot of coffee drinking and dessert eating. The way I see it, it's research! Here is a tantalizing photo of some pretty much spot on New York Style crumb coffee cake, oh yum! They sell it at the best little coffee shop EVER, called Local. It is the perfect little coffee house that sells by far the best coffee that ever graced these taste buds! Barry and I have spent a lot of time there! Seriously if you guys are ever in San Antonio, it is a must try! So there you have it, my last two months in a nutshell or a blog shell maybe?<br />
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So as you can see given my absence I have done almost zero baking. Sad I know, but my plate was a little full in more ways than one! So tomorrow will mark my first day back in the swing of things, I'm doing a small cookie set for a new baby girl who recently entered this world. I will definitely let y'all see how they turn out! What if I forgot how to decorate in 2 months...totally joking! <br />
So now onto the meat of this post...I want to show you guys this awesome book I received from my sister for a housewarming, or rather house-cooling gift as she said. I just wanted to show you all what an adorable book it is. There are so many recipes that I am dying to try & I will definitely share when I make my first paleta!<br />
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Key lime paletas...yummy!</div>
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These coconut paletas will definitely be my first tested recipe! The look sooooooo yummy and refreshing! Perfect for the end of summer!</div>
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After moving to Texas, I decided that it would be so fun to do a post
series on Southern State's desserts. And since I am new to the
Southern states, I'm going to have to do some research! In addition to
my research, I want to include you all in creating the series. So here's
your chance to share your recipes with me and with blog land. You wanna
join in my <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>End of Summer Southern Treat Series</b></span>? Just send me an email
at: <b>sandwich.cookies.cakes@gmail.com</b> or <b>leave me a comment</b>! Thanks
everyone for having faith I'd return! Happy baking, happier eating!</div>
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Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-7097188240504910952012-06-07T23:00:00.003-07:002012-06-07T23:00:46.152-07:00Baby Shower Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
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You know what I do for gifts when I am not so sure what to buy or not so sure how to buy what I want to buy (hello, money does not grow on trees!) Well, I make it! This here is a prime example of this concept. I just "whipped up" a little something for the mama to be as a little keepsake (I forgot to take pre-packaging photos).<br />
You know the old saying...when life gives you lemons. Well when life gives you sugar, make cookies!<br />
Oh and P.S. I PROMISE to be a real baking blogger again once I get settled in our new home!!! <br />
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Happier baking, happier eating!</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-70412019228032185322012-06-07T22:53:00.003-07:002012-06-07T22:53:34.796-07:0013...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ7hbmnCZfs/T9GScsZEW8I/AAAAAAAAE_A/kzsQlxt88iE/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ7hbmnCZfs/T9GScsZEW8I/AAAAAAAAE_A/kzsQlxt88iE/s640/Cake.jpg" width="640" /></a>13 days of work left that is! Woohoo! So that is awesome right? More awesomeness coming your way, in 3 weeks + 1 day we will be heading eastward bound on I-10 to the grand state of TX, our new home! My posting has been sporadic at best, but you get it right, I'm super crazy packing, studying and doing going away things that people do! So here are some more pics of you know stuff, baked stuff. It's fun & summery stuff I want you to see. I made it for a little lady's birthday party. Hope you enjoy!<br />
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{above pics=cool photographers pics, below pics=cool me pics ;)}</div>
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Happy Baking, Happier Eating!</div>
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Alright party people...6 weeks, 6 weeks and we will be Texans! Wowza! I can't believe how fast it is coming so I am going to do some rapid succession posts so I can show you all the fun things I have been doing recently! I just don't have time to woo you with my witty charm ;) </div>
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This is a cake I did for a dear friend who orders some of the most fun projects I have done. I made this for her 40th birthday celebration. I decided to just have fun with monochrome! Hope you all have a great Monday! Happy baking, happier eating!Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-75181392900977726882012-04-26T06:28:00.003-07:002012-04-26T06:28:54.006-07:00Thinking Outside Of The Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The cigar box that is...So the other day, I had this great idea to go pick up some of those gum cigars for a happy celebration of the baby coming kind for an old college friend. You know the ones, they are usually pink or blue and sometimes yellow or mint green? Yes, those. Well the only problem...I could not figure out where I would find them. You see we have EVERYTHING in Los Angeles, but the only problem...figuring out where in Los Angeles EVERYTHING is. So this could be an all day mission! Instead of taking this mission, spending a lot of time I didn't have, getting frustrated and road ragey with others and stopping at way too many red lights, I decided well duh! I could make my own cookie version! This option was a jackpot! I went straight home, whipped em up and was done in no time sans road rage & with a lot more gas left in my gas guzzler!<br />
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Here is what I came up with. Now I planned to do a quick mini tutorial, but you know, in my time crunch, I sorta forgot to take the tutorial pics...oops! You know the saying...best laid intentions...<br />
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So I am sorry no tutorial, but I may be doing them again if someone I know gets a little baby bump and at that time, I promise...TUTORIAL! But for now, feast your eyes on all things pink & blue. <br />
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happy baking, happier eating!</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-73052477690938494772012-04-25T08:25:00.003-07:002012-04-25T08:25:49.866-07:00Life in 3DYou know what is awesome about this morning? I am sitting at home, drinking my coffee and listening to the sites and sounds of Los Angeles. Okay, maybe that last part is not awesome, but more interesting. As of now, I am hearing the voice of a probably 10-12 year old screaming "Good morning" to every person he sees. What a polite lad!<br />
Actually come to think of it, this little lad screaming "Good Morning" actually helps with some research I have been trying to conduct while living in Los Angeles. My hypothesis: that the mass majority of people in large urban sprawls were not taught proper manners. I came upon this hypothesis because my hubbs and I were both born and raised in small towns. You know the kind of towns with a couple of stop lights surrounded by a lotta fields and filled with people who say "good day" as you walk by? So it appeared odd to me while living in a big ole city that somehow common courtesy was lost in the urban sprawl. So obviously, I assumed, that maybe small town manners are not universal, right?<br />
Well, today I may have been proven wrong. As I sit in the heart of Los Angeles, I have a young boy being courteous to all those who enter his line of sight. Therefore, it is possible that <strike>all</strike> most people are taught proper manners at some point in their life, but there must be something that happens that diminishes this common courtesy in adult life...hmm...something to ponder right? So I have a challenge for all of you today (including myself), when you are out and about in our all too busy lives. Instead of passing by the people you encounter without a peep, raise up your inner humanitarian and say "good day" to those who come your way! After all, we are living life in 3D aren't we? Sorry for the cheese, I had to transition to what I am posting today ;) <br />
So why am I here today? Well, I need to show some blog love, it's been a while, I know! And what better way to show blog love than to post some pics of the recent 3D cookies I have made. I just love the world of 3D cookies! Whoever invented it, THANK YOU! So here they are folks:<br />
<b>1. Birthday present 3D cookies for a class celebration:</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> 2. Baby theme 3D sugar cookies for a baby shower:</b></span><br />
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<b> 3. Customized cake topper for a wedding shower (love these BTW):</b><br />
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Happy baking, happier eating, happiest "good-day-ing"</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-47086877726307939402012-04-11T17:10:00.000-07:002012-04-11T17:11:11.029-07:00Zen<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvie0-TvHug/T3APL19hN4I/AAAAAAAAEqc/wD_ZnTCj7jY/s1600/yoga2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406px" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvie0-TvHug/T3APL19hN4I/AAAAAAAAEqc/wD_ZnTCj7jY/s640/yoga2.jpg" width="640px" /></a><br />
This is what I need right now, I need some ZEN. So what do I do when I need some zen??? I go to yoga, I get my sweat on, and I get back in balance. It is the most amazing feeling, really it is. So instead of going to yoga today, I am posting some yoga pose cookies I recently made to try to find some zen in this crazy day!Trust me, I am NOT HAPPY about not making it to yoga, but my darn "real job" has prohibited me from going. Why you ask? Well that is because people like to drag their feet and apparently they love to work all day and not actually see anything outside of the stark, sterile hospital ALL DAY LONG! Me, I am not like that AT ALL, I pretty much never actually even want to be at work, much less be there ALL DAY LONG. So if you all don't know yet, now you will, I am an anesthesiologist, so I obviously work with surgeons all day long, and sometimes I want to be a fly on the wall while they are conversating with their loved ones because I swear, surgeons are those people who love to be a the hospital ALL DAY LONG! I mean what do they say to their wives (or husbands because yes, there are female surgeons) "Hi hunny, yeah, another long day at the hospital, you know I just can't get away and truly enjoy spending every minute of my day at the hospital." Doesn't that get old? I would think so! In terms of being a fly on the wall in my phone conversation to my hubby...here is how it goes, "Hi hunny, yes, I. AM. STILL. HERE, just waiting on the surgeon to decide they have worked long enough today and wrap this case up, I hope to see you sometime..." Now don't get me wrong, I love doing what I do, but after 10, 12, 14, 24 hrs straight, it gets a bit tiresome! Because afterall, I am human, and that is a normal feeling to feel, but for some, its just fuel to the fire!<br />
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Okay, so now back to ZEN-ing out with my yoga cookies, since right about now I am missing the intense flow phase of my yoga class (not that I am bitter or anything), which is the part that gets my heart pumping, my sweat pouring and my evil humors outta sight & outta mind. I made these cookies for my bff who wanted to bring them to a 30th birthday/slumber party for another friend of ours who loves yoga. The idea was all my bff's, and I LOVE the way they turned out, I may need to consider hiring her in the creative department of my LLC, lol! <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtrSWNPeGNw/T3APNtFiQCI/AAAAAAAAEqk/0efcwk2nKxc/s1600/yoga4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588px" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtrSWNPeGNw/T3APNtFiQCI/AAAAAAAAEqk/0efcwk2nKxc/s640/yoga4.jpg" width="640px" /></a>Well thank you all for listening to my venting/Zen session, oddly I do feel better! Sometimes you just gotta get it outta your head and onto paper, eh...computer screen I mean. Happy baking, happier eating!Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-57618200331697058662012-03-27T11:08:00.002-07:002012-03-27T11:08:50.872-07:00How To Craft Your Own Wine Bottle Cookie When The Mail System Fails You...<div>
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Do I win for bloglands longest title evah? I would hope so! Well, I am not even sure there is a competition going on, but if there is (and there should be) I want to win it! I am just competitive like that. It's sort of a condition I have, over-competitive-ness. I do believe I have toned it down a bit since-oh like high school. My HS pals would likely vouch that I was a little tightly wound when it came to being competitive in high school sports, namely volleyball & basketball. It was like I HAD to win, I was possessed! It ruled my every thought on game day, and when we didn't win, it was devastating! I cannot tell you how many times I nearly lost my voice screaming and cheering for my teammates! Man, those were the days, I miss those days! I blame part of my competitive nature on the fact that I played on pretty good teams, (ahem, 1998 Nevada State Volleyball Champs-wow I'm getting old), so that bred my competitive nature. You know nature vs. nurture sorta thing, like maybe I was born at a baseline a bit competitive but then because of my team sport environment, I developed an "overly competitive condition." I'm pretty sure that term will make it on WebMD soon enough! Wow, why did I start talking about this? Oh yes, in defense of winning the longest title award, duh!<br />
Okay, so why such a long post title you ask? Because I wanted to emphasize that although the planning and carrying out of these cookies too a long time, the end product was worth it.<br />
So I got this order for wine bottle cookies (obviously) and I had about a week and a half to turn out 50 of them in time for a 40th birthday party being held on the East Coast. No biggie for the most part except when you don't have the cookie cutter...sooo, I order one thinking if I get it on the sooner end of things, I should have no problemo getting these guys done. Unfortunately, I was on the longer end of the shipping spectrum. It took me a week to get my cutter, yikes, and since I have to leave 3 days before they are due for shipping time, I had to get creative with cutting to finish these cookies. So here is how it all went down. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SD2YjuGFAk/T0w3xZLFuvI/AAAAAAAAEbw/wu-0ahHKPH4/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SD2YjuGFAk/T0w3xZLFuvI/AAAAAAAAEbw/wu-0ahHKPH4/s640/IMG_0515.JPG" width="640" /></a>I used 2 cutters:<br />
2x3" rectangle & 1x1.5" rectangle<br />
Here are my series of cuts...<br />
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smooth all of the seams so that the cookie bakes nicely together</div>
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there you have it, ready to be baked & decorated...</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAWLGTeXMxI/T0w3w9LK8aI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/l04ZAhfQq9Q/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WAWLGTeXMxI/T0w3w9LK8aI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/l04ZAhfQq9Q/s640/IMG_0516.JPG" width="640" /></a>Okay, so although preparing these cookies to be baked and decorated took significantly longer than normal, it was so worth it. I loved the size, look, and the true to real life proportions I achieved by cutting each one individually. But what I liked even more was that when I did receive my wine bottle cutter in the mail, I was SO happy I didn't wait for it! It was TINY! You know, I don't know what kind of ruler people use but the advertised 5.5" cutter was more like 5.5 cm. Yet another reason we should all just be on the metric system, so much easier! So anyway, a little panic, a little creativity & a little extra time to create something I was pretty darn happy with! Happy baking, happier eating!</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-57494030727918084812012-03-24T22:15:00.000-07:002012-03-25T18:59:39.545-07:00Owl-lo Kitty<div>
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You are stumped, right? You want to know why I am naming this post part owl part kitty. Well duh dolls and dudes, that's because I used a Hello Kitty cutter to make these adorable owl cookies. I got an order for these little owls and thought long and hard about what shape to use. Then unsuspectingly, I was perusing my local cake & candy supply and stumbled upon the Hello Kitty cutter duo. Suddenly it came to me, Hello Kitty's head looms just like an owl! I felt that I was channeling my inner <a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/">SSB</a> when I had this lightbulb of a moment! I feel that I must admit, I probably would not have bought the HK duo otherwise, I guess I'm one of those weird people who just doesn't love HK!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZTvRCmaMfc/T0wzbDMi4HI/AAAAAAAAEZg/gvjrDtMVcjE/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZTvRCmaMfc/T0wzbDMi4HI/AAAAAAAAEZg/gvjrDtMVcjE/s640/IMG_0490.JPG" width="640" /></a>Okay so there you have it, this is me thinking outside of the box, which doesn't happen much with my type A personality/Capricorn-ism and all. Hope you all enjoy! Happy baking, happier eating!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgw6PkhEnwc/T0wzjFdQW9I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/ZNAMzdIdcK8/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgw6PkhEnwc/T0wzjFdQW9I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/ZNAMzdIdcK8/s640/IMG_0494.JPG" width="640" /> </a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Disclaimer:</span></b></span> my customer sent me a photo of an owl cake that she wanted the cookies modeled after. Although I spent a great deal of time searching for the original source, the only way I could find the image was on google images and then when I clicked on that, it just brought me to another photo upload site, no original source, so I am so sorry that I am not able to give real credit to the original design :( </div>
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</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-80623872732852050252012-03-21T23:10:00.003-07:002012-03-21T23:10:45.768-07:00The SA & The Birthday Cake<div>
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Yep, that's what I'm sayin since we're movin to the SA, from the LA. That's just how I roll, I'm a lazy talker. I like abbreviations it makes talking easier. Now don't think just because I'm a lazy talker that I don't talk much...highly the opposite, I have jabber jaws pretty much. Especially in the morning and especially after a few sips of Joe, and basically it is this feature alone that makes my hubby love me so. <br />
Quick tangent...why do they call a cup of coffee a cup of Joe? Okay, and since we are on the topic of tangents, did y'all know that tangental thinking/talking is part of a psychiatric evaluation? Yep, that's right, I remember learning that when I was a wee little medical student, and now I catch myself tangenting (likely not a word) ALL the time! So I am thinking I likely have some sort of disorder, but I will unlikely abandon my tangental talking, it's sorta just there.<br />
Okay, where were we...yes, yes talking about the SA. So we recently visited the SA to get a grip on the place and figure out where in the world we are gonna live when we move. We did a lot of looking and can I just say, where the heck has Texas been all of our life! First off, it's March and 80 degrees, secondly, there are amazing places to live that are oh like 60% less than LA, and lastly, the people are so dang nice! Since we were there during my hubby's bday, I wanted to get him a sweet treat to celebrate with. So I ordered some cupcakes from this <a href="http://www.katesfrosting.net/">doll's bakery</a>...Kate's Frosting! Her cupcakes...YUMMY!!! Her service...AMAZING! Her bakery...ADORABLE! She was so sweet and had the cupcakes delivered to our hotel so my hubby had a tasty surprise waiting his arrival. In case I haven't mentioned it, I must emphasize, the baking world is INCREDIBLE! It never ceases to amaze me just how nice and thoughtful everyone is. So if you guys are ever in San Antonio...stop by Kate's Frosting, you won't be sorry you did! <br />
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The other highlight of our trip...our hotel. I hesitate to give our hotel a shout out in fear that the next time I go, it will get super busy, but I have to share them. Havana Hotel. It will seriously transport you to Havana circa 1950 or whenever it was cool and hip and vintage (oh and safe). Not only is the hotel cool, but they have this delicioso restaurant called Ocho (we may have eaten there 3 times in 4 days), that has a simple yet complex menu featuring a Latin twist on American favorites. Well atleast that is my interpretation :) I'm no foodie! Finally, they have this hip cigar & cocktail lounge in the basement that is super dark and has these great couches and lounge chairs scattered about. Love this place! Oh and did I mention it's on the Riverwalk? Not the touristy Riverwalk part but the cool calm Riverwalk part. Seriously peeps, stay there! <br />
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They had so many cool chairs there as well!<br />
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My fave! Bull horns are really strong apparently, I won't lie, I was a little scared to sit on it for fear that the horns would break and I would be on my a**!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNPRN-mnQOY/T2q3yIxkzsI/AAAAAAAAEl8/T6NWIea_9ao/s1600/IMG_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNPRN-mnQOY/T2q3yIxkzsI/AAAAAAAAEl8/T6NWIea_9ao/s640/IMG_0703.JPG" width="640" /></a>So other than eating, drinking and sleeping, we did a lot of apartment searching which although we think it is exciting, it is unlikely exciting to you all. <br />
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This is us, thinking about eating! This is our standard, "we are trying to take a picture of ourselves on vacation and look natural while trying to push the camera button." Trust me, same look every photo!<br />
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This may have been what the hubbs ate 3 times in 4 days...</div>
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This may have been what I ate 3 times in 4 days...Pollo Tinga Torta! Everything about it was delectable!</div>
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I only had one of these, as our server said, this cocktail is heavy on the rum, light on the mixers...agreed! I ordered it solely for the fact that there was coconut milk and nutmeg in it! So creative!</div>
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Oh one more shout out before I go. Boxcar Creamery, you must go. It is (as the name suggests) in a boxcar and the surrounding area is so cute! <br />
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So as you can see, we are so happy with our upcoming move and we can't wait to explore the rest of the SA! Now I leave you with the photos of the birthday cake I made for my hubby. I was going for a simple yet modern white on white design with little sayings or dates that are important between the two of us. I know we are <strike>sooo</strike> sorta that couple that loves to use pet names and celebrate all sorts of special dates, its just fun like that! So this year for his birthday instead of me thinking I will be super creative and do some crazy sweet rich elaborate cake for just us two, I decided, hey why don't I allow Barry to choose the cake he wants (novel idea I know)! So he got out a bunch of my books and searched through the recipes until he had it narrowed down and came to the conclusion that the "Aunt Sassy Cake" from Baked Explorations (you simply must buy the Baked books...AHHH-MAZING!) would be his 2012 birthday cake. It is a pistachio cake with honey buttercream...YUM! Anyway, I hope you enjoy and thanks for following along! Happy baking, happier eating!<br />
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my initial canvas </div>
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Many of these were cracked...like I say, baking is a true labor of love ;)</div>
</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-13914540177604136972012-03-05T21:54:00.000-08:002012-03-05T21:54:03.146-08:00short & sweetJust a quick lil guy I worked up last night as I was finishing up a set of cookies for my favorite little almost 2 year old!<br />
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I have been wanting to do a cookie like this for some time, and I thought about a heart one for Valentine's day, but of course, I ran out of time! So I just whipped it up last night and I love it! I was thinking...(scary I know) how perfect would this be to give out as gender announcement favors at a baby shower or as a baby shower favor in general! You could even do pink...that would be adorable!<br />
Well nighty night blog world, happy baking, happier eating!Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-74437609588011391342012-03-01T21:06:00.000-08:002012-03-01T21:06:15.070-08:00Wedding Pics (from 9.10.11)So you know like 6 months ago when I did both my sister's and BFF's weddings and I told you I was a terrible blogger-baker and forgot to take pics? Yeah well, I got some pics to share with you all! I still don't have any from my sis's wedding, but here are a few from my BFF's wedding, what a beautiful day!<br />
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Here are the two lovebirds...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5kgaBcXGeg/T0qBkB4-ImI/AAAAAAAAEUE/D7RtKVMlj54/s1600/.facebook_1993829900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5kgaBcXGeg/T0qBkB4-ImI/AAAAAAAAEUE/D7RtKVMlj54/s640/.facebook_1993829900.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Vanilla butter cake with strawberry filling and Swiss meringue vanilla bean buttercream</div>
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Remember the 150 mini strawberry shortcakes I told you about? Welp. here they are! </div>
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And finally, just a really cool picture to leave you all with, I think the photographer did an AMAZING job. Please check out her FB page @ <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Misty-Kinser-Photography/113366162011601">Misty Kinser Photography</a>, you can see all of her amazing photos that she took that day! Happy baking, happier eating!Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-48799933317664586462012-03-01T20:48:00.001-08:002012-03-01T20:48:57.143-08:00Red<div>
What is that expression..."red with envy" hmmm...no that is not it..."green with envy!" Let's face it people I am green with envy and it's driving me bonkers! Why you may ask am I a deep shade of envious green??? Because there are so many talented freakin bakers out there, that's why! As many of us are, I am A-ddicted to reading, scanning, searching other baker-blogs, but it is like torture because as I said, there are so many talented freakin bakers out there! It seems like everywhere I turn I see yet another totally talented gal whipping up some sweet treats! But don't get me wrong, I am not envious that there are crazy talented people everywhere, I am just jealous because every time I read a new blog post it makes me want to run out of work, hit the road and start baking! I only wish I had more time, (and lately more energy) to bake more and more and more!<br />
So what does being GREEN have to do with RED you may wonder? Well nothing actually, but since I wanted to write this post that is all about red velvet treats in February which is a red month (would you agree) and now instead I am writing it in March which is definitely not a red month, I was just trying to think of some way to tie red back in to my post, but I am pretty sure I have now just successfully confused you all! Right? Right! As a side note, am I the only one who thinks months are color specific (please say no)? You know like February=red, June=yellow, on and on and on?<br />
Okay so what did I do with all of this red velvet cake? Made pretty things for pretty parties that is! The first one I made was a birthday cake for a gent named Eric Garcetti. He is a guy who is running for mayor of LA. His interests surround the whole green living, green energy so I thought how fun would it be to tie this into his cake. Now please note that the windmills on top were totally my hubby's idea, he is awesome isn't he! For those of you not familiar with California, we love those windmills! Apparently they produce energy and they are all over the rural areas of CA so Barry figured they were a key component of any green living cake!<br />
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<i> yes, those are sugar cookies :)</i></div>
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The other red velvet beauty I made was another birthday cake for a husband of a girl I work with. She pretty much said do what you like, so I went ahead and had a little creative fun with it. I realize, decorating for adult males is kinda tricky! You can't be all cute-sy, you gotta be all manly and sophisticated. So here is what I came up with...<br />
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Finally, you know I did those <a href="http://flourandsugarthoughts.blogspot.com/2012/02/love-day.html">Valentine day cupcake treats</a> that were of course red velvet as well, and I made some cute little red velvet heart cake truffles for a dear friend who just had a baby and also happens to be a fabulous referral service for me!<br />
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YUMMMMY!</div>
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Happy baking & happier eating!</div>
</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-26722803853365505472012-02-18T20:56:00.000-08:002012-02-18T20:56:27.138-08:00Ombre Cake TutorialSorry gals and guys, I told you all I would give you a little tutorial on the Koi fish cake I did a while back and looks like I am just now getting to it. This whole ombre thing pops up everywhere, from ombre hair to ombre cakes, and I have been dying to try my hand at the ole ombre. <br />
So when I googled images and tutorials on ombre technique, I found a couple of ways to do it, but the all pretty much were the same. Haphazardly put different colors on the sides of your cake and then smooth it out. Huh? This didn't work for me! No way was I going to just put an ascending color scale on my cake and hope it all turned out and looked somewhat neat. So what did I do instead? I got to thinking...how could I get the ombre look while still maintaining my need for neatness. Parchment paper!<br />
Parchment paper, what?<br />
Yes, parchment paper, cut into 2 inch strip then wrapped around the cake to get nice, neat, even layers of ascending hue to create the OMBRE!<br />
What will you need:<br />
one cake (preferably 4" or taller) crumb coated in buttercream<br />
4 or more colors of buttercream all in the same hue<br />
parchment paper cut in 2" strips<br />
off-set spatula<br />
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I think my technique is better displayed in picture format, so go ahead and feast your eyes!<br />
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Remember this guy...your crumb coated cake</div>
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Step 1: take the darkest buttercream and spread it around the bottom half of the cake (sorry forgot to take a picture of step 1). Then place it in the refrigerator to set 20 mins.<br />
Step 2: take one piece of parchment paper and wrap it around the cake, covering the area of dark colored buttercream.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iDRzej2V8g/TwvMULBVW2I/AAAAAAAAEP0/YkcB55v8RPM/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4iDRzej2V8g/TwvMULBVW2I/AAAAAAAAEP0/YkcB55v8RPM/s640/IMG_0114.JPG" width="640" /></a> Step 3: spread on your next darkest buttercream with slight overlap of the parchment paper. Refrigerate to set.<br />
Step 4: remove parchment paper.<br />
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Step 5: smooth your line with your offset spatula just enough to soften your line.<br />
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Repeat Steps 1-5 as many times as necessary to cover your entire cake.<br />
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You like? Simple as that! Hope this helps you all with a new technique! Happy baking, happier eating!</div>
<br />Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-74456821270619818322012-02-18T20:28:00.000-08:002012-02-18T20:29:47.788-08:00Tired...<div>
'I'm tired,
<br />
tired of playing the game,
<br />
ain't it a crying shame?
<br />
I'm so tired,
<br />
Gosh darnit, I'm tired!'<br />
<br />
Sing the above lyrics in your best Lilly Von Shtup voice and then you know exactly how I feel! Every time I tell my husband that I am tired, I picture that I say it just like Lilly does! Now for those of you who don't know the movie I am referencing with this song, let me help. The movie: Blazing Saddles, the song: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laq2rNiWDYQ">I'm Tired</a> (you tube it) and despite the fact that Lilly Von Shtup's career (escort) and mine (doctor) couldn't be more opposite, these past couple of weeks I feel like I need to sing her song...well minus all of the "escort/lady of love" lyrics in the song. So really just the final verse (above), I guess. I just want to sing it over and over until I am not so tired!<br />
Who else feels me? Maybe it is the time of year, maybe it is my never ending job, I really have no idea. All I know is I am tired of being tired!<br />
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So why do you care you're wondering? Because amongst my being tired-ness, I made some cookies for my grandpa's birthday, and that got me to thinking...my grandpa is now 92, isn't he tired? My grandpa is unlike most 92 year olds. I mean he still drives (not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing) and he still goes wood hunting/chopping every year with his younger buddies (gents in their 70s). Can you picture it, a little old 90 something year old with a chainsaw? Its quite a site and although I haven't seen gramps in action, I have seen the pictures time and again that my grandpa likes to show us when ever we pass through his little town. It is pretty inspiring to think that even at 92, he is still doing something he loves. I mean, I can only hope that when I am 92, I will be baking some chocolate chip cookies for my hubby while we get ready to watch the latest episode of The Price is Right!<br />
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Happy baking, happier eating!</div>
</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-1920286820345405942012-02-14T19:21:00.004-08:002012-02-14T19:21:45.818-08:00Love Day!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pn_yZNXAns0/Tzn7FEJMQmI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/pJt5OtEC7TM/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pn_yZNXAns0/Tzn7FEJMQmI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/pJt5OtEC7TM/s640/IMG_0414.JPG" width="640" /></a>Are you guys totally in <b><span style="color: red;">LOVE</span></b> today? I am sure you are just mushie gushie all over the place, right? Did you wear your red, or did you choose pink? Are you soaking in every morsel of divine chocolate given to you by your luva while you smell the long stemmed roses layed out over your bed and try on your new diamond earings...<br />
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Wake up people...and look at the simple, <b><span style="color: red;">comforting romance</span></b> that surrounds you everyday, not the Hollywood romance that shoots your expectations to the moon on <b style="color: red;">Valentines Day.</b><br />
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My solution...<b><span style="color: red;">love your luva</span></b> everyday and eat sweets every chance you get! To entice your sweet tooth, here is a quick tour of my recent Day of Love treats...<br />
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the iconic conversation hearts...modern day of course...<b><span style="color: red;">TEXT ME!</span></b></div>
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red velvet cupcakes with red heart sprinkles, <b><span style="color: red;">LOVE </span></b>THEM!</div>
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Combine the two together and you get cute little boxes of confection! I made these sweet treats for a special little guy with a fabulous mom who loves to spoil his classmates with sweet treats!</div>
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Chocolate sandwich cookies with vanilla cream filling and of course heart sprinkles, <b><span style="color: red;">LOVE</span></b> the <b style="color: red;">HEARTS!</b></div>
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I am pretty sure I <b><span style="color: red;">HEART</span></b> these ones, I made them all a little different but equally simplistic. </div>
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And finally, some more <b><span style="color: red;">HEARTS</span></b>, the colors are red, pink and deep purple<br />
but they don't look too hot in the pic. </div>
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Well all, I hope your day of love was genuinely happy and as always, happy baking, happier eating!</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-28491469162839049912012-01-30T18:48:00.000-08:002012-01-30T18:48:14.918-08:00Mad Scientist Party<div style="text-align: center;">
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Does anyone know why they call it a mad scientist? I mean are all scientists mad? Because I am sure that the scientist thinks they are pretty normal, and definitely not mad. I mean I know a lot of scientists and I am pretty sure they are not mad. So this got me to thinking, where did this expression come from? I did a bit of research and voila! Wikipedia comes through yet again! So per Wiki, they say "the mad scientist is a stock character of popular fiction, namely science fiction." There ya go, and who said you can't learn from a blog!<br />
Now that I have completed my teaching point for the day, let me get on to showing you this mad scientist party I got to be a part of. I was in charge of all of the food and drinks and it was unbelievably fun! You know kids are fabulous and their little parties are such a happy place! The amazing mom that was throwing the party is one of my favorite customers (and friend). She is a wonderful mom and is so generous and truly wants to show everyone a good time. She allows me to challenge myself and be as creative as I want to be with the goodies she orders. Here are a couple of examples of projects I have done for her:<br />
<a href="http://flourandsugarthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-august.html">Pirate Cake & Cookies</a><br />
<a href="http://flourandsugarthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-halloween.html">Halloween Cookie Pops & Cupcakes</a><br />
Christmas Cupcakes in a Jar<br />
So when she asked me if I could help plan the mad scientist party she was throwing for her 7 year old's class, I was thrilled!<br />
So what did I do...let me show you in pictures...<br />
We had our healthy bites <br />
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ants on a log & bug bones & legs</div>
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fruit atoms & molecules</div>
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then our savory bites</div>
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corn dog centipede & caterpillar wraps</div>
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And the fun stuff...SWEETS!</div>
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eyeballs & slime...EEEWWWW!</div>
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here is the favor table...brain cakes and bubbling beakers</div>
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I labeled each of the kiddos names on the brain cakes in elemental fashion </div>
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(you know from the periodic table)</div>
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These two little guys were awesome little hosts!</div>
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Happy Baking, Happier Eating!</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-15847247431189691082012-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:002012-01-21T10:06:24.242-08:00Dos!<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uiiKy1vSUX0/TtHJhVSEH6I/AAAAAAAAC1c/BNNVwKq_XWw/s1600/IMAG0741-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uiiKy1vSUX0/TtHJhVSEH6I/AAAAAAAAC1c/BNNVwKq_XWw/s640/IMAG0741-1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a>So you know what I went ahead and did on Thursday? Yep I pretty much just went ahead and forgot all about the fact that it was my 2 year blogging anniversary! What the heck!?!? I mean it is a pretty major big deal you know, because really what else would you be doing if not reading my blog...don't answer that!<br />
<a name='more'></a>More importantly, my blogiversary reminds me that it was just over two years ago when my super duper wonderful husband (p.s. his name is Barry for those of you who don't know) convinced me that I had what it takes to actually share my baking with others and has been supporting me ever since. With every complaint or tear (Me? Never!) or doubt that I am not good enough or that someone does it better, or meltdown with a failed cake or cookie; he picks me up, wipes the batter and buttercream off my face, and gladly eats every one of my failed crumbs. Many people ask me how I have the time to be a wife, be a resident working crazy hours, have a part time baking gig, and blog (sometimes more than others) and all I can say is that I've got one amazing man supporting and encouraging me to be whatever I want to be! So I simply must say thank you to my Barry for helping me get through two very busy years! Here's to 70 more! (Yes I plan on living until I am 101).<br />
Now of course, if I didn't have such wonderful fun people following my blog, it would be hard to justify blogging. Fortunately I shed such great insight in things that you all are just dying to read my next post...HA...HA...HA! We are a tight knit group and I appreciate each and everyone one of your comments and your taking the time to read whatever crazy thing I have to say at the time! So thank you! <br />
How does a blogging gal celebrate the 2 year anniversary of her blog? I'm not sure actually. I wish that I had cool companies sending me free stuff just because I'm cool and then I would offer great giveaways to all of you, but I don't. So I guess I'm going to have to think of something to giveaway myself. So in the meantime, I will leave you with a couple of cakes that I made for a TWO year old's birthday. It's only fitting dontcha think? The dog cake I love...the cat cake I hate, but you know part of being an honest blogger is showing the good AND the bad. Thank you all for stopping by, happy baking, happier eating!</div>
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<br /></div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-1288817258715318302012-01-19T23:15:00.000-08:002012-01-20T10:18:17.545-08:00A day in the life...<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QihTaLkjmv8/TwvN1d8fp0I/AAAAAAAADr4/kiUsk2giQfM/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QihTaLkjmv8/TwvN1d8fp0I/AAAAAAAADr4/kiUsk2giQfM/s640/IMG_0129.JPG" width="626" /></a>So you've learned recently that I'm a little crazy neurotic. So since we are past the honeymoon phase in our relationship here, I guess I can confess to you all that I'm also weird, more like funny weird, and definitely not creepy weird, but weird all the same.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Like for one, I think really weird things while I am decorating my sweets. All these funny thoughts bubble through my brain and I like to think I can solve the mysteries of the world. You know how it is! So for example, while I was working on the cake for this post, I had the funny thought of why the sound of running water makes one have the urge to pee?<br />
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Isn't it strange?<br />
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Generally my thoughts have no rhyme or reason, but on this particular day, I think I had a reason and my reason has entirely everything to do with why I decided to make this 'day in the life' post.<br />
So what is a typical day of cake decorating for me...well I am pressed for time to say the least, you know the pressed for time kind of day that makes doing normal bodily necessities take a back burner to the all consuming cake! Well generally, I put off all things until the cake is done, and on this particular day I was strolling along at my usual pace when I hit a speed bump...I drank way to much <strike>coffee</strike>, I mean water, and you know how the story goes. Well usually, I just keep working, and eventually the urge just goes away (you have to understand, my bladder is pretty well trained from being in the operating room for hours on end without a bathroom break) and then a few hours later once the cake is done, I will revisit my personal needs. Because I am crazy, I somehow think a trip to the bathroom takes way to much time out of my cake mission, so I just forge on like it ain't no thang! Unfortunately, on this particular day, it was no joke, I was forced to interrupt my day of cake with a bathroom break, pshaw! And do you want to know why...because of water! Namely a water fountain! You see we just got this serene fountain from my sis and b-i-l and the dang thing makes me have to pee every time I hear it! Which brings us back full circle to my initial weirdo thought and now you guys can maybe justify that I am not as weird as you previously thought and therefore I had every right to have funny thoughts like why running water makes you pee! So after my small interruption, I spent the remainder of the afternoon trying to solve this unknown mystery but alas, I got nothin! <br />
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So besides having weirdo thoughts run through my head...what does a typical cake decorating day look like for me...well here it is:<br />
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Prior to actually doing the cake, I make a plan. I scribble down my idea in this little book and just so you guys can see it with your own eyes...I cannot draw! You see these other decorator's cake plans and it is all intricate and color penciled everywhere, um yeah, that is so not me! But hey whatever works and apparently chicken scratch works just fine for me! <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0vOQ6ZjE9w/TwvKb-ibjGI/AAAAAAAADqY/_AfP8AdMh1c/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0vOQ6ZjE9w/TwvKb-ibjGI/AAAAAAAADqY/_AfP8AdMh1c/s640/IMG_0096.JPG" width="640" /></a>Along with my scribble, I get my color palette and see how it all looks together along with gathering up my recipes. As you can see my Martha wedding cake book is one of my faves because it contains my most favorite frosting...Swiss meringue buttercream! It is a little extra work but so dreamy, you simply must try it (I will post the recipe in my next tutorial). <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kN1fwKxon3I/TwvKFro0XHI/AAAAAAAADqI/qc4APdDK1H8/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kN1fwKxon3I/TwvKFro0XHI/AAAAAAAADqI/qc4APdDK1H8/s640/IMG_0092.JPG" width="640" /></a>So when I've got the plan, I gather my supplies...Smart & Final is a bff and my local baking supply stores are <strike>extremely</strike> fairly used to seeing my face! I usually forget something that I don't typically realize until I'm home, so you can see why we chose our apartment based upon it being across the street from Smart & Final (sorta kidding).<br />
Okay, then I hop to it!<br />
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Because I am a true believer that cakes are always better the 2nd or 3rd day (I made the cakes for our wedding cake 5 days prior to our wedding, it just works!), I make all of my cakes in advance, slice them as needed and then freeze them until I'm ready to decorate. This will also make them more durable. So then when I'm ready to decorate, I get em out of the freezer, plate the bottom cake, have my frosting near by and just have fun.<br />
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The following pics will give you my routine...<br />
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First I sandwich the buttercream between the cake</div>
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Then I crumb coat and place in the fridge at least 20 minutes to set. </div>
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I then begin my decorating phase, could be simple or intense, either way I want it to be perfect each and every time! Now I apologize for short changing you all on more pics of my decorating phase of this cake but I am doing a tutorial on this cake style so bear with me! </div>
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Now, it may look all quick and easy here but let me tell you, this particular 2 tier cake probably took me about 8-10 hours when all is said and done, that's why it's called a labor of love! If I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it!<br />
I know that this day in the life is likely not as exciting as say E! channel's day in the life of Brittany Spears, but come on, you have to admit, it got ya thinking! In creating this post, I hope it may help those of you who are new to the decorating world and also shed some light on the baking/decorating world for any of those who may cast doubt on why a beautiful treat costs the amount it does. Thank you all for reading and as always, happy baking, happier eating! </div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-77122331706337796652012-01-09T23:37:00.000-08:002012-01-09T23:37:04.509-08:00trying it on for size...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Were you guys aware that I am a little crazy? Well, not the crazy serial killer kind of crazy but more like the neurotic-control-freak-kind-of-crazy! Yep, it is true! I could probably write an entire post with supporting evidence for my claim, but in effort to complete this post and get on to bed, let's just say my claim is legit! Plus, I think that by the time I am done writing this post, you will have just enough evidence to agree with my claim, you'll see, just trust me!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1qMXlkc-CY/TwvQQBuqSBI/AAAAAAAADtQ/hsLeXjmfMPQ/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1qMXlkc-CY/TwvQQBuqSBI/AAAAAAAADtQ/hsLeXjmfMPQ/s640/IMG_0154.JPG" width="640" /></a>I know you all are wondering why I have an entire post with not a single baked item in it, right? Well, that is because a very special day is almost upon us, I mean it is so important that it is pretty much a National holiday...actually come to think of it, it IS a National holiday. Do you know what that day is??? Yup, you got it, my birthday, and like I said, it is a National holiday, unfortunately it just isn't recognized nationally to be MY birthday but rather Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. But hey, you don't see me complaining about getting an extra day off around my birthday!<br />
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Because my birthday is on its way, I like to ease into it (in other words, I like to stretch it out as long as possible to maximize the celebratory period). I am one of those people who loves to throw big celebrations for my birthday, I like to make cookies & cakes and do fun things all <strike>month</strike> <strike>week</strike> day long. So you get it, I sorta like my birthday! You know when I was younger, I actually asked my mom if she would throw me a surprise party that I had completely planned...are you seeing why I am crazy, maybe just a little...can you say control freak!<br />
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So unfortunately, last year, I felt like I got thrown into my thirties and I am just now realizing that somehow I am no longer in my twenties! Crazy how that happens! I mean as far as I was concerned, everyone around me keeps getting older while I simply stay the same. Denial...it is lovely! So anyway, after realizing that maybe I am getting older along with the rest of the population, I decided that I am going to try 31 on for size first. You know, I don't want to commit too early and then find out it doesn't match my eyes or worse...my hair! I have been looking around and noticed 31 ain't too shabby! In fact, I sorta like it and as you can see, 31 looks good in various colors, shapes and sizes. So I am thinking I will give it a chance. I still have 5 more days to decide for sure, but for now, I'm thinkin' I like it! Until then, happy baking...happier eating!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ua6NM2hw1c/TwvSqc0FDcI/AAAAAAAADvM/W-2FvbG-Jwk/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ua6NM2hw1c/TwvSqc0FDcI/AAAAAAAADvM/W-2FvbG-Jwk/s640/IMG_0178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-22694434456505934252012-01-07T12:33:00.000-08:002012-01-07T12:33:53.241-08:00FIRE!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDCLC6KfLmo/TwVK-hkLsfI/AAAAAAAADRg/sJempKgFRlk/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDCLC6KfLmo/TwVK-hkLsfI/AAAAAAAADRg/sJempKgFRlk/s640/IMG_0071.JPG" width="640" /></a>I know exactly what you are thinking right now...what the HECK does fire have to do with engagement cookies? Then you think to yourself...ohhhh, I know, Linzy is trying to think outside of the box and create the metaphor of FIRE as it relates to the passion and love between a newly engaged couple, that must be it!<br />
<a name='more'></a>Nope sadly, that's not it, <b>I'm not that metaphorical</b>; I actually quit metaphors, and many other grammatical things the minute I graduated high school and realized they pretty much would never be applicable in my boring world of science an math. But now that I do this whole blogging thing, I am thinking, grammar rules and tricks would probably be useful. I'd probably have a way cooler blog and like thousands of followers who loved reading my ultra clever and grammatically correct blogs, right? Well, oh well, I'm probably never going to relearn that stuff, there just isn't enough room left in my brain. Speaking of brain capacity, did you know that there actually is a limit to the knowledge, facts, etc. that the human brain can retain? I know, its a pretty crazy concept! Let me tell you, this concept comes in handy when I have some scary senior doctor asking me questions that, for the life of me, I cannot remember the answers to. I just think to myself...I must have exceeded my brain capacity by memorizing that last sandwich cookie recipe I created. Then I further reassure myself by remembering that if I were the one questioning the scary senior doctor about the chemistry of baking, he would fail miserably. All of this happens in about 3 seconds, so it looks like I am pondering the question I was just asked and then I reply, <b>"Hmmm...I don't know Dr. Scary, I have been meaning to reread that concept but maybe we could go over it together?"</b> Works for me! Plus I am way better at learning by having someone tell me something than by reading it myself, because I can remember something about the learning situation, for example, the horrible shirt the person is wearing or the funny way someone says a word, and those little cues help me to remember what the talk was about, it's awesome really!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFxWXmEmPBg/TwVLJpPVa6I/AAAAAAAADRw/BuBkWgfgoGE/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFxWXmEmPBg/TwVLJpPVa6I/AAAAAAAADRw/BuBkWgfgoGE/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MBuBUIMuRw/TwVLPHodlNI/AAAAAAAADR0/XVIqYusjNDM/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MBuBUIMuRw/TwVLPHodlNI/AAAAAAAADR0/XVIqYusjNDM/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a>Wow, a little side-tracked. <b>Are you still with me?</b> So why did I name this post about engagement cookies<b> 'FIRE'</b>? So last Saturday I was sitting in my little work station, writing my <a href="http://flourandsugarthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-2012.html">New Years</a> post with one of my most favorite <b><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=790020&navAction=jump&navCount=">Voluspa</a> </b>candles (important part of the story to remember) on the dresser next to me, giving me the perfect blogging environment. My husband came home and asked me to come downstairs because our neighbor had something to share. So I went downstairs to find out that our neighbor had just proposed to his now fiance the night before. Now a little thing about me is that one of my <b>most favorite things</b> about people getting married, is hearing their engagement stories, I just love it! I get all giddy and excited to hear how it all played out. So anyhow, we were going through the whole scenario, I was grilling him for all the details, when suddenly, we hear our smoke alarm chirp. I said "oh probably out of batteries yet again." <i>Then our smoke alarm really starts going off, both of them really start going off!</i> So I run upstairs and as I near the top of the stairs, all I see is the bright reflection of orange glancing off the white walls, my first thought...<i><b>"holy crap, our apartment is on fire!"</b></i> I turn the corner and look at my beloved candle that is now a complete fire ball and let out what apparently sounded like a freaked out scream (per my husband). He makes it up the stairs in 2 seconds, followed by our neighbor and I am sitting there trying to blow out this small fireball with all of my might. Our neighbor suggests water, fortunately I am constantly leaving half-full glasses of water everywhere (one of the many reasons my husband loves me, lol), so I grab one and throw it on the fireball. It subsequently becomes even angrier until my smart husband throws one of our bath towels over the top to extinguish the ball-o-fire! Yikes, right!?!? So after my husband and neighbor recovered from thinking I had started our apartment complex on fire, I realized that trying to squeeze the last hour of burn time out of my favorite candle was probably not worth the risk of being sued for arson. I came to the conclusion, that when a candle is contained in a metal tin, coated in pretty paint and gets down to the last little bit of wax; it therefore causes the tin to get <b>SUPER hot</b> and self-ignite the pretty paint and become a ball-o-fire that will eventually burn your house down! Are you noticing the amazing deducing skills that I gained from my <b>$300,000</b> education, <b>HA...HA</b>...So I promptly removed all of the last-hour-of-burn-time-candles I have lying around and got excited about <strike>the opportunity to buy more</strike> cleaning the clutter out of our apartment! Lesson learned!<br />
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So now you can totally see why this post about the happy engagement cookies I made for our newly engaged neighbors is so appropriately named<b> 'FIRE!' </b>As fir the cookies, I loved them, I had a lot of fun making them and wanted a clean, modern engagement celebration look to them. Thank you so much for following my REALLY long post about how these cookies were born! I'm off to document my next post the life in a day of cake-making, exciting!!! Happy baking, happier eating!<span id="goog_175187814"></span><span id="goog_175187815"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oxicun7pQIY/TwVKrtM5lzI/AAAAAAAADRc/4dE-q7mRmiw/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oxicun7pQIY/TwVKrtM5lzI/AAAAAAAADRc/4dE-q7mRmiw/s640/IMG_0083.JPG" width="608" /></a></div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-79763614868239565122012-01-01T23:04:00.000-08:002012-01-01T23:04:17.537-08:00Paris Themed Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You guys are shocked, I know, 2 posts in one 24 hour period...crazy! You guys may be about as shocked as my husband was the other night when I actually stayed awake for a whole movie after 3pm! Shocking I know. I used to have a 7pm cut-off for movie watching in my younger years, but now-a-days, seems that cut-off is getting closer and closer to the morning hours. I know what you are thinking...I am pri-tee lame, but let me just tell you, I get some of my best sleep during a movie, its amazing!<br />
Let me just give you a little sample of our pre-movie night conversation...<br />
<a name='more'></a>Me "Oh hunny, we should watch a movie tonight, that would be soooo fun and cozy!!! We can eat popcorn and just relax on the couch!" (at this point I am generally thrilled about the idea of movie watching) Mr. F "Oh okay, you mean we can eat popcorn and I will watch the movie alone after the opening credits?"<br />
Me "Not this time, I am feeling REALLY awake so I know I will stay awake tonight!"<br />
Mr. F "Okay, that sounds good, anything you want to watch?"<br />
Me "Hmmm...I will think about it, maybe we should browse the PPV channels?"<br />
<br />
{fast forward to movie time...imagine a warm, dimly lit living room with popcorn aroma filling the air}<br />
<br />
Mr. F "So what do you want to watch? I was thinking blank blank or blank." Generally blanks filled in with a mystery thriller or suspense drama type of movie.<br />
Me "I really wanted to see blank blank or blank." Generally blanks filled in with some chick-flick romance sorta movie.<br />
Mr. F "So you really think you are going to stay awake huh?"<br />
Me-at this point my sleep deficit in combo with the cozy ambiance starts to imply that I may not actually make it through the opening credits so I say "Actually, let's watch something you want to watch for a change?"<br />
<br />
And so it goes, you know how this story ends, we watch a mystery thriller/suspense drama that actually ends up being pretty good to start and then like clockwork my top eyelids slowly make it closer to the bottom, my head starts to bob, and I lose track of everything going on in the movie (because I am really asleep, trying to pretend I'm not) and then Mr. F says "are you sleeping" and I try to act fully awake alert and oriented but sure enough, the REM cycle wins out and I miss yet another movie! It's just the way I roll!<br />
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So what does any of this have to do with Paris-themed cookies you ask? Everything! We (big emphasis on we) watched the Tourist the other night and the opening scene is in Paris and I thought what a great time to post these cookies! And now we come full circle! I originally made these cookies about two months ago for a friends 30th birthday and completely forgot to post them. When I remembered that I used to actually write in my blog posts and try to be a little clever (instead of just posting pics as of late) I figured I would save posting these photos until I could come up with something to write about them. So as luck would have it...I stayed up through a whole movie and got a little clever with tying the two together, lucky you!<br />
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I loved this set, I love the simplicity of ivory and black and the friend I was making them for loves everything Paris so it was the perfect opportunity to get creative with the sophistication of black and ivory. They were all minis intended to be cute bite size Parisian bites ;) I hope you enjoy and as always...happy baking, happier eating!Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8487161875307162078.post-58423793622733458942011-12-30T21:38:00.001-08:002012-01-01T12:10:56.187-08:00Happy 2012!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did y'all know that its <strike>almost</strike> IS 2012 (yes I started writing this yesterday, yet ran out of time to finish)? Did y'all know I am using y'all to get ready for moving to Texas in just 6 months! Yes, I said it, 6 months from yesterday the hubby and I will be driving our 2 SUVs and a U-haul trailer to the Lone Star State and I don't even have to tell you, but I will...we are excited! Confession, I am not sure that Texans even use y'all as much as the other Southern states use it (please my Texan followers, inform me) but in my mind, they do and you better believe that I will be using it in it's fullest the minute I plant my West coast foot in Texas soil. And you are aware that my West coast foot will most definitely have a boot on it, because that is what I do! But for all of you who think that I bought boots just so that I can live in Texas...I have got a tid bit of info for you...my history with boots (the cowboy variety, not the fashion boot variety) goes WAY back. Way back that is to when I was a little toe-head running around with the sheep and horses that paint the memories of my childhood. Yep, that's right, I was a little cowgirl! I am pretty sure that the cowgirl feeling never dies despite how many urban cities you live in, you can always find it, and I think everyone secretly has a little cowgirl in them! So let's just say I am more than a little excited to explore my inner cowgirl in a place that embraces all kinds of cowgirls and boys alike! Okay, so why am I hear on this beautiful new day of a new year you ask??? To wish you all a Happy New Year and a wonderful start to your 2012! I don't know about you, but I can just feel that this year is going to be a good one and I am ready to face it full force! I mean here are just a few of the exciting things to come in 2012...<br />
<a name='more'></a><ul>
<li><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Most importantly</span></strong> my husband and I will be celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary and our 8th year together! <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Woo hoo!</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"> I am told by a famous Texas talent </span><a href="http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/">Callye</a> that I need to start saying woo hoo to get ready for when we move to Texas...lets just say, it incorporates perfectly into my current vocab! So here's to you Callye...WOO HOO!</li>
<li>I will be finishing my overly extended time of living like a college student and upgrading to adult status at the young age of 31, yep that's right, as of mid-January I will be the ripe ole age of 31...mark your calendars! And come June 30th, I can officially say I am finished with my journey of 13 years to become a doctor...well I have technically been a doctor since 2008, but now, I don't have to be babysat, so to speak! </li>
<li>Many close people to me will be celebrating many notable anniversaries as well in 2012...my parents are at 36 years in 2012! My sister and her hubby will celebrate their one year anniversary in August and my bff and hubby will celebrate their one year anniversary as well this year, that is an exciting anniversary! Come to think of it, last night as the hubby and I celebrated our NYE with a glass of wine, we each said what our favorite memory of 2011 was and mine was actually the celebration of our 1st anniversary! So 1 year anniversaries=very important in my mind! </li>
<li>Speaking of anniversaries...my blog will celebrate 2 years this year, actually January is the month...hmmm...I better start thinking of something fun for my blogiversary I guess...any recommendations? </li>
</ul>
Well there are just a few things that I am excited about in 2012, I won't bore you with too many lists! Any of you excited for 2012 for one reason or another? Let me know! <br />
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So I know you are dying to know how a crazy gal like me and her amazing husband celebrate on a night like New Years Eve, right? Pretty much...we go BIG! I mean go big or go home right!?!? Well that is just what we did, we stayed home, sorta our thing. We love to eat, so that is always on board and since we love to eat and I love to bake it makes our lives pretty easy. So I am sure that you can all guess how we celebrated...good food, good wine, a little country Rock Band action, and a big smooch, a big slice of chocolate cake with a glass of milk @ midnight to ring in the New Year! Perfection! I know what you are thinking...pretty outrageous eating chocolate cake at midnight, and I bet you would think it is even more outrageous if I told you that the chocolate cake had coffee in it as well right? I mean how did I expect to sleep after eating a big slice of chocolate cake at midnight? Just like I always do...like a baby! And boy was the cake good! I am actually sitting here thinking about a piece right now! That is how good it was!<br />
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So now you want to know how you can make your very own delicious chocolate cake right...<br />
Directions:<br />
<ul>
<li>click here: <a href="http://iambaker.net/the-best-chocolate-cake">i am baker</a> follow Amanda's directions for the cake and while you are at it, look at all of her beautiful pictures</li>
<li>while the cake is cooling, make your favorite frosting to dress-up your cake. For me, chocolate cake goes with chocolate frosting so I used my favorite fluffy chocolate frosting recipe that you can find at the bottom of this post.</li>
<li>Decorate as much or as little as you like. Trust me, when you are smelling this delectable treat, your motivation to have some extravagant design and therefore postpone your EET (estimated eating time) will go out the window.</li>
<li>Once decorated</li>
<ul>
<li>grab a plate</li>
<li>cute a slice</li>
<li>grab a fork</li>
<li>pour some milk </li>
<li>grab your hunny (or hide from others if you are not a sharer)</li>
<li>Sit back, relax and let every morsel of this baby invigorate your taste buds! </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Well all, there you have it! Here is to a beautiful new year with hope, dreams, love, laughter and smiles...and of course desserts! Happy baking, happier eating! Thank you all for following yet another year! <br />
xox,<br />
Linzy<br />
<br />
Fluffy Chocolate Frosting:<br />
1 stick unsalted butter @ room temp<br />
2/3 cup cocoa<br />
3 cups confectioners sugar<br />
1/3-1/2 cup milk<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
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Cream butter and cocoa. Add sugar, milk, vanilla & salt, cream until incorporated on low/medium. Scrape bowl and turn mixer to high for a minute or two to get light fluffy frosting. I sometimes add more milk to thin it out even more to make a silky fluffy chocolate frosting...mmm...mmm...good!</div>Linzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05092226756796591498noreply@blogger.com1