Time is flying!

It's hard to believe it's been two weeks since we got back from our mini holiday.   So much has been going on and then again, not really much is that interesting.  I've been busy with orders each week, ranging from cakes, to cupcakes and cake pops.  Cupcakes seem to be all the rage now and my orders are showing it.  I've done at least one cupcake order for the last 3 weeks and still have another one next week.  I've posted all of the pics up on my website:  Always with Cake!
The weather has taken a turn here in Arizona, and I can't say that I'm all that thrilled with it.  It's downright chilly!  So much so, that I've already had to break out my sweatshirts and long pants.  Can you believe it?  It's only November 6th.  We shouldn't have to start wearing our "cold weather" gear until December.  As you can clearly see, I've gotten a little spoiled with the AZ high temps.  Strange, how that happens, isn't it?  I grew up in Northern California, so a little cold weather is something I used to be accustomed to.
The dogs are taking full advantage of the cooler weather and have been quite rambunctious lately.  They had a blast in the yard today, playing around and chasing one another.  I was able to snap some really good pictures of them horsing around:

Wonder and his ball

Java and Wonder seem to be up to something....

"We'll take Wonder down, Buddy."

Gotchya!

Isn't this the way bears play?

We'll all just stand around and bark at one another.

"Run like the wind, Buddy!"

Now this is what we call an action shot!

So, the real reason I haven't done much blogging lately?  I've got a new toy!  Yep, I finally got an iPad2!!!  I've asked for it every single day, practically, since it came out, but we just couldn't justify the cost.  Well, I won a little bit in Vegas and got an early Christmas present (with much begging!) and whaaa-la:

My pride and joy!

Isn't he a beaut????  

I really can't stay off this thing.  I've loaded up on some great free apps, but have also gotten some itunes gift cards and have some apps that are really incredible.  If you have an iPad and are looking for a great app, here's a recommendation:  Star Walk
This app is amazing!!!  You point it up at the sky and it recognizes, not only where you're currently located, but all of the constellations, stars, planets, etc and shows you where they are.  The app was $4.99 and well worth every penny!  If you have kids, they would love this.  It's educational for both kids and adults.  As a matter of fact, I'm headed outside now, just to play.  The sky is a little clearer tonight, so hopefully, we'll be able to see some good stuff.

Las Vegas Holiday and Jimmy Buffett Concert

Newly Opened Margaritaville Casino

What a great weekend!  I'm not sure that I could have asked for a better holiday and it was much needed!  Friday, I flew to Las Vegas, to join Chris for an extended weekend getaway, and of course, the Jimmy Buffett concert on Saturday night.  Friday, Chris was working, so I decided to hit Bill's Casino and play a little slots.  I'm not much of a gambler, but I do love to play the slot machines whenever I get the chance to visit Vegas.  Since I'm such a big spender, I decided to start off large and hit the 1¢ slot machines.  Yep, I wanted to strike it rich playing 1¢ at a time!!  So, after walking around the small dive of a casino and deciding that dying of second hand smoke was worth the money, I inserted my first $10 into the Jackpot Party 1 cent slot machine.  Whoo-hoo!!!  First few spins, I won 40¢, $1.60, 80¢.  Okay, this wasn't so bad....at least I could sit here for a bit and play, while I was enjoying a beverage.  Then I hit the Jackpot Party bonus round:

I won $52 within 5 minutes of sitting down to the 1¢ slot machines

What?  How does one win $52 only betting 40¢ at a time??  Somehow, I seem to do this every time in Vegas, on the first day I'm there.  Well, I still had more time to kill, so I might as well just play for a bit.  I've already won and the prospect of hitting the Jackpot Party Bonus round again, was great incentive.  (I know, this is how they wrangle you in and how gamblers end up in Gambler's Annon.)  So, on I played....I lost a few dollars and then would win some more......within 20 min, I hit the bonus round again:

Another win and I'm still playing w/my original $10.

I am now taking pictures of the machine, texting Chris and calling my friend Emily!  Guess what everyone?  I'm somehow winning actual money on 1¢ slot machines and I thought it was important to tell everyone I knew.  This was fantastic!!  Since the machine was hot, I definitely didn't want to leave, but I knew my luck had to run out sooner or later.  With a little more time to kill, I kept going.  I had now been playing for about an hour and a half and I won again:

My final winnings - I walked away with $151 more than I started with.

I'm rich!!!!  Okay, I'm not exactly rich, but who wouldn't be excited about that little windfall?  That made my first 2 hours in Vegas!  Let the weekend begin.  :-)
Our Friday night was fun, walking around and seeing the Vegas Strip for the first time in 2.5 years.  So many new things and so many changes to the old stuff.  City Center was amazing and a maze, within itself.  We had a hard time walking around this place, but it was definitely beautiful.

Part of City Center at Night

The architecture inside of the Aria is more than amazing!  It seems like every hotel and casino that's built, has to outdo the last one that was made.  The shops inside of City Center are so upscale, I could barely afford to walk past their doors.  And the restaurants............Every single famous chef, has at least one restaurant here.  It was beyond insane.  Here's Mastro's Ocean Club Restaurant.  I just couldn't get over the design of this place and of course, the Louis Vitton Shop that it overlooked, was an added bonus.

Mastro's Ocean Club Restaurant

Bill's Casino, is located right next door to were we stayed.  It's a little hole in the wall casino, that's been around forever (and where I won my "jackpot").  As we were walking by this place, we noticed one particular sign out front, advertising their entertainment:

On Stage at Bill's Casino - Cook E. Jarr

 Now, here's an act that I just can't miss!  I mean Cook E. Jarr, we've all heard of him, right?  I know that he's been on my bucket list FOREVER and was so excited to see that he was playing in such an upscale establishment.  How ever did we get so lucky, as to have him playing in the next casino over?  Really, though, who has this kind of stage name?  Cook E. Jarr?  Is he related to the Cookie Monster??  Notice the classy outfit he's wearing.  Not many people can pull off the blazer and no shirt look.............Goodness!
Saturday, we were ready to go.  Headed out to the Margaritaville Street Party in the ally next to our hotel.  (We stayed at the Flamingo, which I was a little skeptical about, but the GO Rooms were wonderful.  I am a little unsure of what these are....)

(Evators???)

Anyway, the street party started at 11am and was going on to 6pm.  They had mixed the worlds largest margarita and were serving it all weekend.  Maybe I should just leave it at that.....and throw in a few pictures.  We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Lol!

Street Party, celebrating the opening of Margaritaville Casino

World's Largest Margarita - Actually real!

It's ALL MINE!!!  

The one and only time Chris got to hold this.

Have Tequila, will travel....and share with others!  NICE!

Having the time of our lives!

The "Big Marg" back in the hands of it's rightful owner

After the entertainment and a nice, late afternoon nap (LOL!), we headed over to the MGM Garden Arena for the last Jimmy Buffett concert of the year.  The place was huge!  15K people were packed into the arean for the concert and Jimmy did not disappoint.  If you haven't ever been to one of his concerts, you really should put it on your bucket list.  This was my 4th concert of his and definitely not the last.  He played for 2 hours and just rocked the house!  My picture didn't come out very good, as my phone was running out of batteries and kept shutting off....

Jimmy Buffett/Vegas October 22, 2011

The video is a little bit of the Fins song and just a look at the HUGE crowd at the arena.  AWESOME night!!

With the concert over and a little more gambling done, Sunday seemed to come quickly.  We had been looking forward to Champagne Brunch at The Planet Hollywood Spice Market Buffet.  The Spice Market Buffet has been one of our favorites in the past years, but unfortunately, it's gone a bit downhill.  It was a brunch buffet and there was no sausage, no muffins of any sort, no biscuits and gravy....WHAT???  Well, thank goodness it was free (we had a bunch of vouchers) otherwise the $25 per person price, would have a been a rip off.

Not quite awake and the tan lines from Sunglasses are extremely noticeable in this light.

As you can see, it's still pretty early for me (10am, after a late night....Uhhggg!)  Even the extra bacon I had, didn't quite wake me up.  On the other hand, Chris was thoroughly enjoying everything brunch had to offer and so enthusiastically, I might add.  Annoying!

I'm not sure Chris could be enjoying this any more.

With a bit of time before our 3pm flight, we wandered across the street to the Bellagio to check out their atrium.  I'm always amazed at the beauty in this place.  It gives me so much inspiration for different cakes.  I kind of like that about Vegas.  Maybe I should come back here more often???  Fun, fun trip!!!!

An Apple made out of Roses.  Beauty!

All natural Cornucopia.  Everything is made from something living.

Who dreams of this stuff??

I'm just in love with these apples.

This makes me want to do this in cake.

Love the apples in a barrel.

So cute!

Awe inspiring!

Really?  A picture made out of plants?  WOW!!!

Puppy Love

Cuddling is always best!

Buddy and Wonder just love each other to pieces.  It's so cute!  Since we got Wonder in February, we've found he's a little quirky.  He loves to curl up in his toy box, which is exceptionally small.  He also likes to sleep on the book shelf, on top of paper and crammed next to catalogs.  But there's nothing he enjoys more than curling up next to Buddy and taking a nap.  While there is plenty of room for everyone, Wonder will have nothing to do with open space.  He'll park his little behind down on top of Buddy or Java if he feels like it.  He makes us laugh, that's for sure.
While the boys are taking naps, I'm busy getting them ready for the pet sitters.  3 nights away and they love it.  They complain about the car ride (barking will ensue for half of the 10 mile trip), but once they get to the pet sitters, they are gone, exploring the 1.5 acres of land and playing with the pugs and other assorted dogs that might be on vacation too.  Good times for them and for us.
I'm off to Las Vegas, for a fun packed weekend.  I am so in need of a holiday, I feel like I might burst!  A few slots and some good eats on Friday, the Margaritaville Street Party on Saturday and the Jimmy Buffett concert on Saturday Night.  What more could a girl ask for??  Okay, if I could win some $$$$$, I wouldn't complain.  (I mean, I really need an iPad!)
One more thing before I jet off into the sunset....If you're looking for a really good book, you've got to read the book, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford.  What a magnificent book about love, culture, war, Jazz, friendship and growing up.  There are so many facets to this book.  I actually first saw this book on the shelf at Barnes and Noble, when it first came out, but after reading the back, decided not to read it at the time.  It kept popping up in odd places and I finally recommended it for book club, without having read it, just because it felt like a book I was supposed to read.  Now, I wish I would have read it months ago.  I can't stop thinking about the characters of the book and asking myself questions about my own life.  Pick this book up, if you like to read.  It's by far, one of the best books I've encountered in a long time!!

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

DIY - Mason Jar Soap Dispensers

Mason Jar Soap Dispensers

I love these Soap Dispensers!  I've seen them everywhere and since I'm in the redecorating mode, I decided to try my hand at these and make them for our Guest Bathroom.  After reading several tutorials, I knew that this wouldn't be too hard, but wasn't sure how readily, soap dispenser pump replacements would be to find.  Turns out you can get them at any hardware store and they're relatively inexpensive.  I think the whole total for this project cost me $7 for both dispensers.  (The spray paint might cost you extra, but I happened to have some around, so that wasn't an out of pocket expense)  I love the painted look of these little guys, but painting them is just an option.  They look great without the paint as well.

Here's what you need:

DIY - Mason Jar Soap Dispenser

1. Mason Jar
2. Soap Dispenser Pump
3. Spray Paint (Optional - You can leave them just the way they are)
4. Hamer
5. Screwdriver or Large Nail
6. Needle Nose Pliers
7. Hot Glue Gun (not pictured)

Take your Mason Jar lid and with your hammer and screwdriver, make a whole in the very center of your lid. With the Needle Nose Pliers, grasp the metal and pull back on it just a bit, to make the opening large enough for your pump.  Be sure to not pull back too far or you'll get too big of an opening.  You want the pump to fit in the whole snugly.
If you're planning on painting your jar, spray a couple of coats on it now.  For the lid, you can either leave it as is and buy a pump to match or you can use metallic paint (I used an oil rubbed bronze spray paint) to paint your lid and rim.
Once your jar and lid are dry, insert your pump into the top part of the lid.  Using a dab of hot glue, glue the pump onto the lid.  Be sure to wipe off any excess glue.
Fill jar with liquid soap and you are good to go.  Such an easy project and it really takes only the drying time and about 5 minutes to get a beautiful, re-usable soap dispenser.

Recipe - Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs

Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs

I'm drooling a little as I type this blog, just looking at the picture of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs.  I LOVE Reece's Peanut Butter Cups and have tried several different copycat recipes, but I've never found anything out there that was close to the real thing.  I think I've found it.  This recipe is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!  I definitely think you could cut the recipe in half.  I made the full batch and it made approx. 37 rather large Peanut Butter eggs.  You can make them in any shape you want, but for some reason, the egg shape always tastes better to me.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
(Courtesy of Whimsical Princess Recipes)

(Full Batch)

4 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Creamy Peanut Butter (I used Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter....Like that was going to help!)
1/4 Cup Butter or Margarine
3 Tablespoons Milk
3 1/2 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1 Tablespoon Shortening

Directions:
Mix the powdered sugar, peanut butter and butter together with a mixer.  Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time.  The mixture will look crumbly, but will stick together when you smash it all together.  It's really easy to work with at this point.  Take a small handful of mixture and press together and form an egg shape.  Place formed egg on wax paper and place in freezer for 1 hour.
Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a glass bowl and microwave for 1 minute at a time, until completely melted.  Once melted, dip each egg in chocolate, covering entirely.  Place dipped egg back on wax paper and put in frig to firm up.
That's it!  You're done.  Nothing to it.  Now, share a few with some friends.  They will be forever grateful.


CAUTION:  These are very rich and VERY dangerous!!!  Don't eat entire batch in one sitting.  If you're depressed and feel like doing some binge eating, this is NOT the recipe.  Far too many calories will be consumed and the regret will last a life time. Otherwise, enjoy!!!

It was the best of times.........

And the fun ensues at our house.  We have an extra dog at our house this week.  Jasper, the lovable lug of a lab from across the street, is staying with us while his family is out of town.  We really do love having Jasper here, as he and Java are the bestest of friends.  4 dogs is a LOT to handle, especially when Chris takes off to California for a few days.  I can barely handle the 3 on my own, without having a mental break down.  They always seem to get into more trouble when "Dad" is away.

2 Beagles against 1 Lab - Let the roughhousing begin!

I wasn't sure how it was going to work, all 4 dogs under foot, but so far (we're only into day 2), so good.  They are having a blast together and actually being pretty good.  Jasper loves to play and I think he could play all day, if I let him.  Unfortunately for Jasper, the Beagles like to sleep most of the day.  The mornings and evenings are a different story.  It's all about roughhousing!  From running around the dining room table to playing tackle in the den and running like crazy dogs in the backyard, they manage to wear themselves out.

Each Man to their own corner....Ready?  Set!  Sniff!!!

It's so nice they're all friends.  Why people say that all male dogs don't work is beyond me.  We've always had 2 or 3 male Beagles at a time and it couldn't work better.  Guess we've been lucky.

Jasper and Java - Best Friends forever!

Our neighbor's dog (Jasper) get's so excited to come over to our house, he will literally drag you across the street, just so he can see his friend, Java.  I went over to get Jasper one day, so he could come over and play, and he got so excited, that he pulled me down in the street and was dragging me behind him, until I managed to let go of his leash.  I don't think our neighbors will ever have to worry about Jasper getting out and running away.  He heads straight for our house, each time he gets the chance.  It's the craziest things with Java and Jasper.  They both sit and the window and look for each other, whenever they can.  If one see's the other, chaos usually follows!

Boy Wonder, the "little guy" - Almost 3 years old

Our little guy is a Champion Beagle.  We got him the day he finished his time in the ring, back in February.  He's only 13", but built like a stud!  Even with his small stature, he weighs just as much as Java does.  Wonder is so small, we were a little afraid that Jasper might have him for a little snack, or at the very least, run him over, but they all get along great.  Wonder may be small, but he's feisty and we doesn't let anyone walk on him.  He's such a little cutie pie, my Wonder!

Buddy  will turn 11 in December.

This is Buddy, the only Field Beagle of the group.  He's our oldest and most docile dog.  Buddy is almost 11 years old, but still loves to play with the boys.  He just plays in shorter spurts now and gets distracted very easily.  He's a stop-drop-and roll dog.  He stops, drops to the ground and rolls over for you to pet his belly.  Buddy is all about the belly rubs!

Java - 3 years old

Mocha "Java" Joe is the most photogenic of boys and our Alpha Dog. While he hates the camera, it sure loves him.  Java's got such a pretty face, it's hard not to photograph him constantly.  He's also the loudest and most obnoxious of the 3 boys.  His bark is enough to make you go deaf.  We've done everything to get him to quiet down, but he's stubborn.  Java is also a big baby and didn't get the memo in Kindergarten, that he's supposed to share.  He does not like Wonder getting any attention and hates it even more when Wonder has something he doesn't have.
A water bottle is Java's biggest concern.  If you give him a bottle, he really doesn't want it.  BUT, should you give Wonder a water bottle, then all bets are off.  He wants what Wonder has and will get it, no matter what. Even if we give both of them a bottle, Java will always want Wonder's bottle.  And once he gets it, he will guard it with his life!  Have you ever seen that commercial for Travelers Insurance?  Where the dog puts his bone in the bank to protect it and then has nightmares and can't sleep, because he thinks his bone is going to get stolen?  This is Java, with a water bottle!  Ridiculous!!

Recipe - Balsamic Caprese Panini

Balsamic Caprese Panini

I love a Caprese Salad.  Especially when you get some really good Mozzarella and some home grown tomatoes and basil!  YUM!  So, when I came across this recipe for a Caprese Panini, I knew it was going to be good.....I just didn't know how good it was going to be.  This Panini is light and refreshing, for a sandwich, without giving up taste and flavor.  I think it has become one of my all time favorites!

Balsamic Caprese Panini


French Bread
2 Medium Tomatoes, Sliced
1 Package of Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced
Fresh Basil Leaves
Balsamic Vinegar
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Cut French Bread to desired size. Coat one or both sides of bread with balsamic vinegar.  Top with a light coat of Olive Oil.  Next Layer on your basil leaves, sliced tomatoes and mozzarella.  Repeat with basil, tomatoes and mozzarella.  Cook in Panini maker until bread is crisp and mozzarella has slightly started to melt.

HINT:  Don't buy the cheap Mozzarella.  Buy the freshest Mozzarella you can find.  It really does make all the taste difference in the world.