Tennessee...Tennessee...

This song gets me pumped up about my new soon-to-be home! Hopefully it takes you all back to a simpler time as well!

Patty Cake Patty Cake....

This week's cake was to look like a knitted baby outfit. So far, it is one of my favorites! I made this one especially for "Abe the Babe" who should be born in the next few weeks. He belongs to by good friend Beth (the Babe). Too bad they live too far away to get a taste, but we will enjoy it for them.

**I couldn't get the photo in the middle to rotate, so you may have to turn your head to the side for a good view!

We Are Headed To....

Go Commodores!! We got our news this morning that we are headed to good old Nashville, Tennessee!! Get your Grand Ole' Opry tickets now!

Our pea in the pod...

For those interested, we have started a website for Baby Young.

Check it out: Youngest Young

Happy Birthday David + Cake Class = Birthday Cake

Last night we were instructed to make a cake with drunk, pink elephants and since that sounded like a really weird idea...I decided to treat our pal David to a cake for his birthday! He is an avid bicyclist, so here it is! (If you don't know David and would like to, check out his blog--very funny!)

A stroll in the park...

On MLK Day, we were invited to join the Nelsons and Lees on a hike. So, assuming we would hike up to an ocean overlook or to a cool waterfall, Sean and I jumped on board. Chad & Kimber Nelson have the "outdoorsy" in them that Sean and I yearn for, so the more of it that rubs off the better. Chad did warn us that it would be chilly up in the San Gabriel Mtns (about 1 hour from LA), so we bundled up. We had no idea what we were in store for!! It was beautifully frigid as the temperatures plummeted below freezing through our frozen journey. Somehow, Chad with his topographical skills was able to navigate through the snow up the mountain with no trail! (I think he should be the next Man vs. Wild!) Luckily, Sean and I had pulled out our warm hiking boots from our more "outdoorsy" years, but Deb Lee and her pal Leana, sadly were wearing running shoes and ankle socks, so the deep snow steps were probably quite frosty on the ankles. Speaking of ankles, did I mention that Sean had rolled his playing basketball that morning, so he was hiking injured!! Sean and I turned back and came down before the rest of the group--unfortunately, we took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up at a dead-end, so we had to basically sled/ski down to the path we saw in the distance. I felt like I was in a Robert Frost story as my hands went numb! But making it back was quite the accomplishment because we had managed without a map or guide. We then drove down the canyon to a little diner and had the best hot chocolate of my life! It turned out to be a whole lot of fun due to the great companionship of the Nelsons and Lees. Good memories!

For Those Interested....

Daiquiri Ice-Ice-Baby

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp imitation rum extract
1 tsp citric acid powder – you may need to go to a health food store or online for this, but it is a necessary ingredient
1 drop green food coloring

Heat sugar and water just until sugar melts. Remove from heat and add citric acid. Stir until dissolved. Let mixture cool until lukewarm, then add rum extract, lime juice and food coloring. Refrigerate until chilled. Churn in an ice cream machine for 25 minutes. Spoon ice into freezer-safe bowl, and move to the freezer for an hour before serving.

Note: The recipe only makes a little over 2 cups, so you may want to double the ingredients.

I scream for ice cream!!

Daiquiri Ice is my all time fave flave!! I can't resist it. Everytime I walk into Baskin Robbins, I think...okay, Marissa, you have to try something else this time. But without fail, I end up with a waffle cone full of that beautiful, icey turquoise dream-come-true. To my delight, Sean has found the recipe to make our own at home & it is delicious!!



SIDEBAR: I have been bugging Sean for 5 years to buy me an ice cream machine. But he insisted that like so many other things I get (i.e. sewing machine, tennis racquets, scrapbooking supplies) that I will love it at first, but then it will find its way to the back of the closet never to be seen again. BUT for Christmas this year, he totally surprised me, and bought me the one I would ogle each time I went to Williams Sonoma. And I tell you what, with this new delicious goodness I can make--it is front and center in my kitchen and won't be finding the back of a closet any time soon!! If anyone would like a try, just let me know. I am happy to make a new batch anytime!

Cake Class Part Deux

Doh! Ashley and I started our cake class again on Tuesday nights, so here is the first of many masterpieces to come over the next 8 weeks...