How do you like them cakes?

Ryan has a new venture, he is making cakes for the birthday parties at the gym's Kids' Club. Each one is a different theme and so far he has made Darth Vader and Sponge Bob. And did I mention they are cupcake cakes? Not an easy feat but Ryan sure makes it look that way! They have turned out great so far and I personally cannot wait to see what he is going to do next. I hear Pirates of the Caribbean is on tap.



Here is how the magic happens:

Ryan creates a schematic of how he wants to lay the cupcakes out so they will resemble the shape he is going for. Then he does a crumb coat of frosting (homemade of course) to get the cupcakes to stick together. After that is done he does another layer of frosting, sweeping across the whole cake to fill in any gaps. Then, the fun part begins. Ryan does the outline of his design and then fills it in using pastry bags with different tips.



Here are some photos of the process and the finished results

Italy around the house

Those who know me know I am obsessed with Italy, especially the Fleur di Lis, which, although French, is the symbol of the city of Florence. I lived in Florence during college and have deep loyalty to it! I first went to Italy when I was 15 and remember the minute I stepped off the train and into Venice I felt at home. I have felt that way about Italy every since. I go back as often as possible, which is never often enough. Our last trip was a year and a half ago and I miss Italy terribly! Here is how I try to keep Italy close during the long stretches in between trips:

Paintings bought in Florence of Florence and poppies

Photo of Chianti bottles and paintings of the Tuscan countryside

photos of the Tuscan countryside. The saying Live well, Laugh often, Love Much

A wine bottle bought in Florence and fleur de Lis book stand

Fleur di lis pots and a book on Tuscany by Frances Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun)

more fleur di lis stuff and Deruta pottery

More Deruta pottery and our stovetop esspress maker.

Good Photo Hunting

Here are the latest in my photo hunt submissions for Slowtrav:

Theme: worldwide-shopping

This is a picture of Bella on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, admiring the jewelry.

Theme: Italy- lunchtime

This picture is of Ryan, Riley and Val, eating pizza in San Gimignano, Italy

Ryan's new digs

Congratulations to Ryan! He was hired yesterday to be the Executive Chef of Summerwood Inn and Winery!
I have never been to Summerwood, but have driven by it many times and it looks gorgeous!

Ryan is excited to get back to doing what he loves in a beautiful location.

He starts the 18th of February.
Anyone hungry?

new digital scrapbook pages

These are a few pages I have done recently. I don't have the designer info listed but will be more than happy to provide it if you would like to know who designed the amazing kits I used. Hope you enjoy! I find that digital scrapbooking definitely calms my nerves after a hectic day...

Good Photo Hunting

Here are the second round of photos I have submitted for the SlowTrav photo hunts:

The subject of the first is Beginnings:

This photo is called Beginning of a journey and was taken in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

The subject of the second is Pink:

This photo was taken at Castel del Trebbio outside of Florence, Italy

GO GET THIS MAGAZINE!!

Riley and Bella are gracing the pages of a magazine again! Woo hoo! This time it is a local magazine called Central Coast Magazine. The photo shoot was done about a month ago at the Avila Valley Barn. The theme of this issue is "green" and the kids were in an article highlighting local products (veggies, produce, meat, cheese, etc). They look absolutely adorable! Check it out for yourself! The issue will be on newstands for January and February.

Cruisin'

Yep, I took the plunge, literally, and went on a cruise.
I have been a bit against cruising in the past because I like to spend more time in each place instead of a quick on a off. Plus, the crowd seemed wrong, too old, too young, too into parting, etc.

But, we needed something to do for mom on her 66th bday that would meet multiple requirements, and going on a mini cruise fit the bill! So, off we went.

We picked a cruise that left out of San Diego and went to Cabo San Lucas and came back. The cruise was 4 nights, 3 full days. Our family of 4 plus mom and my sister would be going. I was actually excited to go! I needed a break from work and it was supposed to be 85 in Cabo! I picked swimming with the dolphins as one of our shore excursions because I have always wanted to do it plus I knew it was something the kids would remember. We all loved it! We also took a boat ride out to Los Arcos and then went to a restaurant called The Office that was right on the beach. Did we get enough time in Cabo, no way! I will definitely go back. But, did we all have fun and do I feel rested? You bet! Now the big question, would I cruise again? I would, and for many reasons. It was so EASY! And with have 2 little ones, I look for anything that is easy. We all had fun, from my 66 year old mom to my 3 year old daughter. There was something for everyone to do, eat, and buy! Here are some pics from our trip. Enjoy!

All about Me!

All About Me Meme

I saw this meme on Palma's blog and thought it would be fun. So here goes!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my middle name, Rollin, was my paternal grandfather's middle name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? A few days ago.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes. When I have the time and patience it can be very neat, otherwise, watch out!

4. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yep! My pride and joy!

5. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? You bet.

6. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Probably too much.

7. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? I guess so becaue I have not had them taken out

8. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hmmm, maybe, if a lot of money were involved!

9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Life

10. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?Nope

11. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? After what I have gone through in my life, especially in the last year, anyone who knows me knows how strong I am.

12. FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Torrone gelato

13.WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their attitude; good or bad

14. RED OR PINK? pink

15. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My weight.

16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Emme

17. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? black

18. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Weight Watchers cheesestick

19 WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? People in the office talking

20.IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? pink

21.FAVORITE SMELLS? Lilac, tuber rose, sweetpea, lavender, sage, chocolate

22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Ryan

23. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? supercross

24. HAIR COLOR? brown

25. EYE COLOR? hazel
26. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No

27.FAVORITE FOOD? Anything italian and anything sweet!

28. SCARY MOVIES OR SAPPY ENDINGS?Sappy endings for sure

29. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Hancock

30. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Red sweater

31. SUMMER OR WINTER? Definitely Summer

32. HUGS OR KISSES? Yes, lots of each.

33. FAVORITE DESSERT?Anything chocolate or lemon or a combo of both!

34.WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Mediterrean Summer

35. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Just plain ol' purple

36. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Nothing, fell asleep

37.FAVORITE SOUND? My kids laughing or saying they love me

38. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?The Beatles

39. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Berlin

40.DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Photography

41.WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Idaho

There, now you know all about me!