One Chocolate Martini, Please......

My Cousin, Patti and I have been trying to have a lunch date since my 50th birthday this past July.  Our schedules were both very busy, to say the least which did not allow enough time for a lunch date.  After putting our heads together several weeks ago we set a date, place and time...I was treated to an awesome lunch at the Tavern, to which has always been a family favorite of ours.  I was also given another Hallmark Hand Painted Glass, this one being a Martini Glass....I am thinking I need a corner glass hutch to display my gifts of hand painted glasses, they are just too beautiful to not have them displayed when not in use:)

Have a Fun weekend and enjoy this beautiful Fall weather...!

My First Place Hershey's Chocolate Cake Display was brought home and found a "home" above my kitchen Cabinets. 

 It's been a fun week of many folks congratulating me for winning first place.  I am very quick to share, this was a total whim of an act I decided to par take in with no high expectations of even placing in the judging...
The Pennsylvania Dutch take their baking very serious in these parts of the world, and to have been in strong competition among some of the best bakers and winning is a sure compliment.  I now will see how well my culinary skills in which I learned from my mother, will do against the rest of the Best Bakers in the State of Pennsylvania in early January.  To be a part of this competition is such an honor, I am humbled and excited to meet the winners who won at their respected local level and will be competing as well in January.  I will report back in January and update this post when I bake the next winning;/ Hershey's Chocolate Cake....!

Have a great week my friends, and enjoy this beautiful Fall weather.  Rain is predicted in the forecast for the next several days with clearing in time for the week-end, so we won't complain too much!

Here is my Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing, decorated with Hershey's Chocolate Icing

I made to enter in the "Hershey's Chocolate Cake" competition at the local level.  

 

The requirements were very specific, ONLY Hershey's Cocoa Powder could be used in the cake recipe, and at least 1/4 cup measured or more had to be used in the cake batter.  This original recipe was my mother's, one I changed over the years adding more of this and a little of that...I have been asked frequently for the recipe, to which I have declined to share.  The only living person I have shared this recipe with is my Sister In Law in TX, and she swears her cake does not turn out as well as mine...(she really doesn't give herself enough credit!)  So, I though it would be fun to enter my "First" cake competition with my signature recipe..I have made this recipe so often I think I could literally make it with my eyes closed.  I ventured out on Monday afternoon with my Hershey's Chocolate Cake in tow with no high expectations in winning and entered my very first Cake competition.  At arrival I waited in line well over 30 minutes for registration, obtained my personal registry number for the local chapter I was entering in, handed over my cake, listened to the few small details if you place or win and I was on my way....

The Judging was done that very same night as registration, with a bake sale the following morning (this morning) of all the entries.  A First, Second and Third winner is chosen....

I had planned to attend the Fair later this afternoon and thought I would stop where the competition was held to see if I had placed.....when I entered the building it took me a few minutes to scan the room and figure out where the cakes were on display, they actually were dead center in the room, I wasn't able to see them at first due to some people standing at the tables and talking to which I over heard them saying "if the first place winner is unable to compete in Harrisburg at the state level, then the second place winner will compete"....when I realized they were talking about the Hershey's Chocolate Cake competition I walked over to the table and this is what I found...!

I WON FIRST PLACE...!!!!

 

I had no intentions of having my picture taken today when I put my sweats and comfy jacket on to roam the Fair and get some of that awesome Fair Food!!!  

It turned out the the three people I over heard talking were the Second and Third place winners and a Judge.

We were then able to have our pictures taken together for the local news and papers...

I asked the Judge what they look for when judging, she shared with me that my cake was the third one they taste tested and when she tasted mine she knew I was going to be the winner:)  The judge went on to share the texture of the cake was perfect with no air bubbles and the icing was dead on, also in texture which complemented the cake.  I was in shock..! I think I still am....

It looks like I'm taking my Signature Chocolate Cake to the State Level...

WoooHooo!!

My Mother is telling everyone above she taught me everything I know when it comes to baking..!

Yes, Mother...You did!

 Kala and Casey's Wedding Reception

September 10, 2011

Wedding in the Bahamas

August 5, 2011

What a good time was had by ALL....!!

I can't remember the last wedding reception I attended where everyone had a BLAST!!

The dance floor was packed during the entire time, except for about maybe 30 minutes to eat..

The Bride and Groom along with the wedding party ate and immediately got this party started!

It was awesome to see all ages on that dance floor and let me just say,

the young ones had nothing over the elders in the room!

 

Below I am pictured with my cousin Patti, the Mother Of The Bride and the Bride, Kala..

Isn't she just beautiful...!  Her smile says it ALL!

 Kala and Casey cutting their cake..

 Kala just being herself, she was so happy and enjoying every moment..

The yummo cupcakes served were a vanilla with chocolate ganache filling, topped with a light creamy frosting...A two thumbs up from me!

Kala with her Grandfather, my uncle.  He had said his good-nights and good-byes,

only to come back and have one more dance with his princess...

Doesn't he look daper in that cool shirt!!?  He wasn't able to attend the wedding in the Bahamas,

but he wasn't forgotten, a little bit of the 'Bahamas' was brought back to him:)

(sorry for the poor quality of the photo, wrong setting)

The energy was so high, as you can see..!

You could diffidently feel the Love between Kala and Casey,

and for them from their families and friends..!

Congratulations Kala and Casey

Forever After

It has been quiet eventful the past 24 hours here in PA....the rains have brought to this area some of the worst flooding in 30 years.  Last evening Sirens and Emergency vehicles could be heard in the distance, and then suddenly they were in plane sight approaching closer as you realize the destination point is within several feet of your home...

Neighbors in a panic as their new homes quickly fill with rushing water from the hours of terenchal rains...the night was very long and when the rain stopped for just a few minutes you said a little prayer of thanks. We made it through the worst part of the storms, without having the worst possible outcome of out of control water flooding our home.  Having watched the news and speaking with family and friends through out the day, all were safe with no major damage done to the homes of those who are near and dear...  

Yes, I am very thankful for being spared as well for those close by.

We will soon put this behind us and move forward...

This weekend will be one of celebrating, as my cousin's daughter and her new husband will be hosting an all adult reception in honor of their recent nuptials...

I spoke with my cousin today, as she informed me the reception has been moved to the Hall in which the caterer owns.  The move from an outside reception at the home of the groom's parents to the Hall has become necessary due to the rain soaked lawn.  I am most certain the reception will be one to remember regardless of the location.  Celebrating starts at 5pm, with Hors'devours from 5pm to 6:15pm.  Formal Dinner served promptly at 6:30pm. Music and Dancing to follow the Dinner.

I am very anxious and honored to be sharing this very important day with Kala and Casey...
Honored that Kala has always considered me and my family an important part of her life,
(her mother, Patti is my first cousin)  And, I am anxious for an all adult evening surrounded by family, new family and friends, exquisite food and much anticipated celebrating, celebrating our booties off...

As I again reflex on this weeks events and those to come,
I am reminded how very blessed I am..!

Have A Fantastic Week-End, My Friends..
K

**SIGH**

I am so sad and a bit depressed to see Summer coming to an end....as much as I like the season of Fall and the cooler weather, Summer is by far my favorite season and time of the year.  As we say Good-Bye to the Chapter of Summer, the new chapter of Fall brings Fairs, Parades, Football and Apple Festivals, just to mention a few fun Fall activities....

The transition is in full force in the home, my son is back to school and busier than ever.  He has decided on a double major in Computer Science and Business, and he's been talking about obtaining his Masters Degree. I am so thankful for his determination and self discipline working towards his future in areas he likes and will greatly benefit him, all the while working a full time job he loves and excels in.   I'm preparing for my Fall Specials with my Salon Business and considering some new investments for the long term.  It's always fun to brain storm and see what has worked in the past and what may be worth trying. 

As I was driving to a friends home today, I passed many road side stands selling pumpkins, that is a sure sign Fall is around the corner and it gives me an excuse to do some baking:)   I'm hoping to bake some pies and cookies, I must confess I still have some baked goodies in my deep freezer from summer baking. 

It will soon be time to close up the Pool for the season, also.....and then after that task, I know the next chapter is Winter.  UGH..MY MIND CAN NOT PROCESS THAT RIGHT NOW!!

Have a great holiday week-end and enjoy the warmer days while they last...!!!

I'm doing something I have NEVER done before...

I'm entering a baking contest!

I am entering "My" Chocolate Cake made with

Hershey's Cocoa....

The official rules are,

You must make a cake by scratch with Hershey's Cocoa..

The Icing can be with or without Hershey's Cocoa,

I will be making my Peanut Butter Icing to top

off "my" Hershey's Chocolate Cake...

This contest will be a "stepping out" for me,

I have not shared this recipe with anyone except with my 

sister in law in Texas...

And she swears her cake does not taste as good as mine:/

I spoke with the chairman of the contest for all the official rules,

of course I want to follow the rules to the "T" so

there is no mix up and get disqualified...

That's all I am going to share for now,

I will share how I place after the contest...

No date will be disclosed when the contest is,

I dont want to jinx it...:)

but I promise to report back how well I do and if I place...

Keep your fingers crossed....

So much has been circulating today about Hurricane Irene...

I am happy to report no one in my immediate family or great group

of friends, experienced any major damage or flooding.

Power outage was reported by almost everyone,

but was restored within a relatively short period of time...

My Aunt and Uncle who have retired to Myrtle Beach,

evacuated to Monroe, NC where their two son's now live

with their families, both are teachers within the Monroe School District..

One being a Elementary Teacher and the other has his

Masters in Special Education...

I think it's so awesome how both my cousins after

college relocated to NC to teach,

the very same state their parents had long planned to retire to...

Even though it was necessary for my Aunt and Uncle

to make the trip to Monroe due to the Hurricane,

they were very excited to make the trip because,

A new addition to their family arrived a few weeks ago,

A new Grandson..

And

We just found out another Baby Boy

will be blessing this family soon...

So, Grandma and Grandpa have much to celebrate and spoil like only Grand-parents can!!

And believe me, they do not disappoint in the "spoiling" department..!

 

I know I am very much looking forward to seeing the pics of the new babies

and watching them grow within this very nurturing, loving and proud family..!!

 

Have a great week, my friends...

Much Love,

K

Her Name Is Irene....

This picture means only one of two...

A major snow storm or a hurricane!

On this particular day,

A major hurricane is coming towards the East Coast,

and her name is Irene..

What a way to end the summer...!

If you live along the East Coast,

Stock up, Hunker down and Stay safe..!!

Summer time fun....

Below are a few pictures from the Journey Concert in Hershey, PA

My son took these with his Droid before it became too dark...

 Before the show started

 The opening band was NightRanger...

they were very good!

Second band was Foreigner....

O my gosh, the original guys in this band are so Old looking..

WOW

No pictures from my All time favorite Band,

Journey..

Journey was good this year, but not as good as I have seen in years past.

Certainly was Good Times, tho!

And the weather was perfect for an outside concert..!

We sat near a gal I had worked indirectly with several years ago,

when we both worked as floor nurses

at the local hospital in our area.

It was fun chatting with her and catching up when we could

between the bands...

Have a good Wednesday and rest of the week..

K

I can't believe it's starting to feel like Fall:(

As much as I do love the Fall Season,

I totally dislike the fact Winter is approaching...

 

I feel like I haven't gotten all my "summer" in 

and here it is coming to an end. 

  

We have a few weeks of out door events

planned well into the Fall, 

to which I will hold on tightly to savor the season...

My afternoon to day was spent with my long time

good friend, Vickie....

Vic has vacation this week and we set up

a lunch date several weeks ago  and 

I got a chance to see her New home she recently

moved into, which is absolutely Gorgeous..

Vic's home is one of the very popular

"all on one floor" town home with a 2 car garage...

I wish I would have gotten some pics,

the style and spacious room is prefect for 

our middle age going into retirement.

I am so ready to down size..!!

After lunch I received a very sweet unexpected gift...

My son has surprised me with Tickets to see Journey.

Journey has been my all time favorite Band/Group,

and for the past 6 years or so,

they have been a part of the Summer Venue at

Hershey Park Stadium..

I've seen Journey 3 times in Hershey,

Tomorrow will be Number 4:))

 

On the Foodie front..

I've been collecting several new recipes 

I am anxious to make...

I'll keep you posted with my reviews 

and post the recipe after the verdicts are in...

 

Have a fun week getting those last summer events scheduled....

Stay safe and thanks for stopping by...

K

 

 

Awwww...

Yes, these are my feet!

Aren't they pretty:)

I am learning to do more of this and enjoying it..!

OK, to a certain point I'm enjoying this:)

Life has a way of making you slow down a bit,

and I have certainly been witness to that lately.

My mission per say lately has been encouraging 

women my age and younger the importance of having

yearly physicals with pertinent blood work...

I am amazed at how many middle aged women/mothers 

and men/fathers

do not take the time to take care of themselves.

My question to them is....

Who will take care of  your family/children

should something happen to you that could have been prevented?

In today's society we owe it to ourselves

and our family to be responsible and have those 

yearly check ups....

Preventive medicine can find a health issue and/or 

concern long before it becomes a long term condition or illness...

And pampering yourself is not a bad thing, either:)

Hope your enjoying these last few weeks of summer..

I can not believe we are in August already!!!

Be safe my friends and make each day a good one...

K

Beautiful Bride

Kala...waiting to marry her best friend

My cousin Patti sent me this pic today of her daughter, Kala.

Kala and her then future husband married in the Bahama's on Friday.

 Kala's mother and her brother Aaron walked her down

the "beach aisle" with a few of their close friends in attendance..

This September will be a large reception for the very happy and newly married couple.

I will be sure to share more pictures after the reception,

but I thought I would share this picture for now,
Kala is so beautiful...which made me smile and shed a tear...

The day Kala's mother was married I was honored to be a part

of the wedding party...

The day I married, 

Kala was just a baby and I still remember her sitting so quietly during

the ceremony followed by all the fun and loud activities..

Looking at Kala in this picture my thoughts are with my Aunt,

Kala's Grand-Mother, who would be so proud of this beautiful

young woman...

Have a great week, my friends!

K

A few more pictures celebrating....

 I wasn't permitted to sneak a peak at the cake....

 The dreaded singing of "Happy Birthday", I always found it to be embarrassing...

 I missed one:(

 This cake was absolutely beautiful...and tasted as fabulous as it looks...!

 Me and Kathy(BFF)

 I was queen for the moment:)

 Good Times...hand painted glass from Kathy

 Reading material from my good friend and cousin, Pam...

 Lavender Pillow..I have always wanted a lavender pillow and now I have one..!

Silicone cupcake baker from Pampered Chef...

I can't wait to try this out:))

Another great day with friends and family which ended with more good times..!!

The Big 5-0......

This Birthday message was one of many sent to me via my cell phone, this particular one was from a long time friend:)

 I survived...!!

This Bday card is from my BFF, one of many cards given to me.

 My BFF and I have the best of times when we get together,

she has a knack for finding cards that reflex the girly-girly in us!

My son  treated me to an All-You-Can-Eat

Seafood Feast at TJ Rockwell,

The Seafood Feast is served only on the deck

and with the extreme temperatures in most of the country,

it was a bit "warm" even in the shade and nice breeze...

But, the meal was so good we hardly noticed the high temperatures,

and we really enjoyed our time together.

Hubs and I before we dug into our Feast..

My first plate of shrimp and clams..

You have your choice of one, combo of two or all three of

Shrimp, Clams and Hard Shell Crabs..

And Yes, ALL YOU CAN EAT..!!

Some Birdie mentioned to our server it was my birthday...

This little Ice Cream Dessert is actually on the menu for .69,

and was given complimentary to me...

Notice the Sparkler sticking out of the side,

it fizzled out very quickly and the Ice Cream under

the massive mound of whipped cream was almost completely 

melted by the time I willingly devoured the whipped topping..!

O, and there was Chocolate Sauce under there, too!!!

The size and amount of this dessert was perfect after feasting

on all the seafood...

Sorry for the quality of this picture (phone pic)

After dinner we headed to a favorite hangout for more

celebrating, this is Carmen who is a long time Friend of mine...

I was encouraged to have a "shot" for my big 5-0,

to know me..I am NOT the "shot" drinking kinda gal,

but I took a chance on one that sounded tasty..

I would tell you the name, but it really is not very 

"Lady Like" so we'll just say it was very tasty and leave it at that:)

Whew.....Yes, I survived!

And it was fun!!

I have to add this photo..
Just received this beautiful bouquet from a dear friend, Vickie..
Love you, Girl..!!

Thanks for sharing my celebrating with me...!

Have a fun and safe weekend, my friends..

K

You Know It's Hot When the Ice Cream Truck Melts....!!!

Conquering the Sweet Tooth

Need a sweet and quick pick-me-up...?

Here is a very quick and simple recipe to conquer that sweet craving.

One Minute Peanut Butter Cake

1 egg, beaten 

1 tablespoon brown sugar 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder  

...1 heaping tablespoon flour 

2 tablespoons peanut butter 

1 tablespoon chocolate chips

1 teaspoon milk 

 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (give or take)  

In a small bowl, whisk together egg, chocolate chips, brown sugar, 

 baking powder, peanut butter and flour. 

Pour batter into a greased ramekin. Microwave for 30 seconds. 

(it dries out fast, so don't overcook) .

While the cake is microwaving, stir together milk and powdered sugar, adding more powdered sugar if necessary to thicken frosting.  

Remove cake from ramekin (or don’t), pour frosting over top. 

**I used a small microwave safe dish... 

Enjoy:)

50 and Accomplished....

Where is this summer going..!

I can't wrap my brain around the fact 

that we're already into the middle of July

and with that comes my Birthday...

This year is the "BIG" one..whew

I have been skipping around the fact

I'll be 50 this year...

But I can honestly say,

I'm now getting a bit excited to say...

Why, yes....I AM 50!!

50 And Accomplished..! 

I will be the first to admit,

my life the past 50 years have not for the most,  

been "bad" years..

Yes, I have had many disappoints,

and unexpected tragic events...

But with the bad also brought the Good!

To which with all of the above,

I have learned a great deal...

Learned what I wanted and learned what I did NOT want..!!

Sometimes in life you must figure out the "Not"

before you know the "Want"..

And I have been Blessed,

Blessed with a life of not having a "need"

The need to have it all and not be happy

with what I have...

My first 50 years have been rich,

In family, friends, career and experiences.

 I am looking forward to the next chapter,

turning the page and taking on the next 50!

On my actual birthday a small family dinner at

a restaurant I have been wanting to visit,

followed by a small gathering of friends and family

a week later...

I was planning to have the traditional party,

with all the bells and whistles..

But after having a busy summer since the

induction of this awesome time of year,

I have opted to keep it simple and enjoy this time

in a more private and quaint way...

There will still be enough partying and celebrating

to indicate it's a new chapter...!

 I have no doubt those who I've chosen

to surround myself with to help celebrate,

will not disappoint...!

Yes, 50 and Accomplished..!!

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by, my friends!

K

Myers Family Reunion

Lititz Springs Park

2011

What a good time was had by all,

inspite of the hot and very humid temperatures...

No one left hungry and most if not all

of the little ones left being very very tired,

and a few "big" ones!

Below are a few pictures capturing some of 

the days activities....

Nick taking his best swing at the Pinata

Nick trying to hand off the bat to his little cousin, Kara.

The fast scramble to pick up the most candy you can...

The Pinata waiting patiently high up in the tree..

The Matriarch Of The Family...My Mother's Oldest Sister, Aunt Romaine

A little Bingo Playing

Old Photos....

I found this awesome idea a few months ago on a blog (of course)

You Hang rope in several rows and attach photos with snap clothes pins to 

display your photos.  This eliminates everyone from touching

and handling your treasured photos...

It was a BIG hit..!

My Mother's Youngest Brother and his wife

Ha...I was caught doing what I like best...Eating 

Notice the coolers and crock pots behind me..

NO one goes home hungry from this reunion!

On six large picnic tables, 

we have all the favorite picnic foods with a little bit

of good old fashion PA Dutch foods and desserts..

Miss Aubree, My niece, Ashley's little cuttie...

And so this brings us to the end of another great reunion 

of the Summer!

I can't believe its here and gone already:(

Thanks for stopping by, my friends..

K

Come out, come out where ever you are...

I misplaced my small digital camera,

you have to understand...

I NEVER lose anything..!

I have searched everywhere,

The camera was last seen Sunday a week ago at a party/cookout.

I remember leaving with my cell and camera in one hand...

I have my cell,

No camera:(

I only discovered it missing yesterday,

my weekend was very busy with activities I wanted

to diffidently take pics of...

And I dislike having to depended on others.

Today was my family reunion with many having

cameras trying to capture those perfect memories..

I will post and share more after I receive some

photos promised to come my way:))

Have a great week and enjoy this awesome summer, my friends..

K