Chocolate Cake Success!

WHEW! I'm not a total cake failure! Not only was I able to make the most delicious cake, it was a moist vanilla cake with a rich decadent chocolate (non-glaze) icing, but it was the Thalhimer's Chocolate Cake! Those of you Richmonder's know what I'm talking about here, but those of you who are not from the good old RIC, I'll fill you in with some photos I found online:



(All gussied up for the Holidays)



(I love this retro photo!)


Thalhimers was a Southern Department Store based out of Richmond, Va. that I remember very much going to. Especially at Christmas time. It was located in downtown, Richmond and for me was always an event to go shopping there. What I remember most, besides the Christmas decorations, was this little restaurant located inside the store, called the Richmond Room, which was known for certain southern delights to include to most amazing chocolate cake.



I guess you know when you are getting old and you begin to become nostalgic over a department store and chocolate cake, but it's a nice memory that I have! They have been out of business for a long time now, and as a result, really put a halt on Richmonder's shopping downtown. (Which is a shame, and don't get me started on that) however, I am happy to report that they are revitalizing that area of downtown and turning several of the old buildings into modern city lofts.


Pretty cool.


Anyway the cake was delish, Ben was happy with his birthday cake. Overall, a huge success.

Happy Baking to all of you out there!

Caramel Cake Update

The recipe said that caramel icing can smell fear. Be Brave, and it will turn out fine. I think that I was brave, I showed no fear....

....and it still came out like a glaze. The caramel didn't thicken like it was supposed to, it remained very watery. It tasted like caramel, and was really really good. I was proud of that, but didn't look anything like frosting or icing, it looked like melted caramel. It wasn't even the right color. I dipped the spatula into the pan, thinking, "surely it's going to thicken up" and lifted it up, looks like I have on my hands a pan full of really, really, runny caramel.

So, what did I do? I showed my bravery by putting it on the cake anyway. I'll show you Caramel Icing. It then proceeded to run all over the plate. And my counter top.

I thought it would harden, and work out just fine. We said a little cake prayer and went to bed. It will do magical things overnight and all work out.

But, that's not really what happened. After the cake sat with this super yummy "glaze" overnight it did weird things to my cake. It turned my beautiful, fluffy, light, cake, into a 15 pound, dense, pound cake-cake. Literally. It tasted good, it was sweet, with a hint of almond and caramel, so there was success on that end, but as far as the icing, better luck next time.

I didn't even take a photo of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of my cake, as Julia and my Mom always said, "Be proud of what you put on the table, no excuses!" it was yummy, and was appeared to be a hit at the party, but it's definitely not blog worthy of a photo...not yet.

Next up. Red Velvet.

How hard can that be?

White Cake Boxes

As the Carver's summer comes to a close, we had a nice three day weekend to reflect on it all. Whew. Sometimes it feels like we need to stop and breathe, and really soak it all up. Funny to think, this time last year, we were gearing up for all things New Mexico. Things have certainly changed. New Mexico would have been crazy and fun, but I think so far staying in the ol' RIC hasn't been too shabby.

It's impossible to say everything that we have done this summer, but it's been a good one. Let's just say. Copper agrees, he has also spent his lazy summer sunning in the back yard or lolling on the screened in porch. It took him a while, but we think he's finally adjusted after his big move.

As it all comes to a close, it makes me think about life and how interesting this has all been. This is so not how we expected it to be....but I have to say, it's not too bad. Which brings me to this post. When I think of celebrating and happy times, what immediately comes to mind?

Cake.

Eating cake, baking cakes, making someones day by giving them a homemade cake, these are all things that make me happy. I know, I know, no one is surprised by this. Of course, I might also answer this question with champagne or Paris. But, currently the answer is cake. :)

Whatever happened to the lost art of cake baking? From scratch I mean. I'm reading this great book now (which I can't remember the name of) that talks about old Southern Cake recipes, about a time when you always brought a coconut cake to a funeral or baked a hummingbird cake to say welcome to the neighborhood. I love that.

So, this Fall, I've decided that I'm going to experiment with baking as many cakes as I can. I want to bring this back. Watch out friends, you might just find me sitting on your back steps with a white cake box waiting for you!

Lemon, coconut, chocolate, red velvet, milky way, you name it, I want to bake it. My first experiment to tackle: Caramel Cake. Which I'm going to make tomorrow. Ekkk. I'll keep you posted.



Do you have happy memories do you have surrounding cake? Did you always request the same cake for your birthday? If you could have any slice of cake right now....what would it be?

A Quiz:

Anyone remember that game/show "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?" I used to love that game. I thought that would be the greatest job ever. Traveling around the world, gathering clues, seeing different cultures. See, I really should be independently wealthy, so I could travel the world. Or just work for Samanta Brown.

But, I am happy to say that the Carver's will soon be having our passports stamped very soon!

Last night was a big night. We decided to book our first big trip since our honeymoon. B. and I took the plunge and bought airline tickets to visit two places that I personally have been DYING to see for the past...oh....30 years. As a celebration to us, our new life, and to celebrate our 5th anniversary. After we got the confirmation email, we did do a little happy dance. I'm pretty excited. Copper seemed excited too, but not sure he understands yet that he doesn't get to come.

Anyone who knows me, already knows the answer to where we are headed. But do you know? I've added some clues below:

The land of afternoon tea, Harrod's, Notting Hill, and Hugh Grant. Oh, but our jaunt doesn't end there. We are also headed to:

*sigh. I'll leave you with the image of us sipping cappuccinos at one of those roadside cafes.

Bonne Vacances!

xo,

A

Fabulous Fiesta!

Thanks to everyone who came out and was here to help us kick off our new home with a fantastic first bash! We had great weather, great food, and a great group of friends and family here for the event. Thank you everyone who came! (and a special huge thank you to my Mom, Aunt and Uncle who helped out with all the prep work. We could NOT have done it without you)

Naturally, being the hostess I didn't take nearly enough photos...but here are a few for the flavor of it all. I didn't capture everyone who came either, but hopefully it will feel like you were here with us. Can't wait to do it again!



Welcome friends!



us before the party began


our complete living room




Chocolate lollipops favors, cactus and chili peppers



our outdoor patio set



notice the chic lanturns..they were a big hit



our backyard. Shed and garage, and volleyball net :)


Flower arrangement on the screened in porch.


me and Melissa



fun!



more fun!



yummy desserts



side board looks all spiffy




the festive table



are these not the most fun straws ever?


even Copper was feeling festive. (He sadly didn't attend the party but wanted to be apart of it all)

Hope your weekend was fun. xo!

"In summer, the song sings itself" -William Carlos Williams

This weekend will mark the first official party at the Carver household! We are having our housewarming party and are thrilled that so many can make it! (30-gasp!) We are happy to say that the weather is going to be on our side- sunny with no rain! And are confident that it will be a good time. Hope you are ready to party!

I have prepared a feast of delicious Mexican food to include, a beef and chicken taco bar, Spanish rice, corn and avocado scramble, homemade sangria, and of course chocolate chip cupcakes. (Not Mexican themed, but fab nonetheless) Did I tell you why it's Mexican food? Well, it's to celebrate the fact that we DIDN'T move to Albuquerque and are starting our new life on familiar territory. Back in November, we had a fabulous "going away" party all planned, and since that did not happened, we asked ourselves why let those fabulous preparations go to waste?

Fast forward to July 31, 2010 and we are now throwing ourselves a "Not Going Away Party" and keeping the same theme. I love the irony of that. And let's be honest, who doesn't love the idea of a taco/fajita bar?

Also, make sure you bring your sneakers, we are also putting up the volleyball net.

Can't wait to see everyone and join us in this exciting new time in our lives. Will post party photos and house photos next week!

xo

"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance." -Bern Williams

Hello friends-

Wow- a lot has happened since my birthday. We've moved into our new home, and are happy to be settling in, and enjoying being home owners. I've also quit my job and am excited to have been promoted at a different company! Below are some assorted photos of our summer so far....we've been having a blast so far, can't wait to see what else lies ahead!




B. and me at the Baltimore/ Red Socks Game.


After the game we took a side trip to another Baltimore spot that I was dying to check out. Charm City Cakes



Love the detail!



OMG!!


My family threw me a fabulous 30th birthday party! It was a Paris/Luau theme. What's not to love about that?!


As a foodie, you knew I would have atleast one photograph of food. So, this is a photo of the most delicious appetizer, at my birthday dinner in Virginia Beach. Roasted peppers with garlic, capers and fresh mozzarella cheese. yum.



Here we are heading out for a night on the town in Virginia Beach



Sold!



we just bought a house!! We went out for Cuban food to celebrate.



To celebrate the 4th of July, we went to a local old fashioned festival. Complete with watermelon and carnival rides. Best part was the hot air balloon rides! B. didn't have a say, we were waiting in line for it. Here we are waiting for the balloon ride.


We were excited...and I'm not going to lie, I was a little scared.


up in the air! It was sooooo fun.



Hope y'all are enjoying your summer too!! Go out and do something fun, I can recommend the hot air balloon ride! Stay cool.

xo,
Allison

Bring out the Bubbly!

Happy Birthday to Me!

In honor of this big, monumental Birthday, I thought I would post some thoughts about the subject. As everyone knows, turning 30 is a big deal. In fact, I found a bunch of blog postings online on this very subject. I guess a lot of people have a lot to say about this particular birthday :) So, I thought I would join in!

I can honestly say that I am okay with turning 30, because I've got big, fun things happening to me in my life right now. B. and I have been married for 5 years, yes, it's been a tad emotional (anyone who knows us is agreeing) but we've overcome it all. We still love each other, and it's only brought us closer. This month, we've also bought a house in an adorable neighborhood, AND I'm feeling more confident about my career path and where I hope it will lead.

Good things are finally happening for the Carver Clan. Copper agrees, He's very excited about his new backyard, and the fact that he has a whole entire room to himself in the house. He's pretty psyched.

Please read this post about being 30 that I found online, and let's all embrace it, 30 Somethings. Let's face it, none of us feel old, so obviously we were mistaken when we were 16 and thought 30 was old. So, have a glass of champagne and feel fabulous.


"Samaraleigh feels comfortable being in her 30s:

I remember when I was quickly approaching my thirtieth and my older friends would rant and rave about how great the big 3-0 was. Back then, in my 20-something naïveté, I thought it was a big old lie they were telling me. To make them feel better about getting older. I quickly discovered it was not a lie at all. Since turning 30 some 7 years ago I have learned a lot about me. I don’t feel the need to sugar coat my words, or explain my actions. I don’t apologize for my mistakes and I no longer beat myself up over them either. I don’t live by someone else’s definitions of what I should be, how I should look or what I should wear. My madness is my own, even without rhyme or reason.
I can drink with the best of the 20-something crowd. But I have the wisdom to know when to stop. I take pleasure in my size 10 frame. I have a level of confidence that most women in their 20s have yet to discover. The type of confidence that attracts men of all ages. From 22-62. Yeah, you can’t do that in your twenties."

Hello City!

Given that I have a new found appreciation for Richmond, I am looking at it through much different eyes. And I have to say, I like what I am seeing. I think it's time that I give Richmond some much deserved props for all of it's growing up and expanding that it is doing.

As of May 1, 2010, Richmond re-opened the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. And I have to say, it is an amazing Art Museum. Now, before you say that this is old news, I would challenge you to actually go and check it out. Because when you do, you will agree. Now that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has had it's face lift, it's unrecognizable!

It feels hip, and open, and modern. Very urban and New York-ish. Anyone who has spent any time in New York's Museums will know what I am talking about. Being inside makes me want to curl up in the lobby in one of it's red, retro, chairs and read a good art book with a cappuccino and biscotti. I love it. My friend and I went last week, and had a glass of wine in it's newly redesigned restaurant and it was amazing.

Really. You should check it out. As always admission is free, and they have tons of great events coming up. Plus, on Thursdays it's open later...I may even get a membership.

Check it out!

http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Default.aspx

Staining

Hello friends,

I apologize that I have fallen off the face of the Earth for the past several weeks, things have been a tad hectic. But, more news to come on that later.

The reason for this post is to show of my new "staining skills." Who knew refinishing furniture could be so fun? I'm rather obsessed with doing it (I have about 4 more pieces that I want to do.) But, really what's not to like? You get to keep your cash by making good "old" furniture new again, with a new color and hardware.

So, here's our chest before:

And here's the beaut after: (please note that the lighting in the room was horrible, and you really can't tell how dark the color is. It's now a deep chocolate brown, and very glossy.)

It looks fab. We are going to convert it into our bar. Our wine rack fits perfectly, and we are going to get this from Bed, Beth, and Beyond for our glasses to finish the look.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14914927

Love it! Staining in so easy, so if any of you out there need tips, please let me know! Happy Staining!

Local Cupcake News!

Can I say that I love Richmond Bizsense? For those of you that don't know about it, it's like the daily gossip column on all things with local Richmond businesses. I really love it. Especially since I want to own a small business here one day soon, I'm really hooked. http://www.richmondbizsense.com/

Anyway, I love that I found this out today. I can admit, that I am a little jealous (remember when I said that my cupcakes tasted better than these?) But, it's still an amazing opportunity for Frostings! Good luck guys!

Food Network show Cupcake Wars asks Frostings to audition

From Richmond BizSense:

“The producer was adamant that we use the video to highlight who the chef and assistant [Matt Fraker and Tricia Argoe] are as people. She wanted a glimpse into them, their lives outside of cupcake baking and what kind of charisma they have been working together.” Ferrell said they were less interested in the actual process of baking their cupcakes for this segment. Fraker and Ferrell contacted local video production company Mediapond to put together the video on short notice and sent it to the network.“Now that we’ve sent them the video, it moves to the next level of producers. We get the sense that they’re casting for multiple episodes.”

Ferrell said Frostings will be notified by the end of March if they’ve made the cut to be featured in an episode of Cupcake Wars.The premise of the show: Four cupcake bakers, each of whom gets to bring an assistant, are put through a series of challenges. In each round, they are given an assortment of secret ingredients and a time limit to bake their creations. There is a panel of judges who evaluate each contestant on creativity, taste and presentation. After each round, someone is voted off.

The winner of the show gets $10,000, and their cupcakes are featured at a culinary event.“It’d be unreal to have a chance to compete on Cupcake Wars,” Ferrell added. “We’re very proud of our cupcakes and we know we can go toe-to-toe with any other cupcake bakery in the country.”

Treasure Hunting

Over the weekend, B. and I scored this great chair on Craigslist, for only $25! I am absolutely in love with it. It has so much more detail on it than I had originally thought, so when we saw it we knew it was coming home with us. I'm imagining it as an accent chair in the guest room or in the foyer.

Here are some photos of our lovely new chair:



(There are a few spots on the seat that need to be "re-canned" but B. and I are going to take a one day class to learn how to redo it. See, we got a new chair AND get to learn a new skill)



(Don't you love this cushion from World Market?)




(Some of the details on the chair..and if you squint you can see the brass seal on the inside of the seat)

This weekend, I also went to an antique show and got some fabulous vintage earrings. I heart them so much, I have planned my outfits around them so I can wear them this week. Don't worry, I'll post pictures of them soon. :)

Have a great day everyone!

Thought for the Day

I beg.....you to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language.

Don't search for the answers, which cannot be given to you now because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions for now, perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually without even noticing it live your way into the answer.

- Ranier Maria Rilke



(ummm.....was this written entirely for me? I found this online and it has made my entire day.)

Happy Day Everyone!

Copper loves the snow

Hello!

In Lieu of more exciting news (such as where we will be moving) I have decided to keep my dear blogging friends up to date on what has been going on since our New York trip. Now, don't get too excited, it's not much. I haven't met any celebrity chefs this month, I know...bummer. But we have been doing a bit of frolicking in the snow, furniture refinishing, and taking pictures of our dog.

B. and I continue to forge forward in our search for where we will be living. No real leads yet. We still would love to live in Charlottesville, so our focus is there. But, are keeping all options open (job? anyone?) and looking forward to the day comes when we can MOVE!

(Quick poll...how should we let you guys know where we are moving? What should the blog title be that day?)

Reminds me of when I was a sophomore in High School, I had a good friend who was anxiously awaiting to hear from the colleges she had applied to. She waited and waited everyday for THE letter to arrive. She long tired from us asking her everyday, "where? where? Did you hear yet??" So she devised this system, that when she found out, she would wear to school a sweatshirt from the school she got into.

Now, I can appreciate her idea.

Maybe one day, friends, you will open up this blog and see all sorts of information, maps, and visitor information for Miami, FL :)

____________________________________________________________________

In the Meantime here are some photos:


a scenic winter view:




is that a Lab/Husky in the woods?


Charge!


Enjoy you the snow as much as our pal Copper here!