Birthday Celebration and Recipe For Birthday Cake

It was my birthday at the end of June, and I had a great day celebrating with my family. We had a delicious barbeque dinner out on the deck, and then enjoyed this three-layer yellow cake with classic buttercream frosting.

My granddaughter Ashley and I made my birthday cake. Maybe it's odd to make your own cake, but since I love baking, it was the perfect opportunity to try out a recipe I've been wanting to make for awhile now.

The recipe comes from the cookbook Homemade Decadence, by blogger Joy The Baker. It's perfect for a birthday cake, and I've never baked a cake that got more compliments.

It's just so moist and delicious, and has a tender, buttery flavor. And the buttercream frosting, which I tinted pink, is pure heaven.

It's hard to get a picture with these little monkeys where everyone is smiling, and looking at the camera at the same time. They were being silly, and I loved it, of course.

One of the things I am more and more grateful for as each birthday passes is my children and grandchildren. I love being a mom and grandmother, and my family is at the center of my world.



I almost didn't put the sprinkles on the cake but it was a unanimous vote by the grandkids that they go on, and that they put them on themselves!!

They did a great job, and I love how the cake turned out. Since it was three layers, the cake was big enough that we had some leftover, and I ate a big piece for breakfast the next morning. It's my birthday so I had fun indulging myself, yum!!

This cake really is the perfect birthday cake, and whoever is lucky enough to have one baked for them will be extremely happy.

Recipe for Basic Three-Layer Yellow Cake from Homemade Decadence

Ingredients:

For cake:

4 cups cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

4 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups buttermilk

For buttercream frosting:

2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

5 to 6 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

About 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Put oven racks in the center and upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 9-inch round baking pans.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for 1 minute between each addition.

Beat in the vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low, add half of the flour mixture, and beat well. Add the buttermilk in a slow stream and beat well. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat until just combined. Finish stirring with a spatula. Divide the batter among the 3 prepared pans.

4. Bake until golden brown on top and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 20 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

5. If you're not using right away, double-wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 7 days. When ready to frost, remove from the freezer, unwrap, and frost frozen.

To make the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until soft, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups of the confectioners' sugar, the salt, and the vanilla. Beat on low speed until the sugar is well incorporated. Add another 2 cups sugar and the cream. Add remaining 2 cups of sugar as needed to thicken the frosting. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes.

Frost and put together layers of cake, sprinkle with colored sprinkles if desired.

Makes one 3-layer 9-inch cake.

-Post written by Patricia 

Mushroom and Tomato Pasta with European Olive Oil #MomsMeet

 *I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

I have always loved using EVOO in my cooking. It adds flavor in a way that compares to no other type of oils or butters. I feel like its a must when I make Italian inspired dinners too, it goes together in my book. Trying different olive oils in my recipes leads to new flavor combos and new favorites. Depending on the region and variety of the olives it changes the whole experience of the olive oil. When I had the opportunity to try European Olive Oil from Moms Meet I was happy to try it on one of my simply go to pasta dishes.

In the summer it can get very hot here in Northern CA and I like to make light dinners on those days. I like to use veggies I have in the fridge or ones I have freshly picked to saute in olive oil and toss with pasta. Its an easy meal and can be served with some good bread and savory cheeses.

My recipe is very simple. Chop up any veggies you enjoy, add European Olive Oil, saute until veggies are soft. Add cooked pasta to veggies and toss with a little EVOO, serve and enjoy.

Why choose European Olive Oil?

• The olive tree has been revered in Europe since Antiquity. Over thousands of years farmers have evolved hundreds of varieties of olive trees (cultivars) and optimized them for different environment conditions and terrains to produce the most delicious yields.
• The result of this centuries old bond between the people and the land is the finest extra virgin olive in the world.
• The greatest impact on taste is the type of olive tree (cultivar), region (which affects climate and soil) and time of harvest. Europe offers a vast array of flavor profiles, so keep a variety of oils in your pantry for different occasions.
• Olives harvested early in the season, late August (varies by region), are under-ripe and produce oils that are greener, more bitter and pungent.
• Olives harvested at the end of the season, late November into December, are over-ripe and tend to taste mild and buttery.
• Spanish oil is typically golden yellow with a fruity, nutty flavor.
• Italian olive oil is often dark green and has an herbal aroma and a grassy flavor.
• Greek olive oil packs a strong flavor and aroma and tends to be green.
• French oil is typically pale in color and has a mild flavor

If you are looking for recipe ideas for your cooking you can check out the twitter and facebook of the Flavor Your Life campaign,


-Post by Laura

5 Summer Beauty Tips and Savings From Costco

This post is sponsored by Vocalpoint and P&G. All opinions are my own. #CostcoSummerBeauty

Summer is my favorite season and I really do love the warmer weather. My family and I try to pack as much fun and activities into the summer months as we possibly can.

But with the days being so much hotter, and spending more time outdoors, I need to change up some of my beauty routines to keep myself and my skin healthy and looking as good as possible.

I've been a Costco shopper for about eighteen years now, and it's a place where I can find lots of my favorite P&G beauty products, at a great savings. On my latest shopping trip, I picked up some items that fit right into my summer plans to take care of myself.

I'd love to share my best 5 Summer Beauty Tips with you and hopefully they can help you to step up your beauty and self-care routine for a great summer.

1. Take care of your skin.

Now, of course everyone knows you need to take care of your skin, right? But the hot summer sun and extra perspiration can really take a toll. So keep really diligent about keeping your face clean. Wash it with a gentle cleanser and use a sunscreen even when you are just outside for a short time. And of course, moisturize your skin, trust me that when you're older you'll be very glad you did.

My favorite moisturizer is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. It helps reduce the appearance of lines and helps with hydrating to make wrinkles less noticeable and skin firmer.

I've used Olay products for many, many years and love how the line has expanded to include more great products to help my skin keep looking it's best.

2. Drink water. Then drink some more.

Drinking water is the easiest way to flush toxins out of your body for healthy and glowing skin. It really is the cheapest and easiest way to help maintain a healthy body in the summer time when we really need to stay hydrated.

You can also increase your water in-take by eating fruits like watermelon and berries. I really do notice a difference in how I feel overall and how my skin looks when I don't drink enough water.
I like adding a slice of lemon and some berries to give it a little flavor. And there are now so many great tasting waters on the market to enjoy, too.

3. Always shave your legs at the end of a warm shower.

When you're in a warm shower, the hair softens up and makes shaving your legs so much easier. I don't know how many times I've shaved my legs in the sink and ended up with nicks, and specs of blood on my legs. It's painful and embarrassing, so I always try and plan to shave my legs when I know I'm going to be taking a shower.

And definitely invest in a quality razor, there's nothing worse than using a cheap razor that's not going to give your legs a smooth and silky finish.

Gillette Venus Spa Razor comes with relaxing white tea scented shave gel bars for a smooth shave. And never hurry while shaving your legs so that you can give them the time and attention they need for great looking summer-ready legs.

4. Take care of your underarms.

I know we probably don't think too much about our underarms, but during the summer it's important to control odor and perspiration.

Make sure to shave your underarms because that's where sweat and bacteria lead to odor. Hairy underarms are not attractive to most people, and the hair traps perspiration and odors.

When it's really hot outside, I'll sometimes wash my underarms with warm water during the day and reapply my deodorant. This just makes me feel fresher and cleaner, especially on days that I'm outside enjoying the sun.

Secret has been my deodorant for decades, so I was so glad to find Secret Clinical Strength at Costco. It's an invisible solid that adapts to fighting odor-causing bacteria, and helps stop odor before it starts. It's stress sweat protection is terrific for me on those busy days where I don't have time to worry about if my deodorant working or not.

5. Soak your feet in warm water with Epson salt.

Summer is tough on our feet for sure. Whether it's walking barefoot on a rocky beach, or a painful sore from those pretty new sandals you're wearing, your feet could use some loving care.

One of my favorite ways to pamper my feet is to soak them in Epson salt once a week. Just mix half a cup of Epson salt with some warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. This will remove odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.

My mother taught me to do this, and it's been one of my favorite ways to pamper my feet ever. Of course, a fabulous pedicure helps us have pretty summer feet and be confident in summer sandals as well.

You can find these products and many more in the Health and Beauty Department at Costco.

Costco and P&G are teaming up with Vocalpoint in giving away 25 Summer Beauty Boxes ($150). For a chance to win one, just share your best beauty tip on Twitter or Instagram using #CostcoSummerBeauty through July 15, 2016.

You can also enter to win a $50.00 Costco Cash Card by entering through the rafflecopter below. What fun to spend it on a great summer beauty product of your choice!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I shop at Costco so much that I always run into someone I know there. But it really is my favorite place to pick up great summer P&G beauty products, and save money.

As I've gotten older, I've realized the importance of taking care of my health and body. When I was younger, I thought youthful skin would keep it's glow forever. Boy, was I wrong.

Luckily, I've wised up and now protect my skin from the sun and harsh environments that can damage it. A little care goes a long way.

Shop at Costco and take advantage of their great prices and special offers on some of your favorite beauty products from P&G.

And have a wonderful summer!!


-Post written by Patricia

Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe From Homemade Decadence Cookbook

Pound cake is one of those good old-fashioned desserts that everyone seems to love. I always think of homey comfort when I think of pound cake, whether it's a slice with a cup of tea, or the basis of strawberry shortcake.

As much as I love regular pound cake, when I found this recipe for Chocolate Pound Cake from the cookbook Homemade Decadence from Joy The Baker, I knew I had to make it.

It's filled with chocolate chips, and has a deep rich chocolaty flavor, and made with coffee in it. The addition of coffee to a chocolate cake recipe just really brings out the chocolate flavor. Joy made her recipe with a chocolate glaze on top, but I wanted to top mine with whipped cream and raspberries, so I left it off.

Every time I bake with buttermilk I'm always reminded of how much goodness it brings to baked goods. It just really improves the flavor and richness of almost every recipe.

A sweet neighbor of ours came over with lots of delicious raspberries to share, so I've been using them up in recipes and smoothies. That's definitely one of the things I love about summer, all the luscious berries available.

I'm adding this recipe to my favorites list and I can't wait to make it with the glaze on top of it. I added the recipe for the glaze too, yum!

Recipe for Chocolate Pound Cake from Homemade Decadence

Ingredients:

Cake:

1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/3 cup hot coffee
1 3/4 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Glaze:

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
3 to 4 tablespoons milk or water
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Put a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan and set aside.


2. For the cake, in a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot coffee.


3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.


4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and add the eggs, one at a time, beating for one minute after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Add the cocoa-coffee mixture and beat well. Beat in the buttermilk. Fold in the chocolate chips. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.


5. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, with just a few crumbs, 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before inverting the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.


6. Meanwhile, for the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, salt, milk, and vanilla.


7. Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the chocolate glaze on top. Let set for 30 minutes before serving.


8. The cake will keep, well-wrapped and at room temperature, for up to 4 days.


Makes one 9 x 5-inch loaf.

My Favorite Healthy Muffin Recipe and Help From TENA® Products

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #TenaTips #CollectiveBias

My mother's generation and the ones before her were never able to talk openly about any kind of female heath issues. Women may have discussed them, but only in hushed tones and with shame or embarrassment. I find that so sad.

I'm very grateful that my girlfriends and I can pretty much talk about any of the health issues or problems that we may face, and sometimes even with laughter when we start comparing notes as we are all entering our fifties and sixties. One of the topics that seems to come up more frequently these days is incontinence.

It can be an issue for women at many stages of life, but in my circle of women friends, age seems to be the determining factor. I sometimes feel as though we already face so many issues as we age that incontinence is just downright unfair.

Fortunately, TENA® Overnight Underwear lets you wake up feeling dry and confident about any accidents that may happen. Knowing that you can have leakage protection both day and night lets you live your life without compromise. TENA® Lets You Be You.

Yesterday was my birthday. I'm so lucky that I was able to celebrate the day with dear family and friends. I'm blessed in many ways for sure, but that doesn't stop me from worrying and being concerned about the challenges I face as I get older in life.

So I'm trying to make small but smart life changes for myself that as a whole, should add up to a healthier me.

For instance, I adore chocolate. Who doesn't, right? Well, I knew I was eating too much of it and tried to completely cut it out of my life. That lasted about two days, and then I was back to overindulging in my beloved chocolate. But then I found this recipe for Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins.

It's low calorie, packed with healthy ingredients like yogurt, bananas, whole wheat flour, and honey. And best of all, it has chocolate in it!!

Let me just say that these muffins are super delicious, and perfect for breakfast or a midafternoon snack. I love eating them in the morning with my tea, and some fresh fruit.

They are also a big favorite when my girlfriends come over, too. We love having our chocolate fix but also eating muffins that are actually good for us.

Dealing with a weak bladder and possible leakage can effect women in a major way. It's a blow to your confidence and can often prevent you from living a full life. But you shouldn't let it, and using TENA® lets you do the things you love and not miss out on opportunities to live an active life.

Designed for comfort and performance, TENA® makes a whole line of products for women who experience incontinence.

You can shop for these products at your local CVS drugstore, or at CVS.com.

Now, on to my yummy recipe for these Skinny Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins. I always try to use really ripe bananas because they give so much flavor to any banana muffin or banana bread recipe. And I've even froze these muffins to use at a later date, and they are just as delicious after you've let them thaw out at room temperature.

I always try to gather all my ingredients before I start a baking project, it's just easier that way. First you're going to mix together all the wet ingredients in a large bowl. I love the great flavor that honey gives to these muffins, yum!

After you've mixed the wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients, which includes whole wheat flour, together. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and divide the batter evenly. This recipe will make 12 generous muffins.

Recipe for Skinny Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 very ripe bananas
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 egg
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a 12-count muffin pan with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, add bananas, honey, vanilla, oil, egg, and yogurt. With a hand mixer, mix together for 1 minute until well blended. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips. Divide batter evenly into muffin liners and bake 20-25 minutes.
Remove muffins from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Makes 12 muffins.

Look for TENA® Overnight Underwear and other TENA® products in the Bladder Control aisle at CVS.

And make sure you take advantage of the Ibotta rebates offered on Pads/Liners/Underwear, and on Overnight Underwear too.

You don't have to let incontinence rule your life. Be confident, be active, be YOU.