Red Velvet Birthday Cupcakes

I had a cakery orders this week, including three dozen red velvet cup cakes. The cake recipe was from the Flour cookbook and was a winner sporting a hefty slug of buttermilk. The butter cream is my new go to recipe for all my cakes. It is a keeper as well.

 

I am just smitten that I have filled each order using home made fondant. Believe it or not the stuff is rather tasty compared to the gross store bought variety. I feel good about the product that goes out the door.

I always use organic cane sugar and organic eggs for the cake and they are ALWAYS from scratch.

 Have a great weekend and if you ever need cake you know where to find me, the caker.

Birthday Land

Another year , another year makes twenty eight.

Source

I spent my birthday riding bikes in the rain in Squamish with J. We loaded up the car and spent three days riding the amazing trails that Squamish holds. I have spent a few birthdays in British Columbia either biking or climbing, I learned to bike for a birthday a couple of years ago in Whistler.

This year it was simple, just J and I, trails, bikes, and a camp fire. It rained all day but we made the best of it and rode in the mud, finishing the day tired and stoked. He bought a hatchet to chop some wood so he could grill us up some dinner and then I went and bought super glue to glue shut a huge gaping hole that he hacked in his finger. That is how we celebrated, nothing fancy.

I must thank you all from the bottom of my heart that called me on my birthday, the ones that sent birthday cards, the sweet friend that mailed me a package full of fun from eastern Washington, all the lovely Facebook notes. I have some wonderful friends.

I love you all.

I really do.

Thank you

From the bottom of my heart - thanks to everyone who took the time to call, write, and come to celebrate with me yesterday.

I am blessed. Truly. Blessed.

My birthday was a wonderful whirlwind filled with close friends, sweet co-workers (who are also some dear friends), a great walk with the best dog ever, a great lunch followed by a decadent slice of pie, flowers, gifts, a toast at my favorite bar with a table full of lovely friends, followed by much needed late night dinner and *yep* more dessert. 

I am going to miss everyone.

Thank you Azusa, who planned a wonderful night and made sure everything was all lined up
 - you are a fantastic friend -

Birthday Wishes

To all you wonderful people out there who took time to send me birthday wishes.... all the hugs and love in the world goes out to you. My day was perfect in every sense. There really are wonderful people surrounding me and I feel supremely blessed to friends and family that truly care deeply about me. What more is there to life? A good bike ride in the mountains I suppose. Oh wait that did happen for my birthday!
My day was filled with phone calls, emails, and texts (oh the marvels of technology!) from wonderful people followed by an evening at the Temple Bar (as per my request) visiting with friends and family while drinking way too much wine and delectable treats. The day was preceded by a long weekend in Whistler thanks to Jess. Three days of perfect weather, perfect riding conditions and the perfect group to share it with.
What more could a girl ask for? Thanks everyone for making me feel incredibly special!