Pirate Shipwreck Cake!

"Buddy? What kind of cake do you want this year?"

"Okay...A pirate ship has crashed into an island...and the pirates are fighting the zombies who are trying to get onto the ship...and there's a forest fire on the island so the animals are trying to get onto the ship...and ninjas swoop down and save everyone! Can you make that?"

"Yes."

5 has turned 6. I spent many hours of my life making this cake. I made the pirate flags out of felt, patches and BBQ squers. My little guy made a legos forest fire and I spent way too much time in Janes Cake Shop.  I let my little guy put the candy rocks, animals, pirates and zombies on the cake. (I dipped lego guys in melted green chocolate to make the zombies) I didn't follow any patterns or examples. I just went for it.

The hardest part was transporting the crazy cake from home to the party destination. I was sprawled out on the floor of the car hanging on to my beloved cake for dear life while my newly turned 6 year old was shouting "Mommy! That's not appropriate!"

"Listen, Buddy, I've spent hours on this cake and it's going to make it to the party in one piece, sometimes you have to bend the rules a little."

The whole way there he was worried that the police would pull us over and Mommy would go to jail because she wasn't strapped in her seat.

"Duck Mom! I see a cop!" became the new norm.

2 hours into the party the stern dropped. I repaired it once then gave up the second time.

"It's good Mom, it's a shipwreck!"

So I say, just go with it and have an incredible day.

xoxoxo

P.S. The "walk the plank lego" caught on fire when I lit the candles. Luckily there was a 2 year old who yelled out "Get the hoses!" so we were safe.

I wish you all smooth sailing, my friends.

Stairs!

Shaboom does miles and miles of stairs in Paris every day as part of her lifestyle. This keeps her gams super sexy.

 My sister, Tammy, sent this to me.



Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Conversation with my 5 year old.

-----------------------------------------

"Mom?"

"Yeah, Buddy?"

"If you never had me and someone else was my mommy and you saw me walking down the street would you know me?"

"Yes, Buddy, I would. I would know you anywhere."

"Yeah, me too. I'm glad you're my mommy."

"Me too."

xoxoxo

Chicken Feet Friday

Chicken Feet!

A week ago, we had our friends over for dinner.  While we were enjoying the carne asada tacos Hubby made, Ling, from Southern China, told me that she loves some food that her boyfriend wouldn't even try. What could this be? Chicken feet and fish with the head still on! I told her to bring it on over and we'd make it a "Chicken Feet and Fish Head Friday!"  

And so she did. 

I had my first experience with chicken feet last night. I had been talking about it all week in anticipation and actually 5 was the first to dig in. He liked it but said there were too many bones. He was  fearless. 

Now, I enjoy all parts of the chicken, I was brought up eating innerds and necks. But I had never eaten chicken feet before and it was a bit intimidating. I nibbled a bit, and yes, there were a lot of bones and cartilage, but like all chicken, if it's cooked right and has the right seasoning, it tastes good. And it did!

Leeks And Shanghai Ching

Ling also brought over Leeks from her garden, Shanghai Ching, Peppers, Yams, and prepared her own soy sauce. 

Tilapia

Let's not forget the fish with a head. It was already cooked so Hubby warmed it  up on the grill and presented her with the cheek. He also grilled all the veggies. 

I love experiencing new dishes, it feeds my soul. Chicken Feet for the soul! No?

I still haven't gotten used to the sight of chicken feet, and I probably don't need to have them again but what a fun night. 

Hope your Friday was as adventurous as ours!

xoxo

Women Who Inspire

My incredible friend, Tish Ciravolo, is featured today on "The Better Show" as this week's "Women Who Inspire".

She really is that amazing. Every day.

Enjoy!