Almond Cupcakes with Chocolate Almond Frosting

How I love to bake! It's a wonder that Matthew and I don't weigh a tonne each!

This evening I made Vegan Almond Cupcakes with Chocolate Almond Frosting. It was my first go with this partially "Melissa Made Up" recipe. So, I only made one batch. This equated to one dozen. Let me just say that a dozen is NOT enough. There are only six left now (It was imperative that we try them at their various stages of completion.), and I am sending Matthew off with two in the morning. One for himself, and one for his friend Kent.

Sigh. . . . It looks as though I shall need to make some more this evening. :-) Otherwise, how will I be able to share them with my folks, some of our neighbour friends, and (hopefully) a visiting out-of-town friend? :->

When I have a moment, I will post the recipe. I'd love to know what you think of these cupcakes as well. Are they really that delicious? Or are Matthew and I just totally mad for almond flavouring? I'd say both. . . .

Shoes for a Cause

Every October for the past sixteen years, QVC has held the FFANY Shoes on Sale® Event. Designers donate thousands of pairs of shoes. All shoes are half off, and the net proceeds go to breast cancer research. How awesome is that?!

Though the actual live event has passed, there are still plenty of shoes to be had online. You should check it out!

So, this is an event that I tune in to every year. I love shoes. :-) This year, I ordered two pair. However, I cannot stop thinking about these. . . .

I wonder though, do they say, "Lady of the evening?"

Little Bits Shop

Guess what? . . . My Little Bits Shop and official website are coming soon! Watch this space for more details! :-)

Hot

I must admit it . . . I don't like the summer. I feel bad saying that, but how can you enjoy it when it's so bloody hot and humid out?!

It was in the mid 90s (Fahrenheit) today with grotesquely high humidity. It's supposed to be in the hundreds tomorrow, and continue like this for the next few days. Now please, how can this be enjoyable?

I am like a recluse during the summer. I stay in my nicely air conditioned home and only venture out if needs must during the day. (Hmm . . . So I guess I'm more like a vampyre than a recluse.) Night doesn't get much cooler here, but at least you don't have the sun beating down on you--and if you know me, then you know the sun is not my friend. "Ghostly white" is my natural colouring, and a few moments in the sun sans sunblock equals burnt Melissa. (Not that I go out in the sun without sunblock, mind.)

This weather hinders my baking plans as well. Who wants to heat the house up even for something as delicious as almond chocolate chip cookies? Newly acquired Plum Kuchen recipe, you're on the 'back burner' for now. But wait! My mini doughnut pans will be here Tuesday. Oh please, hell-like weather, do abate! The mini doughnuts must be made!

Autumn, you cannot get here soon enough for me. . . .

Sleepy

Today is the second day where I feel like doing nothing but sleeping. I have things I need to do (finish taping off in my sewing room for painting) and want to do (finish making the curtains for the living room), but would really like to just forget everything and cuddle up with Grace for a nap.

Sunday Brunch With My Folks

My berries sank to the bottom. Not the prettiest of cakes, but it tastes divine!

I just couldn't get a good photo of this, and I didn't want to hold everyone up from eating it as I prepped it for a photo shoot.

These are Matthew's most delicious Zucchini/Courgette Pancakes! They make a lovely dinner as well. Today we had them for brunch with my folks. Yum!

In addition to the Zucchini/Courgette Pancakes, Matthew made a beautiful Breakfast Pizza (of the non-vegetarian variety--I didn't think I'd want any, but boy did it smell delicious! My folks loved it!). He also made Tomato Relish to go with it. I made iced tea, and the blogging world's tastiest recipe of the moment, Raspberry Buttermilk Cake! My mother and father brought some scrumptious peach bread.

Favourite Spots in Our Home

Wiksten Togs

Finally, I've uploaded a picture of myself wearing one of my Wikstenmade scores. How I do love them all! Yay! for Jenny and her fabulous designs!

Oh, and Yay! for Edward and his visit this past February. The new house is waiting for your next stay. :-)