Something Big(ger than Me)

I can't say that I'm the best baker in town.. I am, in fact, far from that.. I just know that I love to bake.. and I love to share what I create with everyone I love.. (and everyone that loves the finished products haha) It's one of my biggest obsessions at the moment.. and something I'm practicing more and more. I'm hoping to become a professional someday and it's something I'm taking pretty seriously.

But today I was introduced to a bigger deal.

While browsing the latest Family Circle, I landed on page 36: "Recipe for Success". To be honest, what caught my eye was the picture of an average woman, holding a tray of yummy-looking cookies. As I read the article, however, it was like a light shining through the clouds (which are drenching Chicago with beautiful rain by the way). It was that very moment that I learned about the Great American Bake Sale. I have already registered for more information to be sent my way. I am currently mapping out the who/what/where/when of my own bake sale to help end childhood hunger.

I'm finally able to apply a talent in something big. Official registration will be released in March, so I just have to wait to see what materials will be available in just a few weeks. Spring 2009 is looking more and more beautiful =)

ugh. sticking to party planning.

I'm in a grumbly mood. I'm disappointed in a new experimental cake mix gone wrong. I baked the first 6 test cupcakes and didn't get the consistency and fluffiness I wanted. I altered a few components and still failed to get a good cupcake. I was so frustrated with the whole recipe that I just gave up on it altogether.

To put myself in a better mood, I've started planning out my birthday party. I keep changing plans to accommodate others.. which is probably going to lead in a hectic birthday..

But I've done some research and I'm pretty excited with my plans (here's hoping that they don't get altered again ha)

On my ACTUAL birthday, which falls on a Thursday, I'm taking my family to Yolk for breakfast / brunch.

Then we will part ways and JJ and I will stay in the city. He's getting me a dSLR and I want to experiment with it as much as possible =)

After a day of exploring and adventuring, I'm thinking of doing a dinner or maybe just cocktails. Something more easy going but still celebratory. For that, my options are either Rock Bottom or Uncle Julio's in the Lombard / Oak Brook area. Or if we're still enjoying the city, I'd like to go to Wrigleyville.. maybe have the South Side Boys swing by..

On FRIDAY, JJ and I have some secret plans =) Then we're meeting up with everyone at 6pm for dinner at Claim Jumper in Lombard. I love going there for one very big LARGE reason:

The Chocolate Motherload Slice...

Super Moist Slice of our
Six-Layer Chocolate Cake
with Chocolate Chips, Fresh Walnuts
and Chocolate Fudge Frosting.... for just $9.95!!

I know. I'm such a cakemonster. I know.

After dinner, I'm still very unsure of where to go. It'd be easy if everyone was 21+, but there is just too many of our group that is still underage. I wouldn't want to exclude them. So Dave and Busters it is! =) It'll be nice because we're all dressing up nicely for dinner..

I'm pretty excited! Only 1 month to go! =D

stumbles.

I've been hooked on my web-browsing a lot more than usual.. and included in my usual clicks is The Sartorialist. I love the "just your average day" look combined with fashion.. every "model" they use has such an ordinary, yet extraordinary look to them.. in relation to both their clothes and their own beauty.

Not a major post, I just thought I'd share an amazing find.. I just finished baking, so I'm going to upload the pictures next. ;)

Angels & Demons

I can't WAIT!