Happy Happy Joy Joy

In honor of me being even happier than this pancake--or while eating this pancake--I give you Happy Cakes this week.

Why so happy?

Urgh. I knew you'd ask.

Lots and lots and lots of reasons, including, but not limited to: the (school) trimester is almost over; Thanksgiving is coming, which means my trip to Disney World is close behind, which means so is the celebration of the blessed (read that as bless-ED) event (my birthday); Mr. Coffee makes me laugh my fool head off (in a good way--thanks to Velcro, I can put it back on) and is awesome; my Mary Kay business is doing well and I have a new member on my team; pumpkin pancakes at IHOP; my friends put up with my antics; my family rocks; I feel pretty darned good.

There's other stuff too, but you don't want to hear everything. I'm sure you didn't even get this far, and right now you're looking at the pictures, so why am I still typing? It's the blog equivalent of how I like to listen to the sound of my own voice. It's okay. I know you don't listen half the time when I'm talking either. I still love you.

The Green Album

A Sprinkle of Love Cakes

It's All About the Cake

mags813

The Little Cupcakery

abbietabbie

bitrot

I know this isn't a cake, but a cookie is close, and who could resist this exemplary level of cuteness? And if you say you could, then you are a robot. Or an alien. Or spending time with my ex-husband, who I no longer miss or feel bad about divorcing. Yay me!!! Another reason to be happy!*

*I had a tarot card reading last weekend and she said I was the happiest I'd ever been in my whole life. She was SO right!

My facebook status update. We'll be back to regular blogging soon--I swear.

REALLY really really needs your help! I've been challenged to schedule TEN Mary Kay parties by November 15.

I need TWO MORE!!!

They can take place any time in November (part of the challenge). Treat yourself and some girlfriends before the holiday craziness begins!

These can take place in person, or if you're really busy, host an ONLINE party--you don't even have to clean the house!!!

(And if you're already having one, get a friend to host a party and YOU get a special treat!)

Email me to find out how easy this is--and learn about all the great stuff you can earn!!!

I know I know I know. I haven't been a good blogger at ALL!

I have to announce a winner or two for something although I need a quick review to remember the who's and what's of it all. And I haven't Grace in Small Things-ed in, like a million years. And I'm sure I have a rant or ten about a thousand things. And my friends keep doing amazing things you need to know about!!! And I've been dating. I will catch up. I WILL!

I've been grading essays both for my own classes and for other classes. Yes, other people's classes. At one of the schools I teach at (bad syntax, so sue me), teachers in other departments have adjunct English professors evaluate their students' essays for grammar, mechanics, and the like. (Although one guy/professor has me blustering through the content as well. Those take a bit longer--grrr. I mean, Happy to do it!) Don't worry--I am paid handsomely. Or at least prettily, especially since I can spot a waylaid comma at a thousand paces.

But in honor of me using the word (not accidentally) "prettily" in the last sentence and also because today an online party is going on at my website,* I give you Mary Kay Cosmetics cakes!

Sweet Cakes by Jenn

Gee Bakes

Mommy Cake Diva

Klassy Kakes

*Listen, do some (all) of your holiday shopping now!!! Purchase stuff for your pesky in-laws, your amazing babysitter, the kids' teachers (stuff for men and women on the website), your stylists, neighbors, sister, mom, dad, cousin...you get where I'm going with this, right? Gift ideas for under $30!!!

Need some ideas? I've got them! We have TONS AND TONS of cool stuff!!! Send me an email with your gift quandaries!!! I can help! I'm a trained professional!!!

And if you join in today's online party, you'll get a special treat!!!

Sign up today to host your own party--online or otherwise--and there are even more special treats in your future!!!

OMG: The food edition (or: There was no room for cake, which is why I got mine to go*)

In honor of the MOST AMAZING MEAL I HAVE EVER EATEN in my whole wide life, I give you sailboat-themed cakes. Why?

No, I did not eat on a boat. But I DID have dinner at The Candy Store in The Clarke Cooke House on Bannister's Wharf in Newport, RI. See that picture below? The table in the far right upper corner? There's one more table there and that's where we sat. That's where I had pomegranate martinis, a filet mignon the side of a small child, mashed potatoes with leeks and green onions, and red onion marmalade with cranberries. Oh. My. God. And for dessert? Chocolate roulade topped with vanilla ice cream in a chocolate coated goblet covered with Callebault chocolate and sprinkled with coconut.

That's where I spent a few hours having a super-fun blasty blast with Mr. Coffee, who I just realize I never told you about. Let's just say I now own a coffee pot (albeit a little one). He has been travelling to visit me from Connecticut, but after he left my house today, headed to his new place on Long Island. Sigh. Oh well. We'll see.

Our table afforded us an amazing view practically sitting on the water, since the restaurant IS on a WHARF after all. The very very edge of aforementioned wharf. View of sailboats. Which brings us to...

Linzi's Cakes

Courtney's Cakes

Babushka Bakery

*We had actually ordered two desserts--the one we got (called the Snowball in Hell) and a slice of carrot cake about the size of a jib. I'm going to go work on that slice as soon as I finish typing this. I had some for breakfast, too. I may be eating it for days. Days, people.

Tale from the Crypt or: Kids say the gol-durndest things

From a student essay, although not one of mine. (You know, sharing is a big part of being a successful teacher. And by "sharing," I mean openly mocking student gaffes.)

"Marriage is not so different than it used to be back around mid-evil times."

Discuss.

A favor, a prize, a good deed

Go here and vote for my friend Eric, please.* You can vote once a day.

Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Once you've voted, please leave a comment on this post each time you vote and I'll have a drawing at the end of the week--next Sunday, let's say. What will you win? I'm not giving you a kidney. Or a lung. But you WILL receive $15 worth of Mary Kay products**--although you can only use it on this site***--not just anywhere!!!

*All you have to do is click the button.

**Gentlemen: We have a bunch of men's stuff too. Oh! Or you could use the credit to purchase something for a nice lady in your life--Aunt Tilly, mom, wife, girlfriend, all of the above.

***Did I mention free shipping??? It's true!

Halloween is just another hurdle to get through before my birthday. or: More Cakes!!!

I may be the Halloween Grinch, but I can still appreciate a good looking cake.

Whimsy Cakes

Leah's Cakes

Doris Pepsi (I know--by all that's right and holy, I shouldn't include this cake just because of her last name.)

http://www.deiaschwarz.com/

http://www.tortasencantadas.com.ar/

http://thefrostedcakencookie.blogspot.com/