Family

Thirteen Candles and a Blank Space Cake

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How it started.

How it’s going.

I just can’t. My baby is thirteen years old.

She wanted a Taylor Swift birthday including the cake from her Blank Space video. I almost pulled it off, almost.

The cake.

In the video T Swift stabs her white heart cake and blood spatters out of it. I watched the video countless times and scoured the internet for an actual recipe that I thought would mimic the video. A lot of recipes called for a raspberry jam filling, some just suggested decorating the cake with the knife stabbed in it and blood pooling around. But the birthday girl wanted to actually stab the cake for the bloody result, so I set work.

I made a white cake from the box and layered it and crumb coated with cream cheese frosting.

Next I made some fake blood with corn syrup and red and a dash of blue food coloring. Then I poured it into a water balloon. Sounds easy, it wasn’t.

I cut a hole into the cake, big enough to fit the water balloon. This took trial and error and a little panic.

I pushed it down and covered the hole with some of the cake that I cut out and then covered it with frosting.

I breathed a sigh of relief, I had done the hard part and it didn’t look terrible.

I threw on another coat layer coat of frosting, I don’t know what the proper term is but I added more frosting and then got to piping.

I decided to add some friendship bracelet decor.

What I did next was my big mistake. I put it in the fridge and moved on with my life not thinking of the corn syrup that would thicken.

The build up was too much to handle.

You can see in the video how the corn sryup was too thick to splatter out like we were hoping.

Ugh, so close.

Such a let down.
So, if you make this cake I suggest not using a frosting that needs to be kept cold or make it and serve it right away.
Happy 13th birthday Kbear. I love you to the moon and back and around the entire universe.

A Little Dirt on our Boots

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A day of non stop country music with a backdrop of palm trees swaying in harmony. That is a glimpse of what Boots in the Park at waterfront looks like. As soon as we heard Thomas Rhett was going to headline Boots in the Park this Spring we had tickets that afternoon. The festival lineup also featured his daddy, Rhett Atkins, Scotty McCreery, LOCASH and Lee Brice. VIP tickets are the only way to go for this festival because it’s a separate area with it’s own amenities, bathrooms and most importantly benches to sit on because age.

We arrived early planning out where we wanted to park ourselves for the day while we were in line.

We were one of the firsts in the VIP section.

If we had to complain about VIP it would be the lack of food and drink options, but we survived.

While we were sitting and chatting a lady came up to us and asked us if we wanted to meet Rhett Atkins.

We replied with an obvious “yes”.

Our phones weren’t allowed backstage… He seemed like a nice guy and we shared a few laughs.

Rhett was a good story teller and shared personal anecdotes between songs. He told us about the time Luke Bryan went to his hotel room in nothing but his boxers to tell him that he came up with sure fire hit song.

This is that song….

He’s written a lot of songs for other artists such as Blake Shelton and Jon Pardi. He told us backstage that his four year old son might join him on stage for a song. Sure enough at the end of his set, his son came out and sang the old classic “the Itsy Bitsy Spider” and the crowd went wild.

On our way to get a refill we ran into our radio morning show hosts. I listen to Jon and Tammy every morning so we had to get a picture.

As the sun started to go down, Lee Brice took the stage.

And he sang all of our favorites including Rumor.

Next up was not so little Scotty McCreery whom we saw at Boots in the Park in 2019 with Old Dominion. I was eager to hear his latest song, Cab in a Solo.

A drone show lit up the sky.

Finally, the man of the match. Thomas Rhett came out and started the show with one of my personal favorites, Vacation.

His entire performance was stellar. He played all of his hits and talked about how he re-did “Heads Carolina” with Cole Swindel, which I did not know.

It was such a good day with my love and we can’t wait to see Thomas Rhett again.

They Say it’s your Birthday

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We woke up eager to get off the ship. Shawna had some anxiety leading up to her big day so we wanted to make it the best birthday ever.

We still weren’t sure what or where we were going that day because being in a brand new place is just the best so it all sounds fun! I have family that has lived on the little island of Roatan for years but unfortunately they were on the mainland during our visit. However ,we were encouraged to try Roatan’s famous Monkey La La’s.

We wandered off the ship and through the port, taking it all in.

When what do you know….

We took this as a sign and stopped for a drink.

These were very good. I think they are made with Kahlua, Bailey’s, vodka, creme de coco and condensed milk blended with ice, or something like that. Filling and sneaky.

Still not exactly sure on our plans moving forward, we walked outside to see about a taxi. This is where they are all waiting, the taxi’s, tour companies aka everyone wanting your money. We ended up walking with a man who called himself Dusty, explaining to him that we wanted a place where we could park ourselves for the day, eat and swim and be picked up when we were done. We walked, he talked and before we knew it stumbled upon were lead to a little place on the water called Aqua Bar.

We popped in so we could figure out our life and Dusty sat down with us. I was wondering if he was going to be with us all day. He told us about growing up on this small island and that his moms house was right next door this this bar we were at, of course it was. When we decided that he most likely wasn’t going to have us murdered we set out on our day, but not before popping by his moms house. She was out front of her cute yellow house selling a few souvenirs, shirts, sarongs and some homemade elixers.

She told us about how she made these concoctions during the pandemic and everyone who drank them never caught Covid, or that is how the story went. We went ahead and bought a small bottle to try but decided to wait until we were back in the safety of our house to try that risky little game.

{So…. it’s gross, tastes like gasoline blended with a hamburger.}

Dusty had called us a ride to take us to Sundowners in the West End. A beach front bar with beautiful views of the bay with a super laid back vibe. We staked out a prime spot on the beach and then headed to the bar.

Margaritas and Mojitos were made while I met the local bar cat.

Then straight to the water.

We met a lot of expats who were there for repeat vacations or diving trips and they all had nothing but great things to say about this little island.

We swam and talked the day away.

Then just like all great days the time flew by and before we knew it we were piling into our ride and headed back to the ship.

We never once felt unsafe being in Roatan, just putting that out there.

When we reached our room, her birthday cake was waiting.

Congratulations on turning another year older, ha.

We cleaned ourselves up and made our way to dinner. We had a very good meal at Le Bistro the ships French restaurant.

That night was 90’s night which I was super excited about but the 80’s music turned out to be a little more more fun.

You know how the nights end by now.

Happy 50th birthday me fave!

The next day was supposed to be Belize……

Welcome to Cozumel

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The reason we chose this cruise was because of the itinerary. NOLA to Cozumel, Roatan, Belize and Costa Maya. I know right? NCL really does the have best deals, what they lack in certain areas they make up for on their price tag.

We woke up in Cozumel and as soon as we stepped off the ship we were in heaven. The weather was perfect, the water blue and before we knew it we were hopping in a taxi to go eat on the beach.

I read all about the all-inclusive beach clubs and we decided against it not wanting to commit to one place our first time there. However, looking back, I think that is a good way to go. There isn’t much to do in Cozumel unless you are doing a certain excursion or renting a car. So if eating, drinking and swimming is what you want to do, then head to Mr. Sancho’s or one of the other popular places.

We started at Albertos Beach bar and we had the place to ourselves. We ordered fresh caught seafood and margaritas and we were in a happy place.

When we were ready to mosey on, we had our waiter call us a taxi. We were on the southern part of the island so we decided to head closer to the port.

Money Bar beach club.

This place was very nice, reminiscent of Europe. Located on a reef, lounge chairs are above with stairs to take you down to the clear and warm water. And they made delicious espresso martinis.

When the time came to head back to the ship we made one last pit stop. Welcome to Miami is right across the street from the port. A small hole in the wall bar with a Captain Jack Sparrow character stumbling around out front which in itself was strange, but who am I to judge? We stopped in for one more drink.

Once we were back on the ship and clean, we went for dinner. Then, yep you guessed it, back to Syd’s Pour House. We took turns waiting in line and grabbing drinks at Malting’s whiskey bar which was located right outside Syd’s. After the show we wentto pool deck for an 80’s party.

This pool deck was supposed to be adults only but that rule was lenient. I also tend think all young people are 14 years old when they are in fact, legal drinking age and that saddens me. There were a lot of those around this cruise, dancing to music that came out before they were born, sigh.

We ended each night at O’sheehan’s bar and grill. A pub that’s open 24 hours a day and a perfect spot for late night snacks before bed. The pub also had two pool tables but those were being run by professional 14 year old billiard players, or so they thought.

They next day was Shawna’s 50th and we woke up in Roatan.

Passports, check!

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Packing for a vacation is one my most favorite past times.

Remember when I said we most likely wouldn’t cruise Norwegian Cruise Lines again? Lies, sorry. We took another Norwegian cruise for Shawna’s 50th birthday. But, this ship was bigger than our last one, and checked all of our boxes in terms of on board entertainment and ports. You guys, this trip was amazing!

We were at the airport early because we must make sure the gate is where its supposed to be and then we hit the bar for the obligatory pre flight spicy bloody.

We were on our way to New Orleans which was a first for us. Once we dropped our bags in our hotel room, we hit the ground running. We only had one night to get it all done. We walked along the river and straight into town for dinner.

We had gator, oysters and delicious cocktails. Then we strolled our way to Bourbon street .

We people watched, bar hopped, and listened to all the music. We ended with a nightcap at our hotel bar and then to bed.

Our transfer to the port was included in our package and was effortless. Our time to “check-in” on the ship wasn’t until 2:00 but we just went ahead and got in line right when we got to the port at noon.

I probably shouldn’t spill the tea but you guys, we walked right on (knocks wood for next time). Our cabin wasn’t ready but that wasn’t a big deal because we took our asses straight to the pool deck and made ourselves at home.

This ship was very different from our first rodeo with Norwegian. There was a lot of everything, people, bars, entertainment, people…Once our cabin was ready we went back and got ready for the evening. We had a small dinner in one of the smaller dining rooms but since there was a short wait we sat at the adjacent bar and ordered ourselves an espresso martini. This is where we learned that one can’t just order an espresso martini anywhere, those were only available at the martini bar, so we had something sort of like it, but not as good.

So many options on evening entertainment but we chose The Pour House the first night and every night after. This was a group of four singers with their band that just blew us away, they were so much fun. All of this while we sailed down the Mississippi river.

Day 2 was a sea day which meant a pool day.

This is when it really sank in that we were on a cruise with a lot of people and kids who were on their spring break. Lesson learned, no cruising in March.

The pool was packed but we still had a great time. We met so many fun people, a lot who were on this cruise for their second time, that was good sign.

Dinner, I am sure we had it. I will still stand by the fact that the food on Norwegian’s dining room is just O.K. nothing spectacular. After dinner, you guessed it, back to the Pour House. This time we were in line early. Yes, I said “in line” that’s how packed this ship was. If we wanted a seat we had to get there super early. But this night was important because they were doing a Fleetwood Mac tribute.

And it was so good.

Day 3-Cozumel….

Hot Minute

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It’s been a minute since I have been here, free time is a rarity around here. The last time I logged on I couldn’t find my blog and it’s been a thing, but here I am, hi! I think the last time we chatted was a handful of months ago, lots to catch up on.

This cookbook is full of mouth watering recipes. Her cooking speaks to my heart.

I made the broken noodle bolognese and it was amazing. Ate like a deconstructed lasagna but with less effort.

I also made a fettuccine Alfredo

We went roller skating.

For my birthday we ran off to the desert. We started at a winery in Julian which was better than I remembered. Then we met my brother at our hotel in Borrego Springs. We spend the night at the town bar Carlee’s listening to our local country band. Always a fun time. The next day my brother got us a driver to take us into Palm Springs.

We started with brunch at Bongo Johnny’s. Bottomless mimosa’s are always a good idea.

Shawna found us a speak easy hidden behind a wine shop.

PS Air bar was a unique experience.

If I am going to sit in an airplane seat for any period of time I want be in a different location when I leave it. This was a one and done place for us.

We ended the day at the casino playing Roulette.

Jenn met us at our hotel that evening and then we all went back to Carlee’s for another go round. We played pool and danced the night away.

We had a yummy breaky the next morning before heading home.

We went for margaritas for the March birthday girls.

No, the kids did not have margaritas.

The next week, we got our passports out.

Holidaze

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Woo you guys… we all got super sick around Christmas, it wasn’t fun.

We did manage to fit it some festivities closer to the new year.

Averi was (is) the only child that still believes, I will hold on to that for as long as I can. It’s like a toddler who wants to walk, just keep pushing them down, no need to speed up the growing.

We had our tree up all month, it really is a vibe…just makes the house happy.

You can see that we had the Era’s tour on in the background…not gonna lie, I’ve seen it three times.

Speaking of tours. I went to the SDFC Chrome ball tour supporters rally, so excited to have our own MLS team.

We had a small Christmas at ours with just the girls.

Then we spent a late Christmas in OC with the family. Good food, fun games, sunshine and the best people and doggies.

Cheers to 2024

Months of Photos.

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Photos have been piling up and I always have the best intentions of posting them, I don’t know where the time goes.

Heading back to the summer…

Belmont Park and SD Fair fun.

Summer night meals.

Roasted snapper.

And…

Esquites, which was so good I made it multiple times in a week.

I used a couple of recipes but mainly this one. I made it with fresh corn and the frozen roasted corn from Trader Joes and they both worked, but….the fresh corn was obviously superior.

Caramelized onion and blue cheese tart.

Fun day on the Island with Uncle C and Aunt A Frankie and Tony.

Galaxy matches.

A super fun Huntington beach day!

The two youngest girls.

BlackPink in our Area

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Well not really, BlackPink in Los Angeles.

Kaili and I spent 24 hours in LA for a BlackPink concert. We stopped in Dana Point to meet family for lunch and then continued through OC and LA traffic reaching our destination a handful of hours before the concert. We checked into The Biltmore, dropped our stuff in the room and took a tour of the hotel.

We had time before dinner to go explore our neighborhood which included Grand Central Market.

Had I known, I wouldn’t have made dinner reservations, which turned out to be a bust anyhow. On our way out we stumbled upon vendors selling their creations. We window shopped our way to a Starbucks. She got a drink and then we went back to the hotel where I got a drink AND we ordered dessert for after the show.

Not shown, a glass of chardonnay a piece of cheesecake and chocolate mousse.

We tucked our goodies into the hotel fridge and relaxed before our get ready time.

Once we were ready we ubured to dinner. As soon as we walked in I had a feeling I had made a mistake about our timing. There was only one waiter and a bunch of people with no food. He was honest and told us that the kitchen was backed up. I told him we were heading to Dodger Stadium and he suggested we just head straight there as traffic in and out is bad. Well shit…at that moment I wished we had eaten at the market. I called another car to come pick us up and we were heading to the stadium an hour and a half early. It did take a long time to get into the venue and by the time we were in line it was close to 8:00. Everything was packed, the line for food, merch, drinks and the bathroom. People everywhere. I realized that if we were to do this all over again we either get there super early and hang around inside the stadium or we arrive minutes before the show is to start.

Were are seats great, no. Were they expensive, also no. I won us tickets on a radio show so there was no complaining about our view.

I wasn’t able to get her a lightstick as I promised because the line was constant all night. She new every song and I think it’s safe to say she had a great time.

Do not show her that video, she was hell bent on me deleting it.

We left the concert a tad early to beat all the ride share traffic. Once back in our room we washed up, put on our jammies and ate dessert in bed.

The Nine Year Old

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Averi, fabulous and nine years old. She had a mermaid theme birthday and chose McDonalds for her dinner choice..She hasn’t changed much in that department. She is, much like me, an emotional mess, I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets her Big Girl before her older sister. But she is smart, sassy, funny and outgoing, the world is hers!

Sweet baby Aves is all grown up!