I guess the last entry was a little misleading about the cake antics. I have decorated cakes previously, infact, when I was 11 or 12 I started decorating my own cakes. Here is a post from last spring, right after I made marshmallow fondant for the first time. Sorry folks!
Click here to go to the post. Please notice how much my formatting has improved, I struggled there for a while.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Weekend Update: Family Mostly
As I write this post I feel really tired. Exhausted even. When I stop and think about it I realize the reason: lack of sleep for about a week plus a busy weekend equals one tired girl in need of a nap. The weekend was completely worth it, I had a lot of fun and I saw all of my Mom's family.
The weekend started early for me because I only worked three days this week at the theatre. I have been supervising the wardrobe crew for The Foreigner and part of that job involves hair styling. I think I've found my true calling: Kiddie Beauty Pageant Stylist!
The weekend started early for me because I only worked three days this week at the theatre. I have been supervising the wardrobe crew for The Foreigner and part of that job involves hair styling. I think I've found my true calling: Kiddie Beauty Pageant Stylist!
I'm just kidding, we all know how I feel about those things. Aubrey and I have had a lot of fun styling her hair for the show. It's amazing how big it gets! I swear it gets bigger every time we style it!I was really excited to get to my parents's house and see my adorable niece, Avery. Even though it has only been weeks since I saw her last, she seemed to change so much. I love her smiling face.
Apparently Alex does too.
He's such a softie!I spent Thursday evening with my family at the Mandarin, celebrating my Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. All of my Mom's siblings were present plus the two oldest grandkids (me and Hilary.) I was glad to be included!
Hilary, Dad, and Mom: 
Emily, Kevin, Jamie, and Kathryn: 
Grandma and Grandpa:
Grandpa having a laugh:
Happy Anniversary Grandpa and Grandma!
Hil whipped up a couple of batches of fantastic chocolate buttercream frosting:
Even Avery got in on the action:
Presenting the cake to Grandma and Grandpa:
Everyone looks happy with the result!
It was a little difficult to cut with all of the layers but it looked impressive (and it was delicious!)
Hilary with Grace and Hannah, enjoying the extra fondant flowers:
I hiked up with my cousin Grace, she is such a trooper! Grace had stitches removed from her foot recently and still gave me a run for my money. I did give her a piggy back ride for part of they way up. It was strangely easier on the way up than on the way down. Why is that?
Part of the group, waiting for our turn to go in the cave.
Another part of the group:
My Dad was one of the first up the trail. He's tough.
Me and my parents after the cave.
A chipmunk.
Hilary, Dad, and Mom: Emily, Kevin, Jamie, and Kathryn: Grandma and Grandpa:Kathryn and John: 
Emily and Kevin:
Trish and Travis:
Emily and Kevin:Trish and Travis:Grandpa having a laugh:
Happy Anniversary Grandpa and Grandma!
The next evening we had another family dinner. This time around it was a barbecue and the grandkids were invited. Hil and I decided to bake a fancy cake for dessert after watching a mini-marathon of Ace of Cakes. Hil was in charge of baking and I was in charge of decorating. While Hil baked the cakes, I made two batches of marshmallow fondant (it's cheaper than "real" fondant AND it tastes better.)
I know it looks a little like a giant hamburger patty but it is really delicious chocolate cake.
I know it looks a little like a giant hamburger patty but it is really delicious chocolate cake.
Hil whipped up a couple of batches of fantastic chocolate buttercream frosting:Even Avery got in on the action:
I was a little apprehensive about covering a cake in marshmallow fondant because I've never actually done it. In typical fashion, I thought about how they do it on Ace of Cakes and mimicked it to the best of my abilities. It was sort of lumpy but I was okay about it because we were going to just stack the cakes and cover them with flowers.
Speaking of which, here are some of the cut out flowers. Hilary bought some really cute cookie cutters and we used those. It was much easier than cutting them out by hand.
A close up of the cake with the flowers. I indented the centers and filled them with sparkle gel.
Presenting the cake to Grandma and Grandpa:Everyone looks happy with the result!It was a little difficult to cut with all of the layers but it looked impressive (and it was delicious!)Hilary with Grace and Hannah, enjoying the extra fondant flowers:
After the great barbecue and the rich cake, we needed to do something to burn off all those calories. On Saturday we hiked up Spanish Fork canyon and went on a tour through Timpanogos Cave. It has been a long time since I've visited the cave and the hike up was more intense than I was expecting! It's easier when you're a kid and not an out of shape twenty-six year old!
I hiked up with my cousin Grace, she is such a trooper! Grace had stitches removed from her foot recently and still gave me a run for my money. I did give her a piggy back ride for part of they way up. It was strangely easier on the way up than on the way down. Why is that?A view from the top, American Fork canyon.
Part of the group, waiting for our turn to go in the cave.Another part of the group:My Dad was one of the first up the trail. He's tough. Me and my parents after the cave.A chipmunk.
I'm going to take a nap now.
One last thing! My parents put our family dog down this past week. He was about 13 and doing pretty poorly. I'm not much a of a dog person but I'm going to miss Klondike. Here are some of my favorite pictures:
Monday, July 20, 2009
Reasonably Priced Custom Clothes
My boss, the Amanda Profaizer, introduced the costume shop staff to a really cute web site.
It's full of cute and interesting clothes like this dress:
I think it looks an awful lot like this dress from J.Crew: 
There are some differences between the dresses: the burgundy dress is made of cotton satin while the blue green dress is made of taffeta. The burgundy dress is unlined with a side tie closure while the blue green dress is fully lined with "hidden on seam pockets." (I don't know what that means but hidden pockets are usually a good idea in my book.) The eShakti dress can be customized (for a small fee, $10) using your mesurements (waist, bust, shoulder, arm, etc..) ensuring a perfect fit. Even with the customized fit the eShakti dress comes to a total of $59.95 plus shipping while the J. Crew dress will set you back $129.99 (and that is the sale price.) Granted, both have separate shipping costs but $60 for a customized dress that is really cute? That sounds a-OK in my book.
There are some differences between the dresses: the burgundy dress is made of cotton satin while the blue green dress is made of taffeta. The burgundy dress is unlined with a side tie closure while the blue green dress is fully lined with "hidden on seam pockets." (I don't know what that means but hidden pockets are usually a good idea in my book.) The eShakti dress can be customized (for a small fee, $10) using your mesurements (waist, bust, shoulder, arm, etc..) ensuring a perfect fit. Even with the customized fit the eShakti dress comes to a total of $59.95 plus shipping while the J. Crew dress will set you back $129.99 (and that is the sale price.) Granted, both have separate shipping costs but $60 for a customized dress that is really cute? That sounds a-OK in my book.
On another random note...I came across this picture while web surfing and my first thought was, "Why is Anne Hathaway wearing tights in the summertime?"
Oh wait, she isn't. And I thought I had white legs.
Way to be pale, Hathaway, way to be pale.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Really Ron Howard, really?
I ate at the Bluebird Cafe this weekend, courtesy of my aunt and uncle who were visiting Logan with their two youngest kids. After dinner Kathryn asked if I wanted to go see "Angels and Demons" at the Dollar Theatre. I enthusiastically answered yes because I wanted to see this:
and because I'm a fan of this:
and because I really liked this:
However I didn't really like the movie all that much. It started off sort of unfaithful, the CERN scenes were all smashed into one that wasn't in the book, and then it veered off into "what the what" territory. Okay, I realize that movies and books are usually different but I can usually overlook it. I had a hard time this time around. The ending was totally different and the events leading up to it bore little resemblance to the book. It was almost like the writers of the movie only had one book to share and rather than take turns reading the entire book, they decided to designate one writer to read the book. Rather than relay the story to the whole group they whispered the plot to each other one by one like a game of telephone.
I'm sure that's not how it really happened but it seemed like it. It was sort of enjoyable in the sense that an action movie is enjoyable--things blow up, special effects, CGI...that sort of thing. Apparently they were banned from filming in areas of Italy so duplicate sets were built and there was a whole lot of CGI. If you do see the film, pay special attention to the scene where Robert and Vittoria are walking into the Pantheon, there is some wodgey CGI. With all that said, I want to go to Rome and see all the amazing art for myself. There's only so much you can get from books and movies.
It'll happen some day.
and because I'm a fan of this:
and because I really liked this:However I didn't really like the movie all that much. It started off sort of unfaithful, the CERN scenes were all smashed into one that wasn't in the book, and then it veered off into "what the what" territory. Okay, I realize that movies and books are usually different but I can usually overlook it. I had a hard time this time around. The ending was totally different and the events leading up to it bore little resemblance to the book. It was almost like the writers of the movie only had one book to share and rather than take turns reading the entire book, they decided to designate one writer to read the book. Rather than relay the story to the whole group they whispered the plot to each other one by one like a game of telephone.
I'm sure that's not how it really happened but it seemed like it. It was sort of enjoyable in the sense that an action movie is enjoyable--things blow up, special effects, CGI...that sort of thing. Apparently they were banned from filming in areas of Italy so duplicate sets were built and there was a whole lot of CGI. If you do see the film, pay special attention to the scene where Robert and Vittoria are walking into the Pantheon, there is some wodgey CGI. With all that said, I want to go to Rome and see all the amazing art for myself. There's only so much you can get from books and movies.
It'll happen some day.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A Tag of 49 Facts
49 Things Tag FILL IT OUT!
Learn 49 things about your friends, and let them learn 49 things about you!
1. Do you like blue cheese? Not really, but I am awfully fond of mozzarella soy cheese and almond Swiss cheese.
2. Your Favorite Shoes? It's a toss up between my Born wedges and my brown heels
3. Do you own a gun? Nope
4. Your favorite song? It really depends on my mood but right now I really love Sondre Lerche's cover of Human Hands.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not really, unless I know something is wrong so then it would be dread more than nerves.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I'm pretty wary of them but I'll eat them if they are barbecued or cooked over a fire. I like to eat them with mustard. I also like hot dogs made of recognizable meat like Nathan's or Hebrew National.
7. Favorite Christmas song? I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day but Good King Wenceslas makes me giggle when I hear it.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water, and lots of it. In the winter I like to drink herbal tea on my way to school.
9. Can you do push ups? Yes but not well.
10. Are you afraid of flying? Not especially. Maybe I'd develop a fear if I did it more.
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My sun necklace that I have had forever or my glow in the dark CTR ring (honestly.)
12. Favorite hobby? Making awesome stencils of famous people.
13. Animals: love them or hate them? I like them from a distance.
14. Do you have ADD? I think when I was younger I had selective attentiveness. I would only pay attention during subjects I really enjoyed.
15. What do you hate about yourself? My tendency to focus on the negative about myself.
16. What is your middle name? Anne
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: "Man, these pink grapefruit Tic Tacs are good," "I should be in bed right now" and "I really love my wacky playlist on my blog."
18. What's your favorite number? 4
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Vanilla soy milk, and more water.
20. Current worry right now? Am I going to be single forever?/ Is 26 really that old?
21. Current hate right now? No air conditioning in the costume shop
22. Favorite place to be? Kaysville, pedaling around on a bike.
23. How did you ring in the New Year? At my parent's house, packing for grad school.
24. Where would you like to go? Pretty much anywhere I've learned about in Art History that houses incredible art.
25. Name three people who will complete this? I'm actually surprised that I completed it.
26. Do you own slippers? Yes and they are awesome.
27. What shirt are you wearing? My light blue Elvis Costello shirt.
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I haven't ever but I don't like the connotation. I prefer cotton or jersey knit.
29. Can you whistle? Not very well.
30. Favorite color? Shades of orange and green but not together.
31. Would you be a pirate? Probably not. The "Arrrrs" would just remind me of Lariann and then I would be sad.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I used to sing along to my iPod but I don't want to scare my roommates.
33. Favorite girl's name? Mina
34. Favorite boy's name? Theo
35. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing, I rarely carry things in my pockets.
36. Last thing that made you laugh? When I was trying to limbo with some of my friends at FHE.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? My jersey knit star sheets.
38. Worst injury you've ever had? I bruised my toe nail and then it fell off. It was a ballet injury.
39. How many TVs do you have in your house? 5 (I live in my roommate's grandparent's home)
40. Who is your loudest friend? Emily Albretsen, of course!
41. How many dogs do you have? NONE! But my parents have a dog, Klondike.
42. Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of. However, if anyone has information I would appreciate it!
43. Favorite Book? The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl but I am also very fond of the Harry Potter series. Very fond.
44. Partying hard or Laying low? A bit of partying and a little more laying low.
45. What is your favorite candy? M&Ms! I also loved a weird Danish candy called Delfa Rolls. They tasted like a combination of red licorice and raspberry fruit roll ups. I don't think Delfa Rolls exist anymore.
46. Favorite Sports team? I don't really have any loyalties in the sporting world.
47.What were you doing 12 AM last night? Asleep
48. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Oh crap! I slept through my exercise time!
49. If you are married, where did you meet your WIFE/HUSBAND? This hasn't happened yet but I hope it is a fantastic story that takes fifteen minutes to tell.
Learn 49 things about your friends, and let them learn 49 things about you!
1. Do you like blue cheese? Not really, but I am awfully fond of mozzarella soy cheese and almond Swiss cheese.
2. Your Favorite Shoes? It's a toss up between my Born wedges and my brown heels
3. Do you own a gun? Nope
4. Your favorite song? It really depends on my mood but right now I really love Sondre Lerche's cover of Human Hands.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not really, unless I know something is wrong so then it would be dread more than nerves.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I'm pretty wary of them but I'll eat them if they are barbecued or cooked over a fire. I like to eat them with mustard. I also like hot dogs made of recognizable meat like Nathan's or Hebrew National.
7. Favorite Christmas song? I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day but Good King Wenceslas makes me giggle when I hear it.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water, and lots of it. In the winter I like to drink herbal tea on my way to school.
9. Can you do push ups? Yes but not well.
10. Are you afraid of flying? Not especially. Maybe I'd develop a fear if I did it more.
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My sun necklace that I have had forever or my glow in the dark CTR ring (honestly.)
12. Favorite hobby? Making awesome stencils of famous people.
13. Animals: love them or hate them? I like them from a distance.
14. Do you have ADD? I think when I was younger I had selective attentiveness. I would only pay attention during subjects I really enjoyed.
15. What do you hate about yourself? My tendency to focus on the negative about myself.
16. What is your middle name? Anne
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: "Man, these pink grapefruit Tic Tacs are good," "I should be in bed right now" and "I really love my wacky playlist on my blog."
18. What's your favorite number? 4
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Vanilla soy milk, and more water.
20. Current worry right now? Am I going to be single forever?/ Is 26 really that old?
21. Current hate right now? No air conditioning in the costume shop
22. Favorite place to be? Kaysville, pedaling around on a bike.
23. How did you ring in the New Year? At my parent's house, packing for grad school.
24. Where would you like to go? Pretty much anywhere I've learned about in Art History that houses incredible art.
25. Name three people who will complete this? I'm actually surprised that I completed it.
26. Do you own slippers? Yes and they are awesome.
27. What shirt are you wearing? My light blue Elvis Costello shirt.
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I haven't ever but I don't like the connotation. I prefer cotton or jersey knit.
29. Can you whistle? Not very well.
30. Favorite color? Shades of orange and green but not together.
31. Would you be a pirate? Probably not. The "Arrrrs" would just remind me of Lariann and then I would be sad.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I used to sing along to my iPod but I don't want to scare my roommates.
33. Favorite girl's name? Mina
34. Favorite boy's name? Theo
35. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing, I rarely carry things in my pockets.
36. Last thing that made you laugh? When I was trying to limbo with some of my friends at FHE.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? My jersey knit star sheets.
38. Worst injury you've ever had? I bruised my toe nail and then it fell off. It was a ballet injury.
39. How many TVs do you have in your house? 5 (I live in my roommate's grandparent's home)
40. Who is your loudest friend? Emily Albretsen, of course!
41. How many dogs do you have? NONE! But my parents have a dog, Klondike.
42. Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I know of. However, if anyone has information I would appreciate it!
43. Favorite Book? The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl but I am also very fond of the Harry Potter series. Very fond.
44. Partying hard or Laying low? A bit of partying and a little more laying low.
45. What is your favorite candy? M&Ms! I also loved a weird Danish candy called Delfa Rolls. They tasted like a combination of red licorice and raspberry fruit roll ups. I don't think Delfa Rolls exist anymore.
46. Favorite Sports team? I don't really have any loyalties in the sporting world.
47.What were you doing 12 AM last night? Asleep
48. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Oh crap! I slept through my exercise time!
49. If you are married, where did you meet your WIFE/HUSBAND? This hasn't happened yet but I hope it is a fantastic story that takes fifteen minutes to tell.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
They put the "Fun" in Funeral
I watched quite a bit of the Michael Jackson memorial service today at work and then at home. It was a very interesting and sometimes touching (in an emotional way, back off the inappropriate jokes, he's dead.) The following are my favorite moments for various reasons.
Moment #1: Mariah Carey's amazing mono-bang. That thing did not move despite her finger and hand wagging. Not only did it not move but it looked like you could still run your fingers through it. A tip of my hat to you, Mariah Carey.
Moment #1: Mariah Carey's amazing mono-bang. That thing did not move despite her finger and hand wagging. Not only did it not move but it looked like you could still run your fingers through it. A tip of my hat to you, Mariah Carey.
Moment #2: LaToya Jackson's ginormous face obscuring hat. That thing is HUGE! Atleast Janet wore a hat that still showed her face (although she did cover it with massive Victoria Beckham glasses.)
Moment #3: Jennifer Hudson announcing her pregnancy by wearing a white, empire waisted dress. You can't tell me she's not pregnant, she totally is! Hang on, let's ask someone to confirm...
Usher, what do you think?
Yep, pregnant. Note to self: if I am ever going to hide a pregnancy I need to remember to NOT stand next to Usher in a picture.
Moment #4: Corey Feldman's...uh, outfit?
Dude, this is like showing up to a wedding dressed like a bride. It's just weird. The Jackson brothers had a much better way of honoring their brother:
See the subtle sequined gloves? That's classy. A military-esque jacket with a fedora and shades? Not so much.
Moment #5... Unfortunately I couldn't find a picture of Al Sharpton at the end of the service while everyone was singing "Heal the World." Fortunately, I found it on the blessed youtube. Fast forward to 4:35. It is really great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVixrey9Gyg
I feel for you, Rev. Sharpton, if I was in that situation I'd look just as awkward.
I wasn't really a Michael Jackson fan but he was one heck of a talented singer and dancer. And, when his daughter said what a great father he was, I cried. I'm sensitive like that.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy Birthday to the United States! (and me!)
It was a very eventful weekend at my parent's house, our entire family was together. In addition to the city breakfasts, the parades and the fireworks; we also celebrated my birthday. I was very excited to recieve a camera because my old one bit the dust three years ago (I dropped it at Letchworth.) Despite what the first picture shows, I am not that bad of a photographer, I was just getting used to the settings.
Photo #1: Josh and Hilary gearing up for the city fireworks. We played a few hands of Uno and Hilary dominated (it was because she brought her A game.)
While we watched the fireworks I tried the "firework show" option on my camera. I was surprised that they sort of turned out:
My hometown goes all out with the fireworks: music and everything. This year there were some technical difficulties including problems with the sound system, multiple "intermissions" between bursts of fireworks, and a possible accident. We were crossing Main and a fire truck almost ran us over. It wasn't like we were just crossing because we felt like it, the light said it was okay and the truck just honked at us, it didn't charge or anything.
Even better than the fireworks was the presence of Avery, my niece. She is so cute! I made her a dress to wear on the fourth. I realized a day later that I hadn't taken any good shots of her in the dress. I have this one from the day of:
And this one from the morning after. She was so tired that it became a nightgown too. I was afraid that it wasn't going to fit her but it did! Ave is so tiny!
After church (and a VERY nice visit with my friend, Brandi) I went to my aunt and uncle's house for a family party to celebrate birthdays in June and July. I saw many interesting things such as...
My cousin's cast and crutches:
Another cousin's unusual manner of greeting someone holding a camera:
And the strange practices of trying to cram too many people in one photo:
All in all it was a very enjoyable evening spent with family. My aunt Kathryn made a delicious cake with a WHOLE lot of names on it (including USA!)
Here is a partial picture of the attendees:
We took a bunch of pictures but this one was the best (Travis wasn't making rabbit ears in this one.)
A birthday picture with my Grandma and Grandpa:
Thanks for everything!
Oh, one more thing, for old times sake. This is a picture of my Grandpa with Avery, giving her a "horsey ride." This is a tradition and I'm glad I was able to capture it.
Avery is enjoying it, just like we enjoyed it.
Photo #1: Josh and Hilary gearing up for the city fireworks. We played a few hands of Uno and Hilary dominated (it was because she brought her A game.)
While we watched the fireworks I tried the "firework show" option on my camera. I was surprised that they sort of turned out:
My hometown goes all out with the fireworks: music and everything. This year there were some technical difficulties including problems with the sound system, multiple "intermissions" between bursts of fireworks, and a possible accident. We were crossing Main and a fire truck almost ran us over. It wasn't like we were just crossing because we felt like it, the light said it was okay and the truck just honked at us, it didn't charge or anything.
Even better than the fireworks was the presence of Avery, my niece. She is so cute! I made her a dress to wear on the fourth. I realized a day later that I hadn't taken any good shots of her in the dress. I have this one from the day of:
And this one from the morning after. She was so tired that it became a nightgown too. I was afraid that it wasn't going to fit her but it did! Ave is so tiny!
After church (and a VERY nice visit with my friend, Brandi) I went to my aunt and uncle's house for a family party to celebrate birthdays in June and July. I saw many interesting things such as...
My cousin's cast and crutches:
Another cousin's unusual manner of greeting someone holding a camera:
And the strange practices of trying to cram too many people in one photo:
All in all it was a very enjoyable evening spent with family. My aunt Kathryn made a delicious cake with a WHOLE lot of names on it (including USA!)
Here is a partial picture of the attendees:
We took a bunch of pictures but this one was the best (Travis wasn't making rabbit ears in this one.)A birthday picture with my Grandma and Grandpa:
Thanks for everything!Oh, one more thing, for old times sake. This is a picture of my Grandpa with Avery, giving her a "horsey ride." This is a tradition and I'm glad I was able to capture it.
Avery is enjoying it, just like we enjoyed it.
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