Bites of Life (#17)

Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a good week. Summer vacation has finally begun in Oregon with beautiful weather making its debut after a few days of rain.

We celebrated Father’s Day this past weekend and I made our favorite chocolate cake. I love that cake, but it’s delicate. It’s so moist and delicious and requires a gentle hand. I was so careful with it this time. However, as I was frosting the last edge, my hand hit the edge of the cake stand and I flipped it onto the cutting board, breaking it into a bunch of frosted crumbles.

I just stood there, quickly deciding we would be having mug cake instead. It actually turned out fine and no one would have known this wasn’t my intention. It was a good save and could have been a lot worse. And yes, a few obscenities did leave my mouth. Those could have been a lot worse too.

  

Look at these cute cookies. A friend is getting married and these were at her bridal shower this past week. I wish I had this kind of talent.

My oldest son finished middle school last week and he’s off to high school in the Fall. Where has the time gone?

We’re very proud of him, he’s received straight A’s all the way through! Way to go Ben. What an accomplishment.

Last Saturday our winery participated in a  town-wide celebration known as Porklandia. I want to thank everyone (and there were many of you) who came out and made it so successful. It turns out everyone loves to get a little a porky.

Our tasting room had a Sausage and Mustard Tasting Bar with lots of side dishes and it included a flight of wine. We were packed around the bar like sardines, but everyone had a really great time!!! Rumor has it, it’s going to be an annual event, we hope to see you next year.

Here are the books I just ordered for my summer vacations, What Alice Forgot, The Light Between Oceans, The Kitchen House, The Vacationers, Divergent and The Fault In Our Stars.

Have you read any of them? What will you be reading by the pool?

I am giving away three copies of this beautiful cook book, Beach House Baking. Have you entered? 

Things I’ve seen around the web this week::

Love this take on salsa.
Just yes.
Salad love.
Making for the next kid who has a birthday.
Summertime dessert love.
More pretty salad.
I must make this.
Love this cake.
10 ways to reuse bread tags.
I love a good cookie bar.
Cocktail time.
Good grief, dessert I must have.
Perfect summer picnic cookie.
I want to make these!
This dessert makes me happy.
Ice cream that is going to happen soon.
No-Bake energy!
4th of July cuteness.
Burger twist I’d be happy with.
Summertime bliss.
Yes to this dessert.
I want to devour this.
More crazy burger love.

That is all friends, until next time. See other editions of Bites of Life.
 
One Year Ago: Crispy Cinnamon-Chili Chickpeas
Two Years Ago: Hoisin Burger with Sriracha Relish
Six Years Ago: Roasted Asparagus with Honey-Citrus Dressing