Chocolate Anyone?????

Happy Mother's Day all!  I hope that you all had a fantabulous day.  Today was also extra special in our house because it's my honey's birthday.  So, ofcourse, I made him a cake.  I don't usually have much luck with baking so I was rather worried.  BUT I found an awesome recipe and the cake was a huge success!  In fact....it's almost GONE.   It's a recipe that's SO good, that I have to share.  Yes, I know I don't have many followers....but who knows....this may peek some interest. 

YES...those bits that look undercooked are actually chocolate chips!!

CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CAKE
1 box devil's food cake
1 4oz chocolate instant pudding
1 small bag of chocolate chips (around 2 cups)
2 eggs
1 3/4 C water
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract (my personal addition :P)

2 tbsp butter, melted
1 C powdered sugar
3tbsp cocoa powder
3 tbsp warm water

Set oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a large bundt pan.  Set aside.
1. Combine the first three ingredients in a large bowl.  Combine the next 4 in a small bowl, mix well.
2. Add wet ingredients in the small bowl into the dry ingredients in the large bowl.  Combine with a spoon until well mixed.
3.  Pour batter into bundt pan and distribute evenly. 
4.  Bake for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick stuck in center comes out clean.
5.  Let cake cool in pan for 20-25 minutes.

To make glaze:  Mix all ingedients in a bowl until well combined.  Pour over cake and EAT UP!

Scout Book - Completed

It took a while, but I finally cut and got a book together.  This was my first time cutting "chipboard" as well, so I don't think it turned out too bad.  It can only get better from here.  Cheers!

I made the emblem on the left in inkscape today after doing a Scrappy Dew tutorial :P.  Turned out pretty good.

The ribbons are attached to a tag with a note I wrote to the eagle scout.

The red on the left is a quasi accordian file. I never feel like these books have enough room for pictures....so this makes room for a few more.  Next time (before it's perfectly glued in place) I will at ribbons then the accordian can be tied closed. 

Eagle Scout Book

Apparently it is that time of the year when young men are having their ceremonies to become Eagle Scouts. I have a very special student who will be receiving this honor tomorrow and I wanted to make something special for him as I won't be able to attend his ceremony.  I also wanted to share this with you as may of you may be scrambling (as I was) to find a gift for an Eagle Scout.  Enjoy!

http://www.4shared.com/file/1G7QVzXx/Scout_Book.html

Guitar Card

I was on one of the yahoo group forums and someone was asking about a guitar card/svg.  Intrigued by the idea, I decided to play a little bit and see what I could come up with.  Below is my result.  I've went back and forth because the guitar should have strings and frets, but being so small,  I think it best to draw them on....or even attach string, as opposed to cutting them. Let me know if you like it, and if you use it, I'd LOVE to see your magic! 

*each color is a different layer :).

http://www.4shared.com/file/pOIFhllU/guitar.html

Interchangable Flip Flops

     I was already to punch a grad book I've been working on with my BRAND NEW CINCH, so I could begin decorating it, only to find out that my Cinch is defective....and I'm going to have to send it back :(.  So, I decided it was time to work on another project as they can't tell me when I will receive my new Cinch as they are on backorder :(.  Being that I'm a bit of a spaz and indecissive, this was easy as I always have my creative hands in many places at the same time :).

     I found this project on the Make It and Love It blog and had to try it (the button to this amazing blog is on the lower right side of my blog)!  This is my first attempt and I think it's a project that is SUPER easy and SUPER cute.  I was too lazy to find the coordinating thread, so I just used what was on my machine to sew the ribbons together (yes, it's bugging the heck out of me).  My plan is to make a bow or small rosette to hide this flaw.  This pair is going to go to a friend in the UP, and I will make a pair for her little sis.  THEN, I can make a pair for me :P.   OH BOY!