these are a few of mae's favorite things

1. Raindrops on roses- no, just kidding

2. White-noise maker for sleeping babies




3. Real waterproof snow boots. Hideous but functional. I can see why Napoleon Dynamite wears his all the time.




4. The adjustable waistband on kids clothes.

5. The Sit 'n Stand LX stroller. My trips to the mall end unhappily and prematurely without it. It also has cupholders.

6. Getting my hair cut. Right?? Nothing beats the feeling of a brand spankin' new cut and color. Here is a pic of my new one:




7. Mr. Clean magic eraser. If it weren't for this miraculous invention (along with washable markers), my in-laws would be coming home from their mission to some beautiful artwork on their walls, floors, and dishwasher.

8. And finally, the following recipe. Seriously, try it. I made it for myself on my birthday last year and think it might become an annual tradition (I might even name the tradition gluttony).

Deeeelicious Chocolate Cake

1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar *decrease by 2 T
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder *decrease by ¼ tsp
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk *add 2 T
½ cup vegetable oil *add 1 T
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup boiling water *add 2 T

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by rubbing with butter, sprinkling with flour and tapping out extra. In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix together with a wooden spoon then set aside. In small bowl combine eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Beat well with hand mixer. Slowly add boiling water and mix. Add wet ingredients to flour mixture and fold and stir until smooth. Pour batter into pans, dividing evenly. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove cake from pans and cool on racks.

*Adjustment for high altitude in case, like me, you live in a state which is well above sea level.



Cream Cheese Chocolate Frosting

2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 cups powdered sugar
¼ cups plus 2 T cocoa
¼ tsp salt
11 T butter (room temp)
8 oz. cream cheese (room temp)
1 1/3 cups sour cream (room temp)
1 tsp vanilla

Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add dry ingredients. Add melted chocolate chips, vanilla and sour cream.