Winter has arrived

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Not ready for the winter of 2018 but a early December storm gave us 4-5” and a reminder to me that warm days are behind us and before us, though weeks away. 

Lemon Pound Cake

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So I was folding laundry the other evening and Keeping up with the Kardashians were on the TV (don't ask) and they were having this controversy over a lemon cake that apparently the family thought was homemade but came from a box.Fast forward a few days later and I see this post on Facebook for the "Famous" Kris Jenner Lemon Cake recipe (from a box) and decided to take a look.   I needed to take a cake to work for a holiday lunch and since I love lemon cake I thought why not, it is a super easy recipe.  I whipped one up on Saturday to try it out and all I and Guy could say was OMG!!! This is one fantastic cake.   I then proceeded to make a second one as we were devouring the first :)Here is the recipe straight from the Duncan Hines website (hahaha):Ingredients:

  • 1 package Duncan Hines® Signature Lemon Supreme Cake Mix
  • 1 (3.4 oz.) package instant lemon pudding and pie filling
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 10-inch Bundt® or tube pan.
  • Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil in large bowl.
  • Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pan (I used a bundt pan)
  • Bake 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool cake on wire rack for 25 minutes. Remove cake from pan and cool completely.
  • Dust with sifted confectioner’s sugar.
  • Baking Tip: Glazed Lemon Pound Cake: Place ½ cup Duncan Hines® Creamy Home- Style Classic Vanilla Frosting in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High 10 to 15 seconds; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cake.

And the cake:It was a huge win at work.  Lots of requests for the recipe and no one could believe it was from a box either.  Definitely will be a go to when I need a cake for an event!

A Star Is Born ~ Avery's First Holiday Concert

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No one knew what to expect, would Avery even walk on the stage or would she be hesitant and a bit shy. Glad to say she was awesome.  She walked right out there with her BFF Ella and the rest of her schoolmates and did a fantastic job.  We are so proud of her!!https://youtu.be/ONOg-9RAVic 
   

A Old Fashion Christmas at Maymont

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Last Sunday Guy and I decided to visit Maymont plantation as they were hosting a throw-back day to Christmas during. Maymont is a 100 acre plantation located in the heart of Richmond, VA and is gorgeous.  it is one of my favorite places to explore in the spring when all its gardens are in full bloom.   The main draw of the day was to explore the mansion as neither of us had ever been inside.  It certainly did not disappoint. A few of the exterior:
 Overall it was a great day.  I wish they had more decor and activities happening but its a newer event and I am sure will grow over time and we certainly will return,.