Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my Birthday and to make it even better it was also Fat Tuesday, being from Louisiana this is a big deal to me. So of course I had to make a king cake for my b-day cake, this was my first attempt at making one on my own and I was a bit nervous. I went to Allrecipe.com  and found this recipe so I though here goes. I didn't start taking pics till after the mixing, kneading and two hours of rising. So we begin with the rolling out of the dough......I was a bit worried because it was really sticky when I was kneading it but it rolled perfectly.

Then I mixed and added the filling it smelled so good at this point lol. It didn't look like it was going to be enough filling but it was perfect. Next I rolled it and then the slits. Then it was time to let it sit for 45 minutes to double in size, then baked for 30 minutes hmmm looking good. Now time to color the sugar for the topping, I had purple fingers for several hours :).

I couldn't wait till time to take a taste and man oh man let me tell you it was amazing. Just as if I had bought it in a bakery back home. Now everyone is asking when am I going to make a another one, I am thinking about doing it this weekend. 

I was thrilled with my presents also, they got me a Nook (hmmmm and I have that to read pile lol) I am loving it. I am looking around the net for some info on the ins and outs of it. If anyone has any favorite book sites or info sites please share. My roses are just stunning I can't get over how beautiful they are. Then there is my card lol, I don't do sweets much but I do love this one candy bar so they took two and made them  as my card. I so love this idea and I have to give hubby big props for coming up with it. 

I have put a couple of books on the Nook so far and I can't wait to add more. I am also loving the fact that you can put music on it to since I usually listen to it when reading.  I want to thank everyone for the Birthday wishes. 

Margo

I am addicted to reading...

My name is Margo and I am addicted to reading. I have always had a love for reading and well I have to say I have it bad. For me its normal it to have a "to read" pile, so that I never run out of something to read. Though I am pretty sure that most people's "to read" piles don't consist of about 100 books! No I'm not kidding and here is the proof, the "to read" pile by my bed (they aren't all there I do have another stash in the closet lol). I am constantly adding to it as I am taking away from it so it stays pretty much like this all the time.

To help with my addiction I have discovered an amazing site Goodread.com, here I can list and keep track of all the books I have read and plan to read. Plus I can see the reviews that others have given for books that I want to read or find new books to add to the to read pile.

I read every night before bed, its my time to wind down and relax. I have found that I sleep much better when I read before sleep, and after doing some research I have learned that the best way to read is by book light. It helps your mind and body get the message that its time to start to wind down. I don't know about you, but if I don't make sure that I have relaxed before trying to get that beauty sleep my mind just races and I have a hard time falling asleep.

I am thrilled that my kids love to read just as much as I do. A trip to the book store is such a thrill to all of us. Another great site that I like to use is called Paperbackswap.com, here I can post the books that I have read and am ready to pass along and then find others that I would like to read. Its a wonderful way to get rid of some of the books you have laying around and to get some new ones to take their place.

Margo