October used to be an intense birthday month. Now it's a month filled with memories and two birthdays. My daughter's is this week so plans are coming together. The last time I made plans and shared them here, I decided upon a five-senses birthday—a gift for each one. So that year, my daughter received a cd, some perfume, some candy, a fleece throw, and a book. The particulars escape me now, but it is a good thing to do when needing direction.
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This year, we're celebrating with a lasagna supper and, of course, cake. Laurel tells me that this year should be a homemade year so she'll probably get a couple of pot holders and a scarf or something. It'll be the thought that counts. < insert a wry, very wry, grin. >
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There's a Cake Mix Doctor recipe that I fall back on because the family loves it so. For those who might not know, the *Cake Mix Doctor* has recipes that include a cake mix. Easy-Peasy. However, when I was visiting there yesterday, I learned that cake mixes, along with so many other products, have shrunk. They've gone from 18.5 ounces to 16 point something, and my newest boxes are all the way down to 15.25 ounces. Now if that doesn't mess with the recipe!
The Cake Mix Doctor recommends adding the difference in flour.
If you visit the site, you'll see a tab for videos at the top. I learned such good tips for watching a 90-second video that it was well worth my time:
Chocolate Cake Video
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This is one of my favorite cake mix doctor recipes: Almond Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Laurel, however, will be getting a chocolate cake.
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I'm popping in a mosaic of my grandson playing soccer. My youngest grandson plays on the same team; however, he was not feeling well Sunday. There's another Sunday afternoon game coming along and I hope that I'll be able to get both boys in action.
What a fun time we had! These children have come a long way in a year.
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Now I'm off to run errands — a mix-up with car insurance and a visit to Joann's. It's a beautiful day and I will enjoy the drive.
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Have a great Tuesday!
I have noticed that about the cake mixes, I thought it was just me, Vee! I have been taking to making my own cakes now. Happy Birthdays all around! Thank you for sharing your grandsons photo. Just Lovely. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI visited the cake mix doctor. Oh my, that banana cake sounds good.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Laurel!
Good morning! I had some fun making my pot holders this week for my niece, And soo fast.... less than an hour from cut out to finish! Don't make many cakes these days, but found this very interesting. love grands at sports events. I am off to check out your choc cake site Enjoy your day and happy birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of cake mix doctor. I'll have to check it out. It makes sense to stock up on cake mixes when they are 99cents and pull them out for those recipes I guess.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vee!
I had never heard of the cake mix doctor! Will head over there after posting. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your daughter. Chocolate cake and hand-made treasures will make her day very special. Looks like gorgeous weather for your grandson to play soccer; hope the younger grandson feels better soon. Hope you find some goodies at Joann's. Enjoy your day.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Laurel! I have the Cake Doctor book, haven't looked at it in years. I need to look at it again. I haven't noticed that cake mixes are smaller. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is a cutie!
Smiles,
Carol
I'm so glad to know they gave a solution to the incredible shrinking boxes of cake mix. It frustrates me to no end. I need to go sit down and watch the video on the site.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a them for birthdays. The five senses one is my favorite. I want to copycat that sometime. This Christmas, I fear the theme around here will be penny pinching.
And... WHY don't the manufacturers just be honest about it and raise the price? What irks me the most is that most of the time, they raise the price anyway. I have several recipes that were super winners before but I can NOT make them as good now because of the stupid size changes.
Sweet little boy... he is getting big fast.
ReplyDeleteI don't bake often but when I do I have so many of moms delicious recipes that I make one of those. I will look at the Cake Mix Doctor thought. Sounds like fun.
I hadn't noticed the cake mixes shrinking. Thanks for the tip and I'll check out that link. Happy Birthday to your daughter. She's a lucky lady to have such a great mom!
ReplyDeleteI love the thought you put into birthday gifts. Those cake mixes... so frustrating that they have changed sizing...typical. I don't think I even realized that!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your daughter! I haven't heard of the Cake Mix Doctor, but then I don't bake much.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun watching the young ones play soccer, isn't it.
Have a great day.
Thanks for the info on cake box sizes...I've not paid attention at all. I have noticed ice cream cartons shrinking and clothes, too. Extra Large is not extra large anymore. Talk about frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI like that 5 senses idea for a birthday gift. Might have to steal it. I might just have to adopt some little soccer players and be their grandma for a season. Glad you are getting good driving weather. Enjoy Joann's.
I had no idea about the change in cake mix sizes.....gotta check that out, thanks for the notice:)
ReplyDeleteLooks like your guys are really into their game.....and you get to cheer and document!
Enjoy the cake and celebrations.
Happy Birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of the five senses birthday that is such a lovely idea! I am going to have to try that . I also never heard of cake mix doctor need to learn more from her... Have a great day!
I remember the year of the 'five senses' gifts'...since I was a copykat and did the same for my daughter's October birthday. I'll be away for Heidi's birthday this year...so we'll have to celebrate before...and after! I had no idea there was a cake-mix physician...but I'm off to check in with him. Enjoy your time at Joann's!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me that the cake mixes have shrunk, most things at the grocery store have. I haven't used a mix for a few years, deciding I wanted to do the 'whole foods' routine. I enjoy baking from scratch anyway but am not averse to picking up a treat from the bakery occasionally.
ReplyDeleteBlogger can be a stinker some times, it kept telling me a recent quote was centred when it obviously wasn't.
I won out in the end with my persistence, but it's time consuming.
Don't you just love watching the grands play sports? I've been to so many sport fields and dance recitals, and never tire of watching.
Judith
Your grandson has really grown. Looks as though he's enjoying sports again and didn't let the two mishaps slow him down.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why things continue to downsize in quantity and upsize in price.
Hi Vee,
ReplyDeleteA very happy and homemade happy birthday to your daughter! What a great idea! I'm sure whatever cake mix you end up using, the result will be delicious. Your grandson is beaming with energy! Ah...yes, to be young! Hope you have a lovey time.
Poppy
Vee, I've been reading your blog for a couple years now and have finally figured how I can comment on some of my favorite blogs. I'm not too tech savvy for sure! First of all I enjoy your humor. Your photos are lovely and I especially like the action shot of your grandson. One of my grandsons is playing soccer and we enjoy watching those games. Grands are just the best! Love the idea of the five senses gifts-- I hope you enjoy the celebration with your daughter this year. ♥
ReplyDeleteHi Martha Ellen~
DeleteNice to know you're out there. Are you considering starting a blog? Blogdom is a lovely place!
Vee, I have considered having a blog. In fact my daughter has encouraged me to do so. I'm not so sure my computer skills are up to it. It does seem like a lovely place! ♥
DeleteNothing like a blog to make a gal have to learn a few new things. ☺
DeleteHappy birthday to your daughter. Thanks on the tips from the cake dr. Love the soccer pics. Have a wonderful day Vee, despite the insurance mixup. I'd love it if a Joanne's came to our area, although it'sprobably a good thing we don't have one.
ReplyDeleteVee
ReplyDeleteFirst, I like your new banner!
Secondly, Happy Birthday to Laurel. I with her, I'd much rather have a homemade birthday gift.
And lastly, your little g'son sure is cute with his flushed cheeks!
Yes, the packages shrink but the price stays the same!!
ReplyDeleteI planned on going out too but my car had other plans.
Happy Birthday to Laurel. Such a great month for a celebration (grin). The five sense theme is a great one for gifting - if I remember it long enough I'll use it.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it crazy how prices go up and quantity goes down?
Your grandson looks so healthy and energetic! Isn't that a wonderful sight? Hope the insurance mix up is soon put into order and that your visit to Joanne's was successful.
I love the idea of the 5 senses birthday gifts! I hope Laural enjoys her birthday. Your grandson is have handsome and looks like he's enjoying his soccer game. Interesting about the cake mixes getting smaller and not fitting the recipes. I wouldn't have thought of that issue! The almond cream cheese pound cake sounds so good right about now. I hope blogger straightens up for you. Maybe I'll have problems tonight with it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I noticed your header. Is it different? I like it! ;0)
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of a 5 senses way of giving and may try this myself, hope you don't mind!
ReplyDeleteThe Cake Doctor is great. I am going to make the Orange Spice Cookies next week for an Open House at work. They are addictive.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Laurel and great action soccer shots!!
Wishing Laurel a very Happy Birthday, Susan has her birthday tomorrow, we are sad that we can't celebrate with her.The five senses celebration from last time sounds like a great idea, Laurel's birthday celebrations for this year sounds wonderful too, Thanks for the link to the 'Cake Doctor.
ReplyDeleteWatching grandkids play sports is one of the best reward of being a grandparent, love seeing their happy faces, yes this past year was a challenge, as always God is so faithful!
Love your fair photos, Vee, we haven't been to one in years, now I am thinking "maybe we should go to our State Fair this month."
I just haven't felt like blogging lately, busy and am feeling a little like Kim from Happy @ home, that maybe I have blogged about everything there is to blog, but it is friends like you who keep me going, please don't ever stop!
Enjoy your evening,
'Hugs,
Sue
Vee, I have to check out this website. I have seen a few recipes on blogs using cake mixes and they turned out great. I think flour would definitely make up the difference in the new sizes of cake mixes, but maybe some extra sugar, too. I hope your daughter has a wonderful birthday. And what a great little soccer boy you have there!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Jim just made a cake today. First one in about a year or more! German chocolate -yum! Happy b-day to your daughter. Grandson looking cute! And loving your new header.
ReplyDeleteI love how creative your birthday gifts are! Your cakes sound wonderful - will have to check out the video and be aware of the size changes. Your little soccer player is adorable and you got some great shots of the game! Have a fun birthday celebration.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video from the Cake Doctor, and I did not know she has her own cake mixes. I'll have to look into that.
ReplyDeleteYour darling grand looks like he is in fine form inspite of the earlier broken leg! Great photos!
Have fun with your birthdays this month - May is our crazy month. Just two in October. That was a clever idea about gifts for the five senses.
Since I have been the recipient of your homemade gifts, I know that it will not just be "the thought that counts!"
Have a lovely day!
Deanna
Fall without a soccer game to go to around here leaves me missing soccer and wondering when I will have reason to attend games again with camera in hand. I have a feeling watching grands play is more fun than watching one's own kids play. True?
ReplyDelete