Junk Foodie

Much to our own detriment, we have been on a sweet kick lately. Since Toledo is a little behind the trends found on the coasts, we only recently have been able to experience a cupcake only bakery. We have visited "Cake In a Cup" on several occasions, purchasing favorites such as Red Velvet, Cherry Coconut, and "Devil Wears Prada"--a dark chocolate cupcake with a scoop of chocolate chip cheesecake embedded within the top of the cake, garnished with a dollop of ganache and a fresh raspberry. All of these cupcakes are all very tasty, however they are also very pricey. Most recently I have become partial to the Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting. This interest sent me looking on the Internet for recipes, knowing that I could make several dozen for the price of a half dozen cupcakes at "Cake In a Cup." Yesterday, I decided to try Paula Deen's recipe for Red Velvet cupcakes. The cake is extremely moist, and the cupcake top crusts slightly like a muffin top. I think Tom ate at least 4 in one sitting.

From Shih Tzus to Stand Off

After arriving home from a long, tedious day at work, I opened the door, walked in, and immediately noticed a very distinct smell wafting throughout our house. As I entered the kitchen to put my purse down, it became very clear that I would soon have a problem on my hands. I continued through the kitchen and into the dining room where our Pomeranian, Tala, resides while we are away at work. I turned on the light only to find that my worst fears had been realized....she had gotten sick during the day, had messed in her pen, and probably had some sort of residual residue left on her hindquarters. I quickly ushered her outside, brought her back in, and tethered her to the island in the kitchen for fear that she would roll on the carpet or the couches. Cleaning poop off the kitchen linoleum I can handle, but not off the carpet or furniture. Tala pitifully laid on the kitchen floor as I rushed to get her bedding into the washing machine I had set on "Sanitize." I returned, only to try to triage her fur before we had to leave for dinner with friends. We opted out on dessert to get home to make sure she was okay, and decided for everyone's sanity, she needed a bath.

Tala after her bath....still slightly damp

She had been so pathetic before her bath, sulking, wanting to be carried. Cleaning the poop off and getting her fur blow dried seemed to make her feel totally reinvigorated. Tala was soon back to her old self, harassing the cat and playing with her multitude of toys.

Tala and Tommy in a stand off over the ball.