... Cupcake love...

With Owen's birthday just around the corner, the excitement of planning another memorable party has set it.  Last year Owen's party was a hectic one... planned for Storybook Island on the center patio, and spoiled by the pounding rain.  We ended up making a last minute move to Chuck E. Cheese, which not only emptied our pocketbook much quicker, but was also a hectic mess.  I didn't even capture a shot of the little guys awesome Mickey Mouse birthday cake.  


While I'm opting to go with a birthday cake, an alternative option to the usual celebratory sweet this year was the renowned Georgetown Cupcakes.  HEAVEN in cup.  If you have yet to sink your teeth into one of these tasty little treats, I recommend you do so, and do so quickly.  

While we live nowhere near a location, Georgetown Cupcake has ventured into the overnight - dry ice approach.  THANK YOU!  For Easter this year my mum decided to send a dozen to her grandbabies.  GRAND IDEA!  I highly enjoyed the "Toffee Crunch" cupcake... and my mouth has been watering for one ever since.  


So while I'm going for the "How to Train Your Dragon" cake, as I think the little guy would enjoy it more, I had to share in the enjoyment of Plan B.  Maybe I'll think of another occasion in the near future that will allow for my new addiction to be enabled! 

#2. Complete my CDFM.

I know I've been a little distance from you... Mr. Blog... but for GREAT reason!

During the week of 26-30 April I attended the EDFMT course at Hill.  Awesome idea!  Not only did I get to spend the week with the lovely Bambrough family and catch up with Ariel, I also got to visit with many of my other good friends (Winnie - if you are reading - I loved dinner together and miss you dearly!).

The best part about traveling to Utah and taking the course was that Ariel and I became great study partners.  Not only did we force each other to study, motivate one another to stay focused, and push each other to do better - but we both agreed to a testing schedule.  When it's your BFF that you pinky promised with - kind of hard to go back on the plan!

Within three weeks from the course end date, Ariel and I scheduled all three of our CDFM module tests as closely to one another as possible, taking Module 1 at the exact same time.  The amazing thing, both of us passed all three!

Becoming a Certified Defense Financial Manager is the DoD equivalent of a CPA.  Most people achieve this accomplishment later in their careers.  I will now be one of 9 CDFM Awarded in the Black Hills American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) chapter... several of the 9 have already retired.  So... if you haven't caught on yet, what I am trying to say is that this is a huge accomplishment!  One of the 101 that I thought would come later in the game... but now can proudly mark off the list!

I'm almost lost now that I have all this time on my hands that used to be dedicated to studying!  HELLO BLOG!

#99. Host a Pampered Chef Party and finally make my kitchen a force to be reckoned with.

Enough said?

I am hooked!  Pampered Chef and I have a long long love affair ahead of us.  If anyone out there is a late starter on these wonderful products, as I was, just book a party and get it over with!  You won't regret it.

I am now the proud owner of REAL knives.  I also purchased their garlic press, citrus press, adjustable measuring cups, adjustable measuring spoons, pizza cutter, pizza stoneware, trifle bowl, tiered plates, mix n' chop, mixing spoons, etc. etc. etc.  It just never ends, and probably never will!!

Need an amazing new recipe?  Try their Zesty Ravioli!

1⁄3 cup (75 mL) heavy whipping cream 

4 cups (1 L) loosely packed fresh baby spinach leaves 

6 oz (175 g) Provolone cheese, grated 

1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil 

1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded 

3 garlic cloves, pressed 

2 cans (14.5 oz/398 mL each) diced tomatoes with onions, undrained 

1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) salt 

1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) coarsely ground black pepper 

1 pkg (24 oz/700 g) small frozen cheese ravioli (about 65) 

 Halved grape tomatoes (optional) 

Measure cream using 1. Easy Read Measuring Cup. Wash spinach in large Stainless Mesh 

Colander; drain. Grate cheese using Ultimate Mandoline fitted with grating blade. Set aside 

cream, spinach and cheese. 

Add oil to 2. (12-in./30-cm) Skillet; heat over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. 

Finely chop jalapeño with Food Chopper. Add jalapeño to Skillet; cook and stir 1 minute or 

until crisp-tender. Press garlic into Skillet with Garlic Press; cook and stir 15-20 seconds or until 

fragrant. 

Add tomatoes, salt and black pepper to Skillet; cook and stir with 3. Bamboo Spatula 1-2 minutes 

or until simmering. Add ravioli; stir to coat. Cook, uncovered, 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir 

cream into Skillet. Cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes or until simmering. Sprinkle spinach over 

ravioli; cook, covered, 1 minute or until spinach starts to wilt. 

Remove Skillet from heat. Top with cheese; cover Skillet and let stand 1-2 minutes or until 4. 

cheese is melted. Garnish with grape tomatoes, if desired.