I Found Sunshine On My Cloudy Day...(Meeting)

          So this Friday the 13^th, I was finally able to interview Miss Charlene. Although everything was planned out it couldn’t have been a worse day. Right before I went over to the puffery I found out one of my friends was found murdered. To say the least, my nerves were shot for lack of better words. However, with the help of my great support system Shaq aka “El Jefe” and Shelley, my interview was a success for the most part.

When we walked into the puffery Charlene was nowhere to be found, apparently she thought our appointment was for 2:00 instead of 1:00 pm! It didn’t seem like anything was going to go right. Veronica, the assistant manager, begin stalling until Charlene came and she gave some good advice that went great with the interview. I’m so grateful that Shelly and Shaq were there to help me through the interview because I was in the puffery physically but not mentally. All I can think about was the situation with my friend. Eventually Charlene came and we were able to pull through the interview. My two lovely assistants were able to sample the puffs which they fell in love with and I was able to finish the interview off strong. All in all, that portion of my day was a success.

Love. Live. Laugh (Choice*)

Since the murder of my friend, David Rivera, I’ve been thinking a lot about life lately. Life needs to be cherished whether it’s your life, someone else’s, a cat’s, a dog’s, even a plant’s – life is truly something special. You know that saying, “you never know what you have until it’s gone?” that especially pertains to life. Some people take the fact that their still alive and breathing for granted. Each breath is another opportunity to make yourself better as a person. The thing is you never know when your last breath will be. Nobody ever knows. My question is what legacy will you leave behind? What will people say about you at your funeral? Spend the time you have here on earth to make right your wrongs, to love unconditionally, leave your mark here as a good person. Live. Laugh. Love

Talk With Trip #8 *

This talk around (get it? Talk instead of “time”? Just a little humor for you) Mrs. Trip and I discussed the dynamics of my presentation and my upcoming interview. I couldn’t decide on the treat of which I would like to pass out during my presentation but now I finally came up with, what I consider, the perfect treat. With help from Mrs. Porter I would like to perfect and master the treat just as Charlene has perfected and mastered her puffs. As for the interview portion of our talked we talked about the questions that I would like to cover. There are certain points I hope to get across with most of my questions so I can hopefully inspire others. So things a pretty much looking up for me and I can't wait to put my dream into a reality. So stay tuned for what I have in store...until next time Peace. Love & Bake *

Director's Cut (Choice*)

For Mother’s Day my mother and I went to the movies to see the new production, “Jumping the Broom”. I personally thought the movie could have been better. I don’t know exactly what but something was missing. Overall, it wasn't a “bad” film but I thought it could be better. It’s funny because when walking into the movie theatre I ran into the lovely Deja Lee who just so happened to watch the same movie. Throughout the film I thought about how much of a better job Deja could have done with the movie. When discussing our thoughts on the play Deja agreed that it wasn’t exactly the best movie. I mean there was a great cast & the plot was somewhat of hit but, something went wrong. If I was a professional critic I would give the movie 2.5 out of 4 stars.  I also realized that producers/directors have a lot of obstacles to overcome when writing/directing a movie for the simple fact that everyone is a critic! There’s no doubt in my mind that my fellow classmate, the lovey Deja Lee, can beat the odds and produce/direct an outstanding film no matter the genre. I just hope she has the tough skin necessary to endure the criticism, be it good or bad. 

BreakThrough ! (TalkW|Trip)

So in the chat, I finally sat down and called Ms. Charlene back! It’s official, this Friday I would have my official interview with Charlene. I will be accompanied by three lovely friends & will be recording our session. During the interview I’m hoping Charlene will make puffs for my guests, just to show them how it’s done. As well as speak about her rise to success. I believe the people I picked to come along can benefit in some way from coming along. I don’t want to expose everything but just know that it will all be revealed during my presentation! Also, Mrs. T & I are brainstorming different goodies to present during my presention. Just know it will involve something edible....:)

FieldTrip (Connection*)

So this week the whole Senior Project class went on an adventure in our own back yard. It was a trip that could benefit each and everyone of us, like I had mentioned a few posts back. Mr. Abrams whole purpose for bringing us out on this “field trip” was to possibly get us inspired. Well my inspiration came from just being outside. While looking around I seen the beauty in the freshly cut grass being blown in the wind and the calmness over the water. However, where my actual inspiration came from was in the sky. I would love to capture the beauty of the clouds dancing across the blue sky on a cake or cupcake. Something similar to this picture, that would be pure pefection. As Mr. Abrams would say.."that's when I would know I arrived".

Talk With Trip #7

While sitting around enjoying my spring break, my phone rang and to my surprise it was Miss Charlene. She called to set up an appointment so I can come over and start working on my presentation. As always she sounded eager and ready to rock & roll. Tomorrow I plan on calling her to make concrete details about my presentation and on Friday I would like to take a few students and a FlipCam along to our meeting. I don’t want to disclose the information about what exactly might go on but just know it will be one of a kind. I talked everything over with Mts. Trip and she came up with some more ideas for my presentation. Let’s just say I hope everyone who attends my presentation has a sweet tooth.

Prom (Connection*)

Over the last week all I could think about is prom. I’m so anxious to get pampered for a day just to be treated like the Elite for a night. I love to get dressed up, I love seeing other people at their best. It’s going to be wonderful seeing everyone not only out of the stupid uniforms, but in their finer fashions displaying their individuality.
Which brings me to my connection. Being as though my dress is strapless I prefer my hair to be styled in a up-do and while looking a various styles my aunt asked me, “Why do you HAVE to wear your hair in an up-do?”. I replied that that’s the way it’s supposed to be and then she asked me, “Well, who said? Who made that rule?”. Of coarse I didn’t have a direct answer and that left me thinking, who said I couldn’t have my hair down past my shoulders? I also thought about Juju because she always asked what exactly defines beauty. I could just wear my hair down despite what “they” say…I think either hair style will be beautiful. In my opinion, every individual person has their right to do whatever they feel the should do to capture their beauty.

A Bad Case of Senior-itis (Choice*)

They’ve warned me about it, I’ve should’ve listened. Not saying I didn’t think it would happen to me but I didn’t think it would happen so vigorously. What I’m talking about is “Senior-itis”, folks. For those of you who are confused “Senior-itis” is a when a senior like myself just basically gives up on school. I could careless about doing work, coming to class/school on time, just showing up to school period! After all these years of working hard in school & the end being so close, it’s like constantly being teased. I’m ready to be able to relax, not answer to anyone, not wear ridiculous uniforms. Honestly, if it was up to me, I would only come to school for senior trip, prom/promenade, and last but certainly not least GRADUATION! It’s so close I can almost taste it. I’m trying to persevere my laziness but the truth of the matter is - it’s hard. I’m literally counting down the days, hours, minutes, seconds until I hear that bell ring for the last and final time. Don’t get me wrong my high school career has been enjoyable for the most part however, I’m ready to move on with my life. I swear after the AP test (which is this Friday) I’m officially done with school - you’ll be lucky if I show up to class. I'm done running in this hamster wheel  & I think my fellow seniors can understand where I'm coming from! Nevertheless, I'm going to try to make the most of our 30 -someodd days left.

Adventure-lessssss *

As mentioned last week, I won’t be able to see my sponsor until AFTER the Easter break. This is because she’s already swamped with orders of puffs that she won’t be able to fit me in. After the storm comes the calm, when we can chat about our ideas for my presentation. I can’t wait to work with Miss Charlene. I’m ready to show my peers what I’ve learned over the last couple months. As for my paper, I have to continue working on that because I refuse to wait until the day before we come back and get to work. I hope everyone enjoys their break! Until next time…Love. Peace & Bake *

Oh My! Sugar High (Connection*)

This blog is as sweet as it looks! I was browsing the internet trying to find different baking tips that I can maybe use in my presentation and I stumbled across this sweet treat. I can you this as my inspiration. Once I get more comfortable with making my own cupcakes, cakes I can put my own twist to it. To make it me own, you know? One day people can use me as an inspiration. I hope to make my blog using all the information I’ve learned along the way. Giving tips and having a step by step process on how to make a birthday cake or a traditional Christmas cookie. I have a long way to go and lots to learn but I have faith that one day my blog will be as sweet as “Oh My! Sugar High”.

Talk With Trip #7 (Choice*)

Earlier in the week, Mrs. Trip and I had somewhat of a misunderstanding. You see, the theatre class had started a new project which Mr. Flood ( Mrs.Trip’s student teacher) had introduced. I’m working alongside three guys, all of which has a strong presence on the stage. So to compliment not only myself but the three guys I was trying to pick a script which benefited each and everyone of us. However, all my ideas where being shot down by the boys because of whatever reasons. I begin to get frustrated because there I was by myself trying to please every one and I wasn’t receiving any help. The problem came when I finally found the perfect script, “The Three Little Pigs” and Mrs. Trip told us we couldn’t do it. I felt restless and irritated because like I said, no one had tried to help me and I had to keep in consideration everyone’s strong suits and weaknesses just to be told “no!”. Because of all that, I shut down. I didn’t want any parts of the project anymore. I was no longer going to stress myself out. Mrs. Trip seen my mood change and needless to say, wasn’t too happy herself.
The wires were crossed because Mrs.Trip hasn’t been in the loop when it came to this project. So we were both wanting different things to be accomplished with my group. Instead of me just relaying that message to Mrs.Trip, I shut down. This wasn’t good because that only made the situation worse. Which goes to show you sometimes you have to say directly how you feel or what you mean. No one will be able to understand you unless you do so....

Senior Project Trip (Connection*)

On Friday, Snyder had dropped in to say “hello” and we were all chatting away. Once we complained that we would all like to take a “class” trip, Snyder agreed that would be a good idea. But where? What place can we all benefit from? The musicians, the bakers, the child psychologist, the photographers, the entrepreneurs, the future film makers, the beauticians, the teachers? What place can we not only benefit from but is also cost effective? That’s when Snyder suggested School #4, right across the street. EUREKA! School #4 is a wonderful idea. My portion can of coarse be about baking. I could bake the kids cupcakes and cookies and hand them out because, let’s be honest, everyone loves a nice cupcake and/or cookie. The other classmates will have to decide what is it that they would have to do as a way to reach out to the kids. I think this is a wonderful idea. I mean we don’t have to just stick with the School #4 idea, we can branch out. However, as mentioned earlier, it has to benefit each and every one in the class! So what do you guys think? Deal or no deal?

When life gives you lemons...make Lemonade! (Choice*)

I like to think of myself as optimistic. I don’t like to think of the glass as half empty but half full. Does that make me the fool? Of coarse not! I’m the type of person where I try to turn a negative into a positive. If I’m put in a sticky situation I’m going to try to make the most out of it or at least learn a lesson. The way I see it, life is a teacher and since we’re living our class is in session! Now whether you choose to receive that lesson and grow from it is on you. College is a-coming faster then we all know it. I hate to say it but, part of me is not ready for it. I don’t want to grow up yet. However, time waits for no man and unfortunately I can’t pause or rewind time. I have to go with the flow. Life isn’t always going to be sweet. Things don’t always work out, time and people often change. Regardless, I refuse to pout about it. I’m going to pick myself up by my own boot straps and keep marching on. Yes, when life hands me lemons - I’m going to make myself a tall glass of lemonade and keep moving forward. What will you do?

Presentation Talk ! *

As mentioned in my “Talk with Trip” blog, I am making progress towards my presentation. Mrs. Charlene predicts that we’ll be able to have our meeting sometime after the “Easter Rush”. She explained that with the Easter holiday coming that it will extremely difficult to sit down and talk over everything. Nevertheless, she’s excited about working with me. In fact, her first words once I mentioned my presentation was , “What do I have to do? How can I help?”. Knowing that she wants to help, helps relieve some of the pressure I have about the presentation. From what I hear, Charlene is creative so I’m eager to hear any of her ideas. This would be my first presentation that I have to make myself so if there’s any help extended my way - I’m going to take it! Charlene has been putting presentations of all kinds for years now so I’m lucky to be working with a pro. The other perspective I’m excited about my presentation is that I may be able to take a couple of students to the puffery…I’ll explain more about that later only because I want to keep my presentation under wraps. (Sorry, didn’t mean to tease!) Well until next time… Peace. Love & Bake !

Talk With Trip #6 *

This past Tuesday I was finally able to talk with Mrs. Trip and might I add, it was a successful one! Being as though I’m trying to get a head start on my presentation the first thing we did was sit down and evaluate every aspect of my presentation I would like to accomplish. From there we decided to call Ms. Charlene, the puffery’s owner, and fill her in on my expectations of my presentation. Ms. Charlene was enthused and was ready to get right to work. Which helped me feel more relaxed because there’s nothing like having the others support you in your dream. Once we got off the phone the next thing Mrs. Trip a I accomplished was setting her up a Blogger account so she can make comments to everyone’s blogs. It just so happened that Mrs. Trip already had an account from being a mentor of previous students in Senior Project. Once we retrieved her password, she was ready to go. I’m looking forward to her comments as well as working with both Mrs. Trip and Charlene with my presentation! So for all that we've accomplished I say "Two thumbs up for our talk with trip!" Well until next time…Peace. Love & Bake !

My Best Friend, My Brother (Choice*)

This man pictured to the right is someone who I hold dear to my heart. He’s been in my life for approximately 11 years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Donald Houston is my best friend. When I first moved to Lindenwold from Camden, he came over and introduced me to the neighborhood. I have to admit, I wasn’t the friendliest person at first, but he looked past that and showed me the ropes. We’ve grown so close over the years that my mother claims him as her son and his mother claims me as her daughter. We argue just like siblings but regardless we have each other’s back - blood couldn’t make us any closer.
This Sunday I was pleased to open up the Courier Post to the sports section and see my brother’s picture. He placed 1^st in the High Jump. You see, track is his passion and it made me proud to see not only is he pursuing his passion but he’s excelling in it as well! He keeps setting his goal higher and higher until he achieves it, that’s something I admire about him. I don’t know where the future may lead us come June but I know where ever we go we will always keep in touch. Someone once told me, “good friends are hard to come by so you should cherish the ones you have” and I plan to do exactly that!

No Talk This Week...*

If you recall last week Mrs. Trip fell sick, well this week once again she fell sick before I could talk to her. (Maybe she caught the “Spring fever”…AHA! No?) I swear it must be a bug going around because Friday I also fell sick, too. I’m disappointed because I planned on showing Mrs. Trip how to create a Blogger account so she could start commenting on my blogs. Ok, Ok fine…everyone’s blogs ! However, I hope she’s feeling better come Monday morning so we can resume our business as usual. Afterall..we still have a lot to accomplish!

Cake Boss (Adventure/Connection*)

This week hasn’t been my version of a “productive week”. I wasn’t able to talk to my mentor or able to make my sponsor trip! Yes, I know some “Tsk Tsk’s” are in order but before you throw stones let me explain myself! On Friday I wasn’t able to attend school because I woke up sick as a dog that morning which also meant I had to miss my sponsor visit…leading to me missing the biggest test known to man - My Driving Test! It was like a domino affect. One that ,with just my luck, would happen to me on April Fool’s Day. I guess I was the biggest blame fool after all ( no pun intended…wait, can I say that there?)

Anywho my sick day wasn’t all in vain, while laying around in my agony I came across one of my favorite shows, Cake Boss. Buddy Valastro, the cake boss himself, is the proud owner of Carlo’s Bakery. It’s a family owned bakery which he inherited when his father died and Buddy is doing a fabulous job continuing the success. The best part is the bakery is located right in New Jersey (Hoboken, New Jersey to be exact) so of coarse after watching an episode I tried to persuade my mom to take me to the bakery. Needless to say - she refused, saying my fever wouldn’t allow the road trip. I won’t be defeated though…I just plan on making that trip another day when I’m not sick. Well until next time….Peace. Love & Bake*

New Favorite Quote (Choice*)

“You don’t get a do-over with time, but you always get a do-over with money” – Anthony Wellington

I heard this quote earlier in the week from Anthony Wellington himself and I’ve been repeating it ever since. Since then, I thought over a lot of things - from college choices to life in general. My friend Chris and I always joke around and say, “Time is money and I can’t afford to be wasting either!” Although both quotes hold some truth, I find Mr. Wellington’s more influential. Some people choose money over time, thinking it’s more valuable. However, like the quote says you can get a do-over with money. I hope that other people were able to understand that as well.

Talk With A Sick Trip #5 :( *

Mrs. Trip was feeling a little under the weather today, so much so she had to go to the doctors today. Nevertheless, we were still able to have a little chitchat. We talked more about my presentation at the end of the year (sorry, that information is disclosed) and more about my next move. We’re in the middle of looking for a new sponsor, well maybe not a sponsor but something where I can get the pastry feeling that I’ve been missing at the puffery. I don’t want to leave the puffery because I love my ladies (Dianna, Maureen, and Veronica)! They are very hospitable and treat me like if they known me for years. However, I yearn for something more. That's exactly what Mrs. Trip and I have to accomplish , we have to find a bakery that can teach me everything else I need to know!

Meeting Anthony Wellington...(Connection*)

In the beginning of the week I was honored to meet Mr. Anthony Wellington. Who is Anthony Wellington? He is a bass player…better yet a bassologist. He eats, sleeps, breathes the bass guitar. I know you’re probably thinking what does a bass player have to do with an inspiring baker? Well, I have to admit I asked the same question to myself when I walked into my school’s band room Monday afternoon.  I was welcomed by the tunes of “What you won’t do for love” by Bobby Caldwell - one of my favorite oldies.  Everyone in the room was swaying, humming, tapping their foot, or snapping their fingers. It reminded me of one of the summer nights at my family barbecue and that brought a smile on my face.

Once he was done playing and everyone applauded, he began telling his rise to success. Needless to say, we all started taking notes. He reassured us that whatever we want to do that we should have a passion for it. Wellington defines passion as, “if God came down, tapped you on the shoulder and told you He would take it (whatever you want to do) away & you would be penniless – would you still do it?”  If yes, that’s your passion! That made me think…is baking my passion? It’s something that I love to do and most of the time I don’t do it for money so yes, it’s possible it is that baking is my passion. He also stated that “You don’t get a do over with time, but you always get a do-over with money”. So whatever you do make sure you’re not wasting your time, because we can never get back time. I appreciated the fact he was able to speak to each and every one of us – even if we weren’t inspiring musicians. For that I have to say Thank You, Mr. Anthony Wellington !

Adventure to the Puffery #5

Last Friday, I wasn’t as enthused as usual to visit my sponsor. As mentioned in my previous entries – I’ve grown bored with the work at the puffery. What drawn me to the whole idea of being a pastry chef was the whole “cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies” aspect of it all. To my disadvantage the puffery only specializes in three products. I didn’t want to make it seem like I was ungrateful because the reality of it is, I appreciate all that the puffery has to offer me.

So instead of being a Debbie Downer I took this as an opportunity to pitch some of my ideas to both my sponsor(s) and my mentor for my presentation at the end of the year. With help from both my mentor and my sponsor(s) , I’ve came up with what may be the perfect presentation. I would go into detail but then you guys wouldn’t be surprised as to what I have in store! But what I can say is that I may need some of your help and my presentation can inspire some of you! Everything isn’t set in stone but what we came up with so far makes me excited for the end of the year.

America's Next Top Julia Child (Connection*)

Who is Julia Child? Julia Child was an author, a chef as well as a TV personality. She introduced French cuisine to America through her cook books and her TV shows. To familiarize yourself more with her you can watch the movie “Julie & Julia” starring Meryl Streep, who played Child in the movie.

If my passion for baking takes me further, I hope to act as the next Child – starring in my own baking show, publishing cook books, inspiring other to bake their hearts away. The YouTube clip embedded is just highlights of some of her best work.  Maybe one day in the future I can have a highlight tape of my best dishes…

p.s To view the YouTube video click the title :)

Talk With Trip #4 *

The time has finally come where I can finally talk to my mentor, Mrs. Triplo. During our discussion I confessed that one again – I am bored. As I explained to Mrs.Trip, I feel like I have learned everything there is to know about the puffery. I’ve done everything from making the puffs, help with the displays, and even stamp stickers on the boxes. The thing about it is… I’m looking more for the cakes and cookie aspect of baking. I mean, that’s what I enjoy the most. I pretty much understand how running a business, be it big or small, can run. I guess you can say I’m looking for more of a variety.

On a brighter note, Mrs.Trip and I also had a chance to brainstorm some ideas for my presentation for the end of the year. From just the few things we came up with I’m starting to look forward to my presentation at the end of the year. So I'm making some kind of progress....slowly but surely. Until the next time; Love. Peace & Bake.

Our (In-Class) Great Debate - (Choice*)

Yesterday in class our debate got a little more then heated. The topic was about the teacher who blogged terrible comments about her students, previous and present. If you were in the room during the debate you would surely feel the heat!

The cause of the tension was that some of us believe that the teacher (Natalie Munroe) should have been more professional about her “venting” and wrote in a personal diary, others of us thought that Munroe had all the right to write whatever she wanted , where she wanted – after all, what happened to freedom of speech?

Even though I understand where the other side is coming from, I will have to say I agree solely with the fact that Munroe should have been professional and kept her comment in a personal journal – at home! She’s a teacher for crying out loud! Wouldn’t she be smart enough to think that she would be exposed sooner or later? Don’t get me wrong, she does have the right to express herself but it’s a time and place for everything. How would she feel if the shoe was on the other foot – a teacher talking bad about her child especially the way she spoke about her students? I’m sure the tables would be turned.

No Adventure This Week...

Yes, it’s true – I was not able to make it to visit the puffery this time. Why not? Well, incase you’re not an advocate reader of my blogs and didn’t know that Thursday night was the opening night of my school’s production of “Suessical the Musical”.

As the Sour Kangaroo, this was my first and last leading role in my high school career. This also was one the best times of my life. Through this production I became closer to people I never talked to before, gained friends as well as confidence. While talking with my co-stars Kyle Thompson and Luis Polanco, who both played the Cat in the Hat, we came to the conclusion that theatre is totally different than being a part of a sport’s team. In sports you kind of have to compete to get the top spot whereas with theatre everybody is one big family, supporting each other through the good and bad times. This, of course, helps in the long run – especially when it comes down to the wire and you are all stressed trying to prepare for the premiere of the show. I must say, if it wasn’t for the cast and crew of Suessical having my back the way they did, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go through the show. I recommend to all the underclassmen to get involved in theatre at least one time in their lives to understand where I’m coming from. Who knows? It could possibly change your perspective on life, on people, everything like it did for me.

Talk with Trip #3 *

As of late I can’t speak to my mentor, Mrs.Trip, because our schedules are so busy. Mrs.Trip is not only my mentor but my school’s theatre director. So her time is mostly being consumed with our upcoming production of “Suessical the Musical”. As I mentioned earlier I am the Sour Kangaroo in the musical therefore, I don’t have that much time to spare myself! I can reassure you all that when the production is done and over with, we’ll have more meaningful talks.

Suessical the Musical (Choice*)

On Thursday, March 10, 2011 I will make my big acting debut as the Sour Kangaroo in my school’s “Suessical the Musical”.  Acting and dancing are just some of my many admirations. What I admire about acting is that it allows you to act outside of yourself. You can always go above and beyond when you’re on the stage. 

When I first started my role as the Sour Kangaroo, I was shy and held back a lot. If it wasn’t for the constant support of my fellow cast I probably wouldn’t be able to be where I am today. I am now confident in my character and can finally exude the diva that is necessary for the role. My only regret is that I waited my last two years of high school to get involved in theatre. However, I am forever grateful for all the life lessons I’ve learned through acting.   

Adventure to the Puffery #4 *

In my previous posts I complained about yearning to get my hands dirty and from my last visit all that comes to mind is the old saying, “be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.” Last Friday I walked into the Puffery thinking I would start making puffs and cream just as I did the previous visit but boy, was I in for a surprise. Instead I spent my time folding and placing stickers on boxes. I was also told to go into the back room and make sure the ribbons spools were accurately ordered. I must admit that this was one of the most boring experiences I have encountered in my young life.

Even though I was bored half to death I was still able to obtain some business knowledge. You want to make smart business decisions that are cost effective.  When running a business you must stay within your budget. You cannot afford silly mistakes such as missing ribbon spools. If the color isn’t popular you shouldn’t buy a huge quantity because that could possibly waste your money. 

Overall, my trip was boring but it was still effective. I realize it takes much more the then the baking aspect in running a bakery – you have to also be a business person. Unfortunately, this Friday I will not visit my sponsor. Instead I’ll be busy preparing for my school’s upcoming musical “Suessical the Musical!” in which I star as the Sour Kangaroo. Until my next adventure…! Peace. Love & Bake :)

Talk With Trip #2*

In our last chat, Mrs.Trip & I spoke on how unhappy I was at my previous sponsor visits. I was unhappy with the fact I wasn't as "hands-on" as I liked and Mrs.Trip and I spoke on it, she spoke to my sponsor and... LOOK AT ME NOW!  I'm helping out and enjoying every minute of it. 

Adventure To The Puffery #3

It happened - the time has finally arrived! As we all know, from my previous posts, I’ve been anxious to get my hands dirty and participate with making the actual puffs. This go-round I was able to just that and boy, was it an experience!  We started off with putting the dough on the trays; you could tell the difference of the puffs that were created by me (the deformed puffs) and the puffs that were created by the “experts”.

The girls all laughed at my attempts while reminiscing on their first times making the puffs. Once I seen the disasters I was creating, I kind of shied away from finishing the batch.Even though the girls encouraged me to continue, I didn't want to mess up anything. After all, this is somebody's business!

I also helped make the pistachio filling for the puffs. That wasn’t as bad but I was so nervous to splatter all over the place. One of the employees explained how on one of her first days she splattered the boss!  I can only imagine what a seen that turned out to be.  

Overall, this was my favorite visit. I’m glad that things finally turned around and now I’m able to be more “hands-on”.  I’m looking forward to my next visit. Until my next adventure…..!

Be Stress-free ; Find Your Serenity (Choice*)

There are many ways to relieve stress and find your inner peace. I like to think that some people resort to, what I consider to be, the “old-fashioned” way of relieving stress. What’s the old-fashioned way you ask? Well, that could vary anything from crocheting to cleaning or taking long nature walks alone. It seems to me that over time people have turned to technology as a way to relieve stress. Instead of stressed fingers crocheting they are now texting away.  The tranquilizing journals have turned into traumatizing blogs that causes more trouble then their worth. Case and point the teacher that considered herself venting on a blog but wound up in trouble because of her harsh words on how she described her students’ animalistic behavior. If she would have resorted to the old-fashioned journal then her thoughts would have never been revealed for the world to see and her career wouldn’t be at stake.

I consider my various way of relieving stress to be old-fashioned while still keeping up with the times. When I have some thing(s) on my mind I like to get out all my baking ingredients and get to work, while other times a nice book will ease my mind just find. Like most people, I like to listen to music to lift my mood. Then there are times when I can just sit in a quiet room by myself and not do anything but think. Everybody has their own way to relieve stress. What’s your’s?

A Cake Recipe Makes A Comeback ! (Connection*)

As we all know recipes are what make up food taste a certain way. It’s what helps us distinguish a chocolate brownie from a “blondie” brownie. There are often times where people come up with their own recipes which make the dish “theirs”, separating their product from someone else’s. This is shown in the article Recipe Redux: Evelyn Sharpe’s French Chocolate Cake, 1969. Apparently there is a recipe for French chocolate cake that doesn’t require any flour! This is a revolution all in itself because usually bakers use flour as in an ingredient  in baking cakes.  

 Amanda Hesser, the writer of the article, explains how she began writing the column five years ago. As time progressed she came across various recipes that transformed over the years. The best example of this is the French chocolate cake.existing recipes to make them my own.