Checkerboard Birthday Cake

The Yum Blog: YumYum Bakes a Spectacular Cake!: ". Through a series of events, I found myself committed to baking a cake for a fellow co-worker’s Fourth of July Birthday. She had seen a picture of this red, white and blue ‘checkerboard’ cake in a magazine, and I mentioned that I had a set of three cake pans and the ‘checkerboard’ insert at my apartment. I intended to lend them to her, but she convinced me to make the actual cake, and when another co-worker challenged my ability (“You don’t cook or bake!”), I was hooked."



This is a sugary 4th of July version of a checkerboard cake and it was a great hit. The cook offered a brilliant idea for a healthy version, too. Way to go!

Birthday Pie Instead of Cake

Earnest Recipes from a Reluctant Cook: "I baked three buttermilk pies for Andrew's 17th birthday simply because this was his third 17th birthday celebration. Everyone was tired of cake. The pies drew rave reviews. Add white Blue Bell ice cream on top and everyone, especially Andrew, asked for thirds. Success!! "


What a good idea! I know a man who would love a birthday pie every year. He drools anytime anyone says the word "pie." Slurp!

Let Them Eat Cake

i want a little bit of everything...:

everyone, say hi to......

: "The very first year in anderson, Celene got me a cake (one whole cake) for my birthday, and there were only TWO of us!!! thank goodness Janice 'tagged' along, and we ate the cake behind J8! haha. that was a very memorable birthday i had! "


Here's one way to party--eat a whole cake with a friend or two. Maybe best for college students, but I see the appeal!

Birthday Love Notes

Lovingyou.com: Romantic Birthday Ideas: "'Our' Birthday
It was my birthday but by the end of the night it seemed like it was his. I planned this for awhile to surprise him even though it was my birthday and not his. It was an evening at home and I did the usual champagne, candles and snacks, etc. What I also did was write out about 30 love notes and coupons to my future husband, then roll them up and insert them into a balloon and blow them up. The notes were all different. Some told him to kiss me or rub my back. Some were coupons for him he could redeem at a later date, and some were just me telling him how much I love him. I placed them all over the place. In the tub, on the bed, in the sink, under tables, etc. I also dressed in a very sexy nightie and silk robe. When he walked in he was in shock. I handed him a pin and explained in order for him to know what to do he needed to pop a balloon. This went on for about 2 hours. He was having a ball looking for a balloon and popping it to find out his next mission. He was actually disappointed when they were all gone. It's months later and he still has all the notes. "


Great link here, people! Look at Renee's story. She found a simple, yet amazingly effective way to celebrate her birthday--and it turned into a gift for both of them!

Is July 14 Your Birthday? Which US President Shares It?

Georgia Nicols' horoscopes for July 14: "IF JULY 14 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president (born in 1913), shares your birthday. You have an amazing influence over others whether you try to achieve this or not. You have charm, intelligence and the power of persuasion. Most of you will use this for a higher purpose. The year ahead is full of fresh starts and new beginnings."


How's your day going so far? Happy birthday!