Monday, September 27, 2010

Ooey Gooey Caramel Apple Blackout Cake, and Happy Blorgthday! and a Giveaway!



This is it, folks! It's desserts for breakfast's one year blorgthday! (blog-iversary?) Woohoo! Even though the blog itself has been live for longer than one year, I posted my first recipe around this time one year ago, which marked the beginning of this wild food-blogging adventure that I've been on.  As you may know, I'm a huge believer in celebrating birthdays in a big way, and so that's exactly what I'm gonna do for the blog, starting with exciting news, a delicious cake, and a fun giveaway in this post!

So first off, the exciting news: desserts for breakfast is now www.dessertsforbreakfast.com!  That's right--the ".blogspot.com" training wheels have now come off, so please make sure to update your bookmarks.  Your feed should transition automatically, but please double check and let me know if you experience any problems.  (And if you aren't subscribed, well--why aren't you?! --> subscribe at the top of that right hand sidebar.)



Now, onto dessert.  Birthdays, of course, necessitate cakes, and I really wanted to pay homage to my first recipe post ever: vegan chocolate pumpkin cupcakes.  I've also been itching to use the bushels of apples that have been populating every corner of every farmers' market, and so here it is--my way of saying "happy birthday" to this blog: ooey gooey caramel apple blackout cake.  (and yes, it's vegan, too!--I've included both vegan and non-vegan options in the recipe.)


Now, originally this cake was to be named the "caramel apple whole wheat chocolate cake," but the moment I turned the cake out of its pan and saw the caramel juices run down its sides and soak into the deep, dark, rich chocolate cake underneath, I knew that the only way to describe this cake was "ooey gooey."  And let me tell you, even though it might not look like the prettiest cake ever, what it lacks in good looks, it makes up for in incredible yum.  The chocolate cake is dense and textured from the whole wheat, and it's perfect for soaking up all of the juices and caramel sauce from the apples on top.  The caramel itself has a generous sprinkling of coarse sea salt in it, and it makes the dark cake underneath the perfect sweetness for devouring and never getting tired of.  (yes, it's quite dangerous for just that reason.)  Digging your fork into this cake is like eating ultra-moist and robust chocolate pudding with baked apples and just enough cinnamon spice inside.  And did I mention it might actually be, um, (somewhat) good for you?  After all, it has fruit and whole wheat in it!  *smiles innocently*


Lastly, for my blog's blorgthday, I wanted to do something to thank all of you wonderful readers and new foodie friends out there who have helped make this year amazing.  Before I started this blog, I was being torn apart at the seams in two directions.  On one side, I had my studies, which I absolutely love, but at the same time, I felt this incredible need and hunger coming from inside to express my creativity through food and photography (though not food photography--that came later).  Without a proper and regular outlet for my food and artistic interests, I was just constantly unhappy and unfocused and questioning what the right path for me was.  After all, every artist needs an audience, no?


So I am so, so incredibly thankful for this community that you all have provided me in my small corner of the world wide internets.  It's been wonderful to have a space I can come to and be able to actually share my creations and passions.  Food photography, even, has allowed me to blend both of my artistic interests into one.  I've had so much fun "meeting" all of you virtually (and in person for some!), and finding like-minded, food- and sugar- and art-obsessed people has been such a godsend.

All that said, here's a little giveaway that I put together to celebrate the blorgthday!  One of my favorite quotes that I try to live by comes from my academic great-great?-grandfather (that would be my advisor's advisor's advisor's advisor): "Life consists of the little things: the important matter is to see them largely."  This lesson is so perfect and applicable when it comes to food, so I've put together a small collection of a few of my favorite little things that make me happy to pass on to you!


I am giving away to one awesomely lucky winner three things:
  1. a set of 4 mini latte bowls from anthropologie {because they're so adorable, and I love to use them for, like, everything!)
  2. a 12" stainless steel balloon whisk from Sur la Table {because I'm known around these parts as the whipping queen--I insist on whipping all creams and most meringues by hand because it builds the bubbles properly and because it, you know, builds character. :-P There's also something about the rhythmic clack-clacking from whisking that is just so therapeutic for me.}
  3. a set of 6 custom 4x6" prints--of your choice!--from the desserts for breakfast archives {because if I can't send you actual desserts, this will be the next best thing!}
The giveaway is now closed. Thanks for participating, and please check back soon for the announcement of the winner!  To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment with your name, a way for me to get in touch with you (anonymous entries will be disqualified), and the answer to this question:
What is one little thing in your daily life that makes you happy?
I'll also give you an extra entry in the drawing if you tweet about this post, but in your tweet, you must mention me (@shihbakes) and include a link to this giveaway (http://bit.ly/dfbbirthday1) so that I can track all of your entries!  You have until 23:59 PST, Sunday, October 3, 2010 to enter. I'll pick the winner at random that night and make the announcement in next week's post, so be sure to check back then!  This contest is open everywhere except where prohibited, but please note that I am not responsible for any import duties or taxes beyond shipping that may be charged by your country if you are overseas.  This giveaway is in no way affiliated or sponsored by anthropologie or Sur la Table.


So, thank you all so, so much for your loyal readership and friendship!  And, this is definitely *not* the end to all of the excitement--I have plenty of things planned for October and the coming months, so here's looking forward to another year of sugar highs and nom-licious desserts!


Read on for recipe....




Ooey Gooey Caramel Apple Blackout Cake (vegan)
makes one 7" cake (double the recipe for a 10" cake)
2 large tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbspn water
2 Tbspn Earth Balance spread (or butter)
coarse sea salt
1 cup almond milk (or soy milk, or milk)
1 tspn apple cider vinegar
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (you may substitute 2 Tbspn black cocoa + 3 Tbspn Dutch-processed for this if desired)
1 tspn cinnamon
1 tspn baking powder
1 tspn baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tspn vanilla extract

1. Grease and flour the bottom and sides of a 7" round cake pan (with at least 2" tall sides). Line the bottom with a piece of parchment paper and grease again.
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into chunks about 1/8-1/4" thick. Set aside.
3. In a light-colored saucepan (preferably with tall sides), combine the sugar and water. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely damp.
4. Over high heat, cook the sugar, without stirring but swirling the pan, until it reaches a light golden caramel color. Remove from heat immediately and stir in the butter until the caramel is smooth. Be careful--the mixture will sputter!
5. Pour the caramel into the bottom of the prepared cake pan and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Then, line the bottom with apple chunks, packing them in as tight as possible.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. If desired, line the outside of the cake pan with bake-even strips.
7. In the mixer bowl, combine the almond milk and cider vinegar, stirring briefly. Let sit for a few minutes until the milk is curdled.
8. Meanwhile, sift together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
9. Once the milk is curdled, add the sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mixer bowl and beat until frothy.
10. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two stages, beating thoroughly between each addition. After the final addition, beat the batter until smooth but do not overmix.
11. Pour the batter over the the apples in the prepared pan and tap the cake pan gently against the counter to allow the batter to settle.
12. Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes, until set and the top of the cake springs back when gently touched. (If you use the toothpick test, be forewarned that the toothpick won't come out completely clean when the cake is done.)
13. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool on a cooling rack for ten minutes. Then, turn the cake out of the pan. (Don't forget to do this, as inverting the cake will allow the caramel to soak down into the cake!)  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tip: the cake tastes best when  you let it sit for a few hours (at room temperature) before enjoying so as to give the cake time to absorb all of the caramel juices. You can briefly re-heat it so it'll be warm if desired.



Enjoy!

162 comments:

  1. Gorgeous cake! I so have to make this! :) Happy 1 year blogiversary as well! The one little thing that makes me happy in my daily life is eating jam on my toast that I've canned myself. :)

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  2. I LOVE the word "Blorgthday" - hahaha, it's trying way too hard in the best possible way ;D

    I'm also dyin' over this gorgeous cake! YUM!

    One thing in my daily life that makes me happy is waxed paper -- and sandwiches wrapped in it, specifically. I love the crinkle and the vintagey feel of unwrapping a sandwich at my desk at work.

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  3. Happy blog-iversary! I am new to the blog but am loving all of your recipes and photography! Thank you =]

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  4. Happy Blogiversary!!!! Great to meet you at the dinner. That cake looks AMAZING and your photography is breath taking. Nice job!!! :)

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  5. Forgot to answer the question: What makes me happy everyday is knowing that I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in my life. Also - enjoying great food everyday! :)

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  6. I just came across your blog, and I wanted to say that it's lovely! Your photos are fab, and congrats on the 1-year anniversary!

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  7. You had me at 'ooey gooey.' I love how the cake is vegan and still looks delicious. One little thing that makes me happy in my daily life? Seeing the appreciative look on my hubby's face when I bring him a hot espresso as he wakes up.

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  8. Happy Blorgthday!! Love, love, love the cake ... definitely going to try it out once I get my hands on apples.
    My one little thing each day that makes me happy is cooking something that tastes amazing. I try to choose new recipes to try everyday so it is hard to know how it will turn out. The feeling of a tummy filled with good food just can't be beat!

    Cheers,
    Jennifer
    jennifer.cl.law@gmail.com

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  9. Happy, happy blorgthday! What a perfect post to celebrate a full year of beautiful and tasty blogging! I absolutely love your creations and am so honored to be one of the ones to have actually met you in person, thanks to this creative outlet called food blogging. Here's to many more blorgthdays!

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  10. Duh, I forgot to answer the question. LOL. What makes me happy each day? When my little boy tells me, "mama, you look beautiful." Gosh, sigh.

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  11. Happy Blorgthday and congratulations! Avid reader & im awe of your images. One thing in my daily life that makes me happy is the sight of my boys pursing their lips as they are about to give me a kiss (& the kisses, of course)! :)

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  12. Stephanie,

    What makes me happy in my daily life? Taking photos of the beauty of everyday's life with my iPhone (with John S Lens with Ina's 69 film courtesy of Hipstamatic App for iPhone). What is beauty of everyday's life? It can be a building, a flower shop, a nice meal, a slice of cake, a cute dog or anything you can imagine! :)

    I WOULD LOVE TO WIN your giveaway!!! Love the Anthropologie latte bowls, you can't buy them in Hungary!

    Will bake this ooey gooey cake!

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  13. What makes me happy? Being able to to say "goodnight, I love you" to my boyfriend who is Virgina right now. Stupid time zones.

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  14. Oh wow! what an awesome giveaway! Loving the latte bowl! hello.nattie@gmail.com

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  15. What makes me happy in my daily life?
    Wake up and have a beautiful breakfast. Maybe with desserts? ;)

    Have a nice day!

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  16. The one little thing in my daily life that makes me happy is the cup of Ka'u coffee my husband makes me each morning. That first sip is always an ahhh moment.

    Happy Blorgthday and great cake!

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  17. What a lovely surprise to visit your lovely blog for the first time and seeing this wonderful giveaway! :-)
    Okay my answer is : Watering my little African Violet is one of those things that really makes me happy lately.

    Thank you! :-)
    shokoofeh.dezfuli@gmail.com

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  18. Happy anniversary!

    Cooking and baking everyday makes me happy! So easy ;).

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  19. Oooh now that is a cake. Happy blorgthday! (love the word)

    Something that makes me happy every single day is eating something delicious. That and my loved ones. And cooking. And my shiny new mixer, glowing on my counter in front of me.

    Would love to win any of these things - I love a personal giveaway :)

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  20. Happy 1st Anniversary!!! =D

    The one little thing in my daily life that makes me happy is to come home everyday from work and watch my grandma cooking up a feast for the family with love and passion.

    Wei Wei xo

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  21. Congratulations on one year. I'm originally from California, where the weather is pretty much a constant. One thing that makes me happy is the change in seasons out here in the Midwest. I love it when the weather begins to transform and bring signs of a new season. bokimster (at) gmail.com

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  22. I don't know why, but I never thought to pair apples and chocolate. I think you're on to something! Congratulations on shedding your blog arm floaties; must be exhilirating! And on to the one thing about daily life that makes me happy is when my fiancée asks what I want for "morning pie" (breakfast).

    Cheers,

    *Heather*

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  23. I'm a newbie to your blog...all your desserts look great! One thing in my daily life that makes me happy is God, loved ones, coffee! (Whoops, that was more than one!)

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  24. Wow,I must be lucky...I just discovered your lovely blog today & you're having a giveaway!Yipee! Anyways,CONGRATULATIONS on your blogaversary(sp?)! I have bookmarked this blog as one of my must visit daily blogs....now only if my 1960"s oven would come back to life so I could bake. The one (of many) thing that makes me smile is when my youngest daughter wakes up and hides in my room when I'm downstairs to surprise me when I come back upstairs. :)

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  25. also tweeted. (and seriously, every time i come back to the page and see the cake... weak in the knees!)

    *heather*

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  26. I love all the photos of that cake and the deep color is just fabulous!

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  27. Congratulations on your blogivesary! Who wouldn't love a cake that starts with Ooey Gooey Caramel.

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  28. Happy 1st birthday!! What a momentous occasion!! I've enjoyed getting to know you through your blog this past year. I can't WAIT to meet you in San Fran!!!

    Pictures of yummy food, like the ones on your blog, make me happy :)

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  29. First, this cake looks pretty to me! Pretty yummy gooey good!!!! I totally love this idea, saving the recipe :)

    What a generous giveaway to celebrate your Blorgthday!

    One thing that makes me happy every day, sitting down in the evening after a days hard work to a good meal and family!

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  30. This morning these pictures are making me happy. Absolutely beautiful!

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  31. This looks unreal... definitely making this with my apple-picking-goods.

    Annndd in terms of happiness, morning routine of tea, Ella Fitzgerald, and NYTimes never fails to warm my heart.

    Also, happy brithday! Eee!

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  32. Coming home to my husband everyday!
    -Elizabeth
    (e.thompson211@gmail.com)

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  33. One little thing that makes me happy is knowing that I am around people I love! That is the best!

    Happy blog birthday! Beautiful choice of cake to celebrate it - give me anything with apple and I'm a happy girl! :D

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  34. I clicked through from Debra's tweet and am happily surprised! Beautiful photos, I love the dark edge...Happy Blogoversary!

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  35. Congratulations and happy blorgthday!

    Right now, reading a few pages on the subway to work of a David Sedaris book makes me happy.

    I absolutely love your photos, by the way.

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  36. Happy happy first blog birthday!! I just celebrated mine so I know how it feels... congratulations on your first year. Your blog and photos are absolutely gorgeous, Stephanie. So glad I met you and your blog!!

    What makes me happy? That one constant thing that makes me happy each day is my corgi's smile. Day in, day out, no matter what happened, no matter how horrible the day went, it always makes me happy when Stanford sits and stares at me and just smiles. Dennis and I are just so lucky to have found found and rescued him!

    Anyhow, go enjoy your day! And would love to make an outing to Tartine sometime soon!

    Jun

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  37. happy blogeversary!!! this looks incredible and like a good use of the black cocoa i have left!
    xoxo

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  38. That is one beautiful cake and STUNNING photography! WOW!

    Great blog; so happy I found you!

    Mary xo
    Delightful Bitefuls

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  39. i can't wait to make this cake!

    a little thing in my daily life that makes me happy is my drive to work is straight east, so i get to drive into the sunrise every morning.

    eat_zombies@hotmail.com

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  40. Yum, this looks amazing!

    I see you live in the bay area, so maybe you can appreciate this - I just moved to the Castro in SF (from the boring suburbs), so I am happy every day to walk through the rich culture that is in that area. I still have so many restaurants and cafes to explore in the area, too!

    cait.g.johnson at gmail dot com

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  41. Wow, reading this blog makes me happy. And planning for Halloween, for which I'm definitely making this cake!
    But aside from that, looking up at the mountains as I bike to and from campus never fails to make me happy and make me forget all my frustrations.

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  42. Sunshine. Particularly sunshine lighting up leaves on a tree. Makes me warm inside and gives a skip to my step.

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  43. Waking up to my kitten trying to play with my ponytail. It's so cute I can't help but smile.

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  44. coming around here and seeing gorgeous mouth-watering desserts at breakfast time usually makes me happy ;o)

    seriously - i wish you an awesome blog birthday. i for one am glad to have found you! you rock!

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  45. In the morning I wake up and head straight to the shower to wake up...but the best part of my day everyday is while I'm in the shower my husband makes the coffee and sets it on the vanity waiting for me when I get out. It makes me smile every time. Thanks husband!

    holly.stavness@gmail.com

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  46. This cake looks mid-blowingly good. I mean really.

    A daily thing that makes me happy - picking which tea I feel like today (I have a range on my shelf - Assam, Earl Grey, Her Majesty's Blend, Darjeeling, Winchester Breakfast, good old Yorkshire blend....) and brewing a pot full of it in my favourite bright-red teapot. I'm an addict!

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  47. Wow! What a gorgeous cake....I don't think it looks bad at all. After all, what could be better than chocolate and caramel and cinnamon-y apples? Yum!

    The one thing that makes me happy in life is my family. I wake up for them, I cook for them, I am for them.

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  48. I absolutely adore your blog - your photography (not to mention the food itself) is a continuous source of inspiration for me!

    As for what makes me happy on a daily basis, that would be the simple pleasure of making dinner each night. I love preparing new recipes and I find it so relaxing to create a meal.

    Thanks again for providing such amazing content on your blog, I love it.

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  49. waking up early with the sun and preparing meals for myself. oh the simple things in life... <3

    -Amanda (hoang.amanda@gmail.com)


    i reeeeally love the apple shots. there's just so much detail and they have such a rustic yet energetic feel to them. :)

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  50. just found your blog and i love it!!! my friends make me happy and blogs :) oh and BIG coffee cups.

    rowecarrie at yahoo dot com

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  51. What a wonderful and unique giveaway!

    I love to be up early in the morning and be awake as the sun comes up:)

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  52. How lovely. I'm definitely making this. My daily early morning run really makes me happy. It challenges me, keeps me alert, and engages me in the day. Plus, it boosts my metabolism!

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  53. Happy Blogiversary!

    One little thing in my daily life that makes me happy is my boyfriends really lame jokes.

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  54. Happy Blogiversary!

    Seeing my daughter smile makes my day!

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  55. Happy Blogiversary!

    I can't wait to try this recipe

    Every day when I get home from work, my dog runs in circles and jumps around until I say hello to him. This small gesture makes me happy.

    Tristacoop [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  56. I love reading cooking blogs. They make me wish I could bake and cook more often than I do and inspire me!
    jessicakuntz@embarqmail.com

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  57. Latte bowls make me happy! Especially when filled to the brim with a hot milky espresso.
    Wrinkly bulldogs too!

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  58. Happy Blorgthday! One thing each day I'm thankful for would be the gorgeous sunshine on a beautiful fall afternoon... like today! lorijo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  59. Happy blog-anniversary!

    One thing that makes me happy in my daily life is hearing the church bells tell me what time it is. I live close enough to a church that I get to hear the chimes every hour, and although some people would probably find it annoying, I love it!

    My email is taffool42 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  60. Walking the dog in the cool crisp morning air makes me happy. Fall is the best. Happy one year!

    evelynpratt (at) gmail (dot) com

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  61. Happy blog-iversary!!!

    The rainy weather right now is perfect enough to make me want to curl up with a slice (or two...) of this cake and a cup of tea.

    One thing that makes me happy in my daily life is my morning cup of coffee. Simple, yes: I grind the beans fresh, mix them with hot water in my french press, and wait anxiously to taste it. Everyday, it is great to be able to smell the deep, dark roast... then drink it all up! My morning coffee routine definitely gets me through some pretty dreary days!

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  62. Happy Blorthday! What a recipe to start off the fall with! And fall with it's apples, pumpkins and changing leaves makes me happy along with something sugary. :D
    betsaronie@yahoo.com

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  63. Happy Blogrthday! I love the blog, I hope for many blorthdays to come!

    A little thing that makes me happy is chocolate and wine night with my girl friends, or as we like to call it Girlie Girlie Fun Time. The little moments with friends and tasty tidbits make life that much better, right?

    All the best!

    (alysia_eggerman@emerson.edu)

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  64. I just stumbled upon this blog from [simple song] and I've fallen in love with it! Happy blorgthday! It's my birthday today too!

    Little chocolate mini donuts make me happy :)

    sarah[dot]rochelle[at]gmail[dot]com

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  65. Congrats!!! :) I love reading your blog! Thank you so much for sharing your recipes!

    Friends, family, & laughter are truly what make me happy.

    Chelsea
    chelsea3349@msn.com

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  66. congrats on the blogorthday!!

    What makes me happy everyday is coming home from work and reading all of my favorite foodie blogs! Yours included!! =)

    monstersweets.com

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  67. wow, awesome giveaway!!

    what makes me happy everyday is being able to talk to my fiance on the phone on our separate ways to work (we don't live together)

    [lyndagp at gmail dot com]

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  68. tweeted about the giveaway (http://twitter.com/oshkoshbgosh123/status/25832735084)

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  69. I absolutely adore your blog! I check it every day!


    One little thing that makes me happy is when you bite into that perfect apple or peach (or whatever!) and nothing has ever tasted so sweet.

    hey_julie_luv@yahoo.com

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  70. Hello! Lovely blog!!

    The thing that makes me most happy daily is my little head rest, right between my boyfriend's collarbone and neck. Can't sleep without it!!

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  71. Ending my day with a little dessert and reading in bed, (or checking out baking blogs in search of the next treat I'm going to make, like this amazing looking cake!).

    Happy Birthday! from Jane: ryteljh@gmail.com

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  72. Happy Blogiversary! I know you said Blorgthday but personally I think Blogiversary runs off your tongue easier no?

    I have to guiltily admit that I actually save a lot of your food pictures to a folder on my laptop xD~ because the colours are so good.. although I try not to look at it :/ otherwise it'll make me hungry =_= and I am trying to lose weight.

    That cake is insanity on a cake stand! I have a question.. is earth balance a kind of margarine? or is it just a specific type of butter? :/

    My daily happy thing is when my boyfriend looks down at me and says "look at you, cheeky" and smiles.

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  73. Hello. I really love this blog. I just found it! Isn't that tragic..I mean, that I haven't seen it before this? Yes, I think it is.... :( Anywho, I think something that other people would consider menial in my everyday life, I treasure...Like my dog snoring in my ear in the morning. Yes, that's it. :)It makes me very happy.
    antique.beauty93@gmail.com

    Love this blog!

    In Him,

    Laura

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  74. This cake is a knockout, Steph! Love that quote about seeing little things largely. I didn't really realize that our food blogs were "born" around the same time. Here's to an awesome second year that's even better than the first!

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  75. I love your beautiful photos. Happy to have found you!

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  76. orinne said...
    Hello again!! realized i didn't put any contact info...cfrankenfield5@gmail.com


    but again...
    The thing that makes me most happy daily is my little head rest, right between my boyfriend's collarbone and neck. Can't sleep without it!!

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  77. So many things to be grateful for, but jumping into my bed at night is just sheer joy. No matter what's going on, I know that comfortable bed is just waiting for me!

    vanessavanepps@yahoo.com

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  78. I am making that cake ASAP. Oh my!

    I think one of the best things during the day is when the hubs has come home from a long day and gives me the best "I missed you" smile and kiss. Makes my day every time.

    calder.sarah@gmail.com

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  79. CONGRATULATIONS!

    This cake sounds so wonderful! I'm going to the apple orchard with some friends this weekend, and I'm definitely going to mention this recipe to them.

    Right now one of the small things in life that makes me happy is getting my balance sheets for ACC 201 to actually add up correctly. Haha :P

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  80. Wowwww. What a dramatic cake! It would actually be really nice for Halloween!

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  81. ...my family around the dinner table each night - all my boys 3 kid-o's (one last one coming next month) and my fabulous husband.

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  82. Hmn...What makes my happy...its my small cute puppy :) No matter how sad im..or how my day was bad she always makes me forget all about it :)

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  83. Congrats to your blog! Beautiful and tasty cake!
    My boyfriends undeniably happy self in the morning is my daily happiness!

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  84. Happy blogiversary! I'm relatively new to your blog but love, love, love it. Fabulous photography, great recipes, love your writing. All-round awesome :)

    As for my little daily happiness, it's got to be sitting in silence each morning drinking my latte. Quite apart from the fact that I can *feel* the caffeine removing all the horrid "got out of bed on the wrong side" vibes, just being still and quiet and undistracted for a few minutes grounds me for the day ahead.

    Thanks for such an awesome giveaway! I have my fingers and toes crossed because I WANT those postcards on my wall stat!!! (And those Anthropologie latte bowls. Did you say "latte"?!)

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  85. Hello Stephanie, I just came across your blog today! I just subscribed and while I'm hoping to win my first giveaway, I'd say my daily happiness is music. Whether I'm a pianist, violinist, or just singing and dancing in my room every day, art gives me that gentle breath of peace I need in an otherwise chaotic college schedule.
    -Susan Park
    susanjp@hawaii.edu

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  86. Did I mention how much I love your blog? Your photography is stunning! And this cake - THIS CAKE looks incredible!
    As for daily happiness, hmmm, I would have to say, a good cup of coffee. And kisses, good kisses : )
    Thanks for the giveaway! And happy blog-birthday!

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  87. My favorite things of the day are the farmers market, cooking and kissing my boyfriend :)

    http://nicolefranzen.blogspot.com

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  88. Happy Blorgthday! If your recipes are anything like your photographs then they will be BEAUTIFUL. I can't wait to try this cake out for my sister's *birthday* this weekend. My daily happiness comes from the thought of a warm, aromatic coffee.

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  89. happy day!
    my favorite moment of the day is waking before my daughters and seeing them smiling in their sleep. i hope this never changes!
    uinta_red@comcast.net

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  90. Blorgthday Bash!

    My daily joy is, no doubt, sharing a cup of coffee and a bite of dessert (recently chai-spiced shortbread cookies!) with my girlfriend.

    Keep up the great work!

    rsfrawley@sbcglobal.net

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  91. ellie
    elizabeth_kissel@eku.edu

    one thing that makes me happy? currently that there are jello shots in my fridge :) but i guess my real answer is waking up and realizing i am not living in a dorm and finally have a big girl apartment

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  93. Watching how different the light is in the morning when I go to work. I used to see a beautiful sunrise but now it's darker and darker which has it's beauties as well.

    cameracassidy @ gmail.com

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  94. this looks amazing. this is my first visit to your site - happy luck there's a giveaway!
    in my everyday life i love the sound of my camera shutter clicking. can't get enough of it :)
    http://www.smilesfrommel.blogspot.com

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  95. That cake looks incredible.
    I'd love enter your contest. So here's my answer: I feel a bit of joy at looking at my cat every morning. She gets so excited that when she thinks I am awake, she comes and stands next to the bed...and when I actually get up she chirps. It makes me loved :)

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  96. The cake looks absolutely delicious!
    I little thing that makes me happy is talking to my sisters, since I'm in college now I've been seeing them less and less so just thinking about what to talk to them about brings a smile to my face!
    dn_trang09 @ yahoo . com

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  98. It's the simple things in life that makes me happy: sleeping, eating, and my friends+family. what's not to love

    Illuminatian @ gmail.com

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  99. Happy blog day!! This looks wonderful :)

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  100. Happy Blorgthday!!! :)

    Hugs makes me happy. It is nice to be hugged and it's nice to hug others...:)

    Greetings,
    ana

    ana_jole@yahoo.com

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  101. Happy Blog day!! The cake looks excellent.

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  102. mmm ooey gooey.

    waking up to people i love, and watching my hamster sleep with his feet up, or running with his teeny legs makes me smile even when the day isn't going well. :)

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  103. What is one little thing in your daily life that makes you happy?

    Waking up to my little kitties faces as they purr on my bed. They make me smile every day.

    The cake looks insane and delicious!

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  104. That cake looks so good! AHHH I need some chocolate!

    Waking up next to the man of my dreams every day makes me sooo happy!

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  105. I just stumbled across your blog for the first time. Looks awesome! One thing that makes me happy each day is (since I leave for work when it's still dark) looking up and seeing the absolutely beautiful stars in the sky and thanking God for them and all the other blessings in my life. Thanks, Lynne lbink13@yahoo.com

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  106. I just might be the newest subscriber (came upon your about two posts ago) but late to the party or now, I'm not going to miss another post!

    Happy blogaversary!!

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  107. Happy Blorgthday! Ever since I came across this blog, I've bookmarked so many recipes to use for dinner parties. One thing that makes me happy is making crepes on Saturday mornings with my husband!

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  108. Happy blorgthday!

    One thing that makes me happy everyday is coming home to my dog. He is unconditionally happy to see me and is ridiculously cute.

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  109. I just found your blog today thanks to Ill Seen, Ill Said (www.seenandsaid.blogspot.com) and I'm dying to try the s'mores cakelette! The thing that makes me most happy every day is waking up knowing I am working towards the life I've always wanted: full of creativity, love and a future career in librarianship.

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  110. Congrats on your 1 year blog birthday:)!! It was really good to read how this blog really became your creative outlet, and that helped you to focus and sort thing out.

    I absolutely love your blog, and the crazy things you do with your dinner parties and catered events. It's really gorgeous.

    One thing that makes me very happy is reading through my blogroll everyday and slowly steeping myself in the inspiration I get from the variety of personalities and content each offers.

    Another thing is bringing my kitten for walks everyday and sitting on a patch of cement has he scampers from tree to tree like a squirrel:)

    Thank you steph!

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  111. Congratulations on your Blogiversary! Everything is so beautiful! Walking through my cute little town makes me happy everyday! I never realized before moving here how important a community is to me!

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  112. Happy happy blogiversary! What a sweet giveaway. The one thing in my daily life that makes me happy is being able to sit down and have dinner with my husband at the end of the day. We dated long distance (him in CA, me in MD) for almost two years, and now we can finally be married and be together! It's wonderful.

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  114. talking to my long-distance boyfriend on the phone daily makes my day happier :)

    your pictures are so gorgeous! and they highlight your drool-worthy food oh so well!

    wandospirit@gmail.com

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  115. Coffee every single morning makes me happy. Great way to start the day.

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  116. I just found your blog the other day and I've fallen in love with it! I can't wait to try some of the recipes. Happy Blogiversary!

    Learning something new every day makes me happy.

    emilyestone@gmail.com

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  117. i have made this today, reaaaaaaally good!! but the only thing i could not come closer like yours was my cake color was just chocolate. next time i will use black cacao. i have substitute vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil. thank you for sharing your recipe. i will definitely be baking this in round-2 :)

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  118. I teach art in a creative arts school and the one little thing in my daily life that makes me happy is the excited little faces when I walk in a room.

    I love your blog.
    Love, Kate

    www.honeyandpig.blogspot.com

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  119. Naked cuddles always make me happy.
    I love Desserts for Breakfast.

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  120. Happy Blorgthday! :) Cake looks delicious. The little thing that makes my day is drinking a big cup of coffee while listening to NPR. It's my few moments of calm before a busy day at work!

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  121. Yum yum! that cake looks like a great way to use up some of my CSA apple overload.

    One thing that makes me happy in my daily life is my adorable little kitty Molly, who's always ready for snuggles.

    anna.surbatovich at gmail.com

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  122. must try immediately!

    something that really brightens my day is snuggling up to my new husband in bed; he's always been a little shy, but since we got married 9 months ago, he's become quite the snuggler, to my elation.

    psalm18chick at gmail.com

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  123. yummy in my tummy! =) every food-related thought in my head is a little something that makes (or dominates....) my day. that and the smell of the garage on top of which i live... :D

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  124. Congrats!! thanks for making my tummy growl on a regular basis

    what makes me happy every day? is a hot chocolate with a shot of espresso in it to wake me up every morning

    littlehabanerodesigns@yahoo.com

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  125. beautiful blog!
    seeing my kids safely in bed each night...sleeping peacefully
    --joyce
    (slateblu@gmail.com)

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  126. ------------Giveaway now closed----------------

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  127. I'm putting together a shopping list to make this cake right now! What sort of almond milk did you use? (sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, etc.?)

    Thanks,

    Laura

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  128. @Laura S: Plain, unsweetened is preferable. Let me know how it goes!

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  129. This cake satisfies all my cravings! Salty, tangy, and sweet...OH MY!

    All my friends and family enjoyed it. It's such a rarity to be able to satisfy everyone.

    Thank you for this wonderful recipe!

    Your photographs are beautiful as well!

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  130. I just found your blog through flickr, and it was the photo of this cake that made me click on the link. Really, that is an amazing picture of what seems like an even more amazing cake. And vegan too! I can't believe my luck. I will definitely continue reading your blog and will make sure to make this cake sooner than later.

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  131. @Tina: that's great! I love hearing that you enjoyed this cake!

    @Fanny: welcome to the blog!

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  132. I just made this for our Halloween party! I can't wait to eat it :-) It's smelling really good in the oven already.

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  133. I made took this to work today ... didn't find it particularly ooey or gooey ... caramel got lost (not sure if it was served soon after baking vs baking the night before it might have been ooey-ier!). Didn't like the texture of the whole wheat flour in it. Flavour was good ... I put the apples in a pretty lapped pattern and it looked GREAT! There were leftovers at work - so obviously wasn't loved :-(

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  134. @Anonymous: I'm sorry that the cake didn't turn out so ooey or gooey for you--it really does benefit from rest after baking so that the caramel seeps down into the cake.

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  135. @Anonymous: I'm sorry that the cake didn't turn out so ooey or gooey for you--it really does benefit from rest after baking so that the caramel seeps down into the cake.

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  136. I made took this to work today ... didn't find it particularly ooey or gooey ... caramel got lost (not sure if it was served soon after baking vs baking the night before it might have been ooey-ier!). Didn't like the texture of the whole wheat flour in it. Flavour was good ... I put the apples in a pretty lapped pattern and it looked GREAT! There were leftovers at work - so obviously wasn't loved :-(

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  137. I just made this for our Halloween party! I can't wait to eat it :-) It's smelling really good in the oven already.

    ReplyDelete
  138. @Tina: that's great! I love hearing that you enjoyed this cake!

    @Fanny: welcome to the blog!

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  139. must try immediately!

    something that really brightens my day is snuggling up to my new husband in bed; he's always been a little shy, but since we got married 9 months ago, he's become quite the snuggler, to my elation.

    psalm18chick at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  140. @Laura S: Plain, unsweetened is preferable. Let me know how it goes!

    ReplyDelete
  141. I just found your blog the other day and I've fallen in love with it! I can't wait to try some of the recipes. Happy Blogiversary!

    Learning something new every day makes me happy.

    emilyestone@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  142. talking to my long-distance boyfriend on the phone daily makes my day happier :)

    your pictures are so gorgeous! and they highlight your drool-worthy food oh so well!

    wandospirit@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  143. Congratulations on your Blogiversary! Everything is so beautiful! Walking through my cute little town makes me happy everyday! I never realized before moving here how important a community is to me!

    ReplyDelete
  144. I just found your blog today thanks to Ill Seen, Ill Said (www.seenandsaid.blogspot.com) and I'm dying to try the s'mores cakelette! The thing that makes me most happy every day is waking up knowing I am working towards the life I've always wanted: full of creativity, love and a future career in librarianship.

    ReplyDelete
  145. Happy Blorgthday! Ever since I came across this blog, I've bookmarked so many recipes to use for dinner parties. One thing that makes me happy is making crepes on Saturday mornings with my husband!

    ReplyDelete
  146. I just might be the newest subscriber (came upon your about two posts ago) but late to the party or now, I'm not going to miss another post!

    Happy blogaversary!!

    ReplyDelete
  147. What is one little thing in your daily life that makes you happy?

    Waking up to my little kitties faces as they purr on my bed. They make me smile every day.

    The cake looks insane and delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  148. mmm ooey gooey.

    waking up to people i love, and watching my hamster sleep with his feet up, or running with his teeny legs makes me smile even when the day isn't going well. :)

    ReplyDelete
  149. Happy blog day!! This looks wonderful :)

    ReplyDelete
  150. It's the simple things in life that makes me happy: sleeping, eating, and my friends+family. what's not to love

    Illuminatian @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  151. That cake looks incredible.
    I'd love enter your contest. So here's my answer: I feel a bit of joy at looking at my cat every morning. She gets so excited that when she thinks I am awake, she comes and stands next to the bed...and when I actually get up she chirps. It makes me loved :)

    ReplyDelete
  152. Watching how different the light is in the morning when I go to work. I used to see a beautiful sunrise but now it's darker and darker which has it's beauties as well.

    cameracassidy @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  153. happy day!
    my favorite moment of the day is waking before my daughters and seeing them smiling in their sleep. i hope this never changes!
    uinta_red@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  154. Hello Stephanie, I just came across your blog today! I just subscribed and while I'm hoping to win my first giveaway, I'd say my daily happiness is music. Whether I'm a pianist, violinist, or just singing and dancing in my room every day, art gives me that gentle breath of peace I need in an otherwise chaotic college schedule.
    -Susan Park
    susanjp@hawaii.edu

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  155. Happy blogiversary! I'm relatively new to your blog but love, love, love it. Fabulous photography, great recipes, love your writing. All-round awesome :)

    As for my little daily happiness, it's got to be sitting in silence each morning drinking my latte. Quite apart from the fact that I can *feel* the caffeine removing all the horrid "got out of bed on the wrong side" vibes, just being still and quiet and undistracted for a few minutes grounds me for the day ahead.

    Thanks for such an awesome giveaway! I have my fingers and toes crossed because I WANT those postcards on my wall stat!!! (And those Anthropologie latte bowls. Did you say "latte"?!)

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  156. I am making that cake ASAP. Oh my!

    I think one of the best things during the day is when the hubs has come home from a long day and gives me the best "I missed you" smile and kiss. Makes my day every time.

    calder.sarah@gmail.com

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  157. So many things to be grateful for, but jumping into my bed at night is just sheer joy. No matter what's going on, I know that comfortable bed is just waiting for me!

    vanessavanepps@yahoo.com

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I love hearing from you and reading your comments! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog. Happy feasting!