Jul 1, 2013 |
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with deliciously moist cupcakes? And what better celebration than the birth of our nation?
I wanted to do something fun for the Fourth of July that would inspire you into your own kitchen with a touch of creativity.
Independence Day Cupcakes
Looks great, right? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! And the recipe? Easy-peasy.
But first, take a look at these mouth-watering photos:
Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag
Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!
Look at those layers!
Independence Day Cupcakes
This festive Fourth of July cupcake is sure to please everyone from young to old.
Ingredients
- White cake mix from a box
- 1 1/4 Cup water
- 1/3 Cup cooking oil
- 3 eggs
- Red and blue food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare a white cake mix according to package directions.
- Divide uncooked batter into three equal parts.
- Set aside the white batter.
- Mix blue food coloring into the second batter.
- Mix red food coloring into the third batter.
- Line a cupcake pan with red, white, and blue cupcake liners.
- Drop one large spoonful of blue batter into each liner.
- Using a clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of white batter onto the blue.
- With another clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of red batter onto the white.
- Bake according to package directions.
- Allow to cool completely. Top with white frosting, then add red and blue sprinkles.
- Decorate with a small flag.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/01/recipe-independence-day-cupcakes/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
She’s a Grand Ol’ Flag!
These cupcakes will definitely add a delicious flare to your table this week. Enjoy!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Patriotic Fruit Kabobs
For more Fourth of July ideas including this Patriotic Fruit Kabob,
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Dec 13, 2012 |
I know. This is my buzzillionth post about the Mission Inn in Riverside. But seriously… you can’t possibly be tired of hearing how stunningly magical it is. My Most Favorite Place is all lit up for the holidays.
It’s always beautiful. Especially this time of year. From the day after Thanksgiving through the first weekend in January, The Mission Inn hosts its Festival of Lights. As over 3,600,000 lights light up the block-sized Resort, the sidewalks fill with a crowd that would challenge New York City during Rush Hour. Street venders peddle their wares. The aromas of roasted chestnuts, kettle corn and hot chocolate waft on the light breeze. Neon everything illuminates the surroundings. Performers serenade the immense crowd with guitars and voices.
And if you want to really partake in the Festival of Lights extravaganza, you have to get in line. Way down there. No, keep going. That’s it. There. Around the building. Down the block. Yup. There ya’ go. It takes about an hour to navigate the winding around, into, and out of the Lobby where Santa awaits and the tall Tree is displayed. It’s worth it.
But if long lines aren’t your cup of tea, stop in at Casey’s Cupcakes for a cupcake instead. Or wait two hours to be seated at the Bella Trattoria next door.
The best view of the Festival of Lights is from opposite sidewalks. There’s nothing quite like the scene lighting up against the night sky, with the clip-clop sounds of passing Cinderella carriages and wagons.
You can see as much or as little as you like; and do as much or as little. Stroll in the crowds and hum Christmas Caroles. Sit on a bench and enjoy people-watching. Revel in the flavors and noises of being thrown into another World. A World where history and celebration combine to bring Festivity to all to enjoy.
These are just a sampling of the Merriment you’ll find at
The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights
Lobby Tree
Glamorous Gingerbread Cupcake and Gingerbread Coffee
Main Entrance
Around the Block
The Bella Trattoria
Sidewalk Lights
Stories Tall
Horse-Drawn Carriage
Fairy Tale Atmosphere
Gifts of Light
Festival of Lights
3500 Market Street. I just love this photo.
Fallen Leaves to Play In.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
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Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
Destination: Mission Inn [“Tell ‘Em Tony Sent Ya”]
Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Dear Casey’s Cupcakes… Thanks For Being So Sweet!
Dec 10, 2012 |
Dear Casey’s Cupcakes,
Casey’s Cupcakes [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
But I can’t help share your sweetness with the World. At least, my little corner of it.
Casey’s Cupcakes
You’re on the internet. You’re on Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. And even Instagram.
Coincidentally… so am I.
It’s the law of averages that we’d cyber-bump into each other in this neighborhood. I’m just thankful that you act and react as much as I do. I really don’t lurk. I just happen to be online. A lot. Like, a lot-a lot.
Can I just say, without sounding stalkerish, that I love love love your cupcakes?
I think you already know that. But in case you didn’t, I love love love your cupcakes.
I also love your store. It’s decorated so cutely for the Season.
Casey’s Christmas Tree
And all the wonderfully delightful pink and white and striped and confettied goodies! I’d mention my favorites, but I picked up a few to stash into Dot’s Christmas stocking. So you’ll understand when I say I really can’t talk about all that right now. (I can say we’re now the proud owners of the last two striped iPhone covers from the Riverside location! Dreams really do come true!)
Glamorous Gingerbread at Casey’s Cupcakes
I love bringing newbies to your Riverside location (being the Mission Inn junkie that I am).
Oh, I’m supposed to tell you, “What an adorable shop!”, “Dontcha just love all the pink and white?!” and “These folding boxes are amazingly cute!” My peeps think you’re magical. I think you’re delightful. What other eatery do know of where the people save the containers after savoring the contents?
Did you notice the exclamation points in those statements. Yup. We love our Casey’s Cupcakes.
You brighten my day. Daily.
It’s prob’ly a good thing I don’t live closer.
Cuz then you might hafta get a Restraining Order. And we don’t want that. We just want our cupcake order.
Casey’s Cupcakes: A Very Sweet Treat!
Yeah. On a very.regular.basis.
Don’t be afraid. Just give me cupcakes and no one gets hurt.
That’s a sweet exchange… dontcha think?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 1, 2012 |
Saturday was National Coffee Day. To celebrate this, and Second Daughter’s successful Mary Kay kick off party, we spontaneously drove down to Casey’s Cupcakes at the Mission Inn. It was close to 7pm before we even hit the road. But after the Mary Kay party, we were all dressed up with otherwise no place to go.
The Three Amigos: Dot, Me, Elisa
To The City at Twilight
I put in My Soundtrack, which is great for roadtrips. A few miles down the freeway, and Elisa squealed as The Partridge Family began to play. “Oh my gosh! I LOVE this song!” I quickly told her the story of how David Cassidy sang to me. We hadn’t even arrived at the Inn yet, and already we were laughing at great memories.
Dot and Elisa chatted throughout the drive, sang along, and took many photos. We each had our iPhones, and since we were all together, our photo albums are similar, if not identical.
Elisa had never been to the Inn before. Dot and I find great joy in introducing others to Our Favorite Place. While our intent was only to walk around and grab a cup o’ Joe at Casey’s Cupcakes, as usual it turned into so much more.
We began by parking a block away. Seems a lot of other people also were inspired to visit the Inn.
The Inn at Twilight
It was perfect walking weather. The humidity was low, the temperature was mild. At every corner we could smell either coffee or garlic.
Elisa at the Flowers
Outside Las Campanas
The Avenue
The low-lit neon signs signaled that most stores along the path were closed. All except the Mission Galleria: a four-story consignment store filled with antiques and wonderful treasures. This was our first stop, where The Dots tried on nearly every hat they could find, and a few for me too.
The Dots in Hats
And Hats…
And Hats!
When we realized the clock was ticking, we meandered back across the avenue and strolled the short distance to Casey’s. Detouring first, of course, through the halls of the Inn just in time to visit Napoleon and Josephine. Napoleon was quite friendly, but Josephine was feeling a little shy.
Friendly Napoleon
Bashful Josephine
There’s a corner where the Spa, the entrance to the gift shop, and one open-air pathway all connect. It is my favorite corner. Just standing there, surrounded by old brick and mosaics is a visual endorphin. Then the scent of fresh eucalyptus oils greets your nostrils, immediately soothing any stress still being held in the body. Just a short moment of standing there with eyes closed is all that’s needed to be transported away from the busyness of the world, and have a truly individual experience.
After this, we finally made it to Casey’s Cupcakes. The outdoor tables were vacant, which made it easy for us to get comfortable and enjoy our treats.
Happy National Coffee Day!
Dot, Me and Elisa at Casey’s Cupcakes
Of course, having heard about the exceptional Tiramisu at the Bella Trattoria next door, we stepped over for a second dessert. Since Dot isn’t a fan of coffee and had just eaten her sweet treat, she opted for a steaming bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup. The menu was so enticing, that Elisa and I followed her lead and shared both a bowl of Minestrone soup, and a Tiramisu.
Dot’s Favorite: Creamy Tomato Soup
Minestrone and Me
Our Tiramisu
Ambiance at the Bella Trattoria
After indulging our tastebuds, we meandered past the door leading to the Rotunda. Unfortunately, it’s closed to the public. Dot had jaunted to the nearest restroom, leaving Elisa and I to drool when a gentleman came up and used his key-card to unlock the door. I joked, “Oh, look! He has a magic card!” He turned and smiled. He told us that part of the Inn is generally off-limits… but if we promised not to jump over the railings, he’d let us in. Elisa and I tried to assure him we would behave, but our girlish giggles gave us away. He held the door open for us, and introduced himself. “If anyone stops you,” he said, “You tell ’em, Tony sent ya. Tell ’em I said it was okay.” To which I promised him, “You are so going to be named in my Blog!” So here you are, Tony. Thank you! Dot scurried up, and we ventured into the Magic Door.
We spent nearly half an hour climbing level after level of the Rotunda, photographing every angle and entrance. It was ethereal. Like being thrown back in time.
Looking Down on the Dots
Rotunda
The Fountain at the Rotunda
We found ourselves on Author’s Row overlooking the Reception Area. A wedding had taken place, and people were celebrating! There in the corner, we saw Tony! He was busy making sure everyone was having a wonderful time. We walked around the level, showing Elisa the doors to Ann Rice’s room, the Herb Garden, and other sights on the Fourth Floor. Then we took the elevator down and found ourselves mistakenly led to in front of the Chapel. We were unwitting party crashers, who quickly found our way back to where we were supposed to be.
Strolling through the Main Lobby, we stopped at the Front Desk to ask general questions about the Inn, about rates and reservations.
Helpful Chris
Dot’s 18th birthday is in six weeks. Can you imagine what she might be wanting?
Yet again, Tony walked by with a wave and a smile. Yet again, we giggled. It must be a prerequisite for employment at the Inn to be good looking. I mean… really good looking. Just sayin’…
After we took up enough of Chris’s time with questions and “What If’s”, Dot was thirsty enough to warrant us walking the short distance to the Presidential Lounge. The music of two wedding receptions nearby mixed with the sounds of the Piano Bar. Elisa and I opted to enjoy an Adult Beverage. As she first delivered bottled water to Dot waiting outside the Lounge, the Bartender made my night. He couldn’t figure out my relationship with Elisa. I had called her “Girlfriend” a few minutes earlier. We were both spunky and outgoing. Finally he pointed in her missing direction and asked, “Sister?” I laughed and said, “Daughter.” He was honestly astonished.
I know bartenders get paid to flirt and make conversation. But this was honest astonishment. And it felt great. Then I asked him to make a virgin drink for my underage daughter waiting in the Lobby. Her Shirley Temple was On The House.
From the Presidential Lounge
Yeah. I’m so going back there again.
The Presidential Lounge is a wonderful experience. Small, intimate, upscale. You needn’t be a guest of the Inn to enter. It feels like a higher class of CHEERS. And the entrances lead right into the Main Lobby. So even though Dot was sitting at a table in the Lobby, it took less than five minutes for us to rejoin her, drinks in hand. The Inn welcomes guests to stroll with their beverages; making it an even nicer experience. We weren’t limited to a corner barstool. We could sit, walk, talk, and enjoy. Which we did.
Then we strolled outside yet again. The streets are lit with low yellow-ambient lighting, and light strings in the trees. It’s not garish or bright or modern. “Strolling” is the perfect word. We weren’t in any rush to get anywhere. We ambled and danced our way up and down Orange Street.
Chainmail Jacket at Parrott’s
A band was playing at a corner bar, and we stopped just long enough to enjoy the music. And the pick-up lines. “Hey, girls! The party’s over here!” “Where ya going?” I pointed to Dot and yelled, “Underage! But thank you for asking!” Elisa fits right between us. Old enough to go out with adults, young enough to keep my teenager company and not feel like a babysitter. Of course, that’s what Family is. We blend well. Period.
Then it was time to get home.
We only showed Elisa the tip of the iceberg. In a few weeks, we’ll be back. Maybe on a Saturday morning. To experience the University Photography Museum. The Pizza Parlor. The Farmer’s Market.
Or maybe we’ll just save our money and give Dot the Birthday of a Lifetime. After all, isn’t that what Family is for?
If you get there before we do, tell Tony we said hi. And we’ll be back.
Ambient Avenue
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
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Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
