What I Planned...

...I planned to share something pretty fantastic with you today. A moist, summery, yummy pineapple cake bar topped with silky coconut frosting.

Doesn't that sound like something you'd want to wake up to on Monday morning?

Me too.

Unfortunately, I had written up most of the recipe to share on the blog before I left for Aruba on Sunday morning. As I went to finish the post (from my hotel room in Aruba), I realized that I never wrote down the recipe for the cake itself. I had adapted it from America's Test Kitchen and the original version is sitting in a cookbook at home.

#FAIL

I don't want to mess around with you. I don't want to write up the wrong thing. So unfortunately, you will have to wait until next week when I get myself together can work on typing up the recipe with my tweaks.

I'm sorry. Please don't be mad.

Check out some eye candy instead...

I'll be doing this for most of today:

...in between reading my Kindle, napping on a beach chair and laying on a float in the water.

Also...head on over to The Sunday Sweet to bid on a batch of my Chocolate Glazed Golden Grahams Cookies! It's all for a good cause!!

Psst...if you like what you see here, please check out my other blog that I write with my 2 fab sisters, The Peach & The Pit Of It! Hope to see you over there!

This Week... (Naked palette, Big Love + New Glasses)

...I finally broke in my Urban Decay Naked palette...gorg.

...I spent 30 minutes removing Deborah Lippman’s glittery Happy Birthday nail polish from my nails. That was a tough one.

...Shaun and I decided that we officially like Big Love after 4 or 5 episodes. It was a rocky start, but I think we are ready to commit to the series. Love everyone on this show! And also love that I’ve already spotted 3 actors who also just so happened to star on my beloved (and short-lived) Veronica Mars - anyone? anyone?

...I woke up at 4:30 in the morning and realized that I never shared my Pineapple Coconut Dream Bars with you. Let’s forget how sick that is, ok? I have a lot going on. But it happened. And I’m sorry that I’ve deprived you...please expect this bit of yum on Monday morning.

...I got new glasses...not too shabby, right? My last pair was from 10 years and 2 prescriptions ago. Not so good.

...I made these ah-mazing Golden Grahams cookies...and next week you can bid to win a batch at The Sunday Sweet’s bake sale to benefit OC Walk to Remember. Head over there on Monday Aug 1!

...I saw Friends with Benefits. I thought it was great and funnier than I originally imagined it would be. I love Mila Kunis. I finally get why everyone loves Justin Timberlake so much. He’s adorable. And funny. And adorable.

...Alex at Yums and Loves is featuring my Chocolate Cherry Smoothie as part of her no-bake recipe roundup. Check out all the deliciousness on her blog!

...I launched a new venture with my sisters! In case you missed it, the 3 of us will now be blogging over at The Peach & The Pit! Please check it out. I think you’ll like it. (TAA will continue as usual)

...I read A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard. Holy wow. If any of you are interested in hearing about it, I’d be happy to review it for ya, just give me a shout!

While we’re talking about all the fun of this week, I’d love to take a moment for next week. On Sunday morning, I am heading down to Aruba with Shaun and my family. I really am so excited for this trip. We usually go in early July, but pushed it back this year because Kimberly just took the Bar this week (yay Kimmi!!). I cannot wait to get my eat, drink, lay and read on in paradise. I have some fun posts and guest posts lined up for you next week, so be sure to drop in!

Until then, have a great weekend friends!! August here we come!

5 Things I Dislike About Traveling

First thing's first. After you've read this stimulating blog post (;)), and The Peach & The Pit, please check out my Chocolate Glazed Golden Grahams Cookies guest post over on The Sunday Sweet today! Next week I'll be donating a batch of these for auction at The Sunday Sweet's online bake sale, so check back to bid!

In a few short days, I'll be leaving for our annual family vacation in Aruba. If you recall, it's also the home of my 2008 beach wedding and pirate-themed rehearsal dinner. Though I don't really think it's possible to be anymore excited than I am, there are some things that I dislike about traveling. Things that give me anxiety and things that I'd all together rather not do.

1.The trip preparation

Though I like to think of myself as a master packer, the pre-trip 'get ready' always puts me a little on edge.

I'm a definite list maker, but the idea of plotting out outfits for minimal packing, getting on top of my laundry and shopping for any other needs still feels a bit daunting.

2. The airport experience

Am I alone in this? I doubt it. Airports are one of the worst places ever. Everything about them is meant to cause anxiety. Will the car pick us up on time? Will there be traffic getting to the airport? Will there be a line at check-in? Will there be a long line at Security? Do I have anything that will be confiscated at security (like a rogue sharp hairpin, bottle of moisturizer or bottle of water)? Will I set off the metal detector (even though I've removed essentially everything but my leggings and a low cut, tight tank top)? Once I'm through security, should I stop to get food or water before getting to the gate? Or put my stuff down first? What about the bathroom? Will my flight be delayed?

I know, I'm crazy. But these are the things I think about.

3. The flying experience

This one I've actually gotten better about. I used to be terrified of flying. Since I've done quite a lot of flying over the last 2 years, I've had to get over my fears and just get to it. I don't love turbulence, but I'm getting used to it. It doesn't hurt throwing in a trip to Europe too...suddenly it makes all domestic flights seem like a cake walk.

4. Not having all my options

I try to pack light but it's a tough one. I like to have options. Sometimes I don't feel like wearing the clothing that I brought or realize I am missing an appropriate item to wear. I also try to leave my hair dryer at home if possible, but it's inevitable that the hotel hair dryer will be a significantly less awesome option than my own.

5. Weight gain

This is usually inevitable for me. I overindulge. I get bloated. But I do thoroughly enjoy all of the different and delicious food that is eaten on vacation.

I just hate coming home to tight clothing and a feeling of dread about the upcoming (and necessary) detox.

With all of this in mind, I'm still super excited! Today I'm feeling daunted to cross everything off my list. I hate laundry and I hate packing! I usually have more fun making the list than actually doing anything on the list. I'm not complaining though. In a few days I'll be in paradise, and that, my friends, makes all of the anxiety caused by the above completely worth it.

What is your least favorite aspect of traveling? Or do you simply love every second?

Psst...if you like what you see here, please check out my other blog that I write with my 2 fab sisters, The Peach & The Pit Of It! Hope to see you over there!