TRANSITIONING INTO FALL THE EASY WAY

Who read my blog on Monday??? If you didn’t, then go here and read the blog before you go any further; you will need the back story for what I am about to talk about. As I was saying on Monday, I went to the store and bought a crap ton of things, and some of what I bought was three new round baking pans so I could bake my red velvet cake. The recipe I had called for three layers, with cream cheese icing between each layer. I have some pans, but two of them were larger than the third one, so I thought I would buy some new ones, and that way all of the layers would be the same size.
Well, the pans were the same size, but the layers didn’t turn out to be the same size. They were the same size in circumference, but the thickness of ONE of the pans was off a little. I poured the cake batter into the pans and was careful to get the same amount of batter in each pan. I put them in the oven and shut the door. I heard the door clang, so I turned on the light in the oven to look at everything, and it all looked good. So, I started making the cream cheese icing until the timer told me that the cake was finished. When I pulled out the first pan, I knew what had happened when the oven door had shut. The door slid the pan in front up onto the ledge of the other two pans. It was only about a quarter of an inch, but it made a huge difference in the thickness of that layer. It was thick on one side, and then thin on the opposite side. I decided to put the layer on the bottom reasoning that the weight on the other two layers might smush it to the same height, but I was wrong. Instead, the other two layers kept sliding off the first layer. I would push them back up, and I even tried adding a little extra icing on the thinner side to prop up the other two layers. That didn’t work either; it smushed the extra icing out from the layer. I finally gave up and finished icing the cake.

I propped up the cake pan on the slopped side so that the layers wouldn’t keep sliding off. From the front, the cake looked perfect. But, if you looked at the cake fro the side, you could see a ski slope. Lol!!! Joe declared it the best red velvet cake that I have ever made! The only difference, besides the sloped layer, was that I used my convection setting on my oven. I have had that oven for ten years, but I never used the convection part before. I guess I learned my lesson and will not force an oven door to close, and when baking, I’ll use the convection setting. Lol!
I couldn’t wait to show you this sweater that I just purchased from the Loft. This is a perfect transition piece from summer to fall. I know a lot of you don’t want to be buying heavy clothing right now, especially with the temperatures still being so warm. This top is going to be a perfect transition into the cooler mornings and evenings, and not be so sweltering during the day. I love the lazily relaxed style of this top, and the split neckline is a great detail. This was my first purchase of a Lou & Grey item, and I now understand why everyone loves this brand so much. I will be buying more! Here is the link to this gorgeous neutral top, and it also comes in white and rose. Oh, I about forgot to tell you that it is also on sale!!!
When I start thinking about fall, I start wanting to wear more and more animal prints. I added just a touch of leopard to the outfit with the Charleen earrings. These are cute as can be, and they are very lightweight and affordable. The Lucille bracelet, (large cream circles and gold bar) has been one of my favorite pieces of jewelry this summer. It is so easy to put on, and it matches everything. I also added the Ramona, and one bracelet from the Plunder Posse set. The necklace is this month’s Plunder Posse. The Posse set was this necklace and a pair of earrings that I didn’t wear. Each month you will receive between one and three jewelry items for the price of 25.00, which includes tax and shipping.
I added another animal print to my look with the Steve Madden snake print loafer. I think these shoes are super cute, and I love the added detail of the studs. I ordered my usual size, but I wish that I had sized up a 1/2 size just in case I want to wear socks in the winter. Who and I kidding, I never wear socks. Lol! Here is the link to the shoe.
The flare leg jeans are by Leith, and I linked to them in my Fall Must-Haves post. I love these jeans, and they are the ones that I will reach for first. I like the flare at the hem, and I can’t wait to wear them later this fall with ankle boots. Here is the link to the jeans.
You guys, I have been reading the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and I have to admit that I have had the wrong mindset for all of my 59 years. My take on the book so far is that we are taught by schools and society to get the best education possible and then get a good-paying job and retire with a healthy 401k. According to the author, this is a crazy way to think. His theory is that we need to make money work for us, instead of working for money. That sounds easy, but it is hard to get in our mind. We can buy one house and live in it for a lifetime, or we can purchase several homes and rent each one that will produce a steady income monthly for years and years and years. The problem is that we have a mindset of “I can’t afford” instead of asking, “how can I afford.” Can you see the subtle change? Our mind will shut down when you say things like, I can’t afford, but it will start throwing out solutions when you stary saying, How can I afford. MIND BLOWN!!! I love this because I understand how that relates to my business with Rodan + Fields. I made a one-time investment, and now I bring in a monthly income. If I had saved that money and put it in savings, do you know how much I would have? My money would have barely grown. He said that we let fear keep us from seeing opportunities that come our way. This time, I want you to use fear to your advantage. I want you to say what will I miss out on, instead of will I fail? Quit doubting yourself and letting this opportunity pass you by. You are capable, you are smart, and you have what it takes. Now, invest in yourself, and see how your life in a whole different way! I can’t wait to see who will recognize this opportunity; most sadly won’t. Email me at taniastephens12@gmail.com

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