Anna's World

Season 1 Bloopers

2012-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

This is just a bunch of random footage that I hope makes you laugh. Also, you will see how silly I am in the kitchen..

CLICK THIS FOR THE VIDEO...

Don't forget to

Follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

Everything done by anna boling o'steen

Directed by: damon o'steen

http://www.youtube.com/user/dbofilm

Season Finale: How to make Gingerbread Cookies

2011-12-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

You guys have made it very possible for me to keep making fun baking videos every Saturday since February. I thank you so much for your love and support. This is my Season Finale. But don't worry, I will be back in February 2012 which will give me time to stock pile more HOW TO's for the new year. Please keep leaving me comments of tasty treats you might wanna know how to make and I will hopefully be getting around to making them... In the new year, you can look forward to make French Toast, Beignets, doughnut, and many fun more...

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HOW TO...

Welcome to the holidays! What is the one sweet treat that makes it feel like the holidays? Yes, family. They are sweet, but I'm talking about making Gingerbread Cookies. You can make these tasty treats for not only your little ones, family members, and neighbors, but you can leave them by the fire place for Santa. And cross your fingers that he thinks you were a good boy or girl this year. SO, come learn, interact, and eat with me in this episode of Gingerbread cookies...

Find the recipe at: http://annaosteenworld.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

Gingerbread Cookies

YEILDS: 6 dozen

SIFT in a bowl

6 C. flour

1 TBS. baking powder

1 TBS ground ginger

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Then with a hand mixer or kitchen aid

cream

1 C. butter room temp

1 C. Brown sugar

add

1 C. molasses

1 tsp. vanilla

then pour in dry ingredients slowly

if the mixture is looking think

add

1/2 c cold water slowly till it is looking like a dough

form dough into round flat spheres and wrap up and place in fridge for 2 hours.

unwrap and roll out cookies

bake @ 350 for 10-12 mins

Everything done by anna boling o'steen
Directed by: damon o'steen
http://www.youtube.com/user/dbofilm

Special Thanks: Nick Ligonis

MUSIC:

1st song, wish Background by Kevin MacLeod

Website; http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?genre=Holiday

2nd song, Brightly fancy, by Kevin MacLeod

Website: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=00883

3rd song, Oh Christmas Tree, by Kevin MacLeod

Website: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?genre=Holiday

4th song, Beach

How to make Meringue Topping

2011-12-02T22:18:00.000-08:00

Fan of sweets? Fan of pies? well learn how to make this easy topping for just that. This meringue is great as a topping on your favorite pie or try topping it onto a chocolate cupcake and flaming the top to make it like a s'more and add gram crackers..YUMMM... There are Two ingredients in this is easy and a quick dessert...lets go...

CLICK THIS TO WATCH...

Learn, interact, and eat...

Find the recipe at: http://annaosteenworld.blogspot.com/

Follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

Meringue topping

8 egg whites or 1 1/2 c. liquid whites

whisk up till foaming

add

2 cups of sugar

one TBS at a time very slowly till whites are stiff peek and glossy

add to pie or cupcakes

for a more fun effect flame torch the meringue to give a fun taste or add to over at 400 for 2 mins

MUSIC:

1st song oh Christmas Tree, by Kevin MacLeod

Website: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?genre=Holiday&page=0

2nd song Funkoroma by Kevin MacLeod

Website, http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=funkorama&Search=Search

3rd song Beach Bum by Kevin Macleod

Weblink: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=beach+bum&Sea...

License agreement: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/licenses/

How to make Crème Brûlée

2011-11-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

Bring on the pyro-techniques for this custard dessert. In this episode I show you how to make Crème Brûlée. It's so much fun because you get to use a really fun cooking torch that helps bring out that perfect caramelized crunch. What makes this custard grand is also the use of a fresh vanilla bean.

CLICK THIS TO SEE THE HOW TO VIDEO:

Learn, interact, and eat...

Follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

To enter in the giveaway for this week only... a flame torch by:

buylighters.com

you must follow me on twitter and tweet me why you would love this torch or what you might make...

also, receive 10% off this item by going to

http://www.buylighters.com/Fujima-Mini-Cooking-Torch_p_1114.html

and enter the Promo Code: lovelyladycakes

Crème Brûlée

1 quart of whipping cream

1 vanilla bean pod or 1 tsp. vanilla extract

over a medium flame bring to a boil then remove and let cool

for 15 mins

in a bowl add

6 egg yolks

1/2 c. sugar

stir then gradually add the cream to the eggs and stir

(doing it slowly helps the eggs not cook)

pour into ramekins

bake @ 325 for 40-45 mins

let cool then

add sugar to tops then flame till caramelized

broil for 3-4 mins.

MUSIC:

1st song MTA, by Kevin MacLeod

website: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=mta&Search=Search

2nd song oppurnity walks, by Kevin MacLeod

website; http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=opportunity+walks&Search=Search

3rd song Beach Bum by Kevin Macleod

Weblink: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=beach+bum&Sea...

License agreement: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/licenses/

How to make Angel Food Cake

2011-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Episode 33 of Lovely Lady Cakes TV. Ever just wanted a cake thats not to sweet, light, and was good for you. Well this cake is only 161 calories and 37 gm of sugar(12 per serving). This happens to me my favorite cake of all time. This cake usually is seen in a bunt form but I made it into a 9" pan and layered it up for friends to enjoy. Hope you enjoy as well..

CLICK THIS TO TAKE YOU TO THE HOW TO VIDEO:

or visit:

www.LovelyLadyCakes.com

Learn, interact, and eat...

Follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

Angel Food Cake

12 per serving/161 calories/37 gm sugar

1 3/4c. Sugar (Sift) and divide in half

in one of the sugars add

1 cup cake flour (Sift)

1/4 tsp salt (Sift)

place this bowl to the side

NEXT: in a kitchen aid mixer with the whisk or a hand mixer

12 eggs whites or 1 1/2 cup and whisk for 2 mins.

add 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

whisk for another 2 mins

add 1 tsp orange water or any type of extracts

add the sugar that you divided in half and add

sugar at one tsp. at a time very slowly

let that whisk till it get shinny and medium peeks about 4 mins

then take the egg white mixture and Fold

into the other divided sugar with the cake flour, and salt.

very gently..

once all folded in to the egg whites

bake @ 350 for 35-40 mins

How to make a quick and easy Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

Who has the time to make pumpkin puree from scratch and homemade crust with all of these holiday errands you have going on? I don't, but I DO have a wonderful quick and easy recipe that has all the flavors that say Happy Thanksgiving.

Learn, interact, and eat...

Follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

CLICK THIS TO GO TO THE VIDEO...

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

un baked 10" deep pie shell

2 (15oz) cans pumpkin

2 (14oz) cans sweetened condensed milk

4 eggs

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. clove

1 tsp. salt

Pour in a bowl all the ingredients and mix well

add to the unbaked pie shell

BAKE @ 425 for 14 mins

lower the heat to

BAKE 350 for 35-40 mins

cool and serve

How to make a French Crêpe

2011-11-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

A crêpe or crepe is a French word which means a very thin pancake. Of course they are from France from the Latin word crispa, meaning "curled". This thin pancake is such a great item to make because the batter goes a long way. You can eat your crepe savory with items in it such as; spinach, shrimp, ham, eggs, or sweet; strawberries, nutella, lemon, and many types of fruit. I hope you all are encourage to make this sweet yummy treat for your family or next intown guest.

CLICK THIS TO SEE THE HOW TO MAKE CREPE VIDEO...

Crêpe Recipe

2 c. flour

1 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

3 eggs

2 c. milk

2 tbs butter

filling

Lemon

butter

powder sugar

makes about 12 crepes

add all ingredients and pour batter onto a hot skillet let cook for 2 mins then flip then cool 2 mins remove

How to make CheeseCake

2011-10-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

CheeseCakes are one of those desserts that complete a meal. They make everything feel better. This dessert is spongy and light and made with cream cheese goodness. Did you know: in the United States and Canada they use cream cheese; while in Italy, cheesecakes use ricotta.

Wanna know HOW TO MAKE CHEESECAKE CLICK THIS...

CheeseCake

in your food processor blend

15 gram crackers

pour into 9 into pie pan or cheesecake pan

add 4 TBS melted butter

press down to form the bottom of the crust

in a kitchen-aid or hand mixer cream

(4) 8 oz. Cream Cheese

1 1/2 C. Sugar

3/4 C. milk

4 eggs one at a time

1 C. Sour Cream

1 tsp vanilla

Bake @ 350 for 1 hour

Recipe can be found at
www.LovelyLadyCakes.com
or on my blog
http://annaosteenworld.blogspot.com/

Learn, interact, and eat...
Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

Everything done by anna boling o'steen
Directed by: damon o'steen
http://www.youtube.com/user/dbofilm

Music:

1st song, Mister Exposition by, Kevin MacLeod

weblink:http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=Mister+Exposition&Search=Search

2nd song, Beach Bum by Kevin Macleod

Weblink: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=beach+bum&Search=Search

License agreement: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/licenses/

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

In this Episode of Lovely Lady Cakes I put the spatula and kitchen-aid down to relax with friends. The holiday seasonly activities are upon us. In this episode I takes the knife to carving pumpkins. Enjoy carving those pumpkins to scare your trick-o-treaters. Please tweet, or send me your photos of your carved pumpkins so I can feature your lovely work of art in an upcoming episode...

CLICK THIS TO TAKE YOU TO THE VIDEO...

Learn, interact, and eat...

Follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/lovelyladycakes

Everything done by Anna Boling O'Steen

shot on the iphone 4

Cinnamon Rolls

2011-09-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

What could be a better morning, breakfast than making home-made Cinnamon rolls. My mom sure did know how to make a house smell like a home and so can you. Here is the "How To" It takes lots of patience and time, but in the end you will have a sweet treat that make you happy, and your guests leaving full and happy.

CLICK THIS TO TAKE YOU TO THE VIDEO:

Cinnamon Rolls

in a microwave safe bowl

heat 1 1/4 c. milk for 45 seconds

1 packet of yeast and let is sit for 5 mins

in a bowl add

4 1/4 C. Flour

1/4 c. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 c. melted butter

pour in milk and yeast

add 1 egg

in a clean buttered bowl add the dough and let rise for 30 mins

roll dough on a well floured surface and roll into a rectangular shape

with a brush add butter

then add, brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon

cut and let rest for 30 mins to rise

bake at 350 for 30 mins

Frosting

1 cup powder sugar and lightly pour in half and half till a runny consistency and drizzle over cinnamon roll

Serve and enjoy...

Music by

1st song,

Amazing Plan, by Kevin MacLeod

website:http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=amazing+plan&Search=Search

2nd song, Open Those Bright Eyes, by Kevin Mac Leod

website: http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=open+those+bright+eyes&Search=Search

3rd song, Amazing plan, by Kevin MacLeod

Website:http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/index.html?keywords=amazing+plan&Search=Search

my Chocolate Mousse Pie Recipe...

2011-09-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Click here for the "How To"

CRUST:

16 oz. oreos

4 Tbs. melted butter

place cookies in a food processor into very fine crumbs

pour into pie dish add butter

using a fork or spoon press onto the sides leaving 1/2 inch between the top of the crust.

Freeze for 10 mins, then Bake @ 300 for 10 mins.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

place 4 Tbs butter, and

6 oz. of chocolate and melt over a double boiler

remove from heat and add

2 Tbs. coffee

1/4 salt

1 Tbs vanilla

Separate 6 eggs

taking the egg yolks add 1 c. sugar

whisk

add melted chocolate after cooled

in a kitchen aid, whisk up the egg whites till they form soft peaks

add egg whites to the chocolate and fold gently in

Bake @ 350 for 35 mins

cool the pie

Chocolate Mousse

chill 1 1/2 c. whipping cream for 5 mins

in a double boiler, combine

12 oz. simi-sweet chocolate, and

4 Tbs. butter

3 oz. coffee

1 Tbs. rum

let cool, after all the chocolate is melted

in a separate bowl add

1 tsp. flavorless, granulated gelatin

pour 1/4 c. whipping cream over and bloom for 10 mins

in a glass proof bowl hold bowl over flame to melt the gelatin

do not boil

add to the chocolate mixture

grab the chilled bowl and whisk the whipping cream to medium peaks

fold the cream into the chocolate

place on top of cake then chill for 1 hour

How to make Royal Icing

2011-09-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Royal Icing is the icing on many jobs! It can either be a smooth icing, such as when covering sugar cookies, or it can be an adhesive when building your favorite ginger bread house! Some times I even skip the syrup on my pancakes and add this sweet treat to them!

Click this to watch the HOW TO...

Royal Icing

2 cups Powder Sugar

1 egg white or less

1 tsp Vanilla

add more powder sugar is it is to runny to ice cookies

add more egg white to make it runny to cover petit fours

Learn, interact, and eat!

http://lovelyladycakes.com/

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/#!/lovelyladycakes

How to make Cream Cheese Frosting...

2011-09-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, you can't eat red velvet cake with out Cream Cheese Frosting. Here is your "How To". This simple, yet, 3 ingredients will not only work with your southern to die for red velvet cake, but any other cakes, cheesecake, you name it. It's so light and heavenly you have no guilt eating this little sweet... learn, interact, and eat...

Click this to watch the "How to"

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream

3/4 sticks of unsalted butter

12 oz. Cream Cheese

4 1/2 cups Powder sugar

2 tsp vanilla

make sure you are constantly scraping down the sides of the bowl so there are no clumps in your frosting

http://lovelyladycakes.com/

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/#!/lovelyladycakes

Red Velvet Cake

2011-09-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

This is one cake that will bring you back to your Southern root and put a smile on your face. Now most cakes don't always do that, but this one will. The cool refreshing cream cheese that melts in your mouth and as you bite into the cake just tempts you wanting more!

Here is my How to Make Red Velvet video for you guys, but it was made with a little more love than usually. I had my Subscribers help me in the kitchen. Full recipe is below...

CLICK THIS FOR THE HOW TO VIDEO...

Red Velvet Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a mixing bowl sift together

2 1/2 cup cake flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tbs. cocoa powder

set aside

with a hand mixer or kitchen aid CREAM:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

on at a time

1 tsp vanilla

in a measuring cup add

1 cup of buttermilk and

2 tbs. red food coloring

then alternate between the flour mixture and the buttermilk and red in three part

till all incorporated

in a small cup add

1/2 baking soda

1/2/ white distilled vinegar

then add to the batter

Bake @ 350 for 25-30 mins

Yields (2) 9" round pans

cream cheese recipe coming soon.....

Lemon Bars

2011-08-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Watch the HOW TO make Lemon bars ...click this...

Lemon Bars

1/2 Recipe makes 1/4th sheet tray and

Pre-Heat oven to 325

Crust:

bowl add

2 c. flour

1/2 c. powder sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 sticks of unsalted butter (melted)

stir and using your hands place crust in the bottom of a 1/4th sheet tray

spray tray then place with foil with alittle extra on the sides then spay again.

bake crust at 325 for 20-25 mins

Lemon filling:

in a separate bowl add

4 eggs

2 c. sugar

1/4 c. lemon juice plus

1/8 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

stir with wire whisk

then pour on hot crust

Bake @ 325 for 20-25 mins

let them cool, cut, then sift powder sugar on top

and eat!

How To make Chocolate Cake * Baking with my SUB's #2*

2011-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hi guys hope you all enjoyed my recent baking with my SUBscribers....well if you miss it, here is the link.. CLICK THIS

And if you missed out there will be more chances for you to bake in the kitchen with me. I am going to try to do them the 1st of every month. So make sure you follow me on twitter so you hear all the directions!

Recipe for Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 Cups unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/4 boiling water

blend those up and put off to the side

in a separate bowl, Sift together

1 1/2 cup cake flour

1 1/2 cup flour

1 1/4 tsp. Baking soda

1 1/4 tsp. Baking powder

using a paddle attachment in you Kitchen Aid or hand mixer

Cream together

10 Tbs. unsalted butter or (1 1/4 sticks)

2 3/4 Brown sugar

add

3 eggs-one at a time

then alternate

1 1/4 c. buttermilk with the sifted mixture

then add

1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

add the cocoa paste

Bake at 350 for 30 mins or cupcakes @ 18mins or mini cupcakes @ 10 mins

Thanks and enjoy...learn, interact, and eat...

Key Lime Pie

2011-07-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

make your own crust:

2 cups of gram crackers

1/2 sugar

4-5 Tbls butter

Blend Gram Crackers in food processor, add all ingredients together in pie pan and use a fork to help you make the walls of the pie then using your hands just push around to make the bottom.

Key lime

2 cans or Sweetened condensed milk

1 cup Lime Juice

10 egg yolks

Mix the ingredients pour over crust.

Bake @ 350 for 15 mins Let it cool! and SERVE....

Baked breaded Sole w/ Artichoke Olive Salad

2011-07-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

"Sole, I have never heard of that type of fish"....Well, next time check your local grocery store or fish market. This is such a nice light fish. It almost taste like butter!

Sole- is a flat fish. They lay on the ocean floor. So this means his top is dark so he is camouflage and the bottom is white. The bottom is what we eat.

Quick and easy dinner.

pat the filets dry, Season with salt and pepper

Breaded: put the filet in flour, then, egg wash, then bread crumbs or I used Panko. Lay the filet on a cookie sheet bake @ 350 for 5-10 minutes. EASY

Salad:

can of artichokes

can of black olives

add as many as desired

add mozzarella

salt & pepper

olive oil & balsamic vinaigrette

Baking With MY SUB's...Thats you!

2011-07-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

This Episode went great. Thanks to all who sent in their video responses. I couldn't have done it with out you! This was one of my favorites!~ click here to watch

If you missed out on this one don't worry I am doing more, but would love to hear from you guys what WE should make for my next Episode of "Baking with my SUB's"

Thanks for watching!

xoxox

Cooking with you my Subscribers..HElp me out!!

2011-06-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

Anna is trying new things in the kitchen, and needs your help. Want to be apart of her experiment? Send her your video response with the ingredients given below. And on her Forth of July episode on "How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies" she will be editing her Subscribers video responses together to make it look like you guys are there in the kitchen with her. If you can't get in a kitchen don't worry make signs in front of your computer or show her your YouTube creativity! It's like we are baking together! She will feature your video, plus your YouTube name!

Click this to upload your Response!

She will need these Ingredients you can just PICK ONE!
Directions.....
1) In a mixer with a paddle attachment. Cream 1 cup of butter. It needs to be soft.
2) Add 1 cup of sugar.
3) Add 1 cup of Brown Sugar until smooth.
4) And then Beat in 2 Eggs. one at a time.
5) Stir in 2 tsp of vanilla.
6) Stir in 3 cups of Flour.

7( Stir in 1 tsp. Baking Soda.
8) Add 1 tsp. of salt.
9) 2 cups of simi-sweet chocolate chips.
10) Set your over to 350 degrees and bake for 10 minutes.
11) or until a lightly golden brown.

Shooting with Bob Thunder..

2011-06-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hey fans,

I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Nation and Brittani Louise Taylor, HUGE YOUTUBE stars exactly one year ago. We met through iamrogue's VIP giveaway @ the HR in Vegas. The photo above actually was used in the VIP months issue that was in the room at the Hard Rock. You can kinda see it in the top left middle pic...LOL

We have stayed good friends over the year. So recently Joe and I were thinking that it would be totally cool if Bob Thunder made an appearance baking in the kitchen with lovelyladycakes....

Back story, I was minding my business in the kitchen talking to you guys when I got a knock on my door, and Bob Thunder just busted through the door. He was fighting ninjas in my hallway so how convenient it was that I let him in to make Killer Brownies with me..Here is the video if you would like to check it out...

Click here for the Video

xoxox,

LOVE

Catch up with life...

2011-06-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am very much enjoying my life of shooting How To Videos on YouTube. I am becoming quite the little entrepreneur. I now have learned Final Cut Pro, and have learned how to edit and shoot my own videos. Note to self: don't shot your own videos when dealing with sautéing onions. My whole time attending culinary school to now never have burned my self worse trying to hold the camera and cook at the same time..OPPS..

Busy times: I was asked to teach 10 adults who work at the Disney consumer Products building in Glendale. This was such an amazing experience. I had a drive on pass thank goodness which just means you roll up in your car like in the movies and my name was on the list to drive onto the lot..LOL...When I walked in it was decorated like a fairy princess and buzz and woody were there made out of legos.

The ladies said there was a color chart which the staff all put together. LOL These ladies were so fun, and I hope enjoyed my class. I taught them covering cupcakes with buttercream, tips, making your own piping bags, fondant, and everything to getting messy.

Kale Salad with Sausage and Sunflower Seeds

2011-05-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Kale is a leafy green vegetable that can help with cholesterol and for lowering-risk for cancer. Also, it is low in calories. It is a yearly leaf that can be found at most grocery stores.

So for tonights dinner I had random items of food all around the kitchen. I usually just add everything I see in sight and bam there is the meal...But today I was reading Bon Appetit, and was inspired by a recipe with Kale. I thought to myself, "I have Kale in my fridge". The recipe I read called for bacon and Leeks with Kale, and I thought, "I am so gonna make that when I have bacon and Leeks." But tonight I happen to have sausage from Trader Joes and random items like sunflower seeds, and Kale.

By the way, SunFlower Seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E.

Here is how I made it..

1 link of sausage with out the casing

1/4 onion

1 clove garlic

1/2 cup of sunflower seeds

1 tsp. smoked paprika

dash of Salt

dash of pepper

4-5 cups of chopped Kale

2-3 Tbs. Butter or olive oil

In a sauté pan, on medium heat place sausage with out its casing in the pan. The fat of the sausage or bacon will render. Place to the side after its cooked. Add onions and sauté on medium low for 3 mins, add garlic, sunflower seeds, paprika, salt and pepper. Set aside with the sausage or bacon. In the same pan add 2-3 tbs of butter, add Kale on medium heat for 3-4 mins. Add everything that was set to the side and sauté for 2 mins. Serve...

Sign of the Sandman

2011-05-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Damon and I were hired to help out on a great project. This is going to be a 3 min teaser for the book Sign of the Sandman by Tom Turner hitting shelves soon. This is an amazing book and it had me screaming while reading. Damon of course directed and I production designed. I can't give you anymore details, but sign up on their mailing list to be apart and in the know....click this

Easter in Dallas

2011-05-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

While I was in Dallas who I really wanted to see was my family. We were in Grandview, Tx. my favorite place on earth. My grandmother happens to live there as well as my aunt and uncle. My mom and Dad drove in to see us since Damon's last stop on Digi tour was Dallas so I picked him up. It turned out perfect.

This is my favorite place to sit, my grandmothers front porch where the truck drivers honk their horn at her and you think I'm kidding...

The only thing that was missing was my sister Laura...

I love these ladies! They have made me the woman I am today..

if you ever see these people give them a hi-five...the aunt and uncle

Damon at Digi Tour

2011-05-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

My husband left me for 2 1/2 weeks for work. He was a roadi for the DigiTour. He literally lived on the tour bus like a rock star with the youtube stars such as, Dave Days, De Storm, The Gregory Brothers (auto tune the news), and Brett the Intern. Thats all I'm mentioning b/c I met these people and they are totally cool. They all were very sweet and humble dudes! I'm pretty sure Damon had more fun than he thought he would of. I met up with him in Dallas to see the Show at the House of Blues. I went into to it thinking ohh youtubers, but the show was super RAD! Very well organized. When you walked in you moved toward to the stage and all the kids crowded in. There above our heads was a giant LCD TV that read hash tag #digitour on twitter and your feed would appear. So needless to say I bought into it, and so did everyone else. My cousin Jon brought his girlfriend and was saying, I love Em blah, blah...but it was silly...

if you wanna watch digi bits that the husband shot click this..

tiny bunk on the road for my 6 foot 2 man....

and the cousin got a rad shirt that he framed all signed by the Gregory brothers from the song double ranibow ...

Mary had her Baby

2011-05-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

This beauty is 8 months prego here...

My dear friend Mary has taught me how to look like her during pregnancy. One, you are what you eat. Must do as must as possible; Walking, Yoga. Eat a banana a day it helps with retaining water so you don't get swollen feet. Eat foods that make your skin stretch like Avocados, greens, and eat ding dongs when ever you feel like it...

here is proud daddy Reuben holding Molly....

Avocado Take Down

2011-04-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hey gang- This past Sunday@ at the Bootleg Theater, I entered in a contest. I have never competed with food before but couldn't pass this up. This groovy dude Matt Timms who started the chili take down is going around the country with fun food challenges. The only reason I even did this was; 1) it wasn't super competitive 2) we were supplied with 48 avocados from Mexico, and 3) his vibe was a cool dude so i knew his event would be totally chill....

I made Avocado Fries and 2 types of dipping sauces; an avocado Remoulade, and a lime chili mayo sauce... There were 20 other chefs with really cool inventive new ways to eat an avocado. Here is a few dishes; Avocado Caliente Cupcake,Avocado Cream cheese Cake, Avocado pie, Avocado ice cream, lots of sweet dishes...Even though I didn't win I had a ball doing it and met some groovy peeps...
xoxo

Take a look at who entered the competition and if you’d like to read on about the event, head over to Chili Takedown.

How to build a layered cake

2011-04-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Lovely Lady Cakes TV fans:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpHfBQTbZ7Q&feature=channel_video_title

Building a flat cake is so easy. Don't let the task scare you.
1) Be prepared to make a mess. It's just life and you can clean it up later.
2) Laugh and have fun.
3) You must be playing my motto in your head with everything you do in the kitchen and in life.
" This cake is not the boss of me, I'm the boss of this cake"

----ONE thing I left out in this video---
After your cake bakes, you let it cool, you are ready to cut it in half to start building, and you notices a huge HUMP on the top. Just take your serrated knife and cut that hump off. This will help achieve a flat cake when building. If you want you can even save the extra scrapes for cake pops another day! Recycled cake..LOL..

Enjoy, Learn, interact, and eat!
LOVE YA..xoxo

Star Wars Cake

2011-04-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have babysat the sweetest boy named Myles for 4 years now. For his 4th birthday he requested a cake that was vanilla with chocolate chips and chocolate buttercream. He has been super into Star wars comics, the clone wars, and really into Rex. So I noticed that my kitchen aid bowl looked like a helmet. So watch my video on how to make Rex's helmet!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHoNkhJ3SVw

Here are some great photos from his party!
I got some great ideas for when i have a little one...

Cade's 1st Birthday

2011-04-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

DEAR, DEAR, Friends Gary & Jessica had their son Cade's 1st b-day party! Cade calls me Aunt Anna. I love him to pieces. Well, of course I made his b-day cake, it was a 3-Teir, the flavor was super simple, vanilla confetti cake with vanilla buttercream.
The party was so fun, even though most of the children were 1 and who just crawled or just started walking so lots of face plants and bonking heads. Who knew balloons could be so fun. They had a bunch blown-up balloons and we dumped them on top of the little ones, they were so happy.
Next, Jessica's mom came out with a bubble machine and bubbles filled their home. It was great catching up with friends, eating cake, and finding as many children to lay my kisses on their sweet faces...

Happy Birthday Cade! xoxoxo

Mary & Reuben's Babyshower

2011-04-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Once again I, Anna, have volunteered to host another baby shower to celebrate dear friends Mary and Reuben bringing their little bundle of joy into the world. I love them and wouldn't of had it any other way. Of course I had lots of help with my other hosts Jessica, Jill, Reuben's sister-in-law Michelle, and Reuben's parents. It was a great time. They decided to have a Co-Ed shower which I have never done before. We kept it simple, no weird games, no embarrassing things for the guys to do. It was more of a get together with friends, sip on beer or white wine spritzers, and just enjoy everyone's presences.
Of course, I made the shower cake a 2-Tiered chocolate cake, with chocolate buttercream, and mint cookies crushed inside it. I made Reuben's favorite chocolate chip cookies, and for the favors made the IN item of 2011-cake pops.

To see my video on how to make Cake POPS click this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S8oGGmPVlQ
Decoration is my thing. I love to decorate! We had cute paper balls that looked like flowers hanging outside (Pom Poms from Martha Stewart collection). A line with clothes pins that held cute baby girl onesies, and my favorite activity to get the guest involved is a decorate a onesie table. There were fabric markers, stencils, and onesie for guests to walk up to the table and just get creative. It was a wonderful time! To end the party we had one last game called the "Guess who that baby is". I had guests bring with them a baby pic, and I taped them on paper and just had the guests try to guess which baby face looked like the people around them. Great game for everyone to get to know and chat with others...

Congratulations Mary and Reuben!

Lovely Lady Cakes Episode 2- Oysters on a Half Shell

2011-03-03T12:14:00.001-08:00

Episode 1- Oysters on a Half Shell is here!

I know, I know, why start off the 1st Episode with a savoy item when your name is Cakes. Plain and simple it was fun and interactive and thats what I'm about. The next video will be a how to, but wanted you guys to get to know me. I love cakes and sweets but also love to cook! So you will be going on this journey with me while we all Learn, Interact, and Eat...And have fun too...

Episode 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G1cCgHQF8E

next Week Episode 2-Cake Pops

Lovely Lady Cakes TV Promo

2011-02-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovely Lady Cakes fans! I have gone and done it. I have started a YouTube channel called "Lovely Lady Cakes TV"!

Here is the link to my promo video and the first Episode airs this Saturday February 26th. Thanks for watching and if you like SUBSCRIBE to the page! Thanks, xoxoxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZR9BBX6AOk

Tyra Banks new Fashion / Beauty launch

2011-02-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

Join the new web sight by Tyra Banks!
My dear friend has been working super hard putting it together and it rocks. You can log in everyday and answer beauty and fashion questions about yourself then post them if you like on your facebook page. When doing so you might even win prizes or trips.. JUST Sayen...
Thanks for the love..

http://www.typef.com/beta/share/

A Train!!!

2011-02-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

Some good ole humor brought to you, by me, all while in Grandview, Texas this Christmas with the cousins!
I'm pretty sure I'm hyped up on sugar and family LOVE!! This is also, after we got stuck at a Sonic for a good few hours. Passing the time watching YOUTUBE! This is what I learned that day on YOUTUBE...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADiB-v_8sZw&feature=related -Bed Intruder Song!

New Couch

2011-02-17T09:13:00.001-08:00

Thanks, Santa, AKA: MEME for our awesome Christmas gift. Finally, my husband and I owen our own couch. We are very thankful for our past couches, but this one is the keeper...for now at least....Big purchases stress me out. I mean you spend a ton of money and hope to god its what you see in your head that matches your decor, is kid friendly, and comfort is required...We bought it at Jennifer Convertibles after Christmas sale. I totally recommend it. We bought as an additional wee fee of 150$ for a 5 year guarantee. If blood sweat or tears, wine exct. get on it they come over and clean it...HELLO!!!

http://www.jenniferfurniture.com/

Now it's new drapes time!! I'm thinking a dark blue with a cool pattern. I'm seeing something that Tori & Dean would have in their home!

http://tori-and-dean.oxygen.com/

Friend's Babies turning 1

2011-02-16T10:46:00.001-08:00

I had the great opportunity to make our dear friends, Sandra & Florian's son, Luca's first birthday cake. They held a christening in their backyard, on their newly re-modled deck. It was such a sweet way to bless this amazing blessing from God, with their Family from switzerland, and friends. Sandra had his favorite bed time song playing as his godmother, Michelle gave him a Chinese blessing, and his Godfather, my husband Damon (gurti, in german) read an Irish Blessing. The family placed their hands on little Luca and prayed for him. All while Luca wanted to be passed between each person praying for him. It was very endearing. ~Let there be cake! We sang to him and he dug his face into his favorite chocolate cake with banana whipped cream center. In the shape of a ONE!~Next Friend, Jason & Amanda's son, Jack turn one this month! They just had a small family gathering, but wanted a huge ONE cake as well! This one is chocolate with mint buttercream. I made his favorite things out of fondant on top of the cake: his push car that he sits in while being pushed to the park, a broom, basketball hoop, and his sand box. Happy Birthday Jack! xo
~Superbowl 2010~

We gathered over at Jason & Amanda home and I brought over these yumm Football sugar cookies & a flourless chocolate cake. Their home is so fun they have the adult room, and the kid's room all queued up to the game so the OHHHHH's are at the some moment. Some how I always end up staying in the kids room..LOL
Mary & Reuben are having a baby! they came over for dinner the other night along with; Steve, Alex, Harry & Max. Mary is due in May, and so very excited for her! She help me decorated the football cookies for the superbowl game.
~Well, I'll be back soon. I have Mary's baby shower that I am hosting with Jessica & Jill, and making the cake and goodies. After that is Jessica's son, Cade's first birthday and we know it will be a huge, amazingly, fabulous, birthday party!! xoxo

Real Wedding - Christine and Chris

2011-01-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

How cool Junebug Wedding blogged about a beautiful California Wedding, whom the Bride and Groom were my clients for a Wedding Cake.
Read about it in this Junebug Wedding article.
It was so beautiful in the Malibu hills while I was setting up their cake it felt so nice with the cool Pacific breeze and gorgeous ranch they had set up very modern under the huge trees.

Her cake was Angel Food cake with Whipped Mascarpone Cheese and strawberries. Decorations were Godiva White Chocolate Balls small & large.

http://junebugweddings.com/blogs/what_junebug_loves/archive/2011/01/14/real-wedding-christine-christopher.aspx?utm_source=Real+Weddings&utm_campaign=3bc1015dd4-RW_011411_Professional_Announcement&utm_medium=email

Ladybug Cake

2010-11-16T11:25:00.001-08:00

This is the recent cake I did this past weekend.
Vanilla Cake w/ Vanilla Buttercream.
the little ladybugs are made out of fondant for the kidos to eat...

Friends Making Movies

2010-11-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

We visited the set of our good friend Alex Ranarivelo. He is shooting his second feature "Born to Race." Steve Sarno (writer) showed us around set. Huge kisses went to the hard working DP Reuben Steinberg .....here is a little of what we got to see...

Cousins Visit

2010-10-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ahh, the dear ole cousins came to visit. It was so much fun having them at my house for a change. These boys got to see Hollywood / LA in true fashion. We of course expanded their pallets for amazing food, relaxed, people watched, and star sightings. I love these boys as if they were my own flesh and blood brothers.

We did many things and I chauffeured them around, first stopping by the Jimmy Kimmel show, where they got to see 2 stars on the show: Jada Pinkett Smith & Matthew Fox.
Toured them around Hollywood, saw advanced screening of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Visited Santa Monica, got a little beach time in, the Grove, and even had a private tour of Fox studies where we were on the back-lot with Dr. House aka: Hugh Laurie, and watched dallies of Water for Elephants.
Oh and I almost forgot our amazing day at Universal Studios where my loving uncle got us front of the line passes. It was totally worth it. On the tours we got to see the new back lot from where everything had burned down. The new sets are amazing!

Front of the line pases...lol

Hello Goodbye Summer

2010-10-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Summer came and gone this season in LA. It was the most strangest summer. It was very chilly and I never made it to the beach once. It could of been that Damon & I have been super busy every weekend that we always had something planned. I literally wore my H& M light weight, white sweater everywhere I went. The few times we had to relax we would travel to Damon's parents New House in Handford, CA. It has a beautiful pool and was very nice to relax there.

And of course I took myles to the pool my favorite little man I babysit for!

Hello Lover

2010-07-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hotel Maya Long Beach- Floating Cabanas

Cinco De Mayo

2010-05-07T14:08:00.001-07:00

My husband proposed to me in Granview Tx. 3 years ago on this date. So we went around the corner to try our local new restaurant called Chego
3300 Overland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034

If you live in La, food trucks are a huge thing, and the famous chef Roy Choi, of the Kogi Korean bbq beef truck has a tiny restaurant in Palms around the corner from where I live. Instead of checking your twitter page to hunt down this yummy food truck, now you know exactly where to go. All the bowls are under $10 so very affordable as well. This new eatery focusing on Korean rice bowls, with the famous Korean BBQ beef, and topped off with a fried egg. It really was amazing, but totally spicy. Get your tums ready.

an inspired green puree Dip!

2010-05-06T10:04:00.001-07:00

Ahh, went to dinner after the screening of "Turkish women who dare". We popped over to LUNA PARK. There they brought to the table, bread and green puree dip. My culinary tongue detected parsley and garlic. Of course asked the waitress and was right. So I went home and was inspired to recreate it. Next time you have guest over make it... so easy...

1-Bunch of Parsley
1/2 garlic clove
1/4 c. Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Cuisinart Blender
baguette
Blend all together, but drizzle 1/4 of the oil while being pureed. Cut up baguette toasted or untoasted and yummm..

Turkish Women Who Dare-Documentary

2010-05-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

My friend produced this documentary film called "Voices Unveiled: Turkish Women Who Dare." It explores the clash of Islam and the West through the lives of three modern Turkish women - a dancer, an artist, and an activist – who struggle to find their own voices in a traditional world. I learned so much from how it's hard to stand up to your generation of oppressed, and it's ok to be any type of woman their hearts desire in their traditional worlds. From the simple headscarf to the body-covering niqab, this trend is apparent in countries as different as Indonesia and Iran. And while many reports have come up with this change exclusively to growing religious sentiment or to male oppression, two Turkish researchers are offering an intriguing alternative theory: Wearing the veil is an act of fashion rebellion.

There was a small village in the film that caught my eye. They were a group of women who didn't want to become just servants to their husbands so they opened what we know as a bed and breakfast. They worked together to make this business for themselves and the men were so ashamed. Even their government turned their back on them with funding, pipes for clean sewage, you name it. Yuck! they did it all themselves. But the old ways of their culture got to one of the woman. While shooting one woman got scared and something happens that I can't give away!

The artist in the film took her heritage, traditial rug desigins and researched the definition of all the elements that are on these rugs, and produced them into a more modern look. The process was amazing how she would sketch out an idea then make this giantic pattern and take it to these Turkish woman who know how to hand weave rugs with thier eyes close on their desolate farms, and just weave in the sun till they were finished. I'm talking about those crazy pattern rug with stars and what look like to me oriental designs. Now, they were reversing their minds to weave a new pattern. It was amazing and so beautiful...I want one!
~BELKIS BALPINAR
If you see it at your local Film Festival check it out!
http://www.voicesunveiled.com/

Baking and Cooking Kids Party

2010-04-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Learn, interact, and Eat!

Well, I was hired for a Birthday Party. There were eight, 8 year olds who I taught and helped kidos roll our pizza dough and bake Dairy free Cake. One of the guests was allergic to dairy. Hints the very yummy Dairy free cake. It was so much fun!

Friends intown

2010-04-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

Well, Branden and Kerri were in town from Texas this weekend. Kerri found her Wedding dress yea! We had so much fun. Branden got his sushi in the belly, and Kerri and I oggled over all of her Wedding ideas. (good stuff) fun times. Florian and Sandra came over with Luca.

The Big Reveal

2010-04-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Damon got a full time job!
No more free lance until the next movie comes around. Until then he is working on his new baby!

Easter 2010

2010-04-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

April has been a fun month so far. The first weekend my husband and I traveled to Riverside to meet his family for dinner. His dad has reserves every other weekend so we try to make it out to see them. Then the next weekend we saw them again, and it was Easter. 2 weekends in a row I got to have family around. Man i miss being so far away sometimes and missing out of loved ones. So we went to our regular church, but every Easter they have it at the Hollywood Bowl. Its so pretty and peaceful. Then we came home and Joyclyn had brought a ham with them and we had a lovely meal with them. Of course we took them to our friends home who just had a baby and oggled and googled over the new born.

CRAZY March

2010-03-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

Well, gosh it has been forever. Wow, March came and went. The 1st of this month I went to Vegas to celebrate my soon to be sister in-laws bachelorette party. It was very fun, but the most tamest Vegas I have ever been exposed to. The girls I was with were on Texas time so they went to bed early while I tried to do the most safest thing possible in Vegas and played Craps till the wee hours. I really am in love with my new sis Delia Joy and wish the best for her and Salem! See ya in May for the Wedding!
The following week I, (lovelyladycakes) had a baby shower cake and cookies for my dear friend Claire (she is on Mad Men). It was appropriately Hollywood themed . One of the crafts at the party was decorating baby one-sizes.

The following week was my Birthday, on the 21st, but my faviorite kido Myles that I babysit, his birthday is on the 20th (I guess that's why we get along). I made him a Buzz Light Year and Woody cake. We had an amazing breakfast with them and his grandparents.

Sunday, my Birthday, we went to South of the Santa Monica Pier to Big Deans, and waited for our Friend Brian, who was in the Los Angeles Marathon that started in downtown and ended in Santa Monica. I bet that was a fun run, very scenic, but painful. We all enjoyed a few beers then left to get ready to head to Mary and Reubens home in Downtown for an amazing meal Reuben prepared for us. The dinner started with a Lemon butter octopus salad, homemade pasta with Italian meatballs, and ended with some kinda eggplant Parmesan. And for dessert... well, I hate to say that I did not make my own cake. From Omaha Steak's I had a Double Chocolate Cake that my Uncle Tom mailed to me for Christmas, that was sitting in my freezer. It was the perfect time to thaw it out and eat it with great friends.
Oh did I mention how my dearest friend Lacye, her hubs, Maddox, and Gigi (Lacye's mom) were in San Diego, and I didn't even get the time to go visit her, because of all my cake orders. I'm a horrible friend. Even though we live so far away I refuse to let our friendship die. We may grow up and lives changes, but you always must take a hold of your true relationships and never let them fade...

Ah, the next week of March I recived a huge order for Lovely Lady Cakes. I was asked to provide 300 Whoopee Pies, 300 Nutter Butters, 300 Peaunt Butter Balls, and 300 Strawberry Shortcakes for Fox's 100th Episode of Bones. Well, I do love a challenge, and I have done a Rachael Ray Wedding show, and a Music Video shoot for Jo De la Rosa on the Housewives of Orange County, so of course I have to do FOX. The tasting for the FOX peeps is tomorrow. I have everything ready to go. So wish me luck. The big job is next Wednesday.

And to top it all off, my dearest friend Jessica is in the hospital tonight delivering her son - whose name is to be determined after the first glance of baby Week's face out of the womb. His nicknames that we have given him, have been Edison, McCabe, Champ, Creature, Braxton. So it's to be determined what the real name of this beautiful boy to be in a few hours..ahhh. Good luck, Jess!

Have a great week!
xoxo

Places To Be....

2010-03-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

I am not a fan of the cold by any means, but need to check out The worlds most largest hotel made out of snow and ice..
www.icehotel.com

Whow, ok another cold place such as St. Petersburg Russia.

Visit Bordeaux, France, and stay at the Regent Grand Hotel
Ahh Sydney, Australia and stay at the Intercontinental Syndey...
Bali, Indonesia
one of these places I am bound to conceive my 1st child....I dream big...

I'm with the COCO

2010-03-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed I am obbssed with Conon O'brian (aka: COCO)
On facebook there was a photoshop contest on the "I'm with Coco" fan page. These are a few of the greatest pics.

This picture below reminded me of a few years ago of some of my photoshopping skills. A friend and I (names will remain nameless), once loved to have "the Battle of Photoshop" and here are some superimposed photos of us.

Gourmet Food on Wheels-Is it here to stay?

2010-02-26T15:56:00.000-08:00

http://enjoycupcakes.com/

The new crave here in LA, is Food trucks. It all started with the Kogi BBQ Truck.
"Quality Korean barbecue meets traditional, homemade tortillas and fresh veggies to create a taste that carries the rhythms of LA street culture and exudes the warmth of all that California sun. Under the direction of Chef Roy Choi, Kogi has developed a menu that delivers high-end food at street level prices."-http://kogibbq.com/

Is it now the new trend? Last weeks Variety even states they are becoming the new trend with such high end foods such as gourmet sandwiches, hotdogs, tacos, and even the latest crave cupcakes. There are award winning Chef's setting up shop, in a truck and serving you and me on the streets of LA. When I was in Santa Barbara I went wine tasting in the tiny town of Los Olivos and even they had this amazing cupcake truck.

This crave is so infectious, I even myself sat down with a good friend yesterday talking about setting up Lovely Lady Cakes in one.

Is this one of those trends like scrunches, cupcakes, myspace, or the color nude? Is it just going to die soon, or will it stick?

Corn Beef Hash Dinner

2010-02-24T17:32:00.001-08:00

Dinner tonight!

When Father's Visit

2010-02-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

So my father came to visit, and man did he spoil Damon, and I. We ate at so many great places, and ones we have never been to. My Dad must have done his research on LA, (What's hot and what's not) because instead of us showing him around, he drove us, and showed us around...Man, I do have to say I was hugging my tums from all the over-eating. Sorry for all the pics these are for you Laura! Miss you! my sister. And THANKS DAD!
This should be my Dad's Businesses card! Hot Asian lips behind him...LOL We were at Katsuya in Brentood, Ca. best sushi!1st place we took him to is the famous Gladstones!
Century City
SkyBar at the Mondrian Hotel

The Viceroy Hotel
Yummy seafood along the Marina in Marina DelRey at the Chart House

Drinks @ Shutters
Lover Bugger-Pooka Love

Ahh, to die for Sushi-Crispy Spicy Tuna
xoxo

Happy Valentines

2010-02-13T16:06:00.001-08:00

http://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/

My hubs and I took an early Valentines dinner with my father who was in town from Texas. We had amazing sushi at Katsuya in Brentwood, Ca.
http://www.sbe.com/katsuya/

I recommend the
-Creamy Rock Shrimp-Crispy bite-size rock shrimp tossed in Chef’s spicy creamy sauce.

-Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño-Fresh yellowtail, ponzu, and jalapeño Light and refreshing.

-Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

-Seared Albacore with Garlic Soy Lemon Butter Melts in your mouth. A rich, flavorful version of traditional albacore sashimi.

And wash it down with

Katsuya Fresh- and inspired aperitif of hand crushed English cucumber kissed w/ Finlandia Vodka, sake, & freshly squeezed juice.

Thanks hubs!
xoxo

Beach Themed Baby Shower

2010-02-10T10:50:00.001-08:00

All my hard work planning my dear friend Jessica's Baby Shower finally paid off. Of course I couldn't have done it all without the lovely hosts backing me up. Thanks to the wonderful hosts Jill, Julie, Sandra, Tamela, Katie, & Gosia. We had the event in Manhattan Beach at Julie's wonderful, beautiful home. You walk out side of her home and look to your left and there is the beach. No joke I felt like I was standing outside the beach house on Weeds..LOL

One of my favorite parts was Friday night when Jessica and I went to get a mani-pedi before the shower on Saturday, and in mid massage of the feet I told her to look to her left and there was her mom, Cheryl. Cheryl, flew in from Atlanta, Ga. to surprise her. Jessica was so excited and the 1st thing out of her mouth was "You are coming back after the baby's born, right?" LOL... yes she is by the way...

My idea for the party came from www.paperandcake.bigcartel.com
The cake & cookies were of course from www.lovelyladycakes.com

Story Time

2010-01-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Internet,
First off, last night was the final episode to one of the classiest, stand up guy, comedian: Conan O'Brian. He quit his job of 7 months from The Tonight Show in such a Christian matter I hope the world sees that he was not only a comedian, but a mentor. If you didn't make it till the end, the last 10 mins of the show he gave a very real, heart felt speech, how he hates, hates, cynics, and that NBC has been his home for 20 years and all matters aside, still loves NBC. Also, my favorite is when he said being mean gets you no where so be NICE. Good bye Conan- To be Continued....
(for now)

In Lovely Lady Cakes world. On Wed the 20th. I drove to Westlake a nice 45 min drive to the Pump Station with 50 mini cupcakes. There was strawberry, and Mint. I was asked to read in the store for story time. Well, this whole week has been raining cats and dogs. So my drive was a little more difficult than usual. The cupcakes made it dry. I love, Love this store for mommies and 1st born babies. Most of them were babies lying on the floor on their little tummy's with baby toys all around them. Sooo cute. I took the back road home toward the PCH, but was winding through mountains to get to the PCH praying that there would be no mud slides. Everything went just fine thank you Lord for protecting me and my family during this crazy weather!!! xoxo

This week was my one opportunity to serve my community. That's right I was summoned to Jury Dudy. I had reservations at first. I had to drive into Hollywood again in that pouring rain. Thank goodness for GPS! When I got there is actually flew by. I arrived at 8am on time of course. We had orientation, and that lasted till 11am. Only in (LA) there were plaques on the wall that Harrison Ford and other Actors had served at that location...LOL The judge wasn't ready to see us yet so he let us go to lunch early and return @1:30. When we all got back he said well I have bad news and good news. Bad: you won't be seeing me on Monday, and the Good: you get to leave. YEAH, easy breazzzy. I wont have to do this for 1 year. Deep down inside I was actually disappointed I really wanted to go inside the court room and experience it. Oh well....

Small Groups

2010-01-18T18:39:00.001-08:00

Event for mommies

2010-01-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Well, 2 nights ago, Damon and I helped out my friend with the opening of her store, The Pump Station. This is their third store. One in Santa Monica, Hollywood, and now Westlake. Damon and I helped pour drinks to all the guests and cute mommies in their cute moby wraps and the ambassadors of the city of Westlake, Ca. The drinks were so cute they were called "It's a boy", "It's a girl", the "Pumptini", and of course the "virgin Pumptini!" They cut the ribbon and the store was officially open. All I need to say is: "I'm in love with this store and I don't even have a kid." You would hear me saying to Damon "ohh we need that high chair (STOKKE). ohh we need that..." (when we have a kid of course)

They are your one stop shop for new moms. They answer all kinds of questions and classes to breast feeding classes, mommies and me classes so new moms can find joy in each other and make friends, baby sign language, Mommy Massages, and even baby and me music classes.

Of course Lovely Lady Cakes made 300 cupcakes for the event. Another amazing woman who works there made a boobie cake that said "breast are best." I didn't take any pics of my cupcakes since I was working behind the bar...

www.pumpstation.com

Christmas Week

2009-12-31T18:36:00.001-08:00

To start off the week of fun and relaxing Christmas weekend, Damon & I went to see Avatar downtown. Mary and Reuben just bought a loft down there so they met us at the theater. Avatar in 3D: whow! I went into the movie thinking I would hate the blue people (Avatars), and to my surprise was freaking out how cool everything looked digitally. After the movie we headed to Reuben & Marys and checked out their new place - super cool. That's even where we are going in a few hours for New Years Eve!! Mike & Jill met us as well and we planned to go ice skating right by their house but instead we had a yummy sushi dinner and walked to the Standard Hotel. Lovely night with a sparkling view.

Well Christmas Eve (Christmaka) was upon us and we had a total of 8 people over for dinner. This was the 1st year ever that we were not with our immediate families. It was very sad not to be with them, but it gave us the chance to make our own traditions. Our friends Harry & Max came over and since they're Jewish, we all came up with Christmaka. But Santa didn't look at last names this year and they got presents under our tree. Mary & Reuben, and Ben & Clair joined us too. We ate every last morsel of food. It was funny, no left overs. I made some cookies un-iced and we had a little icing party after dinner.

Ahh, Christmas night. Damon and I went to Florian and Sandra's in Echo Park to have an amazing meal prepared by Florian. I held little Luca the whole time. He is just sooo cute. Sandra's parents were there helping the couple out since little Luca is only 2 weeks old so far. He even went to his 1st Christmas party with Florian the day before. The boy is already a social butterfly. This really felt like home. The house was warm from the Christmas tree lights, which also had these tiny candles that Florian had placed into the Tree. I think that is their tradition to place candles in the tree. We sang Christmas carols in Swiss- German and read Bible verses in Swiss German as well.

Well, my rollers are hot and I hear some fireworks going off (I hope that bang was fireworks). Good bye 2009 and hello a great year to 2010! The Digital Decade was good to us. It gave us the world of technology, Twitter, iphones, words like Octomom, American Idol, and green isn't a color any more. HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE people!

Disneyland at Christmas time

2009-12-16T11:12:00.001-08:00

Well, It is the happy place on earth I do believe. We went with our friends Steve, Dani, and their 2 an a half year old Myles. It was supposed to rain, but it totally cleared up for us and was a wee bit chilly, but of course the perfect temp. It sure does beat being hot and sweaty and buying $4 dollar waters in the summer. Man how cool is it to see this giant world through a little boys eyes. He was so excited when we did the buzz and woody ride, and it's great he is the perfect height for a lot of the rides. Plus, all the Christmas decorations were amazing. You really do get your bang for your buck. We watch the wicked cool parade on main street, and even stuck around for the huge fireworks show. Myles kinda thought it was a tad loud and covered his ears. We are some true Disney fans and stayed till 12 midnight.
Watch his face in this video below it's priceless.....

Cookie Parties are fun

2009-12-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

Another cookie party this month. These are getting to be so fun. This time only 5 kidos, but they were younger so much more of a mess and being very involved. Thank goodness wine was there for the adults..LOL

Holiday Ginger Bread Cookie Kido Party

2009-12-10T16:31:00.001-08:00

Lovely Lady Cakes was asked to host a cookie party this December. There were about 15 kidos and many sticky fingers. We had 2 stations. One was a rolling out dough, and using fun holiday cookie cutters to make the shapes you wanted to eat. The second was a decorating station that were pre baked cookies. Then fun icing and many sprinkles to throw on top. This was an egg, nut free party.

San Diego Film Festival

2009-11-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

Even though the Film Festival was last month it was so much fun and wanted to share some pics with you. Deadland didn't win anything, but what an honor just to be in this film festival. They are very organized and friendly staff. My favorite is the film makers lounge where they serve free Patron drinks, which who sponsored the festival. I learned how to drink tequila responsibly...
The 1st night was the opening film called "Like Dandelion Dust" with Barry Pepper and Kate Levering who is in my faviort show Drop Dead Diva. Then listen to Q& A then off to the Opening Party at the Sè Hotel

We had 2 great, pack, theaters for our screening of Deadland.
The last night Damon and I attended the 944 Actors Ball & Awards Ceremony at the Hotel Solamar. Well, I met Richard Dreyfuss, and didn't notice that the man was eating when I approached him for a chat and he was not happy b/c he had food all in his mouth. Opps! and was practically sitting in James Van Der Beek lap. He won best actor. Oh yeah we went to some of the panels the writing and actors panel and our own Gary Weeks from Deadland was in the actor panel with James Van Der Beek.
This was an ego booster. They asked Damon and I to get pics taken and it was wild, like paparazzi. Look left, look right. I think i need that while getting ready in the morning.
Thanks San Diego we love you!!!

Lovely Lady Cakes / Halloween

2009-11-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

October whow, Lovely Lady Cakes was very busy. The month started off with a baby shower cake that was cute baby blocks. I also had a Bride and Groom come into my home for a cake tasting. (those little samples above) They were picking between Lovely Lady Cakes and Rosebuds and the Bride chose me. Yea! So I just finished drawing up all my official contracts for Wedding Cakes!
Halloween night my friend John had his 40th birthday party. I created this Grateful Dead Cake for the party. This cake was so fun thanks John!
Of course Damon and I dressed up as Jon and Kate Gosling from Jon and Kate plus eight!!!

Parents Visit

2009-11-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

My mom flew out to Cali to visit this October for 7 days. It was very nice and fun to see her in my neck of the woods this time. We totally took it easy, and I showed her around. I took her to my favorite spot the Santa Monica Pier. We road the overpriced Ferris wheel, but you have to do that.
I loved this day we packed a picnic and took it to the Getty Museum. The weather was perfect and just sat in the grass and caught up and giggled overlooking beautiful LA.
Ahh great seafood in Malibu called Gladstones. The birds kept scaring me a bit.
Yea, the next weekend Damons mom and dad came to visit. They only got to stay for 2 night but it was fun to see them. Damon is showing off his Directing award behind him...LOL
fun times. We loved having you guys come back soon!!!!
xoxo

Sandra's Baby Shower

2009-10-19T18:40:00.001-07:00

Boeuf Bourguignon

2009-09-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Listening to Alexandre Desplat's wonderful score to Julie and Julia Movie while in the kitchen brought out the cook in me. This movie recently sparked inside me why I enjoy to not only bake, but love savory food as well. I do have to say though, when I was sitting in the audience of 3 weeks ago at the screening of Julie and Julia movie, I had the widest grin on my face. The theater was a whoppen 4 or 5 couples since I had waited so long to see the movie. I knew it would be my most favorite ever and it held up to my expectations. The grin from ear to ear did not sit there. Noise also, was coming out from my mouth like when you sit with close friends. I hope I didn't annoy anyone, but for sure they were doing the same. That night decided I was to make the famous Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon. Googled the reciepe..(I always google anything you don't know google.) Made my grocery list. Even travled to Ross to by a large enough stock pot that had a lid. can you believe I didn't have one. Invited friends Gary, Jessica, and Sandra. As I started with Mrs. Child's recipe I proceed to the meat and the famous words "Dry the stewing beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp." muttered through my head. Dumped the whole bottle of Red Wine in with some beef stock and brought to a boil then into the oven. So far so good, and yes the house is producing the amazing aroma they talk about in the movie. Noticing this simmering action in the oven I say to my self this is just like stew whats the big deal Julia. Carrots, onions, beef! Umm... Our friends come over we toast before dinner and Jessica and Gary announce she will not be partaking in the wine for she is pregant. Yea!!! Sandra announced about a few months ago she as well is pregant. So my girls are going to get to experience the joy of birth together. By all means I am not jealous and supper excited for them both. I can't wait to be there for them!
I lean in to take a bite of this dish I have just prepared for over 3 -4 hours and what do you know it taste just like stew. I hate stew! Damon and everyone else love it so that's all I cared about. Since I was a kid never to fond of the stew. HEHEH!! What a fun night and good memories!

Dinner on my roof.......

2009-09-11T11:49:00.001-07:00

Ahh! Last night Damon and I ate on our roof top. I made Genova Pesto Chicken Sausage Raviolo with Caesar Salad. It was so nice. Lovely night and totally reminded me of our honeymoons last night in St. Lucia. So far we have been married one year and four months whooohoo, and loven every min of it. After dinner we had a bottle of Port from Daniel Gehrs Wines, in Los Olivos, California. Where Salem proposed to Joy.

Also, a BIG Congratulations to our my friend Todd of 6 years and Damon's friend since 9th grade. He proposed to his girlfriend. Yea! We are so happy for you Todd!

Fires near and Far!

2009-08-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

My Oh My! ekkk

this is the view from my balcony!

Pray for those Fire Fighters!

Marble Falls, Tx. Trip to see the family!

2009-07-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I traveled to my moms house a few weeks ago in Austin. Saw the sister, mom, and dad it was nice to see the family. Whow, i love my Mediterranean climate because Texas was soo hot. My moms car gauge reached 125! WTF thats hot!

Friends and Family day lunch @ Dreamworks....Our friends Claire and Ben gave us the tour at Dreamworks. It was so nice, hopefully damon can work there some day. It's such a nice family atmosphere. Pool tables and foozeball tables set up outside to relax while rendering your projects...

4th of July / Gosia's Birthday

2009-07-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th ya'll! Hope everyone had a lovely one!

My 4th started off by going to the beach. We met Gary and Jessica. Whow, traffic getting to the beach was crazy, but being a native Los Angelino we parked in our sneaky lot where you don't have to pay out the hoop-la, it's free! We made our way down the Santa Monica Pier and just a word of advice take a left, South of the pier thats the cool side or where its a tad more peaceful or the "Pretty People are" An unknown source brought to my attention how we had lots of "Bridge and Tunnel" out at the beach. Look, just because it's a holiday doesn't mean you can leave your trash behind, or when you bring your dog it can just take a poop in the ocean. So after pushing our way through many many people, and passing by that cotton candy stand, we made our way to the beach. Damon and I kept the sandals on for the sand is really hot and walk about 100 feet toward the big beautiful ocean. It looked like a scene from jaws (tons of people and their umbrellas). We finally found Gary and Jessica and lay out this beautiful table cloth that acts perfectly as a beach blanket...

This week in Lovely Lady Cakes Land! I made my signature Lovely Lady Cake- Vanilla cake w/ Canolli Cream w/ Vanilla Buttercream...

I made some yummy Homemade Banana Vanilla Pudding for our BBQ @ Flo's & Sandra's

Damon my husband helped in the kitchen this week and made brownies and iced them. They were the hit of the party.

As usually another great 4th @ the Stadlers. This will have been my 6th year to attend their 4th of July parties. Sandra and Flo have these amazing Korean BBQ ribs ahhh to die for. By the end of the night we shimmy onto the roof and watch all the fireworks going off all over Los Angeles. Her house is in Echo Park right by the Dodger Stadium so you have a wonderful panoramic view of downtown and the faint lights of Santa Monica.

Hope everyone had a Lovely night and was safe!

I'm excited! Going home to texas this week I can't wait to see my family! Miss you guys...

XOXO

Fire Truck Cake!

2009-07-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yummm! Birthday Fire Truck cake. Half sheet cake vanilla cake with vanilla frosting.

Sweenie chillen on the bed..

Have a Lovely 4th of July, and if I see you this weekend I will have the sweets....

Eat Some Wedding Cake

2009-06-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to the O'Steens. It's about a month shy, oh well. On May 10, 2008 Damon and I married in Salado, Tx. Well, year one just rolled around the corner and Lovely Lady Cakes recreated the top of our Wedding cake, but this cake tasted the way good ole Lovely Lady Cakes recipe was supposed to taste... (BTW, Lovely Lady Cakes is me I'm the baker) The cake is an Italian Cream Cake with a cannoli and chocolate chip filling. DELISH! My original cake is in my mom's freezer in Texas, and we wont get to eat that till thanksgiving yummmm...

Lovely Lady Cakes will be busy this week. I am making a friends birthday cake for her 3 year old son Rowan. pics will be up soon.

Take care and I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. The June gloom needs to leave. It's summer and we are all ready for some sun.

XOXO

Silly Times!

2009-06-10T22:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is me dressed up as a cake...NOT! Lovely Lady Cakes indeed!

Lovely Lady Cakes made some fun Engagement sugar cookies for friends Ralph and Patricia

lovelyladycakes.com

During the Atlanta Film Festival, Brian Tee, Damon O'Steen, and Gary Weeks, were asked to be in the issue of Destin Magazine. They are so cute sporting the magazine...

A proposal and Family Visits

2009-05-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

May 23, 2009, my brother-in-law Salem proposed to his girlfriend Delia Joy Anderson up in the hills of Los Olivos California. It was the most romantic day with the flowers in bloom and rows and rows of young grapes growing on the vines. We drove up to a little vineyard called Firestone Winery. We grabbed lunch first, and sat outside to fill our bellies with food before the wine tasting day before us. When all of a sudden after we ate Salem asked Delia AKA: Joy, to go with him to look around. She grabbed her camera and they were off until, Salem asked her to leave it at the table. Much to her surprise she was confused for we needed her camera to document this moment she knew nothing about. Salem took her through the vineyards and while on their walk he knelt down and proposed. Damon was lurking behind cars snapping pictures. Let's just say the rest of the day was romantic and full of wine tasting.

I love this wallpaper. It was in one of the wine tasting rooms. OMG, I'm so recreating this for my house or Lovely Lady Cakes.

One of the many fun activities we had planed while Salem and Delia were in-town was take them to this awesome outdoor movie. We saw "Dazed and Confused" It was projected onto the side of a wall at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I know a little weird and scary. NO, this was the most beautiful cemetery I have ever been to. Our friends Michelle and John have been tying to get us to go with them since last year. I'm so glad we finally got to go.

Dreaming

2009-05-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

I was babysitting the other day in Brentwood. While walking i came across this beautiful home. Some day! Market-Value 2.2 Million...cough, cough,,,,

Crazy April

2009-05-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

What a crazy month! April 1st my husband and I moved. For any one who has ever moved, which I'm sure is everyone, it's so tough and takes all the strength out of ya. We moved our selves and are so fortunate to have amazing friends that helped us with the large items. Also, what amazing friends we have. We acquired a new couch from our friends Jill & Mike. We received a nice new kitchen table that has 2 leafs for dinner parties from Amanda & Jason. The most funniest part of the day is we bought a really cool fridge. We missed the part that maybe we should of measured it. If you could of only seen this. 7 men pushing and moaning and groaning to get this thing up the stairs and around a corner. Congrats men and thanks.

The next weekend of April the 18th. We were in the Atlanta Film Festival with our feature film called "Deadland". It's a love story set in a post-Apocalyptic world. What a fun weekend of fun and work all in one. My favorite part was staying at my friend Jessica's mom, Cheryl's house. I was pooped the night we got in from that 4 1/2 hr flight, but the boys Damon, Gary , and Brian had to go to the open gala. So Emily-Grace, Harry, Max, and I stayed at the house and somehow ended up staying up late playing Aggravation and Clue. The next day we had to pick up some of the cast from the airport and even my old friend, "Guy," from Lubbock who now lives in Florida drove out to the screening. Atlanta was fun and I ate a lot of Mellow Mushroom (which is a pizza joint). We had two screenings, sat night-great time, and sold out 250 seats, and Monday day. To end this trip, yes, I totally bought "Twilight" on the plane and really enjoyed it.

So 2 days back home, then back to work again, but with festival stuff. I love it! It's fun to see my husband do what he loves! We made it into the Newport Beach Film Festival. Its only an hour away. I love Newport Beach, and what amazing day it was. The sky was a lovely bright blue with a cool breeze. My favorite part of California is my motto, "you can never be to dressed up". Jessica and I got all dolled up and were able to attend one of the festival festivities party. Now if you know our husbands, they are frugal. Whats wrong with that? Right? So we park are own car up a hill behind the party. As we are getting out we see valet guys running fast doing their job of valeting cars. So we proceed to the party and realize we have to shimmy through some bushes and a steep hill. What a sight for sore eyes: hot girls in like 4 inch hills, scurring down the side of a hill. We get to the bottom and the valet guy says, "Valet is free" uggg!!! We totally laugh. Since my husband and Jessica's husband are there with a film they receive festival passes so they can get into the parties for free which some of these tickets are 250 dollars, but of course if you sleep with the filmmakers you get in wink wink... So we walk in and who is spinning the music, DJ Mom Jeans. If you don't know who that is because I wouldn't of known it's the guy from that 70's show, Hyde,Danny Masterson . Let me tell you if your a fan sorry but he sucked, I'm sure he knew it to. Love ya though! Night of the screening of Deadland was another successful sold out. I even saw the guy on"Fringe" John Noble and the guy from the "Entourage" (can't remember his name but with the dark hair).

The next morning we took it easy and laid out by the pool had lots of mimosas. We packed up, loaded the car, then went to see another film called "Knuckle Draggers", which I also acted in. Great turn out for them also, it sold out. I met Ross McCall from band of brothers and Danielle Nicolet from my favorite show "The Starter Wife". Good times. We had to leave right after the film because our little winner dog Sweenie was in the boarding place and poor girl had been in there for like a week and a half.
I would say this craziness is over and I laid on the couch for the rest of this month, but the next weekend I had a cake order. I made a 2-tiered cake red velvet, and 35 robot cookies. They turned out great. We had dinner at Marix, this cute little Mexican restaurant along the PCH and then walked over to the birthday party where it was 80's night and yes, Jessica and I had dance party. So to say it wasn't until Sunday May 2nd was the 1st time in a long time to just relax on the couch with the hubs. After church of course.

Here are some Reviews
http://filmthreat.com/index.php?section=reviews&Id=11696
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/17848/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqO2TqDb4hY
XOXO

2009-04-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogger World,

Welcome to Anna's World, yes, you could say its like Elmo's World. (I have been baby-sitting a lot these days.) Instead of the alphabet and the number of the day this Anna's World will be full of inappropriateness and the love of whatever, whenever... For so long i have been wanting to join in the fun. I have sat within so many conversations with friends, actors, family, church, enemies (bad people) that within these groups i have listened to amazing topics, stories, and ideas i hear everyday in Hollywood. I would say to myself if only i had a blog i would write about what i am hearing and learning. So here i am world. Welcome to my fun blog.