FROM SCRATCH- NOT A BOX!

This chocolate cake is a family favorite...and even more important it's egg-less! Our little granddaughter has a egg allergy and so everything MUST be made without the little chicken delights.

But you don't have to give up wonderful old fashion chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.

Even though I stress a low sugar/refined flour diet every now and then you just get the craving for something that takes us back to the way things were at Grandma's house.
There is nothing wrong with that as long as your stomach can handle it! However there are ways to make it closer to your natural/organic foods diet...I am actually going to try making this in with whole wheat pastry flour and stevia the next time...but the one baking right now in the over is just a simple cake to bring back the memories and my son asked for it last night! :)



Here is the basic recipe...I suggest you try "tweeking" it to your liking...

Sift together:
3 cups unbleached flour
2 cups sugar
6 tbls dry cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Add and beat for 2 minutes with dry ingredents:
2/3 cup veg. oil
2 tbls vinegar
2 cups cold water

Pour into a greased 9x12 inch pan
Bake on 350 for 35-40 minutes

ENJOY!

MONDAY MUSE AND CELEBRATION

Today is a day that a few months ago we just didn't think we would be celebrating. Our little lady Kelsie is 6 years old. I know some will think it's crazy to get so excited for a pet's birthday,but we are!

In July right after our daughter's wedding I took Kelsie to the vet because I had noticed a little "hack" after she would drink water. They got her right in that day and I waited and I waited and I waited...finally late in the afternoon one of the vet techs called and the Dr. needed to talk to me right away...so this was the first red flag. Upon arriving at the vet's office Amy took me into a room...the second red flag. Dr Miller comes in and with a look I will never forget,the third red flag....sits down and says "Kelsie is very sick". At this point I knew the red flags were coming together. He took me to the back where he showed me a normal x-ray and then showed me Kelsie's. I was shocked at what I saw...and I know nothing about reading x-rays. Her tiny little lungs were FULL of fluid! It was hard to see her heart...and I knew my precious little lady was on bought time. I looked at Dr Miller and asked him "What are you telling me" his answer is what I had feared....1 to 2 months. At this point I pretty much lost it...but he was so understanding and compassionate it did calm me down ...a little.

My reaction was,"well we will do what it takes!" He said "I knew you would" He explained to us that more tests were needed to pin point just why her protein levels are "deathly" low. To make a long painful story shorter I will jump to our decision.

Several trips to Orchard Park Vet Hospital near Buffalo Ny where they have specialists, and is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen! Expensive? Yes, Worth it? OH MY YES! After 2 stays in the hospital Kelsie was stable enough to do a biopsy on her liver and intestines. Dr Hedges confirmed what Dr Miller had thought...Lymphangiectasia (a name bigger than most of the dogs that get it!) They started her on meds and a special diet and so far she is one that is responding wonderfully to the treatment.

Last week I had her in for her checkup, we are down to once a month and not weekly, and I said to Dr Miller "I guess I am expecting a miracle" he said "YOUR GETTING ONE!"

So you see this is the short version of why today is so special to me...I still have my little lady...even though I know not what tomorrow will bring I thank God for our little miracle of being able to celebrate her birthday.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE KELSIE!

COMING SOON!

I am so excited with the progress we are making...things are falling into place for BOTANICO&COMPANY to start offering FRESH bouquets and other goodies on line! The pieces are coming together, we are starting a website, have wholesalers lined up and the biggest piece was coming up with a shipping container...I am meeting next week to approve a design and start tweaking it to insure your wedding package or celebration flowers arrive in perfect condition.

Stay tuned for updates...and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us for your future wedding or celebration!

MONDAY MUSE

I really would like you to take time to Muse what you could use this wonderful Topper for! So many creative ideas come to mind...starting with a beautiful cake topper for your wedding cake or for that special event like a bridal,baby shower.

Put it on a elegant candle stick and you have a instant beautiful topiary style centerpiece. Placed in a vintage bowl or dish and it is perfect for your home design needs. The list could go on and on!

If you have something in mind and like this style I can make enough for your decorating needs. If you have questions please contact me with your questions.
You can find more information in my Etsy shop.

Happy Monday Musing!

CALLA LILY BOUQUET

Always a Bride favorite...the simple but elegant bloom of the Calla Lily is always in style and always beautiful.

These lilies have the look and feel of being real! I had to do a double take and I've been working with fresh for years and years! But no worries about these white blooms turning brown or wilting by the end of your celebration...that is a huge plus!

For complete details on this bouquet head over to my Etsy shop, and if you have further questions please
convo me. I love working with brides :)

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

A STONE MANSION WEDDING

In July this beautiful historic house,Stone Mansion, in Fairfax Co. Va will the the setting for a wonderful celebration...a wedding!
Our daughter will be getting married in the courtyard weather permitting that is.
We have started planning the decorations for both inside and out and I must say it will be a simple elegant affair!
I will be posting the progress for you to see... :)

WEDDING PACKAGES

Just a little note to let you know that at Botanico & Company we offer complete wedding floral packages. If you want 1 or 10 bridesmaid bouquet or just a bout for the groom we will work out a wonderful package for you. Keep in mind you are not limited to the styles and flowers offered in my shop, however a complete package will take some time to complete...please allow anywhere from 1 week to 6 weeks depending on the amount of work involved. We also offer wedding decor,centerpieces,wreaths,favors etc. and don't forget the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner.
Botanico & Company can take care of most of your needs...we take pride in "the willing to work together" with our clients. If you have an idea and don't know how to go about getting to the end result, please feel free to ask us!

In the future we will be posting some DIY information, celebration ideas, home decor tips, gardening, food, and whatever else we can think of!

Please check back and see what we have up our sleeves!

Have a wonderful day!