lots to discuss [extra long post ahead]

I hope I didn't scare any of you off with my spicy post! C mentioned to me that I didn't say if I enjoyed Jitlada or not, and needed to do so. Sorry, C! YES, I loved Jitlada! The food was amazing [albiet spicy] and I definitely want to go back!

---------------------------------------

So my week has been consumed with a whole lot of Tour de France. I'm serious! I've been recording the stages and watching them when I get home from work! I feel so bad for Lance! It's one thing to be older and not win because of lack of ability to compete with the younger cyclists, but it's totally different when you are knocked out because of bad luck. And he sure did have a lot of it in Stage 8. I have high hopes for Andy Schleck to win and Levi Leipheimer to at least get on the podium.

Are any of you watching the tour?

---------------------------------------

I made a homemade cake last weekend and it was delicious! I wanted to share the recipe because it is perfect for any chocolate lover. I don't enjoy many chocolate desserts, but this one really had me contemplating seconds [and maybe thirds, too]! I found the recipe on the back of a Hershey's cocoa powder container. It was super simple and you probably have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your house already.

The recipe makes a two-layer round cake, but I decided to cut each of my layers in half so I ended up with a four-layer cake. Unfortunately, the frosting recipe only makes enough for the original two-layer cake so if you are going to add the extra layers, I'd recommend making extra frosting as well.

You can click here for the cake and frosting recipe!

---------------------------------------

Thank you to the lovely Ashley over at Sweet Southern Prep for giving me the "You're Going Places" Award! I need to share where I think I will be in 10 years and then pass the award on to ten bloggers.

I honestly have no idea where I will be in ten years. I hope to be in a different career, doing something I enjoy and have a passion for. It could be party planning or baking specialty cupcakes. I just know I don't want to be in an office for the rest of my life, being controlled by corporate policies. I hope to be married, possibly with children. Or at least a dog!

I don't know who has received this award already! Sorry if I award anyone twice...you're just extra loved :) Desperately Seeking Seersucker, A Daily Dose of Davis, Chic & Pink, Inner Workings of a Real-Life Barbie Doll, Handbag Obsessed, Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Journey, Polish and Pearls, Nautical by Nature, Powderpuffs N Pearls {private blogger}, and Sweet Simplicity.

---------------------------------------

And lastly, I'll share a few pictures with you from 4th of July in Las Vegas. I never did a vacation recap so I'll let these pictures speak for themselves!

---------------------------------------

Sorry for this extra long post. I hope that at least some of you made it to the end!