It’s been a busy week and my apologies for only posting twice.  Track practice, football practice, meetings, writing my book, and Nate’s music program kept us running nonstop.

But I’m ready to share some Fun Friday Favorites.  You are going to LOVE this amazing recipe I’m about to share.  And the spring fashion I’m highlighting is all from Target, making it an easy one-stop-shopping experience.  AND I’ll share about some sweet family moments and a few of my favorite books by my favorite author.  Drum roll please…..

 

1.  Surprise Cake (Coconut Cake) –

Remember when I wrote about my Dinner Club friends and how we used to have monthly get togethers? (Dinner Club friends)  Well.  When we first began having our monthly dinner club, Julie brought the most amazing dessert to share…Surprise Cake.  You all.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this and EVERY SINGLE TIME, people beg for the recipe.  When she brought the dessert and told us what was in it, I was skeptical.  I’m not a big coconut fan, but she promised me that if I just tried it…I’d like it.  AND OH MY WORD.  So, you can call it Surprise Cake or Coconut Cake.  Whatever you call it, just know that this dessert is so moist and decadent and so easy to make.

Surprise Cake (or Coconut Cake)

1 yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist cake mix works best)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 can cream of coconut (it’s nonalcoholic, located usually in liquor section of grocery store)

8 oz. Cool Whip

7 oz. package coconut

Bake cake as directed in a 9 x 13 pan.  When cake is done, YET STILL HOT, make holes all over it with a fork.  Pour sweetened condensed milk all over cake, smoothing it into the cake with the back of a spoon.  Next, pour cream of coconut over cake and smooth it into the cake with back of spoon.  Let cake cool completely.  Spread Cool Whip over the cake, then sprinkle with coconut.  Keep refrigerated.  Enjoy!

 

2.  Target’s Merona Crewneck Favorite cardigan –

The boys and I were in Target last Saturday and I saw this cardigan.  I love the color and purchased it.  (I’m trying to add more color to my wardrobe, instead of the usual grey or black or white.)  I think it’ll look great with white skinny jeans.

 

3.  Target’s Merona Crewneck Favorite cardigan –

Ok.  Confession.  I bought the grey cardigan, also.  Shocking, I know.  In my defense, Target was having a “Buy one get one 50% off” sale, so I was basically making money on this purchase.  Aw, whatever man.  Anyway.  I love the grey and I’ve already worn it this week with a white tee underneath it.  This sweater is such a nice weight for spring and summer.

 

4.  Target’s Merona Cocoon Open cardigan –

Well, I saw this color and in some weird turn of events, it made it into my cart.  I don’t know what to say.  But I wore it yesterday with cuffed jeans, leopard ballet flats by Lucky, and turquoise earrings and bracelets and I love it.  This sweater would look great with white jeans, too.

 

5.  Nate’s 4th grade music program –

Yesterday, Nate had his 4th grade music program (one in the afternoon and one in the evening).  I can’t believe he is finishing up fourth grade and this is his last year in the elementary K-4 building.  Where has the time gone??  Just yesterday, I was toting him around on my hip.

Nate did a great job in the program.  He truly enjoyed it and he’s come a long ways from the preschool programs where he used to yawn during the ENTIRE music program.  Hahaha 🙂

 

6.  Maxim’s note to our Elf on the Shelf elves –

The other night, I had a meeting at church and this is what Maxim did while I was gone.  He wrote a note to our elves Elfie and Peppermint Patty (yes, we have two elves…a boy and a girl elf).  He must really be missing Elfie and Peppermint Patty.  I love that he left Elfie’s bomber jacket out for Elfie…just in case Elfie was missing it.

 

7.  Nobody’s Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle –

You MUST get this book!  Melanie Shankle is one of my FAVORITE authors and you will love this book.  She is so hilarious and tenderhearted as she writes about the friendships she has been blessed with over the years.  The book was just released on Tuesday and I went to Family Christian Bookstores on Wednesday to purchase it.  I’m almost half way through the book and I absolutely LOVE IT!  You can purchase her book at Wal-Mart, on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or your local Christian bookstore.

Then, when you’ve read Nobody’s Cuter Than You, you can purchase Melanie’s other two books.  I’m sure you will love them as much as I have.

 

A wide variety of Fun Friday Favorites today, I know.  As you reminisce on your own family moments, maybe you can bake that yummy cake.  You’ll thank me for sharing the recipe that my dear friend, Julie, shared with me so many years ago.  Then, while you enjoy eating your Surprise Cake in your new Target cardigan, you can laugh while you read Melanie’s latest book.  I can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend!