So…the husband bought me a diamond ring for my birthday.
The joker! Who wants a diamond ring?!
Apparently, when I mentioned a friend getting a diamond ring recently, he thought I was giving him a hint.
Men! Don’t they ever learn?
My hints will never, ever, be that obvious!
Anyway, the diamond ring has been returned, and now I’m looking at possibly a MacBook. Or a MacBook Air. Or a MacBook Pro. It’s a hard decision to make.
And it will be my first laptop ever! Isn’t that exciting?
But that’s less important, actually. The more important thing is that…
I ran out of co-hosts! What I mean is that I don’t have any co-host lined up for this week. Or the week after. And the week after. And the week after…
So, I think some of you should volunteer. ‘Coz this party ain’t one-person-job type of party. And I highly encourage those of you who haven’t co-hosted before to please throw your hat in the ring. I’d love to see more of you getting involved.
So, this week we’re voting. Which means all of you are acting co-hosts, and must… I repeat… must visit each other. ‘Coz how else would you know which posts to vote for unless you view all of them? Huh, huh?!
Last week’s outstanding posts are:
Chocolate Blackberry Elegantly Gothic Halloween Cake from Hannah @ Domestic Gothess
“My mouth literally dropped open when I saw such a fantastic looking cake! The colour alone is cause to fall instantly in love, and that was before I even realized that it has chocolate AND blackberries! I love it. I love it. I love it!” — Indira
“There are cakes and then THERE ARE CAKES! This is a “THERE ARE CAKES!” cake! This is obviously on a whole different level. Astounding is the word!” — Angie
Mesquite Flour Sourdough Bread With Raisins from Gerard @ Bread and Tortillas
“[This] sparked my interest because of two words, sourdough and mesquite. Sourdough because I was gifted with some of Selma’s starter Twinkle and I love to see it’s magic in recipes. Mesquite because I have never heard of this flour. Google searches said this special flour comes from the pods of a mesquite tree and has a sweet, earthy taste with notes of cinnamon, molasses and caramel. Sounds delicious to me and I bet it added some great flavor to Gerard’s bread. I cannot wait to make this!” — Judi
“I’ve been experimenting with sourdough myself. Yes, with Selma’s Twinkle! I’m up to bread #8 at this point. I can honestly say I’m producing better bread, but nothing like Gerard’s bread, of course. That bread…with mesquite flour…and raisins…wow! I’m with Judi on this; it sounds so yum!”– Angie
Apple Sangria from Natalie @ Kitchen, uncorked
“I literally just want to stick a straw in this and drink until it’s done. I love the ingredients (sage!) and the white wine twist in this sangria. I’ve only ever had sangria with red wine so this drink feels like a revelation. Plus, since I’m a beer gal, I love the fact that this is a drink that will not only make up for not having beer, but is also classy enough to have when you’re with the judgmental members of your family!” — Indira
October – Parmesan Rinds from Liz @ Spades, Spatulas and Spoons
“Liz shared some great ideas on what to do with those rinds from Parmigiano-Reggiano. No, do not throw them out! Put them in soups, stews, sauces and the like. How about Parmesan Oil or Parmesan Broth?Everyone should know about this post as we all hate to waste food, especially when something is expensive. I keep mine refrigerated and always have on hand a Parmesan rind to add to a recipe. It’s a good thing!” — Judi
***
Now, let’s party! Join Fiesta Friday #92 by adding your link. If you’re new to Fiesta Friday, please read the guidelines.
Don’t forget to come back on Tuesday to vote for your favorite links!
[inlinkz_linkup id=577291 mode=1]
Kaila says
I can do next Friday! But, I can’t wait to check out everyone’s posts this week! Good luck picking out your first laptop. That’s so exciting. And, I loved all the features, but Domestic Gothess’ Chocolate Blackberry Elegantly Gothic Halloween Cake simply blew me away last week!
Angie says
Ok, you’re up for next week, thanks! That’s some cake, isn’t it? I would have a hard time eating it, it looks so stunning!
nimmiafzal says
so all the best for your first ever laptop..happy FF#92..
Angie says
Thanks, Nimmi. Any advice on what to look out for?
nimmiafzal says
very confusing question!! my vote is for either macbook air or pro!!!! 🙂
Angie says
I’m leaning toward the pro myself, seems more functional 🙂
nimmiafzal says
Oh woww!! Good Good ??☺️
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
Good choices Angie for this week! I know you need the co-hosts and I am always happy to be one. It’s the least any of us can do to “thank you” for all the work you have done and to show our appreciation 🙂 Happy Halloween!
Angie says
Aaw…that’s so sweet of you! You are on my “perpetual list” 🙂 I’m hoping, though, that we can spread the work around more fairly. I feel that Fiesta Friday is not really mine 100%. I’m just an administrator, that’s how I see it 🙂
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
You’re so right – anyways I enjoy co-hosting. It’s a lot of fun looking in depth at the posts but hard to choose 4 or 5 when there are always so many good ones 🙂
Angie says
I know exactly what you’re saying!! That was probably the #1 reason why I decided to have co-hosts. So they can help select features. 🙂
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
🙂
Food Daydreaming says
Did you have a nice birthday, Miss Angie?? Be wary with the airs, they get very hot, something to think about if you think you might actually be using the laptop on your lap! Lovely features this week, love that cake!
Angie says
That’s so good to know!! Thanks for letting me know. At this point, I’m leaning toward the Pro. I think it’s more functional. I had a wonderful birthday! Lots of love from everyone! 🙂
Jhuls says
The laptop hunt sounds exciting, Angie! Yay! 😀
And another exciting news – we are all co-hosts and going to select our faves for this week’s FF. You know that I am just email away if you’d like me to co-host – you know I always love to be one of the co-hosts. 😉
Happy FF, Angie! Enjoy your weekend!
Angie says
Would you like to co-host next week, then, with Kaila? I would appreciate it very much 🙂
Jhuls says
Sure, sure!!! Second time for me and Kaila together! Yay! 😀
Angie says
Second time? I think it’s a great pairing! Thanks, Jhuls! XOXO
Jhuls says
It’s always a pleasure, dear Angie! 🙂 xx
Quinn Caudill says
Good luck with the new laptop hunt. I need to get a faster one myself. Have a great weekend. Happy FF!
Angie says
Thanks, Quinn! I have a pretty sleek 27 in iMac, but my problem is I can’t just sit on one spot for a long period of time. I need something portable to move around with me and iPad just doesn’t cut it anymore. We are all very spoiled, aren’t we? Never satisfied with what we have! 🙂
Suchitra says
I totally feel you Angie! That’s husbands.. A useful functional gift is something I would rather have than a diamond which ends up being in the locker! Happy FF. Will circulate and check out the posts.
Angie says
Haha…I couldn’t have said it any better! At this point of my life, I really prefer those gifts that I will actually use! 🙂
carolinescookingblog says
Happy laptop hunting! I bet once you have one you’ll never look back 🙂 At least this way you’ll get something I am sure you’ll be really happy with for your birthday – my husband and I have kind of given up even bothering with birthday presents for each other (I did make him a cake this year, funnily enough that gesture wasn’t returned) so you are doing better than us! I can host again at some point but not immediately as we are a bit busy being away and then having my parents visit…maybe in December? I know it’s far off but it will come soon enough I’m sure!
Angie says
Most of the time really we give each other simple gifts. And my husband would never, ever make me a cake! I’m not even sure he knows what goes into one, lol! I used to make pretty elaborate cakes for the kids, but nowadays we just buy. I suppose one of these days I should resurrect my cake-making tools. They’re collecting dust in the basement 🙂 I’ll put you down for December, thanks!
Anna International says
Happy Birthday Angie!! New laptop – how exciting!
I am coming to party this week yet again without having made anything – we’re knee deep in bathroom renos and food right now is functional, not experimental or beautiful 🙁 Too busy and tired for anything else! But I brought my DIY lessons, just in case anyone is thinking of doing their own home renovations! Maybe it’ll help!
Would also love to co-host but the next couple of months is crazy with work for me, but can you pencil me in for January time? x
Angie says
Got it, January! I appreciate DIY lessons very much. I’m actually shopping for bathroom reno ideas at the moment. There are leaks that need to be repaired and while at it, we might as well renovate 🙂
Anna International says
That’s exactly what we are doing! I am currently in my ‘office’ in the dining room, because my old office is about to become a bathroom, sharing space with a bathtub, taos, shower bit’s, a toilet, tiles, a sink vanity unit…? It feels a little ‘plumber’s warehouse’ atm but we are hoping to pull down and rebuild the walls over the weekend and get some floor down so we can move some of this stuff in! Can’t wait til it is done – the country cottage bathroom of my dreams! ? Best of luck with yours! X
Angie says
And you with yours!
Cris says
Hoping you had a wonderful birthday Angie!…ahahah what kind of funny thoughts do have men sometimes? ;D
Angie says
I did, Cris! Everybody showed me love. The kids even rubbed my shoulders 🙂 Men are definitely hilarious! 😀
eclecticoddsnsods says
wow, ok so I nearly fainted when I saw that cake, how amazing is it? But I did actually faint when yo usaid you returned a diamond ring, omggggggggggg, omgggggggggggggggg did I say that loud enough? lol..are you craaaaazy..diamonds are a girls best after all. But most of all, I am completely bewildered, if you have not had a laptop before, how on earth are you creating these amazing posts and hosting this amazing website…..faints twice! haha xx
Angie says
I don’t know. I guess I don’t get overly excited over diamonds. I have several heirlooms handed down to me, and I have a few from the husband and I feel they’re enough for me. Plus I make my own jewelry. Yup, that’s my secret skill! Now you know! 😀 It baffles me myself that I can blog, since I can’t even turn on a computer sometimes, haha… No, I have an iMac and an iPad, just not a laptop.
eclecticoddsnsods says
Heirlooms are lovely because of the added history.
You make your own jewellery? Wow I must see please I am a jewellery and chocolate addict. What kind?
Did you decide what to get in the end? X
Angie says
I posted some pictures before:
https://thenovicegardener.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/about-my-about-page/ but I haven’t made new ones in a long time. I like chunkier pieces these days. I’m getting the MacBook Pro. It’s more functional I think.
eclecticoddsnsods says
oh totally missed this you make some really lovely pieces, very clever, where do you sell them? x
Angie says
I don’t. I did sell a few but I found it hard to price. Each piece took so much time to make. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, ahem… Now I mostly just give what I make as presents or to wear myself 🙂
eclecticoddsnsods says
now I thought I replied to this, but looks like I didnt, bleh. Your jewellery looks amazing, you are so so talented….x
Angie says
Aaw…thanks! XOXO
Sarah 'n Spice says
I’m such a nerd, I would rather have a laptop over the ring any day 😀 Love the great tips with Parmesan rinds! Hope you had a fabulous birthday and Happy FF!
Angie says
Me, too, Sarah! I know I’ll get more use out of a laptop than a diamond 🙂 I had a wonderful birthday, thanks so much! Have a great weekend and Happy Halloween! XOXO
skd says
OMG!!!!!!! You returned a’ Diamond ring’. A diamond ring of all things. Ok that was your choice anyways.Happy Birthday to you Angie!!! But still……it was a diamond ring for god’s sake….boo hoo 🙁
Hands up for co-hosting your amazing party .
…..ouch…it still hurts…
Angie says
Hahaha… I feel your pain! My sister would have said the same thing. My mom, too. They LOVE diamonds!! Me? Not so much. I mean, I wear them, but they’re not essential to me. I do love jewelry, and actually make my own, just not crazy about some small stones that cost so much. Now if they were huge, I’d keep them, LOL!
Liz says
Wow Angie, thank you! And I am happy to volunteer to co-host again. It was an amazing group of posts last Friday, I’m honored to be chosen.
Angie says
Your post is very helpful and useful. We love that! Thanks for offering to co-host again. Just name me the week, and I’ll put you down. XOXO
Natalie Browne says
Thanks so much for featuring my post this week, Angie! With so many delicious looking creations, I honestly don’t know how you manage to narrow it down to just a few. Good luck with your laptop search and happy FF!
Angie says
Selecting features is THE hardest part of hosting FF! I actually have to think, lol! I would love for you to try co-hosting, Natalie. Keep it in mind and let me know if you feel up to it. Happy FF to you, too! XOXO
Loretta says
I would probably do the same too Angie (return the diamond ring in favor of a sleek laptop). Happy belated birthday and best of luck in your search. We’ve traveled so much this year, and I’ve just returned from seeing my Mom and family in the UK. But I’m here to stay now….. I’ve prepared a post for today, but not so sure that it has anything to do with food, so I didn’t add it to the FF party. I’m happy to co-host too, perhaps the Friday before Thanksgiving? I do hope you get some additional volunteers, you’re right, it is good to share the load and the least we can do is help out.
Angie says
Friday before Thanksgiving sounds great, I’ll put you down, thanks! But we love hearing stories, too, maybe about your travels, etc. It doesn’t have to be about food only. I personally also enjoy garden posts. I’m TheNoviceGardener, after all 🙂 I’m hoping to get the laptop soon, Loretta. I’m so excited! XOXO
Loretta says
OK done Angie, I’ve linked up, even though it is not food related. But I’m passionate about what I’ve just blogged about, so I hope you enjoy it, as will the readers. My blog does cover, travel, gardening and food. I’m excited for you too, I hope you get the laptop you deserve. 🙂
Angie says
Thanks! I’m sure everybody would love it. If it’s something you’re passionate about, it will be well-received. I’ll mosey over in a minute 🙂
Mr Fitz says
Gotta be. MacBook Air in gold.. I want the gold one. I have the silver one.. I want the gold one ( did I mention that already?).. ?
Angie says
What?! You want TWO of them?! And I don’t even have one! The gold one does look pretty sleek, I have to say. My iPad is gold, so it’d be nice to have a matching laptop. I’m looking into the Pro, though. Seems more functional, but it is heavier. We’ll see 🙂
Sadhna Grover says
Hi Angie, thanks for the lovely party, I have linked my Halloween recipe of Pumpkin Halwa.
Angie says
Thanks, Sadhna! Pumpkin Halwa sounds very interesting! I’m actually not sure if I’ve had halwa before. I’m guessing I have, just can’t remember. 🙂
The Kiwi Fruit says
I think I would return the ring too, a laptop is just more practical 🙂 I have been thinking of volunteering to co-host the past few weeks and I guess now is a good time to give it a go, but I have no idea what I am doing?? 🙂
Angie says
Exactly my point! I mean, I appreciate the gesture, of course. Just can’t use a ring for much, that’s all 🙂 Co-hosting is pretty easy, just a lot of work. Tell me what week is good for you, and I’ll send you the co-hosting guidelines.
The Kiwi Fruit says
I can do next week, or the week after. Which ever you need people for. I have no more holiday for another 5 weeks so will have time to concentrate on other fun things like this 🙂
Angie says
I’ll put you down for the week after, FF94. I’m hoping Johanne will agree to co-host with you. I’ll let you know. Thanks!
The Kiwi Fruit says
ok cool, just let me know what ever suits 🙂 xx
milkandbun says
Happy Birthday to you dearest Angie! I wish I could get both diamond ring and MacBook for my birthday! 😀 hahahaha Definitely I would prefer Mac over ring too! 🙂 Whatever Mac you will choose, it’s gonna be the great PC anyway.. Good luck with decision!
Angie says
No, I would rather get TWO laptops, haha… Just like Mr Fitz (see his comment above). I think I’m leaning toward MacBook Pro right now, but then I can change my mind tomorrow, lol! 😀
milkandbun says
It’s obvious why Mr Fitz doesn’t need a ring! 😀 but two laptops.. hm why not? 😉
Ginger says
Happy Birthday, belatedly – what a wonderful husband you have, Angie (but I agree with you. MacBook Air would be my weapon of choice, though, because it’s so light and thin and it feels gorgeous)!
I’m up to my eyeballs at the moment with new work, visitors and faily but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I promise!
Angie says
He can be wonderful, but not always. It’s the nature of the beast, I guess 🙂 Just like I’m sure he thinks I can be quite a witch, lol! New work sounds exciting! Don’t worry about FF for now. You get used to your new schedule first; that’s more important! Thanks for the birthday wish, Steffi! XOXO
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
Happy FF Angie and Happy belated birthday! I have a Macbook Pro and I just love it.
Angie says
Thanks, Julie! I’m almost sure now that I’ll get the MacBook Pro, since you recommend it 🙂
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
I am not a techie girl Angie, but I have definitely turned into an Apple product girl. The reason I got the MacBook Pro is because I wanted the DVD drive. The Air doesn’t have that but you can get an external one to hook up to it if you want. It is lighter too. I’m sure if you walk into Apple, they can definitely help you get what is right for you. Happy Halloween Angie! Enjoy your weekend.
Angie says
The Air also doesn’t have an SD card slot. So the Pro it is! I was hoping to go to the store today but I’m still exhausted from last night. So many kids! I gave out hundreds pieces of candy! 🙂
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
We didn’t even get our first child until 7 p.m.! They must have all gone to your house! Definitely need an SD card slot!
Gather and Graze says
Belated Happy Birthday dear Angie… hope you had a wonderful day!
We have an earlier model MacBook Pro and love it. Pretty much all my blogging is done on this, rather than the iMac – easy to move around with it and take it on the go.
Oh and that’s one amazing cake for Halloween. Happy Halloween! 🙂
Angie says
Thank you so much, Margot! I have a feeling I’ll be more productive once I have the laptop, at least I hope so. And I think I’ll definitely get the MacBook Pro now that I know you, too, use it 🙂 The iMac is nice but mine sits in the den, so far from all the actions, i.e., the cooking that goes on in the kitchen. Happy Halloween to you, too! I had my hair streaked white today. So fun! 😀
Gerard Villanueva says
Happy Birthday Angie! I hope you had (are having) a fun one. It runs right into Halloween doesn’t it? Lucky you to have to make a hard decision about a new laptop!
Thank you very much for the recognition!
Angie says
Thanks, Gerard! It was last weekend, actually, but hey I’m still picking out my present so the celebration continues 😀 And now that you’ve mentioned it, it IS a nice problem to have. I know I’m very lucky! If I ever find mesquite flour, I will definitely try your bread. Probably have to order it online since I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in the stores around here.
Johanne Lamarche says
Happy Belated Birthday Angie! I smiled knowingly when reading your diamond ring story. My husband likes to say he’s the only guy who could get in trouble for buying his wife diamond earrings! I would be happy to host if I could be walked through the technicalities of the task….
Angie says
Ha! That sounds pretty funny the way your husband puts it 😀 I’m glad you understand where I’m coming from. It’s pretty easy to co-host. If you have time, you can do it! The hardest part is selecting features. Just let me know what week is good for you and I’ll email you the co-hosting guidelines when the time comes.
Johanne Lamarche says
Next week is good for me Angie.
Angie says
Kaila and Jhuls have volunteered for next week. Would you take the week after?
Arl's World says
Happy Birthday Angie! A guy I was dating wanted to buy me a diamond bracelet for my birthday once, I opted for a iPhone instead. Laptop is a great choice! Sounds like you and I think alike when it comes to gifts. 🙂 Happy Fiesta Friday and Happy Halloween!
Angie says
Haha, good choice on the iPhone! I’m so glad you understand where I’m coming from, Arlene. We appreciate the gesture, of course, right? But a diamond can only do so much 😀 Thanks for the birthday wish! Happy FF and Halloween to you, too! I’m going to spray paint my hair! Halloween is about the only time I can get away with it. Any other day, my kids will complain! 😀
lapetitepaniere says
Happy Birthday, Angie. Laptop is a perfect choice you will love it 😉 Happy FF, Happy Halloween and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Angie says
Thanks, Linda! And I’m glad you agree with me. Besides, it’s about time I have a laptop 🙂 Happy FF and Halloween to you, too! It’s a dangerous day for me, lots of candy lying around! 😀
Elaine @ foodbod says
He bought you a diamond ring?? What a crazy thoughtless gift….!!! ? I’d say lucky lady!
Happy Birthday lovely lady xxx
Angie says
Once I get my laptop, I will gladly accept any diamond in the future, lol… Actually not really, I’ve been eyeing a set of Staub pots. Then, maybe I’ll take the diamond. 😀
Elaine @ foodbod says
Mad woman!!!!
Angie says
I think you meant smart woman, haha… 😀
Elaine @ foodbod says
I did, of course!!!
Angie says
And thank you for the birthday wish! XOXO
Elaine @ foodbod says
xxx
thehealthyfoodblogger says
Happy Birthday! I got a Macbook Pro for my birthday in May. The screen is amazing! Unfortunately, I have an appointment tonight at the Genius Bar. Hopefully, they can fix my internet connection problems. Using my old Macbook right now. 🙁
Angie says
Oh, no! But from my experience, Apple has great customer service so I’m sure they’ll take care of you. I’ll probably end up getting the MacBook Pro seeing that everybody seems to love it. Thanks for the birthday wish, Rena! 🙂
indusinternationalkitchen says
Happy Birthday Angie! And so sweet of your hubby to get you a diamond ring and that too because he thought you might be wanting that! Incidentally I watched Black Diamond for the first time and now I know why my husband has never bought me one! Anyways hope you have great year! XOXO
Angie says
Thanks, Indu! Oh yah, the husband is sweet…most of the time 😉 but other times, so exasperating! He just bought me a rotten avocado! Pretty hilarious how he always manages to pick the worst from the veggie/fruit bins. But for better or for worse, right?! 🙂 What is Black Diamond? Is it a show?
indusinternationalkitchen says
It is a movie – was released in 2006 I think. You should watch it if you get a chance. Makes you really think about a lot of things !
Angie says
I’m going to look it up. Unless you meant Blood Diamond?
Susan Edelman says
I vote for a diamond-studded MacBook Pro. That sounds practical, doesn’t it?
Angie says
Well now I feel inadequate for not thinking of this before. Clearly that would have been the best choice! 😀
petra08 says
Happy birthday even if a bit late! A brilliant party as always! 🙂
Angie says
Thanks, Petra! I’m glad you made it in time. Don’t forget to vote tomorrow! 🙂
FrugalHausfrau says
I am with you on the diamonds, but as I get older and older, i started thinking that I won’t have anything to pass on to my kids. I just always seem to have other things to spend my money on – or maybe not enough guys that have bought me jewelry?? haha! 🙂
Angie says
I was actually thinking somewhere along the line. That’s why I’ve started to collect cast iron cookware. Thay last forever and will become heirlooms someday, haha… Yeah, that’s all my kids will be getting 😀
FrugalHausfrau says
LOL! Well, I would be happy with that – until it became time to pack it up and send it…:) I love my cast iron!
Sadhna Grover says
Happy belated Birthday Angie, it is better to be late than never :). I have already voted.
Yes I am interested in hosting in the month of December. This month I am hosting MLLA alone. I hole you will understand. Please keep a space for me for december.
Angie says
Okey dokey, will put you down for December. Thanks!
Anjana says
Happy belated birthday, Angie!
Angie says
Thanks so much, Anjana! 🙂