A Book in Review: This is Where I Leave You

I just read the novel 'This is Where I Leave You' by Jonathan Tropper.  I bought it a long time ago and just got around to reading it well, mostly the yesterday.

When I first started reading it, I thought to myself... goodness this is depressing, but it turned out to be a really good read.  It is a bit different the way it is set up... by days and certain hours in those day, but it flows smoothly.

I don't really want to say much about this book, because I feel if I describe it, it will take away from the reading experience.  All I can say is, you should give it a try.

4 out of 5 stars, I really liked it

The Finished Strawberry Cake

I had a little time to make the Easy Strawberry cake the other day, before heading to bed.  Not only was it super easy to make, like the name states, but it was also very tasty and pretty!

Here is the link to the recipe: Easy Strawberry Cake

The Czech Republic

I think I mentioned this before, I am going on a Mission trip to the Czech Republic, this summer.

I am very excited about this, even though it has yet to really sink in.

If you would like to read about my team members and the Chicago team, that we are running the English camp with, click on this link:  Czech Mission Teams



P.S.-  I hope to make the Strawberry cake from my last post, tomorrow!

Easy Strawberry Cake

Thanks Smitten Kitchen!  I cannot wait to try this recipe out!


Easy Strawberry Cake

Makes a 9-inch cake

6 tablespoons butter, softened

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided

1 egg


1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

Cream together the sugar and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla and mix until combined. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt and stir until incorporated. 

Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan. Place the strawberries, cut side down, on top of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar on top and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325 degrees and bake for another 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan. 

Source: Smitten Kitchen

Update:  6/28/2012-  This is in the oven right now and it looks fantastic!  I cannot wait to taste it!