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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

August 21, 2016

4 Books I Loved Reading This Summer

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From historical fiction, to a steamy page turner, here are reviews of my 4 favorite books I read this summer!

4 Books I Loved Reading This Summer on dineanddish.net

Oh, how I love summer reading! The books I read this summer were either really big hits or pretty big misses, but towards the end of the summer I read a string of really great books that I had to share with you! Here are reviews of 4 of my favorites (plus some honorable mentions). Enjoy!

It Ends With Us

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover was a book I devoured in just 24 hours. I’ll warn you, it’s one of those books you won’t be able to put down, because there are so many twists, turns, ups and downs, you can hardly wait to find out what happens. At the same time, you don’t want the book to end because it’s quite the ride! Plan on ignoring life for a bit as you dive in to discover the story of Lily, Ryan and Atlas…3 people whose lives will become your own as you consume their story. Without giving too much away, this book is unexpectedly STEAMY. Like really steamy… I was blushing as I read part of it hoping no one else could see what I was reading. I laughed, cried, blushed, was terrified and hopeful all at once. It Ends With Us was my first Colleen Hoover and it definitely won’t be my last. She may very well be my new favorite!

You can buy It Ends With Us on Amazon by clicking here or add it to your to read shelf on Goodreads, here.

Lilac Girls

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly was a heartbreaking look into a women’s concentration camp during World War II. This historical fiction novel chronicles the lives of 3 women, all in very different situations during the war. It was an eye opening look into the horror, torture and unimaginable reality of what it was like to be a a prisoner in a concentration camp during World War II. I found myself googling so much to see if what I was reading was true – and was shocked to find that many of the situations shared were based on true events. This book was heartbreaking on so many levels, yet also incredibly inspiring. It is certainly hard to complain about much once you have the perspective of what these women endured.

Fans of The Nightingale will definitely want to read this debut novel by Martha Hall Kelly. So far it’s my favorite book I’ve read in 2016.

You can buy Lilac Girls on Amazon here, or add it to your want to read shelf on Goodreads, here.

Tell Me Three Things

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum was the first book I read this summer, and it set the bar high for the rest of my summer books! This book could easily fall into a contemporary fiction category or young adult…it’s on the cusp of both and crosses over both genres really well.

The premise of the novel is this… Jessie’s mom dies and her dad remarries and uproots their lives from Chicago to California. As soon as Jessie starts her new school, she begis receiving mystery emails from someone who wants to anonymously show her the ropes at her new school. Their relationship unfolds from emails, to instant messaging while Jessie still has no idea who this anonymous person is.  Tell Me Three Things is a mystery of the best kind, as readers try to uncover who this lovable anonymous friend might be. Be prepared with tissues, to cry and laugh, and to fall in love with this quick read.

You can buy Tell Me Three Things on Amazon here or add it to your want to read shelf on Goodreads here.

Heres to Us

Here’s to Us by Elin Hilderbrand is a book I’ve been looking forward to for years. My friend and fellow blogger, Jessica with How Sweet It Is, mentioned a couple years ago when we were together that her favorite author had contacted her about creating a few recipes for a novel she was working on. What a dream that was for Jessica, and how fun was it for me to read this novel knowing that Jessica was such a huge part of it!

Foodies and Elin Hilderbrand lovers alike will really enjoy this novel about a famous chef and the family drama he leaves behind when he suddenly passes away. In true Elin Hilderbrand style, there’s plenty of romance, drama, laughter and fun in this book. Plus, as a bonus, you get some really incredible recipes – and if you know Jessica you know the recipes are top notch!

You can buy Here’s to Us on Amazon here or add it to your want to read shelf on Goodreads here.

Here are a few honorable mention books definitely worth reading and sharing with you.

Everything We Keep

Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale. I loved loved loved this book and had I not already made my graphic that said 4 books I loved this summer this one would have been included as the 5th. I probably loved this one as equally as I did the Elin Hilderbrand book. Definitely a GREAT read! You can buy this book on Amazon here or add it to your shelf on Goodreads here.

Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline

Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline was also a 4 star book that I really enjoyed. You can buy this book on Amazon here or add it to your shelf on Goodreads here.

Alright friends, that’s it for my summer favorites! I am currently reading another book I can’t put down called When it Rains. My friend Julie promised it’d be an emotional one, and so far it is! I’m loving it.

Write me back and let me know what you are reading these days and what were your favorite books you read this summer! Also, friend me on Goodreads so we can share more book recommendations with each other!

Check out my Book Reviews section for more books you might love!

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

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Filed Under: Book Review, Previous Tagged With: amazon, book review, books, colleen hoover, elin hilderbrand, goodreads, reading

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy Allen Clark says

    August 21, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    What a great reading list! Lilac Girls is in my stack right now- I just love hearing about what you are reading, lady! xo

    • Kristen says

      August 21, 2016 at 5:39 pm

      Move it to the top of your stack, ASAP. You’ll really really like it, I think!

  2. Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life says

    August 21, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    I love peeking into what other people have been reading lately! Lilac Girls sounds like it might have to go on my list. I (finally) read The Girl on the Train over the weekend, in like two sessions – I just couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for the film to come out. Now I’m moving on to The 19th Wife. It’s a deliciously thick novel that will keep me up well past my bedtime 🙂

    • Kristen says

      August 21, 2016 at 5:50 pm

      If you liked Girl on the Train and that kind of book, you’d love the book by Colleen Hoover. It was really so good. Everything We Keep was less intense then those two as well, but really good kind of mystery-ish book!

      Now I’m off to check out The 19th Wife! Thanks for the rec!

  3. Kristie W. says

    August 21, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    I am so glad to see Here’s to Us made the list! It was one of my favorites that I read this summer!

    • Kristen says

      August 21, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      I’ve been looking forward to that book for so long, and it reminded me how much I really love Elin Hildebrand’s books! I need to read more of hers. It’s been awhile!

  4. Beverley Press says

    August 22, 2016 at 4:32 am

    I was so lost on what to read next but now I’m not so thank you for your great reviews on these books. I also want to say how much I am thinking about you during this difficult time. I pray that everything with be okay and you will continue to live your full and happy life. xoxo

  5. Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says

    August 22, 2016 at 7:57 am

    Thank you so much for this list, absolutely love your book recommendations always (you’ve shared so many great books I’ve loved reading) so I’m off to add each and every one of these to my wishlist !!

  6. Gina says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:25 am

    Thanks for all these recommendations. I am a Elin Hilderbrand book behind as I still haven’t read her last years release. Typically she is a must read author each summer for me. I love her books. I have heard such good things about Lilac Girls, that’s on my list too. These all sounds good so now I’ve got even more books on my to-read list! Not a bad problem to have!

  7. Lisa says

    August 23, 2016 at 1:13 am

    Thanks for the recommendations, Kristen! I’ve been powering through a few books during my vacation in Europe. It’s surprising how much I can read when I’m not obsessing over my phone all day! I’ve been reading The Girl on the Train, the Harry Potter play, and the latest Robert Galbraith book. I’m definitely downloading Tell Me Three Things for my trip home!

  8. annie says

    August 25, 2016 at 5:20 am

    Why did I click on this? I spend way too much money on books and I told myself I was going to lay down a budget. But now I want to burn that ol’ budget to the ground and read all of these. Especially the Colleen Hoover. While I am not overly familiar with her work, I do know that she and I have the same band obsession (The Avett Brothers), so now I HAVE to read it. Thanks for all these sweet recommendations, gal!

  9. Siri says

    August 29, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    Hi Kristen,

    Thanks for the book recos and I have to say: the Goodread links are immensely helpful to add them to the queue in one click.

    Best,
    Siri

  10. Jan says

    August 29, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    Tell Me Three Things is a great book. Now to add the other books to my reading list!

  11. Donna says

    October 8, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    Hi Kristen! I discovered your blog through a link Jessica of How Sweet It Is shared on her blog.:) I love love love your recommendations. I have been curious about Everything We Keep and I`ve heard good things about Tell Me Three Things. Here`s to Us was one of my favourite reads this summer as well. Did you read The Rumor? It’s the only other Hilderbrand I’ve read.

    I read a ton this summer and I just shared my fall reading list!

    A few favourite summer reads:

    I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. One of my favourite reads of the year. (I actually read it twice!)
    Food and the City by Ina Yalof. I can’t stop recommending this one to everyone! It’s a behind-the-scenes look at New York’s food world through the eyes of professional chefs, restaurant owners, line cooks, food vendors, and purveyors. It’s packed with fascinating tidbits and I loved hearing about how people got into the food industry and how they overcame trials.
    Before the Fall by Noah Hawley. I spent an entire Saturday reading this thriller and I can`t recommend it enough
    The Summer of Good Intentions by Wendy Francis (This was a re-read for me)
    The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza (also a re-read)
    Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight (another re-read)

    Currently reading Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan and Gut by Giulia Enders. Both are incredible!

    Thanks again for sharing!

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New ink inspired by a quote in my friend @andiemmitchell amazing memoir “It Was Me All Along”. 

I tend to be an all or nothing person and look at long term and get overwhelmed instead of just taking things one day at a time. I’ve said her quote to myself multiple times a day for years. Now I’ll have a permanent reminder. 

The full quote: “Can you do it today? Can you make it through today without bingeing? Just today, and tomorrow we’ll reconsider?”

I need to go back and get a couple missed spots filled in but I love it. Thanks Rob at @irezumitattookc 🎉

#typewriterfonttattoo #tattooinstagram #inspiringtattoos #quotetattoo #gentlereminder #wordstoinspire #wordstoremember #wordstoliveby
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My snow and mountain loving, free spirited, book reading, laugh inducing, amazing friend @mountainmamacooks wrote a cookbook. It’s beautiful and just so perfect! I’m sharing all about it on the blog today and I also gave her Crispy Kahlua French Toast recipe the double dip treatment.

Find the recipe and get a peek into her book over on Dine & Dish! (PS I miss you tons, Kelley!)

#apresallday #frenchtoastrecipe #brunchideas #cookbooks #mountainmama #skiingislife
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Here’s a fun fact I heard on the radio several years ago…October 5th is the most popular day to be born (9 months prior is New Years Eve-ish). 🎉 

Happy birthday to all my many many birthday twins out there! It’s the big 4-8 for me…although this past year as a Covid long hauler I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past 1. But things are looking up! I’m excited for the next 365 days of my life. I’m blessed and so thankful to still be here, chugging along.

This picture is from last week when @kellykdoyle and I were visiting colleges in Colorado. If I have any followers with ties to @coloradostateuniversity or @cuboulder I’d love to chat! 

#october5th #birthdaytwins #gardenofthegods #birthdayweek #coloradosprings
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I love being a parent of teens...but I miss the days of parenting kids who loved going to school, who didn't struggle with major anxiety, who loved their bodies, and were confident about how they looked. I miss pre-covid days where lunch wasn't distanced, kids had the opportunity to connect and socialize at school, where mask-wearing wasn't even a topic, let alone one that divides. 

The past 2 years have changed my kids. They have gained so many positive things, but they've also gained a new kind of anxiety that wasn't there before. And I hate it for them. They've seen first hand how long haul covid has changed our family. They've seen the selfishness of others in ways they haven't seen before. They've had to grow up faster, worry about things they shouldn't have to worry about, and learn the hard way how this world can really be. And it hurts my heart for them. 

I have a new senior, sophomore and 6th grader here at home. Missing my sophomore in college a ton. I hope the world is kind to them and they are kind to the world. I want nothing more than for them to be happy and to be surrounded by good people who love and accept them for who they are and who also push them to live a full, rich and happy life. I pray every day for them - and for your kids...and pray that we are all raising a generation of empathetic and kind changemakers.

#loveoneanother❤️ #parentingteens #momofteens #anxietyawareness #backtoschooloutfit #changemakers #parenthood_moments
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These two small business owners had a successful launch day for their new clothing and accessory brand, @impatient.us I’m so proud of my daughter @kellykdoyle & daughter from another mother, @kyleemdunn for making the time and financial commitment to launch their dream brand! They’ve done it all so independently and have navigated starting a small business way better than I could have at 17! Thanks to everyone who sent words of encouragement and showered them with support. It’s means so much! 

Follow their journey at @impatient.us and shop the link in their profile!

#smallbusinesslaunch #clothingbrands #teenentrepreneur #launchday #launchparty #teenbusiness #shopsmallbusinesses #proudmoment
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I was a “houseplant lady” before the pandemic, but I think since the pandemic I get to add the word “crazy” to that title. So. Many. Plants. I’m not mad about it!

This weekend @kctinygreenhouse I picked up this beautiful Monstera Peru as well as a bag of Jeff’s Jungle Mix. You know when a new to you potting mix has you super excited, you’ve crossed the line into la la land 😂 Swipe to see how pretty it is!

What pandemic hobby did you pick up?

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Yesterday we spent a few hours down in the West Bottoms visiting the grand opening of @kctinygreenhouse newest location . KC Plant fam, head there. Just trust me! Plants loved and cared for with the best good vibes, all ready to join your crazy plant person home. You’ll find goodies from local KC artisans as well, like @pigeoncandles 

Come for the plants, leave with a heart full of happy!

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Last night in the suite @kcroyals ...I almost cried. Man it feels so good to be doing normal things. I’ll never take this for granted! Making this the summer of yes...I’m going to say yes to as many events/outings/opportunities as possible! Who’s in? #summerofyes
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Ella is 15 today! Those of you who have been with Dine & Dish since the very beginning have been a part of Ella’s life since the start too! 15 years sure does go by in a flash, both with businesses and babies.
Happy birthday @ella.r.doyle 💕💕💕 We love you!
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I want to live in the big city, yet also want to live in the country. I want to live by the beach, yet also want to live in the mountains. I either need multiple lives or multiple homes! 

#farmlifeisthebestlife #chickensofig #barnlife #iwantitall #hensofinstagram #citygirlcountrygirl
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I’m officially one step closer to reaching peak plant lady status! 🪴

I’m welcoming these plant cuttings from the Hello Kathy Plant Etsy Shop to my already booming collection. When I saw people rave about her “Mystery Box” of plant cuttings I knew I had to buy one. 2 things I love...mystery boxes and plants!

Now I need to figure out how to keep them alive. Any advice? 😃 🪴

#plantladyisthenewcatlady #plantladylife #plantcuttings #newplants #etsyshopping #shopsmallbusinesses #plantloversofinstagram
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Hi, friend! I Thought I’d just say “hey” and check in and add some pretty flowers to your feed.

We’re over here dragging ourselves across the school finish line...so close to done physically, but over done, mentally. Can you relate?

My coaching business is going great, I’m working with some truly incredible, inspiring women right now which makes me so happy! I’ll be launching 2 new group coaching  classes (for women and entrepreneurs) in a few weeks so be sure to follow @rockyourhappy if you are interested in being updated on those!

Jacob comes home from college this week and my parents are coming to visit for a couple of weeks as well. And it’s almost my favorite time of the year, summer!! 

How are things going with you? What’s going good and making you happy? Or what do you need a hand or listening ear with? Touch base! I’ve missed you!

#pinkflowers🌸 #happyday💕 #touchingbase #spreadhappiness #thursdaytherapy #lifecoachforwomen #springflowersmakemehappy
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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
#booksbooksandmorebooks #bookgiveaway #audiobook #librofm #independentbookstore @indiebookstoreday
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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