Welcome to all my new subscribers who have joined from 150 home upgrades under $150 and What’s on my Costco shopping list. I’m thrilled you’re here!
Today we have a one-two punch of my favorite things: cake and shopping. But where shall we start? Chronologically seems fair.
Last weekend I was in Tahoe with my best friend Jess and her family. (Yes, I successfully flew there alone despite anxiety and wore a confidence brooch.)
Jess’ mom is the type of cook and host I hope to be someday. Or maybe she’s just the type of person I want to be someday. Over the years, I’ve seen photos of the gorgeous meals they’ve had together, and many times, these meals have been capped off with her luscious dark chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.
When I arrived at her home and asked how I could help, she said, “you’re making cake!” She handed me this recipe from Bake from Scratch — except hers was a physical copy that had been photographed and put on her iPad — and I got to work with Jess by my side. Navigating where all the tools were in this truly epic kitchen was half the battle and the other half was worrying that I was messing things up (like, did I forget all my baking skills?).
As for the recipe, we followed it save for a few tweaks:
We baked the cake in two circular cake pans instead of one sheet tray. Layer cakes are always going to be more dramatic!
We added a pinch of regular kosher salt to the frosting. It’s actually sort of surprising that the frosting doesn’t call for any salt given how sweet it is.
We also topped the finished cake with a lot of Maldon flaky salt. This is a crowd that loves salt but I think the cake needs it. It transforms an otherwise very sweet cake into one that is sophisticated and multidimensional.
Are you all a little surprised I ate frosting with cream cheese in it? Yes, I did have to extricate the knowledge from my brain before I ate it (like how Dumbledore takes out his memories and deposits them into the pensieve). It was fantastic. The cake is dark and delightful and the frosting is light and fluffy, yet unbelievably rich. This is a good one, especially when enjoyed with your favorite people. But don’t skimp on the salt.
Let’s shop
The itch to shop is so real right now. I think it’s the changing seasons. My tomato plants are slowing. I’m starting to gravitate toward cozier sweatshirts. It suddenly doesn’t feel as appropriate to wear my sandals outside. I’m craving change in all the ways. I’m sure it’s just marketing and the evils of consumerism, but here we are. If you too are feeling the itch, here are some non-Amazon sales.
20% off Jenni Kayne: I know. I’m always loving Jenni, but I just discovered this cotton cardigan and it’s gorgeous. I own this chocolate pleated skirt and it is the ideal fall piece to wear with boot or mules. Also, the Saturday Sweatshirt is part of my everyday look….every day of the year. Pro tip: Do not buy it full price. But on sale, it’s a beaut. I’ve washed mine about a hundred times and it’s just as fantastic as day one.
Up to 60% off AYR: The striped tees on sale here are excellent. Same for the long sleeve tees.
25% off Hatch: I hear from many moms that these are the best maternity jeans. Same re: maternity leggings. Also, this feeding jumpsuit.
20% off Goodee: Speaking of home upgrades, I am loving this happy hook and these woven baskets.
Up to 60% off MoMA Design Store: A new bold and colorful jigsaw puzzle, blown-glass dessert bowls, and an extremely cool coat hook. We all need to be shopping MoMA more.
Up to 50% off Kotn: Little cropped tank for $20 and so many slightly off-beat essentials for under $100.
End of season Oofos sale: Okay, these shoes are not attractive but they are comfortable. I wear mine all day long. They’re excellent if you have foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain. It’s like walking on a cloud. I cannot recommend them enough. They come in men’s and women’s. You can get slides, slippers, or sneakers. They’re just great. Big fan. Sorry they aren’t cuter. Maybe if we all wear them, it’ll be like herd immunity from their ugliness.
20% off Crow Canyon: Gingham trays, retro platters, splatter mixing bowls (or salad bowls) — I love it all. Crow Canyon is so charming. If you haven’t checked out this site, dig in. They do a lot of really cool collaborations, too.
Extra 20% off The Sill: Including stuff that’s already on sale, like this low-light duo.
Alex Mill: A striped sweater for in-between seasons and cool leather boots. For men (or honestly anyone), I’m loving this henley sweater and denim jacket.
20% off Sistain: These gorgeous cotton tablecloths (in cart), this blush glassware, and these lil ramekins.
Items from 150 home upgrades under $150 that are on sale!
I wish I could spend literally all day combing through deals but I’ve got to get back to (other) work and then later today I’m taking Gabby shopping for athletic wear and new sneakers, which is always fun. Fresh sneaks?? I know, I’m excited, too.
Thanks so much for reading along today and every day! Tap the ❤️ if you liked it. That helps more people discover Rel’s Recs, too!
Becoming a paid subscriber not only gives you access to my full archives, it also supports my work and my business — and costs less than a medium Dunkin iced every month. So what do you say? Buy me a Dunkin. It would mean the world.
XO,
Rel
i actually love when someone puts me to work when I get to their house!
i would like to eat this cake while online shopping pls and thx