I wanted to share the traditional Russian Honey cake recipe I made for Andrey for his birthday. I used Olga's Flavor Factory's recipe and it turned out AMAZING. My advice would be not to make it when taking care of your 6 month old nephew, because the layers each cook for 4-5 minutes, so it's a quick and oven open-close heavy recipe. I would also either make 1.5 times the frosting or just straight up double the frosting - everyone was enjoying scraping the bowl as a dip with the scrap pieces of cake. I also want to try making 1.5 times of the cake recipe and making the cake taller (and probably less stable)- but taller would look so cool! The cake was delicious- even though I strictly NEVER eat dairy (highly allergic) I actually had a bite and it was so worth it, even if I was fairly sick for the rest of the night. And that says a lot.

To the love of my life, the best friend I've ever known, the cofounder of this blog, my sister- Happy Birthday. It's hard to believe you were born before me because I sometimes feel so much like your big sister. I'm so enamored with the little girl you once were and so proud of the grown up lady you've become. I can't imagine who I would be if you weren't by my side, sisto. I'm starting to tear up, so I'll get to the end- let's all wish my amazing sister a Happy Birthday. Then let's eat some gluten free (for her) dairy free (for me) cake and  party like it's 1999, because in both of our heads it still is.

My baby sister, Jenny, is about 1000x more brave than I am. She just is. She was born that way. In so many ways, she's the older one. She looks out for me, she makes sure she doesn't lose me in crowds, she defends me. So, in the off-times that she loses her cool and needs me around, I hate to admit this, but I sort of love it. She needs me, too! Just the other day the usual calm, cool, and collected co-founder of this site totally lost it when she was trying to figure out what to wear to her birthday party; well, I found her totally adorable. I know she certainly didn't feel adorable, and I didn't mean to be belittling her feelings, but she's my little sister, and sometimes, it's just nice to know she needs me just as much as I need her. The other day she told me that I was her rock, but if I'm her rock, than she's my boulder. There's not many people in this world who can understand each other's full sentences in the blink of an eye, but I know when I blink an eye across the room at her she knows I really mean, "Omigod, did they just say that? What the what? AmIlosingmymind?"

Not only is she brave, but she's tough. She's one of the strongest women I know. She decided she wanted to be a wedding officiant, and she is. Just like that. She decided she wanted to be a teacher (well, full disclosure: I wanted her to come work with me, so I full-on told her how awesome being a teacher is, and you know what? She loves it more than anything) and I kid you not: when I go down and see her working with her little-bitty ones (2 years old!), I cry! She's an amazing teacher; she has a patience I could never have. She decided she wanted to sell her gorgeous designs, and she does! (My iPhone case is a testament to that!).

25 years ago, a quarter of a century (!), my best friend came onto this earth. But, I know we were friends and sisters, for much longer than that. I am sure in some 17th century village there was an Olivia & Jenny, walking down the dirt road, pondering why "style peasants" can eat whatever they want and not gain weight. Or, you know what I mean. Jenny is a not just a person like no other, she has a soul like no other.

And so, in conclusion: my sister is the best. My internet gift to her (well, let's face it, it's my real gift to her, as she can't decide what she wants!) is my dedication of one of her favorite poems to her. Every line in this poem is true, for indeed, you are my heart. Happy Birthday to my most favorite nugget of humanity out there.