Cookies and Cream (plus GIVEAWAY extended)

Today is Federal Election day here in Australia.  I'm up early, hoping to cast my vote as soon as the polling place opens this morning.  But before I do that, let me just share a few things with you!

I finally got my own copy of The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum from Amazon and am having a blast reading through it. Although I've read conflicting reviews about this book, it does seem to be a must-have for any baking enthusiast.  I've been purchasing a lot of cake and cupcake books the past year and have already learned a lot but I'm sure there's still so much more to gain.  I do think my self-studying have done my cake baking and decorating a whole lot of good.  When I see pictures of cakes I have made for my kids' birthdays years ago, it just makes me smile to think how things have improved!

I admit that it's not just been books that I've been buying a lot of.  I have heaps of caking tools now which I, of course, think are valuable to making beautiful cakes.  I also have loads of these...

I did some cleaning up yesterday and surprisingly found out how much baking cups I already have.  It filled the whole 6-liter container!  I reckon this will last me a lifetime!

The other night, I made a Cookies and Cream Cake, an order I got from my husband's workmate.  Was really very pleased with how it turned out...too bad I couldn't even get a slice of it! 

It was a good thing the Oreo cookies were on sale at the supermarket this week because I had to use a whole box!

To use up the leftover frosting, I baked some chocolate cupcakes yesterday.  I had some mini Oreos in the pantry to go with them as well.  Instant cookies and cream cupcakes for us!

Well, I better start making breakfast now so I can head on off to vote.  Before I end, let me just remind you about the GIVEAWAY from my last post.  The participation thus far has been dismal.  Makes me think that maybe no one is really interested in my Toilet Paper Roll Cozy pattern (?).  Where have my readers gone?  Come on, just join in!  There's nothing to lose! (Do I sound desperate?) Anyway, I've extended the giveway till middle of next week.  Hopefully, I will get more comments in.

Thanks and have a lovely day!