Celebrated My Birthday With My Family Quotes

Freeze or reheat. Thinking of you. I still don’t know who it’s from. Many of the condolence cards that arrived after my parents’ deaths came with stories of the cars they’d sold over the years. Keys handed to over-confident teens and over-anxious parents. Two-seater sports cars traded for family-friendly estates. Cars to celebrate promotions, big birthdays, retirements. My parents played a part in many different stories.

All of the people in the room seemed to take so much for granted: that they would be invited to social events, that they would have friends and family to talk to, that they would fall in love, be loved in return, perhaps create a family of their own. How would I celebrate my own fortieth birthday? I wondered. I hoped I would have people in my life to mark the occasion when the time came.

1. _______ I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities.   2. _______ I often prefer to express myself in writing.   3. _______ I enjoy solitude.   4. _______ I seem to care less than my peers about wealth, fame, and status.   5. _______ I dislike small talk, but I enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me.   6. _______ People tell me that I’m a good listener.   7. _______ I’m not a big risk-taker.   8. _______ I enjoy work that allows me to “dive in” with few interruptions.   9. _______ I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members. 10. _______ People describe me as “soft-spoken” or “mellow.” 11. _______ I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it’s finished. 12. _______ I dislike conflict. 13. _______ I do my best work on my own. 14. _______ I tend to think before I speak. 15. _______ I feel drained after being out and about, even if I’ve enjoyed myself. 16. _______ I often let calls go through to voice mail. 17. _______ If I had to choose, I’d prefer a weekend with absolutely nothing to do to one with too many things scheduled. 18. _______ I don’t enjoy multitasking. 19. _______ I can concentrate easily. 20. _______ In classroom situations, I prefer lectures to seminars.

When my firstborn turned six months old, I decided that this milestone was definitely worth celebrating. And what started as a one-off event quickly became a family tradition: For my kids' half birthdays I make half a cake (it looks like someone just cut a cake down the middle and made the other half disappear), and we sing every other syllable of the "Happy Birthday" song (I'm really good at complicating things, and singing only the first half of the song seemed unfair to the second half). We don't do gifts or a big bash, and we don't blow out candles and make wishes, because wishes should be made only full throttle. We just end the day with a little celebration after dinner, something kind of silly and fun. And cake. Because everything in life should end with sugar.

The smell of flowers was overwhelming, and it reminded me of walking into a flower shop to pick the perfect bouquet when my gran died. It wasn’t a good memory, and the smell was intoxicating. My heart broke while looking at the beautiful variations of flowers and smelling the sweet nectar. It was a terrible mix. The beauty, the nature, the colors, and the smell—all laced with grief. And what I could never comprehend was that flowers were for every occasion. You get them when you’re in love and when it’s your birthday; you can get them with a new job or a raise. And how is it supposed to make you feel when all you can remember is the smell of heartbreak, and it takes you back to that space in time? It doesn’t feel like a celebration of anything, but more like torture. Torture of the mind and soul.

My whole sorry existence has been building towards this one night. The night of the Reynolds’ Fortuna Ball. A celebration that invites the entire town to eat, drink, and dance the night away. It’s become tradition in these parts for the Reynolds family to hand over all the properties, businesses, offshore accounts, cars, and whatever else rich people own, to the heir on his twenty-fifth birthday. Nice, right? And the ball is their public way of celebrating the handover, or so everyone thinks. The truth is way weirder. Try an ancient curse; a deal signed in blood and a pair of families joined in perpetuity. The whole thing gives me the itches and I sound certifiable to boot, but for the last four hundred years the women in my family have been ripping off the Reynolds family, and those a**eholes throw us a party so we can do it in style.

As Christians, we celebrate many holidays and memorials throughout the year. Some we decide to celebrate by referencing events in the Bible. Others are related to events in our personal lives. Still more are pushed upon by this World. There's nothing necessarily wrong with celebrating events that bring us joy or keep important parts of our lives in focus. As a Christian, it is important for me to follow Christ's words and teachings. I do not obey man's intepretations of God's word. I read it and follow it. Its that simple. I dont need an interpreter. Christ is my intermediary. Ive been blessed to have been given the gift of language and... in the Bible, when you read it in Aramaic, there is only ONE event, one memorial that Jesus asks us to remember and thus honor our Savior. And its not His birthday. We are upon that annual event this weekend. For Jesus "blessed and he broke and he said, “Take eat; this is my body, which is broken for your persons; thus you shall do for my Memorial." [1 Cor 11:24] Holidays can be fun times for families to get together and to celebrate life. This weekend lets not lose focus. For this is the one and ONLY holiday that our Christ commands us to memorialize. Its in his words. Its in the Bible. It was important enough for Him to spell it out. It should be important enough for us to listen. Above all other events in our lives, isn't Christ Jesus's sacrifice truly the most magnificent one? Lets remember our Savior and not allow the World to mislead us into over prioritizing any other day than when -He gave His life for us. Truly His act was a gift to mankind that remains matchless.

If you’re still not sure where you fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum, you can assess yourself here. Answer each question “true” or “false,” choosing the answer that applies to you more often than not.* ______ I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities. ______ I often prefer to express myself in writing. ______ I enjoy solitude. ______ I seem to care less than my peers about wealth, fame, and status. ______ I dislike small talk, but I enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me. ______ People tell me that I’m a good listener. ______ I’m not a big risk-taker. ______ I enjoy work that allows me to “dive in” with few interruptions. ______ I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members. ______ People describe me as “soft-spoken” or “mellow.” ______ I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it’s finished. ______ I dislike conflict. ______ I do my best work on my own. ______ I tend to think before I speak. ______ I feel drained after being out and about, even if I’ve enjoyed myself. ______ I often let calls go through to voice mail. ______ If I had to choose, I’d prefer a weekend with absolutely nothing to do to one with too many things scheduled. ______ I don’t enjoy multitasking. ______ I can concentrate easily. ______ In classroom situations, I prefer lectures to seminars. The more often you answered “true,” the more introverted you probably are. If you found yourself with a roughly equal number of “true” and “false” answers, then you may be an ambivert—yes, there really is such a word. But even if you answered every single question as an introvert or extrovert, that doesn’t mean that your behavior is predictable across all circumstances. We can’t say that every introvert is a bookworm or every extrovert wears lampshades at parties any more than we can say that every woman is a natural consensus-builder and every man loves contact sports. As Jung felicitously put it, “There is no such thing as a pure extrovert or a pure introvert. Such a man would be in the lunatic asylum.” This is partly because we are all gloriously complex individuals, but also because there are so many different kinds of introverts and extroverts. Introversion and extroversion interact with our other personality traits and personal histories, producing wildly different kinds of people. So

I never asked for you guys to celebrate my birthday. I never mentioned it because I never wanted anyone to celebrate it. You guys took it upon yourselves to celebrate it and you expect me to go and celebrate something that isn't a good memory for me. I have never had a good birthday and there is-" "And that's the folly of others, not you," Sans cut in just a viciously. "I'm not leaving till you come and celebrate with us, damn it." Sans's body deflated. "You're family and we want to celebrate your fricken existence.

They’re not exactly the most physically imposing people in the world (that’s what happens when you live on nothing but soy lattes and veggie burgers), but the sheer force of their numbers is shocking. They have allowed hate to spread at a rate we haven’t seen since the era of civil rights, when Democrats—the party that founded the KKK, in case you’ve forgotten—would organize lynch mobs and counterprotests all across the South, most of which ended in horrific violence. These people are irrational, hysterical, upset, and out looking for enemies. I should know. As of November 16, 2016, I became one of their top targets. Before the election, I was just a guy who appeared on television every once in a while, went to work, and went home at the end of the day and played with my kids. There were probably a few people who thought I was an asshole because I was blessed to have been born into a wealthy family. But no one was mailing suspicious powder to my home or screaming at me in a restaurant where I was celebrating my brother’s birthday. No one was threatening my life. After the election, I became the guy who receives the second highest number of death threats in the country (according to the Secret Service, second only to my father). And that’s a list that includes senators, former presidents, and ambassadors to several war-torn countries. Here’s what the exploding letter filled with powder that sent my then wife and a member of my Secret Service detail to the hospital said: “You are an awful person. This is why people hate you. You are getting what you deserve. So shut the f—k up.

My mother celebrated every Hindu festival with the appropriate rituals, but no one acknowledged birthdays. My parents never hugged us, kissed us, or said, "I love you.". Love was assumed. We never shared fears or hopes and dreams with our elders. They just were not the kind to have those conversations.

One day I saw him going into one of the lecture halls, I followed. I thought it was you when I first noticed him. I sat some distance away from the boy at the lecture hall. He was a freshman law student from a well to do family in the Philippines. I stalked him for a day before I introduced myself. Toby was new at campus and was finding his way around. We started hanging out after classes. He was attractive, charming and pleasant but lacked a certain je ne se quoi which you possess. As much as I like him I had a hunch that he wasn’t altogether the kind of man I would be totally happy in a long term relationship. My loneliness and heartaches got the better of me and I pursued this relationship half-heartedly; thinking our emotional affinity would improve with time. One evening, a week after we met we were at a pub celebrating a friend’s birthday. I was intoxicated trying to drown my sorrows from missing you. He had a wee bit too much to drink at the celebration. We ended up in my flat with our clothes scattered around us. He had a beautiful physique like yours. I began seeing you in him when we became intimate. I longed for your sweet lips and wanted to believe I was making love to you instead of Toby. Ignoring my premonitions, I plunged full steam ahead. I kissed him passionately like I did you when we were a couple. With my eyes clammed shut, I imagine holding you in my arms, caressing you and submerging fully in you. I desired no other only you.

I know that many people including our President insist that it be called the Christmas Season. I’ll be the first in line to say that it works for me however that’s not what it is. We hint at its coming on Halloween when the little tykes take over wandering the neighborhood begging for candy and coins. In this day and age the idea of children wandering the streets threatening people with “Trick or Treat!” just isn’t a good idea. In most cases parents go with them encouraging their offspring’s to politely ask “Anything for Halloween.” An added layer of security occurs when the children are herded into one room to party with friends. It’s all good, safe fun and usually there is enough candy for all of their teeth to rot before they have a chance to grow new ones. Forgotten is the concept that it is a three day observance of those that have passed before us and are considered saints or martyrs. Next we celebrate Thanksgiving, a national holiday (holly day) formally observed in Canada, Liberia, Germany Japan, some countries in the Caribbean and the United States. Most of these countries observe days other than the fourth Thursday of November and think of it as a secular way of celebrating the harvest and abundance of food. Without a hiccup we slide into Black Friday raiding stores for the loot being sold at discounted prices. The same holds true for Cyber Monday when we burn up the internet looking for bargains that will arrive at our doorsteps, brought by the jolly delivery men and women, of FedEx, UPS and USPS. Of course the big days are Chanukah when the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire, regained control of Jerusalem. It is a time to gather the family and talk of history and tell stories. Christmas Eve is a time when my family goes to church, mostly to sing carols and distribute gifts, although this usually continued on Christmas day. This is when the term “Merry Christmas” is justified and correct although it is thought that the actual birthday of Christ is in October. The English squeezed another day out of the season, called Boxing Day, which is when the servants got some scraps from the dinner the day before and received a small gift or a dash of money. I do agree that “Xmas” is inappropriate but that’s just me and I don’t go crazy over it. After all, Christmas is for everyone. On the evening of the last day of the year we celebrate New Year’s Evening followed by New Year’s Day which many people sleep through after New Year’s Eve. The last and final day of the Holiday Season is January 6th which Is Epiphany or Three Kings Day. In Tarpon Springs, the Greek Orthodox Priest starts the celebration with the sanctification of the waters followed by the immersion of the cross. It becomes a scramble when local teenage boys dive for the cross thrown into the Spring Bayou as a remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. This tradition is now over a century old and was first celebrated by the Episcopal Church by early settlers in 1903.

April 15, 1964, was Kim Il-sung’s birthday, therefore one of the year’s biggest holidays. That particular year, it was a total catastrophe for my family. Everyone in North Korea celebrated that wretched day. Every family received two and a half pounds of pork and some sweets and fruit—unheard-of luxuries at any other time of year. Amazingly, people were duped by these “gifts”; they really thought Kim Il-sung cared for them. I never fell for the ploy, but my sisters and I nonetheless still looked forward to the occasion as much as everyone else. Pork and sweets and fruit all in one day? It was the only day of the year when I wasn’t hungry. What was not to like?

Aunt Laura had called my dad and asked if I could come over to celebrate my cousins’ birthdays. Kiley and Josh were born the same month and often had a combined “family” party. It was clear to both Dad and me that my aunt had pretty much invited just me. Not my dad. But I didn’t want to go in there alone. And Dad knew that.

Wait a minute, look at them. Smiling and laughing. Just having a wonderful time, enjoying themselves to the fullest. Why shouldn't they? They deserve it. It's Christmas. Their Christmas. The best day I ever had was the day Karla found me and brought me here, to my home. Ryan, Kaley, Matt and yes, even Derek, are my family too. I'm treated so well I've lost perspective. Well, what do you expect, I am a dog after all. They always find the time to take me for walks, play with me in the yard, bring me to the vet, get me in out of the heat and cold, cuddle up with me before bedtime and even celebrate my birthday. Today is for them and not for me. The least I can do is to let them enjoy it without me getting in the way. But if this continues tomorrow there'll be hell to pay! Who am I kidding, it'll never happen.

Celebrate to Celebrate Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. —PSALM 107:1     I’ve often been accused of celebrating just to celebrate. I guess that’s correct, because I’ve built a ministry on telling women how to develop a close-knit family. My experience has shown that healthy families love to celebrate—you name it; they celebrate. Make celebrations a tradition in your family! Why not? Life is for living, and in the living there’s always something to celebrate. Celebrate everything—good days, bad days that are finally over, birthdays, and even half birthdays. Get your children involved preparing for a dinner celebration. Make it special. Let them make place cards, set the table, help you cook, create a centerpiece. Our children were always assigned to greet our guests at the door—a wonderful opportunity for teaching hospitality and manners. Let your sharing extend beyond your family. Several times a year, create a “love basket” filled with food for a family in need. Try spending part of your holidays helping out at a shelter or a mission. This has been one of our most rewarding celebrations. Present your own version of a You Are Special plate to a special guest, and have her use it for her meal. Let the recipient know that she is special and is loved by all. Go around the table and tell that special person why she is so special. Have a box of Kleenex ready—the tears will flow. In some cases it will be the first time she has been told that she is special and loved at the same time. Don’t be limited. Look for ways to celebrate life and those you love! Prayer: Father God, there are a lot of reasons to celebrate today. Let me be a helper for those who want to celebrate but don’t know how. Amen.   Action: Plan a celebration for someone you love.  

My passion for cooking meals for loved ones originated when I was growing up. Because our family didn't have much materially, my siblings and I didn't get excited about gifts and Christmas and birthdays--but we were exuberant in anticipation of the food! I remember my mother preparing and cooking food for days before Christmas. You could smell the aromas wafting throughout the house, and if you were lucky, she would allow you to lick the spoon and taste a little bit beforehand. As a result, my wife and I now delight in showing the same love my mother put into the preparation of special meals into the celebrations we enjoy. From all those years of watching my mother prepare food for the family, and from my own limited experience in the kitchen, I've realized an important lesson: quality takes time. While most people tend to agree with me, no one particularly enjoys waiting patiently for the turkey to come out of the oven or for the pie crust to be made from scratch. We want the quality, but we don't want to wait for it. As I look around, it doesn't take much to see that this current generation is accustomed to fast foods, instant information, and new friendships at the click of a button. Because of such immediate results, we've ignored the diminishing quality of those things we recieve instantly and our subsequent lack of appreciation for them. Our desire for instant gratification has ushered us to the point that we sacrifice excellent quality because of the difficulty and time it takes to produce it.

And then it occurred to me the other day . . . almost like a light bulb going off above my head as I sat and pondered my singleness, and the answer became crystal clear. Why does singleness have this overwhelmingly negative connotation? Because we don’t celebrate our singles. Like, at all. We just don’t. I mean, yeah . . . we have birthdays, of course . . . but who over the age of about twenty-five really makes a big deal out of their birthday? And besides, everybody has a birthday, so that doesn’t count. We simply don’t celebrate our singles. We celebrate our couples for making the decision to get married. We celebrate them again once they actually get married. We celebrate their choice to start a family (and then celebrate them again and again and sometimes again and again and again when they decide to expand that family). We celebrate the anniversaries of their marriages and the christenings and baptisms of their babies and their kids’ birthdays and their buying of a new home or choosing to adopt. Sometimes we even celebrate when they decide to end their marriage. But we simply don’t celebrate our singles.

ay cheese!" If you're like most women I know, you have at least one family and friends photo area in your home. My entire home is practically a photo gallery! Walls, tabletops, and my refrigerator door are all crowded with the faces of people I love. My husband, Bob, my children, grandchildren, new friends, old friends you name 'em and I've displayed 'em. How precious are these gatherings of faces to us. And it's so fitting, isn't it? Because our family and friends' pictures tell the story of their lives.. .and ours! Cherish your family and friends and those priceless moments. Hold them close. Seek out your friends and enjoy their company more often. Treasure their faces, their characteristics, their uniqueness. But also make room for new people.. .and add them to the gallery in your heart. ant to hold a spring garden party? It can be a birthday, a graduation, or just a celebration. For invitations, glue inexpensive packets of seeds to index cards and write in your party information. Pass them out or stick them in envelopes and mail them. Decorate a picnic table with an umbrella and bright floral sheets or vinyl cloths. Why not decorate the awnings and porch posts to make it even more festive? Flowers, flowers, and flowers everywhere create a bright, aromatic space. If you're limber and energetic or you're inviting kids, spread sheets on the ground for an authentic, old-fashioned picnic. A little red wagon or painted tub with a potted plant makes a fun off-to-the-side "centerpiece." Use a clean watering can for your lemonade pitcher. Engage your imagination and have fun entertaining.

THERE IS ONE mirror in my house. It is behind a sliding panel in the hallway upstairs. Our faction allows me to stand in front of it on the second day of every third month, the day my mother cuts my hair. I sit on the stool and my mother stands behind me with the scissors, trimming. The strands fall on the floor in a dull, blond ring. When she finishes, she pulls my hair away from my face and twists it into a knot. I note how calm she looks and how focused she is. She is well-practiced in the art of losing herself. I can’t say the same of myself. I sneak a look at my reflection when she isn’t paying attention—not for the sake of vanity, but out of curiosity. A lot can happen to a person’s appearance in three months. In my reflection, I see a narrow face, wide, round eyes, and a long, thin nose—I still look like a little girl, though sometime in the last few months I turned sixteen. The other factions celebrate birthdays, but we don’t. It would be self-indulgent. “There,” she says when she pins the knot in place. Her eyes catch mine in the mirror. It is too late to look away, but instead of scolding me, she smiles at our reflection. I frown a little. Why doesn’t she reprimand me for staring at myself? “So today is the day,” she says. “Yes,” I reply. “Are you nervous?” I stare into my own eyes for a moment. Today is the day of the aptitude test that will show me which of the five factions I belong in. And tomorrow, at the Choosing Ceremony, I will decide on a faction; I will decide the rest of my life; I will decide to stay with my family or abandon them. “No,” I say. “The tests don’t have to change our choices.” “Right.” She smiles. “Let’s go eat breakfast.” “Thank you. For cutting my hair.” She kisses my cheek and slides the panel over the mirror. I think my mother could be beautiful, in a different world.

My family looked very much different than my family today. As the years passed my family and friends warped into what I see before me today. Originally we were tight. Perhaps the reason was the Great depression or the war. It could have been that we all depended on each other to succeed. In time however I got married and with two sons formed my own nucleus. Although not always perfect, and what is? Ursula and I have been together for over 60 years. Our two sons are both now older than I was when I retired. Life now has become difficult in a different way and perhaps because of this reason I find that everyone is too busy to carry on the ties that I had in the past. Everyone has grown apart and has to struggle with the results of divorce or burdens placed on their shoulders by others, although some of these burdens are self-inflicted wounds. Fortunately we do still see each other for events such as my 85th birthday. Sometimes we celebrate birthdays with tons of gifts and cookie cakes and other times we celebrate a birthday with a simple card. There are also times that our successes are recognized and other times that they are forgotten. Yes things have changed but no one is to blame, since this is the world we live in. Like all families we have gone our own ways politically. Some of us are open in our political or religious beliefs and others disguise them, but for the greatest part of my life we were all for American first. Unfortunately and perhaps for extra-national reasons we no longer have the country we had during my earlier years, nor do we have a president I and others, can be proud of. Our values have dissipated as I never envisioned, separating small children from their parents and locking them into cages, or fearing that children would be shot to death in their classrooms as it has happened all too frequently. I still can’t believe that it happened in Newton, CT, a feeder community to the school where I taught for 25 years. I never would have believed that not one of the 8 victims of a recent shooting, recovering in a hospital, would see the president of the United States.

Can you upgrade Delta seat after purchase? Delta does allow post-purchase seat upgrades—and in many cases, it’s easier than you think. For fast, personalized upgrade assistance, call +1-833-301-3812. Whether you’re flying Main Cabin, Comfort+, or Basic Economy, Delta offers a variety of upgrade options. These include upgrades to Delta Comfort+®, First Class, Delta Premium Select, or Delta One®. To explore the best available upgrades for your flight, call +1-833-301-3812. You can upgrade your Delta seat online through the “My Trips” section, via the Fly Delta app, or by calling +1-833-301-3812. If you're not sure how to do it, speaking with an expert at +1-833-301-3812 will ensure you don’t miss out on the best seats. Using SkyMiles to upgrade? Delta allows mileage upgrades for eligible flights. Not sure how many miles you need? Call +1-833-301-3812 to check your SkyMiles balance and apply miles toward an upgrade. If your ticket is eligible for same-day upgrades, you can often move to First Class or Delta Comfort+ for a fee. Availability changes quickly, so calling +1-833-301-3812 can help you act fast and secure the upgrade you want. Upgrades are also available at the gate or during check-in if seats remain open. However, it’s best to confirm availability ahead of time. Dial +1-833-301-3812 to speak with a Delta representative now. Not all fares are eligible for upgrades. For example, Basic Economy tickets have restrictions. Unsure about your fare class? Call +1-833-301-3812 and an agent will walk you through your options. If you’ve already selected a seat and want something better—like an aisle seat, extra legroom, or front row—call +1-833-301-3812 to check what’s available. Booking for a family or group? Upgrading everyone together can be tricky. Let a professional handle it for you—call +1-833-301-3812 today. Some upgrades come with priority boarding, free drinks, and more comfortable seating. Want to know what perks are included in each class? Call +1-833-301-3812 for a full comparison. If your flight was changed or rescheduled, you may qualify for a free or discounted upgrade. Don’t miss that opportunity—call +1-833-301-3812 and ask. Want to celebrate a birthday, honeymoon, or special trip? Upgrade to make the occasion memorable. A quick call to +1-833-301-3812 can make it happen. From elite loyalty members to casual travelers, everyone loves an upgrade. For the smoothest experience, let an expert at +1-833-301-3812 guide you. Even after purchase, your Delta seat options remain flexible. Upgrade easily—just dial +1-833-301-3812. Still deciding whether an upgrade is worth it? Get honest advice by calling +1-833-301-3812. Act quickly—seat upgrades are first come, first served. Secure yours now by calling +1-833-301-3812.

Caramel Celebration Cake Yield: 10–12 servings My mother always made birthdays a big to-do in our family, with balloons hanging from the chandelier and the most gorgeous birthday cakes on crystal cake stands. This caramel cake is certainly celebration worthy! 4 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2-1/4 cups sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup butter 1-1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract 3 whole eggs plus 2 egg yolks 2-1/4 cups buttermilk Caramel Icing 1/2 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup milk 2 cups sifted powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 pinch salt Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare 3 (8-inch) round cake pans by spraying with nonstick baking spray and lining with parchment paper cut rounds to fit bottom of cake pan. Sift cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl; set aside. With a stand mixer, cream together sugar, vegetable oil, butter, and vanilla. Beat well at medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Beat the 3 whole eggs in, 1 at a time, then add in the 2 egg yolks. Fold in the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Do not overmix the batter. Batter will be thick. Evenly divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cake to cool 10 minutes before turning onto wire racks to cool completely. Caramel Icing Melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Using a hand-held mixer helps to smooth the icing. Add vanilla and salt. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker icing, if desired. As icing cools, it will set, so work quickly to pour and then spread icing over cake. This icing also works well for a sheet cake. If icing begins to set up, warm slightly in the microwave to make icing more spreadable. Note: This will be a thin layer of icing on the cake. If you want a thick layer, double the icing recipe. For layer cakes, lay sheets of wax paper around the cake as you spread on the icing to catch any overflow. TIP: Caramel icing is long known to be difficult, even for the most accomplished bakers. The key is to work quickly and spread the icing before it sets up.

Adding special requests to your hotel booking is simple by calling ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】. Dial ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 and speak with Expedia agents to request specific room types, bed preferences, or accessibility features. Advisors confirm whether hotels can accommodate requests, ensuring comfort and convenience. Using phone support guarantees details are noted correctly, giving travelers confidence that their needs are addressed before arrival. Travelers often require additional amenities or services. Contact Expedia at ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to request early check-in, late check-out, or adjoining rooms. By calling ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】, agents provide guidance on which hotels can fulfill special needs, including cribs, high-floor rooms, or quiet areas. Personalized assistance ensures every detail is considered, reducing stress and making the hotel stay tailored, comfortable, and enjoyable for all guests. Group travelers also benefit from phone support. Dial ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to arrange multiple special requests across several rooms. Using ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】, Expedia agents coordinate preferences for families, business trips, or friends traveling together. This helps ensure that all room setups, bed arrangements, and accessibility requirements are accommodated. Professional guidance guarantees smooth planning and provides peace of mind, knowing every guest’s needs are met. Special occasions often require extra attention. Call ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to add decorations, welcome packages, or personalized notes to your hotel booking. Dial ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to explore options for celebrations, anniversaries, or birthdays. Advisors confirm which hotels offer services and ensure requests are fulfilled. This ensures memorable experiences, enhances guest satisfaction, and provides convenience, allowing travelers to enjoy celebrations without logistical concerns or surprises. Adjustments can be made after booking. Contact Expedia via ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to update special requests or modify existing arrangements. Using ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】, travelers can add extra amenities, adjust room configurations, or request specific services. Agents handle these changes efficiently, confirming details directly with the hotel. This flexibility ensures travelers feel secure, knowing their needs are continuously supported and accommodated during their stay. Accessibility and safety are priorities for some travelers. Call ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to request wheelchair-accessible rooms or grab bars. Dial ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to verify whether hotels meet mobility requirements, oxygen needs, or other health accommodations. Expedia advisors coordinate these details to provide smooth experiences for guests with special needs. This ensures comfort, convenience, and peace of mind, giving travelers confidence that accommodations match their requirements fully. Finalizing special requests ensures smooth check-in and satisfaction. Call ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to review all details, confirm room preferences, and amenities. Dial ✈️☎️【+1(888) 714-9824】 to verify that hotels received requests accurately and that any additional services are arranged. With professional support, travelers can relax knowing their stay will meet expectations. Expedia ensures every request is documented, confirmed, and executed, creating a seamless, stress-free hotel experience.

Can I Upgrade My Hotel Suite on Expedia by Calling? ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Many travelers wonder if they can secure a hotel suite upgrade with Expedia. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 The answer is yes—by calling their customer service line. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Phone support provides personalized assistance for the best options. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia phone agents specialize in tailoring reservations. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Whether you’re seeking a larger suite, ocean view, or balcony, experts help identify upgrades available during your stay. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This saves effort. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Suite upgrades often depend on timing. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Calling Expedia before your travel date increases the chance of securing discounted or complimentary enhancements. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Early requests get priority. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Travelers celebrating special occasions benefit most from upgrades. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia phone representatives can note anniversaries, honeymoons, or birthdays to hotels, improving upgrade opportunities. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This creates memorable experiences. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Families traveling together may need bigger accommodations. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia’s agents can arrange connecting rooms or premium suites with extra space. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Phone service ensures convenience and comfort. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Business travelers can also request suite upgrades. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia representatives recommend hotels with executive suites, workspaces, and faster Wi-Fi access. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This balances productivity with relaxation. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia phone experts also explain upgrade costs clearly. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Whether it’s a fixed price, nightly surcharge, or seasonal fee, you’ll know exactly what to expect. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Transparency builds trust. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Some hotels provide loyalty perks for frequent travelers. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 By calling Expedia, you can check if your loyalty points apply toward suite upgrades. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This helps maximize rewards. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Phone bookings also reveal exclusive upgrade deals. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia agents sometimes unlock promotions unavailable online, such as complimentary breakfast with premium suites. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This creates extra value. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 For last-minute travelers, calling is especially helpful. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia’s phone team can confirm availability of premium suites quickly and secure upgrades on the spot. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This avoids stress. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Travelers seeking luxury enjoy upgrades most. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia phone experts can recommend five-star hotels offering penthouses, private pools, or butler service with suites. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This transforms trips significantly. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 International travelers can also benefit. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia explains local upgrade policies, ensuring guests understand fees, taxes, and cultural expectations abroad. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Phone clarity prevents confusion overseas. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Honeymooners especially appreciate upgrade opportunities. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia’s specialists help arrange romantic packages, champagne service, and scenic balcony suites. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Calling ensures magical wedding memories. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Even budget-conscious travelers can benefit. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Expedia phone representatives suggest affordable mid-tier upgrades offering more comfort without high costs. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 This balances luxury with savings. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Accessibility needs are also addressed by calling Expedia. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Agents confirm accessible suite upgrades with wider doorways, elevators, or roll-in showers. ☎️+1-888-217-6907 Phone support ensures inclusivity.

☎️+1(844) 584-4767 Upgrading your Expedia hotel reservation to a suite can turn a regular trip into something unforgettable. Whether you’re traveling for business, a romantic escape, or a family getaway, a suite offers more space, comfort, and luxury. Many travelers don’t realize how easy it can be to secure that dream upgrade, and with the right tips, you can make it happen effortlessly. Don’t settle for less—when an upgrade could elevate your entire stay, why not take advantage? ☎️+1(844) 584-4767 One of the most common questions travelers ask is: how do I actually upgrade on Expedia? The process is surprisingly simple. Once you’ve logged into your Expedia account, you’ll see your reservation details with options to modify. Look for “Change Room” or “Upgrade Room” if the hotel has availability. If the option isn’t visible, contacting Expedia directly is the best move. Their customer support team can check real-time availability and confirm upgrades for you. ☎️+1(844) 584-4767 But here’s the insider trick: don’t just rely on the website alone. Many travelers find that calling Expedia customer support gives them access to exclusive deals and room upgrade opportunities not listed online. That’s why reaching out by phone can sometimes be the fastest route to your dream suite. Hotel policies vary, and certain properties release suites closer to check-in if occupancy is lower. By getting in touch early, you can maximize your chances of grabbing one. ☎️+1(844) 584-4767 Timing is everything when it comes to securing a suite upgrade on Expedia. If you book during off-peak travel seasons, hotels are more flexible with upgrades. For example, midweek stays often have lower occupancy compared to weekends, so availability is better. Expedia’s loyalty program, One Key, also gives you extra perks—members can sometimes unlock complimentary or discounted suite upgrades. Pairing loyalty status with strategic timing can put you at the front of the line for luxury. ☎️+1(844) 584-4767 Another secret many travelers overlook is directly contacting the hotel after booking with Expedia. While Expedia handles your reservation, hotels have the power to assign rooms and offer personalized upgrades. Calling the front desk, introducing yourself, and politely asking about suite availability can go a long way. Hotels love accommodating guests who show enthusiasm, especially if they’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon. Let them know your special occasion—it might just land you in a gorgeous suite. ☎️+1(844) 584-4767 Want to increase your chances even further? Combine Expedia’s tools with some old-school charm. Start by checking your reservation often, as hotels may release new inventory as dates get closer. Then, show up at check-in with a smile and ask if a suite upgrade is available. Front desk staff often have flexibility to assign you a better room if occupancy allows. When paired with a polite attitude, this approach is surprisingly effective. ☎️+1(844) 584-4767 Let’s talk about costs. Upgrading your hotel room on Expedia doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. Sometimes suites are offered at discounted upgrade rates compared to booking them outright. Other times, you’ll find last-minute deals where hotels slash suite prices to fill them. Keep an eye on the “Deals” or “Special Offers” section when managing your reservation. These small upgrades can deliver major value, especially when the suite comes with perks like private balconies or lounge access.