Home DessertCake Holiday Carrot Cake

Holiday Carrot Cake

by Laura

Today is the last day of my blogoversay week.  🙁  It has been a fun week!  I had a great party week with all of you.  I am ending it with one of my favorite desserts, Carrot Cake!  Now, I know right now is not what you would consider the “holiday’s”  and the cake has the title Holiday Carrot Cake, but this cake is great for anytime of year.  It would be great for Mother’s Day. I had this cake at my in-laws at Christmas and had to have the recipe. It came from the Nov. 29, 2009 issue of Family Circle.

Holiday Carrot Cake | realmomkitchen.com

The holiday carrot cake is delicious and the frosting is to die for!  The original recipe calls for dried cranberries, but my in-laws used raisins.  This is what I also did.  I am usually not a big fan of raisins, but I love it in this cake.  The cake is suppose to be four layers, but I was too afraid the cake was going to fall apart when I made mine so I only did two layers.  Part of my issue may have been due to the fact that instead of  doing two nine inch rounds I used my Demarle large round mold (which is 9.5 inches) and did the whole cake in that and just cooked it longer.  It probably would have helped to refrigerate or freeze the cake a bit before trying to cut it into layers.

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Holiday Carrot Cake | realmomkitchen.com

Holiday Carrot Cake


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (I use canola)
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 3 medium-size carrots, peeled and shredded (about 2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (I used raisins)
  • Frosting:
  • 2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • cranberries and walnuts, for garnish (I just used walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9 x 2-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper. Coat paper with spray.
  2. Cake: In medium-size bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. In large bowl, beat sugars, oil, eggs and vanilla on medium speed until blended. On low, beat in flour mixture until smooth. Stir in carrots, nuts and cranberries. Divide batter between pans, spreading evenly.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 42 to 44 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Turn out and cool completely.
  4. Frosting: In large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until creamy. Gradually beat in confectioners sugar until smooth.
  5. With serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. (I didn’t cut the layers in half). Place one layer on cake plate and spread with 1 cup frosting. Repeat two more times with layers and frosting. Place remaining layer, cut-side down, on top and spread with remaining frosting. Garnish with berries and nuts. Serves16.
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This is the original photo from this post. The above photo was updated in December 2017.

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97 comments

Holiday Carrot Cake – Flashback Friday | Real Mom Kitchen December 19, 2017 - 6:37 am

[…] Holiday Carrot Cake […]

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axzph1xzhhyphymn February 8, 2012 - 3:18 pm

this place stands apart to put it mildly lmao

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Joaquina Mcgrue September 5, 2010 - 5:18 am

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post! I adore all things antiques, but in particular engagement rings.

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Dierdre Daris July 23, 2010 - 3:53 pm

I love getting comments on my blog, it helps fuel talk and allows humans to feel like they can become involved in the chat. I tend to agree. It’s a awesome way.

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limewire April 30, 2010 - 2:04 am

lmao amazing info dude.

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Jennifred April 25, 2010 - 9:06 pm

I think that necklace is beautiful. I can’t believe the prices on their men’s rings.

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robin norman April 25, 2010 - 7:36 pm

i think ashley’s are going to be in high demand for the anniversary bands!!!! both of them are beautiful… and i hope i can talk my husband into the 5/8 ctw. band before someone else does!!!! thanks!

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Julie April 25, 2010 - 5:57 pm

Well we bought a ring for my husband!!!!!! His ring has been broken for over 20 years. We went on to Ashley’s Jewelry and we found him a ring. We bought the 8mm Tungsten ring, black carbon fiber inlay. The best part was, it was only $29.99!!!!! Thanks Laura

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Karen Young April 25, 2010 - 5:07 pm

Really like the Genuine checkerboard cut blue topaz silver & 14ky ring. Think it would match the necklace perfectly.

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Cheryl S. April 25, 2010 - 3:33 pm

I love the 14 ct gold/stirling silver heart pendant and the onxy and stirling silver one too!

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Memoria April 25, 2010 - 2:34 pm

I must try out this recipe for my mom. She loves carrot cake.
I didn’t know you were celebrating your blogiversary!!! Oh goodness! HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!
I like the “Catsandra the Cat Waggles Necklace in 14k Gold” and the Medical ID bracelet.

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brigitte April 25, 2010 - 1:49 pm

I loved the anniversary band..and the price seemed reasonable too!

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F. Plvan April 25, 2010 - 1:42 pm

I suppose it’s silly, but I loved the Donald the Dog necklace!
F. Plvan
[email protected]

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Kathy Clark April 25, 2010 - 12:51 pm

I think the dog gold neglace was really cute!

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Amanda Earsom April 25, 2010 - 12:39 pm
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Nicole April 25, 2010 - 10:52 am

I love the open weave anniversary band. It reminds me of a piece of estate jewelry. I’m a sucker for jewelry with history! Love it.

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Sarah April 25, 2010 - 10:28 am

I love the diamond heart necklace! So pretty!

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lindsay April 25, 2010 - 10:22 am

LOVE the jewelry! Even though I love your recipes even more! That cake looks to DIE for 🙂

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Alexandria April 25, 2010 - 8:57 am

I love the intricacies of the women’s anniversary bands. However, I have to say that by FAR my favorite is the diamond 14K heart necklace. It reminds me of a necklace a boyfriend gave me back in high school that I LOVED and have since lost.

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Marci April 25, 2010 - 8:47 am

I love the mens rings too. I wish they had a little more for women. But, I will definately get my husbands next ring from them!

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Jill Moffat April 25, 2010 - 8:43 am

I really like the 9mm beveled titanium band! It’s just like my husbands wedding band. I am thinking I should buy him a “spare” since he lost his ring once already (so happy we found it).

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Valen April 25, 2010 - 8:42 am

Love that necklace and cake!

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Jennifer Zegowitz April 25, 2010 - 8:27 am

I love the hear necklace and the puppy necklace. I loves dogs so that is such a cute necklace.

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Kelli Bang April 25, 2010 - 2:54 am

I absolutely LOVE the 8mm flat pipe cut tungsten ring high polished finish and such a fantastic price! I can’t wait to try this carrot cake recipe!

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Whitney April 24, 2010 - 11:16 pm

Love the Genuine Onyx & Sterling Silver Pendant. Simple but beautiful. Oh, and the carrot cake looks amazing!

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peggy miller April 24, 2010 - 10:45 pm

Love the recipe and I liked their rings also and the sterling silver necklaces, especially the puppy were cute.

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Heather April 24, 2010 - 10:44 pm

Loved the heart necklace with the diamond and the puppy necklace.

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Teena April 24, 2010 - 10:29 pm

I like the rings on the site, esp. the anniversary band. The cake looks delicious!

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Suzeanne Martinez April 24, 2010 - 10:23 pm

I really liked the 1/2CT Diamond Ladies 14K Anniversary Band it was beautiful. I LOVE carrot cake but the hubby doesn’t like it. I bet this one will change his mind. Thanks for the great recipes.

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Tara April 24, 2010 - 10:02 pm

I liked the heart pendant the best. Can’t wait to try the carrot cake! Yum!

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Becky Cramer April 24, 2010 - 9:46 pm

I like the black and onyx sterling silver pendant, you could wear it with anything.

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Suzie Paul April 24, 2010 - 9:34 pm

I love the silver & gold heart necklace!

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Michelle Bailey April 24, 2010 - 9:28 pm

I really love the cute dog necklace, the silver and onyx earrings and pendant, the openair anniversary band, oh and the heart necklace with the diamond!! What a great website….I am so glad you introduced me to it. And yours too…very exciting!

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Angela Davis April 24, 2010 - 9:20 pm

The men’s Tungsten rings are my favorite!

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cynthia martin April 24, 2010 - 9:03 pm

The most beautiful ring that I saw, and will be getting, is the 9mm dome titanium band enamel inlay ring. The colors remind me of a beautiful varigated yarn! I just love it. Thank you for having us go to that site. I am in love with a ring!

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Steph April 24, 2010 - 8:56 pm

I’ll take the whole store please! I love all things sparkly…the heart necklace was super-d-dooper! I can’t wait to try this cake with a gluten free twist! Congrats on the blogeversary!

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Natalie M April 24, 2010 - 8:26 pm

My mother-in-law recommended your blog! I am in love! Ashley’s jewelry really has men’s bands for 18.99? Unbelievable! I suppose I will get around to replacing the wedding band my hubby lost last year.

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Nancy April 24, 2010 - 8:09 pm

Yum! I just found out that I really like carrot cake! I definitely want to give this a try.
As for Ashley’s…definitely the diamond heart necklace.

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TrishInFL April 24, 2010 - 7:55 pm

The gold and silver heart pendant is too cute!

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Kathy April 24, 2010 - 7:54 pm

I LOVE the checkerboard cut blue topaz ring! I love rings and this one is beautiful. I am trying to get one ring that I wear to leave for each of my beautiful granddaughters..

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Kim April 24, 2010 - 7:53 pm

I love the silver gold heart pendant. Adorable!

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Danya Paxman April 24, 2010 - 7:50 pm

I love the gold/silver heart pendant! That is darling and unique. I’ve never seen anything like that!

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Kerri April 24, 2010 - 6:28 pm

Genuine checkerboard cut blue topaz silver & 14ky ring
I love blue topaz and that ring (and the necklace) are great!

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Maria April 24, 2010 - 6:00 pm

I love the genuine diamond heart necklace! Maybe I should direct my husband to this website for a mother’s day idea. 🙂

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Ashley Cacll April 24, 2010 - 5:56 pm

I like their name best…can’t go wrong with a name like Ashley. Of course, I am biased since that is my name too. 😉

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Stacey Wright April 24, 2010 - 5:29 pm

I think the openwork anniversary band is beautiful! Sparkly things always are.

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Barbara Stimpert April 24, 2010 - 5:14 pm

Love the 1/2 CT Diamond anniversary band! Maybe I can talk the hubby into it for a 7yr intead of a 10yr!
I love your site and recipes too!

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Melissa April 24, 2010 - 4:41 pm

I love the 14K Yellow Gold / Sterling Silver Heart Pendant. The circle with the hearts is so cute. Would be a great gift for my mom. Love the cake recipe too!

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Amy Bascom April 24, 2010 - 4:36 pm

I really like the Genuine Onyx & Sterling Silver Pendant and the necklace pictured on your blog is really beautiful too.

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Becca B April 24, 2010 - 4:24 pm

OOoooOoOo AAAaaaAhhhhh… i like the 5/8ct Diamond Ladies 14K Openwork Design Anniversary Band – wanna know why? It look like a crown! I’d feel like a queen wearing it : )

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EBPitcher April 24, 2010 - 4:01 pm

I love this anniversary band

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kathy steadman April 24, 2010 - 3:10 pm

I like the open design anniversary band, are you reading this husband? 🙂

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Stephanie K April 24, 2010 - 3:03 pm

I like the diamond heart necklace.

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Lisa April 24, 2010 - 2:40 pm

I love the topaz ring. It is gorgeous. I also love your site and all the yummy recipes!

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Dezi A April 24, 2010 - 2:10 pm

I really like the Genuine Onyx & Sterling Silver Earrings.
And my boys love carrot cake but I haven’t ever made it for them, perhaps now is the time. 🙂

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Hilary April 24, 2010 - 2:09 pm

I loved the diamond heart necklace. I have always wanted a heart necklace. The piece your giving away is beautiful too.

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Staci April 24, 2010 - 1:18 pm

I like the 5/8ct Diamond Ladies 14K Openwork Design Anniversary Band.
Carrot cake is my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway. Staci

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Aimee April 24, 2010 - 1:01 pm

I love the Genuine checkerboard cut blue topaz silver & 14ky ring! I love this ring! 🙂

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Janna April 24, 2010 - 12:41 pm

I like the checkerboard cut topaz ring. Lovely!

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Heather April 24, 2010 - 12:40 pm

I love the open work anniversary band.

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Veronica Miller April 24, 2010 - 12:39 pm

The 14K two-tone hinged earrings! This has been fun–thanks for having a party to celebrate your blogiversary!

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Debbie April 24, 2010 - 12:21 pm

definitely the titanium band with the enamel inlay.

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jana April 24, 2010 - 12:06 pm

The 1/2CT Diamond Ladies 14K Anniversary Band looks like a beautiful blogeversary present. 😉 It’s beautiful and i love your site!

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Heather April 24, 2010 - 11:41 am

Love the gold heart pendant! Thanks so much for all your great recipes.

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Shannon April 24, 2010 - 11:25 am

I liked the 8mm domed tungsten ring. It it simple and very pretty. Thanks-Shannon

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sharee chapman April 24, 2010 - 11:14 am

I love the donald the dog,but all the peices are pretty! Thanks for sharing.

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Lynn April 24, 2010 - 11:12 am

Wow! All the rings are gorgeous!

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Lori W. April 24, 2010 - 11:05 am

I would have to say the “.03ct tw Genuine Diamond 14k Heart Necklace” would be my favorite piece over at Ashley’s. Thanks for the carrot cake recipe. I love carrot cake and can’t wait to try this out.

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Kim April 24, 2010 - 11:03 am

I like the genuine onyx and sterling silver pendant and earrings.

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Tamara April 24, 2010 - 11:03 am

My favorite on the webiste has to be the 5/8ct Diamond Ladies 14K Openwork Design Anniversary Band! Very unique!

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Shannon April 24, 2010 - 10:54 am

I also love the Genuine checkerboard cut blue topaz silver & 14ky ring.. the men’s rings are cool too.. I could get a beautiful titanium ring for my husband.. He would love it!! Can’t wait to make the carrot cake.. All your recipes look so yummy!!

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Angela April 24, 2010 - 10:31 am

I like the open anniversary band.

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Crazy About Cakes April 24, 2010 - 10:28 am

I love the Sterling earrings!!! And I will definitely be making this carrot cake.
~Lynette

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Carrie April 24, 2010 - 10:17 am

Wow Laura, this is the most amazing giveaway ever!! The necklace is BEAUTIFUL!! I checked out the Ashley’s Jewelry website and they have some amazing jewelry, it’s hard to pick a favorite!! The Genuine checkerboard cut blue topaz silver & 14ky ring is stunning though, I LOVE it!

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Kymber April 24, 2010 - 10:08 am

my husband keeps saying he’d like to get me an anniversary ring…so I’d like the 5/8ct Diamond Ladies 14K Openwork Design Anniversary Band

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amie April 24, 2010 - 10:04 am

I like the titanium ring with the swirls!

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Becki J April 24, 2010 - 9:59 am

I love the 5/8ct Diamond Ladies 14K Openwork Design Anniversary Band

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Brianne April 24, 2010 - 9:51 am

The black onyx and sterling silver necklace are super pretty. Thanks for the carrot cake recipe. It is my mother-in-law’s favorite. 🙂

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Keeley April 24, 2010 - 9:34 am

I would definitely want the 5/8ct Diamond Ladies 14K Openwork Design Anniversary Band!! Beautiful, and you could even wear it as a right hand ring 😉

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Chelsea Rowley April 24, 2010 - 9:25 am

I’m a huge fan of sterling silver, especially those earrings!

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Amanda D April 24, 2010 - 9:19 am

The onyx and sterling silver earrings are beautiful. I’ve just started wearing earrings…make me feel less frumpy!

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Karen G. April 24, 2010 - 9:11 am

I love your recipes! They have down to earth ingredients, not too difficult to make and yet they look and taste like they were prepared by a chef!
I was impressed with Ashley’s Jewelry website. Beautiful pieces but at reasonable prices. The genuine checkerboard cut blue topaz silver & 14ky ring caught my eye. I think it would look great with your necklace and blue is my favorite color. Appreciate your website, keep up the great work! You are helping us become better one home at a time.\

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Lindsey April 24, 2010 - 9:09 am

I like the black Onyx & Sterling necklace and earings. I always pick brown and now have nothing in black.
I love carrot cake. Thanks for the great recipes.
Lindsey

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mandy April 24, 2010 - 9:05 am

i love the heart necklace! i love the blog, congrats!

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Jennifer April 24, 2010 - 8:44 am

I would love to get a tungsten or titanium ring for my husband. He lost his wedding ring in our first year of marriage and we never replaced it. Yesterday was our 13th anniversary…

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Jenn Elton April 24, 2010 - 8:40 am

I like the tungsten and titanium rings for my hubby. his wedding ring is looking a little shabby

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Kristen N April 24, 2010 - 8:36 am

I love the open design anniversary band.

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Chery A. April 24, 2010 - 8:35 am

My ten year anniversary is this summer, so I would have to say the anniversary band (I’ll have to hint to my husband).

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Heather April 24, 2010 - 8:27 am

Gorgeous stuff! I loved the open design anniversary band, which I need to point out to my husband!

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Barb Stanger April 24, 2010 - 8:22 am

I love the Heart Pendant! So cute! Happy Blogoversary!! Love your blog- it’s at the top of my “must see” everyday!! Thanks for all of the wonderful recipes!! YUM!

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jan April 24, 2010 - 8:18 am

Hard to choose. 🙂 my favorite would have to be the 14k heart necklace.

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Melissa Adams April 24, 2010 - 8:03 am

Love the Blue Topaz Ring! Can’t wait to try this cake.

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Kimberly April 24, 2010 - 7:46 am

I like the Genuine Onyx and Sterling Silver Earrings! Thanks!

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mrsblocko April 24, 2010 - 7:46 am

I like the necklace you have posted on your site, but I couldn’t find that one on the jewelery site.
The cake looks delicious too!

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Tammy April 24, 2010 - 7:45 am

Thanks for the great site. From Ashley’s, I think the Donald the Dog Waggles Necklace in Sterling Silver is fun!

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Tina from PA April 24, 2010 - 7:32 am

Hi Laura! Carrot cake is one of my faves. What a fun Blogoversay week! Over at Ashley’s I love the Donald the Dog Waggles necklace.Happy Blogoversay!!

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Lacie T. April 24, 2010 - 7:27 am

wow! I just love all of your ideas!! The jewlery is beautiful! I love the denuine onyx and sterling silver pendant- and I LOVE how your blogeversary and my wedding anniversay coincide! (today is my 6 year) and looking at your recipes gives me so many ideas about cooking a special meal- thanks!

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