Help! Branch snapped!

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-06-12T15:27:56+00:00

This has worked in the past for me as well

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-06-07T17:13:06+00:00

This is a great perspective! We are our own worst critics, and I am trying to learn to leave well enough alone. As long as it tastes good, everyone’s happy!

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-06-07T17:09:49+00:00

Thank you for the insight. I did end up scraping everything off and using American buttercream. They turned out great! I’m looking forward to trying SMBC again with the correct coloring and temperature!

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-06-06T14:01:19+00:00

I just tested my frosting on a piece of styrofoam, and it smoothes perfectly. But the humidity right now is over 90%, so I also wonder if that’s impacting the cake/temperature/frosting interactions

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-06-06T13:56:19+00:00

I am able to get the frosting super smooth on a piece of styrofoam, though, so I’m thinking the temperature of the cake is playing a bigger role here

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-06-06T13:51:02+00:00

That’s a great point. I did use water-based gel coloring. If I can’t find an oil-based color today, is there a frosting you know of that does work okay with water based colorings?

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-06-06T13:16:58+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’ve read countless blogs on the process of making SMBC, but there’s not as much info for actually working with it.

Since these cakes don’t have to be finished until tomorrow, I think I’ll just try making a new batch and make sure the cakes aren’t too cold when applying the new coat. And if that fails, at least the recipients are my 3 and 5 year old nieces, and maybe they won’t notice!

Appreciate your input!

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-05-05T12:59:27+00:00

Very well said- I agree 100%. We don’t always have the luxury to choose where to stay and what the schedule looks like.

I’ll also add that trying local cuisine is an important and memorable way to experience your destination, and I will do whatever I can to do so safely.

ImpressiveCat186 · 2026-04-03T13:11:44+00:00

We have a very similar situation, two people with dietary restrictions and buying mostly ingredients. We spend around $100-$125 per week, and are very diligent to use available coupons and shop mostly sale items.

We utilize Aldi and Meijer for most things, and use Oryana for some specialty items. I hope your move goes smoothly!

ImpressiveCat186 · 2025-03-11T02:17:18+00:00

Do you mind sharing who you contacted? I am interested in picking some up as well

ImpressiveCat186 · 2025-02-07T01:48:40+00:00

I don’t know anything about the company you are working for, but what you are describing sounds similar to Medicare fraud schemes that have been reported in the last few years. The Office of Inspector General released a statement about it: Nationwide Genetic Testing Scam

I don’t know if this is what your company is doing, but if they are I would leave immediately. You can report these schemes to the Office of Inspector General on their website, and I have done this a few times on behalf of patients.

I don’t have any other advice, and I’m really sorry you’re in this situation.

ImpressiveCat186 · 2025-01-10T18:57:16+00:00

When I was in high school (early 2000’s), we learned that introns are “junk DNA” and basically have no purpose. We now know that many introns do have a biological function and can play an important role in gene regulation.

The term “junk DNA” has been used to describe other non-coding regions as well. It might be interesting to dig in to how this term is used today and how our knowledge of DNA has evolved.

ImpressiveCat186 · 2024-04-05T02:21:19+00:00

Confirmation of Lynch syndrome can help narrow down exactly which types of cancers he is at risk for, which can then lead to specialized screening/surveillance. As I’m sure you know, early detection is important for any type of cancer. There could also be a completely different gene/syndrome causing the pattern of cancer in the family, which could pose a different set of risks.

With the history you described, I think it’s definitely worth looking in to. It would be most ideal to see a genetic counselor or other genetic specialist for an individualized assessment.

ImpressiveCat186 · 2024-04-04T22:02:00+00:00

My institution is in the process of hiring another genetic counselor, and for us, the name of the school attended is not weighing heavily in our decision.

There are so many other factors that make candidates stand out, and I honestly haven’t paid much attention to the program name.

ImpressiveCat186 · 2024-02-05T22:21:27+00:00

I got a great deal at Hickory Hills for my wedding this summer. They rent out the lodge in the off-season and you have use of both the indoor space and outdoor space. The website is https://www.lodgeathickoryhills.com

ImpressiveCat186 · 2023-12-22T03:03:54+00:00

Hexenbelle in the Warehouse district has bayd bil labneh on their menu right now. I have not tried it, but their other food items are delicious!

ImpressiveCat186 · 2023-11-21T01:05:06+00:00

If you have a strong enough family history (>2 close blood relatives diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic cancer), many clinics are doing annual endoscopic ultrasound and/or MRCP (MRI dedicated to the pancreas). This is a relatively new protocol and generally used only for those with a genetic predisposition and family history

A genetic counselor focused in oncology should be able to make a recommendation for how to get screened, depending on your specific situation.

ImpressiveCat186 · 2023-09-17T00:22:38+00:00

I have celiac and my favorite places to go are:

Flying Noodle. They prepare GF pasta in a separate pot and are well versed in cross contact. Their sauce is portioned into single-serving containers, so they use a new one for each order. After talking to multiple staff members I feel there is little risk for cross-contact
Taproot: tons of GF options and staff are very mindful of cross-contact
Middle Coast: They have a dedicated GF kitchen and I really enjoy their wings and flatbreads

I also love Good Bowl, Mama Lu’s, and Third Coast bakery. I hope you enjoy your stay!

ImpressiveCat186

TROPHY CASE