Company Logo

I had a pretty busy weekend. A couple of cake orders already booked. Then a shorter notice, but small and simple cake order for Monday. Then the same day I got that small cake order, I received a request for 4 dozen decorated sugar cookies with a company's logo for an expo they had -- ready by Tuesday afternoon. : D Now, keep in mind, I run a one woman show...out of my home. Someday I should post pictures of my kitchen, because it is a small kitchen with few counters. I would *love* a kitchen like my mothers -- counter space galore and a HUGE island to work on. I love it. Alas, we can't really afford to move right now, so we make do! 

I enjoy baking cookies, and my sugar cookie recipe is excellent. My husband thought I was crazy to try to fit everything in, but this is what I do and love. I managed to bust them out (with the help of said husband watching the kiddos) and they turned out great.

The company's logo below:

Falling in Love...

I received this fabulous order for a bridal shower cake that was fall themed. I knew about this order over a month in advance and it was through a great lady at my children's piano lessons, so we kind of talked about ideas for it weekly. :) Initially, we were thinking of doing a cupcake cake in the shape of a tree - with fondant leaves on about half of them. I thought it was an awesome idea that we collaborated on together (her idea the tree, my idea the fondant leaves), BUT given the amount of servings needed, she wasn't comfortable with traveling and arranging them all herself. Which is definitely understandable! Traveling with decorated items is still probably one of my *least* favorite part of the job.

Final decision was a decorated 1/2 sheet with leaves details. Now, my first idea was to do something similar to a flower spray on the corners, except with tree branches and leaves. I loved it, mapped it out (I always sketch cake plans at least a few times), however....something always tends to go not as planned. With about 90% of my cakes, I have a plan on how I will arrange, build, decorate it and it doesn't work the way I first thought. I usually have a moment of stress/panic, but I ALWAYS figure it out! And I always end up loving the changes.

My obstacle with this one is I kept getting a crease down the middle of the cake. (I don't currently have a 1/2 sheet pan, so I put together 2 - 1/4 sheets - thus causing this crease.) Obviously I can't have a crease in the middle where the writing is supposed to go. So.....look below and see how I adjusted the design to the obstacle.

 Ta-dah!! I *love* how this one turned out...love love love it. The "carved" heart and initials in the tree was a last minute "duh" to add in, and I think it just turned into such a sweet cake. Not to mention, pretty unique for a bridal shower.

Oh....and it was Rainbow cake inside. :)

Longest week ever...

It's only been a few days since my last post, but it honestly feels like it's been a couple weeks. Last week was a busy and emotionally taxing week. We lost a family member this week as a result of a car accident - my father's fiance. It is completely devastating and hard on us all, but I worry about my father the most. They were genuine soul mates, and absolutely perfect together. And she was taken much much too soon. I am grateful that he got a few last days with her, and she was able to communicate in a way with him - but it's just awful. This whole week I've been thinking about him -- about my sister that was able to visit and help (they live quite a few states away) -- and about how fast something like that can happen to anyone. Thinking about my own life and family. It's made me appreciate that we've chosen to live like we live - spending almost all our time together being a SAHM and homeschooling family. Too many of us, probably all of us at some point or points in our lives focus on money and things. None of that goes with you once your gone. Your kids won't remember that you made six figures a year....they'll remember that you weren't home. I want to build memories with my kids...not things. Yes, more money would be fantastic and "easier" and if someone were just handing it out, I'd take it in a heartbeat. :) Having less money just means being more creative with our time and resources we do have. So, be sure to appreciate what you have already, let go of grudges and resentment, and take that extra time with your kids and spouses.

On a good note with the business, had quite a few orders for cakes and jars. It was a lot to do, but it all turned out fabulous. I love when my customers are happy!

This was a cake for a little girl's baptism and I *love* how the design turned out. :) Scroll work truly is probably one of my favorite things to do. It turns out so nice on fondant!

This one was actually for my sister Alex - she officially turned "old" in her eyes. Hahaha, right! When I turned 25 she did not let me live it down -- even my birthday bag said 30 on it. I tried out a new recipe. Calling it Berry Vanilla -- it was 3 layers, 2 mixed berries and 1 vanilla with vanilla buttercream and raspberry filling. I heard it was yummy and refreshing! The design you would call ombre I guess (it's fairly popular for a lot of things right now) and I colored the layers to match. Unfortunately, I had to leave early and missed the cake, but my sister got a picture of the inside. Can't wait to see!