Sometimes we create something to fill a need. When a fruit tray is needed for Easter brunch, we simply create one to feed all who will be enjoying the meal with us, and move on. Sometimes we create something a bit more special to bring joy to the recipient. When someone we know needs cheering up, the paper, crayons and scissors are brought out and the kids go to town, each … [Read more...]
Fondant Luster Finish, Edible Burlap & Yummy Cotton Balls
Today, I have a question for you. It's a simple question... with maybe not so simple an answer. But if we don't ask ourselves this very basic life question every once in a while and REALLY think about what our answer is... we could miss it. We could miss it all. So here goes... What makes you happy? I'm not trying to be vague here. I simply mean … [Read more...]
Wafer Hydrangea Flowers
He used to chase me around the dining room table each time my parents would leave the house (and put him in CHARGE) for their weekly grocery shopping night. It may or may not have been because I antagonized him. Incessantly. I've...uhhhh...no recollection. He used to pretend-glare at me from the doorway of his upper classman's Chemistry class in high … [Read more...]
Strawberry Princess Cake
She needed my hand to help her through. My Lucy. My youngest. My last baby who just turned six. For her birthday, she firmly decided that it was time she got her ears pierced. And when I say "firmly" I mean she didn't waver on this decision. Not once. Even though her big sisters gave it to her straight and told her it would most definitely hurt and there was … [Read more...]
A Teacher Cake… For a Toucher of Lives
Sometimes we touch the lives of others. Most of the time, we don't even know it. It's a simple fact that there are countless times in each person's day where they have hugely affected someone around them... causing happiness or pain, frustration or relaxation, anger or peace. It just is. And it's a crazy responsibility, if you think about it. Quite … [Read more...]
Wafer Paper Puffs and Mint Buttercream!
The first time I met Gina we were dressed to the nines. And so were our dates. It was prom. Not MY prom, mind you. Nor was it her prom. Our dates attended the same high school. It was THEIR prom. And my date had a "reputation" I was unaware of. That reputation NOT being a good one. And while it'd be nice to pretend that we girls don't jump to conclusions … [Read more...]
Mickey Mouse 1st Birthday and Smash Cake
Sometimes you just have to give people what they want. I'm not gonna lie, when I got the brief for Calvin's first birthday cake from his mama, a family friend...I was slightly (ok, maybe #notsoslightly) disappointed. I had heard it mentioned, earlier on, that the party was to be Mickey Mouse themed, and so the design-loving control center in my brain went into … [Read more...]
Lilly Pulitzer Inspired, Buttercream Swirl Cake! (And how to make it)
My beautiful friend just turned 40. (I will not comment on how ridiculous it is that my friends and I are suddenly old enough to plan 40th birthday celebrations for ourselves/each other. Nor will I mention the more-pronounced-than-ever crow's feet that have assumed command of my face, seemingly to remind me of such absurd times.) How can it be? My lying little … [Read more...]
How to Make Cherry Blossoms on Cake; Moneting it
My Sofie is my artist. She's our second born. Our spunky, fun-loving, deeply passionate, seriously loyal, and tell-you-like-it-is (unless it's gonna break you), second born who just turned ten years old. And I wouldn't be surprised if her picture is plastered right next to the word "artist" in the dictionary. 'Cause this girl can NOT stop creating. I'm not … [Read more...]
Gold, Wafer Paper, and a little Bit ‘o Buttercream
My good friend's parents have just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. FIFTY years. You and I both know that is no small thing. What they've been through together, I can not possibly imagine. The happy, the sad... the fear, the pain...the patience... the trials and tribulations... the love. They've woken up, side be side each morning, and chosen … [Read more...]
