A slice of life!

Tis the season!

2008-12-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

...for pretty presents, and snowflakes and choirs of angels!

I was commissioned to make this cake for a co-worker in my husbands office, for the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Encinitas. They had their holiday choir performance last night and he thought the cake would make a nice reception display and of course treats for after the celebration! I had fun making these cute little angels (all edible and made from fondant)!

Thanks Dale! I hope everyone enjoyed it!

How 'bout a beer?!

2008-11-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

I made this cake was made for a friend of ours, who was celebrating his birthday this weekend - with beer and brat's! This "beer mug" cake was made from 4 - 6" round cakes, torted and filled with vanilla buttercream and starwberry preserves. Then covered in fondant and airbrushed for color. The foam on top, was simply buttercream. The idea came from a cake I found on the "Cake Girls" website (www.thecakegirls.com) - I think it came out pretty good! The sausage was made rice cereal treats and covered in fondant. Pretzels were made out of fondant, and sugar crystals were used for salt. Fun cake to do!

Cheers Michael!!

Coffin Cake

2008-10-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here's another Halloween inspired cake I did this week, for our neighbor Michael. We met Michael and Christine who moved onto our street just shortly after we did (yeah!) In fact, the first night we met, he told us we "had" to mark our calendar for the weekend of the 25th, for his Halloween/Birthday party! Don't have to tell me twice! We'll be there!

This was a sheet cake carved into a coffin, covered in a mixture of chocolate and black fondant. I made the top a day early so it would dry... I wanted to have it slightly moved over, so there would be room for the skelton hand coming out! (Hand was made out of gumpaste). All the rest of the decorations were all made out of fondant and cookie crumbs for dirt.

Everything edible!

Had a great time at the party - bunch of wild and crazy people! The kind of neighbors we love!

Happy Birthday Michael!!

UGH!

2008-10-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

I know the pictures in my website are messed up - I'm having difficulties trying to edit my pictures, and am working on it!

- stay tuned!

Happy Fall!

2008-10-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

I love the recent change in weather, the cooler breezes, the changing colors in the leaves, watchin' football, pumpkins on the porch.... love it! My most favorite holiday! ...OK maybe a close second to Christmas! I love Halloween. Love the decorations. Love the costumes. Totally fun excuse to have a party! (I'm big time missing our annual costume party - but since we've moved, it just won't be the same!) We do have another party to go to, which I know will be awesome, I just need to figure out what I'm doing for a costume this year... I've done spider woman, a witch, a biker chic, "Malice" in Wonderland (my favorite!) and toga'd out with last years theme! Suggestions?

...and speaking of parties, our neighbor Maddie was celebrating her birthday day this weekend, w/ a costume Halloween themed birthday party! I wish my birthday was around Halloween! I haven't done a cake in months and was itchin' to do one - and it's a Halloween cake!

(Inspired by Rebecca Sutterby, www.sugarcreations.com)

And the winner is....

2008-10-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Sutterby!

Rebecca won the grand prize this past weekend at OSSAS! A HUGE congratulations goes out to her - I'm so proud of her!! She usually places in and around the tip top, but has never won the grand prize. Here's a photo of her winning cake!

Simply gorgeous!

Rebecca is my idol! (OK, I don't mean to sound creepy! - but she is!) When I first started out in cake decorating, and surfing the internet for inspiration - I found "Sugar Creations" (www.sugarcreations.com) and instantly fell in love with her cakes. Her style fits me to a "T"! I would study her cakes and designs and try and incorporate these techniques and beautiful colors, into my work. I first met Rebecca at OSSAS a few years ago, and was just SO thrilled to shake her hand and tell her how much I admired her work. I was fortunate enough to take a class with her - in Kansas, back in 2007 (w/ my friend and follow decorator - Lisa!) Rebecca's work has earned her much recognition in the past years, she's been on FoodTV's "Challenge" and she's was featured in "Bride" magazine back in February, as one of the "50 Most Beautiful Cakes". She is not only an extremely talented decorator, but she is the sweetest and most down to earth person! Winning OSSAS couldn't have happened to a better person!

I can say... "I knew her when..." !!

...and congratulations to you Shelly on your "silver" win!

Can't wait to see a picture!

It's Almost Here!

2008-09-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Oklahoma State Sugar Arts Show!

It's this weekend!

If you in in or around the Tulsa, OK area and are a cake enthusiast, a cake decorator, a bride or just a "foodie" in general - you must go the the OSSAS this weekend! It is the largest cake competition in the county and contestants come from all over and around the world! There are a multitude of categories for every level of cake decorator from kids to masters... and then there's the "wedding cake" competition. This brings out the best of the best! Each year there is a theme for the wedding cake competition... this year is "Language of Flowers". Personally, for me - a tough category! Last year was "Hollywood Glamour" - that's right up my ally! Cakes are judged on interpretation of theme, representation, technical difficulty, table decor, pretty much picked over with a fine tooth comb!!

Here's my piece from last years wedding cake competition - it was titled "Bell of the Ball". It was inspired by the dress Audrey Hepburn wore in the movie "My Fair Lady". I won a bronze!

"Bell of the Ball" Bronze winner OSSAS 2007

My cake though hard to tell in the photo, was entirely covered in lace (as was Audrey's dress). This took hours (days) to achieve! The top or dome, I thought would be representational of the umbrella she carried. These pieces were all hand cut and overpiped to give it the texture and impression of lace. Little sugar pearls gave it a little bling. I wanted the cake to look like a "dress", so I gave it a waistline with the concave cake at the top (these are dummies by the way, not real cake), and the bottom of the cake was flared out (as was her dress), with detail added to match the lace pattern on her dress. The black and white ribbon and bows, and pink roses were all hand done and made out of gumpaste. I still have the cake - it's in my garage! I unfotunately had to toss a lot of my cake dummies before the move, but I didn't have the heart to toss this one! We rode with it in our car from Texas to California!

I have my personal favorites to place this year - and I cannot wait to see the entries and the results from the competitions! I unfortunately can't make it this year - due to the move and timing, it just wasn't going to happen... Which I am sad about... But will not dwell on!

There's always next year!!

Good luck to all who've entered!!

Legoland

2008-09-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

I took Jake and his friend Cade to Legoland one afternoon a couple weeks ago... Legoland is located in Carlsbad, CA (the only one in the United States), and about 20 minutes from where we live. Both my boys were/are HUGE Lego fans, we must have hundreds of dollars invested in Lego's and Bionicles! Matt's felt he was a little to big to be going to Legoland! - but Jake and Cade loved it! They have some rides (perfect for smaller kids - I think Jake was a little disappointed - he's used to 6 Flags type rides) but was so excited about the Lego creations which are displayed all around the park - Lego EVERYTHING!

Lego people....

Lego animals...

Lego faces...

Lego cities...

So, if you have kids who are into Lego's, and in the San Diego area, a visit to Legoland is a must!

Is summer over already?!

2008-09-15T16:27:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry for those of you keeping tabs on me... I've been a bad blogger!

I'm sorry!

We have all been enjoying the summer here in sunny San Diego!

No for real... we've been busy... Unfortunately Mark's mom passed away a few short weeks ago. She hadn't been well for quite some time and though Mark had recently been able to visit her, it was tough when the time came. We all went to Syracuse for the funeral...

We've also had two rounds of company the past few weeks, still working on finishing up the house, getting Jake ready for school - I've been busy! I've missed my blog and posting pictures - so I'll try and catch up with the latest greatest (I'll try and spread 'em out over the next few days - so check back!)

Jake's first day at San Elijo Elementary - isn't he cute! (My Birds of Paradise bloomed finally!)

Matt recently got a new job at Guitar Center - which is right up his alley! He's taking the year off, as won't qualify for "in state" tuition till next fall (forget about out of state tuition!) - So that give him a year to save some money, and check out the Cal State schools.

We spent several days in Syracuse for the funeral - and though a sad and emotional trip, it was great seeing Mark's family again... We laughed, we cried, we drank margarita's!

The whole family hadn't been together in years, and it was fun to catch up with everyone and see all the nieces and nephews.

I know Marcia was smiling down!

Papa takes on the kids in a game of bocce ball.

Sean, Matt and Jake jammin' out on "Rock Band" (we are so getting this for Christmas, it's so much fun!)

Mark and his brother Jim

Mark's sister Cindy and daughter Kate.

Jim's daughters, Patrice and Jessica

John, Sean, Kate, Matt and Patrice

"The most important things in life are your friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude towards life. If you have these then you have everything." Author Unknown

Amen.

Our new family member!

2008-08-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome baby... " ? " !! We just "adopted" this little guy! He's a 12 week old Congo African Gray parrot. Not sure what to name this lil' one yet - not sure if it's a boy or a girl! We're off to the bird vet today for a check up and blood test (only way to officially "sex" bird"). So far on the short list is: Uno, Oakley, Echo, and Mojo. Those are our "generic" names. I like Lola if it's a girl, and Cisco if it's a boy! He's so cute, and we're having so much fun with him - very sweet bird! Here's a picture of Jake and "bird" (he LOVES edamame!)

A love story...

2008-07-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is the most touching and beautiful love story ever!

I've watched it three times already, and cried every time! Amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGKWoJi5qM

Shakin'!

2008-07-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Did you feel that?!?!" My husband called to ask me at 11:45.

"Feel what?"

"We just had an earthquake!!!"

Welcome to California! If you hadn't heard the news yet, California had an earthquake, it registered a 5.4 on the richter scale, centered in Chino Hills (about 30 miles east of downtown LA). Apparently it was felt as far away as Las Vegas, and and far south as San Diego...

I however, felt nothing!

Kind of glad... but in a strange way... kind of wanted too! Mark called me from work, which is in Del Mar (close to the coast), and he said his office definitely rumbled! Fortunately there were no reported injuries and no major damage. 5.4 is pretty big!

It's definitely scary... but I'm not afraid. We dodged tornadoes (some too close for comfort!) in Texas and have seen first hand the damage they can cause. California has earthquakes. I don't think anyone - anywhere is safe from a natural disaster... I'm fascinated by the sheer power and magnitude of these natural forces... it makes me realize how small we are on this large planet on which we live. A little shakin', I'm OK with... As for "the big one" - hopefully I won't be around when that time comes!

Yup... It's a kitchen... and it's cake!!

2008-07-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

My "kitchen cake" was published in ACD (American Cake Decorating magazine) this month! This cake has undoubtedly been my most interesting cake request to date! I love a challenge and when clients have a "vision" - I love it more when the finished product exceeds their expectations!

I did this cake for a guy who was surprising his wife with a kitchen remodel for her birthday... nice guy hu!?! He wanted a complete replica of his current kitchen to present his wife, so she could demolish it! (kind of harsh, but I get it!) He was an engineer, so he was very specific how he wanted it to look - right down to the coloring on the kitchen counters (no pressure)! He made the "stage" for the cake complete to scale... complete with walls, and even made little ledges for me, to put the cake on where the cabinets were to hang and actual flooring from their kitchen, for the cake board. It doesn't look like much cake, but all this was constructed out of 2 2x18 half sheet pans... and not all of it was cake, I used styrofoam for some of the cabinets and refrigerator. Everything was covered in fondant and all the details were made out of gumpaste and applied w/ royal icing.

Well, he was blown away with the results and even sent me pictures of his wife demolishing the "kitchen cake"! I don't think this kitchen looked all that bad - would love to see what the new kitchen is gonna look like!

(Wonder what he's got planned for next year!?!)

Good cakes gone bad!

2008-07-11T15:02:00.001-07:00

As you may think, I am not on vacation! ...OK, well sort of, but not really! Though it is "summer", and I have been hangin' at the beach, and haven't done a cake in 8 weeks! ... I've also been unpacking, organizing, and setting up our house! I don't how many trips to Lowe's and Home Depot I've made, but the girl at the paint counter recognized me this morning!

I still frequet my favorite cake sites and friends blogs, and while perusing on Cake Central (http://www.cakecentral.com/) last night, I came across the funniest blog and had to pass this on! It's a riot!

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

"When professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong!"

These are some of the saddest (and funniest) cakes I have ever seen! Spelling errors, horrible colors -you'd cry too if you picked up one of these babies for your special occassion (or wedding!) No cheap shots - these aren't "beginner" cakes or cakes your grandma made, these are what people actually paid for - from a bakery!

Just proves.... you get what you pay for!

(Good cakes aren't cheap - and cheap cakes aren't good!)

...or anything for that matter!

Happy 4th - from Huntington Beach!

2008-07-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend of the 4th up at Huntington Beach (a.k.a. Surf City USA) It's about an hour North of us and Mark has a good friend there (Dave) who invited us up to to his condo (on the beach!) for the weekend. Huntington goes ALL out for the 4th. They start out the morning w/ a huge parade, they even shut down PCH for the event! Houses are all decorated out, people lining the streets early with their chairs - very Americana - with a SoCal twist!

I loved this pony picture, her "nails" are coordinating - and she's smiling!

When the parade is over, the hundreds - thousands! - hit the streets, the pier and the beach! Bikes are the ONLY way to get around!

If you watch Entourage (awesome show!) you'll appreciate this car! Super clean '63 Lincoln Continental convertible, with suicide doors!

It was a gorgeous day at the beach - a view from Huntington Pier (you can see Dave's condo!)

BBQs and parties going on all day... that night, we were treated to a most amazing fireworks show off the pier. What a great way to celebrate the 4th!

Saturday morning, we had breakfast at Rudy's... when your in HB for breakfast, they serve up the BEST cinnamon bun french toast! Yeah, it's that good!

Had a great weekend! - Thanks Dave and Rose for the hospitality! I think today, we'll relax at home by the pool (i.e., take nap!) and recover from the "fun" and the "sun"! Happy 4th everyone!!

Pacific Beach

2008-06-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, Sunday's are turning out to be our "beach day"... we've been checking out different beaches in the area, and today we went to Pacific Beach (or as the local's refer to as "PB"), just South of La Jolla. It's a huge beach, lots of places to eat, shop and lots of nightlife (so we're told), a popular area for SD college students! There's a long boardwalk that stretches all the way down to Mission Beach, and Mission Bay (just N. of San Diego), you can rent bikes, surfboards, pretty much anything you need - we'll definately bring our bikes back w/ us next time, that's the way to to get around (parking is definately a challenge!).

Next weekend we're heading up to Huntington Beach (Surf City USA!) for the 4th of July. A friend of ours who lives there, has invited us up for the festivities - apparently they shut down PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy) for a huge parade and a pier festival. We love Huntington, great beach, excellent surfing, and great people watching! Should be fun!

Love the smells...!

2008-06-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

I know I'm in California, when I get here, and smell the smells! OK, not it's not exhaust, or smog! ...it's the fresh rosemary and sage, the honeysuckle and lavender, and the ocean... it's what I love most about it here. Here's a sample of what's in my yard!

The view from my bedroom... this is the best! On a clear day, you can see the ocean... and in 20 minutes I can be there!

California or Bust!!

2008-06-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well we made it! It wasn't easy... but we made it! What a crazy month it's been it's been! We (yes, "we", not a moving company!) packed up our house, and moved everything with PODS!... Stayed at "granny and grampa's for 10 days! (4 adults, 2 kids, and a 120# dog, in a 2 bedroom house!)... Matt's graduation ceremony ("YEAH Matt!!"), drove 1/2 way across the country in two cars... Matt's Jeep breaks down just outside Midland (see "Monahan's" pictures!)... but WE MADE IT!! It's been awhile since I've had a chance to update my blog, we just got internet access, and phone lines, etc., etc., and am almost done getting the house in some type of order - I HATE MOVING!! Here's a few pictures from recent weeks....

We're so proud of you Matt!! (You look like "Mr. T"!) Congratulations - you did it!

Cooper, Zoe, Jake and Taylor, chillin' out at Granny's house! (Taylor, is that a smile?!?!)

Jake was a trooper, riding on the roof...! Gas... $3.97 a gallon (you don't want to know what we're paying here!)

Matt's Jeep broke down in Monahan's Texas... about 50 miles West of Odessa! Not much here but the sand dunes and a Jeep dealership! I swear they were an oassis in the dessert!

(That's Matt out there!)

They're pretty... but I prefer my sand with some water! No water here!

Hangin' up the apron....

2008-06-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

A bittersweet cake weekend... I did my last two weddings this weekend, for the summer! Not a planned break, or vacation, or just bein' lazy... My family is up for big changes! My husband took a new job very recently, and it's relocating us to San Diego, California! Being from Southern California, I was jumping with enthusiasm on this inside when we found out! (...not jumping so much, when we started pricing homes!) Thanks to Cake Carousel

(www.cakecarousel.com) for helping me out with pending orders! If you guys are wanting a referral, this is the place! They do wonderful work, and their staff is great!

So it is with great sadness that I leave all my loyal clients and friends! This past year has been awesome! I will most definately be starting up my business again, in the San Diego county area this fall, so please stay tuned to my blog this summer!! I'll continue to post interesting cake tid-bits and new designs that I'll be practicing for my entry piece for the upcoming Oklahoma cake show - and taking some new classes as well! Can't wait! ...so keep checkin' back!

For my final cakes this weekend, I ended with the following beauties...

This 4 tiered cake, was designed for Kayna - she wanted a brown cake w/ lilac colors, to match her wedding colors - I thought it came out beautiful - nice contrast! (Love pastels w/ dark

brown!) Lemon and white cake, w/ raspberry filling, all iced in vanilla buttercream and

covered w/ chocolate fondant. (Fondant was definately for color and effect on this cake!)

...and Kristen's cake, alternating ribbons and scrolls, w/ a fresh floral topper. (All squares this weekend!) White almond sour cream cake w/ strawberry filling and chocolate fudge cake, w/ chocolate buttercream... we did the grooms cake in carrot cake, so we snuck some chocolate in there for her!

So, that's it for now - I've packed up the mixers, pans, spatula's, tips and tools... off to sunny California! Just in time... just saw the forcast for Dallas this week: 95, 96, 96, 96 !! UGH!

..that, I won't miss!!

Peace!

Count 'em - FIVE !

2008-05-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Five weddings this weekend - my record! ...and I don't intend on breakin' it any time soon! I don't know how I talked myself into this, my limit is usually 2, maybe 3 but 5?! They're all done, all delivered and all were beauties! ...no repeat designs - all new and different, and lots of color!

Ashley's three tiered butter yellow cake, w/ white scroll work and white gumpaste bow. Fresh flowers topped off this white almond cake with buttercream frosting.

Johanna's cake was a simple design (she was going for "flavor"!) wanting the cake to match her wedding invitations. White almond sour cream cake, and fresh strawberry cake, all iced in cream cheese icing. Love the cake topper! (...I think bride should be on top!) Cicelyanne wanted to incorporate her peacock feathers into her wedding cake, and we came up with this design. We opted w/ a fake base for her feather trim, so the feathers weren't actually on the cake itself. The feather topper was a cake topper she found on line - and

matched perfectly! Denise brought me a photo of a cake she had found, and absolutely loved (original designer unknown). We changed the bows to red, to match her colors. Amaretto cake with buttercream icing. Red roses were added to the top.

Lastly, my favorite (maybe because it's so big!) - Leian's cake was all fresh strawberry cake w/ cream cheese filling, and iced in buttercream. Sage green fondant ribbon wrapped each tier, and decorated w/ white scroll work. Fresh flowers added the finishing touch!

Congratulations to all the happy couples!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Go green!

2008-05-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

We're hearing a lot of that these days - "go green"! Get echo friendly, environmentally conscious, help our earth by using and wasting less and recycling more - I'm all about it!

I think it's our duty and responsibility to help ensure the wellness of our planet for our future, and our childrens future! Do your part and visit: http://www.worldwatch.org/ for 10 easy ways, to go green!

Speaking of going "green", here's my contribution this weekend, with a green cake for Courtney!

Her colors were pink and green - very popular and very spring-like! I love it! I unfortuntaely forgot to take a photo of the grooms cake, that I was dying to dig into! A large two tiered chocolate fudge cake, w/ raspberry filling and chocolate buttercream icing, chocolate ganache drizzles, and fresh raspberries mounded on the top! YUM! Courtney's cake, was a white almond sour cream cake, with cream cheese filling, and vanilla buttercream icing... grab a fork and a tall glass of cold milk! (champagne goes quite nicely too!)

Congratulations to Rosebud and Brent - and their princess castle wedding cake! Rosebud's cake (don't you love that name!) was a 4 tiered white almond sour cream cake, w/ vanilla buttercream. Fondant swags and staircase lead up to her castle cake topper!

...and congrat's to Adrienne and Hans tonight, they were married at Landon Winery here in downtown McKinney (very fun place!) I don't have a photo, but Adrienne wanted a simple cake for her reception. 3 tieres, 2 chocolate fudge, and one French vanilla - all w/ raspberry filling and iced in vanilla buttercream. Decorations were a simple black ribbon and bow around each of her tiers. (Unfortunately Allison didn't charge her camera last night, and no picture!)

Have a great week everybody!!

Jenna's Cake

2008-05-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

Unless your living under a rock - you've heard Jenna Bush and her fiance were married this past Saturday, at "the ranch" in Crawford, Texas... Of course, I was axiously awaiting to see the cake!! Though I've seen a picture of the cake - I can't find who did it... (details are closely guarded!) Rumor is, it was the pastry chef from The White House. Pretty cake, simple and elegant for their country wedding, decorated with white roses, and blue and yellow flowers. Is it me, or is the top of the cake... crooked?

...or if it's supposed to look this way?!

What do you think??!

Congrat's to the happy couple!

Wedding Week on FoodTV

2008-04-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Set your digital recorders - it's wedding week on FoodTV - which means... wedding cakes!! There's a new surprise engagement cake challenge, a Bobby Flay wedding cake "throw down", history of wedding cakes, new Ace of Cakes, all kinds of great stuff! I know what I'll be watching! http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/tv/

You can also check out some really great cakes posted to the Ace of Cakes Cake Community: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_db/text/0,,FOOD_26996_67255,00.html

Here piggy, piggy!

2008-04-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

OK, this was definately a first! ...maybe a last?! Thought the cake came out cute (?) but not sure about the concept - cutting into this "wild boar" cake, (red velvet by the way) seems a little gross for a wedding... but that's just me! This grooms cake was selected by the bride, for her man -a hunter of wild game! I'm sure he'll love it! This cake was carved from sheet cakes, covered in fondant and color was airbrushed. Tusks and ears were formed out of gumpaste.

This 5 tiered cake, was for a special 50th anniversary. Combination of white almond sour cream cake, and chocolate fudge cake, iced in vanilla buttercream. We were going for a "latte" colored icing w/ ivory scroll work, and little gold fondant pearls. Chocolate brown fondant ribbon, was used as a border for each cake. We added a large floral cake topper, but my battery had died (of course!) Congratulations Jim and Peggy!

Tori's Cake (My version)!

2008-04-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

Tori and Ryan celebrated their wedding this weekend, with a reception at the beautiful Melrose Hotel. I posted a picture last week or so, with a cake photo that Tori sent me, that she absolutely loved. Who wouldn't - it was a gorgeous cake! ...although I had no idea how the design on the sides was achieved! So with a little creativity, this is my version. We did the cake, in a pale pink - iced in buttercream, then fondant panels were wrapped around the cake. I used a lace impression mat for the texture, and details were overpiped w/ royal icing. Chocolate fondant ribbons and bows decorated the cake, with rhinestone broaches to give it some bling - I thought it turned out beautiful! Each tier was a different flavor too! I hope you loved it Tori!

Can't leave out Ryan's cake! His cake was lovely too! Chocolate fudge w/ chocolate buttercream, and chocolate curls and dipped berries... YUM!

Congratulations Tori and Ryan!

Something old, something new...

2008-04-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

...I think I've used this title before, but it fit! Two weddings this weekend to celebrate - one new cake design (kind of) and one old! (I hate saying old - lets just call it a repeat!)

Charity's cake was white almond cake, with cream cheese filling, iced in vanilla buttercream. Bottom tier w/ diamond imprint pattern, and fondant pearls, second tier w/ fondant striping (pearlized) and the top, scrolls. I can't tell you how many times I've done this cake or variations of this cake!!

Wai Shan's cake was a three tiered fresh strawberry cake, with cream cheese filling and buttercream icing. Sage green fondant swags, with gumpaste calla lilies. Very simplistic, but very beautiful! Tall calla lily arrangements decorated all the tables, very pretty!

Off to make a froggy birthday cake for Victoria! I'll post a finished picture tomorrow!

The Knot - Best of Weddings 2008

2008-04-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

For the bride-to-be, who expects nothing but the best on her wedding day (who wouldn't?!)... this is your insiders guide to the top-rated wedding professionals across the country! The new issue of Best of Weddings (2008), published by The Knot, is out and available! This beautiful magazine is chock-ful of ideas and advise - from bridal salons, to cake bakers, to photographers. A great reference guide, if you're planning your wedding or helping someone who is! Of course if you're looking for "local" references here in the Dallas area - I'll be happy to point you in the right direction!

Martha Stewart - Spring 2008

2008-04-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

The new issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (Spring 08) is out! http://www.marthastewart.com/weddings A must have for brides this season! The beautiful cover features diamonds! Articles include, selecting the perfect diamond ring, gorgeous cakes designed by Wendy Kromer, new trends in flowers and boquets and glamorous receptions! If your needing some inspiration or ideas for your wedding and reception - you know Martha's got it covered!

Pretty in Pink

2008-04-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today, Annie and Warren got married... and although I've done this cake design a number of times (or variations of it), I just loved it today - I think it was the flowers! I am not a "girly-girl", but I just loved their pink themed wedding! GORGEOUS pink and white flowers filled the ballroom at Royal Oaks Country Club - pink peonies, tulips, roses, hydrangeas... beautiful centerpieces, just an abundance - feels be spring! Wildflower floral designs (http://thewildflower.com/) did a beautiful job. Congratulations Annie and Warren!

(Speaking of "pink", I just stopped at the store, and picked up some pomegranate martini mixer! ...sounds delicious! I'm off to mix up a batch and kick back and enjoy the sunset on this beautiful day!) Cheers!

Warren was a graduate of The Jesuit School in Dallas, and SMU - chocolate fudge cake with chocolate buttercream - all atop a bed of wheat grass!

Tori's Cake

2008-04-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Tori and Ryan (my web designer) are getting married in a couple weeks, and this is Tori's "dream cake" (we had a previous design in mind, but she tripped across this, and just loved it - who wouldn't!) However, I'm not familiar or sure about the technique used on the sides of this cake... so I'm seeking cake advise! To me - it appears to be a fondant impression, wrapped around the cake... but it almost looks like brush embroidery too... Any help from my cake friends out there would be appreciated - I'd love to do this cake for her!

New Firsts!

2008-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Had a couple weddings this weekend - and some new venues that I had not yet been too... both unique and unexpected!

First was Mary Jo and Austin's reception, which was being held downtown, at the Dallas World Aquarium. I had no idea the aquarium was set up to hold such events... I loved it! It was completely unexpected (I was thinking... humid, noisy)... quite the contrary - it was beautiful! Views of lush foliage, waterfalls, very tropical. They had a tropical destination wedding, so this suited them. The bride designed her cake, I hope she liked it! (Turtles on the grooms cake was requested by the groom!)

Then was Lindsay and Clarks reception, which was being held at the Performing Arts Center at the historic Collin County Courthouse in downtown McKinney. Again... I was not aware they held private events at the PAC! ...I loved it! It has that majestic historic feeling... old maple floors, exposed brick, lots of windows and cozy little rooms. Even with a large guest count, with all that space, it felt very intimate. (I unfortunately had to leave before the flowers arrived for the cake- I hope they came out pretty!)

Crazy About Cupcakes!

2008-03-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes are all the rage! Specialty cupcake shops are popping up everywhere!

Who doesn't love a cupcake? They're little bites of delicious goodness, wrapped up and ready to go!

Cupcakes are also quickly becoming very popular in leau of wedding cakes these days.... They can be served alone, or combined with a small wedding cake, for a whimsicle and less-than-traditional reception.

If you love cupcakes - set your TiVos next week for The Martha Stewart Show.... beginning Monday, is "cupcake week"! Tune in for some tasty recipies and design ideas!

Martha's also on the hunt for the cutest cupcake idea! You can enter to win the "custest cupcake" contest! If you need some inspiration? ....check out these books or go to my favorite sites: http://www.thepinkcakebox.com/ or http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/ for some of the cutest cupcakes and delicious recipies!

A few new cakes to post...

2008-03-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Aubrey's wedding cake... all various square cakes iced in vanilla buttercream and green ribbon borders. Various lilies and roses decorated the tops.

Grooms cake designed after his favorite hobby! Chocolate fudge cake w/ chocolate buttercream icing. Cake was covered in chocolate fondant, and all details are fondant. (I wished I had a better picture, this came out a little fuzzy...) Big fat chocolate dipped berries added the final touch!

Bananas and berries!

Food TV - Challenge

2008-03-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Since I've been out of town for several days, I had my TiVo set for a couple Food TV Cake Challenges that were on... So I caught up with them last night (2 Challenges and an Ace of Cakes episode! "Whoo-hoo!") OK, so for those of you who frequent my blog, and are closet cake addicts! ...check out the new Challenges on Food TV! There's a "Dr. Suess" cake competition, which The Cake Girls (of Chicago) won - their cake was awesome! (I have a link to their website on my blog page) - I absolutely love their clean elegant style! Then there was a "baby shower" Challenge, and a young (guy) cake designer won - and for the life of me, can't remember his name. Beautiful cake though! Check out the Food TV schedule for the next showing to air - and see what goes into making these amazing, edible, and creative works of art!! http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_cc/

Thank you Angel Fire!

2008-03-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome weekend up in the mountains! Angel Fire had a foot of new snow the evening before we arrived - ski conditions couldn't have been better and we beat the spring breakers, no one was there!

What a view! The snow capped mountain in the backround is Wheeler Peak, elevation 13K feet.

Matt spent the first half day, teaching Jake how to snowboard... not as easy as it looks, but he totally had it by lunch time! After spending most of the day falling on his butt (and his head), he opted to ski the remaining two days (which he's awesome at! ...I can't keep up with him!)

Looks impressive, hu?! Just after this shot of Matt, he totally bit it! Champ enjoyed the snow for short moments... wasn't a fan of the cold white stuff!
Gas: $260... Equipment rental: $175... Lift tickets: $618... Spending a ski weekend with my family... priceless!

Checkin' Out!

2008-03-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

No posts for a few days... we're heading off to Angelfire, NM for a ski weekend! This is where I'll be... ridin' up the Chile Express! What a view!

Snow forcasted for today and tomorrow, sunny and in the 30s for the weekend - perfect spring skiing weather!

Peace out and checkin' out!

Where am I?

2008-03-04T08:58:00.001-08:00

McKinney, Texas!
Woke up this morning to a beautiful blanket of snow - simply gorgeous! Jake was up and outside by 7:00am! School was delayed this morning by 2 hours, so he got some snowball playin' time in! Forecast today calls for a high of 58 - though beautiful - it's short lived!

My weekend...

2008-03-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

Just a few photo's from cakes this weekend... a beautiful red and white cake, fo Sarah and Greg's wedding (Greg is a Carrollton firefighter). Missed two other wedding cake pictures this weekend, due to "camera issues"! (Margie, and Ashley - send photo's if you have 'em!)

Also a cute little birthday cake for Ebby Halliday (who turned 97!)

We got back from Austin last night, for Matt's award presentation at the capital. A quick trip, but had a great time (how can you not have a great time in Austin!) The awards ceremony was very nice, we were so proud of Matt and his accomplishment! (We just found out last week, another piece of his was selected to go to "state" in April!)

Way to go Matt!

So proud...

2008-02-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

My son, Matt (17) is an amazing artist. Amazing! He continue's to "wow" us on a regular basis, each piece better than the last! He's truely gifted... it brings us such joy to see him excel in something he truly loves!

Last night Matt was honored by the MISD (McKinney Ind. School District) board of directors, recognizing his achievement as an award winner in the 2008 Texas Youth Art Month artwork competition. His artwork was chosen over 100 entries from the district and throughout the state of Texas. His piece (along 2 others from MISD) will displayed during the month of March, in the Capitol Rotunda, down in Austin. We're going down this weekend, for a reception and a "meet and greet" with the Governor! What an amazing opportunity - we couldn't be prouder!

His piece is an airbrushed self portrait (he's self taught with the airbrush, and I think this is his 2nd or 3rd piece that he's done!). Also - I'm posting his most recent pencil drawing, titled "girl on bike". Way to go Matt!!

Lions and cheetah's and flamingo's - oh my!

2008-02-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

It was a animal themed weekend! Here's some of the cakes from the weekend, cow prints, cheetah prints, zebra prints, froggies and flamingo's!!

I'm published!!

2008-02-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

I had a few people tell me that my cake from the OSSAS (Oklahoma State Sugar and Arts Show) was featured in the latest issue of American Cake Decorating magazine... well I hadn't received my copy yet - but I did yesterday... and it's in there! ACD is the largest circulating cake decorating magazine in the US. There were probably 80+ cakes in this competition - amazing cakes... so to have my little cake in here, is extremely flattering! Happy day!! (It's the cake at the top right corner, I know my image is a little fuzzy/crooked, but that's it!)

Rejuvinated!

2008-02-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

Just got back from 4 days in SoCal - spent a couple days in Del Mar/La Jolla, did some shopping and ate at some fantastic places! Lovely town! I thought when I won the lottery - I wanted to live in Newport Beach, but I don't know, I'm really lovin' Del Mar! Also spent a day and night in Laguna - another top contender for the best place to live! Enjoyed a very swanky dinner at The Montage - WOW! It was tough packing my bags this morning, to catch our flight home... see why!

Views of Laguna Beach

Off to SoCal!

2008-02-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

Whew! What a weekend! I busted it this weekend - wedding cake, grooms cake, reception cake, anniversary cake, and a few other orders, and I'm pooped! Here's a couple of my favorites from the weekend!

Heading off to Southern California tomorrow w/ Mark for a few days, he's got work, I'm going to play! We've been living in Texas for awhile now, but having grown up in Southern California, I still miss it terribly! I'm looking forward to a couple days off... do some shopping, go to my favorite sushi place, hit "In and Out" burger and talk a walk in the sand... I can hear the ocean already!

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T09:21:00.001-08:00

Hearts and hugs! ...and happy birthday to my sister-in-law Tandy - Big 40! Go ahead and eat your chocolates and kiss your sweetie! Treat the ones you love!

50 Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes

2008-02-13T07:02:00.000-08:00

The new issue of Bride's magazine, is on newstands now - if you're a bride in search of a cake, or inspiration for your cake - you've got to check this out! Not only are these AMAZING cakes, but you can vote for your favorite and a chance to win one of these beauties! Visit: http://www.brides.com/brides/cakes1

Athough I have my own favorites, Collette's "can-can cake", and Kerry Vincent's "flamenco skirt", my vote is Rebecca Sutterby's! ...for personal reasons! I have been a huge fan of Rebecca's work, since I started decorating cakes. She has inspired many of my designs - I just love her style... I was fortunate to go to Kansas this past fall, to take a class w/ Rebecca. She's not only a talented decorator, but she's so genuine and down to earth (and an great cook!)

Anyways.... check out the pictures, and vote for your favorite - good luck! I've got to pick up my copy today!

My weekend off!

2008-02-12T06:45:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful weekend it turned out to be (75 degrees in February!) Unfortunately weekend ski plans had to be rescheduled, I had no cakes booked this weekend (well only one!) - so I enjoyed a weekend off! ..it's been awhile! Enjoyed lunch with my husband, down on the square, walked around and poked in a few shops (I love the "square"!) ...washed the cars, and took Champ for a couple walks. If every weekend could just be like this! Back to reality - lots of cakes this weekend! Speaking of...

If you're recently enganged and looking for wedding ideas and local vendors, the Collin County Bridal Show is going on at the Hilton Garden Inn in Allen this Sunday (http://www.4starevents.com). Local vendors from Collin County will be there with ideas, tips and you can register for free giveaways! I am not participating in the show, but I do support local vendors who are. I'm a strong advocate for "keepin' it local"! You can even participate in the "Groom's Cake Decorating Contest" - I may be there scouting potential cake decorators! Enjoy!

Cake Overload!

2008-02-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

Is there such a thing?! I think I had to much cake "input" yesterday, woke up at 4:00 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep! (I was dreaming about cake... not uncommon for me!)

Anyways, during Superbowl, (which was an amazing game by the way!) Food TV was running their "Wedding Cake Marathon" during the Superbowl! They ran about 6 or 7 "Challenges" which I had recorded. So last night, I sat and watched all of them! Some I had seen before, so I skipped through, and a couple new ones I hadn't. One was the 2006 Oklahoma Sugar Arts Show, which I attended (didn't enter). So it was a fun watching that. The other was the 2005 show. Unfortunately, FoodTV did not attend last years event, due to schedule changes (I was there and entered). It was interesting to see some of the competitors over the past few years, and how their work had evolved! You've really got to step up your game for this competition, it's probably the largest wedding cake competition in the country - and brings out the best of the best!

Speaking of Oklahoma, ealier in the day coincidentally, I had been on line doing some research for this year's show. Each year, the wedding competition has a theme. This year's them is:

"The Language of Flowers"... Eh. (I liked previous categories: Hollywood Glamour, Cakes Around the World, Wedding Gown Designs) ...but the Language of flowers? This is going to be tough! So, of course at 4:00 this morning, this is all I could think about!

So many nights, I lay awake and think of "cake"! Especially if I have to come up with a new design for an upcoming cake, or trying to visualize a new design, or even a new recipe. I know, I'm obsessed! ...but you know, I'm OK with that! ...I also know I'll be takin' a little nap on the couch this afternoon! Hmmm I wonder if "Platinum Weddings" is on this afternoon....

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...

2008-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

The custom comes from an Old English rhyme, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something bue, and a silver sixpense in her shoe". Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member. Blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security.

Christy is not a "traditional" bride (though she may have used something borrowed, old and new!) she and her fiance Chris were married in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico and last week held her reception at the SMU faculty club. Christy wanted her cake "pool blue" to match the dresses her bridesmaids wore. I think it came out beautiful! I a little bit of "tropics" in the winter have me looking foward to warmer sunny days (margarita's on the beach don't sound so bad either!) Congratulations Christy and Chris!

Happy Birthday Eddie Van Halen !!

2008-01-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

OK - first off - the VH concert was awesome!!! Now granted, I've been waiting over 20 years, for these guys to get back together - despite their "issues" - but last night, they completely pulled it off! David Lee Roth's vocals (after the about the second / third song) were amazing - as well (and even more so) Eddie's guitar riffs... the guy is legend... Not only did they sound great - but they looked great (these guys are in their 50s!) - someone's been doing their stomach crunches!!

But get this... I was joking w/ Mark earlier in the week, that I should make a really COOL Van Halen themed cake. I could show up with it, and it might get me back to meet the band or get close to meeting the band! Pushing 43, my days of hanging out "after the gig" hoping to catch a glimpse, are long gone!! We laughed, and thought it would be fun... but in reality, it was Thursday, I had 6 cakes, and a wedding to finish for Sunday. So back to last night... they're into their second or third song, and David Lee Roth starts on about, how it's great to be back in Dallas, etc., etc., but that tonight was "extra-special" because today is Eddie's BIRTHDAY!! I looked at Mark, and he looked at me, and I felt like I wanted to cry!! The entire sold out arena proceeded in singing "Happy Birthday"... and NO CAKE! It could have been MY cake!! I could have presented the totally cool, Van Halen birthday cake to Eddie!! Why didn't I know this ?! I can see it now... bottom tier decorated w/ Eddie's striped "Frankenstein" guitar design, VH logo on top, M&M (no browns!), guitar picks, Sunset Blvd theme! I love it! The more I think about it, I may just have to do one for the heck of it! My tribute to my favorite band... Eddie - I know you would have loved it!
Well, I thank them for a terrific and memorable evening - it was definately worth it! Rock on Van Halen brothers!

It's "Personal"!

2008-01-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

Being that I am head baker, artistic director, owner, bookkeeper, dishwasher and delivery driver - I can only do so much! ...but that's how I like it! That's what makes my business - my cakes -stand apart from the rest. I offer a personal, hands on, approach to my cake decorating which is what I can offer to my clients. I feel very fortunately that I can do that! I only accept a small number of orders each week, and I book up early! Every cake is custom made - I don't keep cakes on hand, or stored in the deep freeze. So unfortunately, short notice isn't usually an option. I'd rather focus on a smaller number of cakes, and do them really well, rather than crank out a bunch of cakes and comprimise integrity. Weddings take presidence - without a doubt. I will not take any "occassion" cake orders, when I have a wedding. There's so much detail and work that goes into a wedding cake, to veer off course even for the smallest cake, can create quite a distraction. So for all you last minute planners, and procrastinators (I should know, becuase I am one!) keep this in mind, when you call me on a Friday, for a cake for Saturday! It just can't be done! There are however bakeries that can - I'm just not one of them!!
Did I mention the VH concert is tonight.... yeah, I did!! 6 hours and counting!!

48 hours... and counting!

2008-01-24T19:01:00.000-08:00

Saturday night is the VAN HALEN concert!!!! ...I can't hardly wait!!! For those who know me, know I am a huge VH fan! The first time was 1979 at the Los Angeles Forum; I've seen them perform many times since then, with both Sammy and DLR - don't ask me which I prefer (cause I love me some Sammy!!). But I'm sure this will be the last tour they do together as the original band. I've been waiting ever so patiently for them to schedule a Dallas date! Well, I got my tickets and my VH t-shirt (thanks Matt!) and I'm ready to ROCK!! I know Mark thinks I'm crazy, but I don't care! There are just some bands, and certainly songs you hear, that immediate "take you back"... You remember where you were, who you were with, what you were doing - that's what's so great about music. I was in high school, living in southern California back in the late 70s and 80s... Van Halen of course was huge, Journey, Def Leppard, Foreigner, Guns & Roses... What is now considered "classic rock"! Well, call it what you like, as long as they keep touring - I'll keep rockin' !!
Ooh! I wonder if the band likes cake?!!

Happy Birthday Jake!

2008-01-22T19:02:00.000-08:00

My "baby" is 10 years old today! I can't believe how time flies... I remember we moved to McKinney, just two weeks after Jake was delivered (in Austin)... On a very cold and rainy day, just like it is today. I remember me and the baby and my son Matt, wrapped up huddled in front of the fireplace, as the movers were moving in all the furniture (with their wet and dirty boots!) - waiting for the heat to be turned on! Well he's a "big boy" now - double digits! He's such a great kid - we couldn't be prouder!

It's probably going on 8 years now that I started doing cakes... I remember this, because, when Jake was just about 2 years old, my mom offered to watch him, so I could get out of the house and do something creative! I decided to take a cake decorating class. Something I had often thought about doing, and hey, if mom offered to babysit, sounds good to me! We learned the "basics" - torting a cake, icing a cake, basic shell borders and buttercream roses! I was hooked! After completing the basic class, I immediately enrolled in the intermediate and the advanced classes! During that time, I started doing cakes for family and friends, and friends of friends! I'm in business! (or as my husband says - a glorified hobby!) Well over the past 8 years my little business has evolved considerably! Last year I moved into a commercial kitchen, continue to practice new skills and love to take specialty classes from visiting cake artists. I've even had my work published! I love what I do! Designing and decorating cakes is my creative outlet - it's my art! I thought I would be a graphic designer when I "grew up"... this isn't it... but as far as I'm concerned, "sugar" is just another medium! (Thanks mom!)

Camera Challenged!

2008-01-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

I bake the cakes, ice and decorate the cakes, pack up the cakes ever so carefully in the SUV, drive with caution and precision (precious cargo on board!) deliver the cakes, up stairs - up elevators(several trips!) set up the cake, pipe the final borders, place the cake topper on the top of the cake. Perfect! A beautiful centerpiece! Grab my camera for a shot... and my battery is dead!! It's just my luck!
The wedding cakes for Rebecca and Callie were beautiful - really! (Girls, if you get a nice picture, I'd love a copy!)

I have to brag...

2008-01-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

My friend Treva just sent me some pictures last night of the "Senior" session she took with my 17 year old, Matt... and I just have to share them - they're absolutely beautiful! (I cried when I saw them!) Yes, I'm a very proud "mommy" - he's not only a handsome young man, but he's a talented artist, a rockin' guitar player and a top student in his senior class! - wouldn't trade him for the world!!

Check out Treva's site at http://www.trevasstudio.com/ !! I have to tell you a funny story - I had my parents go to her site, to check 'em out, and when I talked to them this morning... they said, "Alli, we didn't see any of Matt's pictures on the website"... I said, "They’re under the gallery, marked Seniors"... dad says... "OH! I thought that meant Senior Citizens"! Times... they are a changin' ! Thanks Treva - you did a terrific job!

Martha on the Today Show

2008-01-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

Did y'all see Martha Stewart today on the "Today Show" segment about wedding cakes?! She and cake designer extraordinaire, Wendy Kromer, have just come out with a new wedding cake book called (what else) "Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes". I'm a huge fan of Wendy's work, and can't wait to get my copy! It's not only full of beautiful cakes, but also filled with information to guide you through everything you need to know about, selecting and shopping for your wedding cake.

Speaking of wedding cakes... I only have a few weekends left in May/June/July. If you've been considering coming in for a consultation - or securing your cake order - now is the time! Don't wait to get on the calendar! Even if you haven't decided on your cake, or the final guest count, you can still get a deposit in, to secure your date. We'll have plenty of time to work out the details!

Happy 2008 !!

2008-01-04T19:13:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008! Another year has flown by! Why is it, when you were young… a year till your next birthday seemed endless! Not anymore! …can’t seem to find the time anymore or hang onto it long enough! I’m not big on New Years resolutions, but this year I am going to try and slow things down a little bit... take time to enjoy and appreciate my family and friends, and take some time for myself (if even for a moment a day)! An unfortunate death of a good friend of ours, brother, was killed in a car accident, a day before New Years. How sad and tragic, life can change in an instant. It makes you think... Make each day count; no regrets.
Business was great last year - thank you to all my wonderful clients, brides, grooms, and wedding professionals!! I am looking forward to working with you all in 2008! ...lots of cake orders already for the summer months – don’t wait to get on the books!
Time to clean up the aftermath of "Christmas", take down the tree and put all this @$% back up in the attic, clean the carpets, and get the house back to "normal"! Today, the family's headin' out for an afternoon of bowling, movies and grab some dinner... the Griswold’s got nothin' on us!

Welcome!

2007-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

After meeting with some new friends today, I've been inspired to start my own "blog"! I hope you find this informative or for fun, whether your interested in my work and latest creations, wanting to network with professionals in the wedding business in the McKinney or North Dallas area, or are just interested in what's going on! You an also check out my web at www.cakesbyallison.com Enjoy!