Random Cuteness (part 8)

"How you Doin'?"

Oh how I wish they would stay little forever!

Key-Dens like to play!

And last but not least... my favorite:   

A Generous Customer

Two weeks ago I received an email from a friend of a friend of Joanne's asking if I could make a baby shower cake for 100 people!  The size I knew would be overwhelming, for I had only made one cake that big before and I wasn't very happy with the outcome, but nevertheless... I was willing to take on the challenge!

After a few emails back and forth, my new customer put the order on hold to wait for her daughter-in-law to choose the cake she wanted out of the few I had emailed her.  Long story short... she finally contacted me this past Tuesday night asking if it wasn't too late to order the cake for Saturday.  Even though I knew I didn't have enough time to create an absolute perfect cake, there was no way I could say no to a paying customer so early into my little business venture... so I replied "yes".  

Given such a short notice I knew I was going to get stressed out!  But realizing that I had to take my Mom to the airport on Saturday, meant pushing up the delivery date to Friday... and leaving me with only 2 nights to complete this cake!!!  Needless to say... I was pulling my hair out! (so to speak!)

But in the end, I held it together, didn't panic, and somehow managed to turn out a pretty decent looking cake!  It certainly wasn't my best work... but it was good experience, a nice paycheck, and under the circumstances, it turned out a lot better than I anticipated!

My customer was extremely grateful I was willing to take on such a hefty order given the late notice as she knew I have a full time job.  She was willing to meet me half way with the delivery, but the price included delivery and I didn't want her to be responsible if something happened to the cake... so my Mom drove the 45 miles while I carefully held and balanced the cake on my lap!

We arrived at the house (that looked like it belonged in a magazine!), and met with the hosts (customers).  They were both very kind and could not have been more welcoming.  The husband took the 25 pound cake from my arms while the wife handed me a check and showed us inside so we could see where the cake would be displayed.  She even offered us a tour which we regretfully declined.  Their home was absolutely gorgeous and it was all my Mom & I could think (and talk) about!  I was so blown away at how beautiful their house was, that I had totally forgotten about the cake we had just delivered and the check I was given!  It wasn't until we were already on the highway when I remembered about the check and glanced down just to confirm the amount.  Much to my surprise... my new generous customer had given me a $100 tip!!!  Not a bad way to start the weekend! 

Thanks to my Mom for staying with me and helping me out in the kitchen!  Not sure I could have done it without you!  Love you, safe travels, and will see you soon!   

Enjoying My Hard Work

A few weeks ago, I was asked to make a birthday cake for my 9-year-old niece, Victoria.  I was so excited to finally make a cake that I would get to see strangers enjoy!  But before we get to that part, let me share with you how the magic happens!

First, the cake batter is made... and for those of you wondering, yes, those colored bowls are cake batter, and you will soon see what I did with it...

 Ironic, but my least favorite process... the baking!

Next... the frosting and stacking of the cakes!

Between the last picture and the one below, my camera got misplaced... but during that time, the two cake tiers were stacked, frosted, and covered in fondant! Then, Chef Gema and I rolled out color fondant in different colors.  As you can see, fondant looks and has  the same consistency of Play-Doh... but without the unmistakable odor! 

Before doing any other decorating, I made sure to get the cake's bow completed and out of the way so it would have enough time to harden and keep its shape when finally placed placed on the cake! 

It was definitely nice to have Chef Gema with me helping out during the entire process!  At this point the cake is all set for us to start decorating it with fondant cutouts.

Once the appliques were on, I put a thin line of frosting around the base so that the decorative fondant-balls would stick, as well as to keep the cake secure on the base.

On the day of the event...

I put the finishing touches on, in this case, the bow and the topper.

And finally, the cake at its final destination!

A rare sight I seldom get to enjoy!

Me and my happy customer!

My cousin Frank (the birthday girl's Daddy) took the honors of cutting the cake... and I was eager to see their reaction to the first slice!  It was so rewarding to see the surprise on their faces and see the birthday girl so happy and clap in excitement!

The long hours and all the hard work put into one of my creations has never been so rewarding!  It was amazing how many times I heard people ask about who had made the cake... and I felt so happy when my cousins and aunt proudly pointed me out.   It was a fun night hanging out with friends & family... and it was a good night for business too, for it seems as though I may have made a few new customers for the not too distant future!

Random Cuteness (part 7)

I MISS MY KEY-DENS!!!

 

 When Jei & I are finished being lazy in bed...

 Ming & Bing jump up and take over where we left off!

 

"You know Mom... I really think you should go with the

purple eye-shadow today.  Here, let me get it for you!"

Don't you just want to bury your face

in that furry belly?

Bath time!!!

Ming & Bing are still absolutely mystified with the whole

water appearing out of nowhere trick!

"Won't somebody just give me some belly-rubbings please!"

I hope my furry little friends remember me when I get back!

I See Winey People

The girls came over to spend the weekend... and being that it was such a beautiful day in southern California, we decided to head over to the wineries!

We took a picnic and enjoyed a bottle of wine...

And then one of the wineries had a beautiful building

with many different event rooms, 

one of which specifically made me think of Mojo!

Wish you all could have been here to enjoy the sun,

warm weather and of course, the wine!

Déjà Vu

2 : something overly or unpleasantly familiar

1 a : the illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time 

and then my favorite:

b : a feeling that one has seen or heard something before

Alec has left for Artesia today.

Although I am sad we didn't go together, I realize four months in Artesia is in no way comparable to six months in Iraq! Alec will be doing what he's always wanted to do (teach) and me, well, let's just see if I can get this whole cake business going!

But for those of you beginning to think I'm a robot, I admit I am a bit upset (ok, alot!) that Alec and I will be apart for the next few months, it surly wont be easy, but my momma will keep me company the majority of the time which makes me feel loads better! And for that mom I thank you, especially for knowing how to silently comfort me by just being  around...

This said, for the next four months you will be getting posts from Alec: dirt, dry trees, and bars; and then me: kitties, cakes and fun!

P.S.  Alec if you're reading this, I love and miss you bunches already!

What a surprise!

So not only did we get a huge surprise last week when we found out Momma Soch was back in town... but when she called and said her, Rocio and Nykol were all coming to visit for the evening... we were completely blown away!!!  It was a work week, so of course work that day was like the longest day ever!  Both Jei & I couldn't wait to get home and play with little Nykki!

  

And just like the last time we visited...

Nykol was in a fabulous mood and so happy to see us!

Nykol was especially interested in the little furry things running around!  She made quick friends with the Key-Dens!

She definitely was a happy little camper 

and loved all the attention!

"Just a minute Nykol...

let me finish farming and then I'll play with you, Okay?... Okay!"

Apparently Jei didn't feel like baking homemade cookies for everyone... so she pawned that duty off to Rocio!  "Hi Rocio... welcome to our home... here's a mixer, now go make us some cookies!"

Nykol proved to be very useful in the kitchen... opening anything and everything she could get her grubby little hands on! 

What wonderful child-rearing skills we have on display here... the mother, grandmother and aunt all chit-chatting while little Nykki crawls over to turn the gas stove on and light herself on fire!  Nice work ladies!

I have no idea where that child got her energy from... but it was all fun & games!!!

Nykol found the cat tree and thought it was for her!  I certainly don't blame her... it was the perfect size.

"Peek-A-Boo!"

Ming & Bing hate this cat bed I bought for them... so I was quite happy to see someone getting some use out of it! 

"Anyone seen the bathroom around here?"

Once dessert was brought out...

Nykol was more than happy to join in! 

The inflatable bed was finally brought out...

but it was more of a magic trick and a toy

than it was a 'hint' for bedtime! 

Of course Princess Ming thought the bed was for her!

Later rather than sooner, Nykol finally passed out!  I couldn't believe it... I mean the way she was going I thought she didn't need sleep and was going to pull an all-nighter! 

WOW!!!  What an amazing time we had visiting and playing with Nykol!  I'm not sure whose idea it was... but it was down right brilliant!  Thanks for visiting us and hope to do it again sooner rather than later!