Spotted or streaked glases from dishwasher?

Spot-proof them with lemonade?  Hard water, rust and iron deposits can clog the water jets, getting plates and glasses only half as clean as they should.

Easy fix: Pour a packet of powdered lemonade mix into the detergent cup and run the dishwasher while it is empty. “The citric acid cuts through the deposits and makes them disappear!”

Creating a new traditon with an old tradition

The heirloom bridal handkerchief, the beginning of a new tradition…Your something blue will be your daughter’s something old.

Since before Victorian times, brides have carried beautiful handkerchiefs on their wedding Day.  Whether to catch the tears of joy or to honor the age old sentiment that tears cried before a wedding mean there will be none after, this keepsake heirloom will be a joy to hand down to future generations. 

Protect your “heirloom Hankie,” for one day it will become, a bonnet for the precious head, of your daughter or your son. Yes, a bonnet for the baby,from the hankie your carried as a bride. For though it was  just a hankie, it’s bond to be a treasured, kept within your family.  And then… when your baby reaches your age, on the day their vows are told, the bride will tote it lovingly, as her cherished something old.

You are now ready to bake. But before you do:

  1. Clean counter, cutting board and sink  before, during and after baking.  (To sanitize use one teaspoon bleach added to one quart water)  And don’t forget to clean off enough clutter to have a space to work; Kids homework, husbands gloves, etc.
  2. Empty dishwasher!  You will need to put dirty dishes in there and who wants to have a bunch of dishes in the dishwasher when it comes time to fill it with dirty ones?  I suggest you have the kids and/or hubby do the dishes.  Baking is so much more fun when you don’t have to do that job too.
  3. Wash your hands and wrists thoroughly with warm water and soap, rinse completely and dry with a clean towel.
  4. Hair should be tied back and/or should be covered with a scarf or cap.
  5. Use only clean dish towels.  When I bake a cake, I keep a laundry basket near and fill it with all my used dish towels.  Sometimes, I end up with an empty towel drawer.  Oh, well, that is what the laundry room is for.
  6. Have 2 clean, dry pot holders placed near the stove.  It can be oven mitts or pads, you preference.  I prefer pot holders, for me oven mitts are too big.
  7. Have a cooling rack or two handy to cool your baked goods.
  8. Best of all, get first dibs on the goodies. 

Your Wedding is the most important day……

Your wedding is one of the most important events in your entire life, and I understand that you want it to bring delightful memories to everyone involved — especially you!

The Wedding Cake — lovingly prepared and beautifully presented — is a major part of this event. I can help you design a cake that will meet all of your high expectations, as well as respect your budget. Then I will work with you every step of the way to ensure that things are carried out flawlessly, so that you and your new spouse can relax and enjoy the day instead of fretting over details.

Please note that I do not play the game that many bakers play. When you ask, “How much will this cake cost?” they quote you a price that sounds eminently reasonable. What they “forget” to mention is that this is just the cost of the cake, and that everything else is “extra” i.e. delivery, set up, rental of plates, pillars, fountain, etc. By the time this is all tacked onto price of the cake, you wind up paying two or even three times the initial quote.

I think that’s outrageous. It’s standard industry practice, but I disapprove of it, because I want you to feel good about working with me, not like you’ve been sucked into a whirlwind from which there is no escape. I will sit down with you over cake and coffee/tea, find out exactly what you need, and then give you one all-inclusive price.

Great cake, great service, and honest pricing — I’ll take good care of you!

Baking Tips 101

No matter what the recipe, make sure you always:

  1. Measure dry ingredients in a dry ingredients measuring cup or spoon. Yes there is a difference.
  2. Measure Liquid ingredients in see-through measuring cups at eye level.
  3. Use an oven and/or instant read thermometer for precise temperatures.
  4. Pre-read and follow each recipe exactly.  That is if you want it to taste like the recipe says it should.
  5. Preheat the oven.

3. Earth-friendly “I Do’s”

You can have a sustainable love and a sustainable wedding. Eco-conscious nuptials are all the rage, featuring pre-owned and vintage wedding dresses, LED lighting, recycled paper invitations and locally grown food and flower choices. Couples are making a commitment to each other and the environment with green weddings!

Minnie Mouse is being transformed

 

And after some adjustments Braelyn got her 3rd Birthday cake. 

 

 

Another  Birthday, Another memory.

Valentine’s Day Treats

Annie and Lisa are happy ladies.  They got a tasty treat for Valentine’s Day.

#2 Trend Black accents and bright, bold colors are in…

for  everything from bridesmaid dresses to flowers to table linens. However, if you want a timeless dress for your bridal party, you can always do classic black with vibrant accessories and bouquets.

#1 Wedding Trend – Forget what is in – Be Yourself

The top wedding trend for 2010 is personalization. Instead of a cookie-cutter ceremony and reception, the new focus is on customizing the big day for the bride, groom and wedding party.

  1. Do you and your future hubby share a special hobby? Whether it’s exotic travel or tennis, find a way to make your passions part of the celebration.
  2. The emphasis on individual style includes your bridesmaids. Instead of clones wearing the same dress, shoes and identical updos, try picking a color scheme and giving each bridesmaid the opportunity to choose a dress that shows her personality… and complements yours.