Look! Henry's TWO!

I have to admit that I get a little giddy when my past customers request another cake from me.  It's a re-affirming thing; I'm doing something right.  Whether they like the way my cakes taste or look or [hopefully] both - I just get giddy when I get a repeat customer.  

So, you can imagine my giddiness when Vince, a high school friend of mine, requested another cake for Henry's 2nd birthday.  He simply sent over a jpeg of the invite and I knew I had free reign to create something special for Henry, as I did last year with his jungle cake.  

Here's the inspiration/invite:  

And here's what I did with it:

I think the polka dots made such a fun-looking cake!!  The cake itself was a vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream.

 I hope that Henry had a fantastic birthday party!  And Vinny - it was GREAT to see you again!

Century Club

On Thursday, I received this in the mail:  

It's a "Century Club" pin from Wilton.  Receiving it means that I've had the privilege of teaching over ONE HUNDRED students.

Three years ago, when I started on this cake decorating journey, I never would have imagined that I would be where I am today.  I was at a Michael's store, picking up a cake pan for a big cake I was planning to make for my husband's and my annual Academy Awards party, when I saw a brochure about cake decorating classes.  I signed up for the first class that night and counted the days until the first session.

My intention was only to take the first class, but I fell in love with cake decorating and I truly enjoyed the people I took the classes with.  I still see Alice, Marie, Keith and our instructor, Karen, a few times a year to catch up and learn new skills.

I love teaching and I love decorating cakes.  It's a stress-relieving [most of the time] hobby where I get so much enjoyment.  And I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my super fun classmates, my great teachers, my wonderful students, and my fantastic friends, family, and "fans".  I am humbled and so very thankful for your support.

Thank you.  Thank you SO very much!

Tanner's 18!!!

So, late last month, my godson turned 18.  EIGHTEEN!!!!  I still remember holding him for the first time.   And decorating pumpkins when he was about 3 or so (as seen below).  I simply cannot believe how fast time flies and what an amazing young man he's become.  

Tanner's mom, Kim, and I went to grade school and Jr. High together.  We've known each other MOST of our lives.  When I moved from my hometown right before high school, Kim did an amazing job of keeping the lines of communication open between us.  We continued our friendship and visited each other throughout those years.    We kept in contact through college and still see each other pretty regularly to this day.  To be a part of her life and to play such a humbling role in Tanner's life has been a real honor.  

(Tanner (posing with his cake) and I are giving the 'ol stink-eye to Kim who's having a hard time using my camera.  The cake is REALLY heavy...)

What a handsome young man!

As graduation approaches, Tanner is planning his college days.  He plans to go into photography and has a really impressive "eye" for it.  His photography is really something!

I was absolutely honored to do this cake for him.  He asked for a pretty simple design.  White buttercream with confetti going down one side.  I used candy-covered chocolate chips, because - YUM!

The top tier is Tanner's favorite; banana cake with banana cream filling.  The bottom tier is a real crowd pleaser; chocolate cake, chocolate fudge and Oreo buttercream filling.  When I said the cake was heavy, I wasn't kidding!!

I had such a wonderful time at Tanner's party, meeting his friends and seeing/visiting with his family.  I even got to see a few more of my grade-school friends as well.  It's always nice to catch up!

To Tanner - I wish you the very best year yet.  SO many adventures are right in front of you.  The sky's the limit, Buddy!  I can't wait to see what you do next!

Love,
Ann
XOXO

Have you HERD the MOOS?

You know when you have this great idea in your head and then when you see it in true form it makes you laugh hysterically?  Well, that's what happened with these cow cake pops.  I had this idea in my head and these turned out more silly than I even anticipated.  Carrie requested 10 of these little cows as a birthday party favor for her son's class. 

I had milk chocolate and white chocolate ready to melt.  The candy eyes really give these little cows a bit of whimsy, don't you think?  (LOL!)  The cake pops themselves where made out of chocolate cake. 

I hope that Carrie's son has a great birthday this weekend!