OMG!!!!!!!!!

Almost 30000 people have visited my blog! WOW!
Averaging over 120 per day- I should hit the 30000 bu the end of the week!
How exciting!

Paying it Forward..........

I have allot of people to thank for having the success I do.
What started as a dream has snowballed into a huge reality for me- from a girl who simply loved to make cakes, to a full time business operator, with a wonderful network of clients and industry colleagues.

I knew where I wanted to go when "Cake That!" was born, and with my tenacity and determination, coupled with support and referrals from Family, Friends, Clients and not to mention all of the wonderful Wedding industry suppliers along the way, I have been able to live my dream everyday.

Coming form a background as a Chef- meant that Marketing was not my forte, but with allot of my own research, I found my feet and built a reputation. In doing this I have met and made some invaluable contacts, who each in their own way, have contributed to my success. Like the fellow industry suppliers who helped me launch "Cake That!", I feel fabulous being able to now be able help other "newbies" in the industry.

Approaching like businesses is a rather nerve racking experience- you are putting yourself out there, and hoping that what you have to offer impresses them, and helps get business referred your way. When I first began I had wonderful help and Support form Colleen Helleuer from Looks So Natural. She was kind enough to distribute my cards and refer clients to me, and still does to this day.
The Team at Bridal Couture in the city allowed me to create cakes for their season launches and also passed on my name to their clients.
Then I started working with some fabulous florists, including the wonderful Karen from Bliss Floral, Jennine from Florabella and Glenda Pradella from Glenda Pradella flowers- to name but a few. Together we referred each other and have done some fantastic weddings together.
Then I started hearing about the formidable Toni Snell through my clients, then a close friend used her for their wedding, and from there I have been overwhelmed by the fabulous support and client referrals I have been given by Toni.

I have met the vivacious Anne Campbell, purely by chance at last years ABIA awards and have since been engrossed by her warmth and genuine friendship.
I have made many great relationships with venues I have supplied to, all of which has made "Cake That!" what it has become today.
More recently I have been able to refer clients to Cherisse of Cherisse Make up artistry, and with her fabulous attention to detail and friendly service, her business is growing in leaps and bounds.

Last week I received an email from a Wedding industry "Newbie" asking if I would consider swapping cards and perhaps referring some people her way.
So now I get the chance to "pay it forward" and use the success I have gained to help her on her way.
So shortly I will add another Fellow Industry Industry supplier to my list of helpful links on my webpage.
But for now here are her details:
Miranda Greer- Photographer.
Miranda literally lives around the corner from me. She kindly bought over a bottle of wine the other night and introduced herself and her business to me. I feel great to be able to help such a passionate and friendly person in this industry.
The Confidence in knowing that you can send your clients to other great vendors, and that they will exceed my clients expectations is priceless.
The above are just a few of the amazing and talented suppliers I refer to. Having such a wonderful network of industry friends really makes this job that little bit more special.

Thanks for listening to me waffle on- but I really appreciate all the supplier I work with!
Thanks Guys!

Here comes the bride............

Cheesy tittle I know! But for the second time in 3 weeks- and only the 4th time EVER!! I have seen one of my brides on their wedding day!
I was at the Marriott Delivering this three tier chocolate creation- when I saw the Beautiful Alicia having her photos done with her gorgeous Bridesmaids!

I get really excited when I get to see my clients dressed in all their wedding glory! It really gives me goosebumps- and makes me feel really happy!


I had had a huge day of delivering on Saturday- so seeing Alicia- and her giving me the Thumbs up for the cake really made my day! I truly hope Alicia and Phil had a Magical wedding day. Not only was seeing Alicia a real highlight of my week- a cake flavour especially created for her and Phil's wedding has become a winner. Phil is a fan of Apple- so I created a White chocolate Apple and Cinnamon Mudcake for their wedding. To make sure all was good- I made a trial cake and gave it as samples to my clients during the week- and it was a hit! Already I have orders of this flavour- YUM!The cakes tiers "floated on 1" pillars. Each cake had a solid chocolate collar- which had a pink swirl (matching in with the Bridesmaids)- then random pea sized cachous were across the design.

Last week was not only a huge week for cakes- But it was also my 5th Wedding anniversary on the 6th March. I shared my wedding anniversary with 3 of my couples. The first of which was Peta and Craig- who had their wedding over on Stradbroke Island. Craig came and collected the cake earlier in the week and took it over to the Island. The cake was a twisted three tier chocolate creation- with marbled chocolate chards and scrolls.

The cake came together with the finishing touches of fresh orchids provided by Jennine from Florabella. The picture is one kindly sen to me from Jennine- Thank you! The lovely Anne Campbell was the celebrant for the occasion- and with both Jennine and Anne on sight- I am sure it was a fun day.

My other 2 couples who now share my wedding anniversary date both had cupcakes.
Peta and Chris were married out at Glengariff- with this pink funky cupcake design.


The cupcakes- each turned onto its side- for something a little different- matched the pink heart theme throughout the room. The new chairs at Glengariff look fabulous too!


Then after Glengariff- it was off to Hillstone- where I set up this romantic and fresh design. With each cupcake simply topped with a fresh orchid or spray rose- it was sweet and elegant, and matched in with the white room.


I hope Michelle and Craig have a fabulous honeymoon in New York- lucky buggers!

After a long day on Friday- I got to celebrate my own anniversary- with some surprise bling from my fabulous husband Steve- Thanks I love you heaps- even though I didn't get the puppy ;) LOL!

Saturday had me running all over Brisbane delivering cakes- and it was another hot day.

My first stop was at the Medina- where we ran into our Brother in Laws brother- Aaron- who works on the front desk- (did you keep up with that?) and put together this soft iced cake.

Stunning fresh antique roses by Melita from Wedding stems, and a cute couple to top things off.

Then it was off to City Hall- with the Golden Darling design. After wandering the halls of City hall trying to find someone to open the room ( seriously- when you call ahead- and they meet you at the loading dock and record where you are off too- why isn't the room then opened?) anyway- after finding someone with a key- the cake was placed ready for the reception that night.


The hand painted mid tier has a real opulent feel about it, with the piping detail and loop bow adding an element of whimsical fun.

The next cake made me want to eat the icing so bad!

A whipped dark chocolate ganache- with baby pink spray roses- pretty for sure.

My biggest cake for the week was this four tier present box design.
Each "lid" had its own pattern, with some Swarovski crystals incorporated inti the design too. The bow and ribbon were painted with a pearl effect- to have a satin look about them.


I really love this cake, and loved that the cake fit the size of the reception. I love big cakes for big receptions!

The last of the weddings had me making a cheeky design for sure.



The groom didn't quote make it to bed, and had fallen asleep at the base of the bed.
Clothes and other articles strewn across the design- including a mini 2 tier wedding cake- with a big slice out of it.

If you have kept reading- this is the last cake for the week!
A tower of mini cupcakes in a polka dot theme for a Christening. This cake was for my old neighbours niece. Some of the cakes had a polka dot bow- and others just had dots.

Riley Ann was christened last Sunday! I hope you all had a fabulous time.

So last week was MASSIVE for me- but I made it- and had fun doing it!
Thanks for reading all the way to the end.. til next week!
SJ

Bloomin Lovely!

How time flies again!
These cakes were for the weekend of the 28th February- after my week just gone they almost seem a distant memory.
To start off with is this simple yet fresh two tier design created for an 80th birthday.


With pinks and purple themeing- this cake had long chocolate chards- with fresh flowers to decorate. Inside was a rich hazelnut mud cake- lathered in whipped white chocolate butter cream. The long chards give the illusion of a much larger cake.

The next cake is actually just a top tier of a cupcake tower. The clients collected their cake- so I didn't get to see it all set up.Mimicking the divine blue design- this top tier featured sugar hearts painted pearl blue.

It seemed that hearts were on the agenda with this next tower of cupcakes. Iced in a soft pale pink ( yes the poor lighting and the mobile phone image don't really do the cake justice) with cut funky hearts in a candy and fuchsia pink.


More hearts explode from the top tier too.

The next cake was bold- yet elegant. Incorporating the Navy blue from the wedding theme- coupled with a trailing cut daisy design- this cake was the epitome of lovely.



Bright and bold fresh roses ( supplied by Karen from Bliss floral)- which also had tiny crystals intertwined- finished the design.

I had a LONG way to deliver last Saturday- From Petrie through to the Gold coast- via Capalaba- it certainly was a days worth.
Finishing at the Villa- I delivered this stunning pink trailing blossoms design. The soft colours, and random sparkling cachous were just adorable.


It seemed almost a theme with the cut flowers and hearts last week, and amazes me how I end up with such similar designs from different clients. They must all have similar tastes for sure.

This week just gone was MASSIVE!!!!!!
Details to follow ;)

Ready to roll!

This weekend I was up early- with Wedding season coming into full swing- it was a matter of getting going before I ran out of time!
Delivering cakes takes me all over South East Queensland- not just to the CBD.
I have allot of long distance deliveries coming up in the next few months, which means that many Saturdays I am unable to take more than one appointment, and get deliveries done. While I still have after hours time slots available- most consultation times are restricted to late weekday afternoons.

Yesterday was no different.
I headed off to Woodlands of Marburg first. With a four tier Butter iced cake- complete with fresh flowers- and impending 30degC heat- it was imperative that I had the cake delivered to the venue and out of the midday heat.


I love this cake design. It is pretty, elegant, a decent sized cake- and not to mention- iced in a thick butter cream that is just asking for someone to run their finger through it!

After returning to Brisbane I made my first ever delivery to Riverlife at Kangaroo Point.
This was the first time I had delivered to this venue. Set at the base of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs- on the edge of the Brisbane river- it is certainly a feat to get there.



This cupcake tower was a mixture of White chocolate and Raspberry, Choc Chip and Hazelnut cupcakes. With a top tier that was surrounded by Marbled chocolate chards.
While this venue has an awesome view- it has no air conditioning- not even in an office.
Even though I was advised that there was an air conditioned office available- when I arrived- there was no office- nor Air conditioning. I don't have this condition for delivery simply as a request- it is an absolute must.
I truly hope that with the late afternoon delivery- and the "cool" area that all went well.

The next cake was actually delivered on Friday- for a Saturday Wedding.


A version of my "Sweet Daisy" design- this cake had a cute little family on top. Complete with the Kilts- this family moved to Brisbane from Scotland a year ago- and celebrated their wedding here in the 30degC heat with a close group of family and friends.

The last cake of the day to be delivered ended with a lovely surprise!
For only the 3rd time in more than 500 wedding cakes delivered- I got to see ( and talk) to the Bride dressed in all of her glory!

This cake is a two tier double barrel design- that was finished with a pale pink palette royal icing. Fresh roses in mixed pinks filled between the tiers and fresh roses finished the design on top.

Now- seeing I was so excited to see Jodi- I only managed one picture of her with her cake! Not the best photo- but remember I am a cake decorator NOT a photographer!Here is Jodie with her Lovely Mum!
Congratulations Jodie and Stephen! Enjoy your Jamaican Honey moon- you lucky buggers!!!

Congratulations also to all of my brides and grooms this weekend! I hope your day was truly fabulous!

Valentines Wrap

Last weekend I made Boxed cupcakes( If you hadn't already realise ;0)

I have received really great feedback form both the purchaser's and the recipients!

So for all of you who missed out- these little creations were in each box:

This cake was a vanilla cupcake with pink vanilla butter cream and White chocolate hearts as decoration.

The next Cupcake is a Gluten Free Chocolate and Almond cupcake with dark chocolate ganache and filigree chocolate hearts.

This Red Velvet cupcake iced in a vanilla butter cream with an edible glitter heart.

It was all about Love with the next design. A light rosewater cupcake iced in white fondant- with Love script across the top.

Last but not least is the Decadent chocolate cupcake- a rich chocolate cupcake- filled with chocolate ganache then iced in a light chocolate butter cream. Handmade heart confetti to decorate.

Which one would you choose????
For those of you who missed out this year- there's always next time!

Cheeky Fun!

Last weekend we celebrated a family Birthday.
So for a bit of fun- together with my cousin- we made this cake!
Silicone- I think not! These were a White chocolate and caramel swirl- with the token pink polka dot bikini too!



The birthday boy was more than amused!
Happy Boobday David! ;))

Loving last weekend!

This last weekend gone I was well and truly back into the cake swing!
I had such a diverse group of cake designs to create- it was fabulous!

The first one I have decided to include is the Zebra head! Made for a 40th Birthday.
I loved making this- the sculpting and the fact that no two Zebra's stripes are the same!


When the client came to collect the cake ( obviously and Avid Zebra lover) she seemed delighted- and mentioned that maybe she wouldn't even cut the cake!

The Next cake- whie I make this style of design on a very regular basis- provided me with my fastest EVER thank you.
The entire cake had been arranged via email so I never had the chance to meet the Bride and Groom... Until the wedding day (SAT) when around Midday- the Groom to be arrived with his best man to collect the cake and take it to the Canungra Winery Reception.


When I woke up on Sunday Morning and checked my emails- there was a fabulous thank you from the Bride- sent to me at 11.45pm the night before. Now that is commitment! I hope Ben and Amy are enjoying their honeymoon! Thank you for the Thank you!

I had another beautiful stacked fresh flower cake last Saturday- with THE BEST roses I have ever been provided with. Beautiful big roses- stunning!
The cake was simply iced in Ivory with an Ivory ribbon around the base of each tier. What made the design was teh gorgeous blooms in pale pink, Ivory and Blood Red! This cake certainly was a symbol of elegance and beauty as you walked through the reception doors.


The next cake was contemporary and stylish.
A cube style design simply decorated with ribbons and skeleton leaves.

I then had my first ever Arum lily wedding cake.
This cake was originally ordered with Ivory roses- but the Bride to be asked ( only the Monday before the wedding!!!) if I could make Arum lilies instead. No worries!

As the cake was to be monochromatic- I used only subtle colour to bring the lilies to life.

Last but not least was this 1st birthday cupcake tower!


In greens and blues it was all too cute. Mixing regular and mini sized cupcakes- and a variety of decorations- including a waving baby and sugar "1" on top.

A fabulous diverse selection once again- ordered by some fabulous clients!

Up to date................

OK- if the occasional email from regular blog readers wasn't hint enough to get on track and up to date with my blog- being reminded face to face was a definite kick up the behind to get cracking!

Last week was a whirlwind... with the cake season warming up- I was getting back into the swing of business for sure.
The last weekend in January had me making some old favourite designs- but with a twist.

The first was the beautiful cake-labeled "Cream dream" on my website- but instead of the cream roses- lovely soft pink roses filled the top tier and petals filled in the channels.
Soft and pretty- feminine yet elegant. Sitting in the table in the stunning Long Room at Customs house- this cake looked everything the bit "Wedding".


I don't know if I am a sucker for pink, but I think I might love this version a tiny bit more than the original.

The next cake was for a 21st at Mt Tambourine. Jaffa Mud cake layered with Grand Marnier Ganache- iced in Whipped white chocolate ganache- and then decorated with white chocolate! A dieters nightmare! It amazes me the power of word of mouth- this cake being no exception. I got the job from another client who passed on my details to this client. Then the friend of this cakes recipient passed on my details to another Wedding client- raving about the cake she had just eaten on the weekend- and the Wedding client had already booked to see me on recommendation through another person! (Did you get all that??- because even I am confused reading it back- and I lived it first hand LOL!!!)


Anyway- the moral of the story is that the cake made an impression for sure! It also had fresh fuchsia pink roses dotted throughout the design. The roses matched the sugar "Emma" perfectly- and I had painted the name well before I collected the roses.

Last but not least was a last minute addition to my baking list last weekend.
An early morning call on Monday- had me taking an order for the Debbie Brown inspired Stripper cake.
Hollywood themed Black Fuchsia Pink and Silver- I altered the design to suit.


The Fuchsia Iced board made a real statement on the design- with the little hats coated in Disco Glitter to make them sparkle.
I got to see the clients reaction first hand when I delivered the cake! I love that! Seeing clients genuinely excited about your creation is wonderful!


This week I am selling Boxed cupcakes for Valentines day.
Click on the image below for details on what is available.
The cakes can be collected on Friday afternoon and Saturday Morning.
Delivery is available- for a small fee- to the Brisbane Metropolitan area.
Treat your valentine to some delicious cupcakes this year!

Scottish people in the QLD summer..........

......Don't Mix!

I was mortified to turn around last weekend and see my gorgeous couple I made with Lorraine McKay Melted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After a quick rush to the humidity controlled room- where they have sat for more than a week- they have finally dried back out- but a little worse for wear.
You can see them in their former Glory here.

Looks like I will have to make more now!