#makesomeonehappy

I'm a big believer in giving back. I'm extremely blessed and I don't take that for granted. 

When I saw the Channel 9 Today Show's #makesomeonehappy campaign - I instantly knew I wanted to be apart of it. 

The core of the initiative isn't about flaunting privilege, it's about genuinely doing something thoughtful (no matter how simplistic) to make someone else's day. I was excited to be able to share a little bit of my talent to make someone happy 😊

So as we approach Christmas I am very wary of the fact that so many people and families find this time of year difficult. 

No matter your situation the very thought of Christmas, to many, isn't all Tinsel and Jingle Bells. 

My aim with this project is to make someone happy. 

To surprise them with a little something unexpected. 

To lift their spirit and share a little sugary love. 

Whilst you may have seen the Xmas tree cake I donated to a local Kindy - which made about 100 little people very happy- this time I am giving away a Pudding "lolly cake" Cake!

Very similar to Rocky road- but without the nuts. This can be kept and used on Christmas Day, or shared with friends, family or colleagues beforehand. 

There are only 2 conditions of winning this:

1- You must be able to collect this from my Alderley Home Studio on Saturday 13th December 2014 before 10am. 

2- I'd love it if the winner could pay the happiness forward- with a little #makesomeonehappy love of their own. 

That's it. 

To enter all you need to do is comment on this blog link on the Cake That! Facebook page. 

A winner will be drawn by Random.Org at 6pm on Friday 12/12/14. 

This competition is not sponsored or endorsed by facebook. 

This is a giveaway purely in the spirit of Christmas and holds no retail value. 

Should the prize winner not claim their prize- it will be donated to a local charity on their behalf. 

Thanks for reading and don't forget to take a little moment and #makesomeonehappy

Cheers

SJ 

I'll bake the cake!

Ok- so pretty much I voluntarily put my hand up for what some could describe as the most difficult kind of cake you could ever attempt. 

It wasn't a super tall- nor an artistically sculptured masterpiece. It wasn't even something I'd never attempted before. 

So what was this cake you ask??

It was a lovingly made- frantically put together (read a houseful of builders and a short bursts of opportunity to put it together) and finished with a few "love bumps" that I'd be sweating bullets over on a regular order. But it was done. It turned out pretty funky (if I do say so myself) and it was delivered all in one piece. 

But why the stress you ask???

It was a surprise for a friend :)

"So?!?!!" I hear you say. 

But this isn't any ordinary run of the mill friend. This cake was for one of my fabulous "cake" ladies. One of the most gorgeous people you could meet. Talented beyond belief- and I was in charge of making her cake 😝

Given I had full artistic license on this little gem- I colluded with my fellow cake bevy, got the thumbs up for my design concept (although they vetoed my idea of putting 40 candles around the base pfft! I mean everyone loves illumination don't they lol) 

Subconsciously I knew I had no reason to stress. I know had the shoe been on the other foot I would be ecstatic with anyone making a cake for me- but truth be told I'm a worry wart when it comes to these situations. 

What if she doesn't like it?

What if she had a grand idea of her own and I was treading on her toes?

What if....... She's allergic to coconut?!?!?

So maybe I'm a bit extreme when it comes to unnecessarily worrying 😜

Anyway- I'm sure you've already guessed- but she did love the cake! (Phew) 

So after I made it to the venue- and handed over the cake in question- it was party time!!!

My fellow cake ladies are not my competition- they're my allies, my psychologists throughout my crazy weeks, they're my friends. I'm so very lucky to have met so many wonderful fellow cake enthusiasts that share not only a common love of cake- but have terrific senses of humour and genuinely are there to support you anytime. 

So this is my attempt at a cool "Rockabily" style cake. Cute and fun, zest lime and coconut inside (with white chocolate coconut ganache too!)

I truly hope that the divine Ms Amanda had a spectacular birthday!

Cheers for a fantastic year ahead xx

In the swing!

As some of you may know- I'm currently off on leave. I won't be back to caking until April 2014- time is flying- but that doesn't stop me itching to make cakes though :)

One of my friends is having a baby soon- this is her second baby- and it's due to be a little girl- so I was itching to make her a cute cake :)

After I got the all clear to make it my mind went into creative overdrive. 

I wanted to make something that wasn't too over the top- and also incorporate the mum-to-be's request for a soft iced cake and Red Velvet. 

While the cake itself wasn't exactly Red Velvet- it was an ombré pink Velvet cake:D

I kept true to the request and iced the cake in a soft icing. 

Using the petal method I piped the base tier in a pink ombré- then finished the top tier with a little bunting on the wall and a sweet sugar baby carriage on top!

This cake definitely satisfied my need to "make a cake" fix!

Thanks for reading

SJ xx

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!

Polynesian Princess

Yesterday I set up one of the most visually effective cakes I have done!
Even from 15m across the room- tis cake stood out!
Yesterday afternoon My husband and I arrived at the East Leagues club to set up a 21st cake, for a lovely girl. Not only was she lovely (and beautiful) her mother and sister were wonderful people too.
I first met with them all late last year, and after meeting them, and learning about some of the customs surrounding this auspicious occasion- I was delighted to be apart of this celebration.

Having a Polynesian heritage, we used this theme to create the show stopping design!
Polonia's (Birthday girl) sister is a great artist- still only a teenager herself- her artwork is incredible. She drew some beautiful patterns that were banded around each cake. The carefully drawn and scaled patterns were wrapped around the cake- made from Printed icing. The first run of the prints weren't successful- but after having the drawings reprinted at another supplier- they turned out just perfect!

With the weather this week once again being both wet and humid- the challenge to work with the delicate printed icing- to finish this design was challenging.

A miniature three tiered cake (all of the cakes are handed out to the guests as a matter of ceremonial importance) Stood tall on top of the tower of individual cakes. There were three different patterns, each representing the three different flavours inside. Chocolate Mud, White Mud and Marble Mud- filled both the three tier and the miniature cakes.
Set onto a stand, that had three levels of mini cakes, plus the top tier, this cake stood over 65cm Tall! The symmetry of the patterns and the mini cakes even drew the chefs out if the kitchen for a sneak peek!

My Husband made sure every cake was in line, and perfectly spaced out on the stand too! Whilst he towers over tis design- I must tell you he stands at 197cm tall!


Personalised balloons filled the room- so the Gold, white, black and Brown theme was complete.

The Function coordinator at the venue was definately worth a mention. He was so friendly, genuine and helpful- something that is often forgotten in this industry! I hope I get to work with him again!

So here's wishing Polonia a Fantastic 21st Birthday! I hope you had a blast!

Transfer and Refer...

This week was one where I was able to create cakes for a special long time client. I actually had two "referral" clients this week- one who was referred to me by an old work colleague and friend (Thank you Grant!) and another was for a lovely couple, who's family I first made a cake for around 7 or so years ago. Since then I have been lucky enough to make more than a handful of special occasion cakes for their family!
But Yesterday it was Donna and Justin's turn to get married! I was so happy to create a chocolate three tier cake, complete with fresh flowers for their wedding day! The smell of the shaved Belgian Couveture Chocolate was to die for!

The next cake was for a lovely bride- who I only met when she came to collect her cake. Usually I deliver more than 95% of my cakes, but this one was out towards Marburg- so the Bride collected it on her way out to the venue. Having never met her before, and only ever communicating via email- I always get little butterflies wondering if the cake is exactly what my clients were after- but he huge smile and overwhelming "Thank You" when she saw the cake for the first time reassured me that we were on the same wavelength- for design!





I also had two other cakes- that were transported afar this week. One to Hamilton Island- Cupcakes- which arrived safely- for a Beach wedding on Friday! The other was individual cakes that were taken to the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island. Of all the cakes to be transporting afar- it was unusual that both were cupcake style cakes!

By yesterday I only had two cakes left to deliver- which should have been an easy day- but the last cake for the week was a fabulous three tier Chocolate Gateaux. Rich chocolate sponge layered with a Chocolate Mousse, finished with a White Chocolate Marquise, then surrounded with chocolate chards, and finished with chocolate scrolls and fresh gerbera's- are you drooling yet????



I had to actually assemble the cake at the venue. Because of its delicate nature, the light textured cake did not have enough support to attempt transporting it in one piece- without disaster! Having arranged for the Air conditioning to be cranking when I arrived- The staff were surprised to watch me put the cakes together! The three cakes were transported "bare" without their chocolate decorations, so with my bag of white chocolate marquise in one hand, and my wonderful husband passing me the chocolate chards in the other, I layered and attached the cake to complete the design. With less than an hour until the reception began- the cake was safely in place, awaiting for the Bride and Groom to make the first incision!
Being able to provide my clients with wonderful designs, and alternatives to the traditional fruit cake- is what makes this job so great!

The week ahead is another big one! Wedding Season is in Full swing!!!

All about Birthdays!

It isn't that often that I have the opportunity to make birthday cakes- often because I am well and truly booked out- by the time I get an inquiry. But this week I had a beautiful 16th Birthday Cupcake tree to make for Lauren! Celebrating this milestone was done in style- at the Stamford Plaza hotel. Each little cupcake was filled with white chocolate and Macadamia mud cake, topped with a vanilla butter cream, and sugar frangipani.






This next "Retro Bug" design was created for a great and long time friend of my brother and sister in law- Nicole! She is soon to have a baby, and this cake was for her baby shower!
Gone are the pale muted colours, and teddy bears- with Nicole Loving "retro" style, this cake had a tri-colour scheme, and funky circles to cover the cake. A cute little caterpillar bug on top to finish it all off!

This weekend has been fantastic! Gorgeous cakes, and a Wedding to attend- More on that Later!- along with a magazine photo shoot! It is all going too quickly!
Toomorrow brings my first Monday Wedding- so its back to business for me!

Finals Fever!

It is with great excitement that I can announce that I(Cake That!) am a finalist in this years ABIA Awards. I am a finalist in the QLD category for Wedding Cake Design. This is an award where your past clients vote for you- and the service that you have provided! I am very greatful and excited to have received many votes and well wishes fro my clients over the past year! So fingers crossed X The awards dinner is on the 15th of May- so I will keep you posted!

It was fabulous news to receive. I was also fortunate to receive three wonderful Thank yous in the mail this week. I love hearing feedback from my clients- and I really enjoy seeing the fantastic pictures they send from their special day!

Being involved in a wedding is a very special commitment- so when a Bride has a change of heart and wants to change her entire design(from Cupcakes to a stunning classic three tier design)- with less than 2 weeks notice- I am quickly my toes to see how I can manage the new design in time! Quite often I fall in love with a particular design, and his cake is one of those occasions.

This is the design the Bride emailed me just over 2 weeks ago.......

And this was the finished Product!!!
I love this cake- especially this photo. The Bride had some slight changes to the original design- including changing the icing band from a green to a Teal Blue- to match her Bridesmaids gowns. The colour match was perfect- to the naked eye- so I was more than chuffed with the overall result. The cake was then transported (by the brides Future In Laws) to the Venue on the Border of NSW and QLD. I can't wait to here how it all went.

I also had my husband travel to Maleny to deliver and set up a cupcake tree for me. My husband is so meticulous and takes exceptional pride in setting up designs for me. He had the special task of setting up the cupcake tree with the gorgeous Pregnant Bride figurine!
She was just too cute!

The week ahead is another big one!! With a Public Holiday long Weekend-it seems everyone wants to get married in the first weekend of May!
Well- Thank you all for reading my Blog!
Till the next chapter.......

Record Week

OK, so with so many cakes this week, I couldn't possible choose just one! For the past few weeks I have been having sleepless nights planning how I was going to manage all my cakes this week. I am glad to say- I had need not worried- as it all just fell into place.

I am lucky enough to have a great support team- that regularly swings into action to make sure Cake That! is a success!
My Mum along with my baby sister- Alex- gave up a few days of her holidays to help me get it all done!

Today we left the house in two teams ready to deliver the multitude of cakes on order this week. Steven and I in one car traveled through the CBD Across to Cleveland then over to Mt Gravatt, While my mum and Aunt delivered some more in the CBD for me!

Every cake was so different this week. I love how refreshed I feel when each design I have to create has its own special twist. This week was one of those weeks where I thought " If I was getting married again- I would choose that cake!" I especially loved the white and green design. Both with and without the flowers this cake was elegant and classical.

My house smelt like a Cupcakery- with 4 Cupcake trees on order it was hard to resist the temptation to not bake more cupcakes for us all to eat!

I also got to see a couple of Venues that I hadn't had the chance to deliver to before. The Grand view Hotel at Cleveland- is exactly that. One of todays couples were holding their reception in a Marquee out the back overlooking the bay. The smell of the fresh sea air and the beauty of the set up was a perfect match. ( Oh and Of Course the gorgeous cake that was chosen by them too ;)


All in all with only one lonley cake left to be finished by tomorrow- I am glad I am not this busy every week. I am looking forward to Next week now- and to start all over again!

True Favourite.

I was lucky enough to first replicate this design for my Brother in Law and His wife. A truly beautiful design, I have been lucky enough to recreate at least half a dozen times. It isn't often that clients chose the same design, but the beauty of this one speaks for itself.
Last month this cake was made in a champagne colour. The warmth of the champagne added to its beauty. Every time I have made this design-I can't help but to fall in live with it over again.

Sunday Mail Feature

Hi All,
Welcome to my Blog- featuring my favourite cakes from each week.
I am really lucky to be able to create some simply stunning cakes for beautiful couples each week! I am excited to share my thoughts with you about my cakes each week!
You can also view many of my past design on my website

This cake was my first cake to be featured in the Sunday Mails' wedding section. It was created for a wonderful couple who lived in Melbourne- but held their wedding in the Grooms home town of Brisbane.
My mother an I had spent over three hours delivering wedding cakes-last Saturday- when this cake was delivered. The Photographer was patiently waiting for me to complete the cake, so he could take this photo- Had I had known it was the photographer from the paper- I probably would have hurried up a bit!
A classic three tier design with the centre tier featuring a heart filigree design and tiny silver cachous. The bright fresh flowers on this white cake- were really striking.
I was really excited to see my work finally in the paper! I am always excited to see the pictures of my past brides- but when the cake is in there too it is fantastic!

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom!