Tangled- Part One

Well, as I said, I would show you what my youngest daughter's birthday cake looked like.  She turned 3 in January, and she had to have a

Birthday.

So here it is:

I was pleased with my work at the time, however; nine months later, I feel like I need to up my game.  My challenge is this:  my family really really doesn't like fondant icing.  So everything I used on this cake except for the turret, was homemade butter cream.  The turret was made from rice crispy treats and fondant.  I have searched the Internet and found some fabulous creations that put this puppy to shame.  Check out Laura's creations at the Corner House blog: Emma's Rapunzel Cake.

So I have two weeks to plan my masterpiece.  I think this time I will concentrate on keeping my cakes in the base and a smaller layer in the living quarters, leaving the tower made from a solid material.  I have frozen the turret from January, but I may re do.  If you have any suggestions, let me know! 

What Are You Waiting On?

My attempts at a natural garden have gone to the wayside during the dog days of summer.  Everything was looking pretty spiffy, then I had an attack of voles (if you don't know what these are, google the Devil); and things went down hill quickly after that.  So now, I have some overgrown weeds to contend with, and some overgrown bushes, and some storm damage to boot.

In addition to that, my poor little birds are quite upset with me, I had to take down all of their feeders but one until after the storm passed, so now they are wondering when I am going to get my act together! 

Tomorrow, I am going to show you my plan to "attack" my weeds with a technique that is non-invasive, using the lasagna garden method.  I love this approach, because it is so simple to do, and you are simply adding to what you already have, without having to use chemicals that could be dangerous to the butterflies and birds.  (I love my butterflies and birds!!)  Fall is the perfect time of year to do this, because then the layers will protect your perennials, bushes, and bulbs all winter long, and "bake" your soil so that come spring you will have some lovely, rich soil on top of what you started with. 

Now its off to feed the birds!

We Are Thankful

Unless you been pulling a Rip Van Winkle, than you know that Hurricane Irene is making it's way up the east coast.

My family has been very fortunate this time, we have not suffered any damages. However; my thoughts and prayers are with those this morning who are without power,  who have suffered damages to their homes and businesses, or unthinkably even lost a loved one. As this storm continues its path, I pray for everyone in that path and for their safety.

Bath, NC



New Bern, NC

Raleigh, NC

Once Upon A Cake

Well, it I guess you can say it all started with a cake.  Three times a year, for every one of my child's birthdays; I go on a Google search to come up with inspiration for their birthday cake.  Sometimes I already have a vision of what I want to do, and the interenet simply provides me with some very impressive ideas for add ons or slight adjustments.  The blogging world has been a vast resource for birthday cakes in the past, as so many talented indiviuals (mostly moms) have so graciously posted their accomplishments for the world to see.

I am a huge Disney nut. Needless to say, I have created Disney monsters with my children.  Both of my daughters have had nothing but Disney birthdays. However, it is fun coming up with cakes for their birthdays.  My son has had some non Disney birthdays, and they have been fun, too. 

I hope that my learning curve is improving with each cake, and although I claim no real talent, it is fun, and at least I know what kind of indgredients are going into the cakes.  So what is coming up?  Well, school is back in full swing, and with that means my middle daughter's birthday is just weeks away.  She is planning on having a Tangled Birthday party (who knew?)

So two upcoming posts will be a Tangled "Part 1" and Tangled "Part 2".  Wanna know why?  Yep, you guessed it.  Her baby sister beat her to it and had a Tangled Birthday back in January.  So I will share with you the cake that I made for her, and what my thoughts are for the next one. 

Hopefully, neither daughter will feel jilted, no cake is ever the same! And they lived happily ever after...