CAKE CHARGES "ME"

Just to give you all a quick update: I have been super busy with making cakes, working and summer school all at the same time. I think having a busy life defines me. I've always had a hectic schedule and never had anything different. That's why my poor blog has been neglected. I'm sure if people that witness my everyday life, will respond " OMG, Inez you even found time to blog about how busy your life is!!!" lol. Anyways, back to what I was discussing: I am the worst person to ask a price on my cakes. I dont give enough credit to my hard work on my time consuming cakes. My stomach turns, and head throbs when a simple question is asked "How much would you charge me for this cake?" I dont think about me at all, I think about the person. Some of my thoughts: " Do they have enough money? If I give them a price will they think I'm crazy for an outstanding offer? Should I go by how much the local bakeries are selling their cakes for? " The cake industry is insane, over charging so much on cakes.  Here are some examples I've charged my cakes:

CUPCAKE CAKE: $35.00

BAKERY: $50.00

SHOWER TOWER: FREE

BUT client bought all ingredients

and materials. (she's pregnant guys! & sweet)

BAKERY: $350.00

PAUL FRANK: $40.00

BAKERY: $65.00

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN: $50.00

BAKERY: $100.00

As you can see, my cakes are all under priced. But I want clients to have affordable cakes and enjoy my hard work. Their smiles and appreciation is what makes me feel rewarded. But my closest friends and MOTHER doesn't agree with me at all. They want me to take my time in designing, the supplies I buy, the electricity I use, and labor into consideration. Some of my friends have even told me "If they want a price they come to me." I wish I can just have my clients go to someone who can give them a price. One day I will learn, but for now I will try my hardest to take myself into consideration. Maybe. =)

SPRING BREAK

Wow I havent been on this since August! I'm the worst blogger! I apologize for not keeping you all fellow bloggers updated. I've started the bridge program in becoming a registered nurse last October. I graduate in December so please bare with me on the lack of updates. Anyways, SPRING BREAK has officially begun and I'm extremely excited! Since my last blog I wrote about my first cake design. You must be aware that I've done many cakes and cupcakes since then.

Decorating Class

So lately I've been super busy at work. As an Admission nurse I hardly have time to go to the bathroom! As much as I love work, I decided to continue to pursue one of my many dreams on the side: Cake decorating!!! I joined a decorating class last Thursday. Its sooo much fun! I find myself lost in my own world when I start piping.( Literally, no one can talk to me.) So I wanted to share my first gum paste flowers with everyone.

• Gum Paste Flowers
  

The next 2 flowers are from the second day of decorating class.

• Apple blossom flowers
  

• Rose Buds
  

The Wiltons Decorating class comes in 3 classes. You must start with The Decorating Basics, Flower and Cake Design, and Gum Paste & Fondant. The lady I signed up with told me just pick the classes you want to take. Not knowing you have to take them in order! My mom joined the class with me, so I told her to pick. She decided to take the Flower and Cake Design. Oh how I was lost!!! When I walked in I saw so many pros with gadgets that I didn't buy. But all the ladies are really helpful. They have extra of everything! Thank god for that! Our teacher said " Good job! Your flowers look like you don't need to take the basics but keep practicing!" Hmm was she trying to be nice. Cause I totally see Butterflies rather than Apple blossoms! haha All in all this class ROCKS! I have NO regrets!

My First Event

This will officially be my first BLOG! I've been a member with blogger since May 2010 but never had the motivation to write about anything. Until today!!! I spoke with my friend Pwee via BB and I was updating her with one of my passions, I've had for many years. CAKE DECORATING and PARTY PLANNING! She suggested for me to start blogging about our passions. So I owe it all to her! =)

This past weekend I was busy planning a birthday party for one of my family friend's daughter, Anika. She wanted it to be a HELLO KITTY theme. At first, she told me to help her with decorations, favors and games. Of course I replied, "YES!" I hate spending money on things I know I could make so I surround myself with a lot of DIY things! As I started shopping with my friend Kenneth we saw a hello kitty cake mold. She got super excited and begged me to do the birthday cake as well. I was so hesitant and told her "I've never decorated a cake! Lets continue to shop for favors and prizes and we'll come back to that." As stubborn as she was, she kept putting it in our basket and I would put it back on the shelf. By the time we were checking out the mold was in our basket! She won! So here she is:

As a perfectionist I totally saw frequent mistakes on this cake. Eyes were uneven. The redness in the middle of the bow was off, some whiskers were thicker than the others and the white spikes were all not the same! Kenneth totally thought I was insane and simply said " I love it. It looks exactly like hello kitty". I posted it on facebook and got an amazing feedback! People loved it! I couldn't believe it. This was a trial and error cake as much as I wanted to throw it away and make another one. My friends and family gave me the confidence to leave it and present it at the party. =)
Games:

• Pin the bow on the Kitty

• Pass the Kitty(kids love this game! Have the kids sit in a circle. When the music starts they have to pass the stuffed kitty around. When the music stops the kid who has a hold of the kitty is out!)
  

• Hello Kitty Pinanta

Planning the decorations were another task on my to do on my list. As easy as it is, to buy a simple flimsy dollar HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner. I wanted to make my own that represents the party's theme. I found foam cutouts of flowers and circles! My mind
started to work: cutting out letters and placing it in the middle to make
her own personalized banner.
In addition to making her cake, we also made cupcakes and even the cupcake tower! We were such busy bees working till 330am! But with all the compliments we received; the smiles and hugs we got from the family, it was all worth it! I hope you enjoy the outcome!

• THE BANNER
  

• THE CUP CAKE TOWER

• TABLE SHOT
  

• Personalized favor bags
• THE FINAL OUTCOME