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Friday, August 30, 2013

August 2013 Favorites




My August 2013 favorites are a mix of items from electronics to milkshakes. I have done a lot this month including a lot of reading as well as writing my book. What were some of your favorites for the month?
I got my MacBook Air 2013 this month and I love it. It is so lightweight and portable. The writing apps allow me to write my book with ease and the screen is so clear.
2. Is This All There Is? by Patricia Mann
I've done a lot of reading this month and out of all the books I read I loved this book the most. It's Patricia's debut novel and she did a great job. To find out about this book and the others that Inhave read visit my other book and writing blog, Books and Stilettos .
3. OPI and Sally Hansen Nail Polish
I love painting my nails and these colors compliment each other well. The colors that I am wearing above are OPI - Kiss Me On My Tulips and Sally Hansen - Mint Sorbet .
4. Crock Pot - Hamilton Beach
On those hot days when I don't feel like cooking I use my Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. I love that this one is programmable.
5. Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark
Here is me above with this book by Lauren Clark. After I recommended one of her other books on my book blog she was king enough to send me Dancing Naked In Dixie. I just started reading this book earlier in the week, but it has already become a favorite.
6. Milkshake
Shake Shake Shake has some of the best milkshakes in Tacoma, WA. My favorite is the Miso Butterscotch with Salted Caramel. I love all things caramel, so this is the milkshake for me. It is really rich in flavor. 
I hope that you have enjoyed my August 2013 favorites.
Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Monday, August 26, 2013

Cake Design Inspiration: Petalsweet Cakes

I was browsing through Petalsweet Cakes Facebook page and came across this cake. Jacqueline did a great on this cake which is almost all decorated in green gumpaste hydrangea's.

 

This cake is Jacqueline's interpretation of Mr. Grasshopper from James and the Giant Peach. With a feminine touch, Mr. Grasshopper came to life.

 

I hope that you will check out Petalsweet Cakes other creations on their Facebook page.

 

Savor the Baking,

Chineka

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Fondant Painting Video

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share this great video from McGreevy Cakes on fondant painting. So much can be done with fondant besides covering a cake or creating letters.  Shawna really shows you step by step how you can create your own fondant painting. The details in this painting are spot on and I enjoyed watching it.

I hope that everyone has had a great weekend.



Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Classic Pie Dough Recipe

Hi Everyone,

I baked a peach cobbler over the weekend and wanted to share with you the recipe that I use for pie crust. This recipe does use shortening, but that's why the crust is so flaky. This crust will compliment most pies well and is fairly easy to make. I use my kitchen aid stand mixer and that makes the process much easier.
I wasn't able to take any pictures of the process. Sorry about that.




Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all - purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
6 tbs (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter (cut into 1 inch pieces)
1/4 cup shortening (Crisco butter flavor)
2-3 Tbs cold water as needed

Yields one 9 inch pie crust

Directions
1. Put flour, salt, and sugar in the kitchen aid stand mixer bowl. Mix on low for a few minutes until all ingredients are incorporated.

2. Add butter to bowl and use a dough blender to cut the butter into the mixture, afterwards the butter will be into course pieces.

3. With the dough hook mix all ingredients together starting on a low speed and increase to medium speed as needed.

4. Add shortening and mix on low speed until all ingredients are incorporated.

5. Slowly drizzle the water into the dough mixture with the speed on low. This is what brings it all together.

6. Dough is ready to be taken out of mixing bowl when you can insert a finger and no dough sticks.

7. Lightly knead dough for a few minutes on a floured surface. Place in a flat disk and refrigerate for an hour or more before rolling out dough.

I hope that you all enjoyed this blog post. Have a great week.

Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

What Baking Has Taught Me?

Frequent baking and cake decorating came at just the right time in my life. It was just after my Dad passed away in September 2011 and I needed something to take my mind off of things and to bring me relaxation, if only temporary. Below is a list of 5 things that baking has taught me.

 

1. Relaxation

Baking has been a real therapeutic hobby for me. When I am baking I am in my own world and I love baking things that taste and look good. It may seem odd, but measuring and creating an edible treat is very relaxing to me.

 

2. Creativity

I have always been a creative person who loves photography and playing the clarinet. Baking added another creative talent to my list. It's something that I can do in the comfort of my home whenever I want.

 

3. Patience

Bakng has brought a new aspect to the word patience for me. Whether it be waiting for a cake to bake or waiting for dough to rise, patience is a big part of baking that is necessary.

 

4. Love

I bake to share and I put love into everything that I create. It is something about making someone's favorite dessert and seeing a smile on their face that I love. I have given desserts to hair dressers, family, and friends.

 

5. Friendship

I have made several baking friends through the one hobby that we all have in common. From recipe swaps to cookie exchanges there is something to be learned from them all.

 

What has baking taught you?

Have a great week.

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

Monday, July 8, 2013

Unique Cake Stands

 

 

 

Cake stands can add an extra personality to an already beautiful cake. There are plenty of unique cake stands online that always add flair to any occasion. From glass to porcelain and wood, there is something for everybody.

 

Cake stands can not only be used for cakes, but to display baked goods such as cupcakes, mini pies, and cake pops.





Polka Dot Cake Stand

This polka dot cake stand from Google would be great for any occassion such as birthday parties, baby showers, and bridal showers. These cake stands come in many color schemes and are not too heavy. They can be found in your local store such as Target.

 

 

 

Pewter Cake Stand

A romantic feel comes from this pewter cake stand from the blog, A Realistic Wedding . I can see the rose petals surrounding it with a beautiful wedding cake on top for all of your guests to see.

 

 

 

DIY Cake Stand

This cake stand with it's mix of bold and mascuine colors is from the Craft Addiction Blog where you will find all things related to DIY and crafts. This particular cake stand is made from tart pans and candlesticks that were spray painted.

 

 

 

Natural Wood Cupcake Stand

I love the simplicity and the use of nature in this cupcake stand that I found featured on Cupcakes Take The Cake . The different tiers allow for multiple display stations and I love how the natural wood grain shines through.

 

 

 

Porcelain Cake Stand

This porcelain cake stand from Gracie China Cupcake Stand is a cheaper alternative to the Lenox porcelain cake stands that I have seen. It is just as beautiful, but not as hard on your wallet.

 

I hope that you have found some inspiration for your next cake display. I had a lot of fun preparing this blog post.

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Blog Flashback: Strawberry Bread

 

 

One of the first baking recipes that I posted on this blog when I first started blogging over a year ago was strawberry bread. Due to my love of strawberries this is one of my favorite breads. I made a loaf earlier this week.

 

This bread recipe by Joy of baking is a quick rise bread and it is fairly easy to make. It is great to eat in the morning with a cup of tea or at night when you have a sweet craving. I have made a few changes to the original recipe. The original blog post can be found here .

 

Happy 4th of July and Savor The Baking,

Chineka

Monday, July 1, 2013

Measuring Equivalent Chart Ideas

 

 

When it comes to baking you don't have time to think of all of the conversions and equivalents. This is where the internet comes in. Around the web there are a variety of measuring equivalent chart ideas. From print outs to chalkboard cabinets I am going to show you a few different ways that you can have a chart in your kitchen.

 

Via Printables 4 Mom

 

 

Printables 4 Mom has a free measuring equivalent chart above. I place this on the side on my refrigerator for easy access. The fact that it is shaped like a like a milk bottle is really cute to me.

 

 

Via The Decal Store

 

 

Decal Store has a vinyl sticker that you can place write on your kitchen wall. The good news is that this is easily removable and can be reused if you decide to move it. This is a neat idea.

 

 

Via Pinterest/ Infarrantly Creative

 

I originally found this measuring conversion chart on Pinterest, but after a little research I found the original website. Step by step instructions for this creative project can be found on Infarrantly Creative . I love how there are hooks for the measuring spoons and cups to go. That is a great use of space and organization.

 

I hope that I have inspired you around your kitchen and made baking a little easier for you with this post.

 

Savor the Baking,

Chineka

 

Friday, June 28, 2013

Feature Fridays: June 2013 Favorites

 

My June 2013 favorites that I have are compiled of a variety of things that I have loved during this month. I am still getting organized with our new place, but will blog as much as I can during the process. I would like to blog on a more regular basis like I was a few months ago, but I will work up to that.

 

1. OPI Nail Polish - A Definite Moust-Have

OPI A Definite Moust Have has been one of my favorite nail polishes to wear for the Summer. It is from the OPI Minnie Mouse collection. The color reminds me of a watermelon pink and looks great on different skin tones.

 

2. Teavana Tea

I am a big iced tea drinker. I drink it in place of sodas and starbucks frappucinno's since they have been known to give me migraines. Teavana teas are loose leaf teas, which have more flavor and are more natural than the teas in tea bags. I have been drinking two particular tea flavors this month. The Strawberry Rose Champagne Oolong Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea at Teavana can be combined or separate.

 

3. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker

I needed a digital and automatic turn off crock pot in order to prepare meals on my busy days. This kitchen tool is versatile in it's abilities to cook various things. The Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is just what I needed. This slow cooker is big enough to cook big meals that I can freeze the leftovers. I also like the fact that it comes with a meat probe that automatically cooks meats to perfections. There is also a program mode that switches to warm after meals are cooked. So far I have cooked taco meat and beef stew and they came out great.

 

4. Victoria Secret - Tease

My birthday was June 26 and I received Tease from my husband as a birthday gift. I love the old fashioned perfume bottle as well as the scent of the perfume. It has sweet and floral notes that speak to my girly side. Thanks for the birthday gift my love. I love you.

 

5. Keep Calm Post It's

These "keep calm and have a cupcake" post it's are perfect to write on during the day. They remind me of how much I love baking as a hobby. The box that they came in can be reused for something else once it is empty.

 

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Savor the Baking,

Chineka

 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Cake Design Inspiration : Amanda Oakleaf Cakes

Picture from Amanda Oakleaf Cakes - Facebook

This weeks cake design inspiration is from Amanda Oakleaf Cakes. The company is known for their homemade marshmallow fondant, which can be ordered online at their website.

The kitchen aid stand mixer cake is sculpted and this cake looks as real as the stand mixer that is sitting on my kitchen counter. I love how all of the frosting is around the mixer paddle like it would be in real life. The markings around the kitchen aid stand mixer cake are also accurate.

Visit Amanda Oakleaf Cakes website to find link to their homemade marshmallow fondant as well as their Facebook page.

Savor The Baking,
Chineka


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I'm Back and 1 year blog anniversary

After all of the things that go with moving and finally getting Internet installed today I am happy to say that I am back. I have missed making blog posts and connecting with my friends in the blog world.

 

While I was away my 1 year blogging anniversary (May 15) came and went. To be honest, I was so busy with moving that I didn't notice it until a couple days afterward, but I am proud of all of my blogging accomplishments this past year. I have learned so much about baking, cake decorating, and web design in the last year. I have also made some blog friends who I consider tried and true. You all have taught me a lot, and for that I will forever be thankful.

 

It will take me a while to accumulate most of my baking ingredients again, but when I do I will be back to posting baking blogs that you enjoy reading.

 

I have missed you all.

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

Monday, April 15, 2013

My Top 5 Favorite Blogs: Spring Edition

I read a variety of blogs in various subjects other than cake decorating and baking. Home decor, fashion, and organization are also some things that I love to read about. I get a lot of inspiration and ideas from the blogs below. These blogs are currently my favorite at the moment.

 

1. I Heart Organizing

 

IHeart Organizing is a blog all about organizing. It offers great and simple tips on cost efficient ways to keep your home clutter free and has a lot of great DIY projects. Check this blog out for all of your organization needs.

 

 

2. Savor Home

 

Savor Home is a blog that is all things home decor. Some beautiful styling and home decor can be found on this blog. From everyday living rooms to cozy bathrooms, you will find inspiration for home design on this blog.

 

 

3. Made By Girl


From fashion to food, MadeByGirl is a blog that talks about a little of everything. Everytime that I go to this blog I feel like I am reading a magazine. The pictures are awesome and the contributors each add something special to this blog.

 

 

4. Keeping It Cozy


Keeping It Cozy is a blog that offers a lot of how to's and DIY for home decor. From decorating pillows to painting cabinets, I find a lot of neat and thrifty things to do around the house, which looked like you paid a lot for them. I always find something new to try on this blog.

 

 

5. A Cup of Joe


Another blog that has many of my interests on it is A CUP OF JO. From fashion to relationships, former magazine writer, Joanna Goddard, covers it all. I also enjoy reading about her everyday adventures.

 

What are currently some of your favorite blogs? I hope that you visit some of the blogs above. If you do, let me know what you think of them.

 

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Cake Design Inspiration : Seahorse Sweets

Photo by Seahorse Sweets

This weeks cake design inspiration comes from Seahorse Sweets .When I saw this cake I fell in love with it. Anyone who knows me can say that I love Cookie Monster, and always have, even as a child.

The cookies that Cookie Monster is piled on look so real. They look like they are fresh out of the oven with that fresh baked smell. In my opinion, Cookie Monster couldn't look any better while holding his giant cookie. The cookie smash cake is also a cute and unique touch.

Seahorse Sweets is based in Nova Scotia, Canada. They have tons on unique and amazing cakes on their Facebook page so go check them out.

Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Friday, April 5, 2013

Feature Fridays: Moving To Seattle

 

 

This month of April will be a hectic, but fun one for me. Anxiety is creeping in and my organizing nature is being thrown off due to having to rearrange a quite a few things in my schedule. I have never used an eraser in my planner more....lol. I will soon be in the process of moving to Seattle due to the Air Force. The move is coming faster than I expected with the movers coming next Tuesday. Ahhh!!!! There aren't enough hours in the day for me to prepare. LaPaul (my husband) and I will be leaving Florida mid April to not only go to Seattle, but to visit Los Angeles for a few weeks on a work related trip.

 

 

With the upcoming move I will still be posting on this blog, which I love, but I may only be posting two to three times a week until I get settled again. I am trying to schedule as many blog posts as I can ahead of time so they will already be planned ahead.

 

 

I have been in North Carolina for half of the week visiting family on a last minute vacation before the big move. I have finally got to have real sweet tea again without having to make it myself. While I have come to love the part of Florida that we are currently stationed in I am looking forward to moving due to a few sweet factors. I have heard that the foodie culture is Seattle is huge (a big plus for me) as well as the amount of good and quality bakeries, cake shops, and pie shops. I plan to do a series on these things when I get acquainted with the area.

 

 

I hope that everyone has a great weekend. What are your plans?

 

Savor The Baking,

 

Chineka

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Cake Design Inspiration: Margaret Braun

Photo by Margaret Braun

 

 

My cake design inspiration this week comes from Margaret Braun. Margaret has a style like no other cake artist of today.The first time that I saw one of her cakes I was awed with how the design was both elegant and clean. She pushes the boundaries of cake decorating in design and patterns. Her cakes are ornate and very detailed, like the cake pictured above.

 

 

Margaret has appeared on several cake decorating shows and even has a cake decorating book named Cake Walk, which is a best seller. Her work has been featured in many magazines, such as Bride's and Food and Wine.

 

 

For more information on Margaret Braun and her cakes visit her website.

 

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

 

 

Monday, April 1, 2013

Best Friends For Frosting Contributor

 

 

Happy April Everyone!!! I hope that you all had a great weekend. I have exciting news to share with you all that has been in the works since last month. Beginning this month I will be a contributor for the online dessert magazine, Best Friends For Frosting.

 

I welcome this opportunity since I love desserts and I love writing equally. In fact one of my writing goals is to write for a print magazine, and this is a great start. Best Friends For Frosting is the website to go to for all things dessert where you will find inspiration and creativity flourish. From Pinterest crushes to interviews there is something on this website for everyone.

 

This month I will be answering questions concerning baking that the public wants to know as well as writing roundups on various subjects. I am excited about this writing opportunity and look forward to contributing to the website.

 

Be on the lookout this month for my writings and I hope that you all have a great week.

 

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

 

Friday, March 29, 2013

Feature Fridays: March 2013 Favorites

 

 

Spring is here and another month has come and gone. I have a lot of cool favorites for this month to share with you and I hope that you find inspiration in them.

 

 

1. Jeep Liberty Limited 2010

My first favorite is one of my most loved favorites of the month. LaPaul and I got a new vehicle early in the month and I love it. This will be my vehicle to drive. I used to drive a 2006 Jeep Liberty before I got married , but that is a long story that I won't bore you with. This Jeep has everything that I wanted on my checklist in a vehicle with some of the things including leather seats and Bluetooth. I am enjoying this Jeep and am glad to get back to that Jeep feeling. LaPaul and I will be taking it on our first road trip next week.

 

 

2. Personalized Bakers Charm

I blogged about this charm earlier this month and I have worn it everyday. It's a charm that is unique and I love how it can be tailored to your interests. To learn more about it read my blog post.

 

 

3. Eye-Fi Camera Card

This camera card has made blogging and editing pictures a whole lot easier. By placing this card in your camera you can wirelessly transmit photos to any device such as an iPad, iPhone, or to your computer. Since I purchased this card I have been loving it. This card was a pain to configure, but it was all worth it in the end. For more information on this camera card go here.

 

 

4. Sweet Revolution Caramels

Anyone that knows me knows that I love caramel. If a dessert has caramel in it then I am sold. These Sweet Revolution Caramels are the most pure and organic caramels that you will ever eat. I tried the maple honey caramels and you can taste the pure maple with every bite. These caramels will not disappoint.

 

 

5. I Love Cake PocketBac

I love carrying hand sanitizer with me and when they smell yummy that makes it even better. The PocketBacs from Bath & Body Works are perfect for putting on your keychain or slipping in the side pocket of your purse. They are always 5 for $5 so you can't beat the price. My favorite PocketBac is I Love Cake which smells like a slice of cake right out of the oven.

 

 

I hope that you all have a great weekend and have enjoyed my March 2013 favorites. What were some of your favorites for the month?

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Cake Design Inspiration: Ron Ben-Israel

Photo by Ron Ben-Israel Cakes

 

You may know Ron Ben-Israel from the TV Show, Sweet Genius, or his realistic sugar flowers. The cake design inspiration for this week comes from Ron Ben-Israel Cakes.

 

This cake shows the sugar flower artistry that Ron Ben-Israel is so well known for. From the beautiful roses to the peonies each flower is hand crafted and shows how much detail is put into each flower. As you can see the cake also has clean lines and a simplistic quality to it.

 

Every cake done by Ron Ben-Israel Cakes is perfection. More of their cakes can be seen on their facebook page.

 

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Top 5 Spring Gel Colors

 

 

Spring is here and that means cake artists get to play with more color in their designs. I have compiled my top 5 gel colors for Spring. These Americolor gel colors are very bright and pigmented. Only a few drops are needed to achieve your desired color.

 

 

1. Americolor-Mint Green

Mint green has been a popular color for Spring in the last few years. Now cake artists can play around with this color. It would be a great color to use for grass on an Easter cake or as a main piping color.

 

 

2. Americolor-Peach

This color is great for those girly girls like me that love pretty colors. Peach makes me think of sherbet on a nice Spring day.

 

 

3. Americolor-Super Red

Super-Red is a great color to use when you want a vibrant and true red. In fact, I used the color on these Red Long Stemmed Sugar Roses. Months later, the color has not faded.

 

 

4. Americolor-Burgundy

Burgundy is a great color to use for a sugar anenome. That flower is on my list to make for 2013. This would also be a pretty color for a dress on a figure model.

 

 

5. Americolor-Sky Blue

With the sun shining and the clear skies of Spring this sky blue would look great against buttercream flowers or on a baby shower cake.

 

What are some of your favorite Spring gel colors? I hope that you are all having a great week. After all there are only 2 more days until the weekend.

 

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

 

Monday, March 25, 2013

Birthday Bear Cake Topper

 

 

Last week I sculpted a cake topper for a friend whose son was turning one. I was given a picture of a bear on a napkin to go by. This is the cake topper that I was able to come up with.

 

 

 

 

After sculpting the body and legs of the bear out of gumpaste and allowing them to fully dry then I started to add the details. I used a small ball tool to make the belly button of the bear. This adds a cute touch. For the paws of the bears legs I used a tip 7 to make the circles.

 

 

 

 

Here is a closeup of the paws. This added another dimension to the bear and gave it more of a stuffed animal look.

 

 

 

 

I added some non-toxic chalk to the inside of the belly button. This adds some extra color to the overall body. You can also see the star that I embossed into the inside of the shirt. A balloon was the final touch to the cake topper. I sculpted a balloon and inserted a floral wire in order to attach it to the bear.

 

The cake topper went on a smash cake and it looked so cute. I was unable to take a picture of it at the birthday party because I was recording the event so the parents will have it to look back on.

 

Have a great week everyone.

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

Friday, March 22, 2013

Feature Fridays: My Top 5 Cake Decorating Brushes




I use paint brushes a lot for cake decorating. Each one has a different purpose for a specific project. My favorite paint brushes to use for cake decorating are from Princeton Select. They last a long time if cared for properly and they don't leave bristles on your fondant.




Princeton Liner - 0

This is my favorite brush to use for writing words and creating little swirls on fondant. The fine brush makes it easier to control what you are trying to hand paint and makes for clean work. Also for fondant figures this brush is great for hand painting eyes.




Princeton Angular Shader -0



This brush is great for getting in those little spaces when hand painting fondant. The angle helps it to fit perfectly in corners or creases. I once used this brush to paint a pearl border and it worked great.




Princeton Neptune 1/4 inch

This flat brush is great for adding dimension to royal icing before it dries or even adding dimension to figures. For sharp lines this is the brush to use.





Princeton Select Oval Mop -3/4 inch


When hand painting a fondant cake one color this is a great brush. Changing the direction of the brush strokes will change the look of the fondant. A lot of effort isn't needed to achieve the look of brush strokes with this brush.





Cotman 19mm - 3/4 inches


This is the one brush in my collection that isn't from the princeton line. This is my second line of brushes when I can't find princeton. When I need to dust a sugar flower one color I will use this brush. The bristles are so soft so I know that my sugar flowers won't break. This brush seems to glide across petals effortlessly.


What brushes do you use in cake decorating? If so what is your favorite brand to use? Have a great weekend.

Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Cake Design Inspiration: Krazy Kool Cakes

Photo by Krazy Kool Cakes


This weeks cake design inspiration comes from Krazy Kool Cakes, which I orginally found two years ago through their YouTube channel. Laura and her husband Arnie can do some amazing things with cakes and can sculpt any cake topper imaginable. I have featured them many times on this blog because I truly love their work so much and they are such an inspiration to me.


The winnie the pooh themed cake that I am featuring today showcases a variety of their skills all in one. From the sculpted cake toppers to the hand painted bottom and top tiers this cake is Krazy Kool Cakes all the way. The cake board is even custom made. My favorite part of the cake are the hand sculpted winnie the pooh and piglet. They make the cake come a live.


Check out Krazy Kool Cakes website and youtube channel, which are linked above. You can also find all of their cakes on their facebook page.


Savor The Baking,
Chineka

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

In Memory of Rylan: A Cake Decorating Talent and Gentle Spirit

Pictures by Cake Central

 

Yesterday I learned the news of my cake central friend, Rylan (Jene Rylan Ty Nato), passing away Monday night. I took the news very hard. He was a cake decorating talent that delivered clean and sophisticated cakes like I had never seen before. His cakes have graced the pages of Cake Central magazine many times and his cake even made the cover page of issue one of volume three, which can now be downloaded for free here. The story of how Rylan got into cake decorating can also be found here.

 

 

 

As you can see from the collage above, Rylan's cakes were amazing. He was quick to learn all things cake and implement them into his artistry. He was also not afraid to try new things and take risks. This has got to be my favorite cakes of his. It was the first time that he had decorated a square cake and as they say, he knocked the ball out of the park. The classic black and white, coupled with the clean and crisp monogram, made this cake timeless.

 

 

Rylan's memory will live on in the cake decorating world with his gentle spirit and undeniable talent. More of his work and most importantly his words will forever be on his blog, Art and Appetite, where he documented a lot of his thoughts and even things non related to cake decorating, like gardening. There is also a facebook page for his blog.

 

 

Rylan you will be missed and your memory will carry on through the lives that you impacted through cake decorating around the world.

 

Savor The Baking,

Chineka

Monday, March 18, 2013

What's In My Cake Decorating Bag?


My cake decorating bag usually contains most of these cake decorating tools if I am working on a cake topper or decorations for a cake. On days that I need a tote bag for everyday use these are the items that I typically carry in it.



This tote bag can be purchased at Barnes and Nobles. I love that my iPad can fit in the front exterior pocket. To personalize it I put an adhesive embellishment on the front. Of course it had to be a cupcake. As you can see this tote can hold a lot more than what I usually carry.





My planner, iPad and iPad keyboard are always with me. These are the things that I need to stay organized everyday.
  • Planner - I keep my daily tasks and schedule my blog posts.
  • iPad - All of my daily tasks, articles, blog posts, photo editing, and written communication are done through my iPad.
  • iPad Keyboard - makes it a lot easier for me to write long emails and my assigned articles.



I keep two separate notebooks for different things. I also keep my eyeglasses, pens, and earphones.

  • Cupcake Notebook - research for writing articles, blog post ideas
  • Hello Kitty Notebook - outline for articles
  • Eyeglasses - to see when reading
  • Pens - color coordinate notes
  • Earphones - listen to music or podcasts while working or cake decorating




Here is what the other side of my cake decorating bag looks like. Do you have a cake decorating bag? What cake decorating items or non cake decorating items do you put in it? I hope that you are all having a great week.

Savor The Baking,
Chineka
 
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