Say Cheese!

I am not a fan of cameras pointed at me. When Geri said I had to have head shots done for my website last fall, I begged for mercy. To no avail obviously, since I have a head shot on my site.

Katrina from Studio Laguna was in charge of that photo shoot and understood how uncomfortable I was going to be. She made it painless and even caught my eye roll a few times. This, according to Katrina, not to mention my Intro to Baking class, is a common expression for me.

Today I am having more shots done for an upcoming article in Minnesota Meetings and Events. I am not nervous, exactly, but I am hoping that when Tate points the camera, I can "Say Cheese" without looking, well, cheesy.

A Garden Party Shower

Victoria called me a few weeks ago to help her complete menu for a Garden Party themed bridal shower for her niece. The colors were going to be bright, vibrant pinks, oranges, yellows and greens. Martha from Martha's Garden would be doing the flowers. There were more sweet offerings from Chocolat Celeste and Gateaux, Inc., so Victoria was looking for some bite-sized morsels to round out the menu. Cookies shaped like butterflies, leaves, dragonflies and flowers seemed just the thing.

A Groom with a View

I have blogged about the research and ongoing work for the groom's cake for Brent and Susan. The wedding was unconventional from the start. Planned for Wednesday, August 8 to accommodate Brent's playing schedule(he plays for the Wild), the pretty in pink reception had some other add-ons to keep it personal and unique.
The bride wanted chocolate inside and out, the groom was all about white cake and raspberries. Now let's talk about design. First, some of the images came from his tattoos. I can honestly say I have never asked someone to remove their shirt in a tasting before. Then the ideas just kept coming. Several books, 1" of photos, drawings and photocopies, and we had a cake. My photos can't begin to do it justice, but I have to wait for the good ones from Scott just a bit longer.

A Baby's Gift

A former student asked if I would make a baby shower cake for her sister-in-law. Janene was more than capable of putting together a scrumptious menu, but really didn't want to tackle a cake.
I sent it off to the party with happy thoughts for the new little one about to join the world.

Wow, Sally!

I took plenty of photographs as I constructed Charla and Elizabeth's pontoon boat for their commitment ceremony, but all I can say is Wow! when I see what Sally from La Vie Photography did for the whole event. Geri from Style Laboratory added gummy frogs to the lily pads and fish to my "water" cupcakes for added whimsy. It was such a beautiful event.

Carnivale for the Kids!

I have just finished uploading all of the photos from the last two weeks, so the recap of events will commence shortly.
First, I just found out the theme for my twin niece and nephew's birthday in September. Carnivale! Whoo Hoo, the planning begins.

Luddites Are Us!

It's been two weeks since I last blogged. I have excuses...I mean really good reasons for that.
#1- 5 really big events between July 8 and 11 and I was fatigued at the very least.
#2 - I installed new software on my computer. Yes me, not a professional. New System, Old Luddite, enough said!
I am glad to say it's over(the installation glitch fixes) and I am sane, sort of, again.
I will work my way forward from my last blog to share the beautiful days, the funky themes, and the sweet ideas people asked me to recreate in cake.

A Pontoon in Pictures

This was one of Saturday's wedding cakes. The lily pad cupcakes with gummy frogs were a hit, but the rumor is the dog was kidnapped and held for ransom!

Julie and Julia

I attended a preview of Julie and Julia last night with about 280 others as part of a Women Who Really Cook(www.wwrc.info) event. It's a lot of fun to watch a movie about a culinary great with a bunch of industry people. Julia Child inspired many(that's a gross understatement). She was a HUGE! influence. It was a lovely tribute to a wonderful woman.
Maggiano's Little Italy hosted a pre-movie reception in their lovely banquet facilities, and WWRC offered a silent auction and other opportunities to donate toward the Sue Zelickson Scholarship Fund.
It was a great evening and I recommend the movie to those who love food and love Julia Child.

Back to School

It's back into the classroom next week. As I work on the details for this week's events, I am trying to photograph the steps of modeling or carving to use as a future lecture. It hasn't a step by step project, however. I am so involved in the emerging figure that I foget to stop for a quick click of the shutter.
I might need to settle for "stages of the production" images instead.
Can you see 3 of the 5 cakes that will leave this weekend?

Here are some hints: One cake can float, one is filled with heroes, there's a pretty one too!