WHERE on earth do I even begin?  Oh my blog I have missed you so!  I thought during the “slow” season that my friends and fans wouldn’t be interested in the organized chaos normality of my days but I’ve decided I don’t care.  I’m going to put it out there and if you don’t want to read it, you won’t!  My slow season wasn’t very slow.  In fact, I barely had a weekend off but I’m not complaining in the least.  Without busy weekends there would be no reason for caking it…and I LOVE caking it!  I LOVE telling you about it!  That being said, I am making a pact with myself to keep you updated about everything, even the boring stuff! 

You will learn more than you wanted to know about buttercream, whipping egg whites into submission, using Everclear (GASP!) to get rid of streaks when painting with luster dust and how even how I sometimes sneeze clouds of powdered sugar after a busy day.  WAIT-that was too much information, wasn’t it?  LOL

I had decided that I wasn’t going to do a “big” bridal show in January but as the month was passing I was feeling that urge to bring out delicious cake samples and maybe a new cake design or two.  My dear cake buddy for life, Laura, sent me information about a show in Clarksville that I couldn’t resist.  You see, I love Clarksville and a few VERY memorable brides came from Clarksville last year.  The girls in Clarksville have BIG receptions and they have proven to LOVE cake!  Brittyne, Blaire, Jaime…I loved each one of the cakes I made for you-VERY different and very fun but I digress.

I was put into contact with Beth Cullison who calls the Clarksville Bridal Show her Baby.  Her blood, sweat and tears go into making this show a success and it’s a TERRIFIC place to showcase your work!  The show was held at Austin Peay State University, where my daughter Jess will be starting college next fall-Let’s Go Peay!  Beth was happy to add another cake vendor as there were only a couple attending.  I overestimated my space a little and brought too much, but I tend to go big or go home.  I was able to see some of my past brides working there and meet some terrific new friends…some of whom I have yet to blog about!

A former bride, Blaire, and I at the Clarksville Bridal Show

Tablescape in Clarksville that inspired my next show cake!

As I was getting ready for the Clarksville Bridal Show, another cake friend brought my attention to another smaller show at the Factory in Franklin.  The Here Come the Brides Bridal Show was held a few weeks later and I once again had more fun than I could imagine at a show.  I found that I was able to speak to EVERY SINGLE BRIDE at the smaller shows and that is SO important to me.  Now, I’m not knocking the large shows at ALL, I just prefer things a little more personal.  The Here Come the Brides Bridal Show included a Newlywed Game and a fashion show that had the audience up dancing, whistling and hollering like I’ve never seen.  It was certainly a lot of fun to say the least!

An attention grabber! Complete with flowers and tiny battery operated candles.

Welcome to Jamison Hall at the Factory in Franklin!

The final show I participated in this year was the Hendersonville Bridal Show at Latham’s Lighthouse.  It was a very small show for the first time ever at that venue but it once again was SO much fun!  Dashawn kept us entertained at the Ambassador‘s booth while the Broke Leg Guy was by far my biggest fan of the day. 

My sweet daughter Jess in front of my new bakers rack at the Lighthouse in Hendersonville

A beautiful display at Latham's Lighthouse and Event Center

I met some terrific brides and grooms at those three shows and will have the pleasure of making their days a little sweeter as their weddings draw near.  When the shows stopped, the consultations began in full force!  I normally do a few consultation/tasting per week but I was SUPER busy preparing samples for the onset of customers after that.

Cake Samples for a consultation

Birthday cakes kept me from having a lull in baking and I’m thankful to Debbie Hart of My Secret Chef and new executive chef at Latham’s Lighthouse and Event Center and to Carly Rager of Carly Rager Event Design and Coordinating and the Bride’s Boutique for sending several my way. 

Ice Cream Cone with Sundae smash cake!

"Zebra Stripes" in bright colors

First Birthday Stripes, Polka Dots, and Cupcake

Presley's first birthday cake

Army Combat Dive Pin

Whew…I’ve been busy and you’ve been updated!  ONTO wedding season!