Life is a journey filled with ups, downs, and in-betweens. I can't even count how many unexpected twists and turns I've encountered along the way. The phrase, "I didn't see that coming" has become apart of my daily dialogue! Some moments have been sweeter than words can describe while others left me with my heart in two. But that's life...the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Life can be a good teacher if you're willing to learn. Lesson One: Get over it! Sometimes you have to let things go and by go I don't mean store them in a mental vault guarded by lock and key! You have to really deal with your issues no matter how difficult they may be. Then you have to move on. Lesson Two: Prepare yourself for the unexpected! This one doesn't need much explanation. Just keep in mind things will rarely go as planned...lol. Finally, Lesson Three: There is a bright side to everything! Even in the darkest situations, there is a light. Focusing your sight on the bright side is what enables you to see joy in the sorrow and sunshine through the rain. God bless!
Just wanted to post the video from my latest cupcake tutorial! It was super easy and fun to make. This would be a great project for the kids. Happy Baking and God bless!!
I LOVE snowman, reindeer and everything Winter!! LOL. I'm so happy I got a chance to make this tutorial. It's super easy and can be made with products you find at any store. The gumdrop earmuffs can easily be substituted for another candy, as well as the top hat on the marshmallow snowman. I've seen other people use chocolate bells. Here is the link to my YouTube video for more detailed instructions. Have fun and happy baking!!
For the love of pancakes!! Lol. These were so good and super easy to make. I woke up this last Saturday with a major craving for pancakes. This tutorial is the result of Pinterest and hunger...lol. This is my first baking tutorial. I normally post cake decorating videos. I had so much fun with this one. Check it out and don't forget to subscribe, like and share. As always, be blessed :)
I've been working really hard lately on my cupcake / dessert video tutorials for my YouTube channel Sharron's Take. I recently posted one for DIY Thanksgiving Cupcakes and DIY Wedding Cupcakes. When I first started decorating cakes, I came across a ton of general tutorials like how to frost a cake, how to stack a cake and different ways to pipe on cupcakes. I didn't come across a lot of video tutorials that showed how to make specific designs. So I decided to focus on making some of my own for all the future cake decorators and dessert makers out there.
I lost both of my grandmothers to breast cancer. As much as I don't want to think about it, breast cancer runs in my family and is never far from my mind. This video is dedicated to those who fought, fight, and their families that love them.
Like so many other women out there, I have struggled with facial hair. It's not an easy topic for most of us to talk about. Honestly, it can be down right embarrassing for some of us to admit.
My issues started when I was fourteen and worsened with age. I have tried so many hair removal techniques and products. I have spent so much money on removing hair that was just going to grow back in a few days.
After much consideration, I finally decided to have laser hair removal. I am so glad that I did! My results have been great. At the wonderful age of 31, I am no longer embarrassed by unwanted hair. I am proud of my decision and can freely share my story. Hopefully it will hope someone else out there!
Yay!! It's my two year anniversary on Youtube. Wow, I can't believe it's already been two years. I started this channel at the urging of my big sister Shaun. After some talking to, I decided that this was a good idea. I didn't quite know what I wanted to do with my channel and I'm still learning. I thought vlogging was weird and frankly who cared about the daily ins and outs of my life?? LOL
"Who puts their personal business on Youtube anyway??"
Now that it's been two years, I finally see some of the purpose God has for my channel and for me. I've grown so much and I'm glad I decided to step out on faith and do this. I've learned so much about myself and from others. I'm glad I have an avenue to let loose creatively. I love to do so many things and this has been the perfect forum to express myself. I'm so blessed that I can finally show my love for Christ, journalism, baking, fashion, and any other randomness that comes across my mind.
Thank you everyone that has read my blogs, watched my vlogs, and continued to support me.
You will never know how much I appreciate you. I can only pray that my life continue to bless others as much as God has blessed me. Love you all and as always be blessed!! ]
It's that time of year again....FALL!!!!!! This has and will always be my favorite season. I love the chill that comes in the air. It's not too hot, not too cold and I can finally wear my boots!!!
Yes...lol. Another reason I love this time of year is because it means Thanksgiving is right around the corner. For the past three years I have tried to focus my mind on being grateful, regardless of the circumstance. This year is no different. I have suffered much lose but I still have so much more to appreciate
.
If you're new to my blog, every year we make a gratitude pumpkin. "I'm Thankful For" is written boldly on the front and every day of November, each member of the family writes down something they are grateful for. It's a great visual reminder. It really does put your mind on the right track for having a grateful heart.
This year our family started early. We went to the store and both boys picked out there
pumpkin. Then we went home and decorated our tables. I know it's only the first of
October, but I wanted to get an early start this year. Here are a few pictures from our outing.
Just wanted to show a picture of the DIY earring holder I made out of burlap ribbon. It was super easy to make. All I did was cut the strips of equal length and position each strip using push pins.
Burlap is perfect to use because it's sturdy and won't bend or sag from the weight of the earrings.
Happy Anniversary to my best friend and side kick for life! I could not imagine life with anyone else. Thank you for always making me feel special. For seeing the good in me, even when I couldn't see it in myself. I love you more each day and I'm so thankful for the eight years God has given us.
In light of recent events, I definitely needed a good laugh. We had so much fun at Kevin Hart's show. I laughed until my throat was sore! So much fun. Just wanted to share some pics!
We couldn't take any pictures inside the show because cell phones and cameras were prohibited. They kicked out 30 people!!
I still can't believe you're gone. It was only a moment ago you kissed me on my cheek and said, "I'll see you later." I just didn't realize later meant Heaven. The pain I feel from your absence is indescribable. As I struggle through the tears, anger, and pain, I try to focus on the good in this situation. You're finally at peace and that's a good thing. But as much as I hate to admit it, I am not at peace right now and I don't foresee being at peace anytime soon.
I didn't realize how much you were apart of me until you died. I realized a big part of who I am is because of who you were. I'm going to miss the jokes, stories, and energy you would bring. No one will light up the room like you did. You loved indiscriminately and that was
evident at your funeral. The room was full of people you touched somewhere along the way. As I hurt for you, I'm sure they hurt as well.
I could go on and on about how amazing I thought you were but words would not be enough to describe my affection. I want you to know that you were loved and that you mattered to me. You always mattered, even when you felt like you didn't. I am proud to call you my big brother. I will do my best to honor your legacy and to love your children as my own. Until we meet again, give Mom a kiss for me and have fun. Hey, you finally get to fly!!! Love you Robert and I'll see you later.....
Once I again, I decided to tackle the issue of motherhood. A topic that has definitely been frequently discussed in my circle of friends. I sat down a few months ago with a small group of lovely ladies and asked them the following questions: How has motherhood changed you? What do you enjoy about motherhood? What struggles have you faced being a mom? What advice would you give to moms? I have known each of these ladies for a long time. I knew them long before they became moms and I have watched them blossom into the awesome mothers they are today. Each one has there own unique story. Each one is in a different stage of life. Though they differ, they are bonded together in the sisterhood of motherhood. May their stories help you or yours in their journey and as always, be blessed!
I remember when I first started decorating cakes. I hated it!! I couldn't stand frosting the cakes because I could never get it smooth. Whenever I did get the cake smooth I had to use a ton of icing. I remember standing in my father's kitchen, frosting a cake for an hour! Yes I said an hour! Craziness...just plain frustrating. I knew there had to be a better way. I practiced and practiced but still had trouble in this area. My cakes began to taste better, I didn't have issues using fondant, I only had issues getting a smooth coat of frosting. After reading numerous forums and watching some YouTube video I finally came across a method that worked for me...the Melvira Method.
The Melvira method is when you use a high density foam rollerto accomplish a smooth coat. After evenly apply the icing, you let the cake sit for a little while so the frosting will crust. Oh, did I mention you have to use a crusting buttercream or this won't work. Like I said before, a crusting buttercream (http://sharronstake.blogspot.com/2014/01/crusting-buttercream-recipe.html) is one that is clean to the touch after it dries. This means when you touch it, no frosting will come off on your finger. After the buttercream crusts, you roll your cake until its nice and smooth. Check out my video below for more details and instruction!!
This technique has worked the BEST for me and believe me I have tried everything. I've tried the upside down method, hot knife method, paper towel / wax paper and the list goes on and on. Now this is my go to method for wedding cakes and special occasions. Give it a try and let me know how it goes! As always be blessed.
I'm not quite sure I know when it begins, I just know it occurs at a very young age. Some how along the way, we begin to criticize and critique the bad, but never praising the good. As women, it has become acceptable and encouraged to scrutinize ourselves a daily basis in the pursuit of become better. But when does it stop? We are taught to strive for better even if we're already doing our best.
I'm not saying we should accept the bad things in our lives and not strive at all. I'm just saying we have to learn to love ourselves for who we are and never lose sight of our value. The girl you were yesterday ushered in the woman you are today. So be proud ladies of who you were, who you are, and who you will become!!
As the daughter of two pastors, I was introduced to the Lord at an early age. I was raised to always put God first and He would take care of the rest. As narrow minded as it may seem, when I was younger I thought everyone held this same perspective. It wasn't until I went to college did I realize things weren't the same for everyone. I's not that I wasn't aware everyone came from different backgrounds, and environments, because I was. I guess I just naturally assumed God in one way or another was as real in their lives as He was in mine.
As time goes by, it has become apparent to me that most people in this world struggle with the idea of God, His existence, and His role in their lives. Is He real? If He's real, where is He? Why do bad things happen? Why doesn't He intervene? After much thought and consideration, I decided to interview six women (including myself) and tackle these questions. I'm so proud of how this interview came out and can only hope this interview helps you gain clarity through the struggle. As always be blessed!!
I have used AliExpress in the past for clothing and jewelry. Most of the items I ordered were great. Some of the clothing items ran a little small. I decided to give them another try for cake decorating supplies. I am pleased to say, I loved everything I received. Here's my YouTube video on everything I ordered.
I decided to share a wreath I made for the entry way to my house. I recently had Fall and Winter wreaths in the same place and it felt bare when I took all my decorations down. After a few hours on Pinterest I decided to make a wreath that someone posted. It seemed simple enough. The colors were a little different but the concept was the same. I was able to get all my materials from Michael's. It cost around $20 to make this wreath!!
Materials:
Ribbon
Flowers
Wine wreath
Letters or Numbers (for your street address)
Floral wire or Glue gun
Paint (optional)
I arranged the flowers, ribbon, and letters on the wreath the way I wanted. Then I tied everything down with floral wire and I was finished...or so I thought(Top picture). I decided the letters looked a little plain, so with the input from my older sister, I painted our last name in gold and I really liked it.
I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed me to be the mother of James Anthony and Jase Ashton! They have never ceased to amaze me. Through all the ups and downs, frustrations and joys of motherhood, I could not have asked for two more perfect little boys. Perfect for me that it!
Parents are commanded by God to teach their children and raise them up in the way that should go ()(Proverbs 22:6) but I have to admit that their presence has been a bigger lesson to me than I feel like I've ever given them. I have learned so much about my God and His unconditional love for me. I have learned about myself and the sacrifices my sweet mother made for me. I struggle with two and she had five! I've learned the importance of patience, love, and trusting God.
I would like to extend a heartfelt Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers, block Moms, spiritual Moms, aunties that act like moms, step moms, and to all those who mother in some form or another. Be blessed everyone!
I have to admit I have really enjoyed Throwback Thursdays. It' been really nice to go
back down memory lane and take a peak of my past. As a wife, Mom of two little boys, therapist, and church teacher I barely have time to think. So it's nice to sit down
and look at old photos and videos. I realized looking back at where I have been helps me
appreciate where I am now. I truly feel blessed!!
As I watched this video last night, my heart melted. I remember this day like it really was
yesterday. John and I were living with my Dad. Times were difficult to say the least. Even
though we were both working, we didn't really have a lot of money to splurge. Especially
since I was working part time so I could be with James. But no matter how difficult times
were, God always used people to bless us. In this case, John's Aunt Bgirl (short for baby
girl and I'm quite sure I'm not spelling it right...lol) gave us money and told us she wanted
to buy him a bike. James was so excited when we took him to the store. I remember his face
lighting up when he saw the bikes. His face especially beamed with joy when he saw the
"Lightning McQueen" bike!
Fast forward three years, he still lights up when he sees his bike. He has definitely out
grown it. Which is particularly evident when he rides like a bat out of hell through the
neighborhood. He's six years old now and it's definitely time for a big boy bike. But no
matter how big he gets, videos like this remind me that he will always be my baby James.
Enjoy and be blessed.
I came across this picture earlier this evening and I had to admit, it really made me think. What would I say to my younger self?? What wisdom or truth could I share with the younger me? I've learned so much the past few years, how could I possibly sum that up in two words??
As I reflect on my youth, the pain, struggles and all the uncertainty, two words naturally come to the front of my mind. The same two words that have echoed in my womanhood. My note would simply say, "Be Brave!" Simple, yet so profound.
Even though I am proud of my accomplishments and all the many blessings the good Lord has given me, I can't help but wonder what could have been. Where would I be if I would have moved forward with bravery instead of fear? How would things be different?
My younger self was so fearful and consequently I led a life filled with "safe choices." But safe choices aren't always the "right choices." Bravery is what allows you to make a leap of faith when it doesn't make sense. Bravery allows you to walk the road less travelled, to be a leader instead of a follower.
I worried too much about what others would think. I didn't want to rock the boat. I was so scared of taking risks. But time has had her way and things have changed. Life truly has been the best teacher and experience is the invaluable lesson. Fear really does kill more dreams than failure.
So once again, I would tell my younger self to be brave. Live a life you can be proud of. That doesn't mean you won't make mistakes because you will! That doesn't mean you won't mess up because you certainly will do that as well. Just be brave enough to try!!
