Happy Fathers Day

May your day be filled with joy and happiness! Have a good one gentlemen!! 

                            

How to Get Smooth Icing / Frosting

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 roller to 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.  

Just A Thought

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!!

Popular Questions About God ~ Ladies Perspective

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!!

**Check out my YouTube Video Here** 

Cake Decorating Haul - AliExpress Edition!!

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.