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!!
Once again, another YouTube tag video but this one was really fun. It took me and my sisters over a year to finally get together and shoot this video. We skipped some of the questions for the sake of time. This is a really good way to see if you know each and learn new things as well. I hope you enjoy!!
Questions: 1. How old are you both? 2. Describe each other in one word? 3. Do people ever get you mixed up? 4. What is something that annoys you about one another? 5. What is it like being sister with a youtube "guru"? 6. Do you ever argue? 7. Whats the best thing about one another? 8. Ditch the dirt? 9. Fave inside joke? 10. Fave memory together? 11. Full sisters/half/step? 12. Guess each others fave singer? 13. Who takes longer to get ready 14. Heels or flats? 15. Pants or dresses? 16. Favorite animal? 17. If your house was burning down, and your entire family was sure to be okay, what would you save and why? 18. Comedy, horror, or chick-flick? 19. Blackberry or iPhone? 20. Favorite movie? 21. What is something weird that you eat? 22. Do you guys have anything matching? 23. What's your favorite TV show?
Inspired completely by Pinterest, I set my sights on making an ice cream cake this year for my son's 6th birthday. It was super quick and easy so I decided to share it with you guys.
Ingredients:
12 Ice Cream Sandwiches
16 ounce Container of Whipped Cream
Caramel and Chocolate Syrup
1/2 Gallon of Ice Cream (your flavor of choice)
Directions:
Line a 9"x13" dish with wax paper or plastic wrap. Spread softened ice cream evenly on the bottom of the dish (use the entire container). Next, layer with ice cream sandwiches. Gently press each one into the ice cream layer below. Place in freezer until ice cream is firm (usually take 1 to 1.5 hours). Remove from freezer once firm and place a serving tray larger enough to cover the dish. Flip ice cream cake over and remove the wax paper or plastic wrap. Spread softened whipped cream over the ice cream cake. Drizzle with syrup!!!
I have been thinking a lot on this topic recently. In the past four weeks, I have gone to four weddings!! Believe me, by the end of the fourth week my family and I were exhausted, but in a good way. I am so happy for those couples starting their new journeys together and marriage is just that...a journey.
I recently spoke with a friend regarding marriage and problems that may arise. I was open and honest about my experiences with my husband. We've been through so much in just 7 years of marriage. There were times I was so high on love my feet dared not to touch the ground. There were other times our love for each other did not seem strong enough to carry us through. I am not a quitter but there were times divorce seemed like the reasonable next step.
I have come to understand that marriage is not only a journey where two people continue onward together. Marriage is truly an avenue to self discovery. I'm pretty sure you're wondering what I mean by that. Marriage is the true reflector of self. As you continue on with your mate, you see yourself through their eyes. You see your flaws and you see your splendor, the good and the bad.
Marriage is also a great teacher. From day one, you're enrolled in " Idiosyncrasies 101." This is where you learn everything about your spouse. From the obvious to the not so obvious. Things that just don't come up when you're dating but shine bright when you're married. You'll learn a lot about a person when you share the same space with them for a prolonged period of time. "Wow, I didn't know you made that sound when you sleep." But this course is tricky!! Midway through it shifts focus from them to you!
To be honest, there's a lot about myself that is still undiscovered but there's also a lot about my self that I've learned from being married. I've learned what kind of wife and mother that I am, where I fall short and where I do a pretty good job. I've seen areas about my personality that I once viewed as strengths, when I was an independent women, be so destructive to my partner. I've learned the power of compromise, love, and when to let go. Not every decision needs to be yours, it's okay to meet in the middle sometimes. Not every battle needs to be fought and true love really does conquer all!!
I was recently asked to make a turntable for a groom's cake. I was given two pictures by the bride and was told to do what I thought was best. This is when my imagination began to get away from me. I began to do some research and noticed that most of the cakes I saw were fairly simple or extremely detailed. After looking at more than one hundred cakes, yes I said one hundred, I still wasn't satisfied with any of the designs I came across. I realized that I wanted something that really came to life. That's when I decided to see if I could make the cake spin (manually of course) and light up. I have to admit, I was pretty excited when I saw the finished product and I wanted to share it with you guys.
Tools needed:
Two 5" Round cake boards
Black 1/2 sheet cake board (wrapped)
Two Flower nails
Black and White Fondant
Silver Cake Spray
One Straw
LED lights (battery operated)
Black Marker (edible or permanent)
Wax paper
Directions
Place sheet cake on the black cake board and frost. Completely cover 11" x 15" frosted sheet cake with black fondant. Cut two big circle shapes out of white fondant, using the 5" circle cake boards as a guide. Place fondant circles directly on top of each cake board and spray silver. Place the flower nail through each one. Once dry, cover the metal flower head with black fondant and write on the CD's with the edible / permanent marker if desired. Insert the straw into the area of cake where you want the CD's and then cut slightly higher than the cake. Remove piece and use as guide to cut a second piece of equal length. Put both pieces of cut straw back into the cake and insert each flower nail into the center of the straw. Outline each CD with a fondant border. Now on to the light switch. Puncture 10 holes into a piece of thin cardboard (around 4"x3") and taped LED lights inside. Once finished, staple the boarder close and make sure not to puncture the cord of the LED lights!!
Cut out a piece of white fondant slightly larger than the cardboard and then make ten holes. Cover the light switch board in fondant and then sprayed silver. Once dry, place on the cake where desired. To make the second smaller light, cover a small LED with wax paper (the wax paper gives the appearance of plastic clear cover) and gently press into the cake where desired. Then make a fondant cover top. Decorate the rest of the cake as desired. I chose to make turn knobs and volume switches.
Check out my YouTube video for further instructions. Have fun and happy caking!!
I had so much fun making this tag video with my big sister. Whether you're a new mom or a pro, we all have questions about our kids. This is just a really fun way to get a glimpse into how other mom's handle certain situations. As a mom of two young boys, I've learned a lot from other mother's and somethings I've picked up along the way. Hope this video helps you and yours...enjoy!!
Mommy Scenario Questions!
1. Your kid is refusing to eat dinner, do you stand your ground and demand they eat what you made? Or make something else?
2. Your kid has a melt-down at the store, nothing is working to calm them. Do you leave & come back another time, or grit your teeth and finish shopping?
3. Your kid gets too many toys for their birthday, do you make some returns or save them for a rainy day?
4. Your kid is protesting sleep, do you give in at 3am, get them up & turn on a movie? Or continue to rock them, nurse, etc to try to get them back to sleep?
5. You have an appointment and no babysitter- do you bring them with you or reschedule?
6. You have 20 minutes until unexpected company arrives. Do you rush to clean up your messy house, or just figure- "hey, it's okay. I've got kids!"
7. You're running late & only have time to do your hair or makeup- which do you choose?
8. You're at the park and another child pushes yours, do you intervene and correct them- or go find the child's parent?
The "Gratitude Pumpkin" was in full swing this year in the Lopez household. We were a little late starting the project, ten days to be exact, but we caught up. We finally laid our pumpkin to rest yesterday. As I admired for one last time the words that adorned our pumpkin, my heart was truly field with gratitude. I am beyond grateful for all the wonderful things the good Lord has given me and my family.
It's easy to get distracted from what really matters when we live in fast pace society consumed with getting more and superficial things. We focus on what's wrong in our life before appreciating what's right. We obsess over the bad and neglect the good. This project has definitely been a wonderful avenue for my family to adjust our focus on the many blessings in our life. Now I'm not saying everyone has to run out and get a pumpkin every November! But we should all strive to have a heart of gratitude!!
I can't stand frizzy hair, but to be honest who can?? There's nothing more annoying than having a perfect hair style ruined as soon as you step outside!! Or having to plan your hair style by the weather. Many of us women deal with this problem, which is why there are hundreds of products appealing to our anti-frizz addiction...lol.
I use to think frizzy hair only happened if your hair was damaged. I have now learned that even the healthiest, undamaged hair can get frizzy. So what causes frizz? Humidity, excessive heat-styling (use of flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers), and excessive combing / brushing of dry hair. Chemical processing (perms or dyes) also contribute to frizz because they change the structure and integrity of hair.
My frizzy hair problem has worsened since I went natural. My natural hair soaks up humidity like a sponge. Seriously, the moment it comes it contact with the moister it frizzes and draws up. This has been so frustrating for me. I can't tell you how many times I opted to put my hair up in a bun just because I didn't feel like dealing with the fuzzy drama that would be sure to follow if I wore my hair down...lol.
Recently, I been on a quest to "Fight the Frizz!". I started with two popular hair products: TRESemme Keratin Smooth flat iron smoothing spray and Fantasia Frizz Buster Serum.
TRESemme promises to protect your hair from heat while providing shine, as well as, controlling frizz for up to 48 hours. Fantasia Frizz Buster Serum promises to be 100% effective in instantly eliminating dry, frizzy damaged hair.
The Results: I give both products a strong OK!! Can't say they worked great in controlling the frizz but TRESemme did seam to protect my hair from the heat during flat ironing and Frizz Buster made my hair incredible soft and silky which is always a plus for me. Check out my YouTube video for more details!!
It all started with me asking my nephew what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday. "Minecraft, I want a Minecraft cake!" " I have to admit that I have been asked in the past to make a Minecraft cake but they wanted the pixilated look which is labor intensive and requires a lot fondant I thought to myself, there has to be a simpler way to make this cake without all the fuss of fondant. For all the Moms, Aunts, or beginner cakers out there that want to know how to pull off a simple version of this cake...here it is!!
Tools:
Spoon
Spatula
Sharp knife
Grass Tip
Coupler
Decorators bag
Minecraft figurines
Cake board
Two 9"x13" chocolate cakes
Green Buttercream (around 5 cups)
Blue Buttercream (1 cup)
Directions:
Place one chocolate 9"x13" cake on cake board. Using spatula, thinly frost top of cake with green icing. Don't worry about crumbs in your coat because you will be adding another layer of frosting that will cover it later .
Cut second 9"x13" cake into cut three pieces:
1. Square shape - 4"x4"
2. F shape - 6"x6"
3. L shape - 3"x4"
Final arrangement will look like picture below.
Place both on corners of the cake and thinly frost the tops.
With grass tip, cover tops of the frosted areas with green frosting.
Hold tip at 90 degrees, gently squeeze and pull up.
See picture below.
Leave area, about 4"x6," unfrosted. Using back of spoon, add blue frosting to uncovered area. Once covered, make peaks with spoon. To make peaks, make "S" shaped design and then pull away at 45 degree angle. It will resemble ways.
Add figurines wherever you see fit! For my details, see video below.Have fun and happy caking!!
I'm sure you're familiar with the term "natural hair" by now. It's been going around for the past few years. I've been natural for over five and a half years. It has been a long, and sometimes challenging journey. The first time I went natural was shortly after my wedding in August 2007. My beautician talked me into to doing it. Healthy, thick hair were just some of the great results she promised. I only lasted six months before I caved in and permed my hair! I couldn't do it. I was so use to permed hair and didn't know how to manage this "new hair." All of the products I used before didn't seem to work. Frustration soon led to giving up and going back to what was familiar.
It was almost a year later, three months after having my son James, I decided to give it another try. I was so busy taking care of a newborn that I didn't have time to get my hair permed. I thought to myself, It's already been three months, I might as well see how long I can last. Five and half years later I can't imagine giving up now!!! Once I learned what products and hair styles worked for me, it wasn't so difficult. I actually find it easier to deal with my natural hair. I don't have to use as much products and styles last longer.
Here is a brief video I made for my YouTube page about my progress.
Soon after giving birth to Jase, I decided to take pictures of him every week for a year. I told my husband, "It would be awesome to see him grow week by week in each photo." But soon my maternal instincts kicked. "What about James? I didn't want him to feel left out. So I decided I would take a picture of the two of them every week for a year together on my sofa.
The first photo shoot was so much fun! But as time went by and my schedule grew more crowded it began to become harder and harder. There were times that I had to double on a week because I forgot and there were times the boys just didn't want to take a picture. This was one of the HARDEST things I have every committed to doing. Believe me, I wanted to quit more than a few times. I'm glad I didn't because this was also one of the BEST and most rewarding things I have ever done. What started out as a photographic project for one son turned into a bonding session between two brothers that emanates from each photo.
I've received some requests to post the chocolate crusting buttercream recipe that I use when I decorate my cakes. I used chocolate buttercream in the "How to Make a Quick and Easy Camouflage Cake" tutorial I posted on my blog and on YouTube. I tend to use Chocolate Buttercream whenever I need black frosting because I don't have to add as much black dye as I would if I used vanilla / white frosting. Believe me, it takes a lot, I mean a lot of black dye to get white icing the perfect shade of black. And if you achieve that dark, rich shade of black that you want, there usually is a lingering after taste which is not good. As a decorator and as a baker, you always want a perfect balance between taste and appearance.
Chocolate Crusting Buttercream Recipe
1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
1/2 cup of butter
3/4 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or madagascar bourbon vanilla
4 cups of sifted powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar)
3-4 tablespoons of milk or water
Will yield around 3 cups of icing...stiff consistency.
Add 6-7 tablespoons of milk to get medium consistency.
Directions:
In large bowl, mix shortening and butter with electric mixer. Add cocoa and vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time. Beat well on medium speed. Icing will appear dry and crumbly. Add milk or water and beat at medium speed until icing is fluffy. Any additional milk or water should be added one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the consistency that you want.
I finally got around to making a cake for one of the biggest trends right now....the mustache!
I recently had a birthday party for my son Jase, who turned one, and my husband John.
It was so much fun and it's such a cute theme for all ages!!
Once I decided I was going to have a mustache bash and I picked out the cake design, I knew I wanted to do a tutorial and share it with you guys. The cake looks complicated but its actually very easy. It basically comes down to four steps:
Step One: Bake cake in a round pan (any size you want)
Step Two: Cut a yin yang pattern into cake
Step Three: Turn one side over and align pieces making the mustache design
Step Four: Frost cake
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did and as always Happy Caking!!
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
I'm sure you're familiar with the term "natural hair" by now. It's been going around for the past few years. I've been natural for over five and a half years. It has been a long, and sometimes challenging journey. The first time I went natural was shortly after my wedding in August 2007. My beautician talked me into to doing it. Healthy, thick hair were just some of the great results she promised. I only lasted six months before I caved in and permed my hair! I couldn't do it. I was so use to permed hair and didn't know how to manage this "new hair." All of the products I used before didn't seem to work. Frustration soon led to giving up and going back to what was familiar.
.png)
.png)
.png)
