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.

Happy Memorial Day!!

                              

Spring Flower Wreath

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.

                        

Just A Thought

                          

Happy Mother's Day

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!

Just A Thought

                                  

                          

Throwback Thursday | James's First Bike Ride

  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.

What Would You Say To Your Younger Self?

                               

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!!

Happy Passover!!

May your hearts and minds always remember the goodness of our Lord. Be blessed everyone!!

Just a Thought

                        

The Sister Tag

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?

DIY Ice Cream Cake

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!!!     

Check out my YouTube video for more details!!

Just a Thought

Proverbs 18:10

The name of Adonai is a strong tower; a righteous persons runs to it and is raised high [above danger].

Wedding Season

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!!

Happy New Year

May this year be filled with happiness and love! God Bless!!

                        

DJ Turntable Grooms Cake

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!!