I have thoroughly enjoyed being a cake decorator again. I have already made a few challenging cakes (which I hope to post soon), and have brought smiles to many customers.
I have yet to do some work with fondant, but I'm sure that's coming up shortly. On top of all that, as of January 1st I will be the "lead" decorator, as the other full-time decorator is moving out of state. I'm happy for her, happy for my challenging coming up, but sad as she's become a good friend to me in the little time we've worked together.
This past week was my birthday, but I came down with a stomach bug same day.
For 48 hours I couldn't keep anything more than a cracker down. But we did go out to eat yesterday, and we saw The Hobbit and Wreck It Ralph.
I've also been invited to the HyVee Cake Designer Challenge this spring. Each store can send a decorator, and I will be it. I'll have 3 hours to ice and decorate (ALONE, might I add): 12 three-inch cookies, 24 cupcakes, a 1/4 sheet cake, a 1/2 sheet cake, and a 3-tiered cake. All items are REAL cake except for the 3-tier, which the store must provide (Styrofoam or real). Here's my dilemma: They all have to be decorated with the same theme. I can't do any copyrighted designs or characters, and "under the sea", "sweets shop", "fairies", and "ladybug picnic" were themes from last year's winners. Holiday themes don't tend to do so well, as so many cake supply companies send out so many ideas to stores every year. I have until February or March to pick a theme, but as for now I'm stumped. I can use fondant, but I'm not so great at it yet AND buttercreme will be provided at the competition.
If anyone has a theme suggestion, let me know!