Cupcakes

Cake Mode

It has been quite some time since I’ve been in what I like to call cake mode. When I think about buttercream consistency, pan sizes, baking times, and food colorings almost constantly. That’s cake mode.

Each year since 2011, I have always made Jimmy a special cake for his birthday. There was the hamburger cake, welder cake, Oreo cake, Ford cake, and a strawberry cake.

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Most years, I was really into making unique cakes. I’d spend weeks planning, researching, taste testing, and practicing. The look on Jimmy’s face when I’d surprise him with a special cake was the best, though I’m sure he caught on to the surprise after a couple of years, ha.

Aside from Jimmy’s birthday cakes, I’d occasionally make one for Hannah’s birthday or parties with friends, or just whip up a hummingbird cake for no special reason. And cupcakes from time to time. Can’t forget those!

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Over the past few years, I haven’t baked quite as much as I used to. Sure I’ll make a loaf of bread or batch of cookies, but the last time I made a special cake was for Jimmy’s birthday in May.

My mom, Hannah’s bridesmaids, and I began planning Hannah’s bridal shower and I got assigned to make the cake and cupcakes (or maybe I begged? 🙂 ) I’ve been trying to nail down exactly what I want to do. Jimmy thinks I should make a large tier cake, but I’m kind of leaning towards a small layered cake and making lots of cupcakes to go with it.

I’ve been experimenting with batter flavors, food coloring, buttercream, and piping styles and I forgot how much I love baking cakes and decorating them! Pinterest and YouTube have grown so much since I first started cake decorating in 2011, so I am feeling extra inspired lately. So many ideas!

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I practiced rosette cupcakes filled with whipped cream and topped with purple frosting and they came out well. I think they just need something more. Maybe some type of sparkly topping?

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I also made a purple ombre cake with rosettes. The cake is made of three 6” rounds, so it’s pretty small. I’m thinking of doing the ombre cake with a bunch of cupcakes to go around it. Whatever I end up doing, I know I’m having a blast playing around in the kitchen. I’m so happy to be able to contribute to Hannah’s bridal shower in this way 🙂

What do you guys think? Send any ideas my way!

Hannah’s Graduation Party

Our family celebrated Hannah’s high school graduation, 18th birthday, and her and Josh’s engagement all in one day. Whew! It was such a fun celebration.

Also, Hannah’s decorating skills are on point. My parents’ backyard looked like a Pinterest board by the time she was done decorating.

Hannah Grad Party Candy BarCards

Between Hannah’s friends, church family, and extended family from New York, my parents had 80 people at their house on Saturday. Though it was hot, humid, and stormy throughout the day, we didn’t let the weather stop us from having a great time.

Jimmy and I arrived a couple of hours early, and after I finished frosting cupcakes, I designated myself as the photographer for the day.

We ate Italian food, jumped on the trampoline, took turns holding babies, admired Hannah’s engagement ring, took a million pictures, and talked into the late evening.

Cupcake frosting

I had a lot of extended family asking me to take their pictures, which made me so excited. My cousin had a baby in June, so I was beyond pumped to take her picture, feed her, and snuggle as much as possible.

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The party ended with a bonfire and smore’s, the perfect ending to any party if you ask me 😉

All in all, it was a beautiful day full of spending time with loved ones and celebrating Hannah and the accomplishments she has achieved through Christ. Congrats, Hannah!