Tools of the Trade

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

It makes my life so much easier! This one I received as a Christmas gift 2 years ago from my Beloved and my Mom. Prices vary depending on the model you choose. If you keep an eye out, I've seen the basic model on sale at Target for $130! That'll work! I actually have 2 mixers, the other one is an older model (from the 70's) that a friend gave to me. Still works like a champ. Thanks M.R.!

BeaterBlade

I saw this on one of the cupcakes blogs on the right column. I can't remember which one, could have been from Cupcakes Take the Cake. Anywho, I got mine at one of the Home Outlet stores at the Vacaville Outlets. Cost $24.99. It scrapes the sides and bottom of the bowl for you. No need to stop the mixer and scrap the sides down. Great time saver!

Ice Cream Scoop

This makes scooping the batter into the cupcake liners a breeze! It also helps to keep the same amount of batter in each cupcake, giving you a more uniformed look. I prefer using this Kitchen Aid brand because it's sturdier than the cheaper version (I think I got this one at Linens & Things when they were closing. I'm sad they're gone). I've bought the cheaper version and let me tell ya', it didn't last long. I know some restaurant supply stores sells different sized ones but if you can't get there, you can go to Target or Walmart and buy yourself a regular ice cream scoop. It does the job.

So anyway, these are just a few tools I like to use when I'm baking. Maybe these can help you too on your baking adventure.

Happy Baking!

Nothing to do with cupcakes

The following post has nothing to do with cupcakes but I thought it would be fitting to add this here since this is where I got the inspiration from. If you're familiar with my other blog then this post will seem very familiar. You can read it again or not, it's up to you...

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I recently came across a craigslist advertisement and a new blog that caught my eye. It wasn't anything too flashy (except the blog had the same layout as I do from thecutestblogontheblock). What caught my eye was a picture of something that I had done and the person who put up the advertisment made it look like it was their own. WOW! I couldn't believe it! I didn't know what to do. I was upset. Later on that day, I talked to a close friend of the gal who owns the "company" and asked her if she can ask her friend to remove those pictures. I don't even want credit for the work, I just want it removed. We'll have to wait to see what happens. In the mean time, God has given me a heart to forgive her because Christ has forgiven me of much. Praise God for that!

This got me thinking. Do I always give credit when credit is due? Truthfully? No. When I find something cool or interesting do I say, "This isn't my idea...I got it from so-and-so"? Probably not. I do my best to but I'm sure I don't do it ALL the time. It's gone both ways too. The instance above isn't the first time that someone else took credit for an idea or suggestion that I had suggested to them a few days back. The instance above is just the first time the public can see it. Anywho, back to my point. So many times throughout the day God himself gives us things that we pray for and things that we didn't think we needed. Do we give God "credit" for those things? Do we "...boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:31)? I'll have to say, majority of the time. No.

So, then, who are we to demand "credit" or acknowledgment when we ourselves neglect to acknowledge Christ and His work on the cross for our sins. Who are we to demand acknowledgement when we fall short in acknowledging God's hand working in our everyday lives?

Oh, Lord forgive me for not giving you the praise that's due your name!

Route 129's Wedding

375 Coconut cupcakes topped with Italian Meringue Frosting.

photos courtesy of lynds photo

cake topper was made by the Bride's friend Charmaine

Bride and groom made the tower, didn't they do a great job?

Congratulations Route 129! Thank you for giving me the honor and priveledge to help you on your most special day. May the Lord bless your marriage! Love you guys!