Tips tricks and so much more

For some reason, I got this email today, about an online school that would benefit me, I think.  I've been looking at the website, and the more I look at it, the more I want to join....but finances are tight right now, so I'm gonna have to pass.  As soon as I can though, I want to join.  I don't have time to physically go back to school to learn stuff, and yes, youtube does have videos, but nothing like this.

Check it out :-)
https://www.sugaredproductions.com/subscribe/

Please, feel free to give me your two cents.  I'd love to hear your opinion.  I also welcome all suggestions.

Cheers!


BDK

One year ago today!

WOW!! A year has gone by SO fast.

exactly a year ago today, I started this Home Sweet Home Made blog.

I had 265 views.  Today? 6407. 

6142 views in 1 year.

WOW! Mindblowing to me.  I LOVE it!!

Happy 1 year anniversary to Babydollskitchen Blog :)

ORDERS!!

I am getting orders left right and centre this month!! I LOVE it!!!!

On the board is : 1 cake for an 8 year old princess :), 1 classy modern cake for a 30 year old birthday girl, 1 leopard print birthday cake and a Police badge cake for a surprise party for an officer :)

I have a few more orders pending.  I am super excited.  With riding season almost over, I am throwing myself into my business FULL STEAM.  I've just purchased a banner, a lawn sign, more business cards, magnets for my van.....oh yes...this is me chasing my dream!  This is me making things happen.  This is me building a dream so I can pass it on to my sons someday.  I can see it now...BabydollsKitchen and Sons.

Makes me emotional :)  Baby steps.  One foot in front of the other.  BELIEVE!

This is all still surreal!!  I've had people, strangers, comment on my cakes, expressing how much they think I am talented.  ME!!

I love it.  This is my calling and it feels SO amazing :)

Alright, must concentrate.  Must keep searching for tricks to build a successful business plan.

God Bless!!!

BDK

Still here

I'm still here!  I've just been uber busy!!  I haven't forgotten about all my faithful followers :)

It's just that the weather has been nice, and riding season is soooo short, so when I don't have the boys and no cake orders (or very few) I jump on my hog and hit the road!!!!!!!!!

If only I could find a way to bake and ride at the SAME time! lol

Oh, speaking of which....I have NO clue if this will bring me anywhere...but I was at a Rodeo and Roast this weekend, and there was vendors there.  So I decided to make a move.  I went to the owner of the Rodeo and asked him what are the odds that I can set up a spot next year, to sell cupcakes and treats.  He said "go for it"

O M G.  REALLY?!?!?!?!  Bikers and cupcakes are a TOTAL AWESOME COMBO!!!! 

And, to make things even sweeter (hehehe) one of my lady friends is doing it with me.  She said it was a great idea and that she'd give me a hand.  She's offered her trailer, so we can set up shop there.
I'm gonna get a bungee banner made :)

I'M SO EXCITED!!! 

This week I have a few orders, so I'll post as soon as I can (or as soon as it rains again lol)

I miss you all, and thank you for your continual support :)

BDK

Where is time going??

I am crazy busy.  So busy, that I am lacking time to update my webpage!!!!

MUST take time to catch up.  Please forgive me and come back soon, as I will MAKE time to update :)

God Bless.

BDK

Shoppers Optimum

Shoppers is having an awesome contest, and I wanted to share it with all of you's.

I normally don't do this, but considering there's 2 trips to be won, and I would ONLY take time off baking cakes for a FREE trip, I decided to share :)

http://www.optimumcollectgame.com/?plink=1340900502_XL122033

Best of luck to all of you who participate :)

BD

Thankful (Reflective post)

As I sit down quietly in my kitchen....I am thinking of my presence in Church this morning....thinking of how grateful I am to have found a place that lets me recharge my batteries....It lets me ....unload my burdens....I  remind myself of how miniscule my problems are in comparasion to my God's.  It reminds me that He can do great things and I need to believe and trust that I am on the path He is leading me on.  Which brings me to this post. 

It's no secret that being a single mom of 4 boys, is challenging.  Financially challenging.   I started this website, (working on it, so if you prefer the use of the word Blog, than by all means, I mean the same thing) to promote my new discovery.  For those who are new to my site, I realised in February of this year (2012) that I could make pretty cool (so I am told) cakes.   I needed a way to bring in more money into the home, if I wanted to keep that said home.  I sold a certain brand of women's makeup and such out of my home, only to find out that it wasn't my thing.  Then I got a second job at a certain bridal shop but the amount of hours I had to work for the small pay wasn't worth the amount of money I was spending on gas.  Then came the cakes. 

I am blessed.   I am blessed that I was lead to attempt to make one of my son's cake and to have someone so impressed that they asked me to make a car cake which lead to someone requesting a Lightening McQueen cake and off the business went.  I am blessed that I get to do something I am SO passionate about, to provide for the people that are my whole life, my sons.  I do not take my "cake business" for granted.  How could I?!?  I am happier than I've ever been.  My outlook on things have shifted.  I know that no matter what, things will work out.  They always do.  I always find a solution....and I always believe in my faith.

I am thankful, in such a HUGE GYNOURMOUS way, that I have had 2200+ views within the last 2 months.  It seriously is, an overwhelming feeling.  I have made 27+ cakes, since February 10, 2012.  I have sold over 12 of those. 

Thank you, for visiting my site.   If I could personally thank each and every one of you, I would, and I honestly mean that.

Thank you.

Chantal

Not cake but definitely Sweet! PART 2!

WOOOOWEEE!!!

Oh my dear Baby Jesus!!! 

Ok, I'm not even gonna beat around the bush....I PASSED!!!!  I AM AN OFFICIAL BIKER BABE!!!!!

Wow that feels GOOD!!! :)

That is all :)

BD

Still here :)

Just letting you all know I'm still here.

I had a quiet 2 weeks, but I have a cake for next week, and several cakes for the 1st week of June.  The calm before the storm.  It was much needed and appreciated, but I am ready to get going again!

Thank you so much for your support!

BD

Wedding Shower Cake

Last week, I got a last minute request, for  a wedding shower cake.  I said no at first, as I didn't think I could pull it together, but the client was insistent, and this was my shot at attempting something "wedding"....so, I caved and said ok.   I learned a lot making this cake.  I learned that I NEED to make my characters in advance.  WAY in advance.  My bride had a lot of setting to do.  Make her goggles, let them dry.  Make her bouquet, parts at a time, let it dry.  Resume the next day.  It was time that I didn't calculate, so yes, come Thursday morning, I was NERVOUS.   Friday, May 11th, was my birthday, and I requested the day off.  Granted.  So I woke up bright and early, and finished the cake. 

I'd like to mention something about my client.  Sue touched my heart.  Not too many people left out there like her.  1st, when I walked out, I went over and shook her hand, but she felt like hugging me, so I hugged her!!  Then, not only was she super happy with the cake, she remembered it was my birthday (it was metionned in our conversations)  She gave me a birthday card.  I was blown away.  Really?  A birthday card for and from a complete stranger???  She paid me, gave me the birthday card, and off I was.  When I got to a red light, curiosity was totally getting to me, so I opened the card.  Beautiful, appreciated words...and a gift card!! WHAT?!?!?  On top of paying for the cake, she gave me a gift card?!?!  Where was this lady from?!?!?  Then, I noticed more writting on the left side of the card "Ps: a little something for the boys = night off"  It was a gift card for McDonalds.  Are you kidding me?!?!  This lady gave me a night off cooking, and a treat that my boys go nuts for (we rarely eat mcdonalds...I make meals in my house! lol)
God bless this woman's heart.   We have since emailed/txt'd each other (and it's only been 1 day!) I feel like we know each other now :)

So, I present to you, Jehn and Mike's cake :)  The note I received this morning, follows.

Text from Sue : Hi Chantal. Your cake was a HUGE hit - they were thrilled with it. And it tasted awesome. Thanks so much for taking this on and doing such and amazing job. It hit just the right note. I will be sorting out dates and following up with another order this week. Cheers and hope your birthday was great.

Best, Sue

I love what I do.  I love creating things, challenging myself.  I love how people are so appreciative of what I do.  I'm still working on my insecurities.  I still beat myself up with EVERY cake.   It'll take some time. 

I hope you all have an amazingly beautiful weekend.

God Bless.

BD

Not cake but definitely Sweet!

So for the past several weeks, I've been taking a motorcycle class.  Today was my closed circuit exam, but alas, it got rained out.  I have to wait for Thursday morning to do it.  I turn 32 on Friday....and I REALLY want this for my birthday.  I'm THE best lady Rider of my class.  I am so confident on the bike.  Not over confident, and I do have some fear....but confident in my abilities to handle the bike.  Confident in my control...my sway....my balance.  I fear the people around me, as there's no protection.  I'm confident, but on guard.  I'm ready.

I've been eyeing some bikes...daydreaming.  With 4 boys, and only 1 salary (and the mortgage and van payment and every other bill under the sun) I can't afford to buy a bike right now.  My license was step one. 

Wouldn't it be something to win Lotomax on my birthday?!?!  I saw a bike...a No.7 (Jack Daniels' style bike)  and FELL IN LOVE...... O M G.  It's beautiful.  It's breathtaking.

I am humouring the owner by requesting the asking price.  Who knows right?  Why NOT me? 

Well...this has nothing to do with cakes, but it's something extremely sweet to me.  A dream come true.  I've got the Jacket, the gloves, the helmet, the chaps, the boots.... almost the license....I just need a bike.

*sigh*

Here's a picture of me on the bike at the riding school :)

I'll keep you posted!

BD

Antonio

One of my biggest fan's name is, Antonio.  I'd like to dedicate this post to my biggest fan.  *I love you soooo much*

Antonio is one of the most intelligent little boys I've ever met in my life. He has a heart of gold and is an old soul.  He's only 8 years old, but wise beyond his years.  When he talks, I am captivated by his words.  His smiles make my heart swell up.  Antonio is my first born son.  The one that taught me so much.  He makes me the happiest mother in the world.  He's so caring and loving.  He loves me.  

He loves my cooking.  LOVES my cooking.  Thinks I'm the best cook in the world. 
Thinks I make the coolest cakes.  He is SO proud of me. 

You know what my son did?  He asked if he could have enough cards to bring to school, to pass out to his classmates and teachers.  He showed anyone that would look, my website. 

I am seriously the luckiest mom in the world to have him as my son. 

I love you Antonio :)

Ps: I'll make you ANY cake you want for your birthday :) xoxo

New Blog Design

I changed up my blog design because I'm currently working on my own website (yay!) which will be http://www.babydollskitchen.com/

I'll let you all know when it's up and running :)

For now, enjoy this new design :)

BD

Tigger!

Well, tonight is THE night that I get my Tigger stuff in order.  I'm excited and scared at the same time.  I also have my sister's Low Calorie Chocolate Waffer Cake (She's diabetic) for her birthday that's TOMORROW (I'll send you a shout-out tomorrow little Sis) and I also have to make a dessert for Saturday's family Easter dinner :)  

It's weird, cause I am seeing all this unfold before my eyes, and I'm seriously nervous.  This is a DREAM.  I am very aware that not everyone's dreams come true.  Not everyone is blessed to have this happen.  I'm not taking it for granted, I can guarantee you that.

I need to put myself out there.  Get more clients.  I quit my second job at David's Bridal so I could concentrate on my BabydollsKitchen dream.  I know I did the right thing.   I'm a little overwhelmed.  So much to learn and do and so little time.  I can't quit my career anytime soon...I have my boys part time....I need to remind myself to take it slow....one day at a time...Dead Fish as my little sister would say. 

I can do this, I know I can.  I just need to keep believing....and never EVER give up.

Thank you to everyone that supports me.  Thanks to every single one of you who've visited my site.  You make me want to keep going!!!    I'd also like to give a shotout to a friend of mine, who's helping me achieve my dream.  He is helping me build a solid foundation, and he believes in me even when I doubt myself.  He's put things in motion for me to thrive at my full potential.  I am so grateful for everything you're doing.  You know who you "R" ;)

God Bless,

Chantal