Cakes by Sheryl is all smiles for 2013

Fresh start of the year for Cakes by Sheryl as it welcomes 2013 with a broad smile, positive outlook and fervor to do its utmost.

Looking not too far back at the year that was, I can't help but feel overwhelmed at all the wonderful things that have come my way.  So many doors of opportunities have opened up for my craft to be known by far greater people than my usual Filipino community, which I am, and will always be, very grateful for.  This has likewise helped me gain just a little bit of confidence, in myself and in my talent.

First quarter of 2012 when Cakes by Sheryl was born.  Took me a long while considering the idea of generating my very own Facebook page.  Do I have what it takes?  Are my cakes even worth a spot in the social media platform?  Would it be able to keep up with the other pages out there? I assumed the answers were yes.  In no less than a week since launching it, I was able to get 50 likes.  90 people have clicked like, at present.  Believe it or not, I have never been so proud of my name than before.  I've always wished I had a different name growing up.  Now more than ever, I just want to embrace my name wholeheartedly for all the recognition it has given me.  I would never trade my name for any other names. 

This isn't an easy task, as you all know, and heaven knows how much effort, patience and hours are required for every single project to get done.  At times I feel like quitting.  But I know deep inside I can't just let my dream, my life, slip away.  I would often complain of physical pain and not having enough sleep but I will never get weary from doing what I love.  Whenever a new client come to me and tells me good words about my cakes, I could just melt in joy.  When I get a simple "thank you" from a pleased client, my hearts gets easily filled with glee.  One way or another, I find sense of achievement and peace of mind.

For 2013,

• Will "try" to learn new techniques in fondant 
• Will improve on handcrafted figures
• Will manage work load wisely
• Will "try" to learn cake decorating using piped icing
• Will try out new and exciting cakes and cupcakes recipes
• Will try as much as possible to be updated with my cake blog posts 
• Will try to be as organized as an OCD with my baking tools and utensils

There you go!  I hope and pray that my bucket list, as far as cake making is concerned, would all be ticked off by end of this year.  Crossing my fingers *wink*

I look forward to more constructive challenges that would help me bring out the best of my ability.  To make this happen, I trust the Lord that more people will continue to believe and appreciate the kind of work that I do.

May the new year bring forth abundance and goodness to us all. Happy new year!

BIG Project for 2013

It's official.  I just accepted an order for one big project - my very first wedding cake.  Woohoo! 

It took me a long while and a lot of persuading before finally saying yes.  I had to think through a million times.  Am I ready for a project this big?  Am I equipped with the right skills and technique?  I can't confidently answer that with a yes but I can guarantee that my passion and determination will help me become prepared.  It's all that motivates me since day one. 

To be very honest I still can't imagine myself being in this position.  Who would have thought that someone like me who has never had any formal training could actually make cakes and sell them too?  Not even in my wildest imagination.  I tell you I've had so many failed attempts in the past that almost made me give up.  But there's always a reason why we make every effort worth a try.  It does help a lot when you love what you do.

Now three years after, here I am more positive than I have ever been.   

"What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve"

This project may seem intimidating to begin with but I know in my heart this is going to be one exciting and remarkable first for me.  

Thank you Lord for your blessings! 

34th Family Day (Sep 23)

Guess it's about time I start blogging about our weekly family day again.  For some reasons, I've lost track counting since coming back from our much-spent holiday.  Well, I did try to keep up but I just couldn't find time to sit down and sort them out like I used to do in the past.  There are other more important matters I have to attend to, like going back to reading in between breaks from making cakes and household chores.  Fair enough.

Last Sunday, we were joined by Bunso and family over dinner.  The two kids, Charmelle and Ashlyn enjoyed playing with each other.  Quite unusual seeing them having fun, unlike the old times where they would always quarrel over a toy or just anything.  Now they seem to be in a harmonious relationship.  Somehow they have matured in their own little way.

Please click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/34th%20Family%20Day/

Goodbye Apollo, Hello Triton

Anekh and Apollo in 2008

Apollo has been with us since October of 2008, at the time I was getting ready to migrate here.  Hubby knows very well the necessity and convenience of having a service car and that was the main purpose of us acquiring one though we opted to just settle for a pre-owned for practical reasons.  He was still in immaculate condition when we got him from another Pinoy who works at Fletcher as well.

In the last three years, Apollo had been a very reliable companion to us.  But it wasn't until early this year when we started to notice minor troubles.  Sorry if I can't elaborate on that.  I know nothing about cars, the same way that I am not interested in learning how to drive them.  The only thing I am sure of was the cause for him to finally breakdown.  According to the report handed to us by the auto mechanic shop, our car got to the point of a blown head gasket and it would cost somewhere between $1500-3000 to have it fixed.  OMG!  That's a lot of money.  We could have used him still to get around town or nearby place, but engine could just stop any moment and we don't want that to happen. 

Hubby was so bothered.  Clearly there was no other choice but to have it repaired.  While discussing what to do best, we arrived at one common decision.  And that was to get a new vehicle then just get rid of the old one (if anyone would want to buy it).  

That same afternoon, we searched various car selling sites trying to find something that suits our budget.  We have always wanted an Isuzu Navara ute.  But if not too expensive, most of them were on manual transmission.  We were losing hope... One phone call changed everything.  Chad mentioned about an add on the Weekender.  Without wasting another minute, I grabbed my phone and dialed the number.  The next minute, we were heading to McKail to check it out. 

The vehicle was parked right at the front of the owner's house and as we were getting closer I had this weird feeling that the perfect replacement was within our reach.  I let the guys do the necessary checks.  As per Chad's recommendation, the over-all condition is remarkable, apart from minor dent and scratches on the body.  Moments later, negotiation was already made.  

The following day, which was a Friday, after I have finished work, Hubby came to fetch me up driving his new big toy.  It seemed so much different from when I first saw it the day before than seeing it again for the second time.  The colors looked more defined now than it was.  And it felt strange having to clamber up the passenger seat.

Meet Triton.

Triton side-by-side with Apollo

It's been two weeks since he moved with us.  Somehow, we are slowly getting used to having a huge ute.  I know Hubby stills needs more practice with the U-turns and in-between parking.  He is improving.

Triton is now officially a member of the household because we had him blessed last Sunday, by our friend Parish Priest, Father Bong.  

Yesterday, on the other hand, the time has come for us to bid farewell to our much-loved Apollo.  He has to seek a new home that will repair and take care of him.  It's sad to have to let him go but that's the least we can do.  If only I have a strong heart to face my fears and finally consider driving, I would have kept him.  Thank you for the wonderful years we shared together...  Adios Apollo!

Anekh, me and Triton

And thank you Lord for all your blessings!

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Triton%20ute%20blessing%2016th%20of%20September/

Project: 50th Birthday Cake

When this order came up, I didn't know whether to accept it or not.  

I've never done a 50th birthday cake before.  Unlike most celebration cakes that I normally do, I find this one a bit tricky.  There isn't that many ideas to choose from, even on the web.  The client has given me free reign but it just makes the planning even worse.  Maybe I shouldn't have said yes to this in the first place.  I was running out of time and initiative.  

Just as I was about to give up, one image from www. flickr.com solved all my troubles.  It wasn't that appealing but with a little bit of creativity it will transform.

And startingly, it did.

Project: Blossoming Daisies Cake

I'd like to share with you this cake I made last Sunday for a friend's mum.  No particular theme preferred, I just thought it might look pretty with cut-out flowers.

Got the idea from the web, I just had to change the colors that I used for the flowers and the cake itself. 

Project: Bananas in Pajamas Themed Cake

Third cake project I made over the weekend.  It's been a very hectic weekend for me.  Had to juggle all my tasks between my own two hands...  Had only a few hours sleep... Had sore legs, feet and hands... All these physical pains don't really matter to me.  What keeps me going is my enthusiasm and the mere purpose of all my hard work.  That is to deliver what the clients deserve. 

Client is a good friend of mine.  She asked me to create this cake for her son's third birthday.

I certainly had a lot of fun making these colored balls.

Would you believe at 3 o'clock in the morning I was still making the final touches for this cake?  Didn't really bother to check the time while I was too engaged in the project.  

In the end it was all worth the effort I put into this project.  Looking at the end result made me so proud.  Most importantly, the client and the little boy were both very please with it.

Project: LV Monogram Cake and Hello Kitty Cake

Two cakes ordered by one client, for her two daughters.

The oldest wanted just a plain square cake with Louis Vuitton monogram.  

 The youngest, another avid fan of Hello Kitty.

Project: Pink booties cake

The first time I saw the design, I didn't know if I should accept it or not.  There was nothing wrong with the design, it just so happened that there were three other orders lined up on my calendar for that weekend, in doubt if I could bear the work load.  But then, the client was a friend of mine, and I guess I just had to say yes. 

Other than the apprehension if I'd be able to manage my tasks wisely, I was also too concerned about how to bring out the best of my ability in order to deliver good results.

While working on this project, I tried doing it slowly but surely.  On the contrary, time was ticking faster than normal that before I knew it, it was almost midnight.  Took me four hours to finish and finalize all the details.

This has got to be one of my favorite projects, so far.  Personally, I love the combination of pink and white.  The pink booties were also pretty.  Have never done name blocks before, client requested them and they were actually easy and fun to make.  

Project: Something blue cakes

Coming back from a much-spent holiday it felt a bit weird making cakes again.  Six weeks break from all the mixing, kneading and decorating.  It seemed so long.  I actually missed not being able to do what I love the most.  

Though oftentimes it could get too draining and I would complain about having too much stuff on hand, still, nothing beats the inner joy it brings to me once all done.  A simple thumbs up could wipe away all the weariness and fatigue.

I was very delighted when these two cake orders came in.  They were both for the same client.  No theme specified.  I just thought I'd call them "something blue cakes".