Marble Cake Stand on Etsy

Having your own Stone Fabrication Shop can be very handy when you can't find exactly the right vehicle to transport a cake to the next level of greatness.  After all, the presentation of  food is just as important as the food itself.  We have had a few pieces of this lovely red marble hanging out in the yard at the shop for several years now, and it called my name....ok, it didn't really "call" my name, but it whispered "wouldn't I be lovely with a cake?"  So here it is, red, softly honed, with a crackled ceramic base.  I love it, and it's now for sale on Etsy in my shop Angel Cakes Bakery.  Until it sells, it will be hosting some yummy cakes.  Don't worry, I'll share.

Have a sweet day!

One Hundred Flowers+ Georgia O'Keeffe

I was browsing through the local bookstore a few weeks ago and spotted this huge flower on the cover of a rather large book.  I was in love the moment I opened the pages.  I just wanted to reach in and pick every one.

From the book:
When Georgia O'Keeffe died in 1986, at the age of 98, she left behind a monumental creative achievement.  Among her most remarkable and acclaimed works was an extended series of paintings on the subject of flowers.  No one in the history of Western art has painted flowers as she did.  Startling in their sensuality, these images constituted a new language through which O'Keeffe expressed profound emotions.  In this book are one hundred of her masterpieces brought together from private collections and leading museums. A stunning celebration of a great American Artist.

I will be photographing and sharing the glorious pages from this book every week for the next one hundred weeks.  The images touch me and fill me with happiness, and I am so grateful to have found them.  I hope you enjoy them just as much

 "A flower is relatively small. Everyone has many associations with a flower-the ideas of flowers.  You put out your hand to touch the flower-lean forward to smell it-maybe touch it with your lips almost without thinking-or give it to someone to please them.  Still, in a way-nobody sees a flower-really-it is so small-we haven't time.  If I could paint the flower exactly as I see it no one would see what I see because I would paint it small like the flower is small.  So I said to myself-I'll paint what I see-what the flower is to me, but I'll paint it big and they will be surprised into taking time to look at it-"
                                                                            Georgia O'Keeffe, "About Myself" 1939

Phoenix Gluten Free Expo - Custom Table Pictures

 I participated in my first Gluten Free Expo yesterday at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel here in Phoenix.  The number of attendees was overwhelming and it was truly amazing to meet hundreds of people looking for gluten free goodies, and everyday nutrition choices.         

This was so much FUN!  The custom dessert table looked amazing, and I was truly touched by all of the comments I got...  We've been waiting so long for you!  A custom order gluten free bakery, WOW I can have a birthday cake this year!  I am so happy I found you, I want a wedding cake that I can eat!

And when we cut the cake and started handing out slices of vanilla, with layers of strawberries and butter cream, the comments changed to...is this really gluten free?  What is it, how do you make this?

The chocolate Mini cakes disappeared first, and the sheer decadence of them surprised anyone lucky enough to grab one.

The coconut mini cupcakes with cream cheese and withe chocolate frosting were little surprises of goodness as well..  I did not serve any samples until the Expo was over, so anyone who did not get to try them, so sorry! Next year there will be samples, I promise!

Enzoani Gorgeous with Curves Wedding Dress Trunk Show Coming This Month! - Strut Bridal

 A great opportunity to see a gorgeous line of gowns!

• Gorgeous with Curves collection (sz 16-24)
• April 29th-May 8th
• Get a free headpiece when you buy an Enzoani gown--that's a savings of up to $199!

• Sweet treats are on us!  

 Check this out here:
Enzoani Gorgeous with Curves Wedding Dress Trunk Show Coming This Month! - Strut Bridal

Real Wedding-Fall Elegance in Sonoma

My friend Ian at Queensberry Albums shared one of their incredible albums and the pictures of this gorgeous wedding with me today, and I fell in love with the Organically Elegant style of this gorgeous Sonoma, California wedding.  These lovely pictures from the talented photographers Amanda & Nate Reynolds of Turtle Pond Photography capture a beautiful fall day and the love between this bride and groom.

“It was a beautiful, intimate wedding with fifty of their closest friends and family. The 360 degree view of endless vineyards and a breathtaking sunset created the perfect backdrop for their very special day. The entire celebration was blanketed with so much joy, love, delicious food, dancing, and wine (of course). It was truly an honor to capture their unique love for each other!”

Phoenix Gluten Free Expo - Custom Dessert Table

Happy Monday!  I spent the weekend preparing for the Greater Phoenix Gluten Free Expo that will be held next Saturday April 16th at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel.  This event is sponsored by The Celiac Disease Foundation's local chapter and will feature more than 50 local and national, and international vendors. 

I am so excited to be participating as one of the vendors this year, and will be displaying a gorgeous over--the-top dessert table with all GLUTEN FREE goodies.  A wedding cake, party cake, mini cakes, truffles, tarts, and strawberry shortcake shots!  The theme for this table has been "Organic Elegance", and will feature the most adorable little succulents

 The pink, green, white and chocolate color palette has been so inspiring to work with and feels really fresh for Spring.  A tall square cake with Peonies and ruffles will be the centerpiece with lots of chocolate goodness surrounding it.  Also featured will be Strawberry Shortcake Shots which are just scrumptious. So if you are considering an allergen free wedding, or even just offering an option for yourself or a guest, join me at the EXPO and check out your options.  It's only $5.00 at the door, and there will be lots of free samples, coupons, and giveaways.  Hope to see you there!

for more info visit the event site

Pick a Flower- Dogwood Blooms

Creature Comforts

One of my favorite bloggers, Ez at Creature Comforts, reminded me today of how much I miss my childhood home...North Carolina.  This time of year brings memories of blooms from bulbs planted long ago.  And trees bursting with delicate blooms that make the branches look as if they are "lit up" with color.

source

When I opened my email today and caught my first glimpse of these gorgeous blooms, my heart ached.  I could almost hear my Grandma telling me that the Dogwood Tree was a very special tree...it is a tree that tells the story of Easter.  The blooms of the Dogwood tree symbolize the Crucifiction of Christ.

eyefetch

The center of the flower has it's own crown of thorns, and each delicate white petal bears the dark red mark of the nails that were driven into his hands and feet, and yet the flowers are so beautiful that to see a tree in full bloom can take your breath away.

The Dogwood will forever be a symbol of Easter and the renewal that Spring brings. This is a time to be grateful for blessings and new beginnings, family and friends, past and future.
Have a sweet day.

the annotated floral

Double Chocolate Mini Square Cakes-Gluten Free

I love chocolate, no I adore chocolate, ok...let's just say I am crazy about chocolate.  With that said, I think these are about the best thing I've ever  baked.  No kidding, just the truth.  Melt in your mouth, rich, dark, and covered in fudge like ganache.  And the best part?  They are Gluten Free!  I thought the daisies were a nice touch for spring.  Puts me in the mood to plant flowers.  I've listed these in the bakery this morning, have a sweet day.

New Gluten Free Cakes and Cupcakes- Yummy

Some yummy new items were added to Angel Cakes Bakery this morning.  You can find them on Etsy.

I have to stop eating the samples, can't help myself, must walk more before the temps hit 100+