Yoda Star Wars Cake

I made this cake for my son's 6th birthday party. This is a 9 inch lemon cake. The Yoda on top is pretty big and is made of Rice Krispy Treats then covered in fondant. Seth loved it!

Halloween Baked Goodies

October is here and soon it will be the start of making all kinds of goodies. So let's start out with ideas that you are planning to do for Halloween. Any baked goodies that you would like to share? Since we really don't do the trick or treating thing, I may bake up some Halloween cookies for the kids. I also may think to do a Kitty Litter cake that I saw a week or so ago. It's interesting looking and probably would be interesting to make.

Share your favorites of what you like to make or what others have made that you enjoyed eating.

The Child Remedies Cranky When Travelling

The Child Remedies Cranky When Travelling

Can not be avoid when we have a small child, and in that time we have to travel that far then often make moms worry about health, sleep, and certainly for not cry. And on the go away with public transport, planes or buses then inevitably we have to sit side by side with other passengers-passengers. And if the child is finicky it will interfere with other people. And this is certainly not good for the relationship between the mother with other passengers. Therefore the mother must be clever-clever makes baby feel comfortable. So cry, cranky can at minimalize.

In this case a mother should know exactly what it will look like when the child is crying or fussing so quickly can in anticipation. Because every child has a different character. There are several criteria for children that need attention at the time of journey with public transport.

1. Baby

Babies are very sensitive with all things, therefore the mother must be clever-clever in keeping the comfort of the infant when traveling. Because the infants could talk only moms knows why she was crying. Need to be in the know that baby crying is the way he was to point out to her mother that there was something that made him uncomfortable, including saturation of the baby. If this happens then the mother could invite talk, watered with breastfeeding and also with the toys. Give your baby with toys is light but have a sparkle or sound-sensitive. Because it can steal the attention of an infant.

2. Toddler

There is little difference in toddlers with baby in terms of the game, if the game in infants is lighter then on fives more like the game that involves motion of her body, e.g. Toy robots, car toys. And toddlers prefer with the game that you can squeeze, in Barcelona, in the USA, etc.

3. Children Aged Under 10 Years Old.

In the aftermath of the 5 year child usually starts at the world education academies recommend because at this time the child starts trying to use his mind. Hence the game's suited to children aged under 10 years old this is a game that involves motion of her body and also involve their minds that he began to use. Or also with activities involving the child thought power. For example, writing, drawing, coloring pictures, and rearranging items in separation-separate them.

4. A Child Over 10 Years.

In this section could just be the hardest if the mother did not understand what it's like a penchant for the child. However, if the mother's penchant for the child then knowing this could be an easy thing.

Stay fit with what is used from the child, if the mother does not know exactly what the will of the child, then it can try to give him a toy snake comics, Snakes Ladders, puzzle and can also with electronic games.

Although children often troublesome in the journey, but the mother or father is definitely will not want to leave the children alone at home. Then all the anticipation of a very wise man when in do.

Pink Buckle Wedding

I made this cake for a bride who was married early in August. This is the biggest cake I have ever made. Each layer is white cake with a different flavor filling-lemon, chocolate, strawberry, and raspberry sour cream. I also made a sheet cake that was chocolate cake with Oreo filling. I was a little nervous about how the cake would hold up outdoors in the Vegas heat, but heard all was well.

Spiderman Cake & Cupcakes

I made this cake and cupcakes for a little boy who was turning 4. The cake was small so we used small action figures instead of making them with fondant. It was a marble cake with marble cupcakes. The birthday boy requested green and blue cupcakes.

Daffy Duck

A client asked me to make a Daffy Duck cake. They wanted the package to be red with silver ribbon. I can't really make silver, so I had to get a real ribbon. The character was made of fondant.

Camryn's Baptism Cake

I made this cake for my daughter's baptism. One layer was a white cake with strawberry filling and the other was chocolate cake with Oreo filling. Camryn had the flu that day, and while she made it through the baptism, she wasn't up to eating cake and we had to save her some.

What's New in Your Kitchen?

What's in your kitchen? Or better yet, what do you want new in your kitchen? For me personally, I could do some online window shopping for kitchen stuff for the majority of the day if I had the time. For instance new pots, pans and some bakeware is what I would be looking for right now.

Since the summer days have been way hotter than usual, I've been keeping cool indoors and just cruised around online to admire some new kitchen items. I did come across one website I liked called K & Co shop and they have a few homeware items that I were nice and a few that I never seen before. They had a lot of colorful kitchen items and that's the direction I want to go in is adding color to my kitchen without having to paint. Here are a few that I liked so far while just glancing through:

The color orange is nice and plus I like the grill marks in the frying pan. I never had a cast iron pan before, but I heard they are good to cook with. This is the JML Country Cookware set.

 

I don't know why I would buy this since I don't make casseroles, but I thought the dish looked cool, plus it's in my favorite color. This is Prestige This Morning Casserole Dish. 

 

I know my kids would love for me to make big ole cupcakes, so the JML Big Top Cupcake would be fun to bake with.

And I thought this frying pan was pretty cute. It's from Jamie Oliver and if you're not able to read what it says, on the bottom of the pan it says "I'm Cooking, You're Washing Up". Haha, love it!

Ok, your turn. What is on your kitchen wishlist that you would like to get?

The Magic of Baby Shower Clip Art

---

Having a baby shower soon and planning to make you own invitation, decorations or party favors? Then baby shower clip art is for you. Putting baby shower clip art is the easiest and most affordable way to make your invitations, announcements and even party favors more interesting. They can help you design the perfect card, poster, flyer for the up and coming baby shower. And the best part about using baby shower clip art is that you don’t need to be an artist to use them.  Aside from invitations and favors, you could also use baby shower clipart to create baby shower keepsakes and scrap booking accents for you, your family and your friends

There are many types of baby shower clip art. The range goes from the outrageously funny, irresistibly cute to the heartwarmingly sentimental. Of course on top of the list are drawings of babies in various positions. You have babies alone, babies with bottles, babies with teddy bears, babies with blankets or babies tucked in a cradle. You will find baby clip art pictures of babies with diapers, babies with no diapers, babies with a brother or sister, babies with a cute animal or pet, etc.

Everyone find babies cute, cuddly and adorable and everyone simply loves looking at baby pictures. Putting baby shower clip art in your wedding invitation or flyer is a wise decision since it will definitely attract attention.

Another good thing about baby shower clipart is hat it is very easy to find. And usually you can get them free of charge. And even if you have to pay a fee, it is often very affordable. And the money you shell out will definitely be worth it since baby shower clipart have hundreds if not thousand of uses.

The Internet is a treasure throve of baby shower clipart ready for you to download. There are literally thousands of available baby shower clipart on the world wide web. You wouldn’t have a hard time looking for them.
And whatever baby shower you are planning to do, for sure there is a baby shower clipart that is appropriate for it. That’s because there is a very wide category of baby shower clipart which contains different styles and designs that are perfect for any baby shower needs. And it doesn’t matter if the baby is a boy or a girl. For sure there is a baby shower clipart made for specifically for each gender and there are many that are made for both.

The only real rule that you need to remember when using baby shower clipart is to use a single theme all throughout your project. For example, your invitation and thank you notes should match so you must use the same style or design of baby shower clipart when making both.

Another rule is not to clutter your project with too many different baby shower clipart. Doing so would only make your project look messy. You must also pay attention to things like color, size and format of the baby shower clipart.

You must also learn how to experiment with sizes, colors and themes. Put some clipart together and see what works for you. All you need is a little practice and patience and you’ll soon be creating your baby shower masterpiece.

Save money by using baby shower clipart. You need not spend a fortune on baby shower invitation and favors. All you need is your creativity and some baby shower clipart and you’re ready to make the most memorable baby shower.

Princess Peach Car Cake

A client asked for a Princess Peach cake, like one a had made a few months ago. Due to a time crunch this week, I agreed, but needed to use a toy topper rather than spend several hours making Princess Peach out of fondant. The cake still turned out cute. The top layer was white with a strawberry filling and the bottom layer was white and chocolate with an Oreo Filling.

Harry Potter Cake

My daughter, Alexis, turned 13 this week, so we threw her a Harry Potter party, that included going to the midnight showing.


This was a marble cake, with ivory buttercream frosting. The sorting hat was made of Rice Krispy Treats, covered in fondant. The hat was fun to make and turned out great.

Candyland Cake

This was a 3 layer cake - chocolate with Oreo filling, white with strawberry filling, and marble with chocolate filling. I made the lollipops out of fondant, and used candy to decorate the rest of the cake. The castle topper is cake-filled ice cream cones that are frosted and topped with fondant cherries. It looks similar to the castle at the end of the game.

Another Brownie Post???

Yep, another one, but this one is a positive post. Since I had a box of brownies that had been stashed in the cabinet for a while and I had bought a new baking pan, not too long ago and thought I would try this again. Well after making sure the ingredients were mixed well, poured into the pan and left it baking at the correct time and temperature, the brownies came out moist and not gooey, gooey like they were before. I was tempted in getting that Perfect Brownie product that I seen some time ago to try it out so that the brownies would be at least in equal sizes. I can't go equally for the world.

Now I used a store brand kind of brownies and I added an extra egg to make them cake like, so I'm not sure if the brand and the extra egg made a difference or what. Maybe I will try and see how it will turn out with another brownie mix. A picture is included, I kept them in the pan as they I have a cover to put over it to keep them moist. And yes, that is half the pan already gone. Shows proof that it came out really well =)

Flower Baby Shower Cake

I made this cake for a baby shower we were throwing for a friend. The plates were striped with pink daisies on them, so I went with making a cake with a baby sleeping, wrapped in one of the petals. This cake was a lemon cake with a lemon gel filling.

Anniversary Cake

My neighbor asked me to make a cake for his wife for their anniversary. We decided on a red velvet cake with cream cheese filling. I thought it would be a good idea to copy their wedding cake and he wanted figures of their whole family on top - so this is what I came up with. I've never made so many little people for a cake before, it took a while!

Cars Cake

This was a 6 inch yellow sponge cake with peach filling. Because the cake was so small, I had to buy toys to go on top rather than make the Cars characters out of fondant.

Baby Shower Clip Art

Baby Shower Clip Art

By Rode Rove

Hundreds of baby shower clip art drawings are widely available, with just one click to the Internet. Primarily, you should know what type of clip art you are looking for. As in this case, when making a baby shower thank you card or invitation, the clip art that is needed is a baby shower clipart, so this is the type that you should look for in the net. 

Clip art is all about copying and pasting the pre-existing drawings or images available in the net. These are illustrations that are already for the most part, found in certain books having already entered into the public site for that actual purpose.

There are limitless logos, mascots, invitations, identity and business cards and letterheads that are freely available. Moreover, there are no license term hassles. The electronic clip art that is available on the net is an extension of such a concept.

In clipart, all images are converted into digital form drawings on a low resolution being used for decorating and enhancing E-greetings and Invitations.

Clipart, are intended for defining and outlining digitized illustrations and drawings, not photography. There are various files that come in many sizes, shapes and formats. Some of the prevalent formats are TIFF, PICT, Paint, GIF, EPS and JPEG. When in doubt what format to use, choose to use PICT, as this format is more or less compatible with almost all programs, thus can adjust easily to another format type.

The standard clipart is generally not a very precise and detailed drawing; the majorities are images or illustrations having very little detail or are called outline drawings. With this, the standard clipart is often use on documents in the web.

Baby clip art is an exciting way of enhancing your work with illustrations that you believe can make magic. Considered the cheapest, most affordable and the most colorful way, they are available free and printable.

A software is available for making your own baby shower clipart; easy and convenient to use, it can convert or transform any of your favorite photo into a clipart

If you want to make your own baby shower clip art, a software is available for just that purpose. Most software is easy to use, and can convert your pictures/snapshots into clipart quickly.

The internet offers a free massive collection of baby shower clipart illustrations that will be of use to enhance, give attention and beautify your own baby shower invitation, baby shower thank cards and announcements.  Having this choice, you can save a lot, than having a made to order invitation from a store.  With the availability of free clipart, you can now make an invitation that way you want it to be, without sacrificing your budget.

One does not need any artistic skills for this.  You can choose to purchase a better featured clip art from the web; though it isn’t necessary, as there are countless of free clipart provided for you in the net.  You just have to know where to look.

Before each print out is made, do not waste your card stock by printing on it immediately.  Instead, do a proof print first, using a black and white ink on plain paper, or change your printer setting to draft or economy and do the proof print this way.  The printer will use less ink, and you will see the actual result, making sure that everything is at the right place, before proceeding to the final printing of your very own baby shower invitation.

Wolf Cake

I made this chocolate cake for a little girl turning 8. I really liked how the forest scene turned out. The little stream is marshmallow fondant with corn syrup painted over it to give it a glossy, wet look. The little girl loved it so much, they still haven't cut the cake!

Spiderman Cake

This is my Spiderman cake that I made for my son's 4th birthday since it is his favorite character at the moment. I got the idea from http://www.groovy-kids-parties.com/spidermancake.html and it turned out pretty good. This was my first character cake that I have made and hope to make a character cake for my girls' birthdays next year.

Preschool 2011 Cake

Last Wednesday was my little Preschool class' graduation. I made this lemon cake to have after our short program. I made a little face of each kid with their name and the second row had crayons made of marshmallow fondant. The kids were cute and I will miss them next year.

White Engagement Cake

I made this cake for a client whose co-worker had just gotten engaged. The top layer was white with a raspberry filling and the bottom was chocolate. I flowers were really cute, I just wish the picture had turned out better.

Librarian Cake

I gave Camryn's 1st grade teacher a gift certificate for a cake and she finally cashed it in when she got her Master's Degree in Library Science. This year she has been the librarian at Beatty ES, but now she is official. She told me what some of her favorite books are, so I dried fondant squares and painted her favorite characters with food dye. Here they are - Fancy Nancy, Splat the Cat, Skippyjon Jones, Duck, Gerald, and Piggie.


I put the squares around the cake with Ms. Robertson sitting on the little couch in her library reading a book.


It was a chocolate cake with Oreo filling.

Hot Pink Minnie Mouse Cake

This is another version of the Minnie Mouse Cake that I made for a client. This is the biggest one that I have made with an extra pink polka dot layer on the bottom. The top two layers were white cake and the bottom layer was chocolate.

Hairdresser Cake

A client ordered this cake for his sister who is a hairdresser. It was a white cake with lemon filling. I used gumpaste to make the curler so it would keep it's form.

Zebra Baby Shower Cake

I made this cake for a Baby Shower last week. The top layer was chocolate with a chocolate Cream filling and the bottom was white with strawberry cream filling.

Lil' Rebel 1st Birthday Cake

A client was using these paper goods for her son's 1st birthday and asked me to make something to match.


She wanted the cake to be in a #1 shape, so this is what I came up with. It is a marble cake with custard filling.


She wanted a "messy" smash cake for her little guy. This is a chocolate cake with chocolate custard filling.

Princess Peach Cake

I made this Princess Peach Cake for a little girl who was turning 7. I loved all the little pieces around the cake. I am not a gamer, but even I know the Super Mario Brothers levels.

Baby Shower Cakes

Baby Shower Cakes - Sweets for the Baby Shower Party

Baby shower cakes are a great way to end a joyous baby shower party. Baby shower cakes are specially decorated for baby shower parties. Baby shower cakes can be designed to match the theme of the baby shower party. Baby shower cakes are not only delightful to look at, they are also good to eat.

When shopping around for baby shower cakes, it's a good idea to ask the mom-to-be what type of cake flavor she wants for the cake. Baby shower cakes can be made from any cake flavor and icing for the enjoyment of the celebrant and the other party guests. Baby shower cakes are also interesting as there is no end to the creativity and design of these lovable cakes. Baby shower cakes make for an ideal centerpiece at the food table of the baby shower party.

Baby shower cakes are sometimes referred to as 'diaper cakes' or 'baby cakes'. What's the difference between them? Baby shower cakes are the actual cakes that can either be homemade or bought from the store. While 'diaper cakes' are baby shower basket cakes that consist of different baby items.

'Diaper cakes' may be a real cake decorated with baby diapers and assorted baby items. Or 'diaper cakes' may also be made of real baby diapers that are arranged like a layered cake. The decorations of the 'diaper cake' consists of a variety of baby items for the newborn.'Diaper cakes' are wrapped in cellophane and tied with adorable ribbons for a finished look. Like the scrumptious baby shower cakes, 'diaper cakes' make for interesting conversation during the baby shower party.

Homemade baby shower cakes

The process of making baby shower cakes is the same as making any other type of cake. However creating homemade baby shower cakes requires a certain degree of creativity and baking ability to arrange one for a baby shower party.

Individuals who are adept in cake decorating and are gifted bakers may do well in creating baby shower cakes for friends' baby shower parties. The celebrant and guests will surely appreciate the effort that went into the creation of the homemade cake for the shower.

There are a number of helpful baking items that can be used to create homemade baby shower cakes. Many baking supply stores offer a wide variety of special baking pans with different designs for baby shower cakes. Popular cartoon characters on special baking pans make great baby shower cakes.

Store-bought baby shower cakes

But those who are not skilled in baking need not worry. There are numerous specialty bakeshops that create exceptional baby shower cakes. Many specialty bakeshops can also customize baby shower cakes to match the theme of the baby shower party.

It is important to get baby shower cakes from a quality bakeshop that specializes in designer cakes. This will ensure that the cake is fresh, good-tasting and aesthetically appealing. It is best to shop for baby shower cakes in advance in order to get the just right cake for the baby shower party. It is also important to shop early as most of the best specialty bakeshops offering baby shower cakes are also the busiest in town.

Whether homemade or store-bought, baby shower cakes are a sweet ending to a festive baby shower party.

Baby Shower Cake Ideas

BABY SHOWER CAKE IDEAS: FOR A GREAT CENTERPIECE AND DESSERT

A baby shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the newest member in the family. Although baby showers were originally intended only for first-borns, modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the family.

Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the things that they need for the baby. Note, however, that there are some cultures and religious beliefs that do not consider it proper and that it is considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born.

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the following:

·    "Daddy's shower" - a men-only party for dads-to-be

·    "Grandma's shower" - a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

·    "Diaper showers" or "baby sprinkles" - a small-scale party that is usually held for succeeding children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

It is common for a baby shower to have a theme, to which the entire party centers on. Baby shower essentials typically include games, presents, and food… and a cake!

A party is not complete without a cake, and this also applies to baby showers.

Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they can be made using various basic techniques, such as the following:

1. All-in-together - this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before gradually adding the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming method - this is done by 'creaming' butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing method - this is done by 'rubbing' the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Sponge-making - this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles.

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

·    Angelfood cake
·    Butter cake
·    Butterfly cake
·    Carrot cake
·    Cheesecake
·    Chocolate cake
·    Chiffon cake
·    Cupcake
·    Devil's food cake
·    Fruit cake
·    Gingerbread
·    Ice cream cake
·    Mooncake
·    Pineapple upside down cake
·    Pound cake
·    Spice cake
·    Sponge cake

Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children's toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your own. Remember that the 'goal' is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.

Baby Shower Gift Baskets

Baby Shower Gift Baskets are the Most Practical Gifts

So you've been invited to your friend's baby shower. You've circled the date on your calendar. You know that it's approaching. All of your other friends have purchased their presents weeks in advanced, but you, the only single left in the bunch, still can't decide on what present to bring to your friend's baby shower.

Let's face it, you know nothing about babies. Your presence make babies cry! You can't tell a blanket from a diaper! This is your first time ever to attend one of these so called events. You know you suck at this, and everyone knows it too, but still you have to go, It's a test of friendship!  So what do you do?

Well, for starters you wipe that frown off of your face, and you put on your "I'm happy to be an auntie smile!'. Then, you go to a shopping mall, and you grab yourself a baby shower gift basket!

Gift baskets contain everything from soft toys, hats, blankets, undergarments, changing pads, sleeping gowns, teething toy, bears, etc.

The great thing about gift baskets is that they are very useful. The people who put together baby shower gift baskets know what they are doing! The things that are included in a baby shower gift basket are exactly the things that a new mother, and an upcoming baby will need.

So you know you'd be getting your money's worth when you purchase a baby shower gift basket. More importantly, it will make the recipient happy. New mothers need all the help that they could get, especially once the have delivered their babies. The daily expenses of a family always escalates with the addition of a new member. So it is best to give presents that will help to provide for the needs of the new mother, and baby.

Baby shower gift baskets come in different themes. Some of these baskets concentrate on the baby's bath time needs. Items like: towels, washcloths, comb and brush sets; and of course, the quintessential giant rubber duckies are included.

This puts variety, and a fun twist on the baby shower gift basket idea! So you'd actually have quite a selection to choose from.

These baby shower gift baskets vary in prices, depending on the intricacy of the lay out, and items included in the basket. The average price for a baby shower gift basket is around $70.

These baskets are usually divided into girl themes, and boy themes. The girl- themed baskets usually come in pink, and contain items suitable for a baby girl. While the boy-themed gift baskets offer things that a baby boy will need.

These baby shower gift baskets can also be purchased online. So if you don't have any time to shop, you can just always order a gift basket online. The selection of these gift baskets are usually displayed online. Also, the items that are included inside is listed along side the picture of the gift basket.

They come in a nicely gift wrapped packaging that includes a ribbon and a card. This allows you to write a personal greeting, and a dedication to the mother. Don't forget to include well wishes for the baby!

If you've purchased your gift basket online, you can just type in your dedication on the net. This way, your dedication will be included in the gift basket that you've ordered. It will then be delivered to the specified recipient.

Baby shower gift baskets are a wonderful and thoughtful gift idea because they include a little bit of everything. They are also very meaningful because they provide things that will provide for the needs of a newborn baby.

So become a baby shower superstar, and bring a baby shower gift basket to the party. All your friends will be in awe of you!

Baby Shower Cake

Choosing Baby Shower Cakes

By Rode Rove

Preparing for a baby shower party can be a tedious task.  You need to define the guest list.  You need to conceptualize the theme, print and send the invitations, and then prepare for the special date itself.

For the party, you will think about what decorations to use on the place, what will be the program, what games to have, what baby shower favors to give, and, what to serve.

During the baby shower party, the table centerpiece is most likely to be a baby shower cake.  The baby shower cake cannot be similar to the cake that can just be bought from the local bakeshop.

It is better if you or one of the guests baked the baby shower cake.  Doing so will also assure you that the cake that will be served as a table centerpiece is in accordance with the theme that you have conceptualized.

Of course, preordering the cake will also be fine as long as you give enough time for the cake to be prepared and that you have discussed with the person who will prepare the cake the concept of the baby shower party and how you would like the cake to look.

However, if you have some baking skills, or if you can follow instructions from cookbooks well, it is advantageous to prepare the cake yourself.  You can use your creativity for the design and you can always ask for help from friends.  Needless to mention, it is also less costly.

To prepare the baby shower cake, check online for tried and tested recipes and designs.   You can also choose the flavor of the baby shower cake.

Usually, the designs and shapes of baby shower cakes are nursery items.  These are flowers, birds, butterflies, baby-shaped, toys and other kid stuff.  The most common icing colors are yellow, pink, blue, green and white.

In addition, if you have scheduled the baby shower after the baby was born, you can also ask for the baby’s picture and have professional cake decorators create and edible cake design using the baby’s picture.

Another idea for the baby shower cake is to use diapers.  That’s right – diapers.  Of course, this cake is not for the guests to enjoy.  However, the mom will definitely appreciate it if there is already a stack of diapers prepared for the baby.

To prepare a diaper cake, all you need to do is carefully stack rolled diapers into several levels (having three levels is suggested).  You may use laces and ribbons to keep the diapers in place.  However, make sure that you did not tie the diapers too tightly together to prevent them from being deformed.  Deformed diapers will be useless and will just end up in the garbage bin.

The diaper cake can also be placed as a table centerpiece.  If you still prefer to have a real cake for the baby shower, you can bake or order a simple cake from the bakeshop.

After preparing the table centerpiece, you need to combine it with good baby shower food.  Most of the time, snacks, tea, desserts and punches are served.  You can also have some barbecues and grilled foods, in case you have invited some male guests.  The dads can bond and have some conversation while attending to the grills.  This way, everyone can participate in welcoming the new member of the family.

Baby Shower

Tips For Great Planning Baby Showers

By Rode Rove

Baby showers are parties thrown for friends that are pregnant. This practice has significantly changed over the course of the years and has gradually become more and more elaborate and planned.

Baby showers can make an expectant mother feel more secure in the fact that her friends are all pulling for her and giving moral and financial support. Usually the baby shower is organized by non-relatives. But today, there is isn’t abnormal to find family members, support group members, church friends and pretty much anyone except the expecting mother.

Inviting the Guests
Who should you invite? Usually, the guest list will only include those nearest and dearest to the expectant mother. It wouldn’t hurt if she gets a first look at the guest list so that she can suggest who should be invited. If you are planning a surprise baby shower, you will have to do a little research on who should be attending instead of running the list through the expectant mother.

If the child is not a firstborn, you may opt to keep the number of guests down to the closest to the mother. Firstborn baby showers tend to have a larger guest list since it is, after all, the mother’s first time.

The thing to remember is that the nature of baby showers is intimacy. So, for any baby shower party, try making the gathering one of intimate friends.

You could use informal ways to invite these guests: email, phone and others. Invitation cards and other letters are the best way, however, as they provide a tangible, traceable evidence of invitation. Plus, it is the most sure and formal way to invite a person – and in many cultures – the only way.

What About the Guys
The nature of the party is probably going to tend towards the feminine side; if the organizers of the party have a provision for this, then inviting men would be fine. It also depends on the men, since the party may dwell on topics such as pregnancy, children, and other motherly topics, they might not be that excited to join. All in all, it depends on the preference of the organizers.

Venue
Anywhere! As long as it can keep with the placid and fun nature of the occasion, any place would be fine. The more usual places on baby shower lists are backyards, formal halls, restaurants, and basically any room that has the amenities to make a baby shower successful. Just make sure the venue is not crowded and stressful to the mother-to-be. It also pays to make sure the venue is set long before the actual baby shower happens.

When to Throw a Baby Shower
Usually this is one or two months before her due. The baby shower is the perfect time to get your friend baby needs and stuff she may not have had time to purchase yet. It has to be well-timed though – not too close to the due date, and not to far as to whittle down the excitement.

Baby showers are a pleasant surprise to expecting mothers. It takes a lot of the stress of expecting a child off of their minds and provides a means for friends to show support and concern (and of course, baby gifts) to expecting friends.

A properly coordinated baby shower will be greatly appreciated and forever remembered by mothers long after they have delivered their children.

Baptism Cake

I made this cake for a 2 year old girl who was being baptized. She wanted pink flowers on her cake. I don't pipe designs on cake very often, so it was a rough start, but once I got going things went well and it turned out very soft and pretty.

Beautifull Baby Shower Gift Basket

Your Baby Shower Gift Basket

Personalized gifts

Personalizing a baby’s gift is an excellent idea, making the gift distinct and special and grows into a cherished token through the years. When giving or making a gift sooner, before the baby’s due, you are faced with a problem, that is, you are not yet certain of the name and the birth date. An option to consider is by giving a gift certificate for an etching or engraving design along with your gift. This way, when the wonderful day arrives, the parents can take your gift and have it personalized.

Choices for personalized gifts are baby cups,
picture frame, jewelry or a cutlery set. There are wide selections of items that can be personalized; all you have to do is look.

A blanket for baby embroidered with the baby’s name alongside the name’s meaning would make an excellent gift for both mom and baby.

Your labor of love gift basket

Gift baskets are very popular today and indeed a wonderful idea which can either be purchased made-to-order or ready-made. Or, you can do it yourself by putting together all baby items that you like for the baby.  Here’s how you can make one:

1.    Know first the size of the basket that you will use.  A very large basket may be difficult to fill, so a medium sized is recommended. Usually, craft stores sell baskets of different sizes, shapes and colors.  Shredded tissue paper and raffia make great fillers to be layered at the basket’s bottom, alongside with baby towels and blankets.

2.    If you do have a large basket, you can easily fill it up by choosing bigger items as well, such as crib comforters, stuffed bunny or teddy, pillows or crib bumpers.

3.    Take into consideration the baby’s gender, what really the baby needs. For a first baby, there will be many things that he will need. Having to look at a baby registry if the mom to be has one, can help a lot, since you will know what the baby really needs.  If there is none, you could always ask the mom what else she needs for the baby.

4.    Consider having a theme.  You can load the basket with everything pink for a baby girl or everything blue for a baby boy, or everything having a “pooh” or a dinosaur design.  A bedtime theme basket filled with story books, music CD, blankets, pillows, pajama, musical crib mobile and a teddy bear can be a wonderful idea. Be creative and let your imagination soar.

5.    Another way of being creative is instead of using a basket, a baby tub, a diaper bag, a small laundry basket or a trunk can also be used.

6.    For a tub, you can fill it with baby bathing accessories, such as soaps, towels, bubble bath, powder, baby shampoo, lotion and bath rubber toys.

7.    For the trunk, you can fill it with baby’s keepsake book, monogrammed items, receiving blankets, heirloom items, a picture frame and an inspirational book all about mom and baby.  You can also place a little inspirational note containing all your wishes for the baby.  This will add a more personal touch to your gift.

8.    For the laundry basket, you can fill it with cute slippers, diapers, baby comb and brush, booties, and baby clothes.

Baby Shower Gift

Baby shower gift ideas

An expecting mom could be the happiest person in the world should she give birth to a little angel. And in anticipation of the new baby, baby showers are commonly held about three months before the baby is born. It is possible to hold it after the baby is born. It has advantages in doing that plus it would be little easier selecting gifts if it were held after. A higher percentage though holds it before the baby's birth.

Shopping for baby shower gifts and items could be very fun. You can give anything for the baby, from baby consumables to playthings. Choosing the best gift can be trick. To assists you in picking, you can check out these suggestions:

Buy something that the baby will use frequently. You can buy baby ointments, baby lotions, diapers, wipes, baby power, and other stuff, and place them all in a basket or any appropriate container. All babies use diapers, and no mom can live without it now a days. Most moms usually think this as a practical gift because if they get enough of it from guests, they need not purchase diapers for the baby until after a few months. That's big convenience and big savings for them. Running out of diapers during the night could be a nightmare. You can also add some medicines and vitamins for the baby. This could come in handy in times of need.

Buy something fun for the baby. You can buy toys. Good toys are those that move and produce sounds. Buy something that can be mounted on the crib. Suggestions can be baby tape player, vibrator seats, swings, bouncy seats, high chairs, or walkers. The list is endless. These toys also enhance a baby's mind development through color, object, and sound recognition. 

Buy some cute clothes. Although this could be risky since you don't know the gender the baby will be, or its weight upon birth. Try to buy rompers and shirts in medium sizes. This way you can be sure the baby can wear what you bought at least a few times. Don't buy clothes that need ironing because that's added task for moms and you wouldn't want that, of course.

Buy something useful for mommy. Gifts assisting moms caring for the baby is such a good idea. You can buy a baby carrier or slinger. It is very helpful for moms to get some cooking or cleaning done while carrying the baby. A helpful device you can buy is a diaper genie to help keep the smell down from used diapers.

Buy something for moms too. True, baby showers are for the babies. But moms, with all the excitement that they feel towards giving birth, can be apprehensive about the idea too. You can give gift certificates to moms from a shop or mall. You can give moms books or magazines about parenting. You can give them coupons from a Laundromat or a professional house cleaner. You can prepare for them a dinner for one night and send it over. Or better yet, give delivery stubs from pizza parlors so in the event dinner can't be cooked, food can be driven over.

Baby showers are held to welcome the baby to the world. Sometimes, baby showers are held only for the first-born. It would be nice to have a shower for each of your new born child so that the baby would feel well received and wanted even from the mommy's womb. Babies are cute little blessings families are given with. Let's greet them even before they come out and join us!

An expecting mom could be the happiest person in the world should she give birth to a little angel. And in anticipation of the new baby, baby showers are commonly held about three months before the baby is born. It is possible to hold it after the baby is born. It has advantages in doing that plus it would be little easier selecting gifts if it were held after. A higher percentage though holds it before the baby's birth.


Shopping for baby shower gifts and items could be very fun. You can give anything for the baby, from baby consumables to playthings. Choosing the best gift can be trick. To assists you in picking, you can check out these suggestions:



Buy something that the baby will use frequently. You can buy baby ointments, baby lotions, diapers, wipes, baby power, and other stuff, and place them all in a basket or any appropriate container. All babies use diapers, and no mom can live without it now a days. Most moms usually think this as a practical gift because if they get enough of it from guests, they need not purchase diapers for the baby until after a few months. That's big convenience and big savings for them. Running out of diapers during the night could be a nightmare. You can also add some medicines and vitamins for the baby. This could come in handy in times of need.



Buy something fun for the baby. You can buy toys. Good toys are those that move and produce sounds. Buy something that can be mounted on the crib. Suggestions can be baby tape player, vibrator seats, swings, bouncy seats, high chairs, or walkers. The list is endless. These toys also enhance a baby's mind development through color, object, and sound recognition.



Buy some cute clothes. Although this could be risky since you don't know the gender the baby will be, or its weight upon birth. Try to buy rompers and shirts in medium sizes. This way you can be sure the baby can wear what you bought at least a few times. Don't buy clothes that need ironing because that's added task for moms and you wouldn't want that, of course.



Buy something useful for mommy. Gifts assisting moms caring for the baby is such a good idea. You can buy a baby carrier or slinger. It is very helpful for moms to get some cooking or cleaning done while carrying the baby. A helpful device you can buy is a diaper genie to help keep the smell down from used diapers.



Buy something for moms too. True, baby showers are for the babies. But moms, with all the excitement that they feel towards giving birth, can be apprehensive about the idea too. You can give gift certificates to moms from a shop or mall. You can give moms books or magazines about parenting. You can give them coupons from a Laundromat or a professional house cleaner. You can prepare for them a dinner for one night and send it over. Or better yet, give delivery stubs from pizza parlors so in the event dinner can't be cooked, food can be driven over.



Baby showers are held to welcome the baby to the world. Sometimes, baby showers are held only for the first-born. It would be nice to have a shower for each of your new born child so that the baby would feel well received and wanted even from the mommy's womb. Babies are cute little blessings families are given with. Let's greet them even before they come out and join us!

Baby Shower Games

Baby Shower Games

Spice up your baby shower festivities with some baby game fun! A few games can make sure the baby shower celebration you throw for your baby is fun and exciting. It could add a little zip to any gathering and helps the people attending get acquainted and feel at ease amongst each other.

The Name Game
Have your guests choose two names for the baby. Now, ask them to write these names on a piece of paper. Ask them to find words that can be made from those names. The object of the game is to make as many words from these names as possible. Give the guests a certain amount of time, as much as may be needed.

Tell the guests that the minimum number of letters for each constructed word should be three. Words that are made of two or less words will not be counted.

Also, ask the guests not to tell the names they have chosen outright, as a twist to the game can be made by having the guests try to guess the original names the players have chosen using the constructed words used.

Example: Michael - Anthony
Ant – hint – mint – minty - lint

Feeding Time!
Put a number of cotton balls in a big bowl, and place another empty bowl in front of it. Players will try to transfer the cotton balls from one bowl to the other while blindfolded. Players will go at this game one at a time. Have them use spoons to do so. Since cotton balls are so light, it will actually be really hard to gauge how many ball you are scooping with the spoons. The winner of the game is the player that able to transfer the most number of cotton balls per thirty seconds.

Rice Bowl
Fill a bowl half-way with plain, uncooked rice. Then mix in some safety pins (the safety pins have to be closed first). Have the guests take turns one at a time at this game. Blindfold the players and set them right in front of the bowls. The object of the game is to transfer as many safety pins to a different bowl in 30 seconds. This is a bit hard too, since the safety pins feel a lot like the rice too.

Baby Guests
Have guests bring along baby pictures of themselves to the baby shower celebrations. As the guests enter the celebration area, have them give these photos to a secretary who will label them with removable tape at the back and note on a different sheet of paper the identity of the photo. Be very careful with these photos as they are very important keepsakes.

Then furnish the guests with a piece of paper and a pen and show the baby pictures to everyone one by one. Have the guests try to guess the identity of the photo and write it down on their answer sheets. Afterwards, reveal the answers to the quiz. The person to get the most number of correct guesses wins the game.

Baby Shower Games
These games are only a few of the dozens of games you could play during the baby shower celebrations. Make sure these games foster friendships and, of course, put your baby in the spotlight. This will surely make your baby shower a lot more interesting and memorable.

Nevada State Bank Cake

I made this cake for a lady who was Retiring from Nevada State Bank (the paneled door is their logo). Her boss wanted something to send her off with. This was a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting.


The best part was the stack of 20's I made out of fondant. I couldn't do most of the details, but it looked pretty real from far away.

Baby shower Game Ideas

Choosing the Baby Shower Games

To make a baby shower more entertaining to the guests, you can prepare small games that can be participated by some volunteers or all of the guests. This can be done as icebreakers or during the time when the mother is opening the presents.

After somebody has won a game, you can prepare small tokens as their prize. These tokens need not be expensive; it can be chocolate bar, candle or anything to remind the winner of his or her successful participation in the game.

When choosing a baby shower game, make sure that you have selected something that will appeal to your guests. Research on the guests' backgrounds and ages since these are factors in which you can judge if they will enjoy the baby shower game or not.

As much as possible, choose a game that will require interaction among the guests, especially if you the guest list includes family members, and different groups of friends who may not know one another.

After you have considered the people who are on the guest list, you may want to consider the baby shower games listed below.

* Mommies and Babies Game

This game is better if participated by the younger guests. The host will read a list of animals to which the participants will call out the names of the babies of the animals.

To make the game more entertaining, you can pictures of the animals that are in a pile. The participants can choose the correct picture, say the name of the mother and baby animal and mimic the sound of the animal.

* Mother Goose Game

You can have this baby shower game played by all of the guests. Prepare several lines from different nursery rhymes. The host will read these lines to the guests but with an omitted word. The guests will try to guess what is the missing word in the nursery rhyme. The person who has called out the most correct answer wins.

* Baby Item Memory Game

Prepare a tray of baby things that you will show to the guests for 15 to 30 seconds. After that, ask the guests to write the items that they remember. The person who has remembered the most items will win this baby shower game.

* Baby Food Game

Prepare for this baby shower game by purchasing several types of baby food and removing the labels and replacing the covers with opaque paper. Number the jars for reference.

Ask the guests to identify the baby food by smelling or tasting. The person who has made the most correct guesses wins the baby shower game.

* Fun Facts

This is to done only if the guests know, or are at least familiar with one another.

Upon arriving at the baby shower party, ask the guests to write a fact that few people have known. This may be a hidden talent, a previous job, or a movie appearance. They drop the paper in a jar together with everyone else's papers.

During the game, they will pick one sheet of paper and try to guess who is the person being described.

You can also modify the game by having the host read each of the facts and have all of the guests try to guess the person.

With these baby shower games, you can make your guests interact with one another and you can keep them from being bored. You can make original games as long as you consider the backgrounds, the number and the ages of your participants.

Baby Shower Footprint Invitation

Versatile Invitation Design: Baby Shower Footprint

A baby’s footprint says everything: the innocence, tenderness and charm of a newborn. These values come to mind of anyone who sees it. No wonder it is a favorite theme for occasions that call for such, like that of a baby shower. Here is a guide on how to use the baby’s footprint in the baby shower invitation.

Printed

The first way of using the footprint is to print them on the invitation. You may use a single or both feet as the main design. Immediately, your guests will know that it is a baby shower invitation, just by seeing the footprints. Make the print standout by using a complementary color to
the background or the paper color.

As a supplementary to the text of the card, baby footprints can serve as a silhouette background of the text. As a silhouette, footprints are effective as outlines, instead of filled with colors. As an outline, only the marks where the baby’s feet press the ground (balls of the toes and heel and sides of the feet) are highlighted.

For an animated effect use several small footprints in the main design or silhouette background. To make it appear like a baby just walked across the page, reduce the size of the footprints, as the trail moves from the fore to the rear ground.

Embossed

Embossing is a process of creating relief on the paper by using a special tool to engrave the paper. Since this uses a special tool, it is best to leave the manufacturing of this kind of invitation to the professionals.

Embossed footprint invitations convey an elegant mood for the baby shower. Most embossed invitations are monochromatic, that is, they use a single color for the paper and the embossed design. However, some printers have the capability to color the raised portions of the footprint, for an extra fee.

Design and layout can be similar to the printed kind, but it is best to use the footprint sparingly for a dramatic effect.

Stamped

Rubber stamps have been around for ages, and it is widely used in many applications: business, trade, craft and even politics! As the rubber stamp craft is a well-established industry, you can find rubber stamps of baby footprints, of varying sizes and designs. When you have chosen a pattern that suits your intended invitation design, you can then use it to stamp single prints or multiple prints inked in a variety of colors.

For a subdued effect, use the stamp as a seal of approval or a signature of the baby, inviting the guest to the baby shower.
At the party, use the stamps to continue the theme from the invitation. Stamp them on napkins, thank you cards and game prizes for a unified effect.

Cutout

Lastly, use the footprint design as a cutout baby shower invitation. This is a very interesting application as it veers away from the conventional 2” X 4” invitation size. Use the front of the card to announce that there is a baby shower, and the back, for party details and RSVP information.

Carry the cutout theme to your baby shower by placing baby footprint cutouts on pathways, floors and even walls.

Use also footprint cutouts for thank you cards, for a uniformed look.

With such a simple idea, there are many possibilities. Choose the style to fit your mood and use cute baby shower footprint invitation cards today!