Janice Thompson's Blog, page 7

Cakewalk, Day Twenty-One: I’m Not Bitter

Welcome to DAY TWENTY-ONE in my August Cakewalk. I’m celebrating the release of “The Icing on the Cake” and breathing a huge sigh of relief as the reviews come in. (This is always the challenging part…participating in the blog tour. It forces me to look at what the readers are saying and that can be tough.) Fortunately, the comments have been lovely. (((Janice’s heart goes pitter-pat!)))

The cakes I’m posting today were made for a marriage retreat. Ironic, since I’m not married. Just one of life’s little “gotchas” I suppose. The white cake was three-tiered with strawberry filling and homemade cream cheese frosting. The chocolate groom’s cake was devil’s food with oreos inside. Yum. Well, I guess it was yummy. I didn’t really get to eat any, since I’m NOT married and didn’t attend the retreat.

Okay, so I’m not bitter that some/most of my friends are happily married. Neither is Scarlet, the heroine in “The Icing on the Cake.” It doesn’t bother her a bit that her BFF found a hunky man. Oh, and that Bella has DJ, who’s such a doll. Nah, Scarlet’s not bugged by these things.

Much.

Of course, when she falls for the most unlikely hero of all–Armando Rossi–all of her preconceived ideas about relationships have to go…tossed out the window! (Is there an Armando Rossi out there for me? If so, I’ll happily bake a dozen cakes!)

Guess I’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, please pick up a copy of Scarlet and Armando’s tasty story. It’ll leave you hankerin’ for wedding cake!

 

Cakewalk, Day Twenty: It’s a Boy!!!

So pleased to see reviewers responding so positively to “The Icing on the Cake.” The cake decorator in me is pleased! Speaking of cakes, it’s time to welcome you to DAY TWENTY of my August Cakewalk, where I’m celebrating the release of the book!

The photo I’m featuring today is in honor of my sweet friend, McKinsey Jones. Before her first son Oliver was born, we had a very special baby shower. I was asked to make the cake you see here. When I got to the shower, I put the little plastic pacifiers onto the cake and didn’t realize until after the fact that I’d put one in the “little boy” spot. Seriously? Who does that? Instead of moving it, I laughed and said, “Well, he’s definitely a boy!”

If you’ve read “The Icing on the Cake” you know that Scarlet makes a lot of silly mess-ups, too. She embarrasses herself in a VERY public forum (while on national television, no less)! At least I haven’t done that…yet!

A special thank you to all of my readers who are leaving reviews. You’ve made my day! And to McKinsey…here’s a sweet (((HUG))) from me to you today, precious girl. You’re an awesome mommy!

Cakewalk, Day Nineteen: Imperfections

Welcome to DAY NINETEEN of my August Cakewalk, where I’m celebrating the release of my latest romantic comedy, “The icing on the Cake” (from Revell Publishing). To all of those who’ve sent me private notes and/or left reviews on amazon/B&N/christianbook.com…thank you! You’ve made my day!

Today I’m sharing a picture of a cake that I made for my oldest granddaughter, Maddy. I’ve been hesitant to share this one because it was so riddled with flaws. The fondant (homemade) got too dried out and was barely workable. The topper wasn’t at all what I’d hoped/wanted. In short, the whole thing was a mess, but I took it anyway and the kids seemed to enjoy it.

If you’ve read “The Icing on the Cake” you know that Scarlet goes through a lot of messes/embarrassments. She struggles with self-esteem. I guess us “creative sorts” are never really happy with our finished product, no matter how many hours we pour into it. Still, seeing the smiles on the faces of the kiddos at Maddy’s party put everything in perspective for me. They didn’t see the flaws. They only saw that Nina took the time to whip up a Hello Kitty cake for her sweet granddaughter.

If you haven’t picked up a copy of Scarlet’s story, why not do so today? The kindle price is great! I’m so excited that the print copy looks so great, as well. Let me know your thoughts after reading. Thanks for your love and support!

 

 

Cakewalk, Day Eighteen: Body Image

Welcome to DAY EIGHTEEN of my August Cakewalk, where I’m celebrating the release of my latest romantic comedy, “The Icing on the Cake.” Today I’m sharing a photo of my first doll cake.

When my granddaughter Peyton turned three she asked for a Tangled cake. I wasn’t sure how to go about it, but finally came up with a workable plan. I baked three rounds and then used a paper towel holder to “hole out” the middle of the cake(s). I wrapped the doll’s skirt in plastic wrap and shoved her inside the cake. If you look closely, you’ll see that her hair is also wrapped in plastic wrap. I wanted to make sure Peyton could keep the actual doll to play with.

You might also notice that Tangled’s bottom half is substantially larger than her top half. This, of course, makes me think of Scarlet from “The Icing in the Cake.” Why, you ask? Well, Scarlet is a little on the “fluffy” side. Specifically, her bottom half is like the lower half of this cake-wider than the top. The good news is, Scarlet has a great sense of humor and is able to effectively deal with her body image.

Come to think of it, we all face body image issues, don’t we? If we can learn to laugh at ourselves, the load will be lightened, (at least figuratively). If you want a first-hand look at Scarlet’s wacky story, check out “The Icing on the Cake,” now available in print and e-book.

 

Cakewalk, Day Seventeen: Icy Relationships

Welcome to DAY SEVENTEEN of my August Cakewalk. If you’ve been following my posts you know that I’m celebrating the release of “The Icing on the Cake” (book two in the “Weddings by Design” series) by sharing photos of cakes that I’ve baked/decorated. Today I’m featuring a cake that I loved making, probably more than any other! I must have an artistic side because putting together the little penguins on this one totally made my day.

This colorful cake was made for our worship team Christmas party last December. I took a couple of different Pinterest photos and merged them into one cake idea. To this day this remains a personal favorite. I used a cookie cutter for the body shapes then free-handed most of the detail pieces.

What made this cake so special to me was the addition of the sun-bathing penguin on the top. He cracked me up. I could just picture him sunning himself in the pool. I also loved adding the various snowballs. In Texas we don’t get a lot of snow. Okay, let’s face it, we almost never have snow. (((Picture me shivering!))) So doing a snow-themed cake (in one of my favorite colors/teal) was just delightful!

If you’ve read my newest book, “The Icing on the Cake” you know that Scarlet has kind of an “icy” relationship with her Aunt Willy. The not-so-sweet auntie could use some time in the sun to thaw out, that’s for sure. Leave it to the Lord to “melt” her in the most unexpected of ways! I guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out. In the meantime, please enjoy the pictures of the cake. And while you’re at it, why not mosey on over to amazon to pick up a copy of “The Icing on the Cake.” If you’ve already read the book, I’d be tickled if you would consider leaving a review.

Thanks for stopping by on my cakewalk! Check back every day this month for more photos and stories!

Cakewalk, Day Sixteen: The Learning Curve

Welcome to DAY SIXTEEN of my August Cakewalk. The cake I’ve chosen for today was made for Maddy’s birthday year before last. It’s an “Ariel/Under the Sea” cake. Karen Malone Bailey helped me with the fondant. (Actually, to be honest, she showed me how to make it that night and I’ve been forever grateful!) I loved, loved, loved putting this one together. What fun we had. It took a long time (and working the color into the fondant is tough work) but I thoroughly enjoyed the process.

I love to stay on a learning curve. If you’ve read “The Icing on the Cake” (which released TODAY on kindle) you know that Scarlet is on a forever-learning-curve, too! She’s always looking to add to her list of accomplishments.

What about you? What are you learning to do? Bake? Decorate? Write? Let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, why not pick up a copy of “The Icing on the Cake” to read while you’re thinking it through?

Have an awesome day, y’all!

Cakewalk, Day Fifteen: Skateboarding

Welcome to DAY FIFTEEN of my August Cakewalk! I’ve been sharing a cake a day to celebrate the release of my latest book, “The Icing on the Cake” (from Revell Publishing). I’m excited to announce that the e-book releases TODAY for only $3.99. That’s an awesome price for a traditionally published book, so grab it while you can!

Last night I was sharing with a new friend about my cakes. She asked if I charge for them and I said, “Nope. I never have. Maybe one day I will, but mostly I just make them to give as gifts.” Once I donated a cake to an auction at our church. The woman who won the silent auction paid $60 (or maybe $70) for the cake. I’d put a “top value” on the donated cake at $75. She called a couple of weeks later to give me my marching orders. When she said, “I want a skateboard ramp cake” I flipped out. A skateboard ramp? How in the world would I do that?

If you look at the photo, you’ll probably figure out how I did it! I went to amazon and bought a skateboard ramp, then baked two rectangular cakes and set them down into the ramp, which became my base. I covered the whole thing with fondant and then decorated as per instructed. I even added the little skater dude. (I’m sure the Tony Hawk fans are cringing right about now. I’m clueless. Or, at least I WAS. I know more now than I did then!) The ramp was placed on a larger “grass” cake (just a basic white sheet cake, covered in green textured icing).

If you’ve read “The Icing on the Cake” you know that Scarlet is struggling to make a go of her new cake business. She’s not rolling in the dough. Well, technically she IS rolling in dough–cookie dough, sticky bun dough–but not dollars and cents. After her appearance on the Food Network cake challenge, however, her business takes off.

Maybe that’s what I’m missing in my cake career. I’ve never been on the Food Network. Then again, after what happened to Scarlet (live/on air) I’m not sure I’d ever want to be! (Guess you’ll just have to read the book to find out.) Head on over to amazon to check out the new kindle version of the book or order a print copy to be delivered to your home. Either way, I hope you enjoy Scarlet’s wacky story and I hope you’ve enjoyed my skater-dude cake story!

Cakewalk, Day Fourteen: Aargh!

Welcome to DAY FOURTEEN of my August Cakewalk! Every day I’ve been posting a picture of one of my cakes and then talking about my new book, “The Icing on the Cake” (which has already released in print but will release on kindle tomorrow). Today’s cake photo is from a recent birthday cake for an eight-year-old who asked for a pirate ship. You probably don’t want to know how many hours it took to whip this one into shape, or how picky I was along the way. Didn’t turn out exactly as I’d hoped, but the birthday boy was pleased and so were his guests! The underneath (water) cake was white; the ship was dark chocolate. Yum! Well, I guess it was yummy. I didn’t actually get any! Dieting, you see…

If you’ve read “The Icing on the Cake” you know that Scarlet spends a l-o-t of time putting her cakes together. She also spends a lot of time putting her new business together! (Come to think of it, I can really relate to Scarlet!) She’s also a big fan of chocolate. The book is loaded with references to I Love Lucy, especially the chocolate factory episode!

If you’re looking for a tasty treat (one free from pirate attacks) pick up a copy of “The Icing on the Cake.”

Oh, and while you’re at it, why not get a free copy of my co-authored three-in-one, “Biloxi Brides” which is free on kindle today ONLY. 

Cakewalk, Day Thirteen: Mmm! Chocolate!

Welcome to DAY THIRTEEN of my August Cakewalk, where I’m celebrating the release of my latest romantic comedy, “The Icing on the Cake.” It’s all-things-cake this month, which is always fun…unless you’re on a diet like me.

Guess I’d better start this post with a confession. Last night I ate cake. Not just ANY cake, but a piece of that dark chocolate, devil’s food cake with rich fudge frosting, surrounded by Kit-Kat bars and topped off with M&M’s. *sigh* I’m not sighing because I feel guilty for blowing my diet. I’m sighing because I wish I’d had two slices instead of one.

Oh well. Since we’re talking chocolate today, I’d better go ahead and post another chocolate cake. The one you see here was made for my granddaughter Brooke’s first birthday. I made the little crown out of pipe cleaners. The sweet little decorations are rolos and kisses. Yummy!

If you’ve read “The Icing on the Cake” you know that Scarlet is always on a diet. She works extra-hard to lose weight, but it almost backfires on her at a very critical moment (on live TV, no less). I won’t give away too much, but I will say that sometimes a girl just needs a little nibble of cake. The sweetness keeps you from feeling deprived and everyone knows that dark chocolate is good for you…right? It releases endorphins. Makes you feel better. 

That’s my story, and I’m stikin’ with it. So, grab a slice of yummy chocolate cake and settle in with a good book. I just happen to know one you might love! “The Icing on the Cake” is available at amazon and other fine retailers.

If you’re interested in receiving an autographed copy from me, just shoot me an email at booksbyjanice (at) aol.com.

I hope your day is sweeter than chocolate!

Cakewalk, Day Eleven: Seasons

Welcome to DAY ELEVEN of my August Cakewalk! I’ve had so much fun showing off my cakes and sharing stories from my new book. Thanks for playing along!

If you’ve been following me on facebook for very long you know that my world is filled with little girls. Baking a baby shower cake for an expectant mama…well, I could pretty much do that in my sleep. I do have eight grandchildren now, after all. But the cake I’m showcasing today was for a different mama, not one of my daughters. A young woman at our church had been through a difficult season trying to have a baby and was finally having a precious baby…a girl! I made the (attached) cake to celebrate!

God works in seasons, doesn’t He? We don’t always understand His timing, but we usually figure out (sooner or later) that trusting Him in the hard seasons usually has its payoff in a brighter/happier season.

If you’ve read “The Icing on the Cake” you know that Scarlet goes through some tough seasons prior to the onset of the story. She often feels as if everyone else is getting their happily ever after…but she never will. (Ever feel like that?) Putting her trust in God is key. By the end of the story she meets the love of her life, runs the business of her dreams, and even makes a (rather wacky) appearance on the Food Network.

If you have read Scarlet’s story, it’s available in print version and (very soon) for kindle, as well. So, why not mosey on over to amazon to have a look? Have a blessed day, y’all!