Jul 31, 2012 |
Well, we did it. We finished our Wilton Cake Decorating Course. As has been the standard for the last four weeks, Dot’s cake, well, took the cake. She always has the other students and the instructor oohing and ahhing over her gifted artistry.
In the four-week course, we learned
How to properly bake a cake and how to level a cake
How to fill cupcakes and how to fill a layer cake
How to make out own icing in stiff, medium, and thin consistencies and when to use each one. We learned how to color icing
How to ice a cake and how to later smooth it
And we learned how to decorate. Did you see me smile when you read that? Try again:
We learned how to decorate!
We learned tips and icing bags and angled spatulas and piping gel and color and consistencies and flowers and leaves and pom poms and writing and roses and more.
And these are our Final Projects.
Dot had a plan, but when we got to class she scrapped it and went freestyle. Have I mentioned how gifted she is? I couldn’t toss out a plan and come up with something this gorgeous on the spur of the moment!
I thought up a Summer Garden. I’m disappointed that I didn’t color enough icing for the cake; it’s a bit thin in places. But I forgave myself: I’m a beginner. And it turned out well for a beginner.
Dot’s cake was German Chocolate with a coconut-pecan filling
Mine was a lemon cake with a raspberry preserve filling
And we’re not sorry we cut into them.
Not.
One.
Bite.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jul 30, 2012 |
Blog Badge
Do you trekaroo? It’s a wonderful website designed to give parents and families honest reviews about hotels, restaurants and activities.
Are you afraid to take your young kids on vacation? Are your teens rolling their eyes at the thought of unplugging? Do you bite your nails at the thought of leaving the comfort of your own home?
You can trust trekaroo. The reviews are written by a community of parents and families. The more, the merrier! More popular attractions have many reviews; or you can be the first!
It’s so helpful to read from someone else who’s “been there, done that”. Let’s face it, Captain Hook knows how to steer a ship, but would you want him planning your tea party? Or would you take advice on how to put young children to sleep in a strange bed, from an old maid? Sure, sometimes. But on a regular basis? I’d rather make a well-informed decision.
My friend Naomi introduced me to trekaroo last fall. She won a trip to Las Vegas for her family. Las Vegas! Did you ever think of Vegas as that family-friendly? Well, people on trekaroo do! They know all the in’s and out’s for children of all ages to have fun without being exposed to the adults-only content.
Oh, yeah. And they have great giveaways, too. Like a trip to Vegas. Or bicycle-strollers. Or kids’ backyard wilderness playsets. How fun is that?
So of course I signed on to read the reviews. And last week I started to post my own. The first two were abridged from reviews here on Frankly, My Dear… but earlier today I ventured to be the first to review a local restaurant.
trekaroo has already said I have “superoo” potential. In their own words, “Trekaroo Superoos are parents with unique characteristics who are able to see the humor amidst the challenges of traveling with their offspring. In fact, they thrive best when exploring and trail blazing with their pack. They are our biggest contributors and eager to help. Superoos inspire other family travelers through the stories they tell, the tips they share, and their insightful recommendations.”
They select their Superoos once a year, usually in the spring. I’ve already got my eyes set on that emblem, and they’ve already got their eyes set on me. But even if they didn’t, I’d still want to be an active community member.
Because I obviously enjoy sharing stories. And I like the idea of families helping families have family-friendly experiences.
Do you trekaroo?
Click here to view my trekaroo passport.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jul 29, 2012 |
“When all else fails, read the directions.”
~Everyone’s Mother.
Often.
Just two days ago, I wrote how I want to learn better photography skills. In the last few days, I’ve worked toward that end: reading the manual that came with my Kodak camera. Trying my hand at photographing anything and everything. Pointing and shooting my Kodak as much as possible.
Okay, not really. Not all of that. But I have been reading the manual, and I must admit I realize I’ve fooled myself. Because while a Point-and-Shoot camera is just that easy, there’s so much more to it. For instance, Smart Capture mode is great for beginners and non-thinkers. Of which I not-so-proudly admit I was one. That little dial on the top of my camera? I’ve been too afraid to turn it, too afraid to see what it has to offer.
On Page 7 of my manual, it describes for me how different tools are available in different modes. So I turned the dial, one click at a time, and saw for myself that it’s true! I didn’t spend time learning each tool, as I know that will come later in the manual. But it certainly whet my whistle.
I’m looking forward to understanding the conversations between my brothers about F-stops and apertures and compensation. I’m really looking forward to the day I can not only understand, but contribute to such discussions!
Today, I discovered that a picture can be taken while filming a video. Imagine that! Two separate actions, at the same time! Just to prove to myself that it could happen (and that I could be the one to cause it to happen!), I gave this theory a test drive. I took the following two photos while recording a short video. The quality is dark and grainy, as it’s late and the lighting isn’t the best. I wasn’t interested in setting a scene; rather, I just needed to test the settings.
These are tonight’s photo results:
I tried uploading the short video, but I haven’t quite figured that out yet. It appears the easiest route will be to set up a YouTube account, but it’s late (after midnight, in fact!), and I’ll work on that later. If anyone has suggestions on sharing my videos, I welcome your advice!
For now, I’m pleased to know that my camera is capable of multi-tasking.
And Frankly, My Dear…
