Juggling too many things

Well hello, I'm back again offering another intermittent post although if I can work out the technology I will put some pictures on this one! Life has been very busy here making cakes and looking after small people who have had rather nasty flu like things. Plus the challenge of Bracken our lovely Spanish Water Dog puppy who is rebelling slightly after having her coat clipped last week - maybe she's feeling the cold, or maybe she just doesn't like going out without her clothes on! I was toying with the idea of getting her a coat, but then I decided that she would look even more ridiculous among the black Labradors at the school gates in the afternoons.

Euan and I took the dogs for a walk this afternoon in this very blustery autumn weather, I struggled to share his fascination at hitting things with a stick he had found while he was walking, but we both enjoyed throwing twigs and leaves into the stream and watching them float away.

I am now sat here trying to decide what sort of cake to make him for his 2nd birthday - he has asked for a "choo, choo" cake but has also asked for a Pingu one, I was planning something not too taxing so that I could focus my efforts on designing Christmas cupcakes but then on reflection I have decided that he is far more important so I am off now to try and gather some inspiration (ooh and to eat Chocolate Cornflake Cakes).......

A day in the big city........

Well it's official I am a rubbish blogger - or maybe that's a bit harsh and I should say that I'm an uncommited one.
Crocus Cakes was finally launched to the sound of my Kenwood Chef on 1 September and since then I have been busy making cupcakes and other delights to inflict on the customers of the Inkpen and Woolton Hill Village Markets. Euan (who is nearly two) is mummy's favourite helper as every time I make something new he greets it with the words "wow - cake", if that's the only feedback I ever get then I will be a happy woman.
Today I had the joys of travelling up to the big smoke for a day learning how to make sugar orchids at Cakes 4 Fun in Putney. It meant a very early start, which as anyone who sees me running to the school gates in the morning will know, is not my forte. The day was a resounding success, with our lovely tutor Celia being very patient and encouraging and the girls in the class were all great. I managed to make a very cool cupcake topper and a spray of orchids - photo's to follow. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get any time for shopping (Brian breathes a sigh of relief) but I did get a whole day of mummy time and tea was cooked for me when I got home!!!!
Anyway a rather boring post from me - but I do promise to put up some pictures (cakes & puppy), recipes and write something more often than every 2 months. I'm off for some cake and a cuppa.
"How long does getting thin take?" asked Pooh anxiously. "About a week I should think"......

Cakes and Puppies

Well this is the first post of my new blog, which was supposed to be all about my journey in the world of cake making and design. However, the arrival into our family of a very cute little girl puppy may prove to be distracting.
Bracken is a Spanish Water Dog, she is nine weeks old and is very definitely full of character. Arriving on Monday, she was understandably a little taken aback and sad to have left her mum, sister and her lovely human family, we were worried about how she would adapt to her new family with two boys and an elderly collie x for company. Forty eight hours later she seems to be thriving and is very definitely aiming to become the boss! Time to reach for the puppy training manual and retire to the garden with a G&T.....................