tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83341642677918011452024-03-21T00:52:47.915-07:00Karen dishes up Just DessertConfessions of a cake decorator. By appointment only.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-21791428676075419022009-09-03T11:06:00.001-07:002009-09-03T11:07:12.195-07:00Oh, I'm back...<strong>It's been awhile!</strong><br /><br /><br />I wanna have the same last dream again <br />The one where I wake up and I'm alive <br />Just as the four walls close me within <br />My eyes are open up with pure sunlight <br />I'm the first to know <br />My dearest friends <br />Even if your hope has burned with time <br />Anything that is dead shall be re-grown <br />And your vicious pain, your warning sign <br />You will be fine <br /><br />Hey oh here I am <br />And here we go <br />Life’s waiting to begin <br /><br />Any type of love it will be showed<br />Like every single tree reach for the sky <br />If you're gonna fall <br />I'll let you know <br />That I will pick you up <br />Like you for I <br />I felt this thing <br />I can't replace <br />When everyone was working for this goal <br />Where all the children left without a trace <br />Only to come back as pure as gold <br />To recite this all <br /><br />Hey oh here I am <br />And here we go <br />Life’s waiting to begin <br />Tonight <br />Hey oh here I am <br />And here we go <br />Life’s waiting to begin <br />Tonight <br />Hey oh here I am <br />And here we go <br />Life’s waiting to begin <br /><br />I can not live <br />I can’t breathe <br />Unless you do this with me <br />I can not live <br />I can’t breathe <br />Unless you do this with me <br />I can not live <br />I can’t breathe <br />Unless you do this with me <br />I can not live <br />I can’t breathe <br />Unless you do this with me <br />I can not live <br />I can’t breathe <br />Unless you do this with me <br />I can not live <br />I can’t breathe <br />Unless you do this with me <br /><br />Hey oh, here I am (do this with me) <br />Here we go <br />Life's waiting to begin (do this with me) <br />Hey oh, here I am (do this with me) <br />Here we go <br />Life's waiting to begin <br />Life's waiting to begin <br /><br />(Angels and Airwaves; "The Adventure")Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-11257505744753500712008-09-30T07:59:00.001-07:002008-09-30T08:00:14.331-07:00I can not live, I can't breathe, unless you do this with meAngels and Airwaves. Jacksonville, NC, September 19, 2008<br />One happy Karen!<br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HYI-_bM_NS4&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HYI-_bM_NS4&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object>Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-62429811110798694602008-09-27T07:25:00.000-07:002008-09-27T07:26:30.532-07:00Thank you Paul Newman.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfRxA2hVhqq3Xm_fpzHaZxRbuQoJeI0AhmVsffYhGgPm-B4Zu257guDNBKH24kGtDzwbqt49tZNm1ayck9OYsFvFDyZSKT1oIf_9mSDw-LSKKuJE_TYOsfujcJwGWg0Cca9LqAbna5t0/s1600-h/paulnewman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfRxA2hVhqq3Xm_fpzHaZxRbuQoJeI0AhmVsffYhGgPm-B4Zu257guDNBKH24kGtDzwbqt49tZNm1ayck9OYsFvFDyZSKT1oIf_9mSDw-LSKKuJE_TYOsfujcJwGWg0Cca9LqAbna5t0/s320/paulnewman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250707394745373106" /></a><br />You will be remembered as a quintessential American male and great man.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-56498393500878963472008-09-26T07:07:00.001-07:002008-09-26T07:07:36.901-07:00Song of the daySwitchfoot's<br />Only Hope<br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vlWQKIgSvuA&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vlWQKIgSvuA&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object>Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-13460042018961839372008-09-24T06:09:00.000-07:002008-09-24T06:17:39.449-07:00I have such a craving for M&MsAs a certified chocolatier, you would think my tastes run a little bit more sophisticated. And normally, they do; an ounce of sublime dark chocolate or a sumptious truffle will just satisfy like nothing else. But, there are times, when a handful of M&Ms will hit the spot like nothing else.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dCvAv1OIS_7SsxJeeOHGbaDT2Yz3-sbbgIRj1NWB_iVd3OKtCbCUdUktP3MY6hcsEf4SbEMS2ZBCXHA3XXPq-5CPxa8GV8r2wP6CMnSVWOCDyIJxtYLLEslhsxC0GV4xA9MzwF00GKw/s1600-h/mm1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dCvAv1OIS_7SsxJeeOHGbaDT2Yz3-sbbgIRj1NWB_iVd3OKtCbCUdUktP3MY6hcsEf4SbEMS2ZBCXHA3XXPq-5CPxa8GV8r2wP6CMnSVWOCDyIJxtYLLEslhsxC0GV4xA9MzwF00GKw/s320/mm1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249575799829867778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuESe1UZjgq6pbEbvHtNB_tVwMBMa5StzkhVx58FIosvP6RfpVuB3TDZf_bZKctmctxFNq2goVAD2iBMqopwDM5On0LYNoZnduHfKhuMcuQd-ZEH0qCblt9Dxka09r3e9jkC6kUpQnfxk/s1600-h/mm3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuESe1UZjgq6pbEbvHtNB_tVwMBMa5StzkhVx58FIosvP6RfpVuB3TDZf_bZKctmctxFNq2goVAD2iBMqopwDM5On0LYNoZnduHfKhuMcuQd-ZEH0qCblt9Dxka09r3e9jkC6kUpQnfxk/s320/mm3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249575660621290962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBZbpaDkmrDTXqikwQQh52Hcsa-AloygWpBlECj-FntyKLTabdk3GsWPExafQN3wKApybaL1HaVBocDKkDn0bBN_myYfVAzMRXojU2QZxz-rYcqhGos2bD55Pk1zWUkD0IsOFWrHI6Us/s1600-h/MMCake_with_Topper_v2-286x421.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBZbpaDkmrDTXqikwQQh52Hcsa-AloygWpBlECj-FntyKLTabdk3GsWPExafQN3wKApybaL1HaVBocDKkDn0bBN_myYfVAzMRXojU2QZxz-rYcqhGos2bD55Pk1zWUkD0IsOFWrHI6Us/s320/MMCake_with_Topper_v2-286x421.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249575432035947746" /></a><br />Love cake by Dahlia's Custom Cakes.<br /><br />M&M satellite cakes by Cater It Simple.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-10962414980141430822008-09-19T11:16:00.001-07:002008-09-19T11:21:58.269-07:00Champagne wishes (and caviar dreams)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReM60XofPYmE9a_R0ZB9Qs-ZNXCZkb4IcxQZdpOEDSfReEtwHbViszjh8Ws3stwZKXCTtUXc1X5PrJ1e64-hYBOOuscuqUTWpIWEQjGNnkDY5O30qdMKP6Vt1nRFycY4hTP0PhTN9G8Y/s1600-h/champagneyay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReM60XofPYmE9a_R0ZB9Qs-ZNXCZkb4IcxQZdpOEDSfReEtwHbViszjh8Ws3stwZKXCTtUXc1X5PrJ1e64-hYBOOuscuqUTWpIWEQjGNnkDY5O30qdMKP6Vt1nRFycY4hTP0PhTN9G8Y/s400/champagneyay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247799364551342002" /></a><br /><br />Hi Karen,I would like to thank you again for the cake, it was beautiful. My sister was blown away! You do amazing work. I will be sure to let you know if I or anyone I know needs another cake made. Here are some pics of the cake.AbbeyKaren's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-68664132801405755302008-09-17T05:58:00.000-07:002008-09-17T06:01:39.400-07:00Not a Soccer Mom!Since my son will never play soccer (for the foreseeable future anyway), I won't ever be called a Soccer Mom. I am however, venturing into the neo-suburban world of Parent Teacher Organizations. I'm the new Vice-President of my son's school's PTO.<br />Something tells me I'll be organizing a bake sale sometime this year!Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-11288851860193101622008-09-11T09:59:00.000-07:002008-09-11T10:00:04.245-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmQcdb0U2h2t-RH-IyR8j0N7Fhpi1lMg_KEYgyXvgAAk0nniHxv3eex6E7dd2YbfVIVxKY65pKuLe402Sieh4uWUIU4xSPfa6qpaEOsiP2R3FqD7dNSLjgHr0Sh3gTgPgNisJry6jomE/s1600-h/godblessamerica.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmQcdb0U2h2t-RH-IyR8j0N7Fhpi1lMg_KEYgyXvgAAk0nniHxv3eex6E7dd2YbfVIVxKY65pKuLe402Sieh4uWUIU4xSPfa6qpaEOsiP2R3FqD7dNSLjgHr0Sh3gTgPgNisJry6jomE/s400/godblessamerica.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244809616208636738" /></a>Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-73151738847272338982008-08-27T07:56:00.000-07:002008-09-11T05:55:02.950-07:00Yay! Wedding pictures!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit21p0imz51ExbyluRY2npFtej-pZ6TJQmlGISEMPd0AggMw2zSdBFgItj6V98UtM12pZ-oCufiBzM1q1HFrS7csg74afUWdniy8cqV0GHwLJDAOgqU_Sf9pY9fbuQJRFTax4vGlPkz78/s1600-h/robinson4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit21p0imz51ExbyluRY2npFtej-pZ6TJQmlGISEMPd0AggMw2zSdBFgItj6V98UtM12pZ-oCufiBzM1q1HFrS7csg74afUWdniy8cqV0GHwLJDAOgqU_Sf9pY9fbuQJRFTax4vGlPkz78/s320/robinson4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244746475344715058" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MoXbnUxEvaR98LY13wJNH9VjwP14J8JQQ1gp-uj2yPeGaUFuvedIWhoPXt9_Ytg2La71s27cz2l0wlwNKccGuwcA5x7dtJmzDoYB8HHjou0L-KpB7P2v-GPVTM3sGcfTdyti6mvZbX8/s1600-h/robinson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MoXbnUxEvaR98LY13wJNH9VjwP14J8JQQ1gp-uj2yPeGaUFuvedIWhoPXt9_Ytg2La71s27cz2l0wlwNKccGuwcA5x7dtJmzDoYB8HHjou0L-KpB7P2v-GPVTM3sGcfTdyti6mvZbX8/s320/robinson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244746014807922050" /></a><br /><br /><br />Congratulations to T and E on their marriage! Here are some of the photos they were gracious enough to send to me. Their reception was at the Bluewater Grill in Wrightsville Beach. Best wishes to them both for a long and happy life together. Semper Fi.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-13105859147464561122008-08-13T04:41:00.000-07:002008-08-13T04:43:01.934-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GwV5WwKCGagWiC7fYGJW3spVlWieALvkwU-G8wVi8YV1PsBvdZ03E5mQCUfi7kBlg5w0hAZN7agTfGF4ArsTqIbllJGaXNzKFagw8jbSv7cCXPEQeORFGMIEw0hbf_HlCD4SZZ0bcyc/s1600-h/chocolatewaterfall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GwV5WwKCGagWiC7fYGJW3spVlWieALvkwU-G8wVi8YV1PsBvdZ03E5mQCUfi7kBlg5w0hAZN7agTfGF4ArsTqIbllJGaXNzKFagw8jbSv7cCXPEQeORFGMIEw0hbf_HlCD4SZZ0bcyc/s320/chocolatewaterfall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233966310367486210" /></a><br />From RoadsideAmerica.com:<br />Anchorage, Alaska - Chocolate Waterfall and Fountain <br />Inside "Alaska Wildberry Products" you'll find a 20-ft. chocolate waterfall that spills into a beautiful fountain, the waterfall is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. It contains 3,400 pounds of real liquid chocolate. Finger dipping is of course discouraged. <br /><br /><br />I am looking for a contractor who can install one of these in my house.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-67648959046058094282008-07-24T07:09:00.001-07:002008-07-24T07:11:55.970-07:00BrowniesSo I have found the perfect brownie recipe. After some testing, taste-testing, and reviews by objective folks, the results are in!<br /><br />It's new on the menu, and just fabulous. They're sliced big enough to say "I can't believe I ate the whole thing", and fabulous enough for you to say "but I'll have another one too!".Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-55701602486938468192008-07-17T13:28:00.000-07:002008-07-17T13:32:48.279-07:00CameraSo, I have been relying on disposable cameras to take photos of my work, particularly wedding cakes after setup. Of course, you see no new photos posted because I bought one without a flash; ergo, all the pictures are very dark. <br /><br />I hate buying gadgets and anything electronic. I can't commit to spending alot of money on something that really takes a beating from me, and ends up sticky with icing. But, it looks like I'll need to take the plunge and buy something; my portfolio is looking old, and I've done some pretty cool cakes lately.<br /><br />Any recommendations?Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-50756770083192067082008-07-07T11:36:00.001-07:002008-07-07T11:37:05.151-07:00Happy birthday to my not-so-baby-anymore<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZJJJxLoM5Wh3CsY5umGFO_vnQugQJG2OMTUQLSTvXV0vqEE9GMAo1xgpYF9lKJ7PTHWYdvef-IuMafEHWCAs845_apc76qtLFJqJevasCexhY92oFX2CJmnwzaCn0q0cWSs43yyxf90/s1600-h/Aidanbw1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZJJJxLoM5Wh3CsY5umGFO_vnQugQJG2OMTUQLSTvXV0vqEE9GMAo1xgpYF9lKJ7PTHWYdvef-IuMafEHWCAs845_apc76qtLFJqJevasCexhY92oFX2CJmnwzaCn0q0cWSs43yyxf90/s320/Aidanbw1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220342993541811410" /></a>Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-88383887095251370612008-07-02T13:42:00.000-07:002008-07-02T13:43:17.351-07:00Thank you to everyone who supports freedom<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p44/Magickal_EMT/Holiday%20Pics/?action=view¤t=FireworksHappyIndependenceDay.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p44/Magickal_EMT/Holiday%20Pics/FireworksHappyIndependenceDay.gif" border="0" alt="Fireworks Happy Independence Day"></a>Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-16612928378146441292008-06-15T19:53:00.000-07:002008-06-16T14:45:07.583-07:00Tag, I'm it!The rules are as follows:<br /><br />1. Post the rules!<br />2. Answer the questions about yourself<br />3. At the end of the post, list 5-6 people you would like to tag and leave a comment on their blog letting them know<br />4. Let the person who tagged you know that you posted your answers.<br /><br />So here goes....1. What were you doing 10 years ago? <br />Working in NJ for a nonprofit agency serving people with developmental disabilities.<br /><br />2. What are 5 things on your to-do list today? <br />I am done for the day! But...went to church, packed my son for camp, drove my son to camp, actually let my son stay at camp (instead of changing my mind, and my husband was thinking the same thing!), and catch up on emails/paperwork<br /><br />3. What are some snacks you enjoy?<br />I love popcorn. And chocolate chip cookies. And strawberries.<br /> <br />4. What would you do if you were a billionaire? <br />Share, share, and share. And give, give, and give.<br /><br /><br />5. What are three of your bad habits? <br />I make a lot of lists, and misplace them constantly. <br /><br />6. 5 places you have lived? <br />I've lived in over a dozen towns in NJ, and 2 towns in NC.<br /><br />7. What are 5 jobs you have had? Cake decorator, nanny, nonprofit supervisor, shipping clerk, waitress.<br /><br />8. What is currently playing on your Ipod? I don't have one.<br />9. What are the last 5-6 books you have read? The Bible (not the whole thing..it's a a work in progress); Winter Solstice; Black and Blue; Look Me in the Eye; Tara Road.<br />10. Who do you want to tag? Oh, I don't know.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-30305057751205978952008-06-10T07:19:00.001-07:002008-06-10T07:26:04.814-07:00Summer vacation!Today is the last day of school for my son, who has been counting the days since April. In just 5 days, he'll be leaving for his first foray into summer camp. He'll be going to a wonderful program run by the NC Autism Society, and spending 5 nights at a sleepaway camp. He's not even 7 years old yet, but this is an opportunity that you snatch up while you can.<br />My son has always made the most progress when he is challenged to do new and sometimes scary things. Likewise, my husband and I have always made the most progress with him when we make ourselves not baby him. Autism has made him young-at-heart, and sometimes young emotionally, but we have to push him out of the nest sometimes. And watch him fly.<br />He always lands on his feet.<br /><br />Am I nervous? You bet. Is my son? I'm not sure, but he's already told me what I need to pack for his "summer camp". And I will probably sit on his bed every day while he is gone and cry. A little because I miss him, but mainly because I am so proud.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-38022219039693494482008-06-02T07:08:00.001-07:002008-06-02T07:16:16.375-07:00Gift cakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW9BRVMEk-y6rNQSRjb-3r_ebr0bOacFAzudeXnDeibnvLrcyUyOo_WOGRXHIv0fowa7DUW0W7Mh-1VgtJNu02FGz2gXlarIeqa9EJ692BLUC1VEhgYVhnaVjTLfs3-mJ1LL178LKTBY/s1600-h/melissa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW9BRVMEk-y6rNQSRjb-3r_ebr0bOacFAzudeXnDeibnvLrcyUyOo_WOGRXHIv0fowa7DUW0W7Mh-1VgtJNu02FGz2gXlarIeqa9EJ692BLUC1VEhgYVhnaVjTLfs3-mJ1LL178LKTBY/s320/melissa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207287661224394754" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjnCCBpOqfxuyYeTM3YVCv9mFCn9oSb-xPefHmJvKHqguXd6kjuP5alApqqCM9HXu4Dgx7WZGBLwNwI6-R_jfZaaCJrF83kYTobAV7u1DnUeO8uIjeo9IUEA1LafCz7gxBJwYI4rN-yY/s1600-h/allissa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjnCCBpOqfxuyYeTM3YVCv9mFCn9oSb-xPefHmJvKHqguXd6kjuP5alApqqCM9HXu4Dgx7WZGBLwNwI6-R_jfZaaCJrF83kYTobAV7u1DnUeO8uIjeo9IUEA1LafCz7gxBJwYI4rN-yY/s320/allissa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207287508767587538" /></a><br />Sometimes it's good to have a friend that is a cake decorator! Pictured are some cakes I've done recently as gifts (or just for supply costs).Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-73265205107805117442008-05-18T19:56:00.001-07:002008-05-18T20:01:52.072-07:00Really?Has it been almost a month since my last post?<br />Well, since then...I've celebrated a birthday, got pampered on Mother's Day, and made some great cakes, including an elegant beach-themed wedding cake, a colorful- take-on-a-filigree-patterned wedding cake a celestial star-shaped wedding cake, a 4 tier pink girly-girl birthday cake, and a whole lot of cupcakes! I am knee deep in frosting and loving it!<br />The trend I've seen for this summer is no trend whatsoever...every event has been totally different with flavors and themes, and I'm up to the challenge.<br /><br />And congrats to the new addition to the world...Jayden! (I made your baby shower cake!)<br /><br />Pictures soon!Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-81072823848170217972008-04-22T10:28:00.001-07:002008-04-22T10:30:09.619-07:00Autism Awareness Month<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6JmO831MJJudD9C8Je9sTqKoGVVY0r4VKVQXNb9_BbFm1btb86HgI-qZO4WWSkFwBKc16hrgTIw7Em43uYFrc0yGfqVI8HOx263-te_ttGGZtSvfzDacRFa-qYbSdGP1ufHIaH9gRQI/s1600-h/aidanandme.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6JmO831MJJudD9C8Je9sTqKoGVVY0r4VKVQXNb9_BbFm1btb86HgI-qZO4WWSkFwBKc16hrgTIw7Em43uYFrc0yGfqVI8HOx263-te_ttGGZtSvfzDacRFa-qYbSdGP1ufHIaH9gRQI/s320/aidanandme.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192123145887188402" /></a><br /><strong>“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”</strong><br />Dr. Seuss<br /><br />I love someone with Autism. And here he is.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-39979921415307516112008-04-18T05:56:00.000-07:002008-04-18T06:02:13.041-07:00I've been tagged!I'll do it, but just for you, Tara!<br /><br />Six random facts about me.<br /><br />1. I have over 60 first cousins.<br /><br />2. My nickname is from the novel Anna Karenina, which I've never finished reading (sorry, Mom).<br /><br />3. I am allergic to shellfish; I wasn't for the first 20 years of my life, so I know what I'm missing!<br /><br />4. I don't have a favorite flower. I like them all.<br /><br />5. The words "cookie dough" were used in my wedding ceremony. <br /><br />6. I am on a new roller derby team here in Jacksonville, NC. (I can't skate backwards, but I can go forward really fast!)Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-1720500249024960552008-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:002008-04-03T07:53:57.021-07:00Life is good<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7xUpK2nP3gTb-jOQ6BB8LkKHiV26PYd1pPvddtQSziC7_tybT0D1DrWAYcHhM-tUCD9eF6v0E4lVg8HS1hFmEIgckfMXDsKvF61oDVCsPfC_m6Yyl2jYkdF7txvpdMeMJQ_Byn2DmDk/s1600-h/Picture+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7xUpK2nP3gTb-jOQ6BB8LkKHiV26PYd1pPvddtQSziC7_tybT0D1DrWAYcHhM-tUCD9eF6v0E4lVg8HS1hFmEIgckfMXDsKvF61oDVCsPfC_m6Yyl2jYkdF7txvpdMeMJQ_Byn2DmDk/s320/Picture+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185032405048837666" /></a><br />It always has been, really. I've been blessed beyond belief in my life. No, it's not always a "cakewalk", but those times have always been gotten through with an amazing family and a few great friends. <br /><br />I make mistakes...who doesn't? But accepting your own imperfections and making amends and being accountable will make you a far happier and LOVING person. It helps you grow, believe me. I've grown lots these past couple of years!<br /><br />What does this have to do with cake? Nothing, directly, really...but some very good news recently means I don't have to do cakes anymore to earn an income; now, I can just do them because I love to do them. And that is passion.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-28010699788384708102008-03-31T16:27:00.001-07:002008-03-31T16:29:19.008-07:00April<a href="http://s130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/ricabicka/?action=view¤t=AprilAutismAware3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/ricabicka/AprilAutismAware3.jpg" border="0" alt="April Is Autism Awareness Month"></a>Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-37238155182585184742008-03-26T07:24:00.000-07:002008-03-26T07:28:53.254-07:00Divine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyADw6cILO0uME27c-GD_UhbyDKMNX4Mf8jihiNu9MicYGw_JRMiHnXK-vXFoyuVyZqhp6O9tIH4bdUkNW7iBzHGxWHR-_CQhitjPTWPgz6L5Qle2jx5Js86Fp1hqeG6a3Ut4qzT_0FlQ/s1600-h/blog3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyADw6cILO0uME27c-GD_UhbyDKMNX4Mf8jihiNu9MicYGw_JRMiHnXK-vXFoyuVyZqhp6O9tIH4bdUkNW7iBzHGxWHR-_CQhitjPTWPgz6L5Qle2jx5Js86Fp1hqeG6a3Ut4qzT_0FlQ/s320/blog3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182057096519304722" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUDmlWrFO6I1F_KfDt6xaQiyoCMHgj3aHiI-J6PypOEAZOven1XIU31MGFNfah4c8CpMhX6hM0Oa3G8kxyiVyMuFn9CIRi5Etc0h68LMEleJ1y3TjJuL-PrsQA1PwIfDf9-HMpzcAvv0/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUDmlWrFO6I1F_KfDt6xaQiyoCMHgj3aHiI-J6PypOEAZOven1XIU31MGFNfah4c8CpMhX6hM0Oa3G8kxyiVyMuFn9CIRi5Etc0h68LMEleJ1y3TjJuL-PrsQA1PwIfDf9-HMpzcAvv0/s320/blog4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182056989145122306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92DRAUR-hDYS96CCgvkLrTOYGjTTW0SCWB6LyXKWW8MwAJEuGUd2NRN5SD3YTPj2wWfDL9VYOqBMLa023hwEUzE2ZT2M2EnOWgV9WSyE_19ZvtK5L7pwZ-9-8r3bfyQrCVBQVA93Rkn0/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92DRAUR-hDYS96CCgvkLrTOYGjTTW0SCWB6LyXKWW8MwAJEuGUd2NRN5SD3YTPj2wWfDL9VYOqBMLa023hwEUzE2ZT2M2EnOWgV9WSyE_19ZvtK5L7pwZ-9-8r3bfyQrCVBQVA93Rkn0/s320/blog2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182056787281659378" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbZP8BCzymWNLlGeQhvG06KuoggrBBz120g44YYRWQf2_0tROqXUSQem5GW6r4LtpEi0suChPAO0_45IVdokBfjztAMTiA8QqRHaLz8wD-SpTf1HRfV7DMxY9eiaWnFwQWNKFPDuM0rg/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbZP8BCzymWNLlGeQhvG06KuoggrBBz120g44YYRWQf2_0tROqXUSQem5GW6r4LtpEi0suChPAO0_45IVdokBfjztAMTiA8QqRHaLz8wD-SpTf1HRfV7DMxY9eiaWnFwQWNKFPDuM0rg/s320/blog1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182056675612509666" /></a><br />Chocolate-dipped strawberries and handmade truffles are becoming more popular than ever at weddings and other special events.<br /><br />Here are several beautiful ways these scrumptious delectables can be displayed.Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-12981390554720050142008-03-25T05:22:00.000-07:002008-03-25T05:41:08.277-07:00Girly girl!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuihtWNeHgq_elztAA3Rza4sze9tIngGc87t16VgBhVLYFK57s7Jt0pMLtMc-7aMFGmUeONQW8TR4E269boqm8bpVTYuEIKaAQ7h8pZd8DqmCdeVHJ5rVPg1RRjm83evamn5K2UVAuUA/s1600-h/sw3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuihtWNeHgq_elztAA3Rza4sze9tIngGc87t16VgBhVLYFK57s7Jt0pMLtMc-7aMFGmUeONQW8TR4E269boqm8bpVTYuEIKaAQ7h8pZd8DqmCdeVHJ5rVPg1RRjm83evamn5K2UVAuUA/s320/sw3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181654267241645506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BT4zb7L7RIwZjYNfnkX1v1NymlnCCUVO_3iWAaa1thKKtk3DVWemxuI0Q0062NMnpGMkyXzpZ8kyLxAAOmS2og1v5WK2dXUaypzaIo0lWz6zk-aNJGlkwviWc2dOospm9mRdYKgqQIk/s1600-h/sw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BT4zb7L7RIwZjYNfnkX1v1NymlnCCUVO_3iWAaa1thKKtk3DVWemxuI0Q0062NMnpGMkyXzpZ8kyLxAAOmS2og1v5WK2dXUaypzaIo0lWz6zk-aNJGlkwviWc2dOospm9mRdYKgqQIk/s320/sw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181654185637266866" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oRe_a3pkBG3dEWOscbWSUgrE2twkiRcRLEHBa147ThtP8q7a0vzz2WYWCHuGLpss8gNiJiz3FquuK30hQxvAHsiWLfv_e_wVMamN9-ef9WfhDHSKmC4-dQJm87ikymAVk79Ol6wxZ7o/s1600-h/sw1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oRe_a3pkBG3dEWOscbWSUgrE2twkiRcRLEHBa147ThtP8q7a0vzz2WYWCHuGLpss8gNiJiz3FquuK30hQxvAHsiWLfv_e_wVMamN9-ef9WfhDHSKmC4-dQJm87ikymAVk79Ol6wxZ7o/s320/sw1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181654048198313378" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From Estiloweddings.com<br /><br />Swarovski cake "jewelry"....from small ornaments to wedding cake toppers, these are beautiful keepsakes.<br /><br /><strong></strong>Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8334164267791801145.post-88287831862964024912008-03-22T06:12:00.000-07:002008-03-22T06:15:29.019-07:00Baking tip of the day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDqQRDIbGX-sRAoZWu1BvGAjA5eXcSFVn7P9y-UshX9BJlskF47PNTaSSRuUFPhTkLPG3rwR24FgjGL3YB-n0Xu0HOwSqFmBTIsWLBywiNPxmUh4j1Q0eYcMyhv3n-ufRtdcPl7X-8aM/s1600-h/cccake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDqQRDIbGX-sRAoZWu1BvGAjA5eXcSFVn7P9y-UshX9BJlskF47PNTaSSRuUFPhTkLPG3rwR24FgjGL3YB-n0Xu0HOwSqFmBTIsWLBywiNPxmUh4j1Q0eYcMyhv3n-ufRtdcPl7X-8aM/s400/cccake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180553815016031634" /></a><br />If you have a recipe that calls for (candy) chips, toss them with a little flour before folding them into the batter. Then, they will be less prone to sink to the bottom. <br /><br />We have an awesome chocolate chip cake, by the way. It might make you give up cookies...Karen's Just Desserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02938421648376048358noreply@blogger.com0