Baker's Coconut Animal Cut-Up Cakes

Last year, my Granny Parma sent me an old Baker’s Coconut Brand booklet full of Animal Cut-Up Cake ideas. It was published by General Foods Kitchens and it looks like the date says 1959. Included with the booklet was a letter that read:

Krystina, You’re so talented, I thought you might like to copy some of these to make cakes for Marin. I found it in my recipes etc – Cleaning out old stuff. Hope you can use it. Enjoyed your visit and seeing Marin. Thanks for coming, Love, Granny.

I think it must have been a booklet my mom used to make birthday cakes for my siblings and I, because I recognized the elephant cake. I’ve been so excited about using one of these cut-up cakes and had settled on the duck cake for Marin’s birthday. But, I think I’ll modify it a bit so that the duck looks like the duck on Marin’s invitations. Anyway, I absolutely LOVED every pattern in the book but more than anything I loved that Granny thought to send it to me. Here are a few ideas for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to read the “Cut-up Cake Hints” page. The illustrations are so cute. I've only included a few of the cakes here. To see all of the cakes check out my Food category on Flickr.

I’ve been a member of the Polk County Habitat for Humanity group for about four years. I’m in charge of the website and recently created a blog site for the affiliate. Habitat is very active here in Polk County and I'm extremely blessed by my involvement. When you have a few minutes, I invite you to check out the Polk County Habitat for Humanity website and blog. The goal of Habitat is to provide simple decent housing for families in need. Maybe you know someone who qualifies for a Habitat home; or are interested in volunteering. Our current project is “Cochran’s Crossing” a mini Habitat community on “Miracle Way” off of Beatty St in Livingston. If you are in the area, drive by. It’s a lovely road and a real dream come true for the five families that live there.

Girly Girl

I meant to share this photo from the swimming party last weekend and forgot. How cute is my little strawberry?

Swimming Party {Cutest Cupcakes!}

My sister-n-law Christy made the cutest cupcakes for Collin and Corynn's birthday party on Saturday. I just had to share these pictures. How totally cute are these cupcakes? The shark fins were a big hit with the kids. I couldn't get over the bears in bikinis. Each one was different!!! Not only were they cute, they were delicious too! Great inspiration for anyone planning a pool party this summer.

Navy Baby Shower {Special Delivery!}

I'm in the process of planning a baby shower for my friend Amanda. Her husband is a Medic Coreman with the Navy and is currently deployed with a Marine platoon. He won't be home in time for the shower or their first baby's arrival. I wanted to be sure Joe felt included in all the events leading up to the birth of his baby girl. So, I'm basing the theme around him.

The back of the invitation reads:

Joe is away, but can’t wait for the day,

that his baby girl will arrive.

Amanda’s belly is growing, and she’s happy in knowing,

baby "K" is snuggling inside.

Despite the ocean that divides, they both cannot hide,

the love and excitement they share.

Daddy is sad he’s not here, so let’s bring him some cheer

with a package marked handle with care.

Suggested Items for the CARE package: Books on fathering, a brag book for pictures, a journal, letters of encouragement, a written description of Amanda and her belly, a list of ideas for ways for Joe to bond and be supportive from afar.

These invitations will be mailed in handmade atlas envelopes to perpetuate the "theme."

Instructions on making your own map envelopes are below.

Items you'll need: Envelope to create a template from, an old atlas or map, pen, scissors, exacto knife, ruler and double sided tape (I used Scotch Tape Runner). Gently open the envelope and flatten. Trace outer edges of envelope on a piece of heavy weight paper. I used the cover from the atlas.

Once you've create the template, use this to trace the outline of the envelope onto the maps. I used a red pen. Cut out the envelope using your scissors or the exacto knife and ruler. Place the ruler from corner point to corner point and score using the backside edge of the exacto knife blade. Do this to all four edges. This makes it easy to fold each of the edges.
Using double sided tape, adhere the bottom flap to the left and right sides of the envelope. Once you get the pattern down it's simple. I made 30 envelopes in just under an hour.

If you'd rather buy these, ready for mailing, check out Jam Paper. They have a variety of sizes available and prices range from 30-65 cents each.

Another Ribbon Wand

I made another Ribbon Wand for Corynn's birthday. I'm still perfecting the design. Having problems with the decorative wooden animals staying attached. Steven helped me this time and we used tiny screws to hold the lady bug on. I also chose to use a satin ribbon this time. I'm anxious to see if it holds up to "child abuse."

I thought the yellow pole with the red and black ladybug was so pretty! Happy Birthday Corynn. I hope you like your Ribbon Baton.

Marin's First Fishing Trip

Thursday afternoon Steven took Marin fishing. He was so excited about exposing Marin to the world of fishing. I think he had visions of the special daddy daughter time they would share. He couldn't wait to create a hobby they would enjoy together.

Marin loved the pond, she loved helping daddy make her first fishing rod out of a cane pole and wanted to help him get the hook and worm ready. Things were going just as Steven envisioned. They sat on the end of the dock, handmade pole in hand, just daddy and his baby Marin, waiting for a bite. Then they caught Marin's first fish.

There was a wiggle on the end of the pole and the bobber went out of site. Marin jumped and was instantly afraid. With each following fish her fear became more intense. The last catch was brought it while Marin clung to daddy's neck repeating "mommy? daddy? I scared..." The dream world was gone.

Steven saved her first fish thinking I would want pictures. Below is Marin and her first fish. Maybe Steven will try fishing with her again…next year. Sorry daddy.