I work alone, with no help at all. From start to finish. I bake, I decorate, I clean up everything all by my lonesome.
I am extremely exhausted.
My back and hands are hurting.
I am terribly sleep-deprived.
It has just been cake, cake, cake, and more cake these past few days. Cakes, in between taking the kids to school and picking them up, cooking meals, cleaning, washing, ironing and folding clothes, etc. You get what I mean...
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| Angry Birds-themed red velvet cake |
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| Batman-themed chocolate cake |
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| Spiderman-themed red velvet cake |
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| Super Mario-themed purple yam cake |
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| Racing car themed purple yam cake |
There are actually more. These are just the ones that took my time and energy the most. Why were there so many birthday parties at the same time???? And they all wanted LARGE, decorated cakes.
I am passionate about what I'm doing BUT sometimes I just wish it would stop. OR I have to at least learn how to say no.
But then again, how can I, knowing I am somehow making little kids' birthdays more special with these cakes?
I don't know what to do.
Do you charge money for these cakes? If you love what you do, and you are making enough money to make it worth your time, then keep doing it. If you don't love it, no matter how much you make, stop doing it. If you do love it but are not making enough to make it worthwhile, increase your prices so that the compensation you receive will make it worth your time. You might not have quite as much business, but the business you do have will be more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteIf you are doing this without compensation, you might want to rethink that. Your time is worth something, as well as all you invest in supplies and utilities and learning new techniques.
Do what's in your heart!
MGM
Hi!!!! The pleasure in seeing a kid smile in front of your baked cake is unmeasurable. I had just experience it yesterday... I've made my very 1st birthday cake (actually its two cake) for my son, though not that perfect but for Him and his friends,. iT IS THE BEST CAKE EVER.. and I am very very happy..
ReplyDeleteEnjoy baking!!!
I am plagued by the same routine, although I don't make as much cake as you do. But I love baking and if I feel stressed, baking is the only way for me to wind down. I also sell some of the cakes that I make (big thanks to your recipes) and my friends have asked me to advertise more to sell more--I actually refused and take only a few orders at a time because on top of the cakes, I do want to bake cookies for my own kids, as if being a full-time mum isn't enough!
ReplyDeleteI love the cakes that you make, and I do not want you to stop making them! I find that having two (or even three) KitchenAid bowls help--leave the cleaning up for the morrow!
Your cakes are beautiful, love filled, delicious works of art. This may sound a bit harsh, but I would consider raising my prices a little bit. Your talent and time are worth it. I realize that you are not motivated solely by the money. I cannot imagine the immense pleasure you get from seeing those excited faces, but the demand is high and you are in short supply.
ReplyDeleteMary Grace said it...
ReplyDeletereconsider it...
And I can relate so good to it...
for me it helps, when I take some time off... like a whole Saturday together with oter women who likes to sew like me...
or just go straight to bed at 9 pm... no matter what... or take a short nap after lunch... just 15 min. can help you tremendous...
your cakes are awesome... you know that... but to make them for others should really pay off... because your time is very valuable...
hugs...
Andrea
I understand what you mean how to say 'no'. I make cupcakes for friends' kids -they always order 80-120 pcs-and I merely charge at cost. The photos I get back from the parties show satisfied faces. But they don't know the effort and mega-time constraints I have to juggle to deliver. Now, I have to be honest and say 'sorry' even though I would like to because my priorities have changed to my baby comes first.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to be selective about your clients. Accept orders that would challenge you, but not overly tire you out to the point of exhaustion.
You have to be realistic and only do what can be feasible during the daylight hours, so your nights can be relaxation time, and not mad-rush cake decorating.
Good luck! Listen to your body's complaints and maybe ask your kids what they think too.
Your cakes are absolutely fabulous! My DD would be over the moon for that angry birds cake!
ReplyDeleteI used to make and sell iron on patches on etsy. Took over my life, leaving no time for my DD so I quit completely! I've never regretted it! So if your time is taking you away from someone special, you might want to reconsider!
Now of course I've been crocheting and sewing purses....stock piling to sell later, but this way, on my own time.
Again, your cakes are works of art!
MAC
Hi Corinne,
ReplyDeleteYour cakes are beautiful and works of art. I know that you love what you're doing but maybe you just need a break or do something that will take your mind off from baking for a while. Take it easy.
Hi Corinne,
ReplyDeleteThey are right you're cakes are awesome beautiful... You are very lucky you've got a talent in baking...me no matter how many times i tried its still a failure.. but hey, i'm not giving-up... and still continue baking... and also its not only the kids you make smile and happy its also us your followers... seeing you're cake inspires me to bake no matter what will be the result... hehehe...
Anyway, if you really feel tired, just get a break for yourself, but dont give-up on baking... god bless!
Wow, you are truly gifted at this. I couldn't make or decorate a cake that looked that good if my life depended on it. If you are making these cakes as a favor, or charging very little for them, I would definitely learn to say no if it is getting in the way of enjoying your life and family. As a quilter, I know that other non sewers don't have a clue as to the amount of time, effort, and money that goes into the items I "gift" them, I'm sure the same can be said for your cakes. If asked to do a favor that you feel may stress you out, just politely tell them how flattered you are that they have asked but you just aren't able to take on any more projects at this time and that maybe in the future when you aren't so busy you will be able to accomodate them - at least that is what I do.
ReplyDeleteCorinne, I say continue with what you are doing. These are not merely cakes, but these are works of art and your fruits of hard labour, artistry and passion. That can never be equalled with money. Your generosity in sharing your recipe is another thing that makes you admirable. There maybe times you feel like giving up, but maybe all you need is a tiny break.. Your cakes are yummy, I should know I am one of your customers. Keep baking!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Corrine,
ReplyDeleteI love your creation. It gives me inspiration to bake and learn more.I work as a fulltime nurse and for me, baking ease stress. Your cakes make me smile how much more the kids on their special day..Just take a bit of time off baking, maybe once a month with your family. Hope you are still happy baking so i can see more from you.
Hi Corinne,
ReplyDeleteI can understand what you mean. But your cakes are really lovely, and I'm sure, really delicious, too. You're a victim of your own success. Sometimes everything just seems to get to you, to be too much. Now and then it's normal to feel overwhelmed, when you're a mom. Just think of the smiles that come to the faces of the people who've seen your cakes, and eaten them, too. The joy on children's faces can make your day. Keep up the great work, and think of us, too, your readers, who like all that eye candy. Me especially. Greetings from the Netherlands. Spring started here today.
corrine can i have your icing recipe, please thank you
ReplyDeleteHi Corinne, are you using Wilton alphabet cut out for the letters. Would you reccommend it as I'm planning to buy one as well. Thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteYes I am using them. There are other options/brands too if you'd like italics, script, groovy, funky, etc letters.
DeleteHi Corrine, your cakes are really awesome esp the Angry birds. my son saw it and he's requesting me to do one too. Are you using a fondant to top on your cake and to make the birds for the decoration? Do you already post your recipe on how to make fondant? I'm looking on the recipes you've posted but can't find it. Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteI do not use fondant to cover my cakes. They are frosted with buttercream.
DeleteFor the decorations, I buy ready to roll fondant then mix it with tylose powder to make gumpaste. It is easier to handle and dries faster and harder.
By the way, I made another Angry Birds cake the other day. You might want to have a look at it in my Flickr (it's in the sidebar).
Hi! What size are these cakes? 12 in?
ReplyDeleteYes, all 12".
Deletehi corrine, your cakes are beautiful!! Just wondering what kind of ribbons are you using. I'm going to make a 2 tier cake and planning to cover the bottom with ribbons but I'm worried that it may bleed because of the grease of the butterceam. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI use waterproof or florist ribbons. The buttercream doesn't bleed through at all.
DeleteThanks so much corrine!! may the lord bless you always..
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