A couple of weeks ago I received an order for a Titans flame cake. I was tickled to death to do this cake. For those that know me, I love my Titans!

I absolutely loved Minnesota (and would move back in a heartbeat) and consider myself a die hard Mid-Westerner (I was born in Chicago). I loved everything about Rochester and felt like I grew some deep roots there. But the one thing that never changed was my Titans love (I could never be a 'Vi-queens' fan!)

I remember when the Titans first came to Nashville. At the time I was working as a commercial property manager for Southeast Venture, LLC. I was responsible for the MetroCenter Property Owners' Association. My boss negotiated the deal with the Titans to build their practice facility in MetroCenter and before I knew it, their beautiful facility was completed. I got a chance to see the building while it was under construction, but never got to see it after the Titans moved in (hmm, wonder why).

The year the Titans won the AFC championship, I thought the whole town was going to go crazy. I remember my boss gave me the job of ordering a congratulatory banner at the entrance to the park. I was so excited - I remember carefully selecting the correct colors for the graphic designer.

The next thing I knew, the Titans were off to the Super Bowl! I just knew they were going to win. They didn't, but that didn't change my devotion to them. I was fascinated with Steve, Eddie and Jevon - they really seemed like nice guys. I hated to see them go their separate ways over the years. I didn't keep up with them as much when I was in Minnesota but when I moved to Huntsville, all the old excitement came back. Being so close to Nashville, I feel as if the Titans are Huntsville's team as well.

When I got the order for the Titans cake, I knew I was back in Titans country. I pulled out my Eddie George jersey, gave it a hug, then later dug into the honorable task of recreating one of the Titans emblems in cake. Ahh, in this way, it's good to be back!

This week I got a chance to take a break from cakes and spend time with out-of-town family. We went to Panoply on Saturday. I really enjoy Panoply - one of the best events in Huntsville, in my book. I enjoyed watching the Umdabu Dance Company although we only caught the last part of it.

I also enjoyed watching my pregnant sister-in-law eat! I love food, too (although I have to be careful because I have so many food allergies), so we had fun sampling all the various food items in the park. She had a great gyro from one of the Greek stands. I don't do lamb so I had a Philly steak and cheese. It was one of the best I've ever had - so well seasoned.

On Sunday we went out to the Limestone County Flea Market. Ya gotta love a good flea market! My sister-in-law is a shop-a-holic so I enjoyed watching her shop - and eat! Out of all the things to see there, the thing that really caught her attention was the half price candy apples! (I know it may seem like I'm picking on her, but I absolutely ADORE my sister-in-law. I adore ALL my sisters-in-law). I've never been a big candy apple fan, but the ones at the market were delicious. I usually pick caramel apples. I love rich food like caramel and chocolate. I made a caramel cake on Saturday at the request of my brother-in-law and it was oh so good! It's been a long time since I've made one so I was a little out of practice. It's tricky getting the temperature and consistency right when dealing with any kind of candy. But it came out pretty good. My brother-in-law says it doesn't matter how it looks because it's always going to end up in the same way!

Sunday night I held my family hostage and forced them to watch the Food Network Challenges with me. Actually, everyone enjoyed them. If you missed them, check out the show schedule for air times as they will be showing them again. The Surprise Engagement Cake challenge was truly amazing and full of drama! You'll have to check it out.

The guy who won both challenges is a pastry instructor at the Notter School of Pastry Art in Orlando, FL. His name is James Rosselle and is a sugar artist who previously worked with one of my favorite sugar artists, Ron Ben-Israel. James' sugarpaste flowers are simply phenomenal and always botanically correct! So much talent for me to aspire to.

Until next time...

I'm a little late with my greeting but it's still January, so hopefully it's still good.

I'm looking forward to an exciting new year and possibly taking on a new wedding related venture (I'll give more details later!)

I had the opportunity of checking out the Bridal Gala at the Huntsville Depot Roundhouse on January 5. What a neat place! It's rustic but very cozy and intimate. A fabulous place for a wedding or reception from casual to formal.

There are new cake pictures so make sure you check the site often to see what I've been up to.

The weekend of June 30 I was in Nashville for my brother-in-law's wedding. All three of my children were in the wedding, my husband was the photographer and I made the cake ('Ivory Pleats' in the Photo Gallery). It was a challenge to travel with the cake and keep it cool in the hot weather. My husband got a huge styrofoam chest and we filled it with ice and the cakes did fine. It is amazing how well plain old styrofoam works. I think it keeps things chilled much better than plastic coolers.

It was a tiring weekend but we thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone. This was the brother we thought would be a bachelor for life! His new wife must be "the one" since she was able to get him to settle down.

I'm traveling to Nashville again to spend time with my mother and father and to talk about our favorite subject - weddings! My parents are in the business and they do everything wedding related from A to Z. I have been pleasantly amazed at their decorating ability - something I've never had a knack for. I have a little bit of an interest in floral arranging but I've always thought it would be too tedious!

Happy New Year!

Beautiful Cakes and Bridals has gone south!. I have just relocated to Huntsville, Alabama with my husband's job. It was somewhat emotional, leaving the city we had grown to love. Now the fun part begins - starting the business all over in a new city!

This Saturday is my birthday and also the start of bridal show time! There is one this Saturday and Sunday (in Huntsville), and a third on January 20. I am amazed that there are so many, but that is one of the joys of living in a bigger city (compared to Rochester).

Thanks for checking in today and check back frequently to see what's new with Beautiful Cakes and Bridals.