Next Great Baker #GreyNGB Brandy & Ginger

I didn't plan on this web site to have much writing, mainly just pictures of my creations, when I started it a few years ago.  But here I go!  Brandy Smith and Ginger Soave are two fabulous women who, unfortunately, were the first to be eliminated on the Next Great Baker Season 4.  Boo hoo!  My heart immediately went out to Brandy when I learned about her family's situation with a devastating disease.  I've been praying and asking other prayer warriors to pray for Brandy and her family situation.  I'll let her share the details publicly if she so desires.  Just pray for them, please.  God knows what's going on.  Thank you!

After the Meet the Bakers video of these two and the first episode, I find myself defending these friends of mine.  After knowing these girls in a behind-the-scenes way as I do, I just want the world to know that Ginger is a phenomenal cake decorator!  Check out her web site with her exquisite creations: http://www.theicingonthecake-ginger.com.  You'll be as impressed as I was!

And Ginger said it correctly in her Meet the Bakers video--she'll share her wealth of information and expertise with you.  She's been so helpful to me and a huge encouragement.

Brandy, too, is a fabulous caker.  Check out her business Sophisticakes by Brandy (great name!) at http://www.sophisticakesbybrandy.com.  Brandy's cakes come alive!

I love both of those ladies!  May God's blessings be poured out on them in abundance.

OMGOSH! I'm going to be on TV in 2 days!

OK, so here's the scoop:  My baking buddy (Jose Barajas) and I will be one of ten teams to compete on the Next Great Baker airing June 24 on TLC.  Will someone pinch me, please?  I can hardly believe it.  I've been too busy to really take it all in, but the time has come, after much blood, sweat and tears (and buttercream!) to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!  Woot woot!  

I thank my God for giving me this abundant opportunity--not only to be on a reality TV show with the most amazing caker in the world, but to build friendships with the contestants, and especially Jose.  Thank you, Jose Beto Barajas, for asking me to be your cake partner.  And thank You, God, for giving me the courage to say yes to that crazy request to just take the step of faith and apply for the show!  I kept seeing God's hand of blessing and favor upon us week after week.  Such an over-the-top experience!  I'm blessed beyond words!

Check out our Meet the Bakers video

Chima Lego Cake

I made a birthday cake for a little boy named Joshua who turned 6, and he wanted Legend of Chima Lego cake.  Well, I got MY lesson on Chima.  Now I'm an expert (in my own mind).  Chi super powers!  My bestest cake buddy helped me tremendously--Jose Barajas.  Jose, you're my super hero caker!

Aaron's Candy Bar Birthday Cake

Happy 21st Birthday to my adorable sonny boy Aaron Jesse!  Tons of candy went into making this fun cake.

Laurie's Mary Kay Director Debut Cookies

I made these cookies for my wonderful friend Laurie Scott 

as we celebrated her becoming a Mary Kay Sales Director.

This is not Laurie in the pic, it is my other wonderful friend Janelle Fifer.

 

CAST 20 Year Anniversary

August 2013 marked the 20 year anniversary of a very special volunteer program in the City of Chula Vista called CAST--Citizens' Adversity Support Team.  My husband Wes and I are part of the crisis response team that goes out on calls where there is a sudden death, suicide, car accident, SIDS, fire, or domestic violence.  We walk the families through the next steps on their worst possible day.  Emerald Randolph was the founder of this program and continues to lead it with strength and compassion.  Mayor Cheryl Cox gave a proclamation to Emerald for her outstanding service to the Chula Vista community through CAST.

Dr. Seuss Inspired Cake

Fun times with Jose Barajas!  The buzz is out!  This cake was our 5-min. cake challenge as Jose and I auditioned for the show the Next Great Baker.  Not too shabby, since they picked us!  Woot woot!