Bagpack cake

 

This cake is for a dear friend who, in spite of being the embodiment of style and professionalism insists on carrying this bag. Nothing wrong with that, it is indeed a very practical bag. Fashion accessories have grown to be an undeniable section of our personality. Bags are these wonderful embellishments that jazz up our look and complete the ensemble, or they can just be a practical piece of luggage to carry items of need. 

For my lovely friend's birthday, I decided to make a cake identical to her bag with a few possible items that it might contain. The bag is an almond cake with almond ricotta filling. The lipstick and makeup items are made of marzipan.  She did not want to cut it!

Squid cake

This is a cute looking squid from some video game for a 14 year old’s birthday.  I made the cake from a picture and this is how it turned out.  It was a coconut cake with whip cream filling. 

So COVID-19 is on the surge.  As the pandemic drags on, it is becoming harder and harder to follow the prevention guidelines. Distancing efforts have increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness for many people.  Human beings are social animals, so social isolation can be particularly unpleasant and can lead to very negative impact on physical and mental health.

Complacence is dangerous at this time, but it appears like nothing can keep us from celebrating Thanksgiving and getting together with friends and family.  We are experiencing pandemic fatigue. In-spite of news of vaccines I don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel just yet.  This sounds pessimistic but this strange year has imbued a rather toxic uncertainty in us. 

This too shall pass----- 

 

Lipstick cake

 

During the great depression of the United States in the 1930s, Mr Leonard Lauder, of The Estee Lauder group, first proposed the theory of “lipstick effect”.  This theory stipulates that when facing an economic crisis, consumers can not spend a lot of money, but wearing lipstick will increase their confidence, enthusiasm and excitement.  In my opinion wearing lipstick can help us overcome ANY crisis. 

In serious cases of depression or anxiety, no one would suggest that beauty is an acceptable replacement for professional help or medical treatment. Nevertheless, dedicating a little time to ourselves and our body each day can help make us feel a little happier, a little more at peace, and a little less afraid and more in control.  That red lipstick can certainly initiate a jolt of confidence but make sure you wear a smile with that lipstick. 

This birthday cake was for a lovely friend who is a skilled makeup artist.   “The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.”― Calvin Klein.  She specializes in painting that “natural” look.  

Each section of the cake was a different flavor; the bottom was carrot cake with cream cheese filling, the long tube was almond cake with almond cannoli filling and the red part was a chocolate cake with chocolate ganache filling.  Enjoy!

“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.”  ― Coco Chanel