Monsoons, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain.

For those of you desert souls
Yes those are clouds
Yes the heat will pass one day,
and oh yes it will rain!

Wordless Wedensday

Hello, I'm home. 12:45 just pulled in.

I made it to the appointment, two minutes to spare. Signed in and she said"your appointment is at 11:00) {:[ ! ,not 9.
With my head weighing oh about as much as a mens bowling ball, I head it up with dignity told them that my husband must of looked at the wrong date last night telling me 9 a.m. in error. "gotta just smile" I said too them, with a migraine that is just about the best response I can come up with.

Having taken one of my secret short cuts through the town I flashed on the Rail Road Park I had just passed. With the check for the jewelery I sold cashed on Monday I had $ in purse.
I Stopped and got the kids a second breakfast and drove back to the park.
May I say how lovely, the monsoons have us here, with early morning cloud cover God gave a breeze. A ride on a train with two little delightful, grateful children, held me up like a sail in the wind. Tylenol is pretty good too.
Then I sat and watched them on the outdoor carasill while the song "feed the birds" ..."all around the cathedral you know they are watching the to see if any one cares", from the movie "Mary Poppins" played. I shed a tear or two of Gratitude, it was like a loving embrace.
I gifted the two with a critter in a can. They freed them (a panda and bear). Played delightfully with them as they walked the tracks then loaded up into the car to go to therapy.
Dash had a checkers lesson and cought on fast ( I keep small travel games in a basket in my trunk).
We came home to the sweet sound of silence for the most part via "train" suckers. :) A sucker is a marvel of Motherhood. Yes I know the sugar thing, but it sure is better than the monster mom thing. Thank you for your prayerful thoughtful loving kindness.

Honor Your Husband #14

Beloved found me awaiting his arrival yesterday. I was in the throws of a bad migraine. I have lesions in my brain that can cause a pretty bad storm. Unable to walk without holding the walls, nauseous with the pain of an electric storm on my intieror cranial dome. I sat just tending the home from my rocking chair thrown.
I sit still this morning praying for relief trying to keep my neck and shoulder mussels from lock up. Stress has a pretty powerful effect on the vessel.

He darkened the room immediately right where I sat, He then got me a drink. When I say crippling I do mean literally. I get partial porralisis on my face and my gate is halted. He helped me to get to our bedroom, darkened the room. Got me into the rest room then into the bed. He got the walkie talkie and a phone too. Hushed the kids sweetly and then took them to Costcos fed them. Gifted them a movie to keep them through the evening and this morning quiet.
BUT get this! He was gone a while i got to sleep in quit some. (our sweet ones are LOUD, happy but LOUD). When he returned they all came in to check me and then helped me to the rest room upon my return to the bed pillows all a fluff, and PEI WEI Asian food! They went several miles out of the way to get me my favorite dinner!
He help me to recline and was right there via walkie talkie. I slept through the night.
I am still very shaky this morning , he was at my bedside helping to rub my back and reminding me to eat and medicate ASAP.
I have Dove to drive 23 miles for Occupational Therapy at 8 that is in 10 minutes. They have not eaten I must go.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME THIS MORNING I AM WEEK I NEED HIS STRENGTH always but this day oh so so much.

Lovely Award from Shorty Bears Place

My precious friend Denise from Shorty Bears Place has blessed me with a lovely award today.

Here are the rules:For those who answer blog comments, emails and make their visitors feel at home on their blog. For the people who take others people's feelings into consideration before speaking out, and who are kind and courteous. Also for all those bloggers who spend so much of their time helping other bloggers design, improve and fix there sites. This award is for those generous bloggers who think of others.
So, know it is my turn to pick out five bloggers that I feel are deserving of this award.
My choices are:
1 Island Life kindness has ruled this woman each interaction I have had with her. She is vital and full of life. I really am grateful for her vibrancy is sparking a light in this blog spier.

2 Photo Daughter of the King My dear friend of many years, she is fresh to our blogging realm. But this woman has an amazing heart. You will see at first glance the radiant beauty of a soft spoken gentle heart. She is finding her voice and I think you will agree she is a lovely voice. Always ready to support and be kind with you.

3 Living in the Midst of Writing This is a dear friend who personifies the definition of the award , She and I have walked together through the roadways of the heart, her , faith,and dignity are a thing to behold.

4 Autism Smatism Well sometimes others help us in ways that might not be as obvious. When we watch another blogger walk with character a road less often traversed we are helped. Kindness is observed in the response to the real battles of life. It is my privilege to acknowledge this Woman. Look and see her beauty will amaze you too.

5 Fruit in Season When I think of a blog that has been a supportive help I think of the brain child of this blogger. How many Marriages must be improved and children assured a more peaceful home. Countless I'm sure. Thank you for your nudge to regain a focus on all that is good and holy and righteous!


"These fellow bloggers always make me feel blessed by their kind comments they leave on my blog. Their own blogs make you feel at home, and you want to stay there awhile. It is with a heart of gratitude to all of you all. I pass on this award.

Denise, how loving, how kind and supportive.
I will pass this on when the storm called migraine passes away from "My" roof :)
Thank You sweet heart.

Browned Baby Portabella Mushrooms

Baby Portebella Mushrooms
Fresh Real Butter (maybe half a stick)
Garlic salt
Garlic Powder

Run cold water over mushrooms gently in a colander under cool water, rub the foot of each fungus and remove all soil.
Pat dry in a paper towel (towel should be a pure white towel now ink or print on paper when used for food). When they are dry they slice best and will not crush and mush up.


With the slicing blade of your "Handi Dandi" food processor (save up for one it is a great investment) or use a very sharp dry knife slice thin. Place all in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap ( I like "cling free"). With the mushrooms in a bowl you can take your processor bowl right over to the sink wash it in hot water now before they sit and dry, makes it easier in the long run and clean up is done.


Heat pan (my pans are Ceffalons Commercial Grade Aluminum Cookware, I saved and prayed for years for them then one day a "Broadway" store went out of business and I got them 50%-70% off!) They are heavy but they cook the foods wonderfully and have a very long life*like for ever*! Get the best tools you can afford One at a time if you need too, or wait until you can. Pray too . We have not because we ask not and when we do ask we ask ....
Hot pan , cold butter
Note my butter dish , when I open a stick of butter I slice it down the center then I slice it into teaspoon width (see the paper on the butter) . That will give you pre-measured 1/2 teaspoon pieces that when cold are easily handled when placed as in image.
melt butter, remove rue ( that is the whey in the melted butter, it looks white and bubbly ) It will burn and leave an after taste. Your butter should run clear in pan.
When rue is removed add the mushrooms cover with a lid , ?3 minutes.
Mushrooms will begin to rest or release their juices, Shake the garlic salts and powers over the mushrooms.
You'll begin to smell them.
I cook like "Rattatouille" So you'll have to bear with me.
Remove lid and let the juices evaporate.
This will concentrate the flavors, continue until the mushrooms are no longer real juicy, but yet not dry.
Now grab a big steak! We made this batch for Christine over at "Are we there yet Mom?"

Home from the Denist

Dash did well the Dentist was awesome. I reminded the dentist about Dash and the sensory stuff. Dash feels everything much more intensely than we do. Dash did not want a shot so the dentist numbed the cheek with a paste. Then he said "just lets take a look see at it here, Dash "no shot" Dentist "O.K. I hear ya ,you don't want a shot. Dash "oh you pinched me" "oh sorry said the dentist. This happened reputedly "breath through your nose I hear you don't want a shot.. so if you just keep breathing through the nose , I hear ya ... Mean while he is giving him little shot after shot Dash does not even realize it! The time was a lot more Stressful with the Dove she would not remain in the waiting area, Had to be with us. Her neuro problems present with a panic disorder. She was freaking out on me. "you don't love me" stuff cause Dash needed me. So I had her in the room about 2 minutes NO WAY, So I sat on the floor in the hall rocking my sweet 60 pound 10 yr old going on 4, she was afraid for her brother. I got up and down to comfort Dash. I used my words with Dash and my hands with Dove. All the while thanking the dentist for his wisdom and help. I praised him and Dash both for the good job they were doing.
The dentist finished and he thanked me teared up and smiled at me.
I was so sore from Dove being on my knee on the floor.
Dash freaked at the numb. I praised him telling him how he must feel so good about himself for showing such courage.
I stopped and got three Mc D Egg sausage Mc muffins he ate the egg and sausage of two of them. I ate the other.
Dove just wanted some water.
I'm home with a cup of coffee and the kids are doing some work in their sketch pads with stencils . I'll do some laundry and rest some. I'll post a little later.
Thanks for your warm thoughts and prayers.
Man! It is amazing how much energy that uses up. I'm sorta tuckered!

On Jealousy.

Jealousy, Yesterday morning I had a thought first thing that I longed for a teaching moment about this with my kids...

On the way out of the parking lot at the Hospital yesterday Little Dove spoke up....
"I kinda feel like I don't like Dash having surgery"...
"how come" say I
"Well" she said, "he'll get all the toys and gifts and stuff and I wont get anything"
To this Dash reply s " I don't care about all that.. I just want to know I"ll be alright"
TEACHING MOMENT!
I say "You know that feeling you feel... That is called jealousy, Its like what you (Dash) felt after the b-day party... Well, that feeling is sorta like fear in that you just gotta push it away...You know how I tell you not to let fear push you around but you gotta push it right back well. Jealousy is like that. I continued that feeling "what about me..." well it can cause a lot of consequences for folks bad ones"
To this dash adds..."oh like fights and arguments?"...
"Yes I add and WARS!"
Dove adds "Ya I don't like it"
Say I " there will always be enough, look Dove at all the gifts you just received"
Dash add "ya I got to play with them too, cause Dove shared"
"Yep" I smile.
Dash " I just want to know I'm gonna be alright"
Say I " thats what really matters".
"thats true" Dove adds

Have a grate day! off to the Dentist with the Dash and Dove, I desire your prayerful support! Donetta

Honor Your Husband #13

He is gonna help me make the bed at 9:40 p.m.
He has spent his little free time tying to back up my blog.

Long walk long talk, a time listening too.

After mens group a Dear friend and I walked and talked and just listened to each other Mother of special needs kids woe's. It is a high calling to parent kids and with the attachment and developmental stuff we both know each others language and experience. We as friends, women and Mothers can understand the difference between the things we experience and the hearts that we touch and our own hearts desires for them.
I feel refreshed tired, and I gotta go get my clean sheets out of the dryer so We can make the big bed and shower and SLEEP! For tomorrow it is the dentist for Dash with nitris oxide and a cavity to fill. A Little Dove to hold gently (she does not do well with the stress of them working on little brother) while the Dash Hawk needs my strength too. I'm a little pulled in the morning I better rest the bones good tonight. Dash is amazingly strong for a little boy.
Please pray for his peace during the procedure. It is hard for him even if they explane as they go because he cant ware the hearing aides when they have all that other stuff going on. His sensory Integration is real bad regarding his mouth he hates anything near it, His mouth is very tiny and so they have a bit of a hard time working on him too.

How do you say "strangle me a therapist"

We drove the threat way=freeway. I had enough time to stop by the bank on the corner and The traffic was CLEAR I WAS ABLE TO TURN LEFT, that saved me from a major middle of the city go around a block of one ways and supper sky scrapers. A little stressed we arrived to await our turn.
Dash's Therapist began his session like this...
"Well, 'd' how many weeks do you have until school starts?"..."three" "well, 'd' we have three weeks to work really hard to see if you can really improve otherwise we are going to have to do a test where they put a tube up your nose and down your throat so that we can see if we are going to need to do an operation"....
(Now Dash and I are very open about what is going on in his life . He understands that this could be a possibility in his near future. I was just caught so off guard! Twice this month Dash made it out of the house without his hearing aides on for therapy I felt frustrated and embarrassed that I did not catch it. A six year old has a way of not waring something when he does not want too. Not today, I cried on my way out to the car with the stress of the pre-city sibling squabbles that can effect the day badly. They have there own stressers too.)
I, quick as a Mom could , I interject.." now honey you know that even if you do work really hard and it still needs to happen it's not a punishment sweetie. but it would be something we would need to have done to help you."
Dear God! Stress! Stress, stress! Now wide eyed he begins his session when she continues to say that "you have been getting away with a lot"...
GUILT! STRESS! Shame! on me for due to my hearing loss and my letting it slip that I was supposed to see about getting some financial aide to get myself some hearing aides, I LET HIM SLIP BECAUSE I CAN NOT HERE HIS VOICE THAT CLEARLY!
Now with his sensory stuff all a tish he sits twisting a rubber band on his wrist trying to self comfort. I see it and remove the distraction. Sis is just a little distracting I remove us to just outside the door. STRESS! Dash Stress too. "I'm right here honey " I reassure him.
Little Dove Sensory Stuff lights off in the midst of her little brother being in the "HOSPITAL" "Where will I stay Mom?"
I comfort her and watch through the glass window. Thinking I gotta just BREATH. I wanted to just hold Dash . I just had to breath.

I took the kids to the junk machine and was trying to get Dasha snack He wanted a 3.50 chicken no candy please Mom, The machine only took bills no coin . I got my 3.50 back all in coin?
Dove was a waiting her turn patiently and then a... rush for the machine a woman who has 6 in tow buys each something and I overwhelmed stepped back out of the little room assuring my kids that we will have our turn. Dash sharp as a tack, says "hay they should of waited it was our turn", I agree with him then I try to silence his tone and with a soft hand on his mouth accidentally caused his head to gently bump the wall. Sorry Son, "but"... he continues "hold your silence I told Him. Defer, trust me"
I stood there awaiting the chance to gift my well behaved kids. When it was almost over I asked Dove "honey what was it that you were awaiting?" she told me. Dash said "is it our turn now?" "soon son".
The woman turned around and then she did the most surprising thing. She handed me two dollars apologized and said she had a very sick child. I handed the funds back to her she deferred them back to me . I thanked her and then again in Spanish for I heard her speakin to her kids in Spanish. She said" denada" tis nothing.
I drove home watching the largest most amazing monsoon storm encroaching in the direction of our travel. After our 23 miles we pulled into our community and I stopped at our curb community mail box to get the mail just as we pulled up to the house the dust storm pushed us into the garage I shut the garage door. The kids went into the house and I lagged behind.
Tired Stressed Saddened for Dash, tired of the volume of my playful kids who won't quiet down. After that long of a sit still it is all they can do not to pop!
I cried.
Then pulled it up and came in and made tacos.
At supper Dove ran from the table upset that she will be having to have braces soon and that she should not have had the popcorn Daddy gave to her because of her retainer.
I love these little ones so young to have to face such big character lessons. The battle is the Lords and They are His. I am only the custodian of such a important life's charge . They are HIS. I am His. I am sad and very tired.

I was Challenged!

O.K. folks I was challenged to include more things on homemaking here.
I'll start that work (photos )on the pantry
and the Pantry Storage.
Some more recipes of things I make for my family
Cleaning and chores tips
Laundry tips
Basic home set up
Basic Wish Lists for a Home
Nutrition, Supplements
Pet care
Yard care
Automotive Care
Jewelery Creations
Sewing, Clothing Maintainability
Parenting tips, Developmental studies.

If I have the knowledge it would be my honor to share it with you. You know this will compel me to clean up the pantry, I cant take the photo or can I....? :) Maybe I just should show you the in-between times when I don't have it all just so. I'll do it!
I love a good challenge!
Now laundry who wants to feel really good about their laundry I could show you images of my own! HA!
Closet storage is another one.
Play rooms lets all share the stuff that makes us so busy and such wonderful homemakers.

So what else would you like to learn about homemaking?
Ask me your questions.

A New Wardrobe

I went over to answer a call for me to come on Thursday...

I went and received a wonderful fellowship of a young woman who had just lost her Mother. She honored me with a new wardrobe and a great appreciation for the woman who they once belonged too. This woman and I have very similar taste and our size too. This morning I had a few moments to open all the bags of garments and do an inventory.
This is my New wardrobe...

3 jeans
10 caprices: jean, danskin knit
5 sleeveless tanks
15 T Shirts with wolves, hummingbirds, Native American designs, feathers and Wolves!
5 3/4 sleeve tops all my colors
7 denim shirt sets with matching t shirts , BE HAPPY set, bird houses, beaded set
1 formal dress
1 casual dress
4 jammie sets, leopard and night dress
1 summer robe (that I had prayed for)
1 maroon leather jacket with matching hat
1 knit jacket adorned Native American style with fringe
1 pant set in gauze
3 skirts gauze
1 BIG cozy sweater knee length

ALL PERFECT LIKE NEW NOT FADED OR STAINED IN ANY WAY THEY SHOW NO WARE!

I was also blessed with

1 shower (new in package) curtain (I prayed for this last week for the camper)
A bread machine (hubby helped me down load a manual for it and post it to my desk top)
1 pillow with a NEW cover for the kids. (they had just asked and prayed for)

I recently started to diet. I was refusing to hit our budget for clothing in my present size because of all the clothing I have. I did not feel good about the size I am.
God had another Idea...
I have an entire wardrobe to feel beautiful in during the process of dropping the weight.
I can just see My own Mother who had nothing but two little crosses to leave me when she passed, and this precious Gay speaking up in heaven. "Oh I have just the thing for that girl"!

Honor Your Husband days 10,11, and 12,

I was very tired today..."I wonder why?" :)
"Daddy Man" took "The Dove" and I took Dash out on Saturday. "Daddy Man" came home just as fast as he could on Friday he caught the tail end of the party.
Today, Sunday, he built a Lego Sponge Bob with the kids 450 pieces and three hours later( his patience amazes me!) , I had finished my posts, that he is VERY supportive of me completing, I took a nice long shower and pedicure and shaved my sloughed legs after setting them up for the hot dogs and fruit on the plates.
He just loved me.
Helped me, played with his children and asked me if I had a nice shower and if I felt a little more rested. Now he is playing computer with Dash, while Dove is watching a movie.
He mentioned that he wanted to support me in getting the play house tarp mounted today. ( I too desire it off off my ironing board so I can start the fall dresses Little Dove will need for school.)
Seeing how I use a camera that is taped together he ordered me a new cannon out of our meager funds. Because he wants me to have a camera that is worthy of the work I am doing...

How can I say anymore than His actions say about himself...

Saturday: 33 pounds of Homemade Hamburger.

We call it "Meat Order". On Thursday when the party was being prepared there it was. London Broil and Tip Roast 1.99 pound Less than half Price, however if one stops to consider that 85%-90% fat content burger can range from $5-$7. a pound just think of how much I am saving. I also will point out that ground beef in the store can in one pound represent as many as 200 cow, you think about the risk reduction represented here. E. Coli and other food contaminates are becoming a great health hazard in our food supply.
Every quarter or so I put up hamburger for the family. We were out and only had one London Broil left in the deep freeze. I had told God that I would need meat soon. He apparently had the confidence in me I would get it ground quickly! I often shop at our local Safe way for "Angus beef". Now to make 33 (approximate pounds of fine grade home ground burger and put it up in the deep freeze.) This is a job that is time sensitive and must be done well and with utmost care for cleanliness and efficiency. Lay out paper bags, knives (sharpened) , knife sharpener (resharpen often), gallon zip bags (open each bag for later convenience) cutting boards (I never use wood boards the can cause illness).

If you can click on the photo you can see the first savings.
Now get the largest ones on the shelf. You too can reduce the cow count by grinding and packaging as you go. I have recycled my garbage bags (paper) they will be absorbing all blood that will spill from the package. Use plastic to place packaging in as you remove the mess. I have allowed my meat to rest in my garage refrigerator all day Friday (I had the party) and this helps it to age. (NEVER BEYOND THE PACKAGE DATE) .
Slice into width proper for your grinder. Good family investment ( I waited 16 yrs for mine) but I own it! Not on debt :)


When slicing roast cut in half then in strips if the edges of the ends don't seperate all the way it is ok because the first into shoot will pull the next slice into the grider.
Ready a pan for first double grind ,I use the large blade then grind again with the fine blade this is the meat I use for sauces and casserole, It is however not suggestible for hamburger patties it will fall apart. I will cook the first run while I am grinding. Note toweling on the floor I replace all cloth every morning and toss the day before or any contaminated cloth to the corner of the floor and then I take then to the laundry to be bleached.
Do not trim the marble off your meat, it is needed to cook properly. Your grinder will stop any Grissel.
Slice all, stow half in refideration. Work fast here
Double grind goes right onto stove to cook. I then will package it into one pound bags there will be no oil in the pan here this meat is VERY lean.

Time is so important! Work hard and fast here! Cover a scale with a baggie and the baggie save a mess!
I stand on a stool for better leverage. Oh man I look haggard. I am awake only a few moments here. I tied my hair up and got to work. Beloved came around the corner and snapped a shot during a "yuk" moment. Don't get me wrong this is hard gross work! When I first start I have to get my mind around the matter here. I am grateful to the animal for the loss of life will sustain our lives. This can be a reflective time for me too. You know it is a dead animal that your working with.
I have a hot date at noon with Dash Hawk. The "Daddy Man" has a pizza date with the "Dove". So I just work hard knowing I will shower very soon.
After first grind get rid of all setting blood. Bags into trash and counter sanitized all of this done in under an hour. Time is so important! I use a marble rolling pin the weight works for me so I don't have to.
Weigh and bag set aside.
Now using the heal of your hand press the meat into the corners of the bag , role out half seal the bag roll out air and seal, set aside next... Work fast! Meat must remain cold!

Left =roast 85% lean/fat best for burgers
Right bag= London Broil 90% lean/fat content

See bags done meat in pan cooling awaiting bags

UNDER ONE HOUR NOW! FIRST HALF IN FREEZER!
Catch your breadth, wash bowls out with soapy water, now again we begin all counter tops have been sanitized! The maid had a nice rest and cool down, Her and I both.
I transfer cooled cooked meat into weighed bags. Now the first batch again a double grind goes right into the pan don't even need to wash the pan (save energy be efficent) so it will cook while I grind and bag.
Cooked meat bagged into one pound packages. All meat ground and bagging in process the grinder at rest is cooling down. This is all the Grissel and waist you have out of 33 pounds of meat, Don't think about what you eat in the store bought grind (yuk). The cuts of meat I use are a high quality off the beef. You can use other cuts of beef but I use only the best I can afford for the family. Other cuts are not as high a lean/fat %.

With bowls and grinder parts soaking in hot soapy water I then weigh out pound packages, and 1/4 pound patties. Roll out the pounds as above turn off the stove so the meat can cool.


Roll out the cooked meat after it too has cooled the rest of the way. And place in deep freezer.
With all the 1/4 pound balls I form patties by this method. Squeeze with the left hand as you turn it with the right.
Cut Parchment or wax paper squares.
With paper on top and paper under you guard against freezer burn. Zip part way use your rolling pin gently and roll out a little thinner. (this helps defrost time) Seal all and freeze. This is under the second hour.
At just under two hours I have 33 pounds of high quality grade burger. Note that it is stacked in about a one cubic foot space. This has many benefits. If the monsoons cut my power a frozen block will stay frozen longer, It takes up much less freezer room, and I also can thaw out a bag in just 15 minuets .
I use the flash freeze feature on the freezer. This freezer was one of my first goals for home efficiency. I got it when we were together about four years. It has so paid for itself over and over.
The meat in the pan will go indoors to use this week in my menu.
Counter will need a final sanitizing
trash is contained in a plastic lined can and will go out, dishes soaking to be washed
Counter and grinder sanitized as is floor around work space.
2 1/2 hours passed dishes done all meat put up at the 1 hour time window, two times over.

Time to shower for a Mother/Son date with a "Dashing" young man!

Now lets do the math!
meat $1.99 pound x 33 =$65.67 plus tax

If I purchased it all made similar grade at $5.00 a pound (knowing full well it is more like $6.99)
so $5.00 x 33 pounds $165.00

$165.00 -$65.67= $99.33
$99.33 * 2 hours = $49.66 per hour

so tell me is it worth it to work for "the man" or "your Man" :)
If we used the $6.99 per pound we would be earning a $82.5 per hour! (but we'll be modest):)

We Homemakers are a very valuable , good thing. A wife can cause so much good. If the man who is able to support the family will support the homemaker in her career choice, he does a good thing. If she chooses to be at home working she works hard and earns every bit of the $49.66 and hour she gets (in all of her modesty)! She gets the benefits that far out weight the so called $5 a pound because we all know that it cost a lot more like the $6.99 with all the many "sacred cows" represented out there in the work force :)

Neil Armstrong Cake

Well with the decorations up, and the table

cloth created, Solar System Crayon, Use craft bond to save the confetti fom being all over your house. It also leaves a slightly sticky residue that holds the place cards and plates in place.

For the Frosting I use a simply butter cream 1/2 pound real sweet butter, powdered sugar incorporated with raspberry flavoring and (I use) soy milk.
If you place all eggs and oil into a 4 C. measuring cup your shells are gone and the mess is reduced, the same measuring cup is then used for the water. Less mess and dishes.
Spray your cake pan, and I used sugar to dust , If you add the dusting sugar and tap it around the pan OVER THE SINK no mess to clean( You gotta rence your sink out anyway) efficiency is a kin to invention.
Over filling pan is important, an edged cookie sheet is under the cake in the oven , this one did not over flow but it is a good time saver if it would have. I keep kabob's skures to check my cakes.

As our model displays the cake is very high in the pan and when the cake is leveled the pan remains full to the brim. Now a sunken middle that is the culprit often when an inverted cake cracks on you. A board is covered with foil. (butter cream is oily if you do not cover or use a paper doily it can spoil it).
I keep my cake decorating tools and supplies in a (right Hand ) drawer at my close to work surface. I will be getting into it a lot during the process getting out my tips and such. A tip container can easily be upset., so I so not remove the case from the drawer. I have my colors , calers, bages skures , brushes any thing that is small and cake making in nature.

Our model displays the joyful preparation of coloring our frosting, all colors are mixed prior to decorations commencement. (the joy is tasting the frosting!)
With Frosting room temperature. we begin. I use an open bag no tip to lay down frosting.
After laying it down and smoothing it out. I let it cure a little and then I use a free form and gently press and smooth it to shape.
Same principle with the black mask, once it set a little I smoothed it out. I them added soy milk to the frosting and used a food paint prush to add a high light of reflection to the mask.
I always have an image to work from.
I washed the toys in hot soapy water.Useing a little of the frosting I affixed the little guys to the board around the cake.