Flower Cakes and Retro Cupcakes

We can talk, right?  Good.  Because my kids are driving me crazy.

I made it through college with honors.  I made it through basic training, more school, and being miles and miles away from the ones I love.  I worked full time and went back to school for the fun of it.  I'm not trying to brag here.  I came out with a few bumps and bruises along the way.  But I made it.

However, my down fall is going to be these two little brown-haired high energy whirlwinds on legs.  Most days are good and I sooo have the mom thing down.  But other days, I long for my Tempur-Pedic bed and there is not enough chocolate in the world to drown out the shrieks and shrills coming from the living room.  And do I even need to mention that my baby is walking now?

And even with all that going on, I somehow managed to get a sweet 16 cake and some really cool retro arcade cupcakes done this week.

I worked with the Americolor edible ink pens this week and I have to say I loved it. Finally.  I have tried the black ones before and failed miserably.  I think it was because I was trying to copy someone else's work.  I needed to find my own way with them.

I did find some inspiration on Pinterest for the sweet 16 cake.  But I didn't go searching to see how they pulled it off.  I just went for it.  And I love the results. And so did the birthday girl.

I hand drew the flowers with the black pen and then would work in small sections with the color.  A paintbrush dipped in a little water to spread the ink and I was on my way.  Just a little bit of water will do since you are working with fondant.  I love the effect it created.

I was also able to make some really cool cupcakes for a really cool kid I know.  I have a neighbor who is completely into retro arcade games right now.  As a matter of fact, he is spending his birthday weekend playing in an arcade that is stocked with old school upright boxes.  Of course, he is turning twelve and when you ask him what "old school" means he thinks about Pokemon and Kirby.  I took it a little further back for him and his parents though.

I included his Pokemon and Kirby characters but who can argue with a little Mario and Galaga?