HERE'S TO A FABULOUS 2020 FOR ALL!

As we step into another year, I hope to spend a bit more time, not only in this blog, but in my OLD blogger account I abandoned back in 2015.  I am working on updating my blogger messages and posting photos from 2019 to bring everyone up to speed.  My goal is to use the blog - patricescakes.blogspot.com - as a forum for baking information, small business owner experiences, tips and tricks.  I will maintain this blog for my local customer base and those wishing to hear a bit of family updates with our BEAUTIFUL AND CLEVER granddaughter, who is now mastering the art of WALKING!  Keep those running shoes on, Mom and Dad!

This past fall I set up a booth at Machado's Apple Festival in the town of Auburn, California.  Weather was pretty good and the people (and sales) even better.  I just about sold out, which made my aching bones and back very happy.  Caramels, cupcakes and sweet breads (Cranberry Orange, Lemon Bundt, Pumpkin and Banana Pecan) went fast!  I ended the year with a smaller venue in Auburn at a church Christmas craft fair plus individual customer orders of even more caramels, breads and peanut brittle.  Altogether it was a successful business year.

As Patrice's Cakes and Confections moves into the New Year, I hope to gain a bit of momentum and offer quarterly, if not monthly sales of many of my bakery items.  Please check out my Facebook page as well as frequent visits to my website and the blog.  

If you have any suggestions for baking business topics to discuss or would like a humble opinion or two about owning a small baking business, please provide your comments and questions here or on the blogspot blog.  

Have a spectacular January!!

Best Regards,

PATRICE

Welcome to November in California. . . about 75-80 degrees worth.  We are still waiting for cooler weather and stunning leaf colors; however, I suppose we'll hang on in the 70's until just before Thanksgiving!  And, no, I am not whining!  LOL!

Some personal events have prevented more frequent blog posts.  I wanted, at the very least, to get rid of the summer post from July!  I had a very successful event in October at a local Apple Festival.  It was one of those 12 hour days that leave one tired, yet thankful.  I nearly sold out, which was quite the blessing.

As we enter the 2019 fall/winter holiday seasons, I want to take this time and say to ANYONE who even glances at these posts, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!  Life has it's moments and I am truly a blessed and grateful woman.  As long as I am able I will continue Patrice's Cakes in whatever capacity - from small, occasional orders to catering larger, "sweet" events.

Enjoy the next Season!  

Patrice

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

We're just waiting for the March/April rains to finish cleaning out the air and then it's on to the SUNSHINE!  Let's not mention the coming of spring cleaning, which, alas, seems to beckon us as well.

This is a quick announcement to let all of my LOCAL CUSTOMERS know that I am now offering GLAZED LEMON LOAF breads for sale at $12.00 each.  It's quite the lemony treat to greet the Spring and lasts quite a few days wrapped well on your kitchen counter!  This lovely loaf will be added to the main menu in a future update.

In a few days, perhaps, I will post a photo of my latest cake for a customer's birthday. . . NEAPOLITAN THREE-LAYER CAKE.  It's quite the undertaking and worth the effort.  This also means that my three-layer STRAWBERRY CAKE is now available for $50.00 as a Spring specialty with truly great strawberry flavor.

Must dash.  Thank you all for your support and reading my blog posts.  
Pssst.....special discount for local customers who leave a comment on this post.

ONCE AGAIN, HAPPY SPRING!

​Patrice

And, gee, didn't I take my sweet time updating the blog.

Well, news abounds as we are now GRANDPARENTS of a beautiful baby girl - Charlotte Marie!  We took quite the trip to Texas this fall and welcomed our GORGEOUS granddaughter into the world.  Mommy & Daddy are doing great and finally getting more sleep. . .Oh, who are we kidding???  There is no more sleep!

In short, the business continues and I am happy to provide updated Menu and Catering prices in 2019.  I will spend the next several weeks working on updating EVERYTHING!  Please take a moment to send me a quick reply that you've read this blog post.  Your comments and constructive suggestions and ideas are most welcome!

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR! 
MAY YOURS BE TRULY BLESSED!

PATRICE

SURPRISE, SURPRISE!
I finally posted my very latest baking adventures.  Browse through the collection of cookies, cakes, pastries, tarts and breads.  Hover over the photo and see what I've done.  Too bad it's so expensive and a huge risk to open one's own bakery these days.  BUT. . . it does matter NOT!  If you are a home baker, occasional baker for friends, family and contests (HELLO, LYNN!) then keep on baking, experimenting and educating yourself to learn more as well as try something beyond what you think you are capable!  Watch the Great British Baking Show on Netflix (for example) and get inspired by these home bakers!  Yes, you'll have to learn a few conversions and new words; (That's spot on!) however, it will help keep you excited about trying new baking techniques and inspire you to bake more!  Get into Instagram and start following baking blogs such as @erinmcdowell (#thefearlessbaker), @sarakeifer (#thevanillabeanbakingbook)@food52, @thebakefeed and more!
NOW, GO BAKE SOMETHING!!

Have a very happy and joyful day!
PATRICE