I love baking. I truly enjoy getting into the kitchen and seeing what I can create. This past summer my sister and I made the cake for my brother's wedding...it was difficult! I have incredible respect for those people who can make beautiful creations out of a cake and icing. When I discovered that my daughter's classmate's mom was the woman behind Face Cakes I knew I had to share her work with you. Face Cakes will make cakes and cupcakes, for any occasion...her festive cupcakes are adorable. Alison can work with any photo you provide her with and turn it into a beautiful baked creation...you have to see it to believe it. Let's find out what this baker has on her kitchen counter.
Tell me 3 things about yourself
I like adventure! I have sky dived and bungee jumped!
I was in TV commercials in Australia. I was the spokesperson for my University and was used to help advertise teaching and the courses at my University.
I love to travel. Which is a good thing because that is how I met my hubby. In an Irish pub, in Paris, an Australian meets a Canadian (seems like the start of a bad joke or something, but thankfully for us it was the opposite!)
Are you for, or against, small appliances on the kitchen counter?
I like to keep my counters clear of as much clutter as possible. You'll find a couple of appliances on my counter, but I keep the rest tucked away.
Name 5 things that are on your counter right now.
* my prized possession - my KitchenAid mixer. It is the most used item on my kitchen counter!
* you'll also find my kitchen scales
* several boxes of Christmas cupcakes that have been ordered and ready for pick up.
* supplies to make a gingerbread house with the kids on Friday
* my handbag
If you could change anything about your kitchen counter, what would it be?
I would love to have a bigger kitchen. I often dream about opening up my kitchen to the living room and extending the kitchen counter into the other space. Being Australian I love the sun, so having an open kitchen with lots of light is something I crave!
What is your favourite thing to do on your kitchen counter?
Baking and decorating. Once the kids go to bed I love to create new flavours and designs for my cupcakes and cakes. With the festive season upon us I was excited when it came to creating some festive themed treats. The possibilities are endless and it's fun to see what the final product can be.
Living so far away from your extended family must be tough during the holidays. How do you stay connected with those who live so far away?
We use Skype all the time, even when it's not the holidays. We Skype at least twice a week. It's a great way to stay in touch. It's wonderful for my parents to be able to continue their relationship with Jackson and Charlie. They can talk with each other and see them at the same time. It is tough living in a different country from my family (especially at Christmas, when it's summer in Australia, I do miss the hot weather as well!)
Facebook is also a great way to stay connected, as well. My family and friends can keep up to date with what is happening here and I can keep up to date with them. You feel more connected when you can see things daily. With the time difference it's great. It's always a nice surprise when someone pops up on chat. We can have a quick catch up like I would if I were living next door to them. It really does help maintain contact and friendships.
So, Christmas dessert...pie or cake??
Cake - always cake!
Love it! Thanks for letting us into your kitchen Alison. What an amazing world we live in when living thousands of miles apart, we can still feel like neighbours. And, how adorable are those festive cupcakes? You have to head over to FaceCake.ca and cruise through the pictures of Alison's creations...they are quite amazing. Also, I happen to know her cupcakes are delicious...I have had the pleasure of enjoying one!
Have a great weekend everyone!