London workshops - spaces are dwindling already!

"Head and Hands" on 10th March and "Bride & Groom" on 11th & 12th March now only have 1 place available. Only 3 places on the "Asian Bride & Groom" coming up a month later in April. There are plenty of classes to choose from in 2011 with many spaces still available. Take note of the February class for Head and Hands which is being offered in the morning AND in the afternoon. Let's see how that works and I may just do it again in the future that way too. To book the classes go to Extra Icing website. Starting work on a new tutorial soon folks so fingers crossed I get it done before Christmas comes!

Farewell New Jersey!

I leave New Jersey tomorrow but I have to tell you I've had the best time here. As you can see....I did make it to Carlo's Bake Shop but I didn't actually go into the front store. I was whisked into the bakery itself by the lovely Dianna Lopez who works there on Saturdays. I didn't meet Buddy...I guess he's a bit busy these days...but I met Frankie. That'll do for me! In any case, I'll be sharing a stage with the fabulous Buddy Valastro in Perth, Australia in May 2011. Yes...you read that right! Debbie Brown and I will be on the same stage as the man himself as part of the massive event hosted by Cupid's Delight. Click on "01" to see the event advertised on Cupid's website. We will be taking part in a mini Cake Off with other celebrities and will also be demonstrating our skills to the crowd. We are also offering classes before it all comes to an end....I'm sure there is going to be some good time in between for us to be able to take in the beauty of Perth and perhaps visit a shop or two...or three! hahaha! So if you don't already have your ticket for this amazing event...don't waste any time! They are being snapped up right now so don't be disappointed. Australia aside....I've had a blast in New Jersey and met some fabulous people as I always do when I travel. Thank you to all of my students who put up with me for 4 days. Thank you for making the journey worthwhile and for taking the time to learn what I have to offer. I appreciate you all. Thank you too to my good friend Dianna for being there as always and saving my backside when things go a little wrong! Oops! Thank you too Mark James for taking delivery of my goods and for sharing dinner with us. It was lovely to meet you finally and I look forward to seeing you again when I return in 2012. Cheers everyone!

NJ classes off to a good start!

Head and Hands in NJ...always a good start for a run of classes. We had a lot of laughs today and the students are just so great....even helping me out with stuff that I didn't have! Oops! Too long a story to get into that one but let's just say that everything is now under control and I am going to pick up the things I should have had just shortly so I'll be all set for the next few days. Nothing drastic...just a little thing like ordering gumpaste instead of regular fondant....no biggy! Aaaaaaargh! Anyhoo....all's well that ends well. I'm off to visit Carlo's Bakery in a little while. Finally I get to see the home of the amazing Buddy Valastro creations. Woohooo! An early night tonight means a good rest for the Bride and Groom class to begin tomorrow. Can't wait....photos will follow. Cheers all!

NEC Cake Show...over for another year!

Yes...it's us again....the Fran and Anna of the sugar world! Lol! Debbie had as usual the most gorgeous stand at the NEC Cake Show in Birmingham and was also...as usual...smothered in admirers all day and every day. I managed to blag my way in to her demonstration but I had to work to earn the place. So there I was, perched behind her on a chair, kneading her paste and handing her the colours she required. Oh...and I was also the microphone "switch on, switch off" person! haha! It was weird not being part of the show this year but unfortunately some personal circumstances meant that I had to take a step back...but hey, only for this year. Next year I will be back at the NEC in my rightful place....on my stand! So to everyone who saw me over the 3 days and who spoke to me and posed for photos....thank you for spending the time. Thank you also for being so kind and lovely. I really appreciate it. See you next year folks!

New Jersey is just around the corner!

New Jersey....I'll soon be on my way to you! The workshops are just around the corner and today all of you who are attending received an e-mail from me to remind you of all that you need and to say that I look forward to seeing you. Can you believe these classes have come around already? I certainly can't....but I sure am glad! There are a couple of spaces left in the Bride and Groom class and two or three in the Girl's Best Friend class so if you still hope to come along you can book directly from Extra Icing. See Sugarcraft Workshops and follow the tab for New York 2010. On another note, there is another date added to the London schedule....Head and Hands classes will be held in the morning AND in the afternoon to make sure that everyone gets the chance to attend. This is a trial to see how it works as usually this mini class is first to fill. So if teaching it twice in one day works then it will be a keeper! Again, you will find the details of this on Extra Icing website and follow the tab for London 2011.