Luvs, thank you so much for the link! This cake plate looks like it will be the perfect size. I haven't had much time to work on painting lately. Between working full time, housework and my children, I stay pretty stretched out all the time. My son is a senior in high school this year, and it's always something going on with him. Kathleen, I looked online at LInensnthings and couldn't find the plate. Did you get yours in a store?

Thanks guys! We have such fun every year planning and making the cakes. I have a slideshow album on photobucket with most of the cakes. We've had a few duds along the way but for the most part they've turned out pretty well for a pair of amateurs :) I LOVE the marble work area. It's a moveable island and we can both work on our cakes at the same time there. And yes, I know that elf is the cutest thing ever! And I think how much I miss having little elves around but then the elf starts crying and I remember how hard it can be having little elves to care for. But I enjoy every minute I get to spend with that precious angel because the time goes by so quickly and before you know it they are half grown! Wishing all my CF friends a very Merry Christmas! Tracey

Bebe..............how funny in a very nice way! Everyone - just everyone does Yard Sales! And if they don't they really, really want to and are just scared - like you - to be seen at one....how brave of you to try! I don't go often because of the mileage to and from but when we do...we do it big! We make it either a ladies event or a family affair with a late lunch after shopping. On Labor Day Weekend we get together with about 8 to 10 other couples for the weekend, the guy go play mini golf or just hang out and we girls (and a few of the guys) hit the sales. There has been as many as 4 vehicles going from one sale to another and it is so fun. We make a list of things that we are looking for and give it to each group, so as we move around a sale if someone see something on the list they tell that person. We laugh and joke and most home owners have as much fun as we do! Many areas have block sales and these are really fun! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO go for it! Belle PS I used to feel guilty for not buying anything, now I just tell the owner thank you...and that seems to work.

I haven't made a tree, only doves, I don't see why another shape wouldn't work. Cardamom may be omitted. Kulich (Sunset Apr.79) koo-leech, Russian Easter Bread (less rich in eggs and butter than traditional ones) 1/2 warm water 2 pkg. active dry yeast 3/4 c. milk 1/2 c. sugar 1 tsp. cardamom 2 tsp. salt 2 oz. butter about 5 c. unsifted flour 2 eggs. slightly beaten 2 tsp. grated lemon rind 1/2 c. chopped blanched almonds 1/4 c. each raisins, candied orange peel, cherries & citron Sugar glaze: 1 c. pd. sugar plus 5 tsp. milk Dissolve yeast in water; set aside. Scald milk & pour nto mixer bowl. Stir in sugar, cardamom, salt & butter; cool to lukewarm. Beat in 3 cups flour until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Beat in with wooden spoon yeast mixture, eggs, rind, nuts & fruit. Work in remaining flour, kneading 10 min. until smooth & elastic. Turn in greased bowl, cover, let rise until doubled. Punch down & form 3 ovals for 3 greased 1-lb. coffee cans. Cover with greased lids & let rise til lids pop off - about 1 1/2 hrs. Bake in preheated 350 F. oven about 35 min. or until skewer comes out clean. Cool in tins 10 min., remove & finish cooling on their sides. Before serving, drizzle glaze over tops & garnish with candied cherry and whole blanched almonds as flower petals.