("Lhappy Ammversary" is totally how I'm saying it from now on.)

And you not only remember the day - you even remember how many days it's been.

After a while you dial down the festivities, though, and maybe just bring home some take-out and a cake:

(The urge to scratch in an "I" at the end there is overwhelming.)
(YOU'RE WELCOME, tech guys.)

Past the ten year mark you both might start to get a little fuzzy on when and what exactly you're celebrating:

"Here's a cake. Hope I got one of those days right."

"Who are you?"

But hey, at least it's happy.

"TMI, mom & dad. TMI!!"

John and I are still a long way off, but I hear making it to your 50th anniversary is a real education:

"Presenting the 2026 graduates of the Aniversity... of LUUURVE."

So, John, sweetie, Happy Arricorz.

(Changed my mind; THIS is how I'm saying it from now on.)

And here's to 50 more Arricorzes, as we learn to hold on to what's most important:

...like how this baker managed to misspell "I" before someone told him to fix it - and then still missed the "you."

YOW.

Thanks to Tina G., Sonia Y., Kari J., Natalie L., Jessi C., Ann G., Lisa M., & Johnell. Yow guys are the BEST.

*****

P.S. Here's one of John's favorite things I've ever made him: this rainbow butterfly wreath:

I used this 84-pc butterfly set, which I know you crafters are gonna love:

(3D Butterfly Wall Magnet Set)

They're double-sided and come with both magnets and stickers. Definitely browse the projects in the reviews, there are so many cool ideas - and the set is on sale right now for $9.99!

The mind... OF A CAKE DECORATOR.

Buckle up, it's going to be a wrecky ride.

I can't decide if these are supposed to be teeth, eyeballs, or mini-marshmallows:

...but whatever they are, they are definitely bleeding out.

So...

Happy BiRtHDAY!

When you need to put on just enough fondant to call it a "fondant cake":

Not since the great Target Cookie Mountain of last June has something made me squint at my monitor this hard:

It looks like layers of canned whipped cream between sugar wafers? With Stay Puft knows what in the middle?

Allllllrighty then.

I left the label showing for all of you rushing out the door to go buy one. TRAITORS. Enjoy your soggy sugar wafers.

Look, there's no denying this next cake is lovely. The piping is exquisite, the writing is legible, and the pink fuzzy balls have never looked pinker or fuzzier:

But... why? WHYYYYYY

"OK, so we need it to look like a spinal cord, set inside stretched open skin, only make it with flowers."

"PERFECT."

[alien screeching and popping noises, followed by a loud hissing roar]

"PERFECT."

And finally, I probably shouldn't include this next one, because something about it screams "homemade" to me:

It could be the ripped-off doll's head. Or the store-bought candles. Or the actual screaming.

Anyway, if I ever make it to 113 or 114, please don't serve this.

I'll take the pink fuzzy balls instead.

Thanks to Jodee R., Joe V., Lisa W., Ann R., Rebekah R., Grace G., Kait C., & Missy D. for getting a head in the wreckage game.

For example....

Something terrible has happened here.

Some events are pretty straightforward:

The old "ran out of icing" story.

There's also the classic "Too lazy to change the icing tip after piping the border":

Or its variation, "Too lazy to change the icing tip after piping the roses":

Here we see evidence of significant toothpick scraping, often indicative of the "I'm Not Even Supposed To Be Here" dynasty of the Mid-Graduation era:

Ahhh. Magnificent.

You know that thing in restaurants where everyone is singing Happy Birthday to some stranger three tables over, and you all just mumble your way through the name part?

This is that, in cake form:

Sadly some mysteries will never be solved. Instead we'll be left to forever wonder... the 5th what?

I think I've cracked the code on this next one, though. Here's a recreation of the ACTUAL EVENTS, as played by hired actors in my head:

"What do you mean, 'last minute?' Of course we custom-ordered your cake, Miranda! Weeks ago! This was totally planned!"

While we'll never know for sure what happened to wrecks of the past, one thing is certain: the longer you look at this one, the funnier it gets:

Seriously.

I'm crying.

(I wonder who did the bigger spit-take: me or the baker.)

Thanks to Tex, Betsy P., Diamond, Philip L., Allison P., M.R., Lauren P., Miranda, & Kelsie L. for digging these up.

*****

P.S. It's never too early to start decorating for spooky season, and these stick-on bats were my biggest hit last year:

3D Halloween Bats, Exterior Grade, 60 pc set

They're made of sturdy plastic, come in 4 different sizes, and have adhesive pads to easily stick them up anywhere in or outside your home. (I put a whole belfry of them on our front door.) (I don't know if "belfry" is right, but I'm going with it. :D) Even better, the whole 60 piece set is only $10 Prime!

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

To decorate...

...the buns.

::chorus::
♫ FOR A MAN!♩

We must be literal-minded bakers!

♫ YES WE CAN ♩

With all the wit of a drunk baboon!

♫ WHO IS NAN♩

I'm pretty sure one of these is right!

Sorry for this

...but we're all on break

♫ 'Til noooooon!

Thanks to Nicole, Junior C., Suresh D., Kathy A., & Scott W. for the dishonor on our cakes... and the ear worm.

Or ...don't.

('Course, given the alternative, you're WAY better off with this, moms-to-be. Trust me.)

...And that's how "Big 2" got his name, kids!

Aw, that crazy No Name always was the office favorite.

(And have you met her cousins What'ser and Whats'is? Those two are just unforgettable.)

In this case, I'd say "All Caps" finished a bit lower than expected.
Balls.

Come to laugh at the misunderstanding. Stay to laugh at the ridiculous spacing.

Thanks to Anne B., Emily B., Wendy M., Holly H., Ed & Delena, and Mary P. for always understanding.

*****

P.S. It's never too early to start decorating for spooky season, and these stick-on bats were my biggest hit last year:

3D Halloween Bats, Exterior Grade, 60 pc set

They're made of sturdy plastic, come in 4 different sizes, and have adhesive pads to easily stick them up anywhere in or outside your home. (I put a whole belfry of them on our front door.) (I don't know if "belfry" is right, but I'm going with it. :D) Even better, the whole 60 piece set is only $10 Prime!

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

(By Dolci Arte in St. Petersburg)

Like little Tinkerbell!

So cute, you could just eat her up, am I right?

(You know, even when talking about a cake, that still sounds creepy. LESSON LEARNED.)

Look at this shaggy lil' koala:

(By Shierlly Bei in Jakarta, Indonesia)

Who else wants to pet a cake right now?

Frog with a balloon, you guys. FROG... WITH A BALLOON:

(By Moli Cakes in Slovakia)

D'awwwwwww.

I love the colors on this one:

(By Erin Salerno in Wisconsin)

Plus baby tigers are always a win.

Years ago I fell in love with this painting of baby Chewbacca by ReevolveR:

I mean. C'mon.

But then someone made a cake version!

(By Cake Central user MrsBriggs06)

I'm really hoping those are marshmallows in his bandolier.

Or how about a 'dorable dinosaur?

(By Moli Cakes in Slovakia)

I can't decide which is more impressive: the sculpted baby or the handpainted mama on the bottom!

This one goes out to everyone feeling a little bit... prickly:

(By Leslie Vigil in California)

Baby hedgehog cake! Love love love.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better than a fluffy llama, you find one in a poofy pompom harness:

(By Karen Paddila Cakes in San Juan)

It's just so happy.

And finally, amping up the cute meter ever further, we have this cuddle of teddy bears:

(Baker unknown, anyone recognize it?)

The light-up ball on top makes it so magical!

Hope you guys enjoyed! Happy Sunday!

*****

P.S. I thought you might like this rainbow wreath I made for John's room:

I used this 84-pc butterfly set, which I know you crafters are gonna love:

(3D Butterfly Wall Magnet Set)

They're double-sided and come with both magnets and stickers. Definitely browse the projects in the reviews, there are so many cool ideas - and the set is on sale right now for $9.99!

(Assuming your family has an excellent sense of humor.)

(Or you just don't like them.)

With this many grammar errors, you can always blame it on your younger cousins.

Make sure you insist everyone sing to him, too.

Works best if your last name is Trumpet. Or if you have a bunch of sentient squabbling horns around.

(No, I don't know the back story. Feel free to imagine your own.)

And this one works best if you there are either a bunch of teenage girls in your family, or none at all.

Just like there's no place like the back seat for carrying home an ROUS and a giant ... log?

("Anybody want a peanut?")

I *think* this was supposed to say "Lordy Lordy, look who's forty." I like the vaguely ominous portent-of-death vibe, though. And, hey, conversation starter!

Because a little honesty can go a long way... towards getting everyone to leave early so you can go back to playing LEGO: Harry Potter.

Mom always said to be positive. Or possibly "possitive."

Serve with copious amounts of alcohol. Then:

... set this one out while no one's looking, sit back, and watch the accusations fly.

This is another one I don't have a back story on, but I like to imagine it was ordered by that Debbie Downer relative who's always going on about "kids these days" and how "we'll all belong to China in a few more years - just you watch."

Also, yes, that relative might be me. WHAT.

And finally:

SO CLOSE to "family ruin," and yet ... so far. Drat. 

WAY TO GET MY HOPES UP, BAKERS.

Hey Shelly G., Krissy M., Amy S., Lisa C., Judi D., Laura B., Lisa V., Nicole S., Susan S., MJ, Vanessa S., & Laura S., I think I speak for us all when I say, "what's that supposed to mean??"

*****

P.S. Brace yourself for our cheesiest product review yet:

King Arthur Better Cheddar Cheese Powder

So John is a popcorn fanatic, and has spent a lifetime sampling every kind of cheese popcorn he can find. His all-time favorite is from a mall kiosk called Doc Popcorn, where they pop and mix it fresh, but he reports the next best thing is adding this cheese powder to a bag of microwave popcorn.

John's tried half a dozen top-rated cheese powders on Amazon, and reports King Arthur is the winner for the most tangy cheesiness - with Hoosier Hill Farm at a close second. (And Hoosier Hill has twice as much for the same price, so it's the better bargain.)

So hey, if you love fresh-popped, punch-you-in-the-face cheesy cheese popcorn, try this! And according to the reviews you can also use it to make cheese sauce (just add butter and milk), sprinkle it on veggies, soups, baked potatoes... I mean, it's cheese, y'all. What's not to love?

****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Yeah, me neither.

"I WILL EAT YOUR SOUL."

Believe it or not, I used to BE a clown. I'm talking face paint, balloon animals - the works. I realize that automatically makes me creepy and terrifying, but as a five-foot-tall, pigtail-wearing geek girl, I'm actually Ok with that.

"FEAR ME!!"

"Oh, and could you grab the Cheerios off the top shelf? I can't reach."

You're probably wondering how children reacted to me as a clown, since everyone knows clowns only exist to obtain your internal organs in as bloody a method as possible - which they will then juggle in front of you, cackling, while an out-of-tune calliope churns slowly in the background and you're surrounded by fun house mirrors and porcelain dolls with empty eye sockets who somehow seem to be getting closer... and closer...

Sorry, where was I?

Oh, right. The kids.

To be honest, I spent my clowning days way more scared of children than they ever were of me. You see, children are very small. And fast. And when you present a pack of them with a single defenseless clown holding an excessively large bag of free candy, children can make the Hunger Games look like an episode of Mister Rogers. 

Little Known Fact: clowns bleed squirty flowers.

And if you think a headless clown is unsettling, imagine a huge pile of nothing but clown heads.

Or better yet, just look at this:

(Ok, so maybe "better" wasn't the right word...)

Now imagine it slowly rotating, while a music box tinkles in the next room, and the door behind you creeeaks open to reveal a pale little girl with black, staring eyes, who suddenly shrieks...

"MAKE ME A BALLOON ANIMAL!!!"

O.O

Thanks to Anony M., Liz M., Dena R., Kristina K., & Carrie M., who dare you to look at this clown I found in a local arcade here in Orlando. That's right: THEY DARE YOU. Me, I'll just be whimpering over here in the corner...

*****

P.S. Speaking of balloon animals, can we talk about how stinking cute these doggy balloons are?

"Walking" Dog Balloons, 6 Pk


You can fill them with either air or helium, and then "walk" them on their ribbon leashes, which is friggin' adorable:

And it’s only $10 for the 6 pack!

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Now, how do we sign these bakers up?

(Or at least you were.)

Yes, really. Another one.

And a special shout-out to all of you heading off to college, like Andy here:

Congrats on being "excepted"!!!

Thanks to Cindy C., Michelle M., Hayley, Amanda M., Susan, Tanya, & Erika P. for the "exceptional" work.

*****

P.S. Need to hide your eyes *and* listen to music or a good podcast? Then check THESE babies out:

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

I listen to boring audio books on these every night to keep my brain from spinning out of control, which works wonders for my insomnia. Lately I've been wearing them like a sleep mask -  like the model here - and WOW, that's helped even more than when I wore them like a headband! These things have been a life saver: comfy enough for side sleeping, not too loud like some of my old speakers, and they only cost $16 Prime.

Note that they do run on the big side, but that works out great if you have a big head like me. :D

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Heyoooooooooooooh like you were expecting anything else.

Tip The First: Let your SO poop in private.

Trust me, you don't want to be the turkey in this situation. INSTANT MOOD KILLER.

Tip #2:

Build your relationship on a foundation of terrible, often nonsensical puns:

Bee-leaf me on the nonsensical part. The more confused your SO is, the more turned on they'll be.

Tip C:

I'm not saying get them drunk.

I'm typing it.

Never underestimate the power of Tip C.

4)

Send the kids back to school. Granted, we don't have kids, but this one is apparently so effective even the bakers are hinting around at it:

5) Practice your sexy face:

6) Then maybe try a little flexing:

Just keep in mind flexing doesn't look great from every angle:

7) And finally, remember, romance isn't just about setting the mood or saying the right things or getting drunk and dancing the perfect seductive polka. No, there are other, healthy alternatives:

"Awwww yeah. Shut the door, sweetie; and bring the whole dozen."

Thanks to Sarah L., Johnnie L., Jen D., Chris J., Katie G., Noah G., Stephanie & Rejean, Carolyn C., & Amy K. for keeping love alive.

*****

P.S. Want to send flowers that last forever? Then how about this card that transforms into a bouquet:

Fresh Cut Paper Pop-Up Flowers

I sent this style to my Mom for her birthday last April, and it looks just like this! Even better, it ships free with Prime, so no extra postage needed.
*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Still, the good news is that professional bakers are, in fact, professionals, meaning these ninja-like icing sleuths can leap into action, repairing even the most heinous of cake crimes with a single, uh...

Never mind.

Granted, some of them can be a little more subtle than others:

(I did say "a little.")

Then again, erasing names on birthday cakes is the most common correction bakers have to make, so it goes without saying that they are really, really bad at it.

There are plenty of techniques besides the scrape & smear up there, though. Other options include:

- Airbrushed Blobs

- Icing Blobs

- Icing Blobs Of Unusual Size

- The Sprinkle Dump (Oy!)

And for a real clean sweep:

- Stick A Smaller Cake Board On Top Of It And Just Start Over

There's nothing quite like watching a master at work.

Scoff if you like, but these bakers do deserve our occasional sympathy. I mean, sometimes your piping bag runs out of icing, and then what? THEN WHAT??

Oh. I guess that.

And, sure, wiping off a bunch of red icing may have accidentally made Mr. Cookie here look like a blood-soaked serial killer, but let's focus on the important part:

NEW WINDOW DISPLAY!

So at the end of the day you can rest easy, bakers, knowing all your efforts have not been in vain.

And that's no mistake.

(Well, ok, it is, but you know what I mean.)

Thanks to Kori R., James D., Stephanie J., Saara, Renee R., Kathie, Sydnia Y., Laura W., Charisse J., & Dustin A. for the reminder that turnabout is foreplay fare play.

*****

P.S. Speaking of things that make your head hurt, a friend recently got me this gel cap for my migraines, and sweet icy Stay Puft, y'all, it's amazing:

Migraine Hot/Cold Gel Cap
 

 I have a huge head and a lot of hair, so it's pretty snug on me, but the extra pressure with the cold is heavenly during a migraine. I used to hold a cold pack and keep shifting it around from side to side, but this wraps my entire skull in a cooling hug. Ahhhh so good.

I keep the gel cap sealed in the fridge all the time now, so I can grab it as soon as a headache starts up. The cold only lasts 15-20 minutes, but it's 1000% worth it in my book, highly recommend.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

(By Sweet Violet La Belle in the UK)

Or over the top with playing cards and characters from the classic Disney film:

(By Nicola Gerrans Cake Design in the UK)

That teacup topper is my favorite part!

Here's a more formal version in bold red and white:

(By Black Cherry Cake Company in the U.K.)

I love the classic book illustrations and the little mushrooms, such a great touch.

I'm not sure I've ever seen a Wonderland cake in these colors - I like it!

(By this Cake Central user)

And look at the three teacups supporting the top hat tier - so cool!

Another oh-so-subtle number in white-on-white:

(By Sadie May Cakes in North Yorkshire, UK)

It's fun when you have to look closer to catch all the details - see the tiny mushrooms? And the "eat me" tag?

Then there are the times when you want to put the B in subtle:

(By Coxie's Cakes, permanently closed)

Yassss. Love the jewel-tone colors, and the painted gate and flowers are gorgeous.

This one was for a birthday, but it'd be just as lovely for a wedding:

(By Madl Creations in Belgium)

The soft floral pattern she used for the harlequin pattern has me swooning. Such a pretty effect.

Oooh, and look at the lace and pocket watch on this one:

(By Lovely Patisserie in France, featured here)

There are even little heart "push pins" holding on the illustrations!

More soft pastels, with the CUTEST surprise on the cake board:

(By The Frostery in the U.K.)

Dormouse in a teacup! Squeee!

This pink ombre tower gets even prettier the further down you go:

(By Sweet Ruby Cakes in Australia, featured here)

The painted red roses and little mushrooms look incredible with that pink damask.

And finally, another show-stopper with a vintage vibe that I can't get enough of:

(By Kek Couture in Turkey)

Alice isn't the only falling for this cake, you guys. WOW. The hanging plates! The doorknob and key! The White Rabbit & Alice playing cards! All surrounded by that warm moss edging on the cake board, oof. I could stare at this all day, so, so lovely.

Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope these made you feel a little more Wonder-full.

*****

P.S. You know what ELSE is wonder-ful? Comfy bras. And this one is my all-time favorite:

Warner's Easy Does It Seamless Wireless Bra

I own four of these, and plan to keep buying all the colors. Up 'til last year I ONLY wore wired bras - usually Warners -  and it took buying-and-returning over a dozen different brands and styles before I found a wireless one I liked. These average $25-$40 Prime, so I watch the listing and buy any color that goes on sale. Today a bunch of colors are on sale for $20, so I just picked up one in "Rosewater."

 I love the under-arm smoothing panel - no dig or pinch! - and like most Warners, these are incredibly comfortable. Be sure to check the image gallery for a better idea of how they look on larger tracts of land.

 *****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Pretty confusing, right?

Because it was supposed to say "Happy 60th, Carolyn!"

The title of this next email was "WHO IS SID?!?!"

So, you know, there's your hint:

Yup. It was supposed to say "Happy 3rd Birthday, Ariella"

(We still don't know who Sid is.)

How 'bout this one?

The writing's fine, but those are supposed to be cow spots.

(In the baker's defense, they do look like something that comes out of cows, so I guess that's close.)

And finally:

O.O

Deb's husband was turning 66. This was supposed to say "66 Today!"

*sigh*

Thanks to Leonie M., Thaeton, Nicole M., & Deb M. for reminding us our days are numbered.

*****

P.S. Speaking of things that make your head hurt, a friend recently got me this gel cap for my migraines, and sweet icy Stay Puft, y'all, it's amazing:

Migraine Hot/Cold Gel Cap
 

 I have a huge head and a lot of hair, so it's pretty snug on me, but the extra pressure with the cold is heavenly during a migraine. I used to hold a cold pack and keep shifting it around from side to side, but this wraps my entire skull in a cooling hug. Ahhhh so good.

I keep the gel cap sealed in the fridge all the time now, so I can grab it as soon as a headache starts up. The cold only lasts 15-20 minutes, but it's 1000% worth it in my book, highly recommend.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

But instead she just got "spots":

Appropriately Timed Fun Fact: Did you know Brits call zits "spots?"

***

Kelsee ordered this sculpted Jeep cake:

...but after driving her crazy, the baker's results fell flat:

I'd steer clear of this place in the future, Kelsee.

***

And finally, Kendra wanted this gorgeous ombre number for her wedding:

You know that song, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough?"

This one was definitely too high.

Sorry, Kendra.

Thanks to Amy A., Kelsee S., & Kendra L. for letting us share their pain... and also laugh at it a little.

*****

P.S. I don't get many excuses to share these, but that "spots" cake is the perfect segue. Have y'all heard of "pimple patches"?

The Original Mighty Patch

I first thought these were basically camouflage stickers, but nope, way better. Go browse the thousands of rave review and/or customer photos, if you dare, haha. Fascinating stuff!

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Obviously this disappearance spells disaster for V lovers everywhere, but officials claim they've narrowed their investigation to a few bold characters.

"Action words and Bs have had it in for V for years now," stated one official close to the case. "So rest assured we're having a serious talk in here about the verbs and the Bs."

The same official turned out to be a real font of knowledge. When asked about punishments, he responded, "We're looking at life sentences."

Thanks to Grace T., Leslie W., & Anna H. for putting the B in "subtle" - plus all these other words for some reason.

*****

P.S. Here's another giggle for your grammar nerds:

Punctuation Saves Lives

:D

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

That's where I come in.

Ready?

I *think* this is a groom's cake.

Let that visual sink in for a moment.

(Get it? "Sink in?")

Because it only gets worse from THIS angle:

0.O

Oh.

My.

Freudian Field Day.

(Is it fair to say this wreckerator really blew it?)

But on the plus side, at least there's no hook through the bride-to-be's cheek! Haha, am I right? I mean, THAT might have been a little weird.

Thanks to an anonymous minion for the bait & switch.

*****

P.S. Speaking of potentially dirty things (heh), let me introduce you to the handiest little kitchen gadget for under $8:

Dishwasher "Dirty/Clean" Slider Bar

The whole thing is magnetic, and comes with double-sided adhesive for non-metallic machines. Also comes in black or this prettier cursive option, if you don't like the bright red/green:

Super helpful if you have kids or bigger households!

[fade to dream sequence]

"We all know the importance of a water filter. It is an important part of every household."

This cake is very ugly!

Water Filters For Less

"There are many brands of water filters. Many are good brands."

This cake is not spelled right!

Buy Cheap Water Filters

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat."

This cake is showing a dead clown!

Glorious Water Filters Of Joy Helped Me Lost Ten Pounds

"In conclusion, not all water filters are the same. Many water filters are different."

The guitar looks very much like a penis!

Your Penis Will Need Wheelbarrow: Discount Water Filters

Thanks to Amy B., Jennifer C., Viole, & Valerie F. for reminding me of all the times a news outlet asks to feature a CW slideshow - and then writes their own captions.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

SEQUINS.

Like this!

(By Cakey Jane's in Buckinghamshire, UK)

Ahhh, pretty as a new penny - I'm always a sucker for shiny copper.

The trick seems to be combining just the right amount of sequin bling:

(By Patisserie V Marie in Ontario)

Look how the gold sets off the rest of the cake - it really does seem to sparkle!

I like the peek-a-boo effect of this one:

(By The Fondant Flinger in Washington state)

Plus you can see why so many sequin cakes are gold and pink; this color combination is heaven together.

Here's another:

(By Juniper Cakery in Yorkshire, England)

So dreamy with those soft ruffles!

I'm falling hard for this cobalt blue number:

(By Shannon Bond Cake Design in Kansas)

Look how the sequins drift up the cake, like they're floating!

And this metallic bronze, omigoodness:

(By Kara's Couture Cakes, full tutorial at the link!)

This one amps up the drama with velvety black and the shiniest gold leaf:

(By Karen's Kakes in Texas)

Which reminds me: how about some black sequins?

(By Eileen Fry Cakes in California)

So classic with the red roses!

Here comes another in copper, set off with a single magnolia on top:

(By Cakes Rock! in Austin, Texas)

And a whimsical little keyhole design worthy of Tim Burton:

(By Delice in Bulgaria)

I think this might be my favorite!

Ahh, but I haven't shown you any silver sequins yet, have I? So here's the grandest vintage beauty - like a 1920s flapper dress reborn in sugar:

(By Cake Heart Custom Cakes in Manitoba)

::swoon::

It's so beautiful.

Hope you guys enjoyed! Happy Sunday!

*****

P.S. I know this isn't as sparkly, but let me give a quick shout-out to my favorite wire-free bra:

Warner's Easy Does It Seamless Wireless Bra

I own four of these, and plan to keep buying all the colors. Up 'til last year I ONLY wore wired bras - usually Warners -  and it took buying-and-returning over a dozen different brands and styles before I found a wireless one I liked. This one averages $25-30 Prime, but I watch the listing and buy any color that goes on sale for less than $20. (Today "Lilac" is $18, so I snagged one of those.)

 I love the under-arm smoothing panel - no dig or pinch! - and like most Warners, these are incredibly comfortable. Be sure to check the image gallery for a better idea of how they look on larger tracts o
*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Nope.

Noooooope.

Because if you can't polish it...

...slap some wings on it?

Still nope, by the way.

And finally:

Thanks to Igor V., Elizabeth C., Nathan D., & Anony M., who informs me she's got dibs on the tail.

[Hurk.]

*****

P.S. Need to hide your eyes *and* listen to music or a good podcast? Then check THESE babies out:

Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

I listen to boring audio books on these every night to keep my brain from spinning out of control, which works wonders for my insomnia. Lately I've been wearing them like a sleep mask -  like the model here - and WOW, gold stars. These things have been a life saver: comfy enough for side sleeping, not too loud like some of my old speakers, and they're on sale right now for $16 Prime!

Note that they do run on the big side, but that works out great if you have a big head like me. :D

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Stick the doll in too low, and she looks like she's being swallowed:

Too high, and she's being abducted by aliens:

Not to mention there's all that pesky "understanding how a doll cake works" thing:

"Wait... the cake is supposed to be her skirt? OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Happily bakers are putting their own spin on the classic doll cake, though, and now there are so many more styles to choose from! Like:

The "Just Woke Up From A Weekend In Vegas":

Best served with warm Tequila and a cold shower.

The "Smart Women Stand In Blue Meringue Pies":

The "Fish Story":

She's little in the middle but she's got much... tail?

The "Frozen Princess... Defrosted":

Oh, and that reminds me:

YOU'RE NOT FOOLING ANYONE, RITA.

And finally, my very favorite:

The "Creepy Doll Bridal Party":

This one has a fun feature: when the time comes to cut the cake, they all turn their little heads in your direction and just. STARE.

Thanks to Tina L. Sandra, Anne S., Kylie M., Kimberly C., Lia A., Katy M., Meghan W., & Kelly K. for getting all dolled up on us.

(If you're wondering why that last one's my favorite - and you have a high tolerance for creepy dolls - you might like this. :D)

*****

P.S. It's not exactly a doll skirt, but I *do* have a dress for y'all that's frickin' BATS:

Scoop-Neck Sundress, Your Choice of 25 Patterns

I don't care how hot it is outside, FALL IS COMING so just let me have this. Besides, the dress also comes in taco cats, galaxy prints, rainbow unicorns, and lots more fun patterns. Plus the stretchy material is kinda like a bathing suit? Which I know sounds weird, but is AMAZING for summer. I wear these year-round, and love the heck out of them.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot: