19 years and counting

This morning started like any other day, I got up (truthfully, earlier than I would have liked), baked bread, baked an apple bar, did dishes, packaged product, and got out of the house late! Stocked the shelves, opened the store, and sold some bread. However, today isn't like all the other 364 days of the year; today is special. Today I celebrate 19 years of marriage to the love of my life. We were together for 3.5 years before marriage, so if you are mathing today, that means I have been with him for over half of my life. I think about all the celebrations that I have been a part of over the years. Anniversaries, Showers, Weddings, Birthdays, even funerals. How many people did I make smile? How many people did I make their day just a little sweeter? Today is not about them.

He has been my biggest fan, always cheering me on from the sidelines, celebrating my achievements, no matter how small they may seem. His unwavering support has been a constant source of encouragement in my life, pushing me to pursue my dreams and strive for excellence. Whenever I faced challenges or self-doubt, he was there to remind me of my strengths and capabilities, instilling in me the confidence I needed to overcome obstacles.

As my motivator, he has an incredible ability to inspire me to reach beyond my limits. He encourages me to set ambitious goals and works alongside me to create a roadmap for success. His belief in my potential has often been the catalyst that ignites my determination, transforming my aspirations into tangible realities. Whether it’s through thoughtful discussions or simply being present during tough times, his motivation has been a driving force behind many of my accomplishments.

In times of uncertainty and hardship, he has been my rock, providing stability and reassurance when I needed it most. His presence offers a sense of safety and security that allows me to navigate life's tumultuous waters with greater ease. He listens patiently to my worries and fears, offering wise counsel and a steady hand to hold onto. This unwavering support has grounded me, reminding me that I am never alone in my struggles.

Moreover, he has been my comforter, always knowing how to lift my spirits when I feel down. Whether it’s through kind words, a warm embrace, or simply sharing a quiet moment together, he has an innate ability to soothe my soul. His compassion and understanding create a safe space for me to express my feelings, allowing me to heal and regain my strength. In his company, I find solace and peace, knowing that I am cherished and valued.

In the end, we are in this together. He has sat at countless farmers' markets - with me, and without me. He covers the store when I'm double-booked, behind, or just too tired. He packages bread, cookies, and cakes. He helps with photos, helps with dishes, and carries all my 50-pound bags of flour into the house and dumps them into my flour bins. This business is just as much his as it is mine.

Today's post has a different vibe, I do know that, but I also know how important it is to have a support system in place. This is true if you are trying to start a business, but it is also true in pretty much any aspect of your life. Having the right person by your side through it all makes it so much easier.

If you are here looking for some cake wisdom, here it is. When stacking cakes, it is important to have a solid base. You should never stack a marble cake. White cake and chocolate cake are different consistencies, making the cake more fragile, and therefore, it will crumble and fall apart more easily. A good sturdy cake drum is a must for stacked cakes as well. While you can get away with a cake plate from Walmart for a single-tier cake, a stacked cake needs something more, something that will give it the extra support that it desperately needs. You can have the best cake drum in the world, with the best cake recipe, but that means nothing if you don't have good support for the cake. The weight of the cake can still make it fall. I have found that some of the best and easiest to get cake supports are smoothy straws. You can find them at the grocery store here in town. There are better quality ones available. If I'm doing anything really big, I will opt for the thicker supports made for cakes, but for a two-tier, I have found that the smoothy straws offer plenty of support. Make sure you have a cardboard round in between the layers. To me, this is common knowledge, but I do recognize that this may not be common knowledge for some. The board is what will rest on top of the straws, and the cake will rest on top of the board. Without it, your cake can still easily fall, almost as if you don't have any supports at all. I always do a longer straw in the middle with around 6 around the center one. If it is a taller/larger cake, I will use more. All of these components work together to make your cake sturdier and less likely to collapse.

I challenge you today, think of the person who holds you up and let them know that you recognize what they do for you. Even if they don't see it :)