It has only been over the past few hours that I have been able to reflect fully on 2017 and all of the amazing things that have happened this year. This is not like me.
I have just spent a few minutes revisiting my round up of 2016, published this time last year, and it was so in depth as to run to to separate posts to chronicle the entire 12 months. This year feels like more of a sonic boom that just happened and spat me out here, on my sofa, surrounded by the detritus of chocolate money.
This is not at all a complaint! 2017 has been such an incredible year that these past few ‘Chrimbo Limbo’ days, spent being just about as lazy as it is possible for me to be, were always going to be a write off as I process what has been and limber up for what is to come. I am full of optimism for 2018 even though my batteries have been a little flat of late – hence not much noise from me of late.
In the spirit of New Year’s Eve (and I am a bugger for writing my blog posts live and when I feel inspired, rather than scheduling neatly when I am feeling reflective like this), from my sofa, under my trusty blankie, I would like to round up 2017 with a series of thank yous. Indulge me. Unless there’s a Harry Potter on, in which case, watch that.
*Side note… actually, don’t because it’s Deathly Hallows Part 2 tonight and you will cry.
Thank you to Cake Decoration & Sugarcraft Magazine for embracing me as one of your regular contributors. I have been able to actually make some of the cakes that I have imagined creating for people who inspire me (in a continuation of my I Would Love to Bake a Cake For… Monday blog feature). My first cake was a Valentine’s Day creation, featuring the full lyrics to Love Song by The Cure all piped around the tiers. This dummy still lives in my kitchen because I love it so.
My favourite cake from this series was probably the one I made for King Charles II. Obviously!
My new series for 2018 in Cake Decoration & Sugarcraft Magazine will be cakes inspired by classic Hollywood. Pick up the January 2018 issue now for my Elizabeth Taylor cake.
I have also loved writing about the newest trends in cake decorating for Cake Decorating Heaven Magazine. Thank you for allowing me to try out new and crazy techniques like my mermaid cake!
I am beyond grateful to have been asked to make a 100th Birthday cake for Dame Vera Lynn this year. In March, I delivered this cake to the London Palladium.
Dress by The House of Foxy
(Click for details)
And this cake was for the birthday girl to enjoy with her family. I received a thank you note which is framed and on my wall. I could not be prouder.
In May, I was thrilled to be a part of This Morning Live at the NEC and I cannot thank the This Morning family enough for making me feel so welcome! The crowds were delightful and I am looking forward to returning to the show in May 2018!
It was wonderful to be so welcomed by this bunch!
And to pick up a new apprentice in the shape of the lovely Rylan Clarke Neal.
Of course, I cannot round up the year without thanking everyone at Foodies Festival for the most incredible season. We took our three-day gastro-Glasto around the country for ten shows and two Christmas shows. It was beyond brilliant. The Cake & Desserts Theatre was the place to be and to all of my amazing chefs, I send only my absolute love and adoration to you. To the crew behind the scenes (Graham, Rob, Helen, my darling husband Chris!) you are my heroes. To everyone who came along and ate us out of house and home, thank you and I look forward to seeing you in 2018.
A special thank you to my friends at California Raisins for their sponsorship of our anarchic little theatre. Also to KitchenAid UK for their generous support.
To my wonderful Brides and Grooms, I have loved making your wedding cakes this year. Being out on the road so much has limited the number of cakes that I have been able to make BUT the ones that I did make were extra special and chosen with love. You are all incredible and I hope that your first festive season as a married couple has been extra special too.
And thanks to you all for being generally fabulous. Thank you for all of your lovely tweets and Facebook and Instagram messages. Thank you to anyone who ever reads this blog. Thank you to anyone who has met me over the course of this year and spoken to me. Meeting you all has been a pleasure and I cannot wait to get back out on the road to meet you all in 2018.
Expect more of the same! More fabulous outfits, more fantasy bakes, more recipes for you to love at home.
Happy New Year to you all and see you later, 2017.
Stay gorgeous!
Cxx
