Made from Sugar Modeling Paste, but also a great idea for Polymer Clay sculpting.

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Funny Lion SugarPaste CakeTopper

This time, I replaced fondant paste with these delicious tropical candies. It’s harder to roll out, but the new taste is worth it. It only works for small pieces because it’s not soft enough. I chose mango, pineapple, and lemon flavors. You can decorate cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, or lollipops or just having fun with your children.

Take 2-3 pieces at a time, work them together well, and then roll out.

You can use any cutters or molds for small pieces.

I’ve always wanted to try creating something with these delicious candies.

By the way before I could put them on the cake, my daughter and her friends ate them all. 😃

Easy cake decoration idea for birthday cakes

You need:

• Fondant paste or fondant mix with gumpaste 50-50 ratio. White color
• Yellow or gold fondant
• Polystyrene balls
• Edible blue and gold coloring powder
• Paint brush
• Some water
• Star cutters

1. Roll out the dough. I used a fondant/gum paste mix. It is easier to work with because of its elasticity. Also, fondant dries faster, so you have less time for shaping.

2. Apply some water to the paste to gently stick the balls together. You can use edible glue, but water works well too.

3. Close the fondant around the balls. Cut off any excess paste on the backside, and gently shape the front with your fingers until you achieve the desired shape.

Color the gaps lightly to achieve pale blue color.

4. Cut out as many stars as you want, paint them with gold dust to make the stars shine. Attach them with water.

I used softer polystyrene balls because I wanted a flatter surface this time. If you prefer perfect round forms, choose hard polystyrene.

Have some fun making foamy clouds.

Without oil and butter

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Since I’ve been baking this recipe is my all-time favorite for a rich chocolate flavor. It’s very easy and quick to bake, resulting in a soft and moist texture that’s sturdy enough to support any layered cake, making it perfect for use under fondant. You can also use this recipe to make cupcakes, cake pops or cake sicles.

I didn’t use oil as this recipe usually recommends, because it works well without. The heavy cream give enough moisture. However, if you prefer, you can add it, as mentioned in the ingredients below.

Here’s what you need:

INGREDIENTS

• 250 g all-purpose flour ( 1 and 3/4 cup)
• 56 g cocoa powder ( 2/3 cup) I used Starbucks 70% cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder/ levure
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 200 g granulated sugar (1 cup)
• 110 g brown sugar ( 1/2 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• 180 ml heavy cream ( 3/4 cup) I prefer 35% or you can use sour cream
• 1 soup spoon vanilla extract
• 240 ml hot coffee ( don’t be afraid you don’t feel any coffee taste, but you can replace with water also)
• Optional: 120 ml vegetable oil ( 1/2 cup). I don’t use it.
• For the pan: butter and parchment paper

This quantity is enough to make an 8 inch cake with 2 layers like ( 2 x 1,5 inch thick).

“I made this cake with double of the quantities, resulting in four layers that are each about 1 and 1/3 inches thick (approximately 3 cm each).”

PREPARATION

1. Sift both the flour and cocoa powder, then add all the dry ingredients. Mix well.

2. Mix all the liquid ingredients together until there are no lumps. This can take some time or you can use a mixer.

3. Mix the dry and liquid ingredients together until the mixture is creamy.

4. Finally, add the hot coffee to the batter.

5. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes before using it. Meanwhile, distribute the butter evenly among the pans and cover them with parchment paper.

You are ready to bake.

Place it in the oven for 30-33 minutes at 180 degrees (356 Fahrenheit). Keep in mind that baking times may vary depending on your oven.

If you bake the layers separately, the baking time will be less, depending on their thickness.

You can use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is cooked in the middle. When you pull it out, it should come out dry.

Wait until it cools down, then flip it over to achieve a nice flat top. It tends to flatten out easily.

JOYFUL BAKING

I’ve used this batter many times and have never been disappointed.

A huge thanks to Robert Green author whose hard work over decades—analyzing and observing people’s struggle to find life purpose—helped me a lot in discovering mine in my early 40s. If you are in your 20s; it is much easier; if you are older and have always struggled, there is hope as well.

In the quest for a meaningful and fulfilling life, understanding and embracing your life purpose is paramount. This journey begins with a deep exploration of who you are and what truly drives you.

Being on the right path often brings a positive energy that can align various aspects of our lives effortlessly, including relationships and social interactions.

For some, finding their life purpose is easy, as they’ve known what to do since childhood. They possess innate talents, allowing them to rediscover their life path early on.

However, for most of us, the process of is challenging. Indeed, discovering your calling may not happen overnight, but with dedicated time and energy, there is always hope to find your purpose at any age.

At the beginning, people often grapple with two kinds of problems: some have no idea what they are passionate about, while others, vice versa, have numerous possibilities but struggle to choose among them.

Let’s take this transformative journey step by step.

1. KNOW WHO YOU ARE

Understanding yourself is crucial. It’s about being honest about what truly brings you joy and excitement.

If you find that only eating and sleeping bring you happiness, it might be a sign that you haven’t yet discovered or engaged with activities that truly resonate with your passions and interests.

Exploring new hobbies or seeking professional guidance could help you find more fulfillment in life beyond basic needs. Even if you currently feel lost, exploring your interests and developing skills can help you build a fulfilling life that not only brings you joy but allows you to contribute to others as well. But how to start?

Answering these questions can indeed open doors and shed light on your path. Self-reflection is a powerful tool for understanding your desires, and it can guide you toward activities and pursuits that align with your true interests.

• What made you happy when you were 4-5 years old? If you don’t remember, reflect on your experiences at the age of 16-17.
• What activities make you lose track of time, or what topics genuinely captivate your attention?
• What kind of hobbies, classes, or even YouTube videos resonate with you?
• One of my favorite question: What would you do every day if your bills were paid, and you didn’t have to worry about income?
• What sets you apart from others? What makes you unique?
• What is your strength?
• What is the thing if you don’t do anymore could make you miserable?
• What values matter the most to you?

2. LISTEN TO YOUR IMPULSE VOICES

Your idea encourages listening to your inner feelings, especially like how young kids do before. Particularly prevalent in small children before external influences shape their decisions during school years.

Don’t follow other people’s dreams. You are unique! Imagine you have DNA like no one else, you can’t be replicated! 🤗

Forget social expectations; follow your heart and gut feelings. In my opinion, these are our best guides in every aspect of life.

3. SET GOALS

If you feel stuck, whether they are small steps it will be significant milestones for the future. If you have no idea where to start, consider cleaning your house, decluttering, or trying new activities. Make some changes. In a better environment, better ideas emerge.

Remember, if we do everything the same as yesterday, nothing will change tomorrow.

Get out of where you are. To make room for new and better things, you should address and settle the old ones.

4. BE AUTHENTIC

Authenticity is the key 🔑 to unlocking your life’s purpose. Embracing genuineness means living in a way that reflects your unique identity rather than conforming to external expectations or societal norms. It fosters deeper connections with others, as people appreciate and resonate with sincerity. Navigate your life in a manner that feels true to who you are.

True freedom unfolds when you break free from comparison, embracing your unique path without being tethered to others’ opinions.

5. Beyond IQ: DISCOVERING YOUR UNIQUE FORM OF INTELLIGENCE:

Intelligence comes in various forms. Identify your strengths, whether they be analytical, creative, emotional, or practical. Your unique intelligence plays a crucial role in shaping your purpose. Generally one of them kind of dominates.

• Abstract Intelligence: This form of intelligence involves the ability to think conceptually, analyze complex ideas, and grasp abstract concepts. Individuals with high abstract intelligence excel in critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Pattern Intelligence: Pattern intelligence is the knack for recognizing and understanding patterns, whether visual, auditory, or sequential. Those with strong pattern intelligence can quickly identify relationships and anticipate outcomes based on recurring elements.
• Mathematical Intelligence: Mathematical intelligence encompasses proficiency in numerical and logical reasoning. People with strong mathematical intelligence excel in tasks related to calculations, quantitative analysis, and problem-solving using mathematical principles.
• Kinetic Intelligence: Kinetic intelligence, also known as bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, involves physical coordination and a heightened awareness of body movements. Individuals with this intelligence often excel in activities that require physical skills, such as sports, dance, or manual dexterity.
• Social Intelligence: Social intelligence refers to the ability to understand and navigate social situations effectively. Those with high social intelligence are adept at perceiving emotions, building relationships, and navigating interpersonal dynamics.

The five forms of intelligence I mentioned based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, as presented in his book “Frames of Mind”. Gardner proposed the idea that intelligence is not a singular, unitary concept but rather a collection of distinct intelligences, each with its own characteristics and capabilities.

6. STRIVE TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Your perspective on a healthy lifestyle influencing a clear mind and elevated mood aligns with the idea that physical well-being can positively impact one’s life purpose and decision-making.

I don’t believe in strict diet but emphasizing balance in meals and gradual engagement in sports is a practical approach to maintaining energy levels and a positive mood. Spending time alone in nature also can bring fresh ideas.

7. DON’T SABOTAGE!

Starting is the catalyst for self-discovery; confidence grows through positive experiences and embracing challenges outside your comfort zone.

Failure is often a stepping stone, not a roadblock. Learning from it and starting again is key to personal growth and success.

Don’t worry! Getting closer and closer to your true self leads to more success, and overcoming failures is an integral part of the journey. Keep moving forward and don’t let setbacks deter you.

The weight of success is determined by the number of mistakes!

8. BE AN INTROVERTED or EXTROVERTED

The easiest way to find out is to ask yourself what energizes you more—socializing or being alone? In my case, both are present, but there’s always one that is more dominant.

It’s crucial to know where we belong because this determines our choices. This understanding guides us to make the best decisions, especially when faced with multiple directions to choose from.

9. SEEK GUIDANCE

Especially when we don’t know how to start, it could be very useful to observe people’s activities and strategies, those who are already where we would like to be. Identify the internet platforms they use and how they utilize them. Explore their daily routines. ( If it’s necessary).

There has been immense change in the world in the last decades, bringing many positive aspects, such as the opportunity to start a business online free that can open doors to the entire world. The human brain may resist new things, but overcoming these challenges is essential to building the life we desire.

I never imagined that one day my “office” would be my phone or my computer. Especially since I used to work with many people around. But with time, I not only got to know myself better and discovered my true self, but also accepting changes that happened in the world brought me the life I’ve always wanted.

Observing my role models gave me ideas and encouragement. They provide examples not just through their activities but also by showcasing patterns that work well.

10. ACCEPTING CRITICISM

Accepting criticism is inevitable. No matter how successful you become, you’ll always have to deal with it. You can’t make everyone happy, but that’s not the goal. When you rediscover your true self and follow the right path, positive feedback will make it easier to accept criticism, understanding it’s part of the journey —nothing more, nothing less.

Never try to understand malicious reactions from others (which could stem from jealousy, unhappiness, etc.). You have nothing to do with it; let them be. People living fulfilled, joyful lives build each other positively, practicing criticism only with themselves.

What about constructive criticism? As humans, we make mistakes, but distinguishing between someone willing to help and someone trying to destroy our mood is key. Constructive criticism often comes when we ask for it, and an honest opinion is revealed in how it’s communicated. Trust your gut; you’ll feel the kindness and helpfulness in genuine feedback.

10+1. Acquire skills

If you find what you are most passionate about, the most important thing to do is acquire your skills. If you put in effort, you will grow and become better every day. Learning new things and being able to adapt are important in a changing world.

Having bills to pay, especially with a family, makes it challenging to leave a job behind. After a certain age, changing career directions becomes more complicated. However, if you feel an inner calling and are willing to pursue your dreams, there’s always a bridge to find a reasonable solution for change. Dedicate just an hour a day to explore things that interest you; it may awaken your inner light, guiding you to make a drastic yet well-thought-out decision over time.

I hope you find some useful advice. I wish you a successful journey; we are all seeking a joyful, satisfied, balanced life.

Book Source:

Robert Green-Mastery.

Howard Gardner-Frames of mind

Cowrie shells, known as ‘money cowrie, were historically used as currency on Africa’s western coast from the 14th century. They hold spiritual significance, symbolizing abundance, wealth and fertility due to their form. Additionally, they are believed to offer protection from bad spirits and bring good luck.

The natural beauty of cowrie shells is striking, and enhancing them with vibrant colors can add a playful and creative touch, making each piece different.

When deciding between acrylic paint and nail polish, both are viable options. However, for achieving an instantly nice, smooth, and shiny surface, I prefer using Nail Polish especially if you would like only coloring it.

Acrylic Paint works well on the top for tiny details like dots and lines, so combining both for a fully decorated shell allows for the best outcome, in my opinion.

You can easily see the different:

Indeed, due to their small size, shells can be challenging to paint, but incorporating tiny motifs can transform them into miniature canvases and create unique pieces.

If you’d like to give it a try, here are some tips and tricks :

• Using a toothpick to secure shells helps prevent them from sliding around, ensuring stability. I use 2 per shell, as you can see below

• The opacity of nail polish can vary. Deep colors often require just one layer, while lighter shades may need 2-3 for full coverage. It’s all about achieving that shade of color you need. Just like when you paint your nails.
• For painting small details, I use a toothpick, thread, or very thin paint brush.

• After they have completely dried I cover them with a layer of transparent nail polish top coat.

• Finally in the last step, spray them with a Crystal Clear cover spray for an extra protection for its longevity.

Now it’s your turn:) Have some fun!