"May the Force Be With You"

I wouldn't think many people would give me a questionable look when you mention the title "Star Wars".  I cannot count the number of times I have been addressed as "Skywalker".  Funny enough, "May the force be with you" is probably more familiar even if that person didn't know where it came from.  Now, I feel out of the loop as I question where Clone Wars fits into the story.

Yes, yes, if you're one of those people who could draw out the whole timeline of this saga - I can name two of you - I could benefit from your teaching; however, like most people, I'm not really that interested.  Ok, I take that back, if I'm wearing my Luke Skywalker jacket and medallion from Episode 4, then I might be in the mood for some galactic education.  Don't ask.

This week, though, I was asked if I could do a Clone Wars cake for a 6 year old's birthday party.  I have done more complex cakes and I did some research on what other cake designers have done.  Oh my, did they take it to the next level.  However, to stick to an economical budget for this party, we decided on a 10" triple-layer (marble/chocolate/marble), chocolate butter frosting, and with the Clone Wars design custom-cut into the top.  Usually this is much easier with fondant, but like most substitutes, I rarely try to employ their use.  So, the top was cut to leave a "Clone Wars" void and then carefully piped with a glowing golden-colored frosting.  Ok, for the record it doesn't glow.  My youngest daughter was looking at it after I had just finished it and said, "Dad, it's glowing!"  Really?  As a 6 year old herself, with a fond imagination and maybe more credit is due to how the light hit it just right, she thought it was glowing.  It was the coolest thing to her.

10" Triple-Layer Marble/Chocolate/Marble "Clone Wars" Cake

So Cakes for a Mustang has been really busy these past 6 weeks.  Started more as a result of good laugh and maybe a bit to test a theory on how good my baking really was, I am amazed more and more each day how people praise the taste and design of these cakes.  Some have asked me when I will begin to mass market them.  Honestly, until I have the proper licensing in place will I probably consider that, but I say probably because I am more scared about how big this could get with even just a little more marketing.  I know that sounds like a good thing, but I enjoy being able to fulfill orders and making every face smile with them.  I am worried I wouldn't be able to keep up that end of the deal if this business exploded with orders.  

6" Double-Layer Carrot Cakes compared to the 10" Triple-Layer Carrot Cake.  Size does indeed matter.

If I have learned one thing from both working in the real world and from my graduate business degree, keeping your ear tuned-in to your customers' wants and needs will prove to bring loyalty and could bring the greatest potential profit for the business.

Thanks again for your support!  I have enjoyed making your events - big or small - a sweet affair.  :-)

~Luke

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How Big is the 10" Triple-Layer Carrot Cake?

*Quick post*

So some have asked how big the 10" Triple-Layer Carrot Cake is.  The answer is:  10"  :-)

~Luke

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It's Finally Here!

For some of you the wait has been long.  For others, you really didn't know what you were missing.  Ladies and gentlemen, presenting...

The I.C.S. (Ice cream Cookie Sandwich)

Are y'all ready for the this?  Get ready for scrumptious madness!

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"Milestones"

It has been awhile since my last post and only because Cakes for a Mustang has been busy.  Only open 30 days, the achievements include a new facebook page with 55 "likes"/followers - whom have each earned an extra vote - a twitter page/account (#Cakes4aMustang), and a blog with over 550 page views.  To increase cake sales and customer loyalty, as if that has been a problem, I'm very pleased to now offer the "Loyalty Rewards" card.  If you buy 6 cakes, you'll earn a $10 cake for free.  However, if you'd rather, you can use the perk as a $10 credit toward one of the bigger cakes.  Either way, I've had the privilege of giving out many cards.  The support hasn't been anything short of outstanding.

Some have stated, "Boy, you must not have a life!"  That is true on some days, but those are some of my best days.  I love losing myself in cakes.  However, I do have a process - a method to this madness - where I bake and frost like a maniac and to make sure I have great, relaxing down days.

But, the newest announcement, comes in three forms:

• Chocolate Chip cookies - My favorite baked good of all of time - and a favorite of many others - will now be offered.  This treat surely brings rave reviews at parties.  
• Red Velvet cake -  By popular demand in the recent poll on facebook, the red velvet cake has been requested to be available.  Well, it's now here and for the same low price.
• Custom cakes - Only a select few know that I am in the market to make custom cakes.  There are many, mostly inspired by my imagination.  Feel free to request a custom cake quote.  I would love to help make your event a hit!  Below are just a few of them.

Thanks again for all the support.

~Luke

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A "Fully-Evolved Male"?

It was Christmas 2010 that this all started.  My sister-in-law purchased a cake spinner and I was surprised, yet excited, to have received it.  Did I really just receive a cake spinner at Christmas...and am I really excited to be getting it?  Sadly, I don't think I conveyed a whole lot of enjoyment for the gift.

Tonight, as tradition, we celebrated a host of summer birthdays on one day; five of the family members have birthdays within three weeks of each other.  This year I opened up my birthday gift and found that my sister-in-law had given me a car-shaped cake pan with a Michael's gift card.  As my mother-in-law has now called me, "He's a fully-evolved male."

I don't know if I like that title, even if it serves as a compliment; however, tonight, I delivered my newest cake to the family:  The triple-layer Dark Hershey Chocolate cake.  My sister-in-law and brother-in-law hosted the birthday event and, as much as I think they appreciated the cake, they probably didn't appreciate how much milk we all wanted to wash down that sweet, delectable richness.

I'll buy them another gallon of milk soon.

This week, I have four carrot cake orders to fulfill and I'm sure more are on the way.  Thanks for following and please encourage friends to follow the Cakes for a Mustang Facebook page.  Each "Like" will earn them an extra vote over and above votes earned when buying a cake.

~ Luke

**Order Form Update** -->  The triple-layer Dark Hershey Chocolate cake is now available on the order form.  Also, serving amounts have been added as well to each cake.  

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This Isn't Your Grandma's Carrot Cake

It has been awhile since my last post.  So what has been going on?  You have been ordering.  That's what's been happening.

Things have been very busy!  To give you an idea, here's some itemization:

• baked/sold more than a dozen cake orders, mostly carrot cake, two Hershey chocolate cakes, and an order of cupcakes
• created a brand logo and stickers to put on each cake box
• opened the new Facebook page for Cakes for a Mustang (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cakes-for-a-Mustang/176888625711079)
• opened #Cakes4aMustang twitter account (following #Ford and #FordMustang) 

Needless to say, things have been bih-hiz-zee!  (Side note: I've been asked to lead the outdoor worship service at Sunshine Community Church this Sunday, July 31.)  I'm quite overwhelmed.

But don't let that deter you from ordering.  -->  CLICK HERE

The favorite cake is the carrot cake and probably what keeps people from ordering it - not that there is an issue with orders - is some people fear this is their grandma's carrot cake.  They expect it'll have lots of raisins and nuts, fearing it'll taste more of fruit and veggies than cake.  Well, let me tell you:  This isn't your grandma's carrot cake.  I like raisins (on oatmeal), but there are no raisins in this cake.  I love nuts, but only walnuts are used as a garnish (and they can be omitted if noted in "special instructions" on the form).

My greatest joy came during the biggest rush of cake orders last week when my littlest sister was in town finishing up her month-long visit.  She helped me in so many ways, keeping the cakes cool by helping me transfer them between counter to refrigerator to freezer.  But most of all, we got to connect in ways we've never had the opportunity to do in the past; she's 18 years younger than I.

I'm very excited and so thankful for the support I've already received and more thankful of what might be coming!

~Luke

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We have an ORDER FORM!

Many people have asked, "Hey, how can I order a cake?"  Well, congratulations are in order because Cakes for a Mustang now has an online order form [cue Luke pats self on back].

Click below:

ORDER FORM

(preview only)

Simply click on the ORDER FORM and enter your name, address, phone number, email, along with which cake or cakes you want.  You will also be prompted to select a date to pick up your cake.  This will allow me to make sure your cake is made as fresh as possible before pick up.  Please allow 48 hours from time of order to pick up.  After filling in all required info and clicking on "send email", you should receive a message saying "Thank you! Your order is being processed."  That's it.  Within 24 hours, I will personally send you a confirmation that your order has been placed.

Some of you have also asked, "Luke, do you make any other cakes than just carrot cake?"

I sure do.  I know some people don't like carrot cake.  To be honest, I was never really of fan of them myself growing up.  However, this one takes the cake, pardon the pun.  So, do try it before ruling it out completely.  But, to keep things simple at first, I am making three cakes available at the start: carrot cake, chocolate, and my specialty Oreo ice cream.  More cakes will become available as time goes on.

As always, feel free to email me your questions or suggestions to youcanreachluke@yahoo.com.  However, please use the ORDER FORM to place your cake order.

Thanks again for the amazing support!  Vroom, vroom!

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