Oh yes it is, friends!!
Pie Season is officially upon us.
You can celebrate with me by downloading this FREE ART PRINT I designed for The Cake Blog this month.

I'm dreaming of the fabulous Pumpkin Pie and the amazing Apple Crumb Top Pie I made last year!
They were both ridiculously amazing and I have to admit I'm feeling a little guilty for never having posted either of the recipes here when I promised that I would.

So...that means I'll be making these pies EARLY just so I can post them here in plenty of time for you to make them for your own Thanksgiving Dinners if you'd like. Be prepared to knock some socks off!

In the meantime, print out this fabulous art print to get you geared up.
Shoot! Why not print and frame this for a pie-loving friend too? *wink*
Or just download the wallpapers for your digital devices if you prefer!!
Download the 8x10 Pie Season Art Print + Digital Wallpapers now!!

Hope you love it PNPF Friends!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm hesitant to make the pies.
I'm going to want to eat every little crumb from each of them! *blushing*

Also, it's been very busy around here.
It was my birthday last week - and I was spoiled. Thank you family!!
Ella's 7th birthday is THIS Saturday - and there's not a big party planned...again...this year. *grrrr*
She's chosen to invite a couple of friends to a bounce house facility, do pizza and then take them all out for a special birthday dessert of her choice. Her birthday decision doesn't feed into my creativity and love for party planning at all BUT...it's not my choice - it's her big day!! And I love that she's grown up enough to decide and create a day she's excited about.

BUT, I DO get to be creative with her when we make some special treats for her gymnastics teammates and I've already ordered mini cupcakes from her favorite cupcakery for her class on Friday. I'm also excited to make her a special birthday dessert when we celebrate on Sunday with family. I'm just waiting on her final decision - she's leaning towards chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and dolphin accents. Hmmmm??? *giggling*

FREE | Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Art Print :: The Cake Blog

It's that time of year...

and it's that time of month for another FREE art print over on The Cake Blog.

There really was no other option but to do something related to Pumpkin Spice this month, was there? I'm one of the few mortals on planet Earth who isn't the Starbucks-coffee-drinking-pumpkin-latte-kind-of-girl but I AM a huge fan of anything pumpkin-scented; pumpkin candles, pumpkin wax melts, pumpkin spice air fresheners and of course...a fresh baked pumpkin pie.

As always, the artwork is available as a 5x7 printable art print OR can be downloaded for use as digital wallpaper to spice up all of your digital devices. GRAB it for FREE over on The Cake Blog.

Speaking of pumpkin spice, I'm convinced you will want to check out these delicious recipes for your Fall baking:

Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and Pumpkin-Seed Brittle
Rustic Pumpkin Bundt Cake filled with Chocolate Ganache

See you back here soon, my pumpkin spice friends!! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
It's been busy over here in my world - with fun stuff, life stuff, kid stuff and just plain ole "stuff".
Looking forward to sharing more with you.

FREE | Living the Sweet Life Art Print :: The Cake Blog

The FREE art print for September is up on The Cake blog!!
There's the colorful version you see up above as well as the option below with the wording all in black!!

Pick your favorite and download it to print...

OR...save it to your desktop, iPhone or iPad by downloading the digital wallpaper.

It's a cute reminder...for me especially...

that although there are struggles, disappointments, failures, roadblocks, down days or just what I call the "blech" we encounter...we really are living "the sweet life". 

Hope you love it, download it, use it and SHARE it!!!

Pass it on to a friend who could use the reminder too!

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I can't lie...

I'm ready for the "blech" my family and I seem to have been plagued with over the last few months to be gone! Poof! Just like that. "Believe and it will be"....right?

FREE | Sugar Is My Sidekick Art Print :: The Cake Blog

What started out as a simple sketch is now the FREE art print over on The Cake Blog this month...
This might be my favorite one yet since it includes all of my favorite sugary treats...popsicles, cupcakes, macarons, chocolate chip cookies, cotton candy and of course...a pretty cake!!

Enjoy it as a FREE printable file for framing or grab the wallpaper downloads to sweeten up your desktop as well as any of your other digital devices.

Find the DOWNLOADS HERE and enjoy your weekend everyone!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Summer is coming to an end for us as we approach the first day of school on Monday, August 24th.
I say this every year but as much as I look forward to the routine of things the school year brings, Summer, for me, marks the end of another chapter with my kids I never want to stop reading!!

FREE | i Sugar Coat Everything Art Print :: The Cake Blog

It's up...

and it's live...

and it's ready for printing...

Grab July's FREE "I Sugarcoat Everything" Art Print over on The Cake Blog today!!

It's a sugary sweet play-on-words for all of the bakers out there!! I think the watercolor cupcake added just the right touch too!!

Not only is it available as a free printable, you can grab the files to turn it into digital wallpaper too!

Head on over to The Cake Blog to download the FREE files!!
I hope you are enjoying the free monthly goodies as much as I enjoy creating them!!

As always, while you are over there, be sure to check out all of the amazing cakes!
My favorites this time include this beautiful naked Strawberry Thyme Cake, this delicious looking  4th of July-festive Stars + Stripes cake and these adorable Roasted Blueberry Breakfast Parfaits!

Love you all to pieces!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I hope to get back to sugarcoating everything ASAP!
Our oven is out of service after our house was struck by lightning a week or so ago.
The gas burners work on top but my oven is shot.
I've had some feedback from Instagram friends about suggestions for a new dual range
and I have to say these Big Chill appliances have caught my eye!!
Shhh...don't tell J yet though. I haven't even looked at pricing...I've only gotten lost in their
retro appreal!!

FREE | Let's Bake + Eat Cake Art Print :: The Cake Blog

Here's this month's FREE printable I designed for The Cake Blog!
Not only can you print it out but it's also available as digital wall paper for your digital devices!!

Soooo cute, right?
Click here to download them all for FREE on The Cake Blog!

There are so many cute cakes I'm excited about that have been posted on The Cake Blog lately.
I'm sharing my faves just in case you have missed them:
Flamingo Cake
Hello Summer Watermelon Cake
Confetti Throwing Cake #1
Confetti Throwing Cake #2
Orange Creamsicle Cake 

xoxo,
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
The digital design of the "Let's Bake + Eat Cake" was a last minute change from a really cute chalkboard version  I had originally created. I'll be sharing that one on the blog soon for all of you chalkboard lovers!!

FREE | Baking is My Superpower Art Print :: The Cake Blog

The May art print I designed for The Cake Blog is up and ready for you to download.
I chose to create something for all of the baking mamas out there...in honor of Mother's Day!

"Baking is my Superpower + My Apron is My Cape" Art Print

Download the FREE "Baking is My Superpower" Art Print and print, frame, hang or gift it.

While you are there, check out the post  "10 Ways to Spoil Your Mother"  filled with gift ideas for Mother's Day. (I want the macaron kitchen timer, myself).

Also, I'm in love with this "Today Is Your Day" cake Carrie created for a graduation party. And you should totally see the "Yay" cupcakes and photo cookies too!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
All of the prep work has been done for painting to begin tomorrow on the exterior of our home.
Stay tuned for after-pictures. (Unless I picked the wrong color). Ha!!

FREE | It's Always Spring with Buttercream Art Print :: The Cake Blog

You guys...."It's always Spring with Buttercream"!
Or...you could say "It's Blooming Spring with Buttercream"

Whichever way you say it, these brand new whimsical kitchen art prints I designed for The Cake Blog this month are posted and ready for you to download for FREE!! 

And so what if you aren't a baker.
I'm sure your baking friends or your favorite bake shop would LOVE for you to share this with them!
Head on over to get your FREE ART PRINTS today
and then be sure to check out these other posts on The Cake Blog that have me very intrigued and are must-trys for Spring...and beyond.

Edible Moss Cake
Lemon Meringue Cake

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Those frosted cupcakes were supposed to be a cinch.
Store-bought cupcakes. Easy.
Pre-made store-bought buttercream. Easy.
One working piping bag. NOT easy.
So just keep focusing on the art prints....
while I run out for more piping bags. *wink*

FREE | Spread Joy In Life with An Icing Knife :: The Cake Blog

I just love this "sweet" reminder to "Spread joy in life with an icing knife" I designed for The Cake Blog this month! It's soooo perfect for all you "Bakeristas" out there!! *wink*

It's a FREE DOWNLOAD so pop on over there and get yours today!!

While you are over there...be inspired by my all-time-favorite Spring cake ever: Speckled Easter Cake - designed and created by Carrie from The Cake Blog!

It's sooooo incredibly adorable! I LOVE it!! And I think I should totally make it!! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I think this "Spread Joy" art print is my favorite so far, since I started designing kitchen art prints for The Cake Blog last Fall. Do I say that every month with each new design I make?!  I guess that's a good thing! *wink*

FREE | Love Is Like Butter Art Print :: The Cake Blog

"Love is Like Butter...there are no substitutes for the REAL thing..."

Can I get an "amen" to that, baking friends?
I hope you love the FREE 5x7 art print I designed as an exclusive download for The Cake Blog this month. If you LOVE it...go download, print and frame it. (or skip the frame and just pin it to your corkboard, secure it with a magnet to your fridge or use some cute washi tape to hang it on a mirror or window).

It's PERFECT for displaying this month - don't you think?
Shoot - print a few out and gift them to your girlfriends as part of the "GALentine" dinner or festivities you may be planning this month with your best girl friends!!

It comes in three different background color options too so go...now. *wink*

Wondering about those adorable candy hearts shown in these photos?
They are called Heart "Sweet Shapes" by Sweetworks  - and I LOVE how they taste.
They are like sweettarts but without the tart. *wink*
And they come in lots of different fun shapes and color options so you are sure to find something perfect for whatever celebration/dessert table you are putting together.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I never did get to host the "Friendsgiving" I was hoping to have in November due to the devastating family circumstances that took place a couple of weeks prior.

So now...I'm re-thinking things.
It's always so crazy-busy in November with three birthdays and Thanksgiving, (not to mention the approaching Christmas season), so as much as I've been dreaming about a Friendsgiving for over 3 years now...it just doesn't seem to ever come together. If it did ever miraculously happen - I just don't foresee it staying a strong, consistent tradition. (too many variables out of my control).

I've been talking to J about the idea of hosting a "Friendship Dinner" in February.
What do YOU think? There's not a whole lot going on in February - at least not for us.
I could shoot for the end of the month. Gives me a little more time for planning and preparations and doesn't interfere with all of those surprise romantic getaway plans I'm sure J has up his sleeve for us. *wink*
I'll keep you posted.

FUN | Dreams Are Like Sprinkles Art Print + Giveaway Winner

I've got two fun things to share with you today!!
First up is this adorable "Dreams Are Like Sprinkles" Art Print I designed for The Cake Blog this month. If you love it, you can head on over to download the FREE 8x10 right now. Although it's perfect for the kitchen, I can see this charming print displayed pretty much anywhere in your home.

The second fun thing is the announcement of the winner from the "May You Live A Life You Love" giveaway that included these inspirational books + note card set by Compendium.

You can find out who the winner is by visiting the Book Club - February Pick post...
The winner's name is posted on the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the post!!
I appreciate all of the entries and positive feedback about the start of the book club!
Check out the post announcing the PNPF Book Club and how it will work if you happened to miss the post.

If you will be participating in the PNPF Book Club starting February 1st, you can grab your copy of "May You Live A Life You Love" by MH Clark on Amazon or at your local book store. I'm not sure if you can snag this one from the library or not but it's worth checking into. Although I really think this book will become a treasure you'll want to keep around your house for a long time...like as in forever. *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Is it weird for me to be excited about packaging up these lovelies?
The idea of sending off a box of inspiration to someone totally lights my fire!!
And hey...that totally has everything to do with helping me to use my One Little Word, SHINE, this year! *wink*

HOLIDAY | Sugar and Spice Art Print :: The Cake Blog

I'm so excited to share with you this month's "Sugar and Spice" 8x10 Kitchen Art Print I designed.
It comes in several background options and you can download it for FREE over on The Cake Blog!!

I've seen people frame the art prints OR even just attach them to the glass of a frame using cute washi tape. The washi tape option would make it super simple to swap out the prints with the new one every month!!

I hope you'll print this out and display it in your kitchen while you are baking away this holiday season!! You could even print out an extra or two for hostess gifts.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE 8x10 ART PRINTS NOW

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I NEED a new camera and a new computer - just sayin'!
My camera is 10+ years old and the computer is going on 6+ years.
This mama blogger needs an upgrade!!
Santa…are you listening?
I've been a super good girl this year. *wink*

FUN | Fall Kitchen Art Prints :: The Cake Blog

"Be whisked away by your dreams and Pumpkin Spice"…

When I was approached a couple of months ago about a fun idea from Carrie Sellman, founder of The Cake Blog and a long-time blogging friend, I was all ears!!

It's been such an exciting time watching The Cake Blog (TCB) grow by leaps and bounds since first meeting Carrie in real life at a local blogger meet up a few years back. I LOVE Carrie's cakes and posts and style. I'll never forget the Little Lamb 1st birthday party she styled for her daughter, Sadie.

Needless to say I was super flattered to know the fun idea she had was to have me design monthly kitchen art prints that her readers could download and print for FREE!!

She specifically requested the art prints be "…something girly, sweet and sugar coated to make their kitchen (and their day) bright and beautiful."

Do you like what I came up with for my first post?
I was so torn between this one and another one that had to do with apples and aprons but in the end, Pumpkin Spice won out. (it usually always does for me anyway). *wink*

I created three different versions to accommodate a variety of design preferences.

Color + Black and White + Chalkboard

Head on over to The Cake Blog for the link to DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVORITE!!
Oh and don't forget you can Print + Frame + Gift these for all of the people in your life that love to bake!

If the art print has left you craving Pumpkin Spice you might want to try these recipes:
Deconstructed Mini No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Pumpkin Oatmeal Bites

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Carrie's inquiry couldn't have come at a better time…and she didn't even know it.
I think God totally works like that. You put things out in the universe - whether it be a prayer or thought or even a list of dreams, plans, or goals and it comes to you. I really believe that.

See, I've been having so much fun creating the daily quotes on Instagram over the course of the last year and I've got an entire list of "kitchen-friendly" ones I haven't had time to share. I've just kept adding to the list as I think of things but haven't known how to share them all. This is totally the motivation I needed to actually put them on paper!! Yay!

Not only that, with my recent admission of needing to refocus and move back towards authenticity here on the blog, being able to create these art prints for The Cake Blog allows me to really do something I love - which is to inspire and uplift through hand-lettering. That makes me happy!

I still REALLY love the apple art print I mentioned that didn't make the cut this month.
I may just have to load that one into the shoppe - it's a keeper for sure!!

GIVEAWAY | Photography Prize Pack :: The Cake Blog

Holy "Photography Giveaway Batman"!!

I shared on my Facebook page yesterday that The Cake Blog just launched a brand new online photography class for those of you looking to improve your "Cake" photography.

Well now today…there's an AWESOME giveaway going on over at The Cake Blog website and I'm sooo wanting to enter to win this myself!!  I figured if I wanted to enter it you totally would want to as well so that's why I'm sharing!!

Hello!?? A fab Nikon camera, a pretty camera strap, an amazing photography backdrop and a gorgeous cake stand, created to withstand tiered cakes, all. up. for. grabs!! Who doesn't want every bit of that?

One person will win it all.

If you bake cakes either as a business or even on the side…you should totally enter to win this.

And guess what…even if you don't bake cakes you should STILL enter to win because who couldn't use an awesome new Nikon camera,  (the camera brand I use personally), and that awesome loot to go with it?

You should totally tell all of your cake baking friends about the class and this giveaway. If they win they'll SO owe you at least a couple of FREE cakes….right?

Go to The Cake Blog to enter to win…and good luck!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I never know what the proper etiquette is when it comes to having friends that do fabulous giveaways.

I always want to enter the giveaways but then I'd feel really guilty if I won - like I'd taken the prize from someone else who might then think my friend just wanted to give the prize to me because…well...we're friends. (which all of my blogging friends are way too honest to do that anyway so I don't know why I even worry about that). BUT still. That would put them in a weird position if my name happened to be drawn because technically I would be the winner…but who really wants to announce to the world, "Yay! My friend won instead of all of you readers out there." I've actually considered entering to win using a bogus name so that neither my friend OR anyone else knows it's me that's entering. BUT…what happens when the prizes have to be shipped to me? Yeah. Awkward. Ha!! Just keeping it real folks... just keeping it real…*wink*