Happy 2019, everyone! What a better way to kick off the new year than to make a cake and have a slice while dreaming about the year to come? Thatās completely my jam because a) I love cake and b) I get super excited about goals. Always have, always will. Iām the kind of person who keeps daily to-do lists just so I can check things off (it apparently releases dopamine which kindof makes me an achievement addict) but as New Yearās rolls around, I take those dreams Iāve been thinking about all year and write them out. And I kick it all off by topping a cake with these festive number sparklers by TOPS Malibu. Iāve got all the heart eyes!

TOPS Malibu has always been my go-to when it comes to cake sparklers, and they were kind enough to send me these number sparklers to celebrate the New Year. Theyāve got a huge selection of cake toppers and party supplies, so thereās something for every celebration. The thing I love the most about their sparklers in particular is that they come in all sorts of numbers, shapes, and sizes! Perfect for birthday cakes, anniversaries, cupcakes (they even make them in tiny sizes!), and New Yearās. Be sure to check out their gorgeous collection here!


I wish I could share a slice of this cake with every one of you, but youāll just have to feast with your eyes until virtual eating gets invented (could that even happen?!). Until then, hereās a peek at my hopes and dreams for 2019, in no particular order at all:
Start teaching local workshops. If youāre in the Portland area, youāre in luck! Iām planning on putting together some workshop material so I can start teaching cake stuff in person. Iād love to know what youād want to learn from me, so let me know in the comments section. Thereās no real eta on that or anything, itās definitely a dream though!
Keep working towards a cookbook. So the funny thing about this whole cake blog thing is that I never really imagined my recipes working out in other peoplesā kitchens. But apparently they do! And receiving feedback from you guys about recipe successes has been so, so encouraging. Itās pushed me to write more than I ever thought I could! So with every new recipe I make, I think to myself, this could go in my future cake cookbook. Iām gonna keep it up and dream towards it!
Spend less time on social media. This past year, my social media channels have grown a ton (for which I am so thankful!) but I also kindof hate that my go-to has become checking Instagram far too often. Itās that autopilot thing where my finger just clicks on the app when I have down time. Donāt get me wrong, I love Instagram, but Iām working towards setting boundaries for myself so I donāt spend so much time there. This will probably look like establishing a schedule and blocking off only certain times/days I open the app. Iām hoping it increases my ability to be more present and creative.
Work out more. Ok, this is probably on everyoneās list but whenever I incorporate workouts (particularly running) into my weekly routine, my mood skyrockets. Iām nicer to everyone when I work out. So I should probably do that more.
Finish my house remodel. We bought a house nearly two years ago and have completed a few major projects since then. My husband and I ripped all the carpet out and re-floored the entire house ourselves, skim coated the texture off all the walls to make them smooth, and installed a sliding glass door. Still on the list are full remodels of the bathrooms and kitchen. And oh man, I canāt wait to have more counter space and a more photogenic kitchen!
Rethink my closet. Hereās a little something about me and fashion: I hate shopping. So much that I rarely do it and only justify buying something if itās on super-sale or thrifted. But the thing about shopping like that is items tend to fall apart after just one or two seasons of wear and those super-sale items are typically made in terrible working conditions (hence the low price). This past year, Iāve been inspired to do more research into where my clothes are coming from and supporting brands who are committed to making clothing ethically. Iāll admit, it takes more time and thought, but I feel better about investing in pieces that are made well and in great working standards that build communities rather than destroy them.
Buy a legit lighting setup. The thing about my approach to food photography is I depend on that dreamy natural light to take photos and videos of my cakes. It gets really hard in the Winter (aka now) because the daylight is so short and most of those precious hours are spent at my day job during the week. This year Iām researching different lighting setups so I can mimic that dreamy daylight at night. Iāll let you know if itās possible! Oh, and this year expect a full look into my food photography setup and tips on taking better food photos. Iām far from an expert, but I do have some things to say.
Well enough about me and my goals already! I want to hear what yours are. Let me know in the comments below! And PS I hope this year is your best one yet š
I just stumbled across your blog today and I really enjoyed reading your goals for this year!
I am particularly looking forward to seeing your light set up and wish you the best for your home remodelling!
No doubt that you will kick-ass all your goals Whitney!
Thanks for cheering me on, Jules! You are so kind!
I know this is a long shot and this is an old post but I was wondering what colors you used for this cake? I love it and want to attempt to recreate it. I love your blog! You are very talented.
Hi Jennifer! Thanks so much for the kind words! I can’t remember the exact colors, but if I had to guess it was probably AmeriColor turquoise for that light green (just a tiny drop or two), Peach for the peach color, and some mix of Fuchsia and Burgundy for the other two colors. I also used Edible Art Paint in Glamorous Gold for the splatter painted gold. Here’s a tutorial for the technique! https://sugarandsparrow.com/painted-buttercream-cake-tutorial/