Take a Cake: Review Blog of Bake ‘O’ cake

We love celebrating every milestone in our life. And as a tradition, a special day is brought in by treating everyone with something sweet and what an indulgence it can be with a yummylicious cake. Be it any party, celebration or occasion, the cake has to be the star of the day. 

When it comes to cakes, I have just one person always on my mind. GRACE JAMES DODDI of #Bake ’o’ Cake, who makes Customized Veg Whipped cream cakes. A housewife and a home baker with immense dreams started baking one and a half year back. She is a perfect example and inspiration for those who want to start big from home. When you make a basic cake, you realize how much sovereignty you have with culinary experimentation! Her first creation was for her 3 year old son, as she wanted him to have pure whipped cream cake instead of fondant ones. And what can compete with a mothers love to bake for her son. A hobby soon established into a profession of baking exquisite refined cakes from the comfort of her home and then there was never looking back.

With just one helper she has baked on an average upto 6 cakes in a day. Be it any occasion, design, flavour, single, two tier and three tier cakes, it is made to add sparkle to your celebration. Off lately she has started baking 2/3 tier rotational LED cakes, which are in true sense a cake lovers delight. The delivery is provided at your door step till Thane on the Central Side and Miraroad on the western side.

One cannot stop praising the cupcakes or cake pops which can also be customized.

I had ordered theme cupcakes for my nephew’s birthday and recently themed cake for my daughter’s birthday. Both were highly appreciated by our guest. 

Grace has also given Tutorials in Kindergarten schools for making cupcakes.

A couple of Testimonials from her clients:

Shikha Vijay:

 4 November 2016

I heard a lot of about grace. I wanted cake for my hubby's birthday and wanting it to be spl.so I ordered from her and couldn't have been more pleased with the result. She is very attentive n highly professional. She managed to deliver the cake directly to my hubby's office and hubby's expression was..just... wow..and the cake itself was incredible..it's so delicious that the whole cake was gone before noon.Thank you so much Grace to make vinit's birthday special...Highly recommended 

Sonniya Goenka reviewed Bake 'o' Cake – 5 star

18 September · 

The cake I ordered from Grace for my son's 5th bday was absolutely delicious and the creatives made all the kids super excited!!!
It was an absolute pleasure to work with her and she was very receptive to ideas and modifications ..look forward to ordering another yummyyyy cake soon! 

Let’s read what the incredible herself has to say on her journey of baking designer cakes:

‘’Only being a housewife never satisfied me. I wanted to do something for myself. Since I had a background of trousseau & gift packing, my inclination was more towards creative side. I wanted to do something which could help me balance work and family.  Giving justice to all was my priority. My first cake was for my son. Since he never liked fondant cakes, I made a non-fondant designer cake for him. All credit goes to my son, who made me step into this lovely world of baking.’’

I used to always wonder how one can bake at home. That too customized cakes with so much of detailing and art. Great look and taste, it is not easy to have both.  But looking at the work Bake’o’cake is doing, one can draw inspiration from this talent. With no formal training in baking and still delivering stunning and scrumptious celebration cakes! Cakes not only make your evening special but even memorable. You can say a lot to your loved ones through cakes.  It is indeed a show stopper.

You can visit her page:

Bake 'o' cake on FB @bakeOCakeGrace

For Order contact : 7045627107

When Opportunity Strikes!

When we feel everything is over and there is no scope for our life to progress, we stop hunting opportunities which are in real present around us. The way every dark night has a ray of sun shining with full energy and brightness similarly every tough situation has a positive gleam of hope. We have heard from childhood that God gives an equal chance to everyone. He gives that one moment of decision-making that could change our life for ever. But it is not that opportunity strikes only once.

It is always around us. But we fail to identify it. This is because we are so much into cribbing and cursing our present situation that we close our eyes and ears. We stop looking at the approaching options for healing our sorrows and pains. Sometimes we feel like getting deeper into our glitches and form a cocoon of impossibilities.

And when ultimately we realize that the moment of change is gone we regret it and the cycle of feeling bad about our destiny continues.

Successful people have not reached their desired position by coincidence. They have grabbed the opportunities, analysed them and put it in use. Yes, they have taken advantage of every positive situation that had come along their path of struggle to climb the ladder. They turned deaf ear to discouragement and criticism. They never looked back and worried about the past. Rather focused on the future. For them the failure experienced is a learning rather than mourning.

They don’t waste time in asking questions, Why it happened only to me? Why do I have to face this? Why can’t I be lucky like others? They know everyone has gone through their share of hardships and the ones who are lucky have strived hard to make luck work for them. They have not stayed back and relaxed, waiting for opportunities to arrive at their door step. They have explored and worked on the potentials which will lead them to the path of triumph. Instead of asking ‘WHY’, they believe in finding answers for ‘HOW’ and ‘WHEN’.

One sees things differently as each individual has a different perspective of life. Some take it easy and some are always on the run to take the right action at the right time.

We all have goals. We also know the results. But not everyone finds correct ways to achieve these goals.  When you have one path for your destination you just drive on that same path. Driving continuously on the same road makes you concentrate only in one direction. You might miss the left and rights. If you keep your mind open and let your life succumb to change you will find many routes to one destination.

Remember ‘Opportunity brings change. And thus this Change brings in more opportunities.’

PC:https://www.google.co.in/search?q=opportunity&client=ms-android-samsung&prmd=inv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiJpLXup_HRAhVCq48KHSfqBB0Q_AUIBygB

Few lessons learnt from latest wedding shopping

Few days back was my cousin brother wedding. The usual excited me had so many things in mind. I already had made a superficial list for shopping as soon as we got the news of him being engaged. The happy sister in me wanted to buy and wear the best since he is the only brother I have in my entire family clad.

But while shopping when I had to actually purchase things, I learnt few important lessons:

1.       It’s important to first check your wardrobe. Believe me the more you have is actually the less you have. Check all clothes & accessories including jewellery, bags & shoes. If you feel the clothes can be repeated, reprise them. Don’t worry about the crowd. If the crowd is different you can repeat clothes.

2.       Match the outfits with the wedding theme. One can always team up top or bottom with different combinations to make outfit look different. For. E.g. I was not having a chanya choli in my wardrobe. So I bought such an outfit that can be teamed up with a different choli and duppata to make it look different this saving on my cost.

3.       Make a list of what you have and what you don’t need. Never make a list of what you want to buy....i feel that is never ending!

4.       Find out about outlets which have sale. Opt for shopping during seasonal sale. If you have time for groundwork, don’t miss out on this opportunity.

5.       Do not forget to include your family members in shopping list too. Make a combined budget.

6.       Try using cash rather than Cards to avoid over spending. 7

7.       Never buy clothes which are one time wear. What’s he point in spending thousands when you can’t wear it anywhere else.

8.       If you are wearing full length gown, lehenga or skirt, do not spend much on shoes. They are as it is hidden.

9.       Try purchasing different colour outfits so that you have various looks in the event.

10.   Since I have a 3 year old brat with whom shopping is an impossible task. I tried to cut short my tailor or shop visits. I visited 2 or 3 places and bought whatever I could. The more you indulge in visiting shops and then deciding on what to buy. The more time and money is spent, especially when you are a compulsive shopper. Usually we don’t want to upset anyone so we buy from every shop we visit. It’s like ‘aye hain toh kuch leke jayenge’.

11.   Outfits which are in trend will become out of trend after sometime.  Own outfits which are all time wear.

A genuine planning and being realistic for shopping can help one curb down on budget.

Share your own experiences and tips if you have any.

Picture courtesy https://www.google.co.in/search?q=wedding+shopping&newwindow=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiBrKvmi7fRAhUJrI8KHQFnA_sQ_AUICCgB&biw=1366&bih=662

24 things which one must do daily

1. After waking up thank the Lord for granting you a lovely morning. Run your palm and place it on your face. Open your eyes for a fresh start.
2. Have one glass of water before brushing.
3. Greet everyone you meet with a smile.
4. Help atleast one person everyday.
5. Have your breakfast. Do  not Skip this first meal of morning. Since our stomach is empty entire night, it should be treated with a fruit and heavy breakfast. Eat healthy food. Avoid junk food.
6. Have 8 glasses of water daily.
7. Serve a plate of fruits not only to yourself but also  entire family.
8. Spend the least possible time on your phone, Tab or laptop.
9. Fill water in your mouth and splash water on each of your eyes one by one atleast 10 times. Once the water in your mouth becomes warm, throw it and repeat the same again.
10. Eat salad daily.
11. Have one glass of milk if it suits you before retiring to bed.
12. List your daily expenses to track your budget.
13. Walk for atleast half hour daily.
14. Moisturize your skin at bed time.
15. Eat food before 8pm. Have light dinner.
16. Have one meal with entire family.
17. Talk with your spouse and children everyday before sleeping. Let them know you care.
18. Talk to atleast one friend daily.
19. Meditate for 10 mins. This can also be done in office. All you have to do is close your eyes and breath in & out by changing ‘OM’ or any word you like. Simple breathing will also do.
20. Read atleast one page of a book, newspaper or listen to good music.Be aware of what is going around.
21. Repeat this ‘Everything is good and tomorrow will be the best'.
22.Thank God for an awesome day. Say sorry if you have done anything wrong. Pray for a better tomorrow.
23. Whisper positive notes in your children’s ears while they are sleeping.
24. End your day with a smile

Because I care! My review on #mamaearth baby products

 

I have never been particular about my skin tone or skin type. I always had a carefree attitude.  However, this changed when I started working, since one has to be groomed well when you are at a corporate setup and represent your company. After becoming a mother, the first and the foremost priority has been my daughter. Again ‘Me Myself’ has taken a back seat. It’s not that I don’t take care of my skin but not the way I do for my daughter. My skin has always been sensitive. That’s why I always left it product free & make up free. I like to keep it as natural as I can. Same thing goes with my baby. I take extra precaution and I am very choosy while picking skin products for her. I only choose the trusted and the best brands in the market. I received #mamaearth products which are claimed to be made of natural ingredients, are 100% safe for your babies skin and only Toxin Free MadeSafe certified brand in India. I received the soothing kit including gentle cleansing shampoo, natural insect repellent which is DEET free, soothing massage oil, moisturizing daily lotion, deeply nourishing body wash for babies packaged in a durable and easy to carry bag.

The first product I used was the Gentle Cleansing shampoo for babies from #mamaearth which is tear free, made with Coconut based cleansers.

The hair really feels smooth and nourished after every wash and doesn’t contain artificial fragrance.

I feel like caressing my daughter’s hair again and again.

The other product which we used is moisturizing daily lotion for babies that contain Shea butter, Aloe, Vitamin E and Jojaba oil. What I observed was that it has a calming effect on the babies’ skin. I just adore the way her skin feels after application; fresh, soft and smooth.

I have a compulsive disorder of putting up mosquito repellent cream or Mosquito repellent roll-on when I take my baby out. After the outburst of dengue and malaria in Mumbai and other regions, I always fear of this disease and take lot of precaution to save us from mosquitoes. Even if I find one mosquito I just get into panic mode and don’t relax till the time it is out of the house or state of stillness. I am definitely going to use #mamaearth’s Natural Insect repellent containing citronella, lemon and eucalyptus oil, which is DEET free and hope it will help keep not only mosquitoes but also other insects away too from my darling.

They also have wide range of products like diaper rash cream, body wash and mineral based sunscreen. I am definitely going to order the sunscreen for my munchkin since she loves to travel along with me.

All products are decently priced and highly affordable.

Why is it so important to take care of babies’ skin?  Because:-

1.      There skin is very delicate. Any product which is strong or has chemicals can cause their skin to dry and damage it in the long run.

2.      Care taken now will help them to have a beautiful skin in their adulthood.

3.      Since they have a skin which is still immature it is more prone to skin allergies, rashes, etc.

4.      Along with keeping their body hydrated it is important to even hydrate the skin externally.

Babies’ products are specially designed to suit babies’ skin. The products which we use cannot be applied on them.

Mamaearth’s has taken steps to ensure that their products are well researched, meet international standards, mum-baby friendly and toxin free.

Let me share with you a secret, their moisturizing daily lotion is simply amazing, even I tried on my skin and it feels fantastic. Who knows, one day they might be a complete family product.

Visit their website:  www.mamaearth.in
twitter: +MamaEarth 
              @mamaearthindia
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mamaearthindia/

6 simple ways to engage a toddler-It’s not that difficult

Is your toddler the adventurous or curious type? They can’t just settle at one place for long. Well most of the toddlers are very twitchy to sit at one place and just don’t sojourn. They love to explore different things at the same time. They want many toys and games at one go. 
Many a times you see them playing with one toy for 10 min and will soon get distracted with the other.
But there are many such activities which we as a parent can make our fervent toddlers do. 
Toddlers are always open to new ideas, concepts, language and activities. Whatever new you present in front of them, their face will light up like a bulb.


Let’s explore few:

1.      Hidden treasures:
I love to see my daughters expression whenever we give her a new toy, "Thank u mumma papa for the surprise", she says so innocently, this is because I never give her toys at one go.  Whenever she gets toys as gifts on birthday or any other occasion I keep all of them aside and remove them one by one, say a new toy every month. This way she never gets bored. Similarly we can do even with the existing toys. Do not keep all toys
in one place for their easy access. For e.g. remove blocks for one week then kitchen set, then rings for consecutive weeks. So every week they have a new toy to play. Same can be done with clothes, because children now a day have a big fetish for clothes, accessories and shoes.

2.      Books: Children love to see colourful pictures. 
Reading habit encouraged from an early age makes a lot of difference in the vocabulary and intellectual of the child. Many children do not like reading. But they love when their parents read out stories to them with full actions. They like drama and being dramatic.

3.      Children enjoy playing with colours and clays. Best is to give them blank book and let them explore their creativity. There are many drawing and colouring books available in the market.
You can draw and tell them to paint. It is so much fun canvasing together. Similarly making different shapes from clay is so much exciting. It is easy to teach alphabets and numbers through clay moulds.

4.      Learn while playing: Playing and Learning go handy. If you constantly nag and lecture them, it will be wasted as they are too small to understand. Instruction manuals are not for toddlers. For them, experiencing activity itself drives learning. Make it amusing. Do role plays.

 Concepts like a house, tree, animals, and fruits can be thought while doing some craft activities. E.g. If u want to teach them what is a house, form it with candy sticks. You can let them colour candy sticks and stick it on paper by making a house.

Making them aware of community helpers like doctors, fireman, postman, etc. can be done through role play. Preschools have lots of such activities. Use the same method at home.

5.      Children learn well when they indulge in singing. Teaching concepts through singing is a fantastic way to retain it in their memory. They learn while reciting it frequently.

6.      Free play: No method, no games, no colours, no puzzles. Just giving them free time to do whatever they want to, will explore their logical and artistic abilities. Playing with utensils, plastic dabbas, rolling flour, making chapatis in their own shapes, cycling, playing with friends, at home or park, etc., will give them space to think beyond their imagination. They will develop cognitive and emotional skills.

Every child and every parent is different. But the requirement to learn while playing for every child is the same. Children do not need One time lesson. Learning has to be interactive and immersive too.

I am sure each mum must have tried something new daily to engage your toddler. Do share your ideas.
My inkling: Give them 3 different kind of pulses and let them segregate. My dd gets engaged for an hour with this.However, this should be done when your toddler doesn’t have the habit of eating anything found.