Aian't gonna let Christmas sneak away!

Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us.

When the lights and sparkles go up in the streets, we're suddenly startled into the realization that we're almost at the end of another year.

Sudden panic sets in for some of us - where did all that time go??
Are we really done for the year?

Others are a bit more sanguine, resigned to the next month or so of scrambling and racing to accomplish the ambitious tower of job tasks and personal errands we crazily set ourselves.

Whichever the case, let's remember to take a breath and absorb a bit of that Christmas happiness.

Don't let that Christmas spirit sneak away without us paying any attention to it.
Such a waste of the most wonderful time of the year.

Looking to ease a bit of that Christmas shopping crunch?

Chocolate-Almond Sables with Sea Salt, Gula Melaka Christmas Granola or Toasted Herb and Sesame Shortbread make for some pretty nifty scrumptious gifts.

Or bring a Tipsy Bailey's Tart or Rocky Road Christmas Wreath to a party.
Spread the Christmas yum!
> details in image above

More Christmas desserts:
> Death by Chocolate Cake
> Salted Bailey's Mint Chocolate Pie
> Decadent Chocolate Pistachio Torte
> Guinness Beer Chocolate Cake
> Deep Chocolate Ganache Cake with Summer Fruits
> Rich Red Velvet Cake

The best cure for Monday blues? Hilarious Pinterest laughs! (ok, this post IS about a rock-climbing cake too)

Unless you've been living under a rock (yes yes, a pun! ;), there's no escaping the magnetic draw of Pinterest.

We've all been inspired by the amazeballs cake pops, jaw-dropping cakes, must-have-'em cupcakes.

We've all looked to the Pinterest Oracle for ideas when we get stumped.

We've all been convinced at some point - we can recreate what we see, just as well!

I love a sense of humor, and a good laugh at yourself is essential - especially when you've "nailed it", somewhat like this:

Photo from Sunnyskyz.com

Check this hilarious post out and you'll see what I mean.
(sagging Cookie Monster has to be my favourite lol!)

I've had countless Pinterest Fails of my own, but since it's a Monday, we could all use a little positive reinforcement.

So here's one of my Pinterest projects for an aspiring sports star, who had an awesome rock-climbing birthday party.

More birthday parties:
> Color me happy, it's 2014
> A very lovely elephant day
> A busy day at the construction site

Left: Pinterest cake (and photo) by SimplyCakesMelbourne
Right: My spin on the rock-climbing cake,
with my little Asian climber to match the birthday girl

Start off with the rock wall base, a 2-layered
chocolate cake covered with white fondant,
embedded with edible candy 'rocks'.

Mold and pinch parts of the cake wall to
create little nooks, mimicking a real wall.

I find it best to push the candy rocks in
right after covering the cake, so the fondant is
still pliable and will dry around the rocks.  

Sculpting humans are kinda challenging -
proportions, color, posture - you don't want to end
up with a Hobbit or an awkward dangling giant.

Reinforce figurines with toothpicks or skewers
for support, especially the limbs and head.
Just remember to remind eager guests
to be careful when they chomp on her!

Black hair made out of royal icing goes on, and
viola - the little girl doesn't look like a psychotic
jawbreaker-on-legs anymore.

Attach birthday girl with royal for extra security,
and pipe on climbing rope with black food gel.

Rock-themed chocolate cupcakes to
match the cake, everyone goes home happy!