. . . I guess the requests for help don't bother me . . . I know just a short time ago I would have also asked "stupid" or easily searched questions . . . but I was totally, and I do mean TOTALLY, computer illiterate (wouldn't know how to search for ANYTHING) . . . now, I just assume the person asking is maybe in the same place I was - and I'm happy to help - and I know that in a short time they will also be able to "help" someone else . . . you know the "pay it forward" cycle begins . . .
another side of this is I am sure some people come to communities like this looking for comradery and kindred spirits . . . this is a place they can come any day, any time and find someone to spend some time with . . .
it is a great place to be inspired . . . get the creative juices flowing . . . and share ideas . . . and sometimes just share a minute chatting with someone about "something stupid" . . . maybe that isn't what EVERYONE is looking for in this site . . . but that is what's available for those who are (due to the huge diversity in membership) . . . as a group . . . we can be all things for all people . . . and I find that in and of itself inspiring . . .
my pet peeve remains . . . not getting the photos I hoped to get . . . 
....or when I cut the triangle just a wee bit too far, and the couple pops out!!! UGGGGGH!
Oh I REALLY hate that, too!
MAN is that the WORST!!!!!!!! LOL And it always happen at the worst moment.
oh, i thought of more!!
when my dh watches. i can feel his eyes burning into my head. i don't want anyone watching me! 
i hate the 'how much do your cakes cost?' question too. there aren't prices on my website for nuthin, ya know!?
and my dh's comments sometimes kill me. i have been making fondant pieces for my entry in the town fair for a few days now (gonna be a picnic basket with wine bottle, cheese, bread and grapes) and it's my own fault, i know, but i asked him if the cheese looked like cheese and the bread looked like bread. and he says, 'yeah, it looks like a loaf of bread not baked yet.' DARNITALL, that's not what i want to hear! I want to hear, 'darling, it's beautiful! and while i'm on the subject, so are you. and everything you make is wonderful!'
is that so much to ask!?? 
and one of my other biggest is cutting the coupler and tip out of the pastry bag to wash them. i usually leave them in there until i need the tip again (or sometimes go out and buy new ones), that's how much i hate doing it! i tried to bribe dh into doing it, but he caught onto how much it sucks and stopped! lol oh well! 
[quote=
Another HUGE pet peeve is when I get an email that states the following and nothing more:
------------------------------
How much do your cakes cost?
-Jane Doe
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Short question... LONG answer lol 
[/quote]
I HATE those emails!! a couple times i didn;t even reply! They didn't bother to even give me their name, why should i respond? SHeesh!!
....or when I cut the triangle just a wee bit too far, and the couple pops out!!! UGGGGGH!
Oh I REALLY hate that, too!
MAN is that the WORST!!!!!!!! LOL And it always happen at the worst moment.
Happened to me once when I was setting up a wedding cake ... my most awesome cake, too, .... the city skyline cake. I had taken my usual "one" bag of icing and was almost done putting some border on when the dang thing popped off! After a second of "holy crap what do I do now?" I pushed some icing thru the tip/coupler with my finger to finish the border! I felt like one of those challenges on the Food Network where they sabotage ya just to see how ya handle it! 
I'm w/the 'hate grease' crowd.....be it icing on my hands, greasy bag etc 
I agree w/indydebi and others about a tip popping off at a most inopportune time.
I have often pushed icing thru a tip w/my fingers to pipe a flower dot forgotten center etc.
I'm w/the 'hate grease' crowd.....be it icing on my hands, greasy bag etc
Me Too! The first time that I made MMF, the instructions said to "grease your hands generously with shortening." I thought, "ok, no problem," WRONG! As soon as I started coating my hands in that greasy mess, I almost lost my lunch. YUCK!
Needless to say, I ordered Satin Ice for my next cake
I hate it that whenever I take a cake to a function, after spending hours and hours on it, they make me cut it! Don't they know that causes me a little bit of pain?????? 
Not to mention the fact that I can't cut a cake uniformly to save my life! Just cause I can bake them, doesn't mean I'm great at cutting them up!
The other thing that irks me is when I make a wonderful cake for a friend, and give them that wonderful friend price and then they ask me what it WOULD have cost and then give me that astonished "I would NEVER pay that for a cake!!!!!!" So, you'll take that $250 baby shower cake (that I spent about 5 hours just decorating, with fondant accents, 2 pair of Converse All Star baby shoes, a sleeping bear and 3 basketballs and be THRILLED, but only if you hand me that $75????
Just wanted to apologize for what I realize now were out-of-line remarks. But I really didn't mean to cause a ruckus. I'm just a b*tchy perfectionist that usually keeps her mouth shut but for some reason didn't this time (probably pms). I hope I didn't seriously scar anyone out there (txcupcake, forgive me?)
Just wanted to apologize for what I realize now were out-of-line remarks. But I really didn't mean to cause a ruckus. I'm just a b*tchy perfectionist that usually keeps her mouth shut but for some reason didn't this time (probably pms). I hope I didn't seriously scar anyone out there (txcupcake, forgive me?)
Tuffstuff, after being whipped into butter, it took some big cake balls for you to come out and apologize.
Just wanted to apologize for what I realize now were out-of-line remarks. But I really didn't mean to cause a ruckus. I'm just a b*tchy perfectionist that usually keeps her mouth shut but for some reason didn't this time (probably pms). I hope I didn't seriously scar anyone out there (txcupcake, forgive me?)
Tuffstuff, after being whipped into butter, it took some big cake balls for you to come out and apologize.
I agree!!! 
Wow, I was really enjoying this thread until it took a detour. I hope some of the comments don't scare anyone away, or be afraid to ask questions. I enjoy answering questions, I know how it felt when I asked a question and someone was nice enough to answer, and I was able to learn something new. I just feel that everyone should feel welcome, to feel part of something wonderful, enjoy friends, and escape for a while on here, and yes be proud of every cake made. We all know how our cake may have looked in the beginning, and we were proud of them. Over time our skills improve, and guess how, by asking questions and by practice. So be proud of your cakes, and ask alot of questions, because anything you enjoy is a blessing.
I hate it that whenever I take a cake to a function, after spending hours and hours on it, they make me cut it! Don't they know that causes me a little bit of pain??????
Not to mention the fact that I can't cut a cake uniformly to save my life! Just cause I can bake them, doesn't mean I'm great at cutting them up!The other thing that irks me is when I make a wonderful cake for a friend, and give them that wonderful friend price and then they ask me what it WOULD have cost and then give me that astonished "I would NEVER pay that for a cake!!!!!!" So, you'll take that $250 baby shower cake (that I spent about 5 hours just decorating, with fondant accents, 2 pair of Converse All Star baby shoes, a sleeping bear and 3 basketballs and be THRILLED, but only if you hand me that $75????
JodieF, these are huge peeves of mine also! I hate cutting my own cake but when I take cakes to work I try to make sure I am the one who cuts them. I work w/ a bunch of guys so I know that atleast if I cut it it's going to be with love and care..lol.
Also I have had this on my last two cakes. My sister has said "So what is this cake really worth" and when I say $100 or so she says "I would never pay that kind of money for a cake!".
Okay here goes...
1. Baking the cakes...I hate the baking
2. Cleaning out my icing bags....I was spending too much on disposable bags..
3. sculpting cakes..The messy crumbs drive me!!
4. Trying to cover a cake in fondant! Not!
5.Cake boxes that don't fit the standard size cake board..Grrrr
6.Just basic clean up of the kitche!
7. Making icing..I need an Icing Fairy!!
8. Customer who also want a $500.00 cake for $50.00 and finally....like someone else said..Ungrateful customers!!
one of my other biggest is cutting the coupler and tip out of the pastry bag to wash them. i usually leave them in there until i need the tip again (or sometimes go out and buy new ones), that's how much i hate doing it! i tried to bribe dh into doing it, but he caught onto how much it sucks and stopped! lol oh well!
ME TOO!!! I do the same thing - leave them in an old bag until I have to use them again. Until now it was my secret shame.
Just wanted to apologize for what I realize now were out-of-line remarks. But I really didn't mean to cause a ruckus. I'm just a b*tchy perfectionist that usually keeps her mouth shut but for some reason didn't this time (probably pms). I hope I didn't seriously scar anyone out there (txcupcake, forgive me?)
No hard feelings, tuffstuff. Like I said, I know a lot can get lost in text. It takes a certain kind of person (a person with "big cake balls" maybe??? ) to take responsibility for their actions rather than just slink away into the shadows.
I also hate writing on cakes or piping. I need a hole cute into my counter that the cakes can lower down into. Then I can rest my elbow on the counter. That way it doesn't look like I had a seizure while decorating.
As an RN in a busy teaching hospital, I frequently work with student nurses as well as new nursing staff, and medical residents. I make it crystal clear that "no question is a dumb question". How are you supposed to know something you've never seen or done before? That is the premise at CC. Not everyone here is a seasoned professional, many are new at the art of cake decorating. Be flattered someone asks you a question, no matter how 'basic' it seems. Someone is trusting your expertise. Remember, no matter how much experience you have, the learning process never ends! Also, I hope some of the comments made in this thread will not discourage anyone from posting there pictures. At the end of the day, the hard work put into making a decorative cake or other confection is reason enough to be proud of your work and want to share it with others who appreciate this culinary craft. (even if the evidence of your hard work sticks out in the background, ie., pastry bags, flour, etc.,!)
I started from zero before I found this site, and I tell you the wealth of information is astounding, I hope everyone continues to share their knowledge.
Well said. When I 1st started out in cake and cookie art I asked all of the basic "dumb" questions, too. That's how we all learn. Some people don't know where to look on the net for certain basic info and we're very fortunate to have such a generous community here that is SO willing to help out w/ said questions. I still remember a very "dumb" question I asked as a young student nurse. I asked my preceptor how to bathe our patient's male "naughties" I'd only ever seen those in pictures in our anatomy and physiology book!
She could have rolled her eyes and huffed and puffed but she didn't. I was very uncomfortable (1st bath) and probably could have winged it but she was SO gracious and professional; not condescending. She made me more comfortable in an awkward situation. Lots of that here! Lots of support. I LOVE that!
One of my top 10 pet peeves: when my kids eat my cake decorations! I used to find my then 3 yr old son under the dining room table munching
on a GP bow like there was no tomorrow ewwww! I learned to make extras from that 1st experience.
Melanie Mc. (who, after 20 yrs in ICU, has seen more male naughties than a las vegas hooker and has become quite immune to any embarrassment)
I also hate writing on cakes or piping. I need a hole cute into my counter that the cakes can lower down into. Then I can rest my elbow on the counter. That way it doesn't look like I had a seizure while decorating.
I don't know why (Nyquil hangover maybe??) , but the part about having a seizure while writing has me crying I'm laughing so hysterically!! And I'm sick right now, so the last thing I want to deal with is peeing my pants from laughing so hard!!
I also hate writing on cakes or piping. I need a hole cute into my counter that the cakes can lower down into. Then I can rest my elbow on the counter. That way it doesn't look like I had a seizure while decorating.
I don't know why (Nyquil hangover maybe??) , but the part about having a seizure while writing has me crying I'm laughing so hysterically!! And I'm sick right now, so the last thing I want to deal with is peeing my pants from laughing so hard!!
You laugh because you can relate 
. I think I may have created a new font, I call it piping.
I also hate writing on cakes or piping. I need a hole cute into my counter that the cakes can lower down into. Then I can rest my elbow on the counter. That way it doesn't look like I had a seizure while decorating.
I don't know why (Nyquil hangover maybe??) , but the part about having a seizure while writing has me crying I'm laughing so hysterically!! And I'm sick right now, so the last thing I want to deal with is peeing my pants from laughing so hard!!You laugh because you can relate
. I think I may have created a new font, I call it piping.
You guys have me DYIN!!!!! The baby is asleep! Can you PLEASE keep it down!!!!
I hate trying to ice a cake completely smooth.
AMEN SISTER! LOL! I did recently buy the sugar shack dvd so I'm hoping it helps me improve~
I also hate writing on cakes or piping. I need a hole cute into my counter that the cakes can lower down into. Then I can rest my elbow on the counter. That way it doesn't look like I had a seizure while decorating.
Brilliant idea! {Wonder what DH would think if I asked him?? }
My 3 year old eats my cake decorations too! I'd reach for a flower or what not and bang, it's gone. Guess who's chewing on the evidence...? My only other vice is with Micheal's craft store. Compared to Bulk Barn, Micheal's charges at least 20% more for the same kind of cake supplies. They must have high overhead.
To Eatdessert1st, I love the concept of 'male naughties' what a hoot! I work in urology so I too have seen my share. I will definitely borrow that terminology!
oh oh OHHHH! and frosting a darned *#)$% chocolate cake with white frosting!! OMG, who thought THAT was a good idea?! i can crumb coat that baby with 6 inches of frosting and still get crumbs in the end! 
it's the bane of my decorating existance!
whew, glad i got that off my chest. 
that's hilarious that the babes are eating the decorations! i actually have some plastic grapes for a fair entry on my counter and my two 3 year olds keep trying to eat them!
Wow...I have just read through all 10 pages of posts on this thread, and, being a total newbie, have come away with tons of new knowledge and a feeling like I have found a place where I can ask questions and learn and share in the joys and frustrations of doing cakes. TuffStuff, it took a lot of guts to apologize, and I admire you! It's good that we can all be human on this website!
PS... Being an RN also, I'm thrilled to see others posting on CakeCentral. I love my job most of the time, but doing cakes is a way to escape to a place where I can be creative and imaginative, and if I make a mistake, nobody dies!
I have to add another one.. people who tell me how to do my job.
Just this week , I did an 50th bday party at my shop. 18 guests. The customer/birthday lady along with her mother ( mom's paying) ordered a 9 X 13. So, when I cut the cake.. I gave her the first and biggest piece.
Then, I proceeded to cut the rest of the cake and my assistant was serving them to the guests. I'd sent about 5 out and the mother of the birthday lady comes back to the kitchen and asks if they're going to have enough cake and I tell her yes, there's plenty. So, she says " well, those cake slices are big, are you sure? I don't want to tell you how to do your job, but....." I assure her everything is fine, but if she'd like, I can cut them smaller and she says yes. So, I do. Then after everyone has been served, I box the rest up. There's and ENTIRE 1/4 of a cake left. I give it to the birthday lady/customer and she says " oh I didn't realize we had so much cake left."
GRRR!! It's kinda my job to know how to cut a cake!!! I stifle that reaction and smile sweetly and thank them for their business and off they go.....
I absolutely hate when I'm piping with a small tip (like a 1) and it gets clogged. I'm thinking "I'll just squeeze it out"....next thing you know-the bags pops!!! So then after getting a fresh bag together, it happens again! Ok, I'll just stick a pin in it. Going good and a few seconds later it happens again! Is there no end to this insanity?!?!
I did a cake for my 1yr old neice last year. My sister asked for a carved cake; a bouquet of flowers tied with a bow and pastel colors. I picked out the colors and the flowers I would do and created something that she loved. Almost a year later, when the pic of the cake is shown to family, she states, "This was my own personal design," giving me no credit for baking, creating, decorating or bringing her idea to a reality. It really ticks me off!!!!! I also hate it when I don't alot myself enough time to do a caked and I am working on it right up until I have to deliver it. But I guess that is the newbie in me, along with a full time job and 3 1/2 year old who always wants to help.
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