Bake It Pretty {Tuesday Giveaway} and {Preferred Sponsor Spotlight}

{Tuesday Giveaway} and {Preferred Vendor Spotlight}

When I first discovered Bake It Pretty, I was instantly in love with their selection of ways to decorate and package sweet things for parties, favors, hostess gifts.

It is beyond thrilling for me to introduce you to them as one of our preferred sponsors, and host a spectacular giveaway {details at end of post}...

... with your chance to win the most delightful treats from Bake It Pretty for your baking, decorating, celebrating and entertaining needs!!!

Here is a delightful interview with Amanda of Bake It Pretty!!! 

{Question} What inspired the launch of Bake It Pretty, and how did you come up with the name?



{Answer} I never thought I’d been in the baking supplies business. Many years ago, in 2006 when I started my personal blog, I did a few posts for fun about some interesting cupcake toppers I bought from a local cake and candy hobby shop.

The emails inquiries were almost overwhelming; everyone wanted to know where I found my retro-style cake toppers and miniatures.

 I quickly realized that these old-fashioned hobby shops were few and far between, and that the Internet was severely lacking in unique, retro baking supplies. I had the quintessential light bulb moment: there was a need – and I could fill it. The rest is history.

What's in a name? I wanted it to be short, snappy, easy to spell, relatively unique and hopefully a bit retro in nature.

I came up with ”Bake It Pretty” ….and I didn’t really love it at first, but it was the best I had and it was available legally, so we went with it. It took me while to warm up to it, and I actually like it a lot more now that I first did. It’s growing on me. I like that it’s a name and a statement. You can add a period to the end and it’s a sentence: Bake It Pretty. The end.

{Question} Tell us a little about the people behind the business...backgrounds, what got you from childhood to business owner?

{Answer}My grandmother owned a southern-style catering company for many years and I have very fond memories of helping out in the kitchen, making cucumber sandwiches and pineapple boats, arranging crackers and cheese trays. Parties are so much fun, and the food is always the star of any event.

My grandma really knows how to make simple food look beautiful and taste amazing. She has been a big influence in my life, along with my Momma, who was a big time crafter back in the day. I loved helping her get ready for shows, and watching her set up her booth and interact with customers. She's the perfect people-person and I wish I was more like her in that respect. My Dad is the level-headed business dude that's good with finances, he's actually our accountant for the business and thank goodness for that! We'd be lost in a pile of invoices and paperwork if it wasn't for him.

{Question} What are some of your favorite products from your shop that you have used in decorating, baking and celebrating yourself?

{Answer} We love decorating our retail shop with all the items we sell online, and our current holiday decor is just so dreamy!

Lots of tissue snowflakes, festooning, and tinsel.

 I wish we could leave it up year round!

At home, I use paper baking cups and liners constantly and I love how a simple, polka dot baking cup can make a plain muffin seem extra special.

{Question} It seems you are always adding fabulous new products to your online shop! Any previews of what is to come?



{Answer} Finding unique, new products is one of my favorite parts of the biz.

Currently I'm very interested in focusing on the "Celebrate" category of our shop and finding more retro party decorations and favors.

 I think typical party supply shops are such a bore, and I'm excited to offer more fun, old fashioned goodies on our website.

I'm always searching for interesting wedding and bridal items too, but these things are proving tricky to find.

We're also considering having some new custom items produced exclusively for Bake It Pretty, but that's all very hush-hush for the moment!

{Question} Since you are experts in baking and making things pretty, for our readers who are trying to decorate some cookies and cupcakes and other delights for their children's party dessert table, do you have any hints, tips or tricks to prevent any common mistakes/disasters?



{Answer} Let's face it, kids are going to love a dessert table no matter what it looks like as long as it's loaded with goodies!

I like the look of modern dessert tables, but sometimes I feel like function is being sacrificed for form.

Sure, a huge apothecary jar full of blue gumballs is going to look (and photograph) beautifully... but who's going to eat more that one gumball? What are you going to do with all the leftovers?

I think it just as easy to have a pretty table that is also totally functional and enjoyable for everyone, you just have to be a bit more clever and resourceful.

Also, don't be afraid to junk it up a little.

I'm getting tired of all these pristine desert tables with everything in neat little rows and perfectly labeled. It must be the anarchist in me. I want to get in there and mess things up!

After all, it's supposed to be a par-tay, right?!

{Question} If you had to select your favorite new item in your shop, what would it be, and why?



{Answer} I'm really geeking out over the tiny tasting spoons and forks - they're so cute! I know it may be a bit prissy to eat a cupcake with a fork, but when it's a a tiny fork... well, that's just plain fun. We sell cupcakes at the retail shop on the weekend and you'd be surprised how many people go for the tiny cutlery. I think these little forks and spoons will become all the rage with cupcake lovers.

{Question} Many of our readers are incredible DIYers. Your shop seems to be the absolute perfect resource for them. Tell us a little about your blog, and how it compliments your website...what can readers expect to see on your blog on a daily basis?



{Answer} Creating how-to's and recipes is such a joy, I personally wish I had more time to devote to the blog just for that reason. We definitely don't concentrate on baking, and you can often find craft projects, giveaways, free print outs and lots more. In the coming year we have big plans for the blog such as guest bloggers, book reviews and giveaways, and contests.

We do promote new products and shop events on the blog, but it's really mainly a place to post pictures, share inspirations, and sometimes just be silly.

{Question} What are your favorite daily reads (websites and blogs, as well as e-zines)?



{Answer} Too many to list! Here's a few current faves:

http://make-happy.blogspot.com/


http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/


http://www.marmeecraft.blogspot.com/


http://www.cakespy.com/


http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/


http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/

{Question} Let's get to know you a bit better....

--favorite color    Pink some days, blue on others :)


--favorite flavor cupcake  Currently: Snickerdoodle by our local cupcake catering company, Take The Cake


--favorite brand of clothing  Anthropologie (in my dreams) and thrift stores and J.Crew Outlet sales in real life


--favorite place to shop for home decorating items  Antique and thrift stores, TJ Maxx & Marshalls


--how will you be decorating for the holidays this year?  We may be moving to a house closer to town this December so... ugh. I don't know how much decorating our house is going get. I think this year I will be living vicariously through the Bake It Pretty shop.

{Question}  Do you have a favorite childhood memory of celebrating your birthdays growing up? Tell us a little about that.



{Answer} My birthday is October 25th, and I love having parties in the Fall. One of my favorites was a costume party, and I wore a big flouncy princess dress and I though I looked soooooo fancy.

 We had candy apples and finger sandwiches. There was a little wooded area with a path behind our house, and some for the older boys in the neighborhood hid around the trail and jumped out to "scare" me and my girlfriends as we were running around in our fancy costumes. I remember thinking that was just the coolest party ever. :)

{Question}  How do you celebrate birthdays in your household today?



{Answer} Pretty hodge-pogde, honestly. My husband and I don't' go too crazy, but we usually do a themed party for our son Max. He's turning 8 this Saturday, November 13th and this year and the theme is Cave/Mining. So, lots of bats, candy jewels, Lava punch, etc. We're stoked! I plan to share the details later on the Bake It Pretty blog.

{Question} I am a firm believer that pretty packaging isn't just functional, it is fashionable and can make an ordinary treat extraordinary! What are some creative ways you like to use pretty packaging for party favors or treats guests take home from dessert tables?


{Answer} Oh yes, I agree totally about packaging.

I read somewhere once that, "..if you only have $5 to spend on a gift, use $1 for the present and the other $4 on packaging." Interesting philosophy, but I love the idea behind it. A pretty gift can make anyone feel special.

 And honestly, you don't have to spend a lot of money on a pretty package. I stock up on the basics: disposable loaf pans, bakery boxes, striped twine, etc.

Then I love to incorporate vintage finds from my personal thrifting stash like old aprons, embroidered napkins, retro ribbon, tea cups, and more.

When I find things I love, like a new flavor of loose leaf tea, I'll buy a large bulk container of it and portion it off. Tie up a little cello bag of loose tea, place it in a pretty vintage tea cup tied with baker's twine and perhaps a lacy doily or an embroidered napkin and you have a sweet, simple, (and inexpensive,) gift that look as pretty as a picture.

{Question} The big question: How do you balance it all--family, work, and blogging? Any advice for others trying to find a way to a more stress-free life managing everything?


{Answer} Man, this is a toughie. I think it's a daily struggle for most of us, including me, and what works one week may not work the next. A few things that have helped consistently for me: breathing techniques to reduce stress (seriously, sounds simple but can be a powerful tool,) being OK with saying "no" to some opportunities, letting go of ridiculous standards and self-imposed deadlines, and taking Internet breaks as often as humanly possible.

I'm not a scheduled person, so I often battle with myself to stick to a certain routine just because it seems to work for other people. It's hard not to compare myself to other business owners, even bloggers, that really seem to have their act together - but that's a waste of time.

 Nobody is perfect, nobody has it all figured out. We're all doing the best we can.

{Question}  Any quick ideas on how to bake things pretty for Thanksgiving? Something a bit nontraditional but likely to receive oooouuus and aaaaahhhs?


{Answer} I'm very interested in exploring the realm of edible flowers, and I recently found a local shop that specializes in this area. I hope to learn more soon and report back on the blog! Anyway, I found out that many mums are technically edible and can be sugared. I think a holiday turkey, or maybe some little Cornish hens, would look stunning on a bed of sugared mums in Autumn hues. Wouldn't that be crazy and beautiful? I really want to try it!

{Question}  So many people love to decorate baked goods and give as gifts during the holidays, and I have no doubt you sell out of items fast. How early do you recommend people order their goodies?



{Answer} Some of our customers begin ordering holiday goods in August. That blows my mind, I just don't have that kind of initiative. I don't even like putting up the Holiday stuff now in November. It feels too soon! But that's the retail game, so I gotta play along.
 
 

 
 
Personally, I wouldn't recommend buying Holiday items so early. You don't want to burn out on Christmas stuff before December even rolls around.
 
 

 
We ship order out pretty darn fast these days, and we should be plenty stocked up throughout the holidays, so I wouldn't stress about it. If some of our seasonal kits and specialty items are going to be limited in quantity, I'll be sure to note that on the website so customers can order early.
 
 



 

Thank you so much Amanda, for a GREAT interview!!!!

 



Now, for a *FABULOUS GIVEAWAY* from Bake It Pretty! Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to their online shop!

Such decisions to make on what to order if you won!



Here's how to enter:

1) Visit Bake It Pretty's online shop, and come back here leaving a comment telling us your two favorite products!

AND

2) Become a fan of Bake It Pretty, and it would be lovely if you wanted to leave them a message letting you know you stopped by!

AND

3) Become a fan of Kate Landers Events, LLC (if you already are one, thank you!)

That's it!

For an ADDITIONAL ENTRY, in your comment please tell us what new items you would like to see Bake It Pretty add to their online shop in the coming months!

Thank you! You must be 18 years of age or older to particupate.

International shipping is available!!! Cost of shipping for your order deducted from the total value of the gift certificate.

Thank you, good luck, and bake it pretty!!!!