Paying With Plastic

Bakers, it's time again to "holiday" up those displays, but don't you worry: adding a little winter cheer is as easy as jamming a plastic penguin pick in place!

Aww. Seeing the traditional Yule ducks always gets me a little misty-eyed.

Of course, all of your leftover stock cakes will need the same treatment, too.

After all, a flattened lizard/alligator/green blob with eyes is BORING - but shove an ornament in his mouth and a tiny Santa sleigh on his back, and....

...well, I guess it looks like that.

What's that? You need a Christmas baby shower cake?

DONE.

And look! I didn't even have to unwrap it!

Plus, this really is the best time of year to be a baker, because all of your new designs can look like this:

Heck, you don't even have to place the plastic pieces in the right order; just chuck 'em in with the cupcakes and call it a "cupcake puzzle!" Easiest twenty bucks EVER.

For you overachievers out there, though, there's also this fun option:

Note that there isn't a single edible item in or on that mess of frosting. Score!

Of course, some people - let's call them humbugs - insist on most of their cakes' decorations being edible. (I know, right?!)

For them, there's this:

See? They get something that's technically mostly edible, and you get to see their faces when they open the box! It's a win-win!

Thanks to Karen K., Nora B., Erika A., Sharon P., Cindy J., & Jennifer H., who think paying for plastic with plastic never gets the proper credit.

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P.S. We like floofs here, yes?

This is our cat Suki, and she luuuuurves these sticks so much I figured I should tell y'all about them.

Silvervine Cat Chew Sticks

If your cats don't react to catnip, try these; they're branches from a different plant with the same effect. My cats happen to love both, but I prefer Silvervine since the sticks are less messy than loose catnip, plus help clean their teeth.

Even better, a 10-pack of sticks is only $6, and lasts forever. It's been 2 years and I'm still on my second pack. Every couple months I'll scrape off a little bark to expose more of the wood underneath, which freshens the effect; the cats are EXTRA interested afterward. (The sticks have no smell for humans, btw.) Highly recommend for your feline friends, or for your friends with felines!

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And from my other blog, Epbot:

Sunday Sweets: Christmas Glee

Does all the holiday prep ever leave you feeling a little...

...flat?

(By Kricky Cakes and Airbrush, Hungary)

Don't worry!
We have some ideas to perk you right up.

Let's start by hugging this well-dressed reindeer.
And maybe nibbling on his antlers.

(By Creme and Fondant, Germany)

Instant endorphins and a sugar rush!

How about a catnap?

(By Fiorella Balzamo, Italy)

Although, technically, I guess this is a mousenap.

You can let these two finish up your baking.

(By CakeHeaven by Marlene, Malta)

(I hear they need a taste tester.)

Perhaps it's time to start daydreaming about that post-holiday vacation?

(By Magical Cakes, New Zealand)

Don't forget your sunblock, Santa!

Have you tried to recruit some woodland creatures to mail your Christmas cards?

(By Aurelia's Cake, Scotland)

Well, maybe you should.

You could save a lot of energy if you just skipped the laundry and ran around naked.
What? You're too shy?

Well, start with this naked cake.

(By Viva la Tarta, Spain)

It's one of the prettiest I've seen.

If you really need to veg out, you could play with this snow globe.

(By Cake That Designs, United Kingdom)

Snowy fun without the frostbite!

If all else fails, just stare out the window for a while.

(By Made with Love, England)

Maybe you'll see something that inspires you.

Just remember to take care of yourself,
and I'm sure you'll be ready for these guys in no time.

(By Nasa Mala Zavrzlama, Serbia)

Whatever you do, we hope your holidays are Sweet!

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P.S. Need an extra special Christmas card? Then check these out:

FreshCutPaper Pop-Up Trees

These aren't just cards; they open up into 15-inch tall centerpieces! Each tree comes with a matching card and sheets of paper ornaments, either birds or vintage ornaments. OR you can choose a pop-up wreath or bouquet of poinsettias at the link! So many pretty options, all $20 or less. I like to send these to my out-of-state relatives, and I'm a big fan - highly recommend.

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And from my other blog, Epbot: