Celebration Cake Kits!

Some time around two weeks ago I was away from home, feeling not-so-hot, and couldn't sleep. I had already gone through a whole bunch of topics in my sleeplessness--the next day, food, being away from my man. Eventually (far longer than I would like to admit), I was trying to think of a way to help out other people besides the typical money or time donation. I was struck (like a swift kick to the bum) that there are a lot of families here with young kids who may not otherwise have any treat for special days (birthdays, quincineras, mom's new job, graduation, you name it). I remembered when I was young, and dinner was often rice and beans, but we always had a cake for birthdays. Always. It meant so much to my brother and me. I think that the kits will provide a way to nourish the soul as well as the body (okay, a dose of sugar isn't exactly nourishment!).

What was necessary for a good ol' cake? 1. Cake 2. Frosting 3. Candles  4. A pan to cook the cake in that doesn't need washing!  So after much running around to find the basics, I finally had everything together.  The good Lord was kind enough to provide a special on cake mixes and frostings (Pillsbury happened to be the brand on sale), so all I had to do was buy appropriate tasty pairings of cake and frosting flavors. Seeing the look on the faces of the checkout staff with that many cakes was priceless! I had two options for pans--8" food service pans, or almost 9x13" rectangle chafing dish pans. For future information for me (and anyone who wants to do this for their local food pantry)--go with the rectangle. The mix, frosting, and candles all fit well in it without squishing the pans. Also, make sure to mark on the packages what flavors they are AND when the expiration dates are.

Since I had a little extra time today I got the first batch of 28 done (why 28? 28 is what would fit in the boxes I had). Foil Pan, Cake Mix, Cake Frosting, Candles all wrapped in syran and ready to go.  I am so excited to get these babies out to the Storehouse! Eventually, since I had some financial help from friends, I want to make more kits but for special diets. Being gluten free myself, I am aware that it is difficult to eat gf food while on a budget--I can only imagine how much harder it must be while depending on others for your food supply!

Anyway, without further ado, I bring you: a finished Celebration Cake Kit!

(Caution! Cake flavors may suddenly change from photo to photo!)

These kits may not really be nourishing for the body, but I think it will go a long way for the soul!

One wat to save money easily: Home Haircuts

At about $15 a piece for a basic trim, the money can add up rapidly.  Given the $15 estimate (with no long hair extra fees), we just saved $45 and never had to leave the house!  If you have never thought about doing haircuts at home, give it a try, it is not difficult once you know the tricks.

Some tips for haircuts:

• Wash and then cut hair when it is wet
• Comb hair out from the scalp and cut to an even length
• this makes hair lengths look more natural and any unevenness when cutting isn't visible

• Use sharp scissors, and a fine toothed comb to get best results
• Expect to touch up a few stray hairs after the initial cut.
• For short cuts, buy a basic hair trimmer (around $20) and use the guides for ease

So far I have had better results from haircuts at home than I have had at basic hair stylists for one main reason: I know what I want to end up with after the cut.  I don't have to tip, don't feel pressured to buy "product", and overall spend less time on the cuts doing them myself.

Hmm... $45... that can buy a lot of chocolate.