A few years ago, a girl I didn't know left a comment on my blog. After some stalking research, I realized that -while we didn't know each other - we knew a lot of the same people and that our lives overlapped in a number of ways. Kelli became my first ever real life friend I met on the internet.
One of the areas we had in common was cake decorating. Right off the bat, I was impressed with her skills. I mean, I knew I was pretty good. But she was really, really good. And she was generous. She taught me everything I know about fondant. And told me where to buy edible glitter.
Tomorrow, -after years of dreaming and months of (literal) blood, sweat, and tears - she opens her bakery!
If you're in the Little Rock area, make sure you stop by Sweet Love (awesome name, right?!) on Cantrell, in the same plaza as Taziki's. In addition to amazing custom cakes, she'll have a selection of other deliciousness in the case.
Whether you're local or not, visit her website or follow her on Twitter (@sweetlovebakes for all things yummy and @kellimarks because she's funny, too) or find the bakery on Facebook. One way or another, give her some encouragement and some love... some sweet love. Yeah, you know I couldn't past that up!
And now that I've said all the things you actually need to know, let's get to the important part. The part where she feeds me goodies.
Over the weekend, Kelli had a preview party to let us see the shop, sample some treats, and generally goof around.
Yum!!
I did take a break from stuffing my face to look around. The thing I wanted to see most? The mixer. The mixer has a storied past. Not only is it from the "They don't make 'em like that anymore" era, but it's been entertaining to follow the adventures the mixer has taken since it's come into Kelli's possession. Finally, it's in its new home!
And, to prove it's as sturdy as it looks, Savannah's #DestructoTot (the child capable of destroying anything in 3 seconds flat) tested it out...
I'm sure I should have taken more pictures of the actual bakery or the other guests having a good time, but I'm also sure I was occupied by my second and third and fourth trip back up to the sweets. So, finally a picture of Kelli and me...
Kelli, I'm so proud of you and wish you all the best!
