Baking Obsession

I've mentioned before that I am obsessed with baking.  It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Whenever a school break is nearing I am plotting out things to bake.  The only downfall is..I usually end up eating more than I should (Bad Nuha!).  I'd like to try substituting healthier ingredients like applesauce for oil, and buttermilk (lots of probiotics) for water.  Do you have any tricks or tips to healthier baking?

So another thing about me is that I am incredibly self-concious.  Major emphasis on the incredibly part.  Funny thing is I LOVE constructive criticism, and I despise comments that only serve to "make me feel good".  I'm not striving to be perfect, but I try to put 110% of my effort into everything I do.  Sometimes things work out, but more often they fail miserably.  Life is about learning isn't it?

 I've always debated whether or not to share these with you.  I've shared a few of these with you, but most of them I'm not too confident about.  But I guess since a New Years Resolution of mine is to have a little more faith in myself, I'll show you some things I've created this past year.

Fourth of July Cupcakes

Cherry Blossom Tree .  This was just for fun, I had left over icing I didn't want to waste.  I actually really like this cake. :)

 One of the "fails".  Rainbow Cake, I'm going to try to make this one again.

Tiffany's Cake box for my sister's birthday.

Chocolate covered strawberries and petit chocolate cakes for a party.

  Macarons

 Firetruck for the hubs birthday.  This was my first attempt at home-made fondant.  It was incredibly pliable and really hard to work with.  Anyone have any tips on toughing it up a bit?

 Remember The Story of an Ugly Cake.  This was the cake I re-made and thank God it looked a lot better.

Sugar cookies I made for a friend.

 We were rooting for argentina during World Cup 2010.

 Thick & Chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies

 Christmas Cupcakes

Cupcakes for my best friends Sip & See.

 My latest stresser -outer. This was for a good friends Bridal Shower.  The theme was black and gold.  (It's so hard to find an elegant black & gold cake!  Google was of NO help!)  

I've finally decided that I don't want to decorate cakes for a living.  It's way too stressful.  Cupcakes and I are friends, big cakes with fondant is a working relationship.  The cake turned out a little lop-sided.  How that happened I have no idea.  How does Cake Boss do it?!