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If there's one thing to know about me, it's that I love miniature versions of things. At an outing one day with James, we were in the outdoors department of Sears or some other store - looking at fishing gear I can only assume - when I saw how they displayed their tents. It was a tiny little miniature tent model and I just about died. I mean who could actually fit into that little tiny tent? OK, so I am a huge dork but I find small things to be adorable so a miniature version of cake? Yes please!
Granted cupcakes aren't a new creation but today's world is certainly benefiting from the cupcake craze circling the nation. From Cupcake Wars on the Food Network to cupcake food trucks running through Chicago - we all benefit from the sugary goodness.
First in my spotlight is Jackie of Jaycakes Inc. I met Jackie years ago through a parent's group. She's sweet, supportive - simply, an honest to goodness good person. In recent years, Jackie has made quite a few transformations in her life. From losing weight to starting a business, Jackie is doing it all.
Jackie - Tell me a little about yourself: My name is Jackie Fiedler, I'm 33 years old (right? I always have to think about that now! Ha!) and my "real" job is a designer working on site at Baxter Healthcare. (side note from Sarah - ever since turning 30, I no longer remember how old I am. Happy it's not just me).
Tell us about your recent weight loss success: My weight loss has been such an awesome experience. A few years ago, I started changing my eating habits...veggies (which I used to hate), lots of home cooking and the crock pot!! There was a lot of takeout happening before - which just packed on the pounds. At my job - they started a Biggest Loser which gave us free membership to our on site health club. I started using the elliptical and taking step classes. I was addicted!! Finding workouts I LOVE makes all the difference. I take zumba once a week and it's the highlight of my week! I use a website and iPhone app called myfitnesspal.com to count my calories and it's been a very important tool in my loss!
Do you have a favorite healthy recipe you can share? One of my favorite recipes is a quinoa recipe! I prepare the quinoa with fat free low sodium chicken broth, fresh garlic and 1t cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper. At the end, I add corn, black beans, edamame and cherry tomatoes. Then I toss in a little shrimp cooked in salsa. It's so colorful and delicious!!
Tell us about Jaycakes. After waiting in line for hours at one of the popular cupcake stores, I decided to try baking some cupcakes myself. Now, keep in mind - before this day - I never baked anything from scratch! It was so much fun!! Next thing I knew - I was scouring the Internet for fun recipes and baking almost everyday. My family and coworkers were happy to taste test! I love hearing the feedback and seeing everyone's reactions when they taste the cupcakes!
Things are going great - I have some new business opportunities coming up and am excited. My biggest goal - having fun!! As long as I enjoy my time in the kitchen, I'm happy.
My favorite cupcakes to make are Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Key Lime...just to name a few!
My original pizza cupcake recipe is one that I'm always excited to have people taste...they are scared at first, but everyone likes it! You can see pictures of all our flavors and read more at www.facebook.com/jaycakesinc
How do you keep up with weight loss when you have such a tasty business? My cupcake adventure has just recently impacted my weight loss, but I know what I'm doing wrong. As I'm preparing for tasting parties or big orders - I need to shift my schedule a lot, which often means less sleep and skipping some workouts. I try to never miss the gym, but it's been happening the last couple of months. Eating the cupcakes - that hasn't been too big of a problem! I taste the batter and the frosting and then take a bite of the finished product - but after making thousands of cupcakes - I'm not constantly tempted by them :) It's so easy to let things slip...I just need to keep my priorities on my health and stay focused and on track.
You have a lot on your plate: work, your son, cooking healthy, exercising, and a new business. How do you manage it all? I work close to home which is a huge help. I wake up early and prepare my breakfast, lunch and that nights dinner. I use the crock pot almost all week long which is a fantastic time saver.
My family has been extremely supportive and helpful in my journey - so that has been wonderful. My friends have been some of my best customers and cheerleaders. I'm so thankful for everyone in my life!!
Fun Questions:
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a lawyer.
Guilty Pleasure? too much tv - Glee, Biggest Loser
Favorite workout song?: Fuego from Pitbull
Favorite Quote? Everything happens for a reason
And now for some eye candy or eye cupcakes!
My personal favorite from Jaycakes is the Key Lime Cupcake
Isn't this a pretty one? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
And Jackie's original Pizza Cupcake
Jaycakes has an amazing assortment of flavors like the ones above but she also creates French Toast, Caramel Apple, Chocolate Banana, Strawberry Shortcake (another favorite of mine), Frappaccino, Red Velvet and so many more.
For pricing, ordering, and tasting party information, please contact Jackie on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jaycakesinc
1 comment:
OMG. And now I'm drooling and I feel like I can really relate to Jay!
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