How was your trip? Did you have a great time?

Wonderful--the demos were great (that I attended). The down time was fabulous--went to "La Nouba" Cirque De Soliel show and that was "FREAKIN' AWESOME". Pleasure Island was fun and of course, Magic Kingdom was fun-fun-fun!

The only thing that I did not enjoy about the convention were the rude people and the seat jumpers!!!

My credit card and my feet are resting now thank you! Did anyone see the smoke signals I was sending as I was burnin' thru my spending money? The last thing I asked my husband was "Do I have a budget?" and he said "no, not really." BIG BIG MISTAKE!! So much to see, learn and buy! I am so glad I was close enough to drive because I got SOOO much Satin Ice SOOO cheap!
The only thing I can say about ICES is.......WOW!

My summary:
Credit card bill.......Ouch! (still adding is all up!)
Meeting Food Network celebs........really cool! (I met Mike, Bronwin, Pat and Mr. Lodge himself!)
Much needed weekend without kids and DH.....much needed.
and the best....

Meeting and talking with Sharon...aka...SugarShack.......PRICELESS!!

I can hardly wait until Chicago!

So... What was the best thing (other than cheap Satin Ice) at ICES? Any great new tools? I read that Mike McCarey had a DVD. Did you see (or buy) it? Is it any good?

I'm hoping to go to St. Charles next year, and am trying to figure out my shopping list and my budget!!!

I bought Mike's DVD but probably won't have time to watch it until Saturday nite. I will let you know.

Sounds like a wonderful time. A little disappointed about missing it this year, looking forward to Chicago next year though.

What was the one most wonderful thing you bought??? (other than Satin Ice).

Please spill.......

I loved it, it was my first time. I spent a lot of money, shhhh my husband does not know how much...

some classes were very very good, but others I did knot like them.... My friend and I had so much fun running around to be on time on each class or to be the first in line for wild cards...

Convention was great! I was a first timer this year, so it was a little overwhelming, plus I went by myself, which was also kinda scary, but all in all I had fun and learned a LOT! (See seashell cake I posted this morning )
I live in Tampa, so it was close for me, which was a great incentive to go! Shopping was great, and I tried choco-pan for the first time. Ordered a whole case!!
Definately planning on Chicago!!

I watched Mike's DVD it is actually put together very nicely, almost like a Food Network show. I was suprised with some of his techniques, but it is what made Mike... Mike.... It is honestly worth the money to give you a good introduction to cake carving/3-demonsional cakes. From what I understand he plans to make more.

I'm sooooo jealous... Maybe next time...

I am not missing next year, every time I read about this I get very jealous!!
So, I will be booking Chicago next year...any hints on what to do and not to do??
Lorene

I just uploaded all my pictures feel free to look
heres the link

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/564199343QzhyND

Thanks so much, I would really love to go next year. What is the first step? How do I join etc.?

1st join ICES.

here is the link for the 09 show
www.ices09.org

Thanks Paula.