I love decorating cakes, but I do have a whole other part to my life -- DH, 2 kids (3 and 1), and I teach high school part time. I really would love to do something with the cakes on a more full time basis, but the regs where I live are soooo strict! We can't even bake from our own kitchen -- you have to have a separate kitchen entirely. Yeah, like I see that happening in our near future! (Oh, hey DH, just need to add on an extra room with an entire kitchen in it -- no problem!) I just love every aspect of cake decorating, and I want to learn so much more, but I feel that it's already taking away from my family. And, I'm most likely going to be quitting teaching after 13 years to stay home with the kids, and I just feel so lost. I've never been home full-time -- ever! I want to be here, but I just don't know how to run things smoothly. Any suggestions? So, I'm really conflicted about doing cake and about how to run things smoothly. Sorry to ramble on, but I just needed to process.
Sarah
Many people here talk about using the kitchen of a church or renting. Im sure someone can offer you some good advice. Try the buisness section.
You know I have seen people who loved cake decorating as a hobby go into it as a small business and get so burned out trying to juggle all the things in their lives that they end up hating cakes. Then you have spoiled something you loved doing. Maybe you just need to keep it to donated or gifts cakes for family, friends and favorite charity? At least till your children are older or things change with the State of California laws, and I don't forsee that happening any time soon, do you?
or things change with the State of California laws, and I don't forsee that happening any time soon, do you?[/quote]
Nope -- in fact, they'll probably just get worse...sigh...
I guess I'm just finding it hard to stay reined in for my kids and family. But, I know it's the right thing to do. God made this precious family structure for us, and I'm sure not going to spoil it all just for some fleeting moment of satisfaction because I finally piped the cornelli perfectly!
But, maybe that is what will actually keep me involved in cakes -- I do love them so -- if I only get to do a couple a month that will have to be enough.
I can't see going somewhere else to do the cakes when I'm leaving my job to stay home. I might as well not quit. If I didn't have the kids, though that is the route I would take. 
Sarah
I understand where you are and where you are coming from. My boys are now 4 and 7, but I remember how stressful it was when they were 3 and 1. Sometimes you feel as if you will go crazy. I didn't have cakes back then, but I do know how much I love it now and how it de-stresses me. But, I love doing cakes now because it is strictly a hobby for me. I bake for friends and family and they reimburse me for supplies, plus a little extra. This way it remains a really fun and enjoyable hobby. Although I work full time, and always have I know that its tough being a mom to little ones. Since you are contemplating a major life change (staying home full time), consider using cakes as your way of escaping from the routine of children and home. Trying to make it a business at this point in your life maybe too much right now. Good luck!
I agree with VWW. Your original post didn't say you are quitting to be with cake, it was to be with your children. I love doing my cakes too, and I just do them for fun. I enjoy people enjoying my cakes. But, if I were to try them for $$, it would become too stressful for me. Like I HAD to do it.
It is very challenging being a stay-at-home parent. The time flies....my house was still a wreck, even with "all this time on my hands not working outside the home." Heheheheheh!!!
I found that after about 14 months, I really longed to be working 1/2 time again....for ESCAPE! I LOVE my children, but, they don't provide quite the same things as adults do. And, you can walk away from work when the day is over.
I love to plan the cake, and the kids "help" me too! I wouldn't try and tackle any 'business' now though...grow into the stay-at-home thing first. You'll do fine, whatever you decide, but don't pressure yourself. It will all be made clear in His time.
I agree with the others in some ways. It's definity most important to be with your kids of course. However, I have been told and I completely agree, you kind of loose yourself a little if the only thing you do is take care of the kids. I think doing cakes gives me something of my own, something I get to do on my own sometimes. Not that you can't feel that way with your kids but I feel that I need something just for me. I think it makes me a better mom. It is hard, I think we feel guilty for doing anything for ourselves, I do.. But I need it.
Just wanted to reply. you are already Super woman (you have kids ,lol)
the answer is to find a day care or something like that you can do your cakes in when they are not in use. next don't expect the impossible so soon. everything worth working comes in time. Just like eerything else
in a mothers life you have to make time. and the best of the time thatyou have. just 1 thing at a time 1 day at a time. it works .. ( this took me a life time to learn). hope things fall in to place for u. keepus posted.
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