April's Spring Out Of The Box - My Green Thumb

We all have other interests. Something that pulls us to be someone else other than our self that we know who to be. It could be waterskiing, hiking or even just scrap booking. It is a part of us that we resist because we simply believe "that is not me" or "there's no way I can do that" BOLOGNA! We can be whoever we want to be and do what we want to do. I encourage everyone to try something they've never done. Get your hands dirty and learn the better you. The one who isn't afraid of a challenge.

 

Goal: Discover my Green Thumb
In growing up it was hard to take care of much. A goldfish wouldn't stand a chance in my messy bedroom. I remember getting my first real big green plant moving into our house and boy did that get brown. I wasn't ready yet. I didn't fully appreciate the art of nurturing and caring for plants. Sure they looked great and I admired those that expanded their garden filled with fresh veggies and flowers. But I never thought that that could be me. I chose to believe that I was simply not responsible enough to care for a plant and ditched the idea ASAP. Plus, have you ever researched the subject? They mention zones, sun co-ordinates, and all types of funny confusing names. Should I call Bill Nye now?

As the weather gets brighter and melts all the little lingering piles of ice in our backyards, I can't help but feel like "YES I am so ready for spring!" Especially after this winter that seemed to be eons long. I want to see the colours that had once painted Ontario. The greens, the yellows, the pinks and the blues! It started with continuing to nurture my pointsetta from Christmas. Yes it isn't full anymore but the little green leaves growing on it excites me! Then the pretty mini tree plant I got as a gift from my aunt. Then the tulips Ricardo bought me on sale. Once he saw my mini indoor garden blooming he decided to go out and get me some beautiful blue hydrangeas (my absolute fav flower). I arranged them for better sunlight, I water them and care for them a great deal. 

Once the weather rose from -15c to +15c I was ready to start my real garden outside. I decided to work on the flower bed we have in our backyard with a little tree in the middle. I wanted to plant peonies. Since peonies have been a huge trend in wedding cakes, I thought it would fit for our home. SO we cleaned out all the bad roots, added some gardening soil mixed with some top soil and planted them accordingly. I had found some of the existing green plants in there and rearranged them to fit with our peony plants.

Benefits of having indoor plants:
Fights Pollution Indoors - Plants are able to remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours.
Helps Fight Colds - Plants decrease coughs, sore throats, fatigue by more than 30% (eucalyptus helps clear phlegm and congestion)
Increases Happiness - Increased sense of well-being, stability and control. Increased feelings of relaxation and optimism. Reduced stress, anxiety and depression.
Reduces Carbon Dioxide - They draw it out from our air during photosynthesis.
Prevents Allergies - Exposing children early to plants can help them build tolerance and immunity.
Negates Cigarette Smoke - Plants remove airborne chemicals from cigarettes.
Improves Sleep - Gerbera Daisies give off oxygen at night.

The European Garden
We all know and love that aunt, uncle or grandma with the colourful garden. The bright red tomatoes, the crispy fresh lettuce, anything that would be included in a big delicious salad. It's been said that the average European life duration is significantly longer than other countries because of the organically grown ingredients that come from their backyard and of course their slow-paced, siesta-full way of life. Hmm maybe their on to something...

Check out my friend Kathy's Instagram @kasiacashew. Kathy is a huge expert in the greens and has fully inspired me to pursue this curiosity of mine. ;)

March's DOCE Madness – Find Your Calling

To conclude the month of March I look back on the reason why we started DOCE Bakery.
Not only was it just making cakes and yummy treats. We wanted to create a brand and a good environment for people to work in and consume. Anyone who knows me knows I LIKE fun! My best memories with my colleagues back in Amy's Bakery were the laughs, the music, the sense of community and that is something I'd like to create at DOCE. I want our name to hold happy, fun-loving people that just come into work and love what they do. Somewhere where they would have freedom of expression through the art of cakes.

Isadore Sharp, Founder and Chairman of the Four Seasons, a Canadian-based international luxury, five-star hotel management company and author states "The reason for our success is no secret. It comes down to one single principle that transcends time and geography, religion and culture. It’s the Golden Rule – the simple idea that if you treat people well, the way you would like to be treated, they will do the same.” Isadore has created one of the most successful hotel chains simply with his philosophy of management. He has emulated this environment throughout all Four Seasons hotels hand selecting each manager that embodies the qualities he was looking for. He strongly believed that treating your employees as guests/clients would have a strong positive effect to their work ethic. Making them feel happy and taken care of.

Marie Forleo is a best-selling American author, web TV host, and trainer in personal development and I am obsessed with her you-tube channel. She brings a lot of quirky and fun loving humour into her messages which makes all this informative content into actual entertainment. I've attached one of her latest videos on how to add humour your business. Enjoy!

"With great power comes great responsibility"

I want DOCE Bakery to be philanthropic. I want us to raise funds for good causes including supporting autistic programs which is one of my most passionate causes. I would like to help celebrate with those that have given their time efforts and money to support a worthy cause. I picture rolling in with a giant sparkly cake to remind them of the great work they are doing and how that must be celebrated!

Supporting our Fellow Bakers!

I think baking is one of the oldest and rarest arts. To see what someone can create with some flour, eggs and sugar always seems to astound me. I encourage others to push there limits and use their passion towards their work. I am inspired when I see someone's baked goods whether it be the professionally detailed custom cake, or little Suzy's first Banana Bread! We need to empower each other and support one another especially in the underestimated industry we are in. One of my biggest dreams for DOCE is to hold an education class for children who want to know how to bake. Let them throw around some sprinkles and frost their first cake and really discover that oomph in them that can turn into the next Buddy Valastro. Bake on my loves!

Man with a plan!

Business plans are so important. They are used as the bible of your business and what you plan to do with it. Basically it's a booklet that describes everything from your marketing strategies down to what colour uniform to wear. It is your canvas of how your business is to look and feel. I have dabbled a bit with our plan but always finding myself getting so overwhelmed over the nitty gritty details of whether I want the 6 or 8 quartz mixer. So I have decided to dive right in and write down what I do want and I will leave all the little decisions out until we are ready. Having a business plan on hand is very important to have. Think if someone came right through my door saying "Priscilla, I have a huge opportunity for DOCE, show me your plan" and I would kinda shrug saying "I've been meaning to get around to it!" 

Time is money and opportunity does not make appointments. BE READY for it all!