WINSTON WEEKLY[1]

Vol. 2, No. 4

January 28, 2024

CAKE

Why cake? Aside from the fact that yesterday was National Chocolate Cake Day, baking provides many benefits. Through my “day job” in conflict resolution, food provides a universal connection. Taking the time to snack or break for lunch, whether together or apart, often has a positive impact on resolving disputes.

Despite my dream of becoming a professional cake baker (“Bruce’s Bakery” has a certain appeal), my dream does not correspond with my talent. You can thus imagine my delight in connecting with Lilliana Tommasini. Liliana wrote, Octavia Can Do It!, a children’s book about how baking can empower children. A recipient of the Mom’s Choice Awards, the book tells the heartwarming story about creativity in the kitchen, and learning to ask for help when needed. The book is available in both English and French as Lilliana lives in the beautiful province of Quebec, Canada. Octavia Can Do it! is the perfect book for many occasions, including a birthday party or a gift for a grandmother to read to a grandchild. Lilliana’s inspiration for empowering children is inspired by her grandchildren. Liliana’s website is at https://lilianatommasini.com. She is also on Facebook  and Linked In as Liliana Tommasini; Instagram @lilianatommasiniauthor; and X @LVTommasini.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

My third published book, Cambridge and Clyde, came together after a sweet girl, Cambridge, Zoombombed a meeting in 2020. When I asked about her favorite cake, she responded “cupcakes.”  Think about a cake or cupcake you would like to create, or a cake or cupcake that has special memories. Write down your thoughts and create a new recipe. If you have young children, ask them what kind of cake or cupcake they would create, and teach them, if age-appropriate, how to use measuring spoons and cups. Baking is also a wonderful way for children to learn about budgets as you share the cost of ingredients and other costs, such as using an oven, purchasing a cake or muffin pan, and more.

NEXT MONTH’S SURPRISE

As I mentioned last week, newsletter subscribers can enter to win “Bruce’s Basket.” If you have not already e-mailed baylesandbruce@gmail.com, please do so by February 2 with your name and mailing address, along with the name and type of pet (or cake 😊)  that inspires you. The winner will be drawn on February 3, and Bruce’s Basket will arrive by February 14.

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[1] Copyright January 28, 2024. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute. Winston Weekly is a weekly Sunday feature of Alysen Bayles, Founder of Bayles and Bruce. “Learn, live, love, read.” Alysen’s views are her own.