Passive Aggression is a Dish Best Served Iced

Passive aggression comes in many forms, but I prefer the subtle approach for added deniability. The message is still there, of course, but it's not so obvious as to get you immediately disowned.

"Here's a big dead tree to represent your general state of witheredness. 

"Oh, and..." [jazz hands] "Happy birthday."

 

If she asks, it's a crown. But we both know better.

"No, Mom, of COURSE that's not a hand giving you the finger. It's a crown. Because you are a ROYAL...delight."

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this engagement cake:

...except that the groom's name is Nathan.

Nathan = 0

Mother-in-Law = + 20

 

When the subtle approach isn't getting the job done, though, sometimes you have to step up your game. And then put it in quotes:

"Also, I got this off the week-old clearance rack. For free."

 

Vicky: "It's not even my birthday!"

 "We know; we just wanted to make extra sure you knew you were being excluded."

 

"No, seriously, we're reeeeally sorry about that. Now, can we get you some cake? Or a drink? Maybe some adult diapers?"

 

Sarah C. claims she only asked for Happy Birthday, and the baker overheard her saying the rest on the phone to someone else. Riiiiight. How'd that excuse fly with the birthday girl, Sarah?

 

Of course, when it comes to passive aggressive cakes, nothing can ever compare to the ones mom used to make.

Right, Jason?

Oops, looks like we just missed Jason - he's gone on a guilt trip. See ya when you get back, buddy! "Enjoy!"

 
 Thanks to Anne M., Courtney B., Emily K., Greer D., Laura P., Jessica S., Jennifer B., Sarah C., Faigie L., & Sue F., who will always still love me. Right, guys?

Guys? ...Hello?

Sunday Sweets: Threadcakes, Take Two!

Hot dog! It's time for the 2nd Round of Threadcakes! 

To recap:  Threadcakes is a contest hosted every year by Threadless.com and co-judged by her grand-high-cakiness herself, Jen!  Bakers make cakes inspired by Threadless shirt designs, and I use the term "inspired by" loosely, because these cakes are more like perfect replicas.  So exact, it's almost eerie.  Like this trio of owls here:

 

 "Owls of the Nile"

By Claire Murphy

Whoooo doesn't think this is awesome?  No one, that's who. I want to hang them on my wall!

 

"Arabian Crescent"

 Incredible how the baker captured this design's hand-sketched look in fondant.  I also want to hang this one on my wall!  I don't really have an Arabian-moon-colony theme happening in my home right now, but I'd be willing to consider it.

 

"Sharkquestrian"

 

 These designs are so darn creative! I think I need a murderous-handlebar-head-shark cake, too.  Or the shirt version would be fine, if not nearly as tasty. 

 

"Epic Adventure Muppets DTG"

 

By KupKake Tree

 It's a Mount Rushmore of Muppets! I love how it plays with scale, from the big balloons above to the tiny little trees in the foreground. That, and Bunsen and Beaker on a bicycle built for two!

 

"Bad Bad Walker"

 

By Melissa Thomas

Ha!  This one really looks like a drawing come to life with all the outlined edges. It must be a baby AT-AT, because the ones in the movies are nowhere near toilet-sized.  (I actually have no idea what I'm saying and googled everything about that last sentence. Sorry. I'm just not that up-to-speed with Star Trek.)  (KIDDING!)

 

"Memento Mori"

 

By Lynn Smith

 Oooh, spooooky. And just in time for Halloween!  (If you happen to be a Halloween freak like me, and begin preparations in August.)  I'm sure your guests would devour this dust-covered delight, and if not, you could just set it out again next year.

  

 "NeverEnding Solo"

 Two words:

Falcor.

Keytar.

 There is no end to the awesomeness that is before you. Not to mention you can totally eat this. 

I need a moment.

 

"Halfling and Wizard" 

By Tiffany Cook

 

 Aw, Gandalf and Bilbo!  This baker totally nailed Bill Watterson's 'Calvin and Hobbes-y' style, which is how I've always secretly wished I could draw.  I'm tragically stuck in the land of stick figures and smiley faces.

 

 "Smiley Factory"

 

 Which is not such a bad thing, I guess.  Because oh my goodness, this one is drawn to perfection.  (Fondanted to perfection?)  And how funny is the plight of the smiley?  I can relate. That's basically my entire morning routine, right there.

 

 "Hooded"

By Elizabeth Marek of Artisan Cake Company

 Have you ever seen anything so lovely?  I would wear this and eat it and display it and cradle it in bed with me at night.  (Ok, maybe not that last one.) What insanely incredible talent.  

 

I almost feel bad for Jen. So many amazing Threadcakes this year, how could you possibly pick a favorite?! (If you're curious, watch the Threadcakes site this week, because I think they're announcing the winners very soon!)

 

Have a Sweet to nominate? Then send it to Sunday Sweets (at) Cake Wrecks (dot) com!