tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post4560659587200942120..comments2023-09-07T01:35:35.381-07:00Comments on MandiCrocker: My Fears and Blueberry MuffinsMandiCrockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287767798926305504noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-50827553970220652082010-06-06T16:26:12.759-07:002010-06-06T16:26:12.759-07:00Actually, I think the food truck idea is kinda bri...Actually, I think the food truck idea is kinda brilliant. The head of the food truck association in LA just went out last week to meet with the Chicago lawmakers about ways to ease restrictions and barriers to entry for food trucks in Chicago. <br /><br />As someone who has started a business, it is totally overwhelming and terrifying at every step...so don't think you're alone in thinking that. Bur, all you have to do is just keep doing the next thing that needs to be done. <br /><br />-DenaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-15552335646970859632010-05-27T16:38:02.745-07:002010-05-27T16:38:02.745-07:00I've been working on creating logos, trifold b...I've been working on creating logos, trifold brochures, business cards and letterheads...I'd be more than happy to do yours. For free :) let's chat.stacy mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179948762304919497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-68244949557542508412010-05-25T08:39:42.530-07:002010-05-25T08:39:42.530-07:00Thanks for all the pointers & tips everyone-- ...Thanks for all the pointers & tips everyone-- looks like my friends have a lot of these answers. COOL. :)MandiCrockerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287767798926305504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-3838629271767604442010-05-23T00:12:17.615-07:002010-05-23T00:12:17.615-07:00That Daughter of Food is a smarty, with the food t...That Daughter of Food is a smarty, with the food truck idea! And I'm with Kellisays - figure out how to ship the cupcakes! :-)<br /><br />I know this is so much work and so overwhelming. I am overwhelmed too. Video, dance mixes, SURVIVING...it all takes finances we don't have at the moment. I wish I could make things easier for you, Puddin' Pie. But until such time, let's both hang in there, no matter the doubts, be they from friends, family or our own selves. I believe it's our genius sister who can be quoted as saying, "Shut up and take the pain." And take it we shall, with smiles on our faces! Okay...maybe with a wince and a groan, but we'll still take it better than men.<br /><br />I love you and I believe in you.<br /><br />xoxoUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07917967784549855628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-71392821065249469282010-05-21T16:36:49.855-07:002010-05-21T16:36:49.855-07:00Hey lady,
You sound stressed, but just take it on...Hey lady,<br /><br />You sound stressed, but just take it one thing at a time. It's great that you already have a list to work from. <br /><br />As for Yellow Cake, I really like the recipe in "I Like You" by Amy Sedaris. I know, you would not expect such a talented funny lady to bake, too... wait a minute... anyway, maybe you can use that recipe as a starting place.<br /><br />xxxooo,<br />Daughter of Food<br /><br />PS. I was thinking, food trucks are all the rage in LA, maybe Mandicakes can be mobile?Family of Foodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09982811062597912457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-83255651890367087062010-05-21T13:43:48.481-07:002010-05-21T13:43:48.481-07:00If I may, a couple of advise on how to solve a cou...If I may, a couple of advise on how to solve a couple of your issues: <br /><br />5 - dryice. Why don't you just go to a place such as Lou Malnati's or Omaha steak and ASK THEM to show you how they do it? I am 100% they will be willing to help. <br /><br />8 - business phone. My two cents: do not buy the iphone and do not buy AT&T. I have a friend here in Chicago who is starting his own business like you. The number of times he had calls dropped or had to tell his prospective customer "can you hear me? And now? Better? Can you hear me now?" is enormous. <br /><br />Get something else, or else you will add stress to stress. (and yes, I do have an iphone and a bberry for work, and the bberry is a better business phone. Period). <br /><br />Stuff to buy: I guess you have already checked, but...what about ebay?A Tuscan foodie in Americahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08574053020975951944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-32780062482126965902010-05-21T00:52:04.937-07:002010-05-21T00:52:04.937-07:00Your improvised, "half-@$$ed" baked good...Your improvised, "half-@$$ed" baked goods ARE better than most baker's best! That's the MandiCakes magic, you can make miracles with whatever you have in the kitchen - as the kitchen gets bigger, so will the miracles. <br />Now figure out how to ship me some cupcakes! If you have to go to Lou Malnoti's to do some research, so be it :)Kellisayshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17159860216394334943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-61774498332593430022010-05-20T20:05:44.257-07:002010-05-20T20:05:44.257-07:00Sweetie you rock. Don't sweat the small stuff...Sweetie you rock. Don't sweat the small stuff even though the kitchen can get mighty hot at times! If you weren't as sensational as you are I wouldn't order from you all the freaking time. I can help you out with a few things.<br /><br />1- dough hook. I never use the damn thing you can borrow it until you get a new one. <br /><br />2- Bundt cake pan. I NEVER use the thing. I think the last time I did was 2001. Same deal as above.<br /><br />3- I know all about mailing with dry ice. Call me for specifics.<br /><br />4- My sis might trade a logo design for baked goods. I can ask her this weekend if you want.<br /><br />5- check craigslist for a filing cabinet. If it is too big for your car call me.<br /><br />we love you!<br />BethUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11977619707370785855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-42046091075827861042010-05-20T11:45:52.446-07:002010-05-20T11:45:52.446-07:00Mandi! you are so awesome.
I mean, I feel like...Mandi! you are so awesome. <br /><br />I mean, I feel like you tackle these really big things that most people shy away from (like, um, Hollywood?!?). And I think it's so inspiring! I love it about you. <br /><br />That said, Mandi, this is a REALLY big thing you are doing. I wouldn't do it. And I feel like I already spend most of my life baking. But when I think about professional baking I have to stop what I am doing and go breathe in a paper bag for a few minutes. <br /><br />I think this list is a GREAT start. Maybe you should add it to the sidebar of your blog and cross things out as you go. That way we can all see your progress and if someone has an idea about one of your things, they can chime in whenever. <br /><br />Anyway, you're pretty cool. Own it. ;) <br /><br />And who is this Alise from Vermont?!? I'M the one from Vermont!!! (There really aren't that many of us.)Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10119941917321754796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-26158556986326464962010-05-20T11:40:39.614-07:002010-05-20T11:40:39.614-07:00Arg the stress I am sure!!! I feel ya on a small s...Arg the stress I am sure!!! I feel ya on a small scale. We are starting our own organic family farm, using hydroponics. Big undertaking when you are broke, ha! However we have a group that we found that helps Veterans become farmers, but they are newly established also, so its somewhat slow. <br />I hope you find an affordable place to do your cookery. Esh, talk about price gouging. Too bad there isnt a little old lady around there with a top notch fabu kitchen that was lookin for someone to bake up some love in it. (welcome to the fantasy world in my head where obscure scenarios play out...) Wouldnt that just be perfect?! <br />But yes, a good stiff drink always seems to help. Unless you are knocked up, then it just irks you to not have and you deal by eating 10 lbs of ice to compensate... <br />Someday we shall prevail!The Farmers Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07250795452919159567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-51040592248719750732010-05-20T11:38:50.361-07:002010-05-20T11:38:50.361-07:00If you could in some way figure out how to put a s...If you could in some way figure out how to put a spin on a classic that ships well (like brownies) and make that your 'phase 1' cash cow, that might generate enough income to go to 'phase 2'.<br /><br />That said: scour Etsy for some graphic design work. I'm in need of a logo right now as well and just found somebody with what appears to be decent work who only charges $100 for a business logo. Check her out: http://sunnyfionadesign.blogspot.com/ I haven't made the leap yet b/c I'm waiting on a friend-of-friend connection first, but still...<br /><br />Also - once you have that logo in a million different sizes and in black and white, you can put that sucker ALL OVER THE PLACE and you brand yourself instantly. MOO cards and products are incredible and affordable (great quality, too!). I sprung for some waiting-for-logo business cards to start dishing out. I did already have my domain name purchased, so stuck that on there, although the website needs help, but works for now =)<br /><br />You should also look at this $7 make-your-own sticker thing I just saw posted about here: http://nataliejost.com/3735 Head to Wal-Mart and find some cute ribbon or fabric in your business colors and get to it!<br /><br />Brand yourself baby! and ship out some classics to build up a base! Whatever you decide, keep working on it - you've had this dream for a long time - don't give up!Juliettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08098104395235008315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32262446.post-59315780844555993522010-05-20T11:17:37.678-07:002010-05-20T11:17:37.678-07:00One step at a time. Make sure you are scouring th...One step at a time. Make sure you are scouring the Women's Business Development Center. <br /><br />http://www.wbdc.org/<br /><br />In my experience, these women will give you the shirts off their backs or hand over the best references to what you need. Also, may be some money if you haven't already looked there.<br /><br />Dream big Miss Mandy...you can do this. Nan and I are sending BIG KARMA from Vermont!Alisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13607113220850873322noreply@blogger.com