Bakesale for Japan: Success!

Just a quick post to give Los Angeles a big 'ol pat on the back for raising a whopping $15,484.00 during the Bakesale For Japan for Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims, which will be distributed via Peace Winds Japan.  Who would have thought that image-conscious Los Angelinos loved sweet baked goods so much, ha?!  I'm happy it was such a success, and I had a fantastic time participating.  Thanks SO much to everyone who came out, said hi at the Pasadena location, and tweeted about the event.  I'm eagerly awaiting the final total for the entire, nationwide bakesale, and I think it's going to be a BIG number!

Highlights from the Pasadena location (Chef's Center of California):

 Look at all of the homemade goodies!  WOW!

 My little friend H is doing a little quality control.......

Sampling to make sure it's good.............

It's approved!  Just look at that smile!

Some of the most creative and fun treats included these amazing sushi cookies from Sabrina's Sweetery

I picked up a few to share with the sushi chefs at my regular spot, and they loved them.

Can't wait until the next Bakesale event!  Ciao!

Bakesale for Japan

Hi everyone!

If you're a food blogger, you've probably already heard about Saturday's nationwide Bakesale for Japan.  If you haven't, I'm here to tell you about it!

On Saturday, April 2nd from 10:00am- 2:00pm, bakers from around the U.S. will be selling their homemade goodies at various locations.  The price of each item is up to the buyer- donate as much as you feel is appropriate.  Of course, the more generous you're feeling, the better- all proceeds go to Peace Winds Japan to help the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know how close Japan is to my heart.  It's where I was born, where I learned to play the piano, had my first real job; met my husband, my best friend and my cat Cory.  It's where I had my first apartment (it was the size of a bathroom but I loved it anyway!) and spent countless nights drinking beer and hanging out with friends until 4:30 am after having missed the last train.  It's also home to my obaachan (grandma) who, at 101, is still hangin' out down in Osaka.  Japan holds so many precious memories for me, and I have many friends and family members there.  Luckily, none live up north and they escaped the worst of the disaster, but seeing the devastated faces of my fellow Japanese is still utterly gut-wrenching and I'd love to do anything to help.  I hope you will too:).

I'll be shilling my baked goods at the Chef's Center of California, located at 45 N. San Gabriel Blvd in Pasadena.  If you'd like to purchase a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart or a Peanut Butter Crispy Bar, please come out, say hello, donate to a good cause and chow down on some sweet treats.  If that location isn't convenient for you, there are many others to choose from, and each will have a variety of awesome homemade baked goods for you buy, eat and share!  If you can't make it to a bakesale but would still like to donate, you can do so here.

Hope to see you this Saturday!