Offer to make friend a birthday cake.
Think about what friend is into.....
Friend recently went on a big trip to New York....Google cakes about New York. Can't really make the Statue of liberty...or high rise buildings or a yellow cab....Lower standard, due to poor skill at cake making...repeat search.
I know! (cue light bulb over head moment) ...a cake in the shape of an apple....for the "Big Apple". Google Big Apple Cake ideas. Hmmm...none really doable or jumping out at me
Invent own.
Do a rough Sketch of cake
Bake a chocolate fudge cake according to instructions.
Cut into the desired shape.
Lather that baby up with some delicious butter cream icing.
Don't forget a "crumb layer"
. 
Take photo of said cake for "the blog"
Present to lovely birthday girl and hope she likes it.
Happy Birthday Liz from She exceeds rubies
