How To Make The Perfect BIRTHDAY CAKE | Dessert Person

How To Make The Perfect BIRTHDAY CAKE | Dessert Person
Is there anything better than birthday cake? I don’t know about you, but to me, bday cake always means yellow cake and chocolate frosting. This vanilla-scented cake bakes up extremely light and tender, but still has the unmistakable richness and color of a yolky batter, while the super-easy frosting gets balance and tang from cream cheese and unsweetened chocolate. Claire gives lots of pointers for layer cake construction, like what to do if you’re trying to frost it in a 90-degree kitchen (hint: it involves an AC window unit).
#ClaireSaffitz​​ #Baking​​ #Cake
Classic Birthday Cake
Special Equipment:
Stand mixer, three 8-inch cake pans
Ingredients:
Butter for the pans
3 cups cake flour (12.7 oz / 360g)
2 teaspoons baking powder (0.28 oz / 8g)
1 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (0.16 oz / 5g)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 sticks unsalted butter (8 oz / 226g), at room temperature
1 3/4 cups sugar (12.3 oz / 350g)
1/4 cup neutral oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed (2 oz / 57g)
5 large egg yolks (2.6 oz / 80g)
2 large eggs ( 3.5 oz / 100g)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (8.5 oz / 240g), at room temperature
Classic Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Variation (page 324)
Sprinkles, for decorating
0:00 Start
0:34 Intro To Claire Makes Birthday Cake
0:57 Intro/Animation to Dessert Person
1:15 Birthday Cake History
2:13 Ingredients & Special Equipment
3:07 Prepare The Pans
4:15 Make The Batter!
9:22 Fill The Pans and Bake
13:57 Calvin is in my shot
14:17 Claire Gets Upset At Her Oven
15:10 Cream Cheese Frosting
18:17 Level Cake Layers
19:42 Frost The Cake
23:05 We Leave The Kitchen.
23:37 Cake Frosting
25:18 Birthday Party for Cal & Mike
28:35 Kyu's Cats!
Thanks for watching!
Dessert Person Online: www.dessertperson.com/
Claire on Instagram: csaffitz?h...
Claire Merchandise: www.dessertperson.com/buystuff
Penguin Random House Books: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/
Dessert Person Cookbook
Photographer: Alex Lau
Food Stylist: Sue Li
Prop Stylist: Astrid Chastka
Video Series:
Producer/Director: @VincentCross
Camera Operator: Calvin Robertson
Sound Engineer/Music: Michael Guggino
Editor: Kyu Nakama
Animation Credits:
Character Designer/Animator: Jack Sherry
Character Rigger: Johara Dutton
Background/Prop Designer: M. Cody Wiley
Background Illustrator: Jagriti Khirwar

[@CSaffitz]

What kind of cake do you request on your birthday? Leave a comment!

[@madijohnston5540]

carrot cake!! always my favourite

[@ryannordheimer]

Anything kind of cake that isn't dry ;)

[@deniecesun]

Campfire cake!! Chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache layer and topped with marshmallow frosting and blowtorched on top. (I try to bake my own cake as well. Emphasis on try lol)

[@lillingston63]

Vanilla sponge, with raspberry jam and the rolled icing over top 😍

[@CraftReaper5]

German chocolate with the coconut shredded very finely. Always great.

[@AllegraVivace]

I super don't envy Claire having to frost a layer cake like this in the middle of summer but honestly this video felt so real. I really loved this recipe when I made it.

[@alexinarose5344]

Truly. I love making chocolates and frosted cakes in my spare time, but I also live in Australia in a 1-bedroom apartment with zero aircon so I've accepted it's just not something I can do during the summer. Claire is a trooper.

[@nikkilovesrocks]

This video is one of my favorites... the celebration at the end made me giddy!

[@Nerdfighter416]

Yes!! I love that everything doesn't go perfectly, it makes a great teaching moment. I learn so much from her explaining WHY something might not go right and little adjustments she has to make to correct it. It makes me feel more confident when something isn't quite right when I bake! :)

[@LondonLite02]

If I made this as cupcakes, what would be the baking time?

[@Leeeeyes]

I live in a tropical country where all year round our temp is 30 to 33°C So the last time i bake a cake, i frosted it in my air-conditioned bed room...but it was worth it!!!

[@shawn1076]

Claire: "It's easy" Also Claire: episode full of chaos

[@daniellaloma3804]

We haven’t had any chaos since Gourmet Makes and I honestly missed it lol

[@alexinarose5344]

The chaos this episode is *chefs kiss*. Loved this one!

[@hernancampos8780]

just like the good old times jajaja

[@greenyawgmoth]

15:06 has the most important Claire Tip in baking.

[@mariaverina]

Chaos + Claire make the perfect content

[@bruh666]

ikr this one was so funny

[@SaraLim]

Claire: Ugh, this is terrible. The cake is overbaked, the frosting is overwhipped, nothing is working out the way I envisioned Viewers/Claire's fans: Yasssss love the chaos in this video 👏👏👏

[@LivinInSim]

The fridge is overflowing, the sink is full, it's hot, the oven is a lil wacky, I'm hopped up on the bean, kinda cranky, things aren't coming out perfect. The company will be here in from 3 hours to 20 minutes. But then they get here and we sit down. Things may not look quite like the picture. But they love them as much as the guys who tasted the cake.

[@airybrook]

The kind of cake you make for an enemy.

[@sassyt1545]

I don’t “love the chaos in this video.” This seems to be a theme. The sprinkle cake suffered the same situation: disjointed presentation, refrigerator full, sink full of dishes, cake over baked, runny frosting. There is nothing novel about lousy KZbin content. This is unwatchable.

[@theunitedkingdom]

@@sassyt1545 You’re in the minority opinion and don’t realize how being the only miserable one is not a good thing.

[@MarioMVasilev]

@@sassyt1545 then why are you watching... Leave

[@sabreveitch3554]

“Take it home to your children, get it out of my sight.” Okay but Claire being 1000000000% done with the cake this episode is so incredibly entertaining

[@joshuaybanez2084]

ahh the beautiful juxtaposition of calming clips and Claire's chaotic energy.

[@melancholybrocoli9868]

i love that the crew talked to her and they kept it in too. makes a much more casual vibe

[@mdaidas]

poetic cinema at its finest

[@maggotbitch]

The "perfect" "balance" of baking lolll

[@tati.l.]

Claire saying sorry to Maya for disturbing her by entering her own room is such a relatable cat owner thing to do.

[@itpaynesme]

Time stamp?

[@wolfferoni]

@@itpaynesme 23:10

[@mygirldarby]

It's a dog owner thing too, lol.

[@wingedladies]

Vinny: Like Russian dolls. Claire: Never saw it. Vinny: It’s not a movie, it’s a thing! 😂

[@chesterstefan9049]

I love that her brain went straight to Netflix lmao

[@jerry8030]

same energy as Molly's reaction to "a Pavlov reaction" "never met him" haha

[@mason5018]

Its a netflix show tbf

[@monsieurlimpet]

@@mason5018 It's a good one too!

[@pugsley9618]

@@jerry8030 Where's that one from? lol

[@jacobjenkins5947]

claire: that one’s for looks also claire: don’t look too hard😀

[@tati.l.]

Vinny really said - while you wait for the 3M Subs drunk baking video, here's caffeine buzzed Claire. 😂

[@sirephlyrrian6242]

can you imagine drunk claire? yelling something incoherent about your spatula? throwing stuff at vinny? falling asleep on the table with her face in a bowl? magnificent

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

@@sirephlyrrian6242 yet somehow she'd still make a perfect cake, i'm sure.

[@minzy5857]

i want that.

[@donthishalwirasinha4049]

I nEEd vTHAT

[@persondessert9366]

when i woke up today I didn’t expect that i would see claire frosting a cake in front of an AC so thank you for the home baker representation

[@kaitfredrickson1082]

Was this like Day 3 of caking or something??? Some major Day 3 energy here…

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

Fans of Claire understand and respect Day 3 Energy.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

The Curse of Day 3 will never be lifted.

[@ronaldojulio871]

You know the saying of third’s time is the charm...not for Claire though

[@melodyishere1908]

I am so grateful to be incorporating Day 3 energy into my vocabulary. It is such a perfect description for so many things!

[@sshishegar]

"THERE'S NO CURSE" *is in full cursed mode*

[@tiaaditia753]

I love how chaotic this is.. so realistic to most people’s experience in the kitchen, not like some other cooking channels that makes everything look so perfect and then makes us amateur cooks feel bad about ourselves when our cooking doesn’t go as well as them. Thanks Claire for making chaos in the kitchen a normal thing!

[@108mariachi]

The zoom-ins aligning with the pulsing of the mixer had me DEAD 😂

[@icyboi13]

I'm glad I wasn't the only one.

[@ElizabethGonzalez-tj8gl]

“we need some positive affirmations here, guys.” Vinny knows what Claire needs on all fronts

[@calvin013]

Claire is to her BA team what Pete Davidson is to the SNL team. Glad that the team knows when and how to step in and give that support.

[@recoil53]

After seeing Gourmet Makes, we all know the signs.

[@ElizabethGonzalez-tj8gl]

@@recoil53 “just tell me that I did it.” - Claire

[@AllegraVivace]

@@calvin013 Very this, but also it's Dessert Person, not BA.

[@adriennebroadfoot2607]

Thank you for showing the "not according to plan" bits. It's such a comfort to know even the pros have their moments.

[@mayarosales09]

The juxtaposition of the gorgeous cake/classical music and the iced coffee-induced chaos/upbeat drums is TRULY my daily vibe, the editor really gets me

[@mossthemage9948]

This is the perfect thing to watch while sewing

[@BlameItOnJoe]

I can only watch this channel after having my own dessert. I admire you for not stopping sowing to look for sweets!

[@UnicorNE0N]

@@BlameItOnJoe as someone who is a home baker but can't eat much sugar... You get used to it 😅except good cookies. Good cookies are never safe.

[@KW-bh2vj]

I knit!

[@mossthemage9948]

@@BlameItOnJoe when you are in the sewing zone, it's very hard to get out, even for some good sweets :3

[@BlameItOnJoe]

@@mossthemage9948 NICE!

[@elenayee3093]

I appreciate how you didn't redo this in order for it to be "perfect." It is so much more fun and makes it so much more accessible for me as a non-baker.

[@maegan182]

I love the human aspect of Claire and this channel. There's so much polished perfection on baking channels that it's nice to see that even an amazing baker like Claire has rough times. Makes me feel less bad about my many many many baking screw ups!😙

[@leaflover3497]

This was the funniest episode I’ve ever seen. Having the piece start to slide over was hysterical.

[@bananaboat805]

I love Claire's energy. She just casually has a sharp knife teetering on the edge of her table as part of an unstable support system for a 3layer cake slice....blade facing her. "Whatever, it's fine"

[@shawnmisamore]

For as long as I can remember my mom has made me a yellow cake with chocolate frosting as my birthday cake. I’ve never met anyone else who considers that the traditional birthday cake! You just made my day.

[@literallynoone275]

I’m at this point of watching this series where the sight of Claire frosting her cake in her bedroom in front of the AC is totally mundane.

[@milesrepublic]

Why I love Claire is that she shows people that in almost every episode, she makes a mistake. Cooking and baking is not always perfect. But we don't have to give up. Thanks, Claire!

[@m_here1]

By the end, this was the drooping cake from Sleeping Beauty

[@LostEveryMarble]

Exactly!!! That prop up gave me immediate flashbacks of the broom and cake in sleeping beauty!!!

[@geoffreyblackmer]

I came to make sure one of us referenced Flora's cake. 💚

[@AllegraVivace]

Tbh if they had Claire react to famous cakes/bakes in movies and TV like the one from Sleeping Beauty I would not be mad.

[@cambriadavis3517]

I commented that before reading the other comments lol big sleepy beauty leaning cake vibes here

[@pattygilson9669]

I appreciate the absolute chaotic reality of this chapter. Watching you cope with temperamental cakes, mixers, cream cheese, etc. helps make baking much more accessible!!

[@princeflame295]

This episode made me laugh so much. Claire is so charming. She really just rolled with the punches and simulated an at home chef. So relatable and enjoyable to watch!

[@kristophjj17]

If this is caffeine Claire, I would love to see a drunk Claire episode 😂 so much chaos!

[@LivingMyLife22]

Between the chaos, commentary from the team and the editing, this episode was perfection.

[@mjchu1018]

The first 35 seconds of this video reminds me of myself when I’m having a mental breakdown while baking but is trying to still look elegant in the kitchen.

[@joceeisawesome]

Claire’s “mess” is my masterpiece and I will take that to my grave

[@fierazor]

Same girl 🤣

[@bula288]

Claire: "I'm gonna add powdered sugar now" *adds vanilla extract*

[@sabreveitch3554]

Claire “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” Saffitz

[@musicnerd18]

This is why I love her. She doesn't pretend that everything is always perfect ♥️

[@prittyyyy]

Glad to see that even Claire struggles with her oven from time to time lol mine always requires extra 10~15 minutes more than the recipe requires

[@molliewatts6445]

Made this cake, it's delicious and exactly what my 10 year old wants for her birthday (or anytime really) :-) A little tip that I do--I keep the parchment scraps from cutting out the rounds for the cake pans and use it for under the cake to frost later. Just rip and pull it away when you're done.

[@peptobismolveins]

25:42 “that one’s for looks….but don’t look too hard” loll 😂 😂

[@t837qvhsdKJ]

it was fun to see the film crew jump in

[@haleylopez9288]

Could y’all add a camera angle that’s aimed into the mixing bowl cause sometimes it’s nice to know what texture the mixture is supposed to be at each stage

[@mondaynightballroom20]

Alternate Title: Claire Proves Why Summer Birthdays Get Birthday Pie

[@TheFunctionalForce]

So glad mine is on February 😁

[@twsx]

"It's less sad than it sounds." - Never change, Claire :D

[@joshuaybanez2084]

I live for the day that we get to know why Claire isn't using her own vanilla extract.

[@sanjanasandeep9948]

We need answers

[@murrrriel]

I think the vanilla extract is at the cabin

[@chesterstefan9049]

Probably at the cabin.

[@atwostarhotel]

@@murrrriel i think it's at the back on the shelf behind claire... so...the mystery remains unsolved!

[@chuck430]

@@atwostarhotel perhaps it's a new batch and needs time to sit?

[@sSeemaK]

I love Claire's energy, personality...she was so meant for this kind of thing!

[@karouhogan4267]

The little wink edited on the Claire back book photo was so funny

[@shadawnferguson7925]

This is my go to vanilla cake recipe love it sooo much.

[@tati.l.]

Whenever I see a recipe call for "unsweetened chocolate" I have to remind myself really hard to TRUST THE PROCESS, as I do love me some sweet milk chocolate.

[@valarya]

haha, I'm the opposite. If something calls for sweet milk chocolate I cheat and put in unsweetened lol

[@hermiona1147]

There is a pound of sugar in this thing

[@adam25022]

@@hermiona1147 didnt stop me from thinking "this could be a bit sweeter if i make it again ill prob use regular milk chocolate." when i made it

[@tati.l.]

@@hermiona1147yup. And yet--

[@tati.l.]

@@adam25022 I have found my tribe...

[@EmmaDuncan8740]

I could NOT stop laughing at the "just for looks" slice being propped up 😂

[@melanieyu894]

It was hilarious and stressed me out! The knife was facing out!

[@BetZeBait]

Bleep is Philadelphia cream cheese. Which is weird since in the Carrot Cake episode Claire bluntly promoted Philadelphia - kzbin.info/www/bejne/paaWq51mh5V6q9U

[@recoil53]

It's also kind of the standard.

[@emilyfreas5768]

Yes!!! Why was it bleeped now and not then? Did they get in trouble??? lolol imagine Philadelphia calling them and saying yeah you said it like 6 times, we're gonna need $6000.

[@Subtletext]

Are you sure? Watching it back it didn't look like that's what they were mouthing but I'm not American - maybe it's an accent thing.

[@BetZeBait]

@@Subtletext Yes I’m sure. Claire also mentioned “Mare of Easttown” - the series takes place in Delaware County, near Philly.

[@AmeliaBell28]

THANK YOU I was trying to figure out what they were saying! My guess is someone (Vinny?) pointed out that, even though Philadelphia Cream Cheese is pretty standard for Americans, it could be a good (and genuine) sponsorship one day, so they shouldn't give them free promo

[@europeanguy8773]

Love love how candid she is because I am the same in the kitchen when I bake something, all over everywhere !!

[@persondessert9366]

frosting a cake in front of an AC is now my aesthetic

[@instantnoodleskun9336]

Its certainly a rare aesthetic

[@bismarchiavelli]

I felt Vinny in this video, and a single tear rolled down my cheek for the glory days of It’s Alive.

[@lillian3279]

I was having such a bad day cause no one remembered my birthday today and Claire posting a Birthday Cake recipe is the best gift I could ask for.😩😌 Thank you Claire! Finally have something to do today🎂

[@ryannordheimer]

This was by far the most chaotic episode yet. Love it

[@slaterjl]

Is anyone else extremely concerned that Claire isn’t using her homemade vanilla??

[@US2002045191]

Claire, blink twice if you need help.

[@dimoolia]

Stella Parks (aka Bravetart) says the homemade vanilla extract is not worth the effort. Maybe Claire gave up on it too.

[@taylorsmith824]

YES.

[@dave6512]

@@dimoolia no no its worth it trust me i love it, knowing claire 😂😂 ..she probably dropped it 😭😭

[@rachelbrand]

maybe it's at the cottage!

[@danielsotheraccount2622]

This entire Series is absolutely amazing!! Thank you so much Claire for posting all these recipes on KZbin!

[@jenniferharlow4603]

Claire’s editors are masters of their art. I’m sure the video would still be perfection if it wasn’t cut how it is, but it just adds to the humor and everything. Also, thanks for the hot tip on icing in front of an AC unit! I bake a lot of cakes and have totally been over whipping my icing. I can never get it smooth though it’s always light and airy. I’m excited to make my next cake and have the perfect icing! Perhaps it will be this recipe?

[@borg9of9235]

Not about the vid exactly but I just cast this to my 65" TV as a test and the detail/clarity is phenomenal. Kudos to Vinny and whomever else is involved with production on putting it up in such quality.

[@ashlieneevel9671]

I really appreciate you showing when things mess up a bit like with the cakes over baking etc. It's nice to see stuff that happens to regular people also happens to professionals. It humanizes you more and makes you more relatable.

[@harrismayer-selinger204]

O-M-G Cal and Mike are so handsome and charming!! They should be on camera more!

[@madijohnston5540]

this intro really is making me want an iced coffee at midnight, it just looks so good!

[@crobinson2624]

Black Forest is my birthday cake of choice.

[@sydneykarimi6344]

the cat cam is the sweetest thing ever

[@siasta32]

Thursday's are my favorite now with your show. I always stick around for the cat cam.

[@Jztsmith11]

My wife said “I no longer care about your New York apartment. Take us to your freakin cabin!” 😂

[@amyoblitas6699]

The cabin episodes give me farmer Claire vibes and I love it

[@andycofin6983]

In my world, I celebrate my birthday by giving gifts to others instead of focusing on getting gifts. It’s a great way to thank God for your birth and life. Making your birthday cake and sharing it with others is a perfect way to celebrate and share your love and life with others.

The production of these videos is outstanding. Congrats

[@MuZiKiNmYMiNd]

This episode had lots of Gourmet Makes-level chaotic energy. 👌

[@jeromealday614]

I miss that series 😞. Too bad BA had to frick it up with Sohla

[@persondessert9366]

a wise philosopher once said: anytime something doesn’t turn out, you can blame your oven

[@TherealDanielleNelson]

I once had my birthday cake start on fire thanks to an oven.

[@tati.l.]

"Whatever it is, it's *redacted*'s fault." 👀

[@persondessert9366]

@@tati.l. always is 🤨

[@LivinInSim]

If it just wasn't for that damn oven, I'd still be married...

[@kristinnoyoudontneedtoknow1181]

absolutely my favorite episode of dessert person so far lol

[@mom2mmpt]

It's fun seeing the whole crew enjoy Claire's creations. You know they are always tasty, but I appreciate it when things go wrong and you still show it. Perfection is not used to describe my baking skills.

[@slaterjl]

First of all, major Sleeping Beauty Fauna vibes when you were trying to prop up that cake slice 😂👑. Second, it makes me feel better when not everything Claire makes turns out perfectly because that def happens in my home kitchen even when I think I’m doing everything right. Great video, Claire! Can’t wait to make this!

[@dearboo33]

Ok can I just say how much I love how Claire bakes in a tiny kitchen much like mine. Gives me an “I can do it too” sort of feel and it makes me relate to many of her kitchen struggles! Thanks Claire! So excited to make this recipe. 💗

[@waterking19]

You are the most positive person even when things go a little crazy.

[@Piphthehippie]

The intro animation is beautiful and it never gets old! I never skip it. It makes my heart happy every week!!!

[@miadixler6167]

“We’ll fix it with frosting” is the pastry version of “we’ll fix it in post”

[@googlyotterr]

How perfectly timed for my birthday tomorrow! I'm going to choose to believe that Claire decided that just for me.

[@makaylagavin3796]

Birthday twin! Turning 25 tomorrow

[@googlyotterr]

@@makaylagavin3796yay! 28 tomorrow!

[@nathanhittle9457]

14:21 Claire: "Cut the cameras deadass."

[@AdriannaCarter]

Props to the editor for putting in more little easter egg type edits. It's always fun to see!!

[@ladyrazorsharp]

I love it when the appliances blink. In some of her newer videos, one of the beignets looked a little affronted when it fell out of a pile of its siblings, and a cherry smiled :)

[@Forevermonet]

My mom and I make this exact cake for each of our birthdays, it's such a simple but delicious classic. It's such a nice tradition.

[@blossombutt8895]

Vinny busting out his cake-decorating vocab

[@dennisc8578]

25:34 this is great. All things that happen real life. Love it!

[@danielleNWAZ]

I honestly love that you included all the things that went wrong because some of these baking shows are too perfect. Like most people watching this are learning so there’s no way they’re going to get it perfect the very first time! I love the realness ❤❤❤❤❤

[@marsharehm5599]

The crystals of sugar cut into the butter, yes, yes they do….I couldn’t love this more!!

[@PabloEmanuel96]

Do they really? It sounded weird when I heard her say it

[@Prokomeni]

@@PabloEmanuel96 makes sense 🤷‍♀️

[@clancy9438]

That intro was a beautiful film on its own

[@jennsurfbruja]

best video ever. period. also ... relatable anyone? this is the most accurate home baking video I think I've ever seen on this platform lol! love it! and it also reminded me of my childhood baking with my grandmother :)

[@johnsperka2253]

The best most realistic cooking show ever! Thanks for letting the camera roll! We have all been there-sometimes cake just happens and you have to deal with it. Claire is the BEST! ❤️❤️❤️

[@leasimons6303]

Best part of my Thursday! Thank you so much Claire for making sure I have a fun recipe to try this weekend! I agree about the non-stick!

[@hylianmuseTSB]

I loved everything about this whole episode. The candid takes and left-in bloopers continue to make Claire my baking role model

[@mrs.garcia8055]

Hi Claire thank you for being so transparent with us, I have been there so many times . I like how you just pulled through and didn’t give up. Keep up the good work!

[@BrianPoppe]

Your camera person/editor add so much humor to your already fun videos and personality. What a great combo!

[@sarahaeschliman5781]

this always comes at the perfect time for me. Which is to say I'm usually at a breaking point at 11:00 on Thursdays

[@lauraegan6992]

I just made this yesterday for my birthday and it was amazing! The frosting was so yummy and tangy, and the cakes were surprisingly easy to make with Claire's tips and tricks. Thanks!

[@hardikar0jas]

The MOST comforting show on the Internet 😌😌

[@elliot5210]

i love how when vinny asked about the crumb coat claire clearly thought he was tryna show off his knowledge so she was like "omg vinny you know all the terms ☺️☺️" we stan an encouraging saffitz

[@memo-dt8xx]

Was waiting for you to bake more cakes on here , excited 😍🤤

[@Johannablaise]

Yum! Can't wait to make this for my fiancé's birthday in a few weeks!!

[@quileyharper5360]

One thing that I love about this show is that it’s so human. As someone who has very limited baking knowledge and skill, seeing someone who has made a career out of baking make mistakes but still roll with it is very helpful and empowering

[@timothrykrasnapolsky]

I love how this video is raw and uncut! This makes me feel so much better when I sometimes fail at baking stuff. I often get demotivated and beat myself up. But today I have realized that yes indeed, all of us make mistakes. There is always another day for redemption.