Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside scoop on the stories that make headlines.

Kathy's scoop on the Mesa baker in the national spotlight.

  When Snoop Dogg was in Phoenix for a concert, some VIP’s gathered to privately celebrate his birthday.  About one day prior to the party, organizers realized they didn’t have an impressive birthday cake. So they called in Melody Larsen with a rush order. Snoop and his "people," as they say, were quite impressed with Melody’s last minute creation. That cake , along with many other custom delights Melody has impressed with, have helped her get national attention. Especially her chance to compete on the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. 

Yes, baker Melody Larsen (pictured below), who co-owns the popular Sassy’s Cafe and Bakery in Mesa, Arizona, with her husband Geoff Larsen, applied to be on the show and made the final cut. 

She was flown for the tapings in Los Angeles. and of course is keeping the contest details confidential. “We are beyond thrilled,” she says. The show will premiere November first. The winner potentially could take home $50,000 with the title. Melody will be competing with nine other bakers from around the country. 

Good luck Melody. We'll sttay tuned. 

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer and TV-Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She’s a former TV Reporter who’s also written for national publications such as TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, the Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. She can be reached at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it