Don't we all *A*
If I had unlimited funds for baking I would be summing in cookie cutters and molds

I, too, have always have problems with homemade icing. It's just not my friend :-(
I hope your experiments turn out well! I would love to know how both turn out!
My favourite basic that my mom and I make is from the back of those individual blocks of cream cheese from Philadelphia brand. Very easy to follow and tasty :-)

I haven't had the chance to test out real vanilla so I don't know the difference but i imagine more depth in flavour, need to use less?
milk chocolate in baking gets to be sweet overkill x_x