I like to bake as a hobby and usually I do well and sometimes,well, a mistake.
So yesterday I baked a cake, usually my cake is well missed and nice but sometimes don't rise even with the rising agents there. So yesterday I was trying it a little different, mixing the batter without a mixer. I have read and heard mixing at a high speed might prevent it from rising. 
Let's just say my story to those eating it is that the cinnamon burnt. Hope they won't find out. Keeping my fingers cross as family eaters are the greatest critics.
Well I try not to judge a book by it's cover am sure family would understand , I love baking as well . Asides from the rising agents used in baking and your mixing you also need to watch out for the temperature. The right temperature does the trick leaves your cake moist evenly baked and it rises well, you could get a thermometer or just use a moderate fire because too low is a problem and too high is an even bigger problem.
Lols. Thanks for not judging. The cake actually tasted good. And family was gracious. Temperature is key too. Thanks.