Just found these on ETSY and fell in love! The vintage feel, the awesome colors, the photography - seller, moonfaires, has an adorable array of cupcake pics available. When you stop by be sure to order some of these for me.
The Carnival Doll Queen Cupcake Pics! Made from my clay molds of a vintage carnival doll, hand painted, and metal tin crowns. These are reminiscent of the cupcake picks from long ago, with my twist on it! They are mounted on extra large cupcake stixs. 5/$10 on ETSY.
When I was growing up, my mom used to embarrass me by screaming and cheering just a little louder than the other moms; at just the slightly wrong time...on purpose. You know, because she thought she was funny. Well, apparently that is a trait that is passed down from generation to generation. While I don't have any kids of my own, I am the honorary "Auntie Sandy" to three awesome little rugrats...Jack, EJ and Olivia. My best galpal's kidlets. The oldest, Jack, is SO COOL, that I can not help myself when I attend his baseball games, I love to tease him...and deep down I think he giggles at it all. Jack celebrated his 7th birthday this past weekend. I volunteered to make a piñata - yes, I said MAKE A PINATA - for the party. Mom, Heather, wrote a great blog post about the party that went with it...complete with raising socially conscious kids. Yeah, she is THAT mom. For me, I just wanted to share my crafty project...the highlight of my summer. Heather has a FANTASTIC mommy-blog called PASS THE CEREAL; I am constantly blown away by what an awesome mom she is. When I have kids, I plan on dropping them off at her house for the first 21 years or so. Just sayin'... (Don't get excited mom...I am not REALLY planning on having kids)
IronCupcake:MADISON is having their first challenge, COFFEE, this Friday! Partnering with a gallery night-type event, the Washington Hotel Coffee Room is the perfect location. I just got word from our IC Princess, Nancy, that a couple of baker positions have just opened up. This is a great way to meet some new cupcakers to the west and get out of town for the evening. I will be there, and so will TooMuchMetal Fred with all of our awesome IronCupcake t-shirts available for sale. For event info and to register, check out their Facebook page!
Washington Hotel Coffee Room 402 W Lakeside St Madison, WI 53715 IC:Madison on Facebook IC:Madison via email
Check out the great window display at Printemps Department Store in Paris, France. Know for their over-the-top windows, this is by far the sweetest. To make matters even more delicious, our friend Cat is now running a decadent pop-up shop in the cosmetic department several days a week. Check out her site, Sugar Daze, for all the yummy details!
...thats what happened when a group of students from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) wanted to order rainbow cupcakes to serve at their October 11th National Coming Out Day event. Just Cookies recently sent away the large order for the multi-colored themed cupcakes because they were concerned that making the "gay" treats would turn their young daughters in that direction. Controversy now run amouk in the Indy neighborhood, with media coverage coming in every direction. After all was said and done, another bakery - The Flying Cupcake - accepted the order and my guess is more orders from gay consumers will be "flying" off their shelves in support of this recent exchange.
Those boys from Indy are welcome to gobble up our yummy cupcakes for gay rights at our own October 17th IronCupcake BOOze challenge!
Meet Matrix. This handsome kitty is just one of the many fuzzy loves up for adoption at Milwaukee's Second Hand Purrs; a non-profit cat shelter located in the Milwaukee area and run solely by volunteers. They have lots of sweet kitties looking for a home, so be sure to check them out if you are looking to add to your family. Personally, I fell in love with Matrix, but I refrained and did not bring him home. I was at their facility today as one of their 2 celebrity judges for their first ever Cupcakes and Caricatures fund raising event. Yes, me...a celebrity judge. Along with the so charming, Loyal Mehnert, PETA’S 2010 Sexiest Vegetarian. (Don't you love his shirt?!?!) I guess offering him my bacon cupcake is out of the question. . .but he and his girlfriend were super nice and it was a blast to judge by his side. Oh...and did I mention he has a cat named Tuna Fey -- if that doesn't make him amazing, I don't know what does! LOL! While we were there, a cartoonist who was on-hand, drew up this sketch of the two of us judging which will now hang in the offices of the cat shelter. (Not sure I like myself as a cartoon character.) There were 10 entries in today's competition, the winner...a cupcake called the Hawaiian Virgin (sorry, no photo), but I had to share this one, which was a tasty red velvet with little paws and a kitty on top.
Second Hand Purrs has a lot of awesome fund raising events planned for the fall, so please do help them out if you are a cat lover like I am. They are doing good things for sweet puddy mow mows.
Second Hand Purrs 4300 South Howell Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 414-727-PURR
Old friends love Little Friends! Now. Two of the coolest brands ever. Together. Our buddy, Johnny Cupcakes, has paired up with Wisconsin's own Little Friends of Printmaking for two artist series t-shirts designed for the JC brand. Get 'em while they're hot, because when they are gone, they are gone for good!
He and his brother are traveling the country to bring great attention to young entrepreneurs who are willing to take a risk and go after what they want. Far be it from me to turn it all into something tawdry.
Because I am the Queen, the leader of IronCupcake; I feel that it is my duty to be the mouthpiece for the many, many, MANY women at this past Monday's event who were quite taken with how TOTALLY ADORABLE both brothers, but particularly Walter, is.
Some mentioned...
"the way that t-shirt hangs on that physique"
others mentioned
"those beautiful icy blue eyes"
a few of even mentioned...
...the dreamy trip that they are taking around the country.
But, lets face it...the number one comment was...
well, we didn't get a picture of the back bumper of that trailer, but you get the idea.
**insert cougar growl and creepy cat gesture here**
Please note: I did talk to Walter about this silly post, and he is a good sport...all I can say for the rest of you, is watch their website and find out where they will be next...you won't be disappointed.
Boobies, Lemonade, School Erasers, Fall Fruits, oh...and how about some more lemonade! Regardless of the flavors, this weeks challenge brought Pink, as far as the eye could see. Displays, the attention to details, the wardrobes, even the hair on some of our guests...all PINK! Our partner's for the evening were 99.1 The Mix and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Being our special guests, we asked Morning DJ, Elizabeth Kay and Race Chair Wendy Carlson to each pick their overall favorites...but we will get to those in a minute.
I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to point out the fan-freakin-tastic illustration that Stunami Draws did for us this week. Stu does a themed illustration every month and one of our lucky judges goes home with it. Beginning next month, for as long as Stu wants to draw for us, we are going to be awarding it to our Queen's Pick winner. IMO, his illustrations are just too awesome not to go to a cupcake baker.
We also had some visitors tonight. Very special visitors straight from the fist-pumping Jersey Shore! Walter and Patrick from the MILLION DOLLAR ROAD TRIP. These two are brothers and they are taking their Air Stream trailor around the country, for a year. While on the road they will be touring over 50 of the nation's largest cities and attending dozens of marquee events. Their Airstream International is the ideal medium and our trip the ideal canvas to deliver their message, inspiring young people to dare to dream and do, to think and act boldly...now! Every other week, with your help, they will choose the grantee of their INSPIRATION GRANT who has inspired them with his or her audacity. The Inspiration Grant winner will receive a no-strings cash grant and free advertising space on the Million Dollar Road Trip. There is so much awesome to what they are up to...be sure to visit their site at https://www.milliondollarroadtrip.com - and if you own a business, darn it you had better slap your logo on the side of that awesome trailer! And ladies...on a side note...there will be a separate post about these boys tomorrow...you won't want to miss it.
And now the winners...Elizabeth Kaye of 99.1 The Mix took a quick liking to the rich creation by Katie H.(#29). Her Dark Chocolate and Cherry cupcake was so divine - a dark chocolate fudge cupcake filled with maraschino buttercream and then topped with a decadent dark chocolate ganache and more maraschino buttercream. I like to spread the prize-winning love, but as a side note, chocolate and cherry is one of my personal flavor combos as well.
Wendy Carlson from Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure was drawn to the survivors story and the awesome display that Team TaTa's (#20) (Jill, Anna and Janine) presented. The Pink Honey Lemonade cupcake was a huge hit. There were a lot of lemonade cupcakes tonight, but these were the ones that took Wendy's pick and the popular choice for Best Display as well! Having a full sized lemonade stand didn't hurt!
The taker of the Best Taste prize went to Jennifer and Char (#10) with their overwhelmingly delicious Root for the Cure cupcake. A pink apple cake topped with brown sugar cinnamon cream cheese frosting and then garnished with toffee garnish. I heard a lot of rave reviews with this cupcake, and a perfect partner as we wiggle our way into Fall.
Last, but never least was the Queen's Choice. Kate and Christina (#26) had the most awesome pink ribbon display, I had to choose it as a my winner! Yes, another Pink Lemonade Cupcake - this one as a lemon cake with a raspberry filling, pink lemonade icing topped with a pink bra made of yummy lemon shortbread! I was awestruck when I saw this display, and while there were SO MANY GOOD CHOICES this month, this was the one that stuck for me!
It was such a fun night -- they all are these days -- but I would be remiss if I didn't mention another special guest, Shutter Box Photo Booths of Milwaukee. They were kind enough to set up one of their awesome booths and operate it for free. I brought some silly pink props and then, judges and baker and all of our cupcake-eating friends got to go home with a souvenir. These booths are the new rage on the wedding circuit, so be sure to check them out if you are planning your own special event. We sure had fun with them.
A special thanks to all of the amazing local businesses who so generously donate door prizes every month. Please follow them on Twitter; dine in their restaurants, sleep at their hotels, buy their art and drink in their bars. Local business is what keeps Milwaukee awesome.
DON'T BE A DRAG! This month we are heading back to the Harley-Davidson Museum! Join our amazing partners Rehorst/Great Lakes Distillery and Bryant's Cocktail Lounge as we scare up something delicious inspired by your favorite cocktails. One of our most popular challenges from the past, we are bringing the BOOze challenge back and welcoming our friend, Dear Ruthie, as a celebrity judge!
IronCupcake Cares! This month, we are sharing our funds with the incredible folks at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. Their mission is to further develop the vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the greater Milwaukee area, thus improving the quality of life for all of us. The mission is supported by the Center’s leadership in community building, health promotion, advocacy, and communications.
BAKERS:
Scare up something delicious inspired by your favorite cocktails. BAKER SPOTS FULL - WAIT LIST FORMING. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO BAKERS 21 AND OLDER ONLY
TWO WAYS TO GET TICKETS Order in advancedand pay only $8 or pay $10 at the door (cash only, correct change preferred) gets you cupcake tasting, drink specials, and LOTS of giveaways! ONLINE tickets will will be available until midnight on Friday, October 15th. Tickets will be limited - based on the amount of bakers who register *Online tickets will guarantee entrance into the event. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO JUDGES 21 AND OLDER ONLY.
AFTER PARTY!!!
Join our celebrity judge, Dear Ruthie, as we partake in some good old fashion BLACK MAGIC, PINK SQUIRREL, and other classic cocktails at Bryant's Cocktail Lounge for our first-ever IronCupcake after-party! Enjoy drink specials, groovy tunes and the hilarity of the one and only, Dear Ruthie!
TEXT VOTING!!
Keeping up with the technology and the times, we are pleased to welcome TooMuchMetal/Smac Design and their CONTEXT-VOTE online text voting! PLUS, the new IRON CUPCAKES CAN BEAT UP YOUR CUPCAKES! t-shirts will be available!!
IronCupcake:Milwaukee is THRILLED to announce that 99.1 WMYX will be joining us as our media partners. We will be joined by on-air personalities as well as promoted by their events and marketing departments! WOW!
The OCTOBER challenge will take place on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17th at 3:00 p.m.
IronCupcake:Milwaukee Halloween BOOze challenge Sunday, October 17th at 3:00 p.m. Harley-Davidson Museum
400 W Canal St • Milwaukee
This IronCupcake challenge is open to judges and bakers 21 and older only.
7th National Cupcakes for a Cause Week is September 20-26! Now in its seventh year, Cupcakes for a Cause works with hundreds of bakeries across the nation and has raised $325,000 for CancerCare for Kids. CancerCare for Kids is an organization that provides free counseling and support for children and adolescents, typically between the ages of 4-18, who are coping with a cancer diagnosis - either their own or that of a close family member. For more information, please visithttp://www.cupcakesforacause.org/.
You can also help the cause by making your own, original e-Cupcake. e-Cupcakes are a fun and free way to help children and families affected by cancer. Anyone can visit http://www.cupcakesforacause.org/ecupcake/ to decorate and send free, zero-calorie, virtual e-Cupcakes, with special messages to their friends and family. Presenting sponsor, göt2b, will donate $1 to CancerCare for Kids for each e-Cupcake sent in September, up to $10,000.
When I was growing up, my mom used to embarrass me by screaming and cheering just a little louder than the other moms; at just the slightly wrong time...on purpose. You know, because she thought she was funny. Well, apparently that is a trait that is passed down from generation to generation. While I don't have any kids of my own, I am the honorary "Auntie Sandy" to three awesome little rugrats...Jack, EJ and Olivia. My best galpal's kidlets. The oldest, Jack, is SO COOL, that I can not help myself when I attend his baseball games, I love to tease him...and deep down I think he giggles at it all.
Jack celebrated his 7th birthday this past weekend. I volunteered to make a piñata - yes, I said MAKE A PINATA - for the party. Mom, Heather, wrote a great blog post about the party that went with it...complete with raising socially conscious kids. Yeah, she is THAT mom. For me, I just wanted to share my crafty project...the highlight of my summer. Heather has a FANTASTIC mommy-blog called PASS THE CEREAL; I am constantly blown away by what an awesome mom she is. When I have kids, I plan on dropping them off at her house for the first 21 years or so. Just sayin'...
(Don't get excited mom...I am not REALLY planning on having kids)
Meet Matrix.
Yes, me...a celebrity judge. Along with the so charming, Loyal Mehnert, PETA’S 2010 Sexiest Vegetarian. (Don't you love his shirt?!?!) I guess offering him my bacon cupcake is out of the question. . .but he and his girlfriend were super nice and it was a blast to judge by his side. Oh...and did I mention he has a cat named Tuna Fey -- if that doesn't make him amazing, I don't know what does! LOL!
While we were there, a cartoonist who was on-hand, drew up this sketch of the two of us judging which will now hang in the offices of the cat shelter. (Not sure I like myself as a cartoon character.)
There were 10 entries in today's competition, the winner...a cupcake called the Hawaiian Virgin (sorry, no photo), but I had to share this one, which was a tasty red velvet with little paws and a kitty on top.
AFTER PARTY!!!
TEXT VOTING!!
PHOTO AWESOMENESS
MEDIA PARTNERS!
7th National Cupcakes for a Cause Week is September 20-26!
