Decorating Our Cupcakes

If your schedule allows you to be at our shop when we open at 10:00 a.m. then you will most likely experience our case full of cupcakes. This early in the day we often hear customers say, "ohhh, they're so pretty" or "awwww, look how cute"! I've baked tens of thousands of these little guys in the two years we've been open and I still have that same reaction! =)

When it comes to decorating our cupcakes we keep it pretty and simple by piping our feshly mixed buttercream icing on each cuppie. Once you master this frosting technique, you can pipe quite a few cupcakes pretty quickly using a variety of frosting tips. The result is instant lovliness!

Though we are not a cake decorating company, we are certainly happy to consider ideas that customers may have for decorating their cupcakes. If we can achieve that idea then we will let the customer know what the additional cost will be for the special decoration. Pricing for custom design begins at $5.00 per standard size cupcake and $1.50 per babycake.

Bella Pop

One of the greatest blessings that has come from having this little cupcake shop is the privilege of meeting some really fun, sweet, and fascinating people. So many of you stumbled into our little bungalow to check out the cupcakes, and with each return visit you have become an 'over-the-counter-friend'.

One such friend is a bubbly soul named Brandy Frank. Brandy is one of many Parker County visitors that, if our sweet treat is on her gotta-get list, will make a point to call ahead to have us hold cupcakes for her. Though Brandy is one of many of our familiar customers, she has kindly trusted us with her little dream of becoming a professional photographer.

It’s apparent that many of Brandy’s friends and loved ones have supported and nurtured her toward this gorgeous venture. Such paths are impressive and encouraging to fellow entrepreneurs.

I encourage you to check out her website Bella Pop and learn a little more about her business. Also, I strongly recommend that you read past posts from her blog, Daily Pop, to learn more about her photography, family, special photo shoots, and even an upcoming Halloween gathering called Boo Bash! Most likely, you too will find something you love about Brandy and her Bella ways!

Charming Charms!

Here's a sweet little something for all you cupcake fans!

A couple of years ago while visiting C.C.'s Touch of Nature on West Vickery, I noticed a little shop across the street called Chiffoniers. If you haven't been to either of these wonderful shops, I would highly recommend that you visit both. It was at Chiffoniers that I discovered tiny works of art cleverly created into charms by a local artist.

As we began to get our shop up and running, I found myself thinking how fun it would be to have cupcake themed charms in our bakery as a gift item. Thousands of cupcakes and about 18 months later, I decided to track down and get in touch with Shawnell Williams, the maker of these wee treasures, to see what she thought about the idea.

I quickly learned that this jewelry maker was as sweet and cheerful as her charms! We discussed some ideas, and emailed back and forth as we tweaked it all. The cupcake charms were an instant hit! They're worn as necklaces, put on key chains and even attached to purses and totes. They are the perfect 'no calorie' gift for someone keen on cupcakes!

To see more of Shawnell's gorgeous creations visit: http://www.honeypiejewels.com/

Get Behind Your Ballet

I must admit that my ballet experience is pretty limited. Our daughter was in ballet in Abilene from age 2 to 6, and danced one more year while we lived in Okinawa. We developed a holiday tradition of going to see the Nutcracker beginning in Sacramento, CA in 1990 and ending in 2001 with the English National Ballet in London. Our sons had no interest in dance, but always supported their sister's performances and especially looked forward to the King Mouse vs. Nutcracker battle! As our children entered their teen years, we found ourselves spending a lot more time at the soccer fields and the world of ballet simply went unnoticed.

By now, most folks in Fort Worth would have heard or read about the financial 'hiccup' that the Texas Ballet Theater is experiencing. Some of these lovely dancers discovered our cupcakery some time ago, and I can usually tell when a dancer enters our shop. With a wonderfully straight back, and a chin that lifts up ever so slightly, they carry themselves with instinctive grace.

When a a few such dancers visited recently, we began talking about the slight crisis facing the company. They explained that the dancers had created a "Get Behind Your Ballet" campaign and asked if we would allow a collection box to sit in our shop. Juaquin and I agreed to this simple request, knowing that some of our customers might be willing to contribute. I also decided that it was time to revisit the Nutcracker, and plan to attend this holiday season! Maybe I'll see some of you there.

Thanks, in advance, to each of you that drop that loose change, or a bill into the GBYB box!

=)