With that said… this will be JavaCupcake’s last post until June!  To tide you over until then… check out the great posts of JavaCupcake past!

Here are some links to get you started!

Index of all recipes posted on JavaCupcake

Our amazingly successful “Ask the Baker” Series

Reviews of cupcakes and cupcake shops

Recipes and articles by Guest Bloggers

Novelty Cupcakes – Creative cupcakes and some cupcakes that you can’t eat!

Photo by: Clane Gessel Photography

]]> http://javacupcake.com/2010/05/rest-relaxation/feed/ 3 http://javacupcake.com/2010/04/lime-green-raspberry-birthday-cupcakes/ http://javacupcake.com/2010/04/lime-green-raspberry-birthday-cupcakes/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:39:54 +0000 JavaCupcake http://javacupcake.com/?p=2160 This past weekend was my nieces 12th birthday party and she requested my White Velvet Raspberry cupcakes for her party.  The first time I made these for a client, they were all pink and super cute! But I knew my niece wasn’t exactly a pink girl… she is more into turquoise and lime green and those kinds of colors.  So, I went on a hunt to make these cupcakes match her personality!

I started looking on Etsy to find some liners which would match perfectly for my niece and found turquoise with green polka dot liners.  I mean really, it’s like they were made just for her! So super cute!! I ordered them and they arrived the morning I was baking the cupcakes.  Well….. unfortunately, the company I ordered them from sent me the wrong liners.

<-the ones I wanted

Apparently, she had two liners with the same name and sent me the other ones.  Needless to say, I wasn’t very happy and I didn’t have time to search out a local store potentially an hour away just for new liners.  So, I made do with these and wrote an email to the company I bought them from.  (Who didn’t really offer much help other than a discount on a future order.  It’s not like these things are that expensive, so a discount?? lol no, I’m good. Thanks)

After I got over that little fiasco, it was time to make the cupcakes and they turned out amazing!  Made a special pedestal for my niece to hold one perfect cupcake just for her and she was thrilled with it.  I told her that she’ll be able to put the pedestal on her dresser next to her jewelry box and keep her special rings and necklaces and such on them.

I also created several pedestals with some fun things I found at thrift stores.  A couple of them even matched the cupcakes perfectly!

And finally…. the birthday girl with her cupcake and pedestal!

Emily was so happy with these cupcakes and loved everything about them!  Everyone at the party gave me rave reviews and some even said they were the best cupcakes they’ve ever tasted! YAY me!!!  I got two referrals and hopefully they’ll turn into orders!

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies (From the Fields of Cake blog: “As big as a saucer, with chunks of delicious fine dark chocolate. These cookies are crispy on the edges and soft and chewy in the center made with 3 kinds of sugar and a few of my own secrets.”)

Red Hots Fudge (From the Fields of Cake blog: “White Chocolate Fudge with just enough crushed red hots for a creamy, spicy balance that is out of this world!”)

And a custom made candy, just for my husband… White Chocolate Caramel Cashew Clusters.  (I’ll post a picture of those just as soon as I get a good one from my husband before he eats them all!

Here’s my hubby opening in care package!!

Thanks Carrie for putting together such a great gift for my husband!!!

Safeco Field (home of my beloved Seattle Mariners) just announced that they will now be serving HOMEMADE GOURMET CUPCAKES!  I will be at my first game on April 17 and I will be sure to review all of them!!! I can not wait!!

From King5.com:

Fans at Seattle Mariners games at Safeco Field this season will find a new line-up at concessions stands.  In addition to long-time favorites, there will be an emphasis on fresh, local and healthy options, and a focus on affordability.

Not to worry, garlic fries, Ivar’s clam chowder and hot dogs are still available, but for the more adventuresome palate, Centerplate, the exclusive caterer for Safeco Field, offers fans a variety of new offerings.  Some of the highlights are:

• Philly cheese steaks with hand cut fries, beef and lamb gyros, Greek salad, prime rib nachos,
• Dungeness crab sandwich, blackened salmon sandwich, peel & eat shrimp bucket, gluten-free halibut & chips
• Seattle’s own all natural, handmade Cucina Fresca pasta,
• An expanded vegetarian menu, featuring whole fresh fruit, gluten-free, vegan and organic selections including fruit smoothies,
• Deli option to build your own meals with grab-n-go sandwiches and sides of pasta, potato or coleslaw salads and chips,
• Hope’s Country Fresh Cookies, house-made cupcakes and caramel apples, chocolate dipped Rice Krispies Treats.

Guidelines for Shipping Baked Goods to Deployed Service Members

Tips for Choosing what to Send

In the warmer months (Late Spring, Summer and Early Fall):

1. Try to avoid butter, margarine, peanut butter, & nuts. These fats tend to go rancid quicker in high heat and should be avoided when sending in hot summer months.
2. Also avoid brown sugar, corn sugar honey, & molasses. *These sugars can speed up the molding process in hot summer months.
3. Bar cookies and brownies are the best bets to retain their shape during shipping.  *You aren’t limited to these, but special care must be taken when packaging.
4. Don’t send chocolate! *Chocolate WILL MELT in the hot summer months and your care package will go to waste.

Tips for Packaging

1. Wrap items individually if possible using foil or saran wrap.  If possible, vacuum seal your items… this will help hold the freshness longer.  Wrapping individually helps to cushion the item and helps prevent breakage in transit.
2. Once they are individually wrapped you can do one of several things.  You can either:
   1. Place the items in a zip-loc type container with lid.
   2. Place the items in large zip-loc type bags.
   3. DO NOT SHOVE TOO MANY ITEMS INTO THE BAG/CONTAINER.  Over-crowding creates an environment where your goodies will break easier!

*You want to make sure they are in this second layer of wrapping in case some of them break or start to go bad, they won’t ruin the entire package.

1. Once they are in their container/bag, they are ready to be boxed.  When boxing, remember these tips:
   1. Put a layer of cushion between the bottom of the box and the first layer of goodies.  You can use:
      1. Packaging peanuts
      2. Crumpled up newspaper
      3. Bubble wrap
      4. Any other packaging cushion you have on hand
2. Add your goodies to the box. Fill in any gaps between goodies with more of what you used on the bottom.
3. Leave some room at the top of the box to fill with crumpled up newspaper or other packaging paper.  This will help keep the items in place during shipping.

Shipping

1. USE FLAT RATE BOXES! When shipping to an APO address, flat rate boxes offer a discount and are really a great value when shipping overseas.
2. Use clear tape to seal box.  Make sure to seal all edges with at least one layer of tape.
3. When addressing the box, make sure you have the soldiers correct address.  It should look something like this:

Rank Last Name, First Name

Unit Name or FOB Name

APO AE #####

1. DO NOT PUT IRAQ or AFGHANISTAN or the COUNTRY NAME on the box.  If you do that, it will be put in that countries mail system and the soldier may never receive the package.  Stick to the address the soldier has given you.  Nothing more, nothing less.
2. Before you go to the desk at the post office:
   1. You will need to get a CUSTOMS FORM.  They can be found at the post office.
   2. Fill out the following:
      1. To including address
      2. From including address
      3. Contents of box
         1. Be specific, but don’t be too specific.  You want to declare that there are snacks, letters, books, etc, but you don’t want to say that there are super valuable items in the box.  You can be vague and say, electronics or movies… but don’t write laptop or portable DVD player.  It’s more likely that it will get stolen in route to your soldier.
      4. Value
      5. Check the box: If undeliverable, return to sender
      6. Check the box: Gift
      7. Sign and Date
      8. At the post office:
         1. Take your package and customs form to the counter to be mailed.
         2. They will attach your customs form to the box and take your payment.
         3. Answer NO to all their questions about the contents of the box.
         4. You won’t need confirmation of delivery for your package.
         5. Only get insurance if you are sending something of great value that would be hard to replace.

See how it’s leaning to the side and the forest green votive for a candle?  That’s just how we roll in this family!! Seriously though… the cake tasted SO GOOD though! Thanks Big Sis!

 Hello!!! My name is Betsy and I’m a lover of cupcakes! I’m also a 30-something Army Wife and Mommy, recent college graduate, and an avid Dave Matthews Band Fan.  I live in Tacoma, WA with my husband, daughter and two kitties! I’m a stay at home mom, baker, best friend and music lover!

Currently, my family is in the middle of surviving our second deployment. My husband is in Baghdad, Iraq serving his country, protecting our freedoms and my right to bake cupcakes!

My daughter, Emily, she’s 10 years old and is full of life! She’s definitely a “pre-teen” and has an opinion about everything! She’s my angel though and I love her more than life. She’s my reason for everything!

This is my cupcake blog!! I share photos, recipes, my successes and my failures all revolving around cupcakes cupcakes! When I’m not sharing my own cupcakes and recipes… I’m sharing photos, tips and stores about cupcakes from all over the world!

You can also read more about me on my personal blog, Tales of a Firedancer, where I share my life as an Army Wife, Mother, Friend and Daughter.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me at betsy@javacupcake.com.  Thank you!

1. TAKE BETTER PICTURES
I have plans to get a really nice camera this year and I’d like to learn how to photograph my cupcakes better. I’ve seen some really awesome shots of cupcakes that are as beautiful as they are artistic… and I’m jealous. So, this goal is to learn to take better pictures of my cupcakes!

(Photo: Trophy Cupcakes)

2. FOCUS MY BLOG ON MORE THAN JUST MY CUPCAKES
I have learned this year that it’s not realistic for me to think I can bake a new cupcake every week or even every month. Sometimes, I just don’t have a reason to make them or I’m just not feeling baking, so I’d like to give myself permission to write about more than just my recipes. I’ve been doing that a little more lately, but I’d like to incorporate other peoples recipes, guest bloggers, posts about cupcake merchandise, etc etc. I known there are a lot of other blogs out there that do this, so I’ll keep my main focus on my cupcakes as much as possible.

(Photo: JavaCupcake)

3. PERFECT MY FROSTING SKILLS
I make a pretty damn good buttercream.  I mean really, it’s amazing.  But, I haven’t perfected the art of using the pastry bag and those little tips that make cute shapes.  I want to explore the art of frosting and come up with a signature frost for my cupcakes.  My goal is to practice, practice, practice until I can come up with a dozen perfectly frosted with a tip cupcakes.

(Photo: Two Parts Sugar)

4. MASTER THE BASIC CUPCAKE FLAVORS
I’ve made almost 20 cupcake flavors this past year that I’ve never made before.  None of them I’ve completly perfected.  I’ve found two recipes which I consider to be EXCELLENT in their flavor, but I have yet to make them the ultimate cupcake.  My goal for 2010 is to perfect my Super Moist Chocolate cupcake and my Vanilla cupcake and to have the perfect “Go-To Recipe” that I know will always be a hit!

(Photo: JavaCupcake)

5.SLOW DOWN
Cupcake baking is not a race! Sometimes I just get so excited to be baking that I hurry up and the end result isn’t the perfection that I want it to be.  I need to do a better job at slowing down, breathing, taking my time and enjoying every step of the cupcake baking process.

(Photo: JavaCupcake)

Happy Birthday Emily!!

Thanks for all of the wonderful love I got last month from the Secret is in the Sauce ladies! I wanted to post a quick update on what’s been going on in my world and why there has been a lack of frequent posts.

Earlier this Spring, my husbands unit got his deployment orders to Iraq, 10 months sooner than originally planned. At the time, I was very close to finishing up my degree from UW and my daughter was finishing 3rd grade. Since thing, I’ve graduated and my daughter started summer vacation… and of course, I’ve been spending as much time as I possibly can with my soldier. We took a vacation to Las Vegas (where of course I visited Kari at Retro Bakery), have gone to a bunch of movies, dinners out, day trips to Seattle, and most recently a weekend at the Gorge for the Dave Matthews Band concert. Next week, my husband will board a plane to begin his journey to Iraq, his 2nd tour there in 3 years. I’m dreading the day he leaves and until then, I plan to spend as much time as I possibly can by his side.

So, this is why I haven’t been posting very much and why I don’t know if I will be posting much again soon. I anticipate that after he leaves and the initial shock has lessened, I will feel like baking again. So… until then, thank you for your continued loyalty and support.

Happy Cupcakes.

Betsy

I know I’ve been MIA lately with the posts. Life has been a whirlwind lately and it’s not over yet. This week, I’ll be posting about my trip to Retro Bakery in Las Vegas and the opportunity to meet the owner Kari! What an honor that was!! So… stay tuned for photos and my thoughts on this lovely little bakery!

I’m hoping to get back to baking here in late September… so THANK you for you loyalty and support during this time!!

Love you all lots!

1. A simple “Thank You for Serving, too”
2. CHOCOLATE
3. Take the time to *listen* She may not have had an adult conversation for quite some time!
4. Don’t assume HE is not a military spouse. Thank the military-husbands too.
5. Pick up something at the store that reminds you of her; a potted-plant, a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine, nail-polish & nail files, etc etc
6. Give her a call! Say ‘Thank You’ and find out how her day is going.
7. A day at the spa!
8. FREE child-care. Watch her children for her. Let her do something on her own.
9. Invite her out for a local-sight-seeing tour. She might not know the area & enjoy learning.
10. Equip her.
11. Take a spouse out for coffee or tea.
12. Pray for him. Pray for her.
13. Make a fancy-drink. Pour two glasses. One for you, one for her. Make toasts and enjoy together.
14. *Give* him a book from your book-shelf that you enjoyed.
15. Offer to wash her car (Don’t forget to vacuum)
16. Business-owners: Host a special event just for spouses, don’t do it for monetary gain.
17. Do you garden? Bring her some of your produce; flowers, fruits, vegetables.
18. Give her personal space to miss her loved one. Then open-up your arms to take her in.
19. Gather your mutual-friends. Have a multi-family picnic.
20. If she calls asking for something, a cup of milk, some eggs, potatoes etc etc Lend with a cheerful heart and don’t expect your ‘gift’ back!
21. Buy her a military-spouse shirt. Have it shipped to her: http://shop.cafepress.com/military-spouse
22. Find a military-spouse book she might enjoy: http://tinyurl.com/csm6wb
23. Plan a play-date at your house. Get the kids together and enjoy the day.
24. Sit with him at church. Not many enjoy sitting in the pew alone.
25. Take a picture. Send it in an email to her.
26. Offer to help with yard-work!
27. Give her privacy if you sense she does not want to open up.
28. Send her a quick note (on hand-made stationary if you are feeling crafty).
29. Say Thank You with food. Its the way to our heart!
30. Send her an email, let her know you miss her if you haven’t seen each other in awhile.
31. If you haven’t seen her for some time because of distance look at the calendar. When can you visit? Don’t always expect her to do the travelling home.
32. Get excited over something he is excited about!
33. Take her children to the park. Ask if she WANTS to come to. Some spouses like time alone; others want adult-company. It might just depend on her mood.
34. Give him a genuine smile; remember, a smile is worth a thousand words!
35. Compliment her children
36. Send an anonymous note of encouragement
37. Do you have a favorite magazine? Send her a subscription
38. Call her up. Ask if she wants to go out and get some ice-cream!
39. Run across a funny comic-strip or joke that reminded you of him? Clip it and send in a letter.
40. Do you see a new face in the crowd? She might be a new-spouse. Go over and introduce yourself.
41. If a seasoned-spouse does something that makes you feel welcomed, say Thank You. It’ll make her feel good, too.
42. Business Owners: Offer a Military-Discount (List it on MilitaryAvenue.com)
43. Don’t assume she knows that you appreciate her sacrifice as a military-spouse. Say it.
44. Organizations: Host a special military-spouse tea. It doesn’t have to be ‘fussy’, just fun!
45. If you are standing in line at the commissary and she is behind you with a cart full of food, fussy babies & screaming toddlers let her go in front of you. *Everyone* may say Thank You.
46. Say good-things about her spouse, the service-member. It can feel like a reflection of her.
47. Are you the service-member? Wash your spouse’s feet. What a humbling, gratifying act for the woman (or man!) you love so much.
48. Give her a list of things she has done for you. Take 5 minutes and make a list of 10 to 50 things you love about her.
49. Appreciate that “How are you holding up” isn’t always the best question to ask the spouse of a deployed service member!
50. Make her a CD full of all the songs that remind you of her. Keep it cheery!
51. Don’t forget the Military Husband! Include him while planning spouse-functions
52. Pick up a bottle of bubble bath. Deliver it with a small note of appreciation.
53. Respect her decisions. If she says she can’t do it let her ‘no be no’.
54. Give to Operation Showers of Appreciation for ‘expecting’ moms with deployed spouses: http://www.operationshowersofappreciation.org/
55. Offer a simple-hug. Amazing what ‘touch’ can do to heal the soul. But respect personal space if that is an issue.
56. Go to an art-class together. Many bases have an Art-Shop, or find a local business where you can make jewelry or paint-ceramics together.
57. Take him out to a ball game; either a local pro- or semi-pro. Buy him a beer and a hot dog. And enjoy the evening!
58. Are her kids sick? Is SHE sick? Offer to help. Bring over chicken-noodle soup. Run to the store for some 7-Up. Find out what she needs.
59. Service-members: Help her with the laundry! Help put it away without being asked.
60. Did she make a dish for a social-gathering? Compliment her. Ask for the recipe! Tell someone that is near you how good it is.
61. Contact your local Television or Radio Station. Do *they* know it is Military Spouse Appreciation Day?
62. Don’t forget to say ‘Please’ if you need her. She is probably juggling quite a bit at once. She will appreciate being asked, as opposed to told.
63. Chamber of Commerce: Host a special city-wide event for your military families. (Place your event on MilitaryAvenue.com at your closest installations to get the word out.)
64. Take the time to find out how his weekend was. Where the family went, what they did, how his son’s baseball game was.
65. Show her politeness, thoughtfulness and helpfulness. Open the door for her, pick up something she dropped.
66. Service-member: Buy “a little something” for the bedroom that you know s/he’ll enjoy.
67. Help her start a hobby. As an example, if you scrapbook offer to help her get started if she is interested.
68. Businesses: Hold a contest that will benefit the military spouse like, “Laptops for Flattops” (http://tinyurl.com/dkv6ob)
69. Service-member: Whisper sweet-nothings in your spouse’s ear. Tell him how much you appreciate him.
70. Help her children make an “I Love You, Mom” card. Get artsy with glitter and glue and construction paper.
71. Make some cookies with your kids & have them deliver them. Teach your own children gratitude for our military-families. She will appreciate it.
72. Do you make cards? Send blank ones to @cardsforheroes. They send them to deployed soldiers to can send a note home on – a treasure for a military spouse!
73. A very simple, heartfelt thank you means the world. Oh, and donuts too.
74. Businesses: Contact your installations Family Service Center and find out what you can do for the families on base. (http://militarymarketing.militaryavenue.com/2009/05/how-to-get-involved-in-your-military.html)
75. Invite him over for a game on TV. Sit back and enjoy a beer together.
76. When cooking dinner, make enough for two families. Bring half to a military-family or invite their family over.
77. Benefit Of The Doubt. A little BOTD can go a long way to show your appreciation for the military-spouse.
78. Make an acrostic with his/her name filled with adjectives about their strengths.
79. Flexibility is the name of game. Be flexible in making plans. Things happen out of her control.
80. When thanking a soldier for their service, thank their spouse, too!
81. Play a game of catch with her children. They may be missing the presence of a man in their life.
82. Businesses: Have a special gift for all the military spouses that come through your door; a key chain, a nail file, keep it simple.
83. Hit a mid-day movie together. Buy a large popcorn to share!
84. Invite her to a bible-study at your church. What a great way to meet new people!
85. Grab the strollers and take a walk together!
86. Servicemen – Buy her favorite lotion and give her a back rub.
87. Businesses – Having a special contest? Ask a military spouse to be a judge. She’ll be honored.
88. Call, Send an email, leave a comment to her/him. Sometimes the smallest gesture means much more than you think.
89. Service-member: Sign up for dance classes with your spouse.
90. Take time to get to know HER/HIM. He/she is more than a military spouse.
91. Do you have a friend you know she would enjoy knowing? Introduce them!
92. Do they have a green-thumb? Give a potted plant. “Bloom where you are planted” and a note that says thanks
93. Invite him over for a bbq on a Friday night!
94. Businesses: Do you see the flash of her ID when she makes a transaction? Be sure to say Thank you for her service!
95. Military Spouse in the family? Laminate a special card with the families’ phone numbers, addresses, birthdays. Help her keep organized.
96. Service-Member: Take Leave on your anniversary. Do something special together.
97. Do you have a pool (or just a slip-n-slide!) invite the military-family over. Have a big pitcher of lemonade ready!
98. Plan a girls’ day… manicures, pedicures and lunch!
99. Create a Themed box or basket for her. Drop it off at her door anonymously with a note of appreciation.
100. Businesses: Encourage your colleagues to offer a meaningful military-discount. Make yourself a town that appreciates the military!
101. Make her stop, breathe, and ASK “How can I help?” and then do it.

Welcome to my little corner of the cupcake world!! Here you will find fun cupcake videos, pictures, and recipes! I’ll also be posting my adventures, success & upsets while trying new cupcake recipes!

Java Cupcake was established Feb, 15, 2009 and has been growing strong every since. The goal is to cultivate Java Cupcake into a business where I can sell my cupcake creations to people local to Washington state for parties and events!

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