Baking Time...

Its getting chilly here and for me nothing is better than a warm dessert and a hot mug filled with tea. Yesterday I tasted the most amazing cupcake and when I got home I had to figure out the recipe…which I did!! ( I felt like a mad scientist in my kitchen breaking down the recipe)

Sweet Potatoe Cupcakes with Cinnamon Vanilla Bean Meringue...Toasted of Course!

Who knew Sweet Potatoes would make the most amazing moist cupcakes EVER. Their even better the next day!!
Things like this make me truly know I am following the right path!!

Waiting....Waiting...Waiting...

Right now I am on pins and needles….WAITING….I hate waiting, I was not born with the patience gene, so this is super hard for me.   Thank you for all your LOVE on my video.  I can't tell how much it means to me.

Anywho, I am trying to find things to occupy my mind and the BF surprised me with the most Awesome gift! Its called the Silhouette Cutting Machine and it’s the Bomb Dot com. (One of my friends says that all the time and it cracks me up, because its so CHEESY…LOL!!)

I am anxious to play around with it, because it does a ton of Crap-O- la. I am most excited about making my own cupcake wrappers, here is a picture of a project TomKat used the machine for.

Photo Source 

I hope my stuff comes out as cute as her's!!  I will post pictures once I figure it all out. 

Also, I've been playing the song "The Only Exception" by Paramore non-stop.  The video is super cute, you can watch it here.

Weekend Recap....

Over the weekend I was able to meet up with Rachel from the Cupcakes Take the Cake Blog and dish a bit about Cupcakes.   She was super friendly and I dropped off some of my special banana and Nutella cupcakes for her to sample.

After the meeting the BF and I made a stop at the mall. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with this Japanese place in the food court called Sarku and I request that we eat there every weekend. (it’s all part of my addictive personality, I tend to find something I really love and then want it ALL the time…the BF can attest to this…LOL)

(I bought these soft rollers from Ross the other day and LOVED how my hair came out with them)

I’ve still yet to see "Toy Story 3", but think while after one is in "Eclipse" this weekend I will go and see it. There is no way in H-E-L-L-o Kitty you will catch me in that movie over the weekend. I love my freedom way to much and know I would be in jail for something dealing with those crowds.

The rest of the weekend we pretty much stayed the BF watching Soccer and I caught up on my new show Drop Dead Diva. We also watched "Its Complicated" with Meryl Streep and Steve Martin, very funny movie. 

Also, I am thinking about upgrading my DSLR and wanted to get some recommendations.  Right now I have a Sony and Its a great camera, but need to upgrade to something better.  I have my eye on the Nikon D90, but wanted to get some feedback!!  Thanks!! 

Weekend Recap.....(Pic Heavy)

My family left last night and I miss them already. As much as they drive me crazy we always have such a good time, and I love spending time with those crazies!!! When they first arrived my mom had to give me all my “Christmas” and “Birthday” gifts and I got an amazing Coach purse (ITS PINK) . My silly sister gave me a Hannah Montana T-shirt, and of course I LOVED IT…LOL!!!

Saturday night they got to attend their first burlesque show and they really enjoyed it. I was doing Dollface stuff and was kind of grounded to my post, but I did get to see a few acts. Here are a few pictures from the night. ( I didn't post any pictures of my family, because my mother would kill me, she wants approve all pictures before they hit the web...LOL!!)

(You can see more Dollface pictures here)

There were so many people at the show and a ton of performers, many from other states (which is kind of random since it was the Texas Burlesque Festival). We were not able to take pictures with personal cameras, but I snatched these from their Facebook page.

After the stress of the show was over we spent the rest of the weekend just having a good time and doing tons and tons of shopping.

( I totally wanted this, buy my sister talked me out of it...something about not being work appropriate)

Sunday night we went and saw "Kick-Ass" and it was so good. I loved the character Hit-Girl, she was like this 9-year old Bad-Ass .

The movie had a ton of violence and offensive language but it was a Good Time for sure!!! I would say if you liked the Kill Bill Series, you will really like this film.

Now that the party is over, its time for me buckle down and finish my final paper. I've been really slacking, but I got my focus goggles on now and I am ready!! A few more weeks and I will be the proud holder of a Master's Degree....WHOA!!!

TGIF...

Getting things prepared for the 2010 Texas Burlesque Festival...here is a little preview. (If your in Austin...stop by!)

Plus my family should be in Austin in the next few hours. I am thinking this is going to be an AWESOME weekend! I will take loads and loads of pictures!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cupcake Meetup....

I decided to do something out of my element last night and actually not be anti-social. I went to the cupcake social and surprisingly had a good time. It was held at a local bakeshop in Austin called Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop (some of you may remember this from a previous posts of mine, also I forgot my camera but found these pics online to give you an idea of what it looks like).

I tried one of the their Jack Lemon Cupcakes and it was yummy, with a nice tart lemon taste

My friend informed me later the group of people was a MeetUp group for people in their 20’s. It was an interesting mixture of people, but a few of the girls were actually really cool and we exchanged info to hang out again sometime. I signed up for Meetups when I first moved to Austin, but never was brave enough to attend any of the events. After this one I might make more of an effort, to check out more events. It seems like it’s a great way to meet new people who have common interests as you. One of the girls was saying she is part of a sewing and knitting group, how fun!!!

I also found out that Johnny Cupcakes is going to be in town in two weeks and I am making it a point to go out and check it out.

If you don’t know about Johnny Cupcakes please check him out. Not only does make the coolest T-shirt, his business story is just incredible. After reading his story I knew I could make Dollface Delights a true success.

The BF and I also went and saw "How to train your dragon", and it was really cute. I think were going to start going to the movies during the week, its just nicer and way less people!!!

One last thing, I've been in the first few weeks of my last graduate class and I am currently working on my Thesis. The topic I am writting about is How Blogging has changed Mass Communications. I am telling you guys this, because many of you guys are bloggers and I could use your help with some research. Let me know if you would be intrested in answering some questions for me. (It would really help me out, and could also involve sometime of a sweet thank you gift!!!)

Has anyone been tricked by Aprils Fool's Joke? ( my first one was when I got my paycheck, but soon realized no thats not a joke thats how much you make...LOL!!)

Check out these funnies :

Google
Starbucks

Also and update on my delivery drama, I FINALLY got my packages yesterday. I received the 2 day and ground at the same time, so I have duplicates of all the crap I ordered. I also got my Sephora stuff and OMC, its lovely. I will post some pictures to share!!!

TGIF...

When we were planning our trip to Vegas, I finally went to the doctor and was prescribed Xanex and Prozac. I decided not to take either, because “I” believed those types of drugs were not for me (and yes I do have a medical degree…I got it from A.C.M.E Medical School, along with Wile E. Coyote).

Well the last couple of days my anxiety has been flaring up pretty bad, especially at work. I work on the 8th floor (and yes I take the stairs EVERYDAY...and still have to wonder where these chunky thighs come from) so towards the end of the day I start to feel real closed in and before I can make it downstairs I am basically having a full-blown panic attack. I decided to start taking the Xanex, since it was the lowest dosage of the two. I don’t know if its working, but I do know it’s making me so tired and lethargic I feel like something from Night of the Living Dead (but a way prettier Zombie than you see in the movies).

The BF and I finally went to see “Alice in Wonderland” last night and I didn’t really like it. For one I was really tired and I felt like the movie was sooooooooooooo boring and didn’t do a good job of keeping my attention (even with the 3D). The story was actually kind of dark and scary and I kep thinking if I had kids I would totally not take them to see this. It also felt like the story made it seem like we came in the middle of it, like it had been going on for a few hours and we just walked in. I know there was a lot of hype surrounding the movie, but it was just not my cup of tea…LOL!

This weekend were supposed to be going to this event called “Pastries and Pasties, a Burlesque Cook-Off”.

It’s the best of both worlds for me, Burlesque and Cupcakes. I really wish I had known about it earlier, this would have been perfect for Dollface, but it will be fun to just be part of the crowd instead of working. I bought this dress that I hope will be here for the event the other day.

I actually have a funny story behind it. It was on clearance online for $9.97 but there were two sizes and I was not sure which one would fit, so I ordered them both. When I was processing the order I totally remembered I had a coupon for $10.00 off my purchase so I basically got one dress for free. I have to see which one fits, but will have an extra dress if anyone is interested in getting it, just send me email ( I can give you size info that way).

I am so glad its Friday, I hope you enjoy your weekend!!!

BTW – Dollface is totally doing the Texas Burlesque Festival!!!!

Breast Cancer Cupcakes

When I saw these on Flickr I had to share!!

I came across the most unique cupcakes today on Flicker. They are BOOBIE Cupcakes from Amanda, With Sugar On Top. She made them for a Breast Cancer benefit and she said they were a “TIT…oops “Hit”…LOL

Betty Page!!

The Betty Page Tribute Event was Amazing. They did live burlesque and also showed little move clips throught the show. The event was held at the Alamo Drafthouse which is an Austin fixture for cool events. Your able to get actual food and beer while you watch your movies...how AWESOME is that!!

I made some Betty Page cupcakes with matching cupcake toppers and snuck them into the venue...everyone LOVED them!! I decided they came out so well, so I added them to the DollFace store...so check it out!

( A few before pictures...I think I need a new camera they all came out so blurry)

Austin City Limits is occuring right now in Austin, so I am avoiding downtown....because Miss Kitty, tons of people and heat equals JAILTIME...LOL . Living in Austin has given me the opportunity to go to some great live music shows, but I prefer to go to the smaller venues. I think the BF and I are going to do my favorite thing this weekend...MOVIES... I am stoked to see derby girls (WHIP IT) and Zombies (ZOMBIELAND) !!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Lemon Cupcakes...

Last night I made Lemon Cupcakes w/Strawberry Buttercream and candied lemon slices for the BF to take to his last class (It made me think of 3rd grade when you would take cupcakes to school to celebrate your birthday) and lets just say it was quite the endeavor. I love baking and I remember in the movie Julia/Julie the Julie chick made this comment about how she loves baking after a terrible day of work, because the principle of baking is if you mix the right things the right way, you will get a perfection, and I totally agree!!

Last night was not perfection for me, I decided to be adventurous and make candied lemon slices for the fist time to dress up the cupcakes, and it was a disaster. I set up the sugar and water and let it start boiling, placed my sliced lemon slices in the pan and guess what I got a burnt sticky mess. It was terrible, my whole kitchen smelled like burnt lemons. Then after I had scooped all my batter into the pans and was about to place them in the oven, I looked over and guess what I say…the damn egg whites. I had totally forgot to put them in the cake, so I had to scrape everything out of the pan and remix it.

The only thing that came out with no problems was the Swiss Buttercream….oh lovely Swiss Buttercream how I love thee. That is the best F-ING Frosting EVER! It’s so smooth and creamy and reminds me of ice cream, and is basically heaven in a bowl. If you have never tried this route before, I highly recommend it, as you will never go back to that crappy powder sugar frosting ever again.

It was so late and I was tired and ready to be done, so the cupcakes didn’t quite come out like I had planned. I took few pictures with the kiss-ass camera the BF bought me a few months back, which I am told everyday I never use. (yes, I am a bad GF)

Hopefully with time I can master my photography skills and become as AWESOME as Little Miss Baker….check out her blog here.

Strawberry Cupcakes...

Sco, today was hot as hell!! I am making cupcakes for a wedding in October and decided to do a test run today. I had to run to the grocery store to grab a few things and my temp in my car actually said 110….yes 110. It did cool down slightly, to a freezing 104.

So, I decided to make Strawberry cupcakes from one of my favorite cookbooks, Sweets: Soul Food Desserts and Memories. I bought this cookbook on a whim and it was the best purchase ever. The book has awesome recipes and even better family stories. It’s worth adding to your collection.

I also decided to be adventurous and try a cooked frosting. I got the recipe from the Whimsical Bakeshop cookbook, another awesome book, and was actually really simply. The only thing I will do different is purchasing a food thermometer.

While the cupcakes were baking, I caught a few minutes of the new show on WE "Raising Sextuplets", it’s amazing to me that this lady had 6 babies and is now training for a marathon. I am officially a fat lazy bum!!! Its time to get off my fat booty and actually do something with myself. I mean if this lady can work full-time and raise 6 small children and still train for a marathon, there is no excuse for my behavior.

Delish....

So, I consider myself to be a Cupcake Connoisseur and when I heard a new cupcake bakery opened up by my office I made a made dash over there. The place is called Delish and the set up was super cute.

I was rather disappointed with the owner though, she wasn’t really friendly and had a real stank attitude. See, I am one of those people who ask questions, you know gets a feel for the business and she was acting like I was annoying her or taking up her time…..even though I was the only one in the shop. I feel like if your going to have a business, especially a bakery, its nice to mingle and make nice with the customers.

I had no choice but to give them a demerit for poor customer service, so I decided to let the cupcakes do the talking. The cupcakes were okay, not the best in Austin, but worth taking a cupcake break in the middle of the day.

Strawberry

Pics. Credit

I will openly admit since I bake all the time, I am really snobby when it comes to other people’s baked goods. I remember once someone in our office brought in cupcakes, I decided to be adventurous and try one….YUCK!! It was so gross, and I think it was from a box which made matters worse. I feel like if your going to bring in something to represent yourself, bring you’re A game to the table.

(The Awesome Hello Kitty Cupcakes I made...with my Mad Skillz!!)