Cakes And Kids

Stop "Wishing" And Start Buying

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:12:00 +0000

Have you ever been shopping around the web when you find something that you absolutely "have" to have but you wish it was less expensive? So you keep checking back hoping it will go on sale or you scour the internet looking for a coupon code.

Well now there is a website that can do all this for you. It's called WishPlz.com and it allows you to build "collections" of products that you are "wishing" for. Then WishPlz will keep track of those products and will alert you when something in your collection goes on sale or if a promo code can be applied to it.

This is so cool for brides planning a wedding, Moms planning a birthday party or even small business owners like myself who buy supplies on a regular basis.

I put together a fun collection for Mother's Day of products that would delight any Mom. You can see a snippet in the picture below and you can check out the full collection here.

The collections work much like boards on Pinterest and are really quick and easy to build. You can share your collections too if you'd like.

So stop wishing and start buying - sign up with WishPlz today and never pay full price again!

My "Cakes And Kids" Story

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:18:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered how I got started in this crazy business? Want to know how I combine running a business with being a Mommy? Well now you can hear my story in my own words through this feature video that was created by Alibaba (a company that I use to source some of my products from overseas). Thanks for taking a peek!

Make 2013 Picture Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 01:57:00 +0000

I was recently approached by Minted.com and asked if I would like to create a personalized photo calendar for 2013 (their treat). Given that I was already a fan of Minted's personalized greeting cards and invitations, I readily agreed.

I spent about 30 minutes creating a lovely photo calendar for 2013 featuring some of my favorite products from my own Cakes And Kids business. The Minted.com interface is very use friendly and easy to use. I simply picked a template from the myriad of different options and then uploaded a different photo for the cover and each of the twelve months. Below is the template I chose - so pretty!

I ordered the petite size and it will be printed on a high quality matte paper - I am so excited to see the finished result!

Minted.com is also a wonderful place for unique and classy gift ideas. Personalized stationery and journals are just some of the fun ideas for the special people in your lives.

So have fun creating some picture perfect items for your 2013!

The Trend in Eco or Natural Party Products

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:26:00 +0000

I'm not sure how new this trend really is, but I'm seeing more and more people favoring natural looking or eco products at their birthday parties. To meet this need, I've introduced a few supplies to my shops that have a natural look and a handmade feel:

Hand Stamped Wooden Utensils

Hand Stamped Muslin Treat Bags

Eco Cupcake Liners

What do you think? Love this trend or not for you? I would love to hear your thoughts as I'm constantly planning new products for my shops.

Party In A Box Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 02:25:00 +0000

Thank you to all who participated!

We had 140 comments and the big winner was......

Comment #70 - Congratulations Sugarlove!

Sugarlove is the lucky winner of a prize package that includes a complete Party In A Box in her choice of colors plus 1 dozen matching fondant cupcake toppers.

Sugarlove, you can contact me at julie@cakesandkids.com and I will provide you with details on how to redeem your prize (I'll send you an email also).

Thank you again to all who participated!

Party In A Box Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:13:00 +0000

Thank you, thank you, thank you! We are now at 4,000 "likes" on our Facebook page...wow! To celebrate, I decided to run an impromptu giveaway with prizes from my own shop (next time I'll open it to other vendors - promise) :)

Sooooo, you could win a complete "Party In A Box" in any color scheme you choose PLUS 1 dozen custom fondant cupcake toppers to match (a $64-$68 value)!

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment sharing what your favorite color combo is (I love the pale pink/yellow/lime green shown up above...lol) (1 entry).
Like my Facebook page and leave a comment here when you're done (1 entry).
Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment here that you did (1 entry).
Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment here that you did (1 entry).
Blog about this giveaway and then leave a comment here with a link to your post (1 entry).

Entries must be submitted by midnight PST on Tuesday June 26, 2012 and the winner will be chosen via Random.org. Please leave your email address to be notified if you win. This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide - yay! Thanks for participating and good luck!

Introducing "Party In A Box"

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:55:00 +0000

I am very excited to unveil the newest product from Cakes And Kids - It's a "Party In A Box"!

These fun boxes come packed with all the goodies you need to host a fantastic party. Create the dessert table of your dreams with coordinating cupcake liners, sprinkles, treat bags, paper straws, nut cups, twine and more.

All you have to do is tell us the 2 or 3 colors to use and we'll do the rest :) Your colorful items come packed in a glossy white box with a matching ribbon which also makes "Party In A Box" a great gift for anyone who loves to entertain. Perfect for teachers, brides-to-be, girlfriends and even the young aspiring baker in your family. Take the stress out of your next party and order one today!

"LOVE" Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:23:00 +0000

Thank you to all who participated!

Before I announce the big winner, let me just explain that the comment count shown by Blogger is incorrect and not all comments are even shown (apparently a known issue with Google Blogger). But rest assured all comments have been captured on my end and their were actually 326 of them. Sooooo, the big winner was......

Comment #47 - Congratulations Donna!

Donna is the lucky winner of an almost $200 prize package that includes gifts and/or gift certificates from Cakes And Kids, Sassy Soirees Wedding & Event Planning, Elizabeth Alta Jewelry, Skylar Raine, Viv & Co., Maddie Bug, Party Paper Scissors, AddieKae Designs and Piggy Bank Parties.

Donna, please contact me at julie@cakesandkids.com and I will provide you with contact information for all these wonderful vendors so that you can claim your prizes.

Thank you to all of you who participated and a special shout out to all the fantastic vendors :)

{GIVEAWAY} - A Little "LOVE" For Our Fans

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:36:00 +0000

We finally reached 3,000 "likes" on our Facebook page - yippee! I am so appreciative of each and every fan :)

So to show you all some love in return, I'm throwing a fantastic Valentine's themed giveaway. Some wonderful sponsors have agreed to donate their products and/or services to one lucky winner - THANK YOU LADIES! Read below to find out what prizes are being offered and how to enter and you could walk away with a total prize package worth almost $200!

The Prizes

From yours truly, a Valentine party pack from Cakes And Kids Too that includes a cupcake kit, paper straws, baker's twine and mini chevron treat bags (retail value of $25.00). "Like" Cakes And Kids on Facebook.

From Sassy Soirees Wedding & Event Planning, a dozen individually wrapped marshmallow pops customized and color dipped to match your function (retail value of $32.00 - must order before end of May due to heat). "Like" Sassy Soirees on Facebook.

From Elizabeth Alta Jewelry, a $25 gift certificate to their beautiful shop. "Like" Elizabeth Alta Jewelry on Facebook.

From Skylar Raine - accessories for YOU & your home, a $20 gift certificate (select items from their Facebook page). "Like" Skylar Raine on Facebook. Skylar Raine is a new store just launched by the fabulous Laura of Eye Candy Event Details.

From Viv & Co., a lovely Valentine's headband (retail value of $16.00). "Like" Viv & Co. on Facebook.

From Maddie Bug, a custom monogrammed Valentine's Day Onesie or T-shirt (retail value up to $21.00). Sizes come in newborn up to 6T. "Like" Maddie Bug on Facebook.

From Party Paper Scissors and AddieKae Designs, a Valentine's Day package that includes a banner, a set of three Valentine's Day Cards with heart barrettes, a Valentine's Day headband and a necklace (retail value of $37.00). "Like" Party Paper Scissors on Facebook and "Like" AddieKae Designs on Facebook.

From Piggy Bank Parties, a Love Rocks Collection or Sugar Cookie Valentines Collection. You can choose one of their printable Valentine's collections which includes everything you need for a Rockin' or Sweet Valentine's Party (retail value of $12.00). "Like" Piggy Bank Parties on Facebook.

The Rules

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment sharing what your favorite thing is about Valentine's Day (1 entry).
Like each vendor's Facebook page (links are above) and leave a comment here when you're done (1 entry for each vendor).
Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment here that you did (1 entry).
Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment here that you did (1 entry).
Blog about this giveaway and then leave a comment here with a link to your post (1 entry).

Entries must be submitted by midnight PST on Sunday January 22, 2012 and the winner will be chosen via Random.org. Please leave your email address to be notified if you win. Open to U.S. only (sorry). Thanks for participating and good luck!

Candy Cane Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:49:00 +0000

One of my most popular items this holiday season is my Candy Cane Cupcake Kit (shown below) and so I thought I'd share with you a fantastic recipe for Candy Cane Cupcakes to go with this kit.

Start with 3/4 cup of crushed peppermint candy canes and any boxed chocolate cake mix. Make the cake batter according to the directions and then fold in the crushed candy canes at the end. Pour into your cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

This recipe is fantastic when paired with a white chocolate buttercream made as follows:

Ingredients
7 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened

1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons milk

Instructions
In a large bowl, cream the shortening and butter with an electric mixer and then add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as you go. When you've added all the sugar, the icing will appear dry. Add in the milk and beat at medium speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. As a last step, fold in the melted chocolate.

Use a large pastry bag and a round or star tip (try my Cupcake Frosting Kit) to pipe the buttercream onto your cooled cupcakes. Finish off with our red and white sprinkles or add some more crushed candy canes.

Enjoy!

Official Launch of CakesAndKids.com

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:47:00 +0000

I am so excited to officially unveil my new website, CakesAndKids.com. You now have one place where you can purchase all my fondant designs as well as my party and baking supplies. I have plans for lots of new items in the New Year so make sure to check back regularly.

Both of my Etsy shops, Cakes And Kids and Cakes And Kids Too, will remain open so you can always shop there too if your prefer.

A big thank you to Alicia of Dreamlike Magic Designs for the fantastic new designs she created for my website, blog and Etsy shops. I love that everything now has a unified and cohesive look and I think she did a wonderful job of reflecting my style and the Cakes And Kids brand - thanks again Alicia!

Happy shopping everyone!

New Product Launch - Colorful Favor Boxes

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:39:00 +0000

I am beyond excited to unveil my new product line designed and manufactured just for Cakes And Kids Too! Introducing mini gable favor boxes perfect for birthdays, showers and weddings.

Based on a suggestion from one of my Facebook fans, I've named these adorable little gabled favor boxes my Kaleidoscope boxes. So congratulations to Susan Morris Keuter for the winning suggestion - a dozen of these little beauties will be headed your way!

They come in six beautiful colors named: Bubblegum, Kiwi, Lilac, Aqua, Sunflower and Navy. They are 4 inches in length and 2 1/2 inches deep and tall (not including the gabled part), so they are the perfect size for the littlest of guests to carry home with them. They are listed in my shop in sets of 1 dozen and you can buy a single color or a mix of your favorites.

I would also like to give credit to my friend Alicia of Dreamlike Magic Designs for the actual design on the boxes. Such a talented graphic artist!

I plan to produce more designs and colors in the future so stay tuned and happy shopping!

And The Winner Is...

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Comment #166 - Congratulations Steph!

Steph is the lucky winner of the $175 prize package that includes gift certificates from Cakes And Kids/Cakes And Kids Too, Dreamlike Magic Designs, Fresh Press Invitations, Swish Designs, Magnolia Creative Co., Announce Your Day Invitations, Party Paper Scissors and Eye Candy Event Details.

Steph, please contact me at julie@cakesandkids.com and I will provide you with contact information for all these wonderful vendors so that you can claim your prizes.

Thank you to all of you who participated and a special shout out to all the fantastic vendors :)

{GIVEAWAY} - Celebrating 3000 Etsy Sales and 1500 Facebook Fans

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:01:00 +0000

Wow - what an exciting time for Cakes And Kids! We almost simultaneously hit 3000 sales in our original Cakes And Kids Etsy store and 1500 "likes" on Facebook. And then we launched our second Etsy store, Cakes And Kids Too, whew - I'm exhausted but also so thrilled to have reached these milestones :)

So to celebrate all of the above I've gathered together some fantastic sponsors who are willing to donate their products and/or services to one lucky winner - THANK YOU LADIES! Read below to find out what prizes are being offered and how to enter and you could walk away with a total prize package worth $175!

The Prizes

From yours truly, a $25 gift certificate that can be used across both Cakes And Kids and Cakes And Kids Too. "Like" Cakes And Kids on Facebook.

From Dreamlike Magic Designs, a $20 shop credit to their Etsy shop. "Like" Dreamlike Magic Designs on Facebook.

From Fresh Press Invitations, a $15 gift certificate to their Etsy shop. "Like" Fresh Press Invitations on Facebook.

From SwishDesigns, a $25 gift certificate to their Etsy shop (valid on both standard and custom orders). "Like" SwishDesigns on Facebook.

From Magnolia Creative Co., a $25 gift certificate to their Etsy shop or website store. "Like" Magnolia Creative Co. on Facebook.

From Announce Your Day Invitations, a $15 credit to their Etsy shop. "Like" Announce Your Day Invitations on Facebook.

From Party Paper Scissors, a $25 credit to their shop. "Like" Party Paper Scissors on Facebook.

From Eye Candy Event Details, a $25 gift certificate to their Etsy shop (all files to be sent digitally). "Like" Eye Candy Event Details on Facebook.

The Rules

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment sharing which prize you are most excited to win (1 entry).
Like each vendor's Facebook page (links are above) and leave a comment here when you're done (1 entry for each vendor).
Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment here that you did (1 entry).
Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment here that you did (1 entry).
Blog about this giveaway and then leave a comment here with a link to your post (1 entry).

Entries must be submitted by midnight PST on Friday August 19, 2011 and the winner will be chosen via Random.org. Please leave your email address to be notified if you win. Open to U.S. only (sorry). Thanks for participating and good luck!

Owls And Lollipops - Customer Cake

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:49:00 +0000

I am always amazed by what my wonderful customers are able to do with my cake and cupcake toppers but the cake above really took my breath away. My customer used my swirl lollipop cupcake toppers in combination with my 3D owl cake topper to make an absolutely stunning two-tiered birthday cake for her little girl. I customized the colors to match her party theme (I'm a sucker for pink and lime green) and the result was so effective.

Keep the photos coming everyone - I just love to show them off!

Cakes And Kids Too

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:42:00 +0000

I have finally taken the plunge and opened a second Etsy store, Cakes And Kids Too, devoted to supplies for all your party and baking needs. You'll find a large selection of cupcake liners, sprinkles, favor boxes, treat bags, paper straws, baker's twine, ribbon and more. Inventory is arriving daily and I'll be working hard to get everything sorted, photographed and uploaded to the store. So check back often!

Some of the things you can look forward to are coordinated cupcake kits including liners and sprinkles as well as party packages that include treat bags or favor boxes along with coordinating paper straws, twine and ribbon. Themes will include ladybug, busy bee, daisy, ocean, summer sun, safari, seasonal and many, many more.

I'm having such fun finding the perfect products for my sweet, simple and stylish store and I hope you'll enjoy them too!

Made To Match Fondant

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:29:00 +0000

My fondant creations are inspired in many different ways and often they are born from invitations or party supplies that my customers are looking to replicate on their cakes and cupcakes.

One of my recent favorites was a little red crab design that was based on some adorable DIY printables from Totful Memories. My customer sent me the link to the printables and left it up to me to create a cake and cupcake toppers that would match. Here are the results!

So if you're planning your next party and want a custom design for your cake or cupcakes then feel free to contact me through Etsy and we can talk details!

And The Winner Is....

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Ashley! Congratulations!

Ashley is the winner of our giveaway for one dozen fondant cupcake toppers of her choice along with matching cupcake liners, sprinkles and cupcake favor boxes.

You can contact me at julie@cakesandkids.com to claim your prize and I will send you an email also.

Thank you all for participating!

Cupcake Package Giveaway - Enter To Win!

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:43:00 +0000

I am thrilled to announce a super exciting giveaway! One lucky reader will win a cupcake package from me (Cakes And Kids) perfect for your next party.

The package will include: 1 dozen handmade fondant cupcake toppers in a design of your choosing, 1 dozen matching cupcake liners, a 2 oz jar of coordinating cupcake sprinkles and 1 dozen clear plastic cupcake favor boxes complete with decorative ribbon.

Here's how to enter:

Visit my Etsy store and then come back here and leave a comment sharing which cupcake toppers you think you'd choose if you win (1 entry).
Like my Facebook page and leave a comment here when you're done (1 entry).
Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Leave a comment here with your Twitter name when you're done (1 entry).
Become a follower of this blog (1 entry).
Blog about this giveaway and then leave a comment here with a link to your post (1 entry).

Entries must be submitted by midnight PST on Tuesday July 12, 2011 and the winner will be chosen at random. Please leave your email address to be notified if you win. Open to U.S. only (sorry). Thanks for participating and good luck!

Look Whoooo's Having A Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 04:52:00 +0000

I am so in love with owls these days and I recently came across these fantastic party supplies from Celebrate Express featuring some "pretty in pink" owls perfect for a little girl's party. A customer of mine actually introduced me to this design because she was looking for some cupcake toppers to match. I took my Pretty Owl Cupcake Toppers and changed the colors slightly to a brighter pink and purple and they became the perfect complement to these fun plates, cups and napkins.

So if you're in the midst of party planning and are looking for cake or cupcake decorations that can coordinate with your party supplies or color schemes, feel free to contact me and I'll see what I can come up with :)

A Whale Of A Party!

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:28:00 +0000

I have to admit that my little blue whales are one of my favorite designs available in my Etsy store, so I just recently went searching on Etsy for other cute whale party supplies that would coordinate well with my fondant toppers. I came across so many adorable items.

This cute door sign is from BellaBabyToppings.

Or how about this complete whale party package from ALLthatsPretty.

Lastly, I found this adorable whale shirt (personalized with your little one's name) from SewInitially.

So many cute things to ensure your party is a "whaley" good time :)

Food You Can Play With

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:43:00 +0000

I always remember my Mom saying "Don't play with your food!" But then I found these wonderful creations by Ooh La Lollipop on Etsy and they give a whole new meaning to playing with food :) Beautifully made and sparing no details, the workmanship here is stunning.

Any little girl would giggle with delight over these fun play sets that include everything from the apparel to the play food to the realistic tools. These are definitely marked as favorites for my little girl come Christmas time!

Cupcake Favor Boxes With Style

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:50:00 +0000

I am so excited to launch a new product line today in my Etsy store. If you've ever wished you could send your party guests home with their cupcakes, but couldn't find an easy and attractive way to transport them, then this item is for you. Say hello to my new clear plastic Cupcake Favor Boxes!

These attractive boxes don't require any assembly as the domed lids simply snap on. They easily house a standard sized cupcake with a generous amount of frosting and even have room for one of my fun cupcake toppers. They are available in sets of 1 or 2 dozen but I am happy to set up custom orders for larger amounts if needed. The decorative ribbon is included and I have 12 fun color choices available.

Have fun planning your next party with these unique favors!

A Watermelon Party

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:35:00 +0000

Are you planning a backyard party or BBQ this summer? If so, then a watermelon party would be the perfect theme. Check out these fun watermelon party supplies from Polka Dot Market. It's fun to see a red and green theme outside of the Christmas holidays.

You can find some fun matching cupcake toppers in my Etsy store that you can use to carry your watermelon theme all the way through dessert.

I'd love to hear about your ideas for fun summer party themes :)

Lollipop Cupcake Toppers

noreply@blogger.com (KidsCakes) — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Are you planning a Candyland themed party? Or perhaps an old fashioned Sweet Shoppe party? I just added these fun fondant lollipops to my Etsy store. They come in a set of 6 for $9.95 and the colors can be customized to fit your event. They're brushed with edible sparkling dust to give them a lovely sheen and are attached to real lollipop sticks that are sturdy enough to stick into your cake or cupcakes.

And if you're looking for some matching party supplies then checkout these lovely printables from TomKat Studio. I love the stripes and the bright color scheme - the perfect compliment to my cupcake toppers.

Have fun with your party planning and thanks for reading!