tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63486775830470827042024-03-14T14:48:28.478+00:00Heaven is a CupcakeI make cupcakes and I like to eat them, sometimes I even like to share.Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-48536075345502194472016-08-22T21:11:00.002+01:002016-08-22T21:11:53.280+01:00Free Advertising<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently, I got an enquiry from a large company (who shall remain nameless!) asking me if I would heavily discount or "donate" my cupcakes to an event they were holding at their shop in return for them leaving my business cards out/free advertising. I politely said that there were no discounts available in return for this and that I could only offer the discounts that I would give to anyone depending on the quantity they ordered. They said thank you and didn't take the order any further.<br />
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I do not have a problem with charities asking me for cupcake donations (I don't give them, I give vouchers to limited numbers of charities and usually small, local ones) or people enquiring as to discounts BUT I have to say that it does put my back up a little when large, prominent companies who can most definitely afford to pay for my services and delicious cake, ask for freebies in return for advertising.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HQd0DFiSW32E_UmLfFC_YPJVrpaGQnRqwktJC8iQU16__JhZOsDOCosdZROupZHwJmfXcbHrTk_jHdw3HwplzX9QTmozyPIe5mUH3VuDlkqKI-4Itf65_LpIMPzYa7tAw4cXAex-IVs/s1600/IMG_4451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HQd0DFiSW32E_UmLfFC_YPJVrpaGQnRqwktJC8iQU16__JhZOsDOCosdZROupZHwJmfXcbHrTk_jHdw3HwplzX9QTmozyPIe5mUH3VuDlkqKI-4Itf65_LpIMPzYa7tAw4cXAex-IVs/s320/IMG_4451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I offer Branded cupcakes which are very popular with businesses to promote their services and do not believe it's fair on me, or those businesses that pay the full price for these products, to give other businesses my products for free. In hindsight, I wish I had asked for their products for free in return for me telling my customers about them because at the end of the day, how is that different? Apart from the fact they can probably afford to buy my products and I can't afford to buy theirs!!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIuzIoZOLwAv7TOUUlGU3TOjqQWLYyK1bfN-7y2vROXN8Eyeb2ym_o5EiPl8rytbAhlVkryZGJp91VBfsrAsBgmKOiG0qvTFWFRSDxHqrzNsBfyKCQ9KwbnIUwOgTfg8gZd82sHXRNi4/s1600/IMG_2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIuzIoZOLwAv7TOUUlGU3TOjqQWLYyK1bfN-7y2vROXN8Eyeb2ym_o5EiPl8rytbAhlVkryZGJp91VBfsrAsBgmKOiG0qvTFWFRSDxHqrzNsBfyKCQ9KwbnIUwOgTfg8gZd82sHXRNi4/s320/IMG_2002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some examples of logo cupcakes</div>
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For me, this is not "free advertising", it is the hours I take to make the cupcakes, the electricity I use to bake the cupcakes and the of course, the ingredients that go into the cupcakes. None of which is free. </div>
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It is something that artists and small businesses come into contact with repeatedly, work in return for "experience" or "advertising". Don't devalue yourself or your products. Don't work for "free".</div>
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Happy baking!</div>
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Lucy</div>
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-30229457984105607322016-04-10T18:30:00.000+01:002016-04-10T18:32:47.632+01:00Photographing Cakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the things I notice repeatedly lets small cake businesses down is the way they take photos of cakes. It's no good making the most amazing looking cake and then ruining it by taking a photo of it in the dark or with loads of mess behind it.<br />
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In some ways, the taking of the photo is just as important as the cake itself. So, here are my top tips for taking photos of cakes.<br />
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<b>First, make sure you take a photo of your cakes on a plain surface or back drop.</b> DON'T take a photo of your cakes with all your dirty baking equipment in the background, it's not attractive and detracts from the cakes. All you want the customer to see is your beautiful creation. So often I see photos of cakes on the kitchen work top with stuff in the background. It's so simple to just clear a space and put a white sheet or piece of pretty wrapping paper/wall paper in the background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1euMYxHN7PL5VLz64td6ctr2tcEzq7jMLd4IXxxQQDI4zg6xsuD-3qItXFimNuWCom8g8oJleMgXbAc5L7LwdfRTz-3XeKIh3gK-V84uKU-84yGpJG5rAZWuWiflMnPVI1LyDqlwI2lc/s1600/IMG_6266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1euMYxHN7PL5VLz64td6ctr2tcEzq7jMLd4IXxxQQDI4zg6xsuD-3qItXFimNuWCom8g8oJleMgXbAc5L7LwdfRTz-3XeKIh3gK-V84uKU-84yGpJG5rAZWuWiflMnPVI1LyDqlwI2lc/s320/IMG_6266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Number 2: <b>Wherever possible, take photos in natural light</b> and when it is bright as possible. Make sure there are no shadows (see below) or streams of light affecting the photo. The best time to take th photo is when the sun is shining. If you take a photo in the evening when the sun has gone in, get a bright light - I have a light box which works really well as it imitates natural light (not only is it great for photos but it's great for winter days when I'm feeling a bit sluggish and have long hours to work.)</div>
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My next tip is something that I don't always do, so use your best judgement. Try to take photos of the cakes when they're not in the box. When you've got 24 cupcakes in a box it's just easier to take a photo of them all in the box, but try picking out some of the main designs and take a photo of them on their own. But when it comes to celebration cakes, <b>DO NOT take a photo of them in the cake box.</b> It looks messy and you can't see the whole cake. Even if you're short of time, you can still take 2 minutes to take it out of the box and take a photo. </div>
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If you do take a photo of your cupcakes in a box (as above), be sure to crop out as much of the box as you can and focus on the cupcakes themselves.</div>
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Using the above tips you will be able to take great photos of your cakes and really make the most of your creations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5tbOoQO-jqtLbq9hnFf_xnIhsOoE1cDBJz2b2ADA9w3YOoFe1Uld6nrkhcD-KxDwg3-MJJyJwh7ExGUv-dnId-S7X378HyL34VjnKTwMqUDg85ik_AnzM72o4vP8I8gwo41EBlb4RGw/s1600/IMG_6260+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5tbOoQO-jqtLbq9hnFf_xnIhsOoE1cDBJz2b2ADA9w3YOoFe1Uld6nrkhcD-KxDwg3-MJJyJwh7ExGUv-dnId-S7X378HyL34VjnKTwMqUDg85ik_AnzM72o4vP8I8gwo41EBlb4RGw/s320/IMG_6260+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Happy caking and photo taking!<br />
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Lucy<br />
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-40403902103001120272016-04-10T18:26:00.002+01:002016-04-10T18:26:33.592+01:00I'm Back (I hope!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I can't believe I haven't posted anything for 3 years! I'm going to try to post more now and have lots of recipes to share so fingers crossed, I can try to make time again.
I've been really busy the last few years and the business has grown every year. You can follow all my cake adventures on www.facebook.com/heavenisacupcake and www.twitter.com/heavensacupcake
Happy caking!</div>
Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-23174737094547313282013-08-22T22:48:00.001+01:002013-08-22T22:48:21.060+01:00Vote for Heaven is a Cupcake!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/food-fest-2013.jpg"><img alt="food fest 2013" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1137" height="103" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/food-fest-2013-300x103.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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I am very proud to announce that for the 4th year running, Heaven is a Cupcake, has been nominated for a St Albans Food and Drink Award in the 'Local Gem' category. But not only that, HIAC has also been nominated for Best Local Producer. I'm thrilled to be part of these local awards again and always have a great time participating in the Festival. Stay tuned for special deals and events during the Festival, but until then, please <a href="http://www.enjoystalbans.com/whats-on/FoodandDrinkFestival/Awards.html" target="_blank">vote for Heaven is a Cupcake!</a><br />
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Have a great Bank Holiday weekend!<br />
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Lucy<br />
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Heaven is a Cupcake, St Albans<br />
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-63431842389135490852013-02-25T20:19:00.000+00:002013-02-25T20:19:26.182+00:00Help the Hospices Cupcake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In August 2013, good friends of Heaven is a Cupcake's are cycling 100 miles around London for the Prudential Ride London and are raising money for the amazing cause, Help the Hospices. Help the Hospices support hospices all around the country who provide end of life and palliative care to those in need. Not only do they provide support for the patients themselves but they are a life line to the families affected by terminal illnesses.<br />
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With this in mind, Heaven is a Cupcake is proud to introduce the <strong>Help the Hospices High Tea Cupcake</strong>; a vanilla sponge with a Tiptree Champagne and Strawberry Jam filling and a decadent champagne buttercream. Cupcakes are £2.00 each and £1.50 per cupcake will be going to Help the Hospices. You can buy the cupcakes at all of our <a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/events">events</a> or you can order a box online by emailing us on mail@heavenisacupcake.net .<br />
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If you would like to find out more about the cause or donate please visit: <strong>http://www.justgiving.com/joeeley </strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/photo-5.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1052" height="819" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/photo-5-724x1024.jpg" title="champagne cupcake" width="579" /></a></div>
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-55238128517016449992013-01-03T16:57:00.001+00:002013-01-03T16:57:56.305+00:00Top 20 HiaC Creations of 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A big thank you and Happy New Year 2013 to all my customers; thank you for making 2012 so successful and giving me some fab cakes to take on.<br />
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Here are my Top 20 Creations of 2012.<br />
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<strong>20. Pretty Spring Cupcake Bouquet.</strong> I never tire of making these cupcake bouquets; they always come out differently and put a smile on the recipient's face. They make a really unique gift and are the perfect alternative to flowers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/425904_355057374513082_34042145_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-945" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/425904_355057374513082_34042145_n-236x300.jpg" title="cupcake bouquet" width="236" /></a><br />
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<strong>19. Loveable Bugs!</strong> I love making these cute little bugs cupcakes. They've been a popular design for 2012 and I look forward to making more of them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/318992_504541966231288_67268239_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-938" height="240" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/318992_504541966231288_67268239_n-300x240.jpg" title="318992_504541966231288_67268239_n" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>18. Tea for One.</strong> Individual afternoon tea trays complete with a slice of cake - all to yourself. Another popular design which can be done in any colour combination and great for all occasions. These were made for a Diamond Wedding Anniversary, hence the little diamonds atop the slices of cake.<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/480291_516970284988456_136810379_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-949" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/480291_516970284988456_136810379_n-300x200.jpg" title="480291_516970284988456_136810379_n" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>17.</strong> <strong>Zoo Animals Cake.</strong> I have taken on a lot more large celebration cakes this year and look forward to doing even more next year. This birthday cake was for 2 little boys who were having a joint party at Willows Farm, St Albans. I'm not sure they'd see many of these animals there though!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/254649_501954403156711_795880912_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-936" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/254649_501954403156711_795880912_n-226x300.jpg" title="254649_501954403156711_795880912_n" width="226" /></a><br />
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<strong>16. Grandma's 90th Birthday Cake.</strong> I made this cake and cupcake tower for my grandma who turned 90 in December - she's a big fan of my cakes and is an inspiration to me. Here she is on her sofa with all her electronic gadgets!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/394855_537992606219557_101477508_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-941" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/394855_537992606219557_101477508_n-200x300.jpg" title="394855_537992606219557_101477508_n" width="200" /></a><br />
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<strong>15. Summer Wedding Cupcake Tower.</strong> This wedding tower is made up of a variety of cocktail and summer flavoured cupcakes. The design was quite simple but all together looked really fresh and perfect for a Summer Wedding.<br />
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<strong>14. Sophie and Glen's 4 Split Tier Buttercream Swirl Wedding Cake.</strong> This was probably my most challenging cake of the year as I had to transport it to the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf and then assemble it on the dance floor but, I hope you'll agree, the end result was worth it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/406606_536965759655575_1272463926_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-943" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/406606_536965759655575_1272463926_n-215x300.jpg" title="406606_536965759655575_1272463926_n" width="215" /></a><br />
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<strong>13. Halloween Designs 2012.</strong> I always love making Halloween cupcakes and cakes because there are so many different designs you can do for it. Here are just a few of them.<br />
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<strong>12. Mothers Day 2012.</strong> I had lots of orders for these designs and I had a lot of fun designing them. Flowers are so versatile; they are perfect for cupcakes!<br />
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<strong>11. Diamond Jubilee Cupcakes.</strong> How can I not include these in my Top 20 of 2012?! 2012 was such a great year for us and I was thrilled to do these designs to reflect that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/37020_433536649998487_1963419312_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-933" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/37020_433536649998487_1963419312_n-300x200.jpg" title="37020_433536649998487_1963419312_n" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>10. Doc Mcstuffins Birthday Cake</strong> - 10in Vanilla cake with Doc Mcstuffins and friends on for Amiya's 2nd Birthday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_4716.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-951" height="237" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_4716-300x237.jpg" title="IMG_4716" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>9. Christmas Designs 2012</strong> - Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake and some of my cupcake designs. Always love Christmas!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/302779_517753794910105_335359678_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-937" height="290" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/302779_517753794910105_335359678_n-300x290.jpg" title="302779_517753794910105_335359678_n" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>8. Raa Raa the Noisy Lion Giant Cupcake.</strong> Childrens' birthday cakes are always a lot of fun to make as they have such imaginative characters and themes. They are perfect as giant cupcakes!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/430352_370276542991165_1127729536_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-947" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/430352_370276542991165_1127729536_n-200x300.jpg" title="430352_370276542991165_1127729536_n" width="200" /></a><br />
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<strong>7. Robyn and Mark's Lilac Rose Cupcake Tower</strong>. I don't usually do tiered wedding cakes so this was a first as they were adamant that they wanted me to do their cake! I was very pleased with how it turned out and had lots of compliments on it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/384144_492632817422203_656347023_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-940" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/384144_492632817422203_656347023_n-214x300.jpg" title="384144_492632817422203_656347023_n" width="214" /></a><br />
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<strong>6. Alice in Wonderland cupcakes.</strong> These were made for one of my regular customers who loves Alice in Wonderland - they are great for cakes as there are so many ways to make them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/401599_416291938389625_2081570175_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-942" height="260" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/401599_416291938389625_2081570175_n-300x260.jpg" title="401599_416291938389625_2081570175_n" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>5. Gruffalo Cupcakes.</strong> More children's cupcakes. I do really love making children's cakes! I'd like to do more please :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/252736_463313483687470_417028647_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-935" height="219" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/252736_463313483687470_417028647_n-300x219.jpg" title="252736_463313483687470_417028647_n" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>4. Waybuloo Cake.</strong> Until I was asked to do these (like many children's tv shows), I'd never heard of the Waybuloos. Now I've made lots of them! 8in vanilla cake<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/543553_389466811072138_579740415_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-952" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/543553_389466811072138_579740415_n-255x300.jpg" title="543553_389466811072138_579740415_n" width="255" /></a><br />
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<strong>3. Muppets Cupcakes.</strong> This is the third lot of muppets cupcakes I made this year and I want to make more. They are such fun characters to make and not only that, but I made them as samples for the judges of Flare 2012, the Entrepreneurial Contest run by the University of Hertfordshire, which I subsequently won. So I think I owe the muppets for that :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/419707_380503768635109_853862139_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-944" height="261" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/419707_380503768635109_853862139_n-300x261.jpg" title="419707_380503768635109_853862139_n" width="300" /></a><br />
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<strong>2. Flare Mini Cupcakes.</strong> Now from first look, these may not seem that exciting but this photo was taken just before the Flare Award Ceremony where I found out I'd won the Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 and the grand prize of £10,000 to help with my business so it's very important to me and is one of my proudest moments of 2012!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/527669_433514786667340_881649466_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-950" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/527669_433514786667340_881649466_n-200x300.jpg" title="527669_433514786667340_881649466_n" width="200" /></a><br />
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<strong>1. My Harry Potter Sorting Hat.</strong> This was made of 4 cakes; coconut, vanilla, chocolate and lemon. It was my most 'liked' and most shared cake of 2012 on Facebook so really should be top of the cakes. I can't wait to see what cake designs I get to make in 2013! Thanks again everyone and see you soon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/465459_520774304608054_1652919072_o.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-948" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/465459_520774304608054_1652919072_o-200x300.jpg" title="465459_520774304608054_1652919072_o" width="200" /></a><br />
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-35152401313977378282012-11-04T15:39:00.003+00:002012-11-04T15:40:34.885+00:00New York, New York: Part One - Carlo's Bakery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In September I took a trip to New York to try out some of the cupcake bakeries and source new ideas/flavours. Here's a quick round up of where I went and what I tasted!<br />
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The first place we visited was Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey which is about a 20 minute bus journey from Times Square, NYC. As a big fan of Cake Boss, Carlo's Bakery was first on my list and we were very lucky as we only had to wait 45 minutes. This may seem a long time but I had read horror stories of people having to queue for 3hrs before they even got in to the bakery! We went on a rainy Friday morning at about 11am (by the time we arrived) so got straight into the bakery with no long queues outside.
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2555.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-898" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2555-300x200.jpg" title="IMG_2555" width="300" /></a> </div>
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The counters were full of delicious, brightly coloured cakes and cookies, from cupcakes to biscotti and layer cakes with fresh fruit on them. As much as I wanted to buy something of everything, I thought I had better restrain myself so just went with the classics - a Red Velvet Cupcake, some amaretti biscuits, a cannoli and lobster tail.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2560.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-899" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2560-300x200.jpg" title="layer cakes" width="300" /></a>
<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2565.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-900" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2565-300x200.jpg" title="IMG_2565" width="300" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2568.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-901 aligncenter" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_2568-300x200.jpg" title="IMG_2568" width="300" /></a></div>
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The cupcake was moist and had a yummy cream cheese frosting. The lobster tail was delicious but the cannoli was a bit rich for me and wasn't keen on the deep fried shell! I did find, whilst across the pond, that the cupcakes in America (as I found whilst in Florida) are much heavier than mine and the cake is a denser consistency which kind of stick when you tear them apart unlike mine which are light and a bit crumblier. I'm not sure if it's to do with the flour or just the different recipes. They are definitely sweeter!
And of course, we had to take a photo outside the front with our purchases!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSC00072.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-902" height="225" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSC00072-300x225.jpg" title="DSC00072" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Next post : Magnolia Bakery and Crumbs Bake Shop!</div>
Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-51744190159577219852012-10-13T22:30:00.001+01:002012-10-13T22:31:49.718+01:00Halloween!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a while since I updated the blog as it's been busy, busy at the Heaven is a Cupcake HQ but I thought i'd share some Halloween designs and flavours. Halloween Cupcakes start from just £2.00 each with a minimum of 6 per flavour.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_7097.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-891" height="295" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_7097-300x295.jpg" title="IMG_7097" width="300" /></a></div>
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Halloween Cupcake Flavours</h1>
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Vanillarrrrgh</h3>
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Chocohate</h3>
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Caramel Apple</h3>
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Blood Velvet</h3>
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Oreo Spider</h3>
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Vampire Bite (Chilli Chocolate)</h3>
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/424717_500417459977072_509192908_n.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-892" height="224" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/424717_500417459977072_509192908_n-300x224.jpg" title="424717_500417459977072_509192908_n" width="300" /></a></div>
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Happy Halloween!</div>
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-78321703878348399792012-09-16T22:16:00.002+01:002012-09-16T22:16:25.754+01:00Local Gem!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Apologies for the radio silence over the last couple of months. The problem with running your own business is that you don't have a lot of spare time and in my spare time I tend to spend it sleeping or catching up on admin so it doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging. But, I will try to be better!<br />
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Great news, I have been nominated for the Local Gem award in the St Albans Food and Drink Awards for the 3rd year and a row! But I need your help to win.<br />
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Please take a few minutes to <a href="http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/food_festival/vote-fb.aspx" target="_blank">vote for Heaven is a Cupcake for Local Gem</a>. And if you're not sure why, then just check out my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/heavenisacupcake" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page to see some of my latest creations!<br />
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-1891896632702929062012-06-05T23:24:00.000+01:002012-06-05T23:24:19.862+01:00Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 - Flare Awards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In case you haven't been following me on Facebook or Twitter; I am proud to announce (albeit a little late!) that I have won the University of Hertfordshire's Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Award.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/SAM_1997_edited-1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-860" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/SAM_1997_edited-1-277x300.jpg" title="flare winner" width="277" /></a><br />
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In October 2011 I entered the competition and was put through my paces in a 'Dragon's Den' style contest. I had to submit a 15 page business plan with my 'idea' which was, of course, to further develop and improve on the success of Heaven is a Cupcake. 178 people entered and I got through to the final 7. We then had to attend several boot camps in order to prepare for a 3 minute pitch followed by 5 minutes of Q&A in front of the judges.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/UH_FLARE_2012-Photo-by-Pete-Stevens-015.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-862" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/UH_FLARE_2012-Photo-by-Pete-Stevens-015-300x200.jpg" title="UH_FLARE_2012 Photo by Pete Stevens 015" width="300" /></a><br />
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<em>The moment my name was announced! Photo by Pete Stevens</em></div>
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I spent 2 weeks preparing my pitch and a lot of effort and passion went into it. I am thrilled to say that I won and the judges all said how well I did and that they could see the work I had put into Heaven is a Cupcake and that they were confident it would continue to thrive.<br />
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I am looking forward to making lots of improvements to Heaven is a Cupcake. Watch this space for updates!<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/UH_FLARE_2012-Photo-by-Pete-Stevens-003.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-861" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/UH_FLARE_2012-Photo-by-Pete-Stevens-003-200x300.jpg" title="UH_FLARE_2012 Photo by Pete Stevens 003" width="200" /></a></div>
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<em>Photo by Pete Stevens</em></div>
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</div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-64309651830674297972012-04-11T18:56:00.000+01:002012-04-11T18:56:07.968+01:00Happy 2nd Birthday Heaven is a Cupcake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today is Heaven is a Cupcake's 2nd Birthday. So to celebrate I thought I would write an entry to show where Heaven is a Cupcake came from and how we have grown into the thriving business we are now! I say 'we', it's still just me (Lucy) but I have such a good family behind Heaven is a Cupcake (those who literally are family/friends as well as my amazing customer base) that I consider it to be 'we' as much as it is 'I'. After all, if it weren't for my fabulous customers there would be no Heaven is a Cupcake. It would just be me, eating far too much cake (I do that anyway!)
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So before I get into where we came from I'd like to say a big thank you to all my customers and friends. Particularly to my loyal customers who come to all my markets and have been really supportive of me over the last year or two; you have all given me so many opportunities and challenges so THANK YOU!
Now a thank you to someone who I owe a lot to, my mum! And I like to think I inspired her to start making cakes too because one month before my first birthday she attended a sugarcraft course and then made her very first cake, my first birthday cake!
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mumfirst-cake-001.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-841" height="214" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mumfirst-cake-001-300x214.jpg" title="mumfirst cake 001" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>Mum's First Cake -My 1st Birthday, November 1986 </strong></em></div>
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And over the years she made practically every single one of our Birthday cakes up until the age of 18 when we all got too busy for things like making cakes! I used to love making cakes with her (and still do, although now I'm starting to teach her things!) and one of my favourite cakes that she made me was my 5th birthday cake and it probably is still my favourite cake... a buttercream castle cake. Ever since I was little, I've loved buttercream; I used to eat the buttercream and leave the cake! So this was a big hit as it was covered in buttercream and also yummy sweets.
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/001.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-842" height="204" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/001-300x204.jpg" title="001" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>My 5th Birthday Cake - November 1990</em></strong></div>
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These photos are both taken from a scrapbook my mum has kept for the past 26 years and I used to sit and flick through the photos never even imagining I could do it. I always used to think 'I wish I could do that.' When I was 15 I was given the task of having to make a cake for my GCSE food technology and I knew straight away I wanted to make the buttercream castle cake. Now, it didn't quite turn out how I wanted it to...but it tasted good!<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-843" height="207" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/002-300x207.jpg" title="002" width="300" />
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<strong>My first cake, 2001</strong></div>
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I almost gave up after that! I stuck to making things like fairy cakes and rock cakes and just baked occasionally as a hobby whilst planning my career as an actress! I then went to university and studied English Literature and in my final year, I attempted another castle cake (as you can see I like castle cakes!) for my friend Scott. Again, not my greatest cake but it is one of my favourites as it was a lot of fun to make and still tasted yummy! It also used a lot of the tricks my mum used which I loved as a kid - coconut grass, jelly water, lots of buttercream. But I think my favourite thing has to be the hippos - every good castle cake should have hippos ;)<br />
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<strong><em>Scott's Castle Cake, 2008</em></strong></div>
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I then went on to do my Masters and once that was finished in December 2010 I desperately needed a break from studying. So I went off to America and there I made cupcakes! Lots of cupcakes! I kept finding more and more gadgets/toppings and exciting new things for cupcakes which I didn't even knew existed. These were my first 'cupcakes'. Yes, I'd made fairy cakes and small cupcakes but I didn't even know you could get these larger sized cases.</div>
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/feb2010-045.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-846" height="200" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/feb2010-045-300x200.jpg" title="feb2010 045" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>My first cupcakes, Feb 2010</em></strong></div>
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As you can see, I didn't bother with any of that piping rubbish or hand made decorations! 2 months later, I started up Heaven is a Cupcake. I created a facebook page and then the orders began to come in. I thought it would be a good way to earn some money whilst I looked for a teaching assistant job but I never got that far... This was the first order I received that was from someone I didn't know, a box of baby themed cupcakes to go to Gorhambury Manor, St Albans (a good first order I think!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_7009.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-847" height="219" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_7009-300x219.jpg" title="IMG_7009" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>First Bespoke Order from an unknown, August 2010</em></strong></div>
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After being in business for 6 months I won the 2010 Local Gem Award in the St Albans Food and Drink Festival. And from there it has just snowballed! Now I work full time 6-7 days a week and I couldn't be happier. You can see how far I've come from the very first cupcakes I made to my most recent cupcakes...</div>
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mar2012-132.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-848" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mar2012-132-200x300.jpg" title="mar2012 132" width="200" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>Wedding Cupcake Samples, April 2012</em></strong></div>
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And I even got to do another castle cake, an improvement on my first one I think you'll agree!</div>
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_9264.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-849" height="300" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_9264-200x300.jpg" title="IMG_9264" width="200" /></a></div>
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So thank you again to everyone who has helped make Heaven is a Cupcake what it is today and here's to another exciting year!</div>
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Happy cupcaking :)</div>
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Lucy x</div>
</div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-56538597995179698682012-04-04T19:27:00.001+01:002012-04-04T19:27:18.896+01:00Easter Time<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800080;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Easter Cupcakes 2012</span></strong></span></h1><h3 style="text-align: center;">This year why not give something a little different for Easter? Here at Heaven is a Cupcake we are constantly coming up with new designs and flavours so why not drop us a line to discuss your bespoke Easter requirements.</h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Alternatively, check out these fab designs we have on offer...</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/easterbox.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-824" title="easterbox" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/easterbox-264x300.jpg" alt="" width="264" height="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Easter Gift Box of 4 Classic Cupcakes £10.00</em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-827 alignnone" title="IMG_9191" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_9191-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Easter Spring Cupcakes - Chicks and Bunnies £18 for 6 or £34 for 12 (includes Easter cupcake wrappers. without wrappers - £15 for 6 or £29 for 12)</em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-825" title="chocolate cupcakes" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_9136-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Divine Cupcakes - £2.00 each, 6 per flavour: Carrot, Double Chocolate Easter Nest, Marble Lindt Bunny and Chocolate Orange. </em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_9144.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-828 alignnone" title="IMG_9144" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_9144-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Mini Cupcake Egg Boxes - just £5 complete with Easter Sticker designs by Joanne Shaw Designs <a href="http://www.joanneshawdesigns.com">www.joanneshawdesigns.com</a> </em></strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Happy Easter everyone!</em></strong></p>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-29547118963908189942012-02-26T22:15:00.006+00:002012-02-26T22:20:00.149+00:00Mother's DayThis year <strong>Mother's Day</strong> is on <strong>18th March 2012</strong> and here at Heaven is a Cupcake, we have a wide range of cupcake gifts and baked treats to make your mum feel special. She deserves to be spoilt; so check out our Mother's Day range and <strong>order now!</strong> If you don't see something you like here, remember - we can do something completely unique and delicious. You won't find a better gift for your mum than some Heaven is a Cupcake cakes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mothersday-collage.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-803" title="mothers day collage" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mothersday-collage-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a><br />
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Bespoke cupcakes from £2.00 each. We can do whatever you want on a cupcake, choose one of our Mother's Day designs or contact us now for a bespoke quote.<br />
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<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-804" title="IMG_0870" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_0870-300x193.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="193" /><br />
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Classic Mum Collection<br />
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<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-805" title="IMG_8346" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_8346-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /><br />
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Sugar Flower Collection: (Choose from a mix of flowers or all of the same, in any combination of colours.) Roses, daffodils, hydrangeas, primroses, gerberas. The hydrangeas and gerberas can also be made into a beautiful cupcake bouquet.<br />
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<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-806" title="IMG_8512" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_8512-300x209.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="209" /><br />
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Flower Pot Collection<br />
<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-807" title="Cupcake Bouquets" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Cupcake-Bouquets-300x185.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="185" /><br />
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Cupcake Bouquets<br />
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(Baskets may vary depending on stock)<br />
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Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-51381420238647888692012-02-07T19:10:00.001+00:002012-02-07T19:23:44.957+00:00Valentine's CompetitionI have a spare Valentine's cupcake kit to giveaway as I'm feeling all warm and fluffy. In order to enter all you need to do is complete the rafflecopter form. You will gain an entry for each task you complete and some can be completed daily. These kits will also be available to buy at my market in St Albans Old Town Hall on Sat 11th Feb along with a wide range of other cupcake kits (which are available monthly).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnzoKw7D-4N-jkCZEyN6mvLaaBG5BSQRBM7AGHik1L_HMU821ESMz5080W6i-eYfIrsZrKFrL87g4mO1NGzmp_gSOJtXGm2zTrc6tMc3_MDPS-pjr_8Ka1sJoYuqTw2FcQNS_BLvaKas/s1600/valentines+cupcake+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnzoKw7D-4N-jkCZEyN6mvLaaBG5BSQRBM7AGHik1L_HMU821ESMz5080W6i-eYfIrsZrKFrL87g4mO1NGzmp_gSOJtXGm2zTrc6tMc3_MDPS-pjr_8Ka1sJoYuqTw2FcQNS_BLvaKas/s320/valentines+cupcake+kit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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You have until midnight on Saturday 11th Feb to complete the tasks. All tasks WILL be verified so no trying to be sneaky as they will not be counted.<br />
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No replacement prize or cash alternative. <br />
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<script id="raflin-2f3c3a10" type="text/javascript">/*{literal}<![CDATA[*/
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*Only entries received through rafflecopter will be counted.Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-55082484555242375102012-02-06T22:02:00.000+00:002012-02-06T22:02:25.335+00:00Cupcake Size ChartHere's a handy cupcake size chart of all the sizes of cupcakes I do, ranging from the Tiny to the Giant.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ5716aEIOin2H3NNPedYkuhndrpPER56ygpHOU7gt4moXlQQIF__2rE7Tzje19ecL8gv0IKsW0_xZu8CTOmiablyM0yt76iuYTj7_qOj_uG2wrAzByM7phnkDBafacfmbOLr-oYTPDM/s1600/IMG_7915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ5716aEIOin2H3NNPedYkuhndrpPER56ygpHOU7gt4moXlQQIF__2rE7Tzje19ecL8gv0IKsW0_xZu8CTOmiablyM0yt76iuYTj7_qOj_uG2wrAzByM7phnkDBafacfmbOLr-oYTPDM/s320/IMG_7915.jpg" /></a></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-6183093532061599252012-01-17T18:48:00.000+00:002012-01-17T18:48:06.842+00:00Valentine's Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div>Well, it's not long been Christmas and already, it's time to think about Valentine's Day...<br />
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<h3></h3><h3>We have added our new Valentines Day cupcake designs which are available to order now. There will also be a range of Valentines Day cupcakes and gifts at our market in St Albans Town Hall on 11th February 2012 - our first market of the year! If you're looking for something a bit different from the cupcakes below then just drop me an email to discuss and I'll be happy to create something unique for you.</h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Love is....</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7693.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-736" title="love is..." src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7693-300x281.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="281" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Classic: £2.75 each, Divine: £3.00 each (minimum 6 per flavour)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Classic Gift Box of 4: £14.00, Divine Gift Box of 4: £15.00</p><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Red Hot!</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7704.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-737" title="IMG_7704" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7704-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Classic: £2.25 each, Divine: £2.50 each</p><p style="text-align: center;">Classic Gift Box of 4: £12.00, Divine Gift Box of 4: £14.00</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Love Hearts</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7710.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-738" title="IMG_7710" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7710-300x247.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="247" /></a></p> <br />
<p style="text-align: center;">Classic: £2.10 each, Divine: £2.30 each</p><p style="text-align: center;">Classic Gift Box of 4: £11.50, Divine Gift Box of 4: £12.50</p><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Cupcake Bouquets</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7797.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-739" title="valentines bouquet" src="http://www.heavenisacupcake.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_7797-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Cupcake bouquets start from £25.00 </p><p style="text-align: center;">There are also a wide range of other products available to order for Valentines Day - cakes, cake pops, push cups, iced biscuits and giant cupcakes.</p>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-78872867678483023542012-01-06T20:21:00.000+00:002012-01-06T20:21:21.983+00:002011 in Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy New Year cupcake fans! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year and were able to have a bit of a break. Back to normality now.<br />
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I thought I would start 2012 off with a round up of last year's cupcakes as it was a very busy year and I got to make some really fun creations (so a big thank you to my customers for that!)<br />
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<strong><u>January - James Bond</u></strong><br />
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James Bond themed cupcakes for Mark's 30th Birthday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oCbFPlJpV-2rUQpAqQ9_nsH6T1Q2Uj-b4V3xTICMCoXOThUl12ESGXakJpZHJ4DvtGGBSHW7a1Yw63Tng51fB1gcdgcxJKIBhlYJED0E2ga3-NaaB86tYsIkGJz3eP8vDX5tqYq5sZo/s1600/Marks+30th+Birthday+Cupcakes3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oCbFPlJpV-2rUQpAqQ9_nsH6T1Q2Uj-b4V3xTICMCoXOThUl12ESGXakJpZHJ4DvtGGBSHW7a1Yw63Tng51fB1gcdgcxJKIBhlYJED0E2ga3-NaaB86tYsIkGJz3eP8vDX5tqYq5sZo/s320/Marks+30th+Birthday+Cupcakes3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>February - </u></strong><strong><u>Cupcake Bouquet</u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It was really difficult to pick just one photo this month as I had lots of great orders; circus babyshower cupcakes, a handbag cake and of course, lots of Valentines Cupcakes but this has to be my favourite - a cupcake basket bouquet. It has since, been a very popular gift for birthdays, anniversaries, new baby arrivals and more!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnXS75deLhuAyebYtPO09U83NDiX27SYZgNAMzjrLOwaD2F-G2wVYcpkqiped5OvI0mi8zOpvAbS2G1Y3kcfFbteVb4kuDTxx5lFCOLpUpXXfZeIe2KTuA3LXDlbr4ZprFziU1AN3aD8/s1600/IMG_0507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnXS75deLhuAyebYtPO09U83NDiX27SYZgNAMzjrLOwaD2F-G2wVYcpkqiped5OvI0mi8zOpvAbS2G1Y3kcfFbteVb4kuDTxx5lFCOLpUpXXfZeIe2KTuA3LXDlbr4ZprFziU1AN3aD8/s320/IMG_0507.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>March - Graduation</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In March 2011, I finally had my Masters Graduation Ceremony which I completed in December 2010. Who'd have thought it would lead to a career in cupcaking? ;)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>April - My First Wedding Order</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This was my first wedding order and has been a popular choice for many brides & grooms in 2011. This was also the month of the Royal Wedding - quite fitting I think!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrviIdExAty43Q4z2E7H74_jdm-dFkpa1MPkQWidvQKTUFQNTS90vHzA3wXunE2hsPFT7mNQe2hv91uGUoeGrDuzBF3tMiWh6TKVPC1pUEw_Ks3vUFCTcAMC2p9CJccn8hi0mR2TVpo5w/s1600/IMG_1367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrviIdExAty43Q4z2E7H74_jdm-dFkpa1MPkQWidvQKTUFQNTS90vHzA3wXunE2hsPFT7mNQe2hv91uGUoeGrDuzBF3tMiWh6TKVPC1pUEw_Ks3vUFCTcAMC2p9CJccn8hi0mR2TVpo5w/s320/IMG_1367.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>May - New Baby Cupcakes</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This month we welcomed a new baby into our family so I thought these babyshower cupcakes from May were a good choice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohp0cxyu9atHFD4RwnOb8G7VIvf-W2hQ5XgFtsV_T-Ft7w-E56DVTVwNcdCyMlS6OircbR0VovvE5eUhb2qFui54qWjYfXF9Tz7qq2d48C1a-NeG6WpOlmQ4wHHGlsr2_Qvri4AO9Grs/s1600/IMG_1643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohp0cxyu9atHFD4RwnOb8G7VIvf-W2hQ5XgFtsV_T-Ft7w-E56DVTVwNcdCyMlS6OircbR0VovvE5eUhb2qFui54qWjYfXF9Tz7qq2d48C1a-NeG6WpOlmQ4wHHGlsr2_Qvri4AO9Grs/s320/IMG_1643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>June - A Giant Month</u></strong></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I did a lot of giant cupcakes this month so I thought I had better post one for June!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE2jHqQ8gByfOiKn1lauDo5hZW2Air88N8M0FbIKGOb2_pJO3KGct67pWzu214WC7hXH9EFymvwsTVVzG2BaFeBcE2GX73X1SS6KOLq8vvdxSoCLEO_4yeBNPeveUJGyVH8n6RSBnApE/s1600/IMG_2370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE2jHqQ8gByfOiKn1lauDo5hZW2Air88N8M0FbIKGOb2_pJO3KGct67pWzu214WC7hXH9EFymvwsTVVzG2BaFeBcE2GX73X1SS6KOLq8vvdxSoCLEO_4yeBNPeveUJGyVH8n6RSBnApE/s320/IMG_2370.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u>July - Off on Holiday!</u></strong><br />
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I went to Florida with my sister in July but not before I had time to make some Summery cupcakes for the Highfield Park Fete.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fBgaJsP9fdmlmCHyRSLm5aw5gKstFh1FqHW3sL2ySECB37MMgAOekE9uRA5ZBs7D_4FzT7o5qjnUGBNahea3ZGDDZ2qHs40Ykd79bs21XzLb2N5Ab0r8whNrjyHHheiAOfzn46gdij8/s1600/IMG_2726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fBgaJsP9fdmlmCHyRSLm5aw5gKstFh1FqHW3sL2ySECB37MMgAOekE9uRA5ZBs7D_4FzT7o5qjnUGBNahea3ZGDDZ2qHs40Ykd79bs21XzLb2N5Ab0r8whNrjyHHheiAOfzn46gdij8/s320/IMG_2726.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u>August - True Blood</u></strong><br />
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August was a busy month at HIAC. The highlights being my sister's 30th Birthday and the pleasure of making cupcakes for some of the cast of HBO's True Blood. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXM96hlBHZV-kK5QeWpnQDw1c_inAdw-K1ZysQRhlqaoO5E2R5qP8nu3a04CMe5JCsz1vvpCysWYSyyOlcupAuNSCqN4BtG-Nmvgluft1DX11NIqHAEdapltO-NTNfxl1gsuENsBbcENs/s1600/IMG_5078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXM96hlBHZV-kK5QeWpnQDw1c_inAdw-K1ZysQRhlqaoO5E2R5qP8nu3a04CMe5JCsz1vvpCysWYSyyOlcupAuNSCqN4BtG-Nmvgluft1DX11NIqHAEdapltO-NTNfxl1gsuENsBbcENs/s320/IMG_5078.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u>September - Pony Cupcakes</u></strong><br />
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Every month just got busier and busier at Heaven is a Cupcake. Here is my favourite of many:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqJ1VQUIYnwUWzsTtM5Li7yV6AunIEys7k4wFG_i2s8TAVz59LZWOqfDkK7pRQoqDbVhZPv-iPJU5dnM53vgcrQKO6ewXmVkicnmeVU64WUvpd7vy7oKAmxoJeVne6y5nLX5grmXybvs/s1600/september2011+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqJ1VQUIYnwUWzsTtM5Li7yV6AunIEys7k4wFG_i2s8TAVz59LZWOqfDkK7pRQoqDbVhZPv-iPJU5dnM53vgcrQKO6ewXmVkicnmeVU64WUvpd7vy7oKAmxoJeVne6y5nLX5grmXybvs/s320/september2011+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u>October - Cupcakes for Holby City</u></strong><br />
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It was a bit of a TV month in October as I was making cupcakes for Big Brother and then an episode of Holby City which hopefully will be airing in February - 2 guesses what it's going to be about ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVvBf1V9dQSHaZXy4hhE_rdix0XzETyYGzw5wV5-nXyKdBDnqHmsX3gw81uP1cFVL9IdPIYLgfY4_ufQl0EXtWLlLN8uNsgWcZpu3bW6cHp-CTQyDu6DhfD9Qw2p8AAMg09SgzPaK97g/s1600/IMG_6460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVvBf1V9dQSHaZXy4hhE_rdix0XzETyYGzw5wV5-nXyKdBDnqHmsX3gw81uP1cFVL9IdPIYLgfY4_ufQl0EXtWLlLN8uNsgWcZpu3bW6cHp-CTQyDu6DhfD9Qw2p8AAMg09SgzPaK97g/s320/IMG_6460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>November - Harry Potter in Halloween Wonderland</u></strong></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It was easy to choose a photo for this month as the themes are probably my favourite to do: Halloween, Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsgfD5s2zx2ZHBfNrqAhxLp0Hc9wYPQ9isD5cd36nXRgWtLAuv0tCV1udSBh4V1dcqIQWUIrQTqUhI5mOtBsyRaBjsUaaq6qX51S3990FXGM3GaWNyI0uMDzFfLNJcJP4bHdtFSsBTgE/s1600/IMG_7090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsgfD5s2zx2ZHBfNrqAhxLp0Hc9wYPQ9isD5cd36nXRgWtLAuv0tCV1udSBh4V1dcqIQWUIrQTqUhI5mOtBsyRaBjsUaaq6qX51S3990FXGM3GaWNyI0uMDzFfLNJcJP4bHdtFSsBTgE/s320/IMG_7090.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><u>December - Christmas of course!</u></strong></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I had lots of Christmas orders and really enjoyed coming up with new designs. Here's a close up of one of the Giant Christmas Tree Cupcakes.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyHFgsmHZbRhnGTDq8j1dPAWEvOpJRbA3E3Z1MHI1aPlY1dXph1QZtEB2C5Pes1FkURoM2vnFuJ9jyIqgUHRz67P43kcweY3-83PVUR6mkFGqzPHpSNKka7alflP9hbBxhimulqaFIp8/s1600/IMG_7468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyHFgsmHZbRhnGTDq8j1dPAWEvOpJRbA3E3Z1MHI1aPlY1dXph1QZtEB2C5Pes1FkURoM2vnFuJ9jyIqgUHRz67P43kcweY3-83PVUR6mkFGqzPHpSNKka7alflP9hbBxhimulqaFIp8/s320/IMG_7468.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And that concludes the round up of 2011 in Cupcakes. All the best for 2012!</div></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-14066021956960121222011-12-19T23:29:00.000+00:002011-12-19T23:29:26.577+00:00Christmas Blog No.1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I love Christmas! I think when you're a baker, you can't not love Christmas. It gives you so many opportunities to make delicious treats as well as amazing designs and is one of the most inspiring holidays you can get. Whether you celebrate or not; you can't deny that Christmas is good for the baking soul!<br />
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So with Christmas just around the corner I thought it would be a good idea to post some of my latest cupcake and cake creations. I'm sure more will follow!<br />
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</div><div align="center">Novelty Christmas Cupcakes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VR2VB7k8v_hVZDZ7oCfms5jMxydX4vmbBl0jL5ajlAbBrEo4ibASRPmHNTym-dz1o3lyPrMS2-XShjxzOxPXLT4AseIJSOcSjE1MluF7LFymwiwq7WJuGAFuD3Ggoz_ijnbeLYsxZeU/s1600/IMG_5842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VR2VB7k8v_hVZDZ7oCfms5jMxydX4vmbBl0jL5ajlAbBrEo4ibASRPmHNTym-dz1o3lyPrMS2-XShjxzOxPXLT4AseIJSOcSjE1MluF7LFymwiwq7WJuGAFuD3Ggoz_ijnbeLYsxZeU/s320/IMG_5842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winter Wonderland Cupcakes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzm9a_co7jZhIRFF2W5NPhcGU8XTSvFRxr9HuPIQYhuRY8UiVO4gLe6XzwJ1HSbOeMNavL7ZhLnD0UHdOhBjhPpO1g2hoqO59tRqRBMDckVBs0B_1LhiIbKe96VP-ZBLW-LB7f0IxrHo/s1600/IMG_5865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzm9a_co7jZhIRFF2W5NPhcGU8XTSvFRxr9HuPIQYhuRY8UiVO4gLe6XzwJ1HSbOeMNavL7ZhLnD0UHdOhBjhPpO1g2hoqO59tRqRBMDckVBs0B_1LhiIbKe96VP-ZBLW-LB7f0IxrHo/s320/IMG_5865.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red Velvet Christmas Cupcakes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh961WyQI7ajNmMvb7xwGCKQoxcrPgeC7lRZi2JlptrN1W9_3zyA2KVifYVJgebAqVY-Fd_-2tTfarcTHLoPGg0OGk1ElfJ-rmpcZnifZ0jX1x5H5q3CRoV3JmAUWyiHOu6i13bU49kWaE/s1600/IMG_7210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh961WyQI7ajNmMvb7xwGCKQoxcrPgeC7lRZi2JlptrN1W9_3zyA2KVifYVJgebAqVY-Fd_-2tTfarcTHLoPGg0OGk1ElfJ-rmpcZnifZ0jX1x5H5q3CRoV3JmAUWyiHOu6i13bU49kWaE/s320/IMG_7210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">12 Days of Cupcake Christmas - at the St Albans Arts & Crafts Market</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvn6d1kJt8pJeKBassHbfcNy-Lw7KatQ6tBH-NEdO00t1AlMDbwhC1iFDu9C0AJNL8wpiBEUQlLjdBjqrSukiVT6EqGd4Z-b3eIaEFkttoABkKA3bMLlzw75-NzuCjDzr22bEtqVEPuw/s1600/IMG_9119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvn6d1kJt8pJeKBassHbfcNy-Lw7KatQ6tBH-NEdO00t1AlMDbwhC1iFDu9C0AJNL8wpiBEUQlLjdBjqrSukiVT6EqGd4Z-b3eIaEFkttoABkKA3bMLlzw75-NzuCjDzr22bEtqVEPuw/s320/IMG_9119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me with All my lovely Christmas treats!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT_dD9sEhK5y3vIbYF5p4wiXp_KESBPqnnHRwEWKWnGYkw4X1DWGA-qPcEKNuZMJkzPSfGodIJeNE3U98WT5I8_5Rv8UyPG9uNdJEhyqeJ0yuU6ozOBDPpsTSVB2STV6cKpaovoEiv44/s1600/IMG_9120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT_dD9sEhK5y3vIbYF5p4wiXp_KESBPqnnHRwEWKWnGYkw4X1DWGA-qPcEKNuZMJkzPSfGodIJeNE3U98WT5I8_5Rv8UyPG9uNdJEhyqeJ0yuU6ozOBDPpsTSVB2STV6cKpaovoEiv44/s320/IMG_9120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy Christmas Cupcaking!</div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-31454921320897097752011-12-17T20:08:00.000+00:002011-12-17T20:08:32.061+00:00Cupcake Shop Review - 27th November 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Again, a month has slipped by without any blog posts. I've been so busy this last year I barely find the time to sit down and relax let alone update my blog. One of my new year's resolutions will be to write blog posts more regularly. <br />
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Anyway, last month it was my birthday and I'd been wanting to visit some cupcake shops in London for a while so this was the perfect opportunity. It's only 20 minutes from St Albans to London so it's not far!<br />
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My sister and I visited Lola's Cupcakes in Selfridges and Cox, Cookies and Cake. There are so many cupcake shops on my 'to visit' list but my little feet can only take so much walking around so we just did the 2 this time! <br />
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First up, 'Cox, Cookies and Cake' in Soho. I'd heard lots about CCC so was eager to go and see what it was like. CCC was set up by Patrick Cox, fashion designer and Eric Lanlard, reknowned pastry chef so I had high hopes. Unfortunately these high hopes were short lived as when I sampled them at home I was less than impressed. <br />
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But before I go into details, first let's see the shop and see what they had to offer. Now, the shop looks fab. It's really stylish and very 'Soho' - you can tell it was started up by a fashion designer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NbZxhkayrBEhOZEuudGXRZAhqecDXYxBfXKqxhnFe3_xlcnPFbFRAtl3V5m-FZtrylcq8Y3B-WtzXLw31IB2GkCqnPW8G6bQMMMOXbp2ID2ogMmYPzP8gAsHBBaTxAotahY8Tr0-qwU/s1600/SAM_1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NbZxhkayrBEhOZEuudGXRZAhqecDXYxBfXKqxhnFe3_xlcnPFbFRAtl3V5m-FZtrylcq8Y3B-WtzXLw31IB2GkCqnPW8G6bQMMMOXbp2ID2ogMmYPzP8gAsHBBaTxAotahY8Tr0-qwU/s320/SAM_1146.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cupcakes look reasonably good and again look 'fashionable.' However, they are extremely overpriced. These ones below are £4.00 each. Now, I can understand maybe paying that for the 'boobs' and as someone who knows how much work goes into cupcakes, I don't usually complain about price. But the price HAS to reflect the quality. The decorations were all ready made and none of them had any ingredients that were that expensive to buy. So the main reason you pay £4.00 for these is the name and unfortunately, it doesn't reflect the quality you would expect.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyMSYrFvLFA_BsjaGqaAj4j9rxJtah7piYpGbPQVQBjAFkGuWxMh_0wXLarI4eYI-Zy_RZ6sRFTo4qjSjGUQdQR9SKSxZOJHoZIwT6I0rpbKZ4kQKSMUKeiNQJRd0dNBk2gzWfT1GE40/s1600/SAM_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyMSYrFvLFA_BsjaGqaAj4j9rxJtah7piYpGbPQVQBjAFkGuWxMh_0wXLarI4eYI-Zy_RZ6sRFTo4qjSjGUQdQR9SKSxZOJHoZIwT6I0rpbKZ4kQKSMUKeiNQJRd0dNBk2gzWfT1GE40/s320/SAM_1145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I got the cakes home, unfortunately they had been squished on the tubes (won't be going to London near Christmas time any time soon!!) but that shouldn't affect the taste too much! There was hardly any cake in the cupcakes. The red velvet cupcakes were half pinkish half vanilla. And the cupcakes were dry. If there's two things that bug me about cupcakes being done wrong it's a) dry and b) no cake. Literally the cases weren't even full of cake. </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luckily, Lola's made up for these. I didn't get any photos in Selfridges as it was absolutely heaving, but it's a cute little counter with a few tables in the food court and it's right next to Ella's Bakehouse which has cupcakes, pastries and cookies for sale (they looked amazing. I regret not buying anything from them!) I went with a selection of minis but in hindsight I should've gone with my own choice as most of them were just vanilla with different coloured icing. They were nice but my favourite was the one I bought separately which was a banana cupcake. It had a divine cream cheese frosting and a really light, moist cake. I would definitely go back to Lola's but I think next time I would go for the ones in the counter instead of the ready boxed ones as I think they would've been fresher. Here's me with my box of Lola's cupcakes looking rather tired at St Pancras Station.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOFXD0vE45V1IpgVUFkBC-M7zutn2iVlKolgC-3l1zVMBJomy0d5_OKxDKoLNotU9Jz0a0bLqVcSRE3XPAYS8T9srE7RzzmCzzv4fr8K9fC51kjl09ajoWqdHNfz4XsiydQxqeSgJSIM/s1600/SAM_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOFXD0vE45V1IpgVUFkBC-M7zutn2iVlKolgC-3l1zVMBJomy0d5_OKxDKoLNotU9Jz0a0bLqVcSRE3XPAYS8T9srE7RzzmCzzv4fr8K9fC51kjl09ajoWqdHNfz4XsiydQxqeSgJSIM/s320/SAM_1153.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next time...Happy Cupcaking!</div></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-82979896321558484742011-11-13T21:45:00.000+00:002011-11-13T21:45:16.797+00:00Wedding Fairs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello all,<br />
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Hope you're having a good month so far. October was incredibly busy for me, I had the food festival, lots of wedding orders and lots of new customers. It was my busiest month yet which is fab but also means I didn't get a lot of time off! But not complaining, loved every minute of it!<br />
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I had my first large wedding fair on 29th October at Sopwell House, St Albans, then last week I was in the town hall for Wedding Wonderland and today I was at Knebworth Barns Wedding Fair. It's been lovely to meet so many brides and grooms to be as well as meeting lots of other wedding suppliers. It's really nice to meet other people in similar businesses. <br />
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So I thought I'd share a few photos of the wedding fairs I've done. And I look forward to doing more next year! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp0QLf5Z7C1RIqlR-LA77jI7NqH2OaH8QDNWpr5IFQwOFc4qE57OBC5KoaLf2ggf463USUZr7urEOA1b0iaPNpAF15aLJHFzTTLaoIiosi9G0RmoAunAfqgf_IrWYVdDI84Tu90hqAEY/s1600/IMG_6825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp0QLf5Z7C1RIqlR-LA77jI7NqH2OaH8QDNWpr5IFQwOFc4qE57OBC5KoaLf2ggf463USUZr7urEOA1b0iaPNpAF15aLJHFzTTLaoIiosi9G0RmoAunAfqgf_IrWYVdDI84Tu90hqAEY/s320/IMG_6825.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h4Fe0aZ1puQrYQ3B7ryDadhqhG8fRHuMHpIjlGtN-EBg0anineetL4MFPcRWWGExYLuTKkeG-MtIT4aERy6dnj5PzGFlG0RB6T1_a9kfkJSkjIHxDy6mgmuVWV1yCq2UH8JXgBdUCsg/s1600/IMG_6832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h4Fe0aZ1puQrYQ3B7ryDadhqhG8fRHuMHpIjlGtN-EBg0anineetL4MFPcRWWGExYLuTKkeG-MtIT4aERy6dnj5PzGFlG0RB6T1_a9kfkJSkjIHxDy6mgmuVWV1yCq2UH8JXgBdUCsg/s320/IMG_6832.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Until next time, happy cupcaking!</div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-48210260499301581612011-10-17T21:32:00.000+01:002011-10-17T21:32:25.582+01:00Wedding at the Oldest Pub in Britain - Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This was a lovely, homely wedding and the cupcake tower fit in very well on the bar as the centrepiece for the evening reception. A selection of Devil's Food, Carrot and Red Velvet cupcakes with little heart sprinkles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xb5VpdJFZ41rDqf6DFTFolJ-Co8CkXVsexgqg0TS3M9S4LnrJHcBcuxI37-x9pMgR1qCRwP56v0ZGki_6PW-TxYiiHV3fa27tVDQVRK1vWUajJqIxANQp7SeMLyoXcZoFogWOVKN0kk/s1600/IMG_6326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xb5VpdJFZ41rDqf6DFTFolJ-Co8CkXVsexgqg0TS3M9S4LnrJHcBcuxI37-x9pMgR1qCRwP56v0ZGki_6PW-TxYiiHV3fa27tVDQVRK1vWUajJqIxANQp7SeMLyoXcZoFogWOVKN0kk/s320/IMG_6326.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b5gLaJZpTA_6PnycNNmz83mkQIlZAVc9Rh5hJvw9S-RxRo4mD0KvdUkSynA7qKRgmqxCC91z6SYZnRHMA0pPEE-b5TAm8Vhr5Sj8EZkqT1GBcF5XMyL72xCfn6kmcDZ59b06tRhIiZc/s1600/IMG_6330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b5gLaJZpTA_6PnycNNmz83mkQIlZAVc9Rh5hJvw9S-RxRo4mD0KvdUkSynA7qKRgmqxCC91z6SYZnRHMA0pPEE-b5TAm8Vhr5Sj8EZkqT1GBcF5XMyL72xCfn6kmcDZ59b06tRhIiZc/s320/IMG_6330.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZHKgdbP8k1R91Wpp-Vx4riux2CzauDI0erDwM9Rsj0l1vHDSgTbTi3yGkUwhkZTYNIpxSTXgmobjABd5o6dIKqBS-T31fOkCq-AbUbNcqGU5YBa9IZ3bq5TS2DRUZeVpCB_wPiPbXEU/s1600/IMG_6331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZHKgdbP8k1R91Wpp-Vx4riux2CzauDI0erDwM9Rsj0l1vHDSgTbTi3yGkUwhkZTYNIpxSTXgmobjABd5o6dIKqBS-T31fOkCq-AbUbNcqGU5YBa9IZ3bq5TS2DRUZeVpCB_wPiPbXEU/s320/IMG_6331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-51504100117194844232011-10-12T13:24:00.001+01:002011-10-12T13:25:13.797+01:00Highly Commended :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Just a quick post to say thank you to everyone who voted for me for the Local Gem Award in the St Albans Food and Drink Awards. I didn't win, but I cam second and got 'Highly Commended' which is lovely. After all, it would be greedy to win 2 years in a row. Congratulations to Johnny from The Pudding Stop who won and to all the other worthy winners and nominees in the Festival.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-q4fZgJGuFGaT5QWbRaRtmnesalzNYqewPhw0DxPDsghJXgFmoXBQ0TgO_UPhE8WMt5mZpweLGZQYWDst1t8Cgwl0vmkGqLc5-cEuEqwl8ofxHb4g03Tsj6A32GFwU4Xzonwoh-UGEo/s1600/Highly+commended.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-q4fZgJGuFGaT5QWbRaRtmnesalzNYqewPhw0DxPDsghJXgFmoXBQ0TgO_UPhE8WMt5mZpweLGZQYWDst1t8Cgwl0vmkGqLc5-cEuEqwl8ofxHb4g03Tsj6A32GFwU4Xzonwoh-UGEo/s320/Highly+commended.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a lovely time at the Food Festival Finale this year - another great event. Sold out of cupcakes and only had a few cake pops left which I gave to my wonderful stall helpers so worked out very well. It's always nice when you sell out as it makes all the hard work worth while and it was really nice to see so many new faces at the festival. Making people smile is the best thing about my job!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcw6kvnyB21Gts2TLuOCNEhvcoGy1DAHNMMgbn-aK6wkNqeZzwzetpvJxQuvXETdeyHU1NIEcpSE2txhYiBtGkKQ_yRzHFp7CUtdebh4U-cLA-2KrQBtk190iUkAFmLoL1MgwhKFN4B8/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcw6kvnyB21Gts2TLuOCNEhvcoGy1DAHNMMgbn-aK6wkNqeZzwzetpvJxQuvXETdeyHU1NIEcpSE2txhYiBtGkKQ_yRzHFp7CUtdebh4U-cLA-2KrQBtk190iUkAFmLoL1MgwhKFN4B8/s320/Me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Me in front of my stall with a cupcake St Albans Flag and little St Albans Crests. Plus my new Best of British range and Halloween cupcake stand.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for coming and see you next year!</div></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-55421063980486059422011-09-19T21:16:00.000+01:002011-09-19T21:16:05.267+01:00So Much More Than 'Just' Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As I have been nominated for the Local Gem Award in the St Albans Food Festival this year (please vote here: <a href="http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/food_festival/vote.aspx">http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/food_festival/vote.aspx</a> ) I thought I would take the opportunity to blog a bit about why I think you should vote for me. <br />
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I covered briefly about why in my previous post but I thought I'd talk a little about why I am unique and not just another cupcake company. With cupcake companies popping up all over the place now I always try to be different. I started my company up because I have a true passion for baking and decorating. And this isn't just contained to baking cupcakes. However it is with cupcakes that I specialise because they are so versatile and they are anything but boring fairy cakes. They can be anything you like. A couple of weeks a go I trialed a new flavour based on the famous Key Lime Pie and it was extremely well received!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzgsDTTwxcPCOHazghWELXDUOxBIHtFVbbbvKxNdDfpPMERXWEENargxVs3gxrsnWkfoRb81q23H3gvICZcx_7fL7V3YJBySUkevvBymPuPKGzDOh0J2uAwqMxFt1DFyh05eYCSHiwzc/s1600/key+lime+piecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzgsDTTwxcPCOHazghWELXDUOxBIHtFVbbbvKxNdDfpPMERXWEENargxVs3gxrsnWkfoRb81q23H3gvICZcx_7fL7V3YJBySUkevvBymPuPKGzDOh0J2uAwqMxFt1DFyh05eYCSHiwzc/s320/key+lime+piecake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anyway enough of the cupcakes! Onto the OTHER products I do. Yes, I'm not JUST a cupcake company. (Is that enough capitals for you?) Every market I always have other cakey bakey products on sale. At my previous market I had yummy chocolate brownies and delicious mini banana bread loaves. I also make customised celebration cakes, a few of which you can see below:<br />
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As well as celebration cakes, I also do tea time cakes such as mini cakes, macarons, layer cakes and guglhupfs. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course there are my cake pops and push cups.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcCm2zDd8ycx9yHENGx3WkFS6zITqL2gw33FmVyMEB2i0qxxvkqk0twkB47pcsecPNlF7ArlvFBYG6r95Qk6RzL2T22tsxFlV_PbHjOAQD3Ci4S4kmdD_qBxYvjZSkkvuTKLamObuHDU/s1600/IMG_2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcCm2zDd8ycx9yHENGx3WkFS6zITqL2gw33FmVyMEB2i0qxxvkqk0twkB47pcsecPNlF7ArlvFBYG6r95Qk6RzL2T22tsxFlV_PbHjOAQD3Ci4S4kmdD_qBxYvjZSkkvuTKLamObuHDU/s320/IMG_2082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So as you can see, I am so much more than just cupcakes! And keep watching as I'm always experimenting with new flavours and products.<br />
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Vote Heaven is a Cupcake for Local Gem! <a href="http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/food_festival/vote.aspx">http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/food_festival/vote.aspx</a></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-86987067214188566382011-09-17T22:09:00.001+01:002011-09-17T22:10:25.787+01:00Please take 2 minutes to vote for me!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28u7oMevISGvFvEZ71QjsgO98Xx8hQd05HTs0D-Qw4R1w0sI_eM2PPH_LSatDK7h9TjeydaRsGVsrs2po_w7FQ8vDXkVWsc73p4i9-6Pa6r2DFyVTqnnzmx5pnuXUGiHdAt2l-ZbgAn8/s1600/Shortlisted%252520Gem%2525202011%252520copy%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28u7oMevISGvFvEZ71QjsgO98Xx8hQd05HTs0D-Qw4R1w0sI_eM2PPH_LSatDK7h9TjeydaRsGVsrs2po_w7FQ8vDXkVWsc73p4i9-6Pa6r2DFyVTqnnzmx5pnuXUGiHdAt2l-ZbgAn8/s400/Shortlisted%252520Gem%2525202011%252520copy%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now if you can't see from the photo ;) - I have been nominated for the Local Gem Award in the St Albans Food Festival Awards. I would really appreciate it if you could take 2 minutes to vote for me. All you need to do is go here: <a href="http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/food_festival/vote.aspx">http://www.allaboutstalbans.net/food_festival/vote.aspx</a> Fill out the form, get the code and finally click on 'Heaven is a Cupcake' under Local Gem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's why you should vote for me... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heaven is a Cupcake has been established in St Albans for almost 18 months and I have a very loyal customer base which is constantly growing. This is not only because I produce excellent tasting, beautifully crafted cupcakes and cakes but because I pride myself in going the extra mile for my customers. I will always do my best to accomodate orders and make sure my customers are wowed by my products. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I work very hard to achieve this and I hope that my website, facebook and blog emphasises this. I find myself working very late nights but I do it all so that I can give YOU the best cupcakes and products possible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am very pleased to say that I always try to be original as possible and this is reflected through my stream of new products (most recently, the Push Cups, the BFC (Big Friendly Cupcake - a Mini Giant!) and mini loaves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like to stay in contact with my customers and feel through my blog & social networking I am really able to get to know them and I hope, you can get to know me. So please, take the time to vote for me and if you also feel I deserve it, please feel free to nominate for the Kate D'Arcy Award for Outstanding Customer Service. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy cupcaking </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xx</div></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348677583047082704.post-79817428865204526352011-08-28T12:18:00.000+01:002011-08-28T12:18:19.492+01:00Top Tips: Cupcake Innovation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With more and more cupcake & cake companies emerging every day it is important to make sure you keep innovating and don't find yourself seeking more than inspiration from other cakers. One of the things I pride myself in, and which I hope comes across from not just my blogging but my social networking and products themselves, is my cupcake innovation. By this, I mean that I am always seeking to put out products and flavours that are unique and have my own 'Heaven is a Cupcake' stamp on them. There is nothing wrong with seeking inspiration from others and in fact I encourage other bakers to network and chat with eachother - I have met many great cakers through my blog, twitter and facebook but it is important not to copy them exactly as this can harm your business and well, nobody wants to be the same as everyone else!<br />
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For example, my 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' cupcakes have quickly become my signature cupcake and are very popular amongst by facebook followers & customers. I am, of course, not the only person to do rainbow cake but I've not seen many cake companies themselves doing the same kind of cupcakes and the rainbow icing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6df0orK991UtmIDNIjcpRM7c3CuRUr24PFaAyp2xTBp1YASJ3xxj9S4kSAD5KUNzk6DybDY4uFhuTt7y7xdnQLt45FJdD3K_7z7qF4XBZP4gNbtPZKBZ03uR6H3_fXWLN47VTVnQQG0/s1600/somewhere+over+the+rainbow+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6df0orK991UtmIDNIjcpRM7c3CuRUr24PFaAyp2xTBp1YASJ3xxj9S4kSAD5KUNzk6DybDY4uFhuTt7y7xdnQLt45FJdD3K_7z7qF4XBZP4gNbtPZKBZ03uR6H3_fXWLN47VTVnQQG0/s320/somewhere+over+the+rainbow+watermark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div closure_uid_fvnj6="234">It's good to do the 'classic' flavours, as I call them, such as Vanilla, Chocolate, Lemon etc. but it's also good to develop your own recipes and flavours. My Apple Strudel cupcake was inspired my Oma who hailed from a tiny village in Southern Austria where home baking was an important part of everyday life. She passed away in March but I am pleased that her heritage and memory lives on through me and that she was able to taste (and put her stamp of approval!) on my apple strudel cupcakes. </div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="234"><br />
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</div>Another of my original recipes which I developed through my love of milkshakes are the Cupshake range - so far banana, strawberry and chocolate milkshake flavours. My strawberry cupshake recently won the 'Strawberry Tea Recipe Competition' on <a href="http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/">http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqfoj6x1OEWHhyphenhyphenUhb26QhL7Onp9_OvfzTfCwVv9Xn2S3YQQeUZtpdVfQFxCPOukrIRLpd3E9nGOsDUsuEgIWQSSOxxcEEXBfKJA6nzv9Rv3fvdVFb_tnSxa3x1kSXMokMLUDnPDF8B5w/s1600/IMG_1622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqfoj6x1OEWHhyphenhyphenUhb26QhL7Onp9_OvfzTfCwVv9Xn2S3YQQeUZtpdVfQFxCPOukrIRLpd3E9nGOsDUsuEgIWQSSOxxcEEXBfKJA6nzv9Rv3fvdVFb_tnSxa3x1kSXMokMLUDnPDF8B5w/s320/IMG_1622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div closure_uid_fvnj6="256">As well as keep my recipes original, I like to make sure that I am always producing new designs and bespoke cupcakes - unique and delicious, that's my motto! A year a go I started making floral cupcakes and had seen some beautiful cupcake bouquets in pots but I wanted to do something a bit different, so took my inspiration from flower bouquets themselves. This led to my popular cupcake bouquet baskets... </div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="256"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe322ISwa7rCHRnCTYh5xk2R378kDhMFcfF-qwsGmPLS-a9ANiEjTiYZlGVEFiSqKwTQT6CsOUAFi8YbEpBfdTTitzJVe83TqZEv9EesMMF-burrSRs7xWz_hYGK0QI58pPGPLVb8w54/s1600/IMG_0507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRe322ISwa7rCHRnCTYh5xk2R378kDhMFcfF-qwsGmPLS-a9ANiEjTiYZlGVEFiSqKwTQT6CsOUAFi8YbEpBfdTTitzJVe83TqZEv9EesMMF-burrSRs7xWz_hYGK0QI58pPGPLVb8w54/s200/IMG_0507.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuHGdRdVaEqP6z8T_Eq6X1jpAu9aYtosvLiKctTEMV_Kky01Lt3ybwinnMYrabfwvuQvMuPTcAt-FOSB-F6rbY7lJ7-C1k4Z7HvHyutsYXk096oj-A0ZqD3vwLdlGSswgt85fw70ALac/s1600/IMG_0517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuHGdRdVaEqP6z8T_Eq6X1jpAu9aYtosvLiKctTEMV_Kky01Lt3ybwinnMYrabfwvuQvMuPTcAt-FOSB-F6rbY7lJ7-C1k4Z7HvHyutsYXk096oj-A0ZqD3vwLdlGSswgt85fw70ALac/s200/IMG_0517.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oQTRdSZJtv1t9eU4XAJqxJAHrXMVM1m7qz-0k7hRh_2hmZ8ySlW2YWEkVTLj_4j8Bj85OkDbDh3OJNH-a_IuGK6xVLGWX6KYQBo8WOL-zV3ZFzxBMuK4eCFjqBX6JZxb_UO1zOwNn-c/s1600/IMG_0878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oQTRdSZJtv1t9eU4XAJqxJAHrXMVM1m7qz-0k7hRh_2hmZ8ySlW2YWEkVTLj_4j8Bj85OkDbDh3OJNH-a_IuGK6xVLGWX6KYQBo8WOL-zV3ZFzxBMuK4eCFjqBX6JZxb_UO1zOwNn-c/s200/IMG_0878.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have since seen other companies doing these so it must mean that they are good ;) But I am pleased to say that I hadn't seen anyone doing them before hand. </div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>New products</u></strong></div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As well as continually produce unique flavours and designs for my cupcake, I am constantly expanding and improving my product range. You can NEVER stop improving and learning new techniques, anyone that says otherwise is either very naive or lying!</div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another of my products influenced by my Austrian heritage are these mini Gugelhupfs... </div><div closure_uid_fvnj6="561" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQvqp6_W-EPemEQAPNpeV9xN-CIdcqBvkfu29zCH7tMLd4cUz7mkc43Eo_Uxgp1_kTZyuCcwSSkwE4ElpZ9WtR7fNpw3VyZruuygpYZkd-StTwGe5Wk50EYeHzvU4XqV-1Uuv9upc8LA/s1600/IMG_0724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQvqp6_W-EPemEQAPNpeV9xN-CIdcqBvkfu29zCH7tMLd4cUz7mkc43Eo_Uxgp1_kTZyuCcwSSkwE4ElpZ9WtR7fNpw3VyZruuygpYZkd-StTwGe5Wk50EYeHzvU4XqV-1Uuv9upc8LA/s320/IMG_0724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And I have LOTS of other ideas so stay tuned and finally, don't be one of those cupcake companies who is the same as everyone else - keep innovating and keep being you. <br />
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</div></div>Heaven is a Cupcakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17192440820960319390noreply@blogger.com6