And The Winner Is...

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to name my cupcake business. It just doesn't feel official without a name. I'm still debating between a couple names, but I wanted to reveal the winner of the free 2 dozen cupcakes. Thanks again for everyone's input! I feel very supported.

To prove to you that I did this fair and square I provided some pictures...

 Coco was waiting in anticipation!

CONGRATS KENZ!!! I'll be contacting you soon to discuss cupcake flavors :)

Be on the lookout for my facebook page and don't forget to order some cupcakes for Valentine's Day.

J.

First Official Delivery

I delivered my very first cupcake order this evening!

What better way to celebrate new life than with tasty cupcakes. Our good friends just welcomed a sweet little boy into the world and we dropped off some cupcakes for a friend (thanks again, Crystal). 

I made vanilla chai cupcakes with almond frosting and, of course, packaged the cupcakes with love.

Congratulations to Tyson & Sarah on their new baby boy!

5. Record Collection

No matter how fancy the ipod, or expensive the speakers, the sound of needle touching vinyl cannot be beat. Some of my best childhood memories go back to when my dad would throw on a James Taylor record and we would clean the house from top to bottom. (Sometimes, he would even let me press the button that made the record spin faster so James would sound like a chipmunk.) 

When I got a record player last year for my 20th birthday I almost wanted to cry. Not because I was now going to be officially hip and trendy, but because my dad was passing on a tradition to me that I plan on sharing with my children. Since then I have been slowly adding records to my collection (they can be so expensive!) and stealing records for my dad's collection (thanks, dad). 

This year I want to document it. Christmas ended the year with two very special records for Truman and I. Technically, they were both Christmas presents to Trums, but since the record player is in my room at the moment, I consider them gifts to me as well. We received the greatest hits record by the legendary Neil Young (angels practically sang when he opened that baby) and the newest album from the Avett Brothers. Somehow it's a lot easier to clean my room when I have a little help from these men...

J.

4. Buy Camera

I am so excited for this resolution to begin (I know, I'm way behind on my resolutions). Since I'm starting my own wedding blog and cupcake business, it's crucial that I take decent photos to look somewhat professional. My old digital camera from 2007 is just not cutting it anymore.

I have to confess that I know NOTHING about photography. I have a strong love and appreciation for great photography, but I have no idea what it takes to make it great. It will be a learning experience for sure... I'm overwhelmed by all of the different camera styles to choose from. I don't know what all the numbers on the camera mean or what lens works best with what camera. I have decided one thing so far--I'm getting a Canon. Next step, go to Best Buy and ask for help...

I've been saving since my birthday and I'm ready to make a purchase. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I can't wait to get started!

**On a side note, I have two orders for my Valentine's Day cupcakes already! If you're interested let me know**

Valentine's Day Special

Martha Stewart Cupcakes

Cupcakes have been weighing heavy on my mind lately. I have been coming up with all of these ideas/strategies to get my cupcake business rolling. Thanks to my good friend, I already have my first customer!

Anyway, it hit me that Valentine's Day is coming up soon (HUGE holiday for sweets) and I think this would be a great opportunity to get my name out there. I started to contemplate how I would go about it so people would give me a chance. Here's what I came up with...

Everyone loves to get a Valentine's Day surprise from loved ones, right? I especially love it when it's something tasty. So, I am going to deliver cupcakes in Grand Island for FREE on Valentine's Day. This year, the holiday is on a Monday so I'm thinking everyone will need a little pick-me-up to get the week going...cupcakes are the perfect thing! Since I'm a beginner, I'm not charging much for orders in hopes that people give me a chance and spread the word about my business. 

The prices are as follows:

(these are for standard-size cupcakes)

6 cupcakes: $9.00

12 cupcakes (a dozen): $14.00

24 cupcakes: $24.00 

Here are a few ideas to think about:

1. If you need to bring sweets to your child's classroom

OR

2. If you're a teacher and want to bring sweets to your students

3. You can send them to your loved one at work

4. You can send them to your loved one at home

5. Be the office hero and bring some to share with co-workers!

Flavor options:

1. Vanilla Chai with Almond Frosting

2. Peanut-Butter Chocolate

3. White Chocolate/Raspberry

4. Strawberry with Strawberry Frosting

5. Cappuccino 

6. Toasted Coconut

7. Almond Joy

8. Red Velvet

9. Caramel

**I can also do the classic Vanilla & Chocolate for those picky eaters out there :)

As of now I am taking orders! Email me at: jordy583@hotmail.com with orders or questions.

3. Meat

 

I have a love-hate relationship with meat.  I couldn't live without it (because I'm so dang picky) but I HATE having to make it myself. I was raised in a home where we had meat about every night- pork chops, burgers, chicken, and t-bone steaks. You would think I would have no problem tossing a slab of meat on the grill--WRONG.

It's cold, slimy, and messy and every time I attempt a meat-based meal the kitchen is a disaster. Then, once I actually get the meat in the pan I'm worried it won't be done and I end up over-cooking it. Ah!

But. I'm getting married in three, THREE (!) months and Truman loves his meat. I will be doing most of the cooking in our home so it's time I toughen up and start practicing. I REALLY don't want to, but I'm going to. I'm gladly accepting tips & recipes along the way. I'll post pictures of my progress if you promise not to laugh.

In order to motivate myself, I purchased a cute little apron at Anthropologie with matching hot pads. I figured if I'm going to do this I might as well do it in style!

Here I go...

1. Start Cupcake Business

 (Caramel, Caramel)

(Almond, Vanilla Chai) 

I used to be someone who was terrified of baking. Kal did most of the baking at home and I did most of the eating. Things changed this summer thanks to the coffee shop. I talked Jewel into selling cupcakes at the store and they were a huge hit. We had a lot of fun experimenting with flavors and designs. I became so fascinated by the way cupcakes were designed.

In order to save money, I decided that I would make the cupcakes for our wedding (I must be crazy). I started to toy around with the idea of starting my own cupcake business but it sounded ridiculous when I said it out loud. Since cupcakes are a big trend, I thought I could be somewhat successful for Nebraska weddings/events and most importantly I would be cheaper than what professionals charge.

I certainly don't plan on making a living off of this, but I am going to give it a try. It's kind of like the wedding blog--I could fail miserably, but I think I have enough drive to make it work...even if it takes a while. My test run will be my own wedding! That could be great promotion :)

If you have an event/graduation/wedding coming up, consider me! Since I'm a beginner I'll be charging close to nothing.

I'm also in need of some sweet name ideas!

J.