Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats

Name That Cupcake CONTEST: Mom's Night OUT Edition!

2012-02-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

I know how you all LOVE a good contest...and this one is really going to be FUN!

I'm participating in what promises to be another AMAZING LOCAL EVENT hosted by Macaroni Kid Cedar Rapids. The MK Kid Mom's Night Out is scheduled for Saturday, March 3rd from 6:00 to 9:30pm at the Hillside Wesleyan Church in Cedar Rapids.

Your ticket (cost is ONLY $15....purchase HERE) includes a sit-down dinner, performance by comedian Travis Hempstead, door prizes, shopping from over 30 LOCAL VENDORS and much, MUCH more!

I am a TOP SPONSOR of this event! I'll be providing YUMMY desserts for you ALL to enjoy...who doesn't LOVE samples right??? Mini-CUPCAKES & CAKE POPS so you can indulge on YOUR night out...SWEET right?!?!

Oh wait...I mentioned a CONTEST didn't I? ;)

Name That Cupcake Contest: Mom's Night OUT Edition!

The Name That Cupcake Contest is ALWAYS a fun one for me to put-on. I LOVE getting so many amazing flavor suggestions from you all ;) It's a great way for me to find out what YOU want to see on my menu. Usually the hardest part, for me, is selecting a handful of FINALISTS from SO many DELICIOUS suggestions.

For the Mom's Night Out Edition of the Name That Cupcake Contest, things will be a little different...so be sure to read below for ALL the details:

HOW TO PLAY:
1. Submit a Cupcake flavor suggestion on the Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats Facebook Page {HERE}!
-Make sure to look at my MENU before you submit your suggestion to make sure it's not a flavor I already make!
-If you have participated in The Name That Cupcake Contest before, but didn't WIN, feel free to resubmit your previous flavor suggestion; but PLEASE NOTE: this is a NEW contest, I do not have record of entries in past contests!
2. Get your FB friends to "LIKE" your flavor suggestion!
-"LIKES" may help us determine finalists, but are not a definite determination of the final selection.

HOW TO WIN:
1. Finalists will be chosen by Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats & Macaroni Kid Cedar Rapids.
-Again, "LIKES" will be taken into consideration, but they do NOT determine the final selection.
2. BALLOT-STYLE VOTING will take place AT the MK Kid CR Mom's Night Out event on Saturday, March 3rd!
3. If YOUR flavor suggestion is selected as a FINALIST be sure to recruit VOTES & ATTEND this FUN event!

***The FINALISTS' flavor suggestions will be available for TASTING at the Mom's Night OUT event!!!****

THE PRIZE:
The flavor suggestion with the most VOTES will be added to MY menu!
The person that submitted the WINNING flavor will win 1DZ CUPAKES in the newly created flavor!

GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN!!!

I was fortunate enough to connect with Charlotte, our local MK Kid Publisher, early-on. We were both in the early stages of pursuing business paths that were near and dear to our hearts. I love what she is doing for our community, and have appreciated her support of my business more than I can express! I always say how one of my FAVORITE (and most unexpected) rewards that has come out of me starting Sweet Cheeks, has been meeting SO many AMAZING and INSPIRING people...and Char is definitely at the TOP of that list!

~Audrey

Popcorn Cupcakes!

2012-02-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

Well....sort of...these are actually Vanilla Cupcakes topped with MILLIONS (not quite) of tiny MARSHMALLOWS, cut and then hand-painted with food coloring to LOOK like they're covered in POPCORN!

Cute RIGHT?

I made these for a Carnival-themed Birthday Party and was really pleased with how they turned out! I found INSPIRATION at Under the Table & Dreaming by Stephanie Lynn. She gives a step-by-step tutorial if you want to try your hand at these! They are time consuming, but really easy and the effect is SO super cute! I found I didn't even need to cut the marshmallows all the way in half, and some I snipped in fours for a varied look....play around with it...that's the FUN part!

Of course...I HAD to make some coordinating Cake Pops...nothing too fancy...but sometimes SIMPLE & SWEET make a BIG statement too :) I LOVE using paper straws as sticks for the pops...it gives them some added WOW factor...don't ya think?

That's all for now folks!
Peace out ;)
Audrey

Virtual Valentines Party!

2012-02-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

I was invited to participate in a Virtual Valentines Party, hosted by Lindsay Ann, the owner and founder of Dollhouse Bake Shoppe!

If you are one of the MILLIONS of people addicted to watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network....you will probably remember Lindsay as the WINNER of the series premiere. I LOVE watching the show and find SO much inspiration from the bakers...BUT I seriously break out into hives from sympathy-stress for the contestants ;)

I'm bringing my LOVE POTION FLOATS and ROSE CAKE POPS to the party....DRINKS & DESSERTS....that's what it's all about right?!?!?

Love Potion Float Tutorial: HERE!

Rose Cake Pop Tutorial: HERE!

Both of these treats are sure to bring some SWEET festivity to your Valentine's Day table this year ;) If any of you have tried either of these, or are planning to...I'd LOVE to hear from you!

I hope you'll ALL pop on over to the Virtual Valentines Party THIS Sunday to check out the FUN ideas and tutorials! I know I'll need something to do while the rest of my house is glued to Superbowl-vision :)

~Audrey

My Cake Pop Journey...

2012-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

So...unless you've been curled up, nice and cozy style, under a rock somewhere....you've heard of Cake Pops right??? Hopefully, you've even had the chance to taste or make your own.

A mere 4 years ago (TODAY) Bakerella shared her unbelievably sweet and inspiring Cupcake Pops on her blog...and the rest...well...you know ;) She graciously asked her followers to share their Cake Pop experiences on her POST declaring today NATIONAL CAKE POP DAY....and I wanted to share MY Cake Pop journey with all of you.

In 2010 my daughter was born, so that meant we had 2 kiddos under the age of 2 in daycare, and I was looking for a way to make a little extra money. I worked a full-time job, but was hoping I could start doing something I really LOVED and make it profitable...just enough for me to be able to stay home with the kiddos and offset the cost of daycare...I wasn't looking for world domination here ;)

I founded Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats that summer. I started selling baked goods, cookies, cupcakes, pretzel dippers...really anything that I liked to bake was on the menu. It was GREAT because it gave me a real excuse to get in the kitchen and bake my little heart out...my friends and family had been telling me I should for YEARS!

I stumbled upon Bakerella's AMAZING baking blog about one month into my little venture...I was instantly SMITTEN! The Cake Pops seriously STOLE MY HEART! I started simply, making basic pops....even then I doubted that I could tackle the detailed character pops.

I had a friend who relentlessly badgered me into attempting some Elmo Pops for her daughter's birthday party....they turned out SO stinkin' cute! It really was a LIGHTBULB moment for me! Trying to tackle something I thought I couldn't do, and succeeding....I wanted to try SO many more! I realized that that was it...I felt like I had really found my niche!

That fall, I participated in a Cupcake Skewer Contest hosted by Pizzazzerie...for which Bakerella was a judge, and part of the prize package included a SIGNED COPY of her book! I entered....and WON!

See...I look CRAZED...I'm surprised I was allowed to get that close to her - LOL!

Later that year I had some of my Cake Pops selected to be in Bakerella's POP STAR section! This was HUGE for me...to have something I created on HER site, where I continue to find inspiration...well I'll just say...it was kind of BIG DEAL!

After I had been taking orders for a little over a year, my husband and I decided it was time for me to take the plunge and stay home! I felt SO blessed....blessed to have found a way to be home with my kiddos during the day, blessed with the support of AMAZING family and friends, blessed to have met SO many amazing people online and in person through this business....the Cake Pop community is one of the most supportive and generous that you'll find ANYWHERE!

I try to post new Cake Pop creations as I make them...and have even posted a couple of Cake Pop tutorials myself! I've had people ask WHY I posted tutorials...when I make a living SELLING my Cake Pops...why would I want to show other people how? It's one of those things....when you find REAL JOY and PASSION doing what you do....I think it's only natural to want to SHARE that...to put a little bit of it back out into the world....I mean really, what would Bakerella do? LOL! Sidenote...when I'm working through a new pop I ask myself that ALL THE TIME...WWBD...maybe we should get bracelets ;)

TUTORIAL: Apple Pencil Cake Pops!

TUTORIAL: Rose Cake Pops

So here is a round-up of some of the Cake Pops I've made...I hope you enjoy! Thank you ALL for continuing to support this venture....it has been rewarding BEYOND MEASURE!

If you don't follow me on FB please pop over...I post new Cake Pops & Cupcakes there too!!!

classic white cake pops used as wedding favors

~Audrey

It's Peanut Butter Jelly TIME!

2012-01-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to make Peanut Butter Jelly Cupcakes for seriously 5 years now! Why-OH-WHY did it take me SO long? I have NO good reason, but I FINALLY got around to making some this week to take to Brickside Cafe.

Let me introduce you to my PEANUT BUTTER JELLY SURPRISE CUPCAKES!

It's a Peanut Butter Cupcake with Grape Jelly filling....the SURPRISE is the Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting ;) I make Peanut Butter Jelly Surprise Sandwiches for the kiddos sometimes and sneak a little Marshmallow Creme in the middle, so it only made sense to incorporate that into the cupcake.

These are one of my newest FAVES....I think I say that every time I make a new flavor....but in my defense...I MEAN it EVERY time - LOL!

~Audrey

Love Potion FLOATS!

2012-01-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

I have a super CUTE, super EASY and super YUMMY Valentine's Day treat to share with you all!

Let me introduce you to LOVE POTION FLOATS!

I'm SO excited to share this FIZZY DELICIOUSNESS with you all....and even MORE excited that they're also being FEATURED over at one of my absolute FAVORITE party inspiration sites, PIZZAZZERIE!

I've been making LOVE POTION FLOATS with the kiddos for the past few years and they're always a BIG hit. You can easily change them up using different flavors of ice cream or sherbet, and by changing the type of soda you pour on....the options are seriously ENDLESS!

Here is what you'll need to make our FAVORITE version:

LOVE POTION FLOATS

Ingredients and Supplies:
Raspberry Sherbet
Raspberry Ginger Ale
Whipped Cream Topping
Sprinkles
Serving Glasses
Ice Cream Scoop
Straws
Stickers or other embellishments

Directions:
First, add enough scoops of Raspberry Sherbet to fill each of your serving glasses almost to the top.

Next, pour the Raspberry Ginger Ale over the Sherbet until the bubbles reach the top of the glass. Be careful not to overfill the cup or they'll bubble right over!

Put a big SWIRL of whipped topping on the Ginger Ale-Sherbet mixture and add FESTIVE sprinkles to the top.

Finally, I like to add stickers or other fun printable embellisments to the paper straws before serving...to give them that EXTRA cute factor!

These are absolutely PERFECT for Valentine's Day treats...and SO yummy, you'll be making them ALL the time!

Enjoy ;)
Audrey

VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIALS!

2012-01-19T18:47:00.001-08:00

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIALS!

Taking PRE-ORDERS NOW through February 10^th!

Contact Audrey at sweetcheeks at southslope dot net or call 319.241.8647

All Valentine’s Day orders will be available for PICK-UP on either the 13^th or 14^th!

Specify which date you prefer when you place your order.

CUPID’S CUPCAKE & CAKE POP COLLECTIONS

Give your Sweetie Pie an AMAZING Sampler of YUMMY Cupcakes and/or Cake Pops that Cupid HIMSELF would be THRILLED to receive!

THE CUPCAKE COLLECTION

$12 per 6PK

Each 6PK will include the following Cupcake flavors:

SURE THING CUPCAKES – Pink Champagne Cupcake stuffed with a Fresh Strawberry Marscapone Filling, topped with Champagne Buttercream Frosting and finished with a Strawberry Slice.

CHOCOLATE ERUPTION CUPCAKES – Rich, Dark Chocolate Cake, topped with decadent Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, Chocolate Sprinkles and finished with a Chocolate KISS.

RED VELVET CUPCAKES – Scrumptious Red Velvet Cake, topped with silky Cream Cheese Frosting and finished with a JUMBO HEART sprinkle.

THE CAKE POP COLLECTION

$15 per DZ

Each DZ will include the following Cake Pop Flavors*:

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY – Strawberry Cake Balls dipped in Chocolate, sticked and sprinkled

STRAWBERRIES & CRÈME – Strawberry Cake Balls dipped in White Almond Bark, sticked and sprinkled

RED VELVET – Red Velvet Cake Balls dipped in Chocolate, sticked and sprinkled

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE – Chocolate Cake Ball dipped in Chocolate, sticked and sprinkled

*exact flavor combinations can be substituted without notice

MINI Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes!

2012-01-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

The concept of an Ice Cream Cone Cupcake isn't anything new....we've been making the regular size version in my family for YEARS. They're always a FAVE for birthdays and SO super cute!

I made these little CUTIES for the kiddos last weekend ;)

Same basic idea...just a MINI version, in the TINY ice cream cones...the CUTENESS factor seriously goes THROUGH THE ROOF!

Here's a SECRET...I TOTALLY cheated and didn't even BAKE the cupcakes into the cones. To make room for the YUMMY marscapone filling in my SURE THING Cupcakes, I had to scoop out the centers. SO, I took the container of scooped out cake crumbles and just SMOOSHED some into each cone...then topped with Buttercream Frosting, sprinkles and a cherry candy on top!

They were a BIG hit for being so little - LOL! The kids LOVED them and they weren't nearly as messy as giving them each a full size cupcake ;)

Enjoy!

Audrey

"SURE THING" Cupcakes!

2012-01-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

SO....I'm FINALLY getting back into the kitchen after my hand surgery! Thanks again for being patient with me while I recovered...and for all the well wishes...you ALL are really TOO sweet ;)

I had the chance to work on a NEW flavor last weekend! In honor of my Mom's 50th Birthday, we hosted a small dinner party and I wanted to make her something extra special. One of the flavor suggestions for the NAME THAT CUPCAKE CONTEST was the basis of my inspiration....Strawberries and Champage in Cupcake form...YES please!

I'm calling these my SURE THING CUPCAKES! Prepare for your eyes to ROLL clear back in your head....I started with a Pink Champagne Cupcake, added a fresh Strawberry Marscapone filling, topped with Champagne Buttercream Frosting, sugar sprinkles and finished with a fresh strawberry slice!

Absorb THAT!

Let me just say right now....YES...they ARE THAT GOOD! The name inspiration came from Pretty Woman...strawberries & champagne...LOL...it just stuck in my head ;)

Here's a MONEY SHOT of the Strawberry Marscapone Filling....HOLY WOW!

I'll definitely be adding these to the menu...and look for them to be included in my VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIALS (posting SOON!)

In other news....the WINNER of the NAME THAT CUPCAKE CONTEST was announced last weekend too! The winning flavor....which will DEBUT this month as the first flavor in the next round of the Cupcake of the Month Club is....MALTED MILK BALL CUPCAKES!

I want to send a BIG THANK YOU out to everyone that participated by submitting flavor suggestions, voting and spreading the word...the response was AMAZING and I got SO many GREAT ideas. Expect to be seeing SEVERAL of these flavors on my menu in the future.

If you want to join contact me NOW before enrollment closes! The first batch of cupcakes will be ready at the end of THIS month!

Finally....just cause they're pretty...here's a picture I snapped of some of the flowers I had out at my Mama's party...enjoy!

~Audrey

NAME THAT CUPCAKE CONTEST!

2012-01-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

The FINALISTS for the 2012 NAME THAT CUPCAKE CONTEST have been announced!

There were SO many AMAZING flavors submitted...it was UNBELIEVABLY HARD to narrow it down to even 16 finalists (an odd number, I know...but I seriously could have gone to 25!)

Pop on over to my FB PAGE to cast your VOTE for the YUMMIEST flavor suggestion.

The finalist with the most votes

WINS a FREE 6 MONTH MEMBERSHIP

to the Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats

CUPCAKE OF THE MONTH CLUB!

Voting is open for 1 WEEK!

Elf on the Shelf!

2011-12-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you ALL for the well wishes! My hand has been healing from surgery....which has meant NO baking for the past couple of weeks. Let me tell you...it's been TOUGH! The consolation...I've been having TONS of fun with our House Elves...they've provided QUITE the distraction!

I'm sure most of you have heard of The Elf on the Shelf by now! This FUN family tradition is seriously SWEEPING the nation ;) We've had a few House Elves that have watched over our family for several years now. PIXIE, TRIXIE and FRITZ have been making LOTS of MISCHIEF this holiday season....they even invited a NEW elf...MACK...to come live with us this year ;)

Here are some of the SHENANIGANS they've gotten themselves into so far!

One day while we were out, the Elves surprised us by making a BIG batch of Reindeer Food and packaging it into cute jars so we could give it as gifts to friends and family!

I found out about this Elf Magic from Living Locurto! We left a bowl out on the counter overnight with 1 Cup of powdered sugar. The next morning we saw that the Elves had added MAGIC SPRINKLES to the sugar! The next morning the sugar and sprinkles turned into a cookie for us to give to SANTA on Christmas Eve!

Here are the Elves with the MAGIC COOKIE that we'll be leaving out for SANTA on Christmas Eve!

Mack had fun adding some FLAIR to our family photos ;)

The Elves wrapped our Christmas Tree in toilet paper a few different times this holiday season ;)

One day they surprised us by making paper SNOWFLAKES and decorating their favorite cupboard with them!

Mack has his Bags-of-Tricks all packed and ready to go tomorrow night when Santa comes to deliver toys! He made mini suitcases out of vintage jewelry boxes....just his size!

We're really going to miss our Elves when they leave with Santa tomorrow night to head back to the North Pole! We've had a TON of fun finding them every morning and seeing what NEW fun they have gotten into ;)

Wishing you the BEST this Holiday Season!!!
Audrey

Hey there strangers....

2011-12-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

Well, as per usual I've let time get away from me...but I've missed you all and I wanted to play a little catch-up so you didn't think I fell off the face of the EARTH! November seriously FLEW and the way this month is going....Christmas will have come and gone before I finish typing this post - LOL ;) As a SIDENOTE: if you want to keep-up with me on a more consistent basis, follow my Facebook page! I post there frequently...maybe even a little TOO frequently ;)

The Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting were well-received by my Cupcake of the Month Clubbers....speaking of which....I'm ENROLLING NEW MEMBERS NOW!!! The 2012 CCMC starts up in January, toward the end of the month. Those of you still finishing up your holiday shopping (I count myself among you)...a CCMC membership is the EPITOME of the gift that keeps on giving! Six months of deliciousness....you'll be more popular than Santa if you're gifting cupcakes lemme tell ya! For full details visit my Cupcake page HERE!

Hot Cocoa Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting

I also wanted to THANK all of you that stopped by to see me at Westdale Mall for the Cedar Rapids Macaroni Kids' Family Fun Day and Xmas Expo!!! I was SO super pumped for this event...and it was an even BIGGER BLAST than I could have hoped for! Charlotte did an AMAZING job putting it together....Breakfast with Santa, a Bouncy House, Stocking Stuffer Hunt, Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale...and TONS of LOCAL vendors! I LOVE having a chance to meet some of you in person! My sister helped run my booth and together we sold over 200 Cake Pops and nearly 300 cupcakes!!! Wahoo...it was a FUN day ;)

I do have some not-so-fun news....many of you already know this because you've contacted me for Holiday goodies....but I won't be able to fill any orders from December 16th through mid-January. I'm having surgery on my hand this week and will be officially BANNED FROM THE KITCHEN while I recover! It's a major bummer...I honestly can't remember a Christmas that wasn't spent baking my little heart out. It's such a HUGE part of the season for me....I'll have to go into overdrive after I've recovered to make-up ;)

Finally...as a little parting gift...check out these Super Mario Toadstool Cake Pops! I made them last week for a birthday party and LOVE how they turned out. I'm inspired to try my hand at more Mario characters now...you know....after I have 2 fully-functioning hands that is- LOL!

Sweet Potato Cupcakes!

2011-11-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving right around the corner....we already celebrated once this year...I was trying to think of some FUN FALL cupcake flavors for The Cupcake of the Month Club.

Last November, I went with a Pumpkin Spice Cupcake...which is one of my personal FAVES! Since I do a new flavor every month I've been trying to think outside of the box, while still making flavors the majority of people will LOVE! This is one of my favorite parts about baking....having the initial spark of an idea...and then turning it into something DELICIOUS! It's about the adventure of getting there...right!?!?

So think Thanksgiving dinner...what are some of your favorite dishes? My mind went straight to Sweet Potato Pie and Sweet Potato Crunch!

The end result...Sweet Potato Cupcakes, topped with a fluffy Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting and finished with a sprinkling of Brown Sugar Candied Pecans. Everyone in my household has DEVOURED them! The sweet potato flavor is subtle but SO-SO yummy!

I never realized what a LOVE-'em or HATE-'em food sweet potatoes are until I posted this flavor idea on my FB page! LOL! I honestly think that these are a MUST-TRY for anyone who enjoys sweet potatoes ;) For the rest of you....avoid them like the plague!

Enjoy!
~Audrey

2011 Merry NOT Scary Costume Party

2011-10-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

How perfect is this! We got the pictures back from our 2011 Merry NOT Scary Costume Party JUST in time for me to post them for HALLOWEEN!

All party photos by KV Photography!

This was the second year in what will now be an ANNUAL event...as long as the kids are interested in partying anyways ;) You can see pictures from the 2010 party HERE! I had TONS of fun planning, as always. It was even MORE exciting this year because my son, who is now 3 and a half, had opinions on what we should do and he was SO pumped for the party! His most consistent request was to have a MONSTER PARTY...so that was what we set out to accomplish ;)

The planning started with some ADORABLY SPOOKY invitations I found from Kreations by Kristie. I fell IN-LOVE with the monster characters and immediately saw them as Cake Pops ;) I posted a sneak peek of the MONSTER POPS that were inspired by the invitations HERE!

We had the invitation customized for our event.
You can view the original version in Kreations by Kristie's Etsy shop HERE!

Frankie, Dracula and Mummy are Marshmallow Pops. Wolfie is a Cake Pop ;)

I also requested some coordinating party printables, including cupcake & cake pop toppers, labels, large signs, a pennant banner and some FUN games! She was SO great to work with and I LOVE how everything turned out. I printed the smaller items on cardstock and had the larger signs & games printed on vinyl.

I had more IDEAS than TIME for the treats on the dessert table this year ;) The Monster Cake and Marshmallow Pops were a BIG HIT and I was SO SUPER happy with how they turned out.

The EYEBALL Cake Ball Topiary definitely made a SPOOKY statement! I took a large piece of cone-shaped styrofoam, hot-glued it into an urn and covered it with Cake Balls I had hand painted and decorated to look like eyeballs...about 80 total (and that only covered the front of the piece)! I used toothpicks to dip the Cake Balls, and to hold them in-place on the topiary. I plan on posting a full tutorial for this process next month!

I also made two new variations of FINGER FOODS, using my basic OGRE TOE tutorial ;) This year I made some that were dipped in green, with white "toenails" and called them "FRANKIE FINGERS" and some that were dipped all in white, with white "toenails" and called that version "MUMMY KNUCKLES!" It's fun to find new ways to present some of our favorite treats...it keeps it FUN!

Either way...they were all GOBBLED UP! LOL!

Other Dessert Table goodies included some yummy Black Magic Cupcakes, Popcorn Balls, and Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops.

Hayrack rides have become a staple activity at the last few parties we've had ;) My son LOVES his Great-Grandpa Mickey's tractors and it's ALWAYS one of the HIGHLIGHTS of the day for him. Luckily we didn't have any rain this year so everyone that wanted a ride was able to go on one!

We also did a PUMPKIN PATCH HUNT again this year. After the kiddos collected all the little pumpkins they emptied the contents into their Trick-or-Treat bags or buckets, and I rounded-up the empties to use again...NEXT YEAR! I had a bucket of extra treats and prizes and let each guest pick three things out of the bucket after they turned their empties back in....that way everybody was sure to get something!

One example of why my husband says I'm destined to be on Hoarders someday....these are the "extra" buckets I had stashed away, just in-case a hunter forgot their Trick-or-Treat bag ;)

If we were giving costume awards this ADORABLE little Goldfish would have had my vote!
The scales are made out of CUPCAKE WRAPPERS!!! Too stinkin' cute!

Even Scoobs made an appearance ;)

One of my FAVORITE printables from Kreations by Kristie was this PIN THE BOLT ON FRANKENSTEIN game! I had it printed on 2x3 ft vinyl, so it would be weatherproof and so we could use it OVER-AND-OVER! We printed the bolt graphics onto cardstock, cut them all out (actually this was my sister's job - LOL!) and then put a glue dot on the back of each one...SUPER EASY and SUPER FUN!

Kristie also created the Mummy Wrap Race game sign...unfortunately that was one activity that we had to cancel :( It was just TOO blustery and chilly to keep the kids outside. My plan was to have 3-5 Dads volunteer to be Mummies. Each "Mummy" would have 4-5 kids armed with white crepe paper, when the race started the kids were going to wrap the Mummies and then they had to race down and back. Honestly...I think the Dad "volunteers" weren't too upset that they escaped this one - LOL! But there's ALWAYS NEXT YEAR!

My SUPER talented friend, Kara, of KV Photography was along for the ride again this year! She did costume shots of the kiddos in their costumes and captured the rest of the party details. I LOVE that I can actually ENJOY the party and not have to worry about trying to get pictures of everything. Kara does an AMAZING job!

My BIG BAD Wolf!

His Sister, Little Red Riding Hood ;)

Isn't this the CUTEST Little Piggy you've EVER seen!?!?

The kids had a GREAT time and we sent them all home on a SWEET sugar high - LOL - we couldn't have asked for anything more!

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!

~Audrey

Dessert Table Treats & Styling: Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats!
Printables: Kreations by Kristie
Photography: KV Photography
Spooky Paper Lantern Tutorial: from A Bit of Sunshine via Eighteen 25

Merry NOT Scary 2011: Sneak Peek!

2011-10-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

We're having our 2nd Annual Merry Not Scary Costume Party for the Little Monsters tomorrow! I've been busy-BUSY in the kitchen...but I HAD to take a SUPER quick break to share some FUN with you ALL!

I fell IN-LOVE with this invitation from Kreations by Kristie! I think the reason I loved it SO much was because I could just SEE these guys as Pops! Marshmallow Pops to be exact!

We had the invitation customized for our event.
You can view the original version in Kreations by Kristie's Etsy shop HERE!

So...MEET THE CREW!!! My Frankie, Dracula, Wolfie and Mummy Pops! These little cuties will be front and center tomorrow afternoon at our party. I CANNOT WAIT for the kiddos to see them...I have a feeling they're gonna be a BIG hit!

Frankie, Dracula and Mummy are Marshmallow Pops. Wolfie is a Cake Pop ;)

I'll post FULL party details and photos by KV Photography as SOON as I have them ;)

If you liked the invitation...we ordered a BUNCH of SUPER fun coordinating printables...

so there is MUCH more to come!

~Audrey

Halloween SPECIALS!

2011-10-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Halloween Specials

Presented by

Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats!!!

Taking PRE-ORDERS…NOW through OCTOBER 22^ND!

To order contact Audrey via email at {sweetcheeks at southslope dot net} or by calling 319.241.8647!

Orders will be available for PICK-UP on October 27^th, 28^th and 29^th.

Just let me know which day works for you ;)

BLACK MAGIC CUPCAKES

6PKs available for $10 or 1DZ for $18

Rich Devil’s Food Cupcake topped with Blackberry Buttercream Frosting

THE SPOOKY SAMPLER*

$30 EACH

6 – Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls

6 – Standard Cake Pops, Chocolate

6 – Witch Finger Cookies

6 – Mallow Pops, Frankensteins!

3 – Chewy Gooey Popcorn Balls

THE SUPER SPOOKY SAMPLER*

$50 EACH

1 DZ – Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls

1 DZ – Standard Cake Pops, Chocolate

1 DZ – Witch Finger Cookies

6 – Mallow Pops, Frankensteins!

6 – Chewy Gooey Popcorn Balls

*Specific sampler contents can be changed and/or adjusted without warning, as needed. The value of the box will remain the same.

Back by POPULAR DEMAND and available on a LIMITED BASIS!

OGRE Toes: revisited!

2011-10-10T05:18:00.000-07:00

I thought now was the perfect time of year to share my OGRE TOE tutorial again! These treats were a BIG hit around here last year. BONUS: they're SO super easy to make! I'm going to make them for our annual Merry NOT Scary Costume Party for the Little Monsters this weekend.

I thought this year I'd use white midgees for the "toenails" and call them Frankie Fingers ;) A fun little twist on a treat that is ALREADY a family FAVE! (UPDATE: I did make some Frankie Fingers...and some dipped all in white with white "nails"...Mummy Knuckles!" LOL...super FUN & CREEPY!)

Here's the original tutorial for your Halloween Treat enjoyment!

Ogre Toes!

Supplies:
Circus Peanuts
Green Candy Melts or White Almond Bark tinted with candy coloring (The Wilton Spooky Green Candy Melts are out NOW for Halloween. You can find them at Michael's and even Walmart!)
Candy Fruit Chews, assorted colors

Toothpicks

First you'll want to get whatever candy coating you're using melted to a good consistency for dipping. I have a candy melter that works great for these kind of projects.

Next, to make the Circus Peanuts a little more toe-like, flatten them by pressing down on each one with the bottom of a glass until they are nice and SMOOSHED. (UPDATE: this year, I put several Circus Peanuts in between sheets of wax paper and then smooshed them with the glass...it worked like a charm!)

Repeat this step with all of the Circus Peanuts you plan to use.

Then I used kitchen shears to cut the fruit chews into small pieces.

After all of the pieces have been cut, use something to press them into "toenail" shapes. I used a metal measuring spoon to flatten each piece. (UPDATE: This year I used the wax paper method with the "toenails" too, and used the glass to flatten...MUCH quicker!)

Using a toothpick inserted in one end of the Circus Peanut, dip the entire "toe" into the melted candy coated until it is evenly covered.

Remove the "toe" from the candy coating and gently tap on the edge of your bowl to remove any excess candy melt.

Place each dipped Circus Peanut on to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to set. Top each one with a pressed piece of fruit chew.

Last step to really put them into over-the-top-creepy-cool status...use a toothpick to draw "knuckle" lines onto each of your Ogre Toes!

I'd love to hear from you if you plan on using these for your Halloween gathering!
Happy Treat Making!
~Audrey

Feelin' OWLY!

2011-10-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have a list about a MILE LONG of Cake Pops that I want to try. It just seems that I always have more IDEAS than TIME though. So, unless I have an order or special request for a new pop, it can take me awhile to get around to the ones I want to try.

That's why I was SO super excited to get an order for some OWL Cake Pops! I originally saw some in Bakerella's Cake Pops book, and have seen several variations by other FABULOUS poppers online. I LOVE the Cake Pop Community....I find SO much inspiration from my fellow Cake Pop enthusiasts!

So...any-WHO....this is my take on Owl Cake Pops!

The pops were inspired by this ADORABLE invitation designed by Tori Wild, owner of Wild Photography by Tori. Tori designed the invites for her daughter Gabby's Birthday Party and contacted me for treats! I absolutely ADORE the colors she used...and the owl was just TOO cute...not to mention her sweet Gabby!

Finally...I have a little question for you all...my FOLLOWERS! ;)

I love sharing my pop photos with you all...but what do you think about more tutorials? Once you have the basic pop technique down, you can create SO many different designs with slight modifications. Do you all WANT to see the step-by-step instructions...or maybe just a listing of specific ingredients/decorations used?

I WANT to give you what you WANT! LOL! Just thought it was worth asking ;)

Happy Baking!

Audrey

Ahhhh...Fall weddings....

2011-09-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

I LOVE that Fall has become such a popular time of year for weddings. Nothing beats a sunny, crisp, Fall day to celebrate and be surrounded by those you love ;)

I had TWO wedding deliveries today. I was lame and forgot my camera at my first drop off...so I'll just have to tell you about it - LOL! I made about 10 cakes-worth of Cake Balls and Pops....Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Caramel Butter Pecan, Oreo Crush, Caramel Apple and, my personal FAVORITE, Pumpkin Spice! I was rollin' and dippin' for the better part of a week working on this order...they turned out GREAT! Hopefully the bride will share photos when she gets them...the reception hall looked AMAZING!

My second delivery of the day included yummy gourmet cupcakes and a small wedding cake for the bridal party. Let me say here...since I get asked A LOT...I don't really DO wedding cakes....I don't consider myself a cake decorator by any means. That being said, a few brides I've met with have really been diggin' on the cake I made for my daughter's 1st Birthday party (you can see the full party post HERE). So...I agreed to give it another GO, and recreate it on a limited basis ;)

This is the thing...cakes STRESS ME OUT! It's one thing to try a fun cake for your family and friends...but for paying customers...well that's another story - LOL! Cake decorating is truly an ART FORM. I would love to have some formal training...but at this point based on my already limited time...I'll stick to online tutorials and tips from fellow bakers (like the one here from i am baker, which was the original inspiration for Harper's Birthday Cake).

Anyways...long story LONG...here are a few pictures of today's yummies...I wish I had taken a picture of the entire dessert table when I DID have my camera...but for some reason I always focus on getting close-ups of the deliciousness ;)

~Audrey

Monkey Business

2011-09-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

I know this may shock some of you...but I REALLY did think that becoming a stay-at-home-mommy would give me a little more time in the day for my baking adventures. I don't work on orders when the kids are up and at-it, but I thought that I'd manage to crank out a lot out during naptime...at least.

Feel free to laugh in my general direction...I deserve it.

I've just been SO incredibly busy lately, the good kind of busy....busy playing with the kids, chasing them around, making meals and snacks and going on adventures. I've also had an INSANE baking roster that seems to fill up every spare minute of time....when the kids are napping or in bed for the night. For this I am obviously BEYOND GRATEFUL!

It seriously bums me out (and STRESSES me out) that I haven't been posting regularly. I hope you all will stick with me and stay tuned. At this point, it's going to be scattered at best. It seems as soon as I finish an order I'm packing it up and sending it out the door....no time to photograph, document and post about it! People ask me constantly where I find time to do everything...well...I don't. If we compared the list of things I DON'Tget done next to the list of things I DO...well, let's just say I wouldn't be winning any awards here people!

So that's my disclaimer...and I don't want to have to start every future post with a guilt-ridden apology about why I haven't been posting...so consider this my lame blanket statement - LOL!

The REAL reason for this post...today I'm sharing my most recent Cake Pop creation! They'll be heading out of state for a baby shower this weekend and I was determined to get pictures...so BEHOLD...my take on SOCK MONKEY CAKE POPS!

Now I've got to get back to business!
Happy Baking everyone!
~Audrey

Movin' & A-Shakin'

2011-08-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

When I started Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats last year, I had no way of knowing what to expect. I truly didn't know if I'd even have enough orders to keep me busy. Either way, I thought it would at least give me an excuse to get in the kitchen more often, to try recipes and techniques I'd been wanting to for a long time! This venture has become SO much more than that!

The absolute BIGGEST (and BEST) surprise for me has been meeting SO many amazing people! Through my blog, my FB page, through referrals, emails...you name it...the support and following I have never ceases to AMAZE me! I appreciate EACH ONE OF YOU!

I know that not everyone wants to order cupcakes 1 dozen at a time ;) I have a couple of things in-the-works that I'm hoping will give those of you who have followed my baking online a chance to sample some of my deliciousness!

So here's what I've got cookin!

Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers' Market: 9/3

I'll have a Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats booth set-up at the Cedar Rapids Downtown District's Farmers' Market THIS Saturday, September 3rd! My booth (#68) is very close to the corner of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue.

I plan on offering individual Cupcakes and Cake Pops...flavors to-be-decided! But I will reveal one flavor: FRENCH TOAST CUPCAKES! The newest flavor in my cupcake line-up will be making a GRAND DEBUT at the Farmer's Market this weekend! I developed this recipe with the Market in-mind. I wanted something fun and breakfasty since the early birds arrive to shop at 7:30am! Personally, it's one of my new FAVORITE flavors...but you'll have to try one for yourself and be the judge ;)

I'll also have a SPECIAL OFFER available to any patrons at the Farmers' Market: BUY 5 CUPCAKES, GET 1 FREE!

French Toast Cupcakes!
A Cinnamony-Sugary Cake baked with Pure Maple Syrup,
topped with a Cinnamon Maple Buttercream Frosting.

Brickside Cafe: Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats' CUPCAKES ARRIVING 9/6!

I recently had my home kitchen inspected as part of the application process for a Home Food License. My application WAS APPROVED! Which means...I can now sell my goodies to other businesses!

I will start delivering YUMMY Sweet Cheeks Cupcakes to Brickside Cafe in Hiawatha on Tuesday, September 6th!

Brickside Cafe is located at 1705 Boyson Road in Hiawatha, IA.

I am SO unbelievably excited about this venture! As of right now, I'll be bringing in an assortment of flavors in every other day!

So stop in, have some of their BEYOND AMAZING brick oven pizza...and then for dessert...well you know :)

That's ALL for now!
I look forward to MEETING those of you that stop by at the Farmers' Market this weekend!
~Audrey

Saturday Night Sugar High #5

2011-08-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween is right around the corner...HONESTLY! I feel like I'm already behind...I don't have the kids' costumes picked out, I haven't done any detail work on our Merry NOT Scary Costume Party, THE CLOCK IS TICKING!

I was looking back through some of my treats from LAST Halloween for inspiration...always a good place to start right?

So here's a little ROUND-UP of some Halloween goodies courtesy of yours truly ;)

Witch Hat Cupcake Skewers! I entered and WON the Cupcake Skewer Contest hosted by Pizzazzerie last Fall!

Caramel Apple Cupcake Skewers! This was my 2nd entry in the Cupcake Skewer Contest...let me tell you, these things are SO tasty!!!

Ogre Toes! These are made using Circus Peanuts ;)
Here's a TUTORIAL if you're so inclined!

Witch Finger Cookies! I've been making these for YEARS and they're always a BIG hit!
We like to serve them with some whipped topping sprinkled with cinnamon for dipping ;)

Frankenstein Pops! Dipped & decorated Marshmallows, super cute and FUN!

Frankenstien S'mores!

Ogre Eyes! Decorated Cake Balls ;)

Black Magic Cupcakes! These were a FAVORITE of the Cupcake of the Month Club Members last year.
Devil's Food Cupcake topped with Blackberry Buttercream Frosting...YUMMY!

Monster Cake Pops! From our Merry Not Scary Costume Party.
Photo by KV Photography.

Pumpkin Roll! This is a picture of my 1st attempt making any kind of cake roll!
I was immediately hooked and made several different flavor combinations last Fall...
but Pumpkin was always my FAVE!

Enjoy!
~Audrey

Saturday Night Sugar High #4

2011-08-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

This week I was ON-THE-HUNT for new ways to use up the brown and spotty bananas we always end-up with toward the end of the week!

I have a few GO-TO banana-based recipes that I use on a regular basis. Number 1 on the list is Grandma Deanna's Banana Bread....simple & sweet! I LOVE letting the kids' help me with this one because it's one of the FIRST recipes I remember baking when I was a youngster ;)

Another Family-favorite around here is Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding! It's AMAZING served hot, when the chocolate is all melty-schmelty right out of the oven...and it's just as delicious served cold the next day!

Recipe photo from Allrecipes.com http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-banana-bread-pudding/detail.aspx

Here are a few new ones I found that we'll be giving a go!

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies
from This Chick Cooks...ummm...YES please!

Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Bites
from Tidy Mom...I know my kidlets will go NUTS over these...plus it's the perfect recipe that they can help with!

Banana Split Cupcakes
from Bakers Royale...these have been on my MUST-BAKE list for awhile now...it's only a matter of time people!

Banana Boats
from Lick My Spoon....we've made these for YEARS! They are SO flippin' good...perfect for camp-outs or even just as dessert on Grill Night!

Peanut Butter Banana Sushi
from Domestic Charm...another FUN one for the kiddos!

Enjoy!
~Audrey

Our Library: Raingutter Bookshelves!

2011-08-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Obviously this isn't a treat-related post...but it's still SUPER SWEET! I received SO many comments and inquiries in response to the picture I posted of our kiddos' library on my FB page, that I felt I really should dedicate a full post to the subject ;)

We finished our basement this past spring and resolved to make a big part of the open area a playroom. I've been dreaming of reclaiming my livingroom for about 3 years now...so I was BEYOND excited when the space was finally finished!

I wanted to have a fun way to organize the kids' toys and make it extra special for them too! One of the first things to accomplish was figuring out a fun way to display their books. I'm a bit of a book fiend and buy them ALL the time...we've also had library-growing parties (where all the guests bring a gift-book) for each of the kiddos' 1st Birthday Parties...so needless to say, we have books coming out the WAZOO here ;)

I really loved the idea of shelving that allows the covers of the books to be visible. The idea is, if the kids see the covers they're more likely to pick one (or 10) off the shelf and take a look. So that's how I happened upon the Raingutter Bookshelves in the first place! There is a GREAT (as-in super informative and easy to follow) tutorial over at Raising Olives! That's what we used for our library wall reference.

I did have to spend a little time convincing my hubby that raingutters mounted to our wall would look nice...and not "hillbilly" as he kept implying....and that he should just trust my vision...in the end even he came around...which was good since he had to do the actual "work" involved ;)

Once the shelves were installed we finished the look with a custom vinyl wall quote from It's Written on the Wall! It TOTALLY took our library into over-the-top-cute territory. BONUS: the quote we used has been added to their Etsy shop so, if you're so inclined, you can snag one yourself!

Check out the post It's Written on the Wall devoted to Raingutter Bookshelves for more inspiration photos!

I'm IN-LOVE with this one from Home Stories A2Z! I already had plans to add some more of these shelves to the kids' bedrooms and now I know exactly how I want to proceed!

fun...if any of you attempt these and want to post your photos on my Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats FB page please DO! I'd love to see what you all come up with ;)

Hello LADIES!

2011-08-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well....let's see...where to start! I'm trying to get back on schedule with my posts...but it's going to be a work-in-progress round these parts for awhile ;)

I'm settling into life as an Official (with a capital O) Stay-at-home-MOM! Wahoo! I've been busy-busy getting into the NEW swing of things with the kiddos. I have to say, I think I'm working harder now than EVER before! These kids are really making me earn my keep - LOL! Every day offers something new and exciting, challenging, hilarious...we're really covering all the bases here.

Of course, I've been just as busy baking up a storm. I'm now working some of my baking orders in during naptime and it's been GREAT because I can always use MORE time in a day!

So, here are a few yummy treats I've worked on over the past few weeks....I realize I'm terribly behind on posting photos...and really...that's what you're all here for right?!?!

First up...say HELLO to these Little Ladies! I had a really FUN order for a Ladybug themed 1st Birthday Party...cute right? I hadn't made Ladybug Cake Pops before, but they were on my list ;)

I made these Jungle Animal Cake Pops last month for a Baby Shower. I LOVE the color scheme they were working with: grey, orange and green! So SUPER cute!

Finally...the Cupcake of the Month Club members were treated to Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes in July! Let me just go on-record as saying these cupcakes are now in my TOP 5! I could seriously SWIM in this frosting....I was already thinking that with some slight adjustments these would be AMAZING as Mimosa Cupcakes too! So-SO good!

I want to thank all of YOU for your amazing support over the past year! Growing Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats to a point that made it possible for me to be at home with my kiddos truly wouldn't have been possible without my AMAZING family, friends, customers, followers...every, single one of you!

That's all for now...I think we're caught up ;)

Happy Baking everyone!

~Audrey

P.S. I'm planning on getting back on-track with my Saturday Night Sugar Rush post next week...LOL! So stay tuned!

Back to School: Apple Pencil Cake Pops!

2011-08-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Many of you are getting ready to send the kiddos back-to-school in the next couple of weeks. Which also means you're probably searching for fun teacher gifts and treats to get your little ones in the mood for school!

So....I thought it would be the PERFECT time for me to re-post my Apple Pencil Cake Pop Tutorial! These are SO cute, and were SO well received when I made them last spring for my daughter's Vintage Schoolhouse 1st Birthday Party. Have fun!

If you want a great tutorial on how to make the Apple Cake Pops I'll defer to the Queen of Cake Pops herself, Bakerella!

She also has a tutorial for those of you that have never attempted Cake Pops and need the basics...I'm not reinventing the wheel here...and she's so thorough you definitely need to go to her site if you plan on poppin' in the future ;)

There are TONS of FREE Back-to-School Printables available in Blogland....many of them are perfect for dressing up your pops!

Pencil Pops!

Here's what you'll need for the Pencil Pops:
Prepared Cake Balls, formed into apple shapes
Red Candy Melts
Pencils
Plastic Pencil Pop Tips (I got mine from Sweet Baking Supply)

Happy Poppin!

Audrey

Saturday Night Sugar High #3

2011-07-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

This past week was CRAZY busy...actually the past couple of weeks really...as evidenced by a Saturday Night Sugar High post going up on Sunday morning ;) I've been busily wrapping things up at work and filling orders at night after the kiddos are in bed. I just haven't had much time to photograph anything that's been coming out of the kitchen lately. I'm lucky there are SO many other FABULOUS and TALENTED baking bloggers out there so I can still share some serious eye-candy with you all ;)

We had a Bar-themed Treat Day at work this week, so I did my fair share of sampling and searching for recipes. Here are some recipes I found particularly inspiring...they're all on my To-Bake List, which for some reason keeps getting longer and longer!

First-up...I barely have words...but I think the name of these UBER-AMAZING-LOOKING bars should sum it up...
Ultimate Chococlate Chip Cookie n' Oreo Fudge Brownie Bars by Kevin & Amanda.
Um...YES....PLEASE!

Next up, Scotcharoos are one of my all-time FAVORITE Bars. So easy and simple, but SO delicious. You really can't go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Bars by Nicole of The Galley Gourmet take the classic Scotcharoo to an entirely new level! Holy WOW these things look & sound amazing!

These Perfect Lemon Bars by Baking Bites would be PERFECT for any summery get-together. They really DO look perfect, delicious...AMAZING!

You all know how I feel about anything S'Mores related....so of course these S'Mores Candy Bars by Not So Humble Pie are right up my alley. They sound SUPER delish and SUPER easy...my favorite combination ;)

I had a chance to sample some Cake Batter Blondies this week at work (a friend was kind enough to make some in my honor)...and let me just say...they DID NOT disappoint! Pop on over to Two Twenty One for the recipe and more mouth-watering pictures! Another SUPER easy recipe...and think of all different variations you could make just by swtiching up the cake mix you use!

We always have an over-ripe banana or two (or 6 by the end of the week)...so these Double Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars by Eat, Live, Run would be the perfect (and healthy) way to put them to use!

Another friend at work makes the most AMAZING Salted Nut Roll Bars! I've harassed her into making them several times over the past 4 years...they're THAT good ;) This version, by The Kitchen Tutor looks equally delicious...take 'em to your next Potluck and you'll be SO popular - LOL!

I'm going to have to stop here....because seriously...I could go on for DAYS!

Happy Baking!
Audrey

Saturday Night Sugar High #2

2011-07-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

So...I'm a little behind on my posting this week! I've just been SO busy behind the scenes, baking my life away ;)

Of course, I still managed to find some time to stalk some EXTREME YUMMINESS! Here's a peak at some of the amazingness that was trippin' my trigger...can you tell it was over 100 degrees here in Iowa for most of the week? I was drawn all sorts of frozen deliciousness! That's a lot of "ness" going on, I know...but let's get started!

Love this print by Two for Joy Paper via etsy! Totally tuned into my mood this week ;)

At the start of summer I got some fun popsicle molds for the kids and we've had SO much fun finding new variations. So these Cocktail Popsicles: Cantaloupe and Kiwi Daiquiri by Bakers Royale are right up my alley! This is just one of MANY popsicle creations posted there...totally inspiring on a hot-hot day.

Next up, Veggie Wedgie posted a recipe for these uber-delish looking Vegan White Chocolate Coated Chocolate Pudding Pops. I have yet to try a full-on Vegan recipe...this might just be the one to try ;)

Cute as a Fox Creations posted pictures of the most ADORABLE Lemonade Stand full of fun ideas and inspiration. I am IN-LOVE with these Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Cones...so cute and easy, my favorite combination ;)

These Ice Cream Cupcakes were posted by Kristan of Confessions of a Cookbook Queen via Living Locurto. Let me just say...ADORABLE!!! As-in out of control cute!

How about an Ice Cream Parlor Party?!?!? YES PLEASE! I love everything about this adorable Cherry On Top Birthday Party by the fabulous Suzanna of Mon Tresor...AMAZING!

Last...some of my very own Ice Cream Cone Cake Balls...these little cuties always bring a smile to my face!

That's all for now...keep cool!

~Audrey

Saturday Night Sugar High #1

2011-07-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

Introducing Saturday Night Sugar High!

I'm starting something new...a weekly post to share some of the AMAZING eye-candy I've encountered in blog-land during the week. I was thinking I should probably have something tangible to show for the time I spend online drooling over other people's fabulous creations!

First, I had some Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes to tackle this weekend and went searching for inspiration. I found these adorable Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes in a jar by Glorious Treats! For the recipe pop on over to Cookies and Cups!

Next up, Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes via Landee See, Landee Do! I just love it when two SUPER foods unite to create an UBER-SUPER food...you really can't go wrong with a Pie-Cupcake union right!?!? These are definitely at the top of my MUST-BAKE list! She even includes a FREE printable recipe card...go get it ;)

Since we're on the subject of pie...how about Tidy Mom's LEMONADE PIE!?! YES please! I am making this one tomorrow...5 ingredients, takes about 5 minutes to put together...right up my alley ;) This is going to be the perfect summer dessert for a super steamy day! Can't wait!

I've been a bit S'Mores obsessed lately...I've made more batches of S'Mores Dip in the past few weeks than I'm willing to admit. So this S'Mores Popcorn from Nest of Posies is just the ticket.

Last, another cupcake...apparently I just gravitate towards cupcakes ;) This one is PERFECT for all of my fellow Harry Potter fans...I went to see the new movie TODAY! I was a ball of nerves and cried numerous times...but I'm a bit of a cry-baby and I don't know that I was emotionally prepared to say farewell to my friends at Hogwarts. Anyways...back to the treats..how about some Butterbeer Cupcakes? Get the recipe over at Cook Like a Champion!

http://www.cooklikeachampionblog.com/2011/07/butterbeer-cupcakes.html

That's all for now ;) Enjoy!
~Audrey

S'Mores DIP!

2011-07-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

So...prepare to be AMAZED! I have one of the simplest, most delicious recipes EVER...and I'm going to share it with all of YOU! When I say simple....I mean, like 3 ingredients simple...and you really can't beat that ;)

We were having a Dip Day at work a few weeks ago and I thought I'd try to make something with all the Marshmallow Fluff I had laying around. I don't normally stockpile Marshmallow Fluff, but since it was a key frosting ingredient for my Fluffernutter Cupcakes....and it was Cupcake of the Month Club time..I had several containers on-hand!

I thought...HEY! I should make S'mores Dip! Since every cool idea I have is usually already out there in the world, I immediately googled S'mores Dip recipes ;) I found a couple different versions and tweaked them both a bit to come up with this AMAZING DELICIOUSNESS!

We made 2 batches over the 4th...that's when I was originally going to post the recipe...but I got too excited and everyone wanted to dig-in....so I didn't even stop to take pictures...shameful, I know.

S'Mores Dip!

Ingredients
1 - 13 oz jar of Marshmallow Fluff (two of the smaller 7 oz jars will work too)
1 - 14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 1/2 Cup of Milk Chocolate Chips

First, pour the Marshmallow Fluff into whatever container you are going to serve the dip in. Doing this now gives it time to spread out and settle.

See what I mean...actually...if you want to just dig into the Fluff with a spoon and skip the other steps I'd totally understand.

In a separate bowl combine the Chocolate Chips and the Sweetened Condensed Milk. Make sure the bowl is microwave safe!

Mix together until all of the Chocolate Chips are coated. Add the mixture to the microwave for about 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir quickly. You'll end up with a wonderful hot fudge-like mixture.

Pour a little more than half of the fudgey chocolate over the Marshmallow Fluff in your serving dish. You can use more or less...it's totally a preference thing!

Next, I used a spatula to fold the Fluff onto the Fudge so we had chocolate all through the dip. Finally, I swirled the mixture using a skewer.

We like to use the Braided Honey Wheat Pretzel Sticks for dipping...they're perfect because they add some crunch, but aren't overly sweet! Obviously it would be good with Graham Crackers...or Nilla Wafers....or probably even slathered on a piece of tree bark.

Seriously...it's THAT good!

I originally prepared it in a stoneware serving dish so we could warm it up if we wanted....so far no one has allowed me the time to try that step, they dive right in ;)

ENJOY!

Disclaimer...please ignore my polish...clearly I need to have my Shellac removed ;)

Happy Dipping!
Audrey

It's OFFICIAL...I'm a POP STAR!

2011-07-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Last week I got the MOST AMAZING surprise a Cake Popper could ask for...a FEATURE on Bakerella's uber-inspiring baking blog! I'm OFFICIALLY A POP STAR!

For those of you who don't know...because maybe you've been living under a rock or sitting on a stump somewhere in the wilderness...Bakerella is basically the QUEEN of Cake Pops! Finding her website was a life-changing experience for me...whoa right...I know that might sound a little extreme...but it's the TRUTH!

I was instantly smitten with her site...the way she connected to her readers...and of course the CAKE POPS! I had never even heard of a Cake Pop before Bakerella...imagine that!

The thing is, more than anything, reading her blog gave ME the motivation to try my hand at Cake Pops. I immediately became addicted to creating the little balls of joy on a stick....and the rest...well you know ;)

Making the leap and deciding to start selling my goodies...creating Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats as a way to provide people with the deliciousness I had to offer....and creating this blog as a way to connect with clients and fellow creators...it was ALL an extension of that first seed of inspiration I found in Bakerella's blog!

This is me with Miss Bakerella herself at her Chicago book signing last Fall...do I look excited? ;)

I believe in the power of prayer and positive thinking...I've been sending only my best thoughts in her direction the past few months. She's been dealing with some major health issues and even through all of that, she still manages to reach out and inspire those of us who truly adore her and wish that we could in some way return just a bit of the happiness she so generously bestowed upon us!

Here are some of my FAVORITE Cake Pop Creations....I hope they bring a smile to your face! My hope is that in some small way, the baking and creating I'm doing will maybe inspire some of you! Happiness grows the more you share it right?!?! Enjoy...and THANK YOU ALL for following me and inspiring me EVERY DAY!

Fish Cake Pops on Cupcakes!

Ice Cream Cone Cake Balls!

Cookie Monster!

Elmo!

Frankenstein Marshmallow Pops!

Snowman!

Rose Cake Pops!

Hello Kitty

Super Hero Pops!

Apple Cake Pops on Pencils!

Little Fishy Cake Pops!

Elmo & Cookie Monster Pops on Cupcakes!

Little Chick Cake Pops!

Strawberry Lemonade Cake Pops!

Pinwheel Cake Pops!

~Audrey

Dane's Vintage Tractor 3rd Birthday Party!

2011-06-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my son’s 3^rd Birthday we planned a Tractorcade! For those of you who might not be hip to the farmstyle lingo, a Tractorcade is basically a parade of tractors…fun right?!?!

Dane's Great Grandpa Mickey has a collection of fully-restored, vintage farm tractors. Needless to say, our little guy is a bit OBSESSED with them! When I asked him if he would like to have a Tractor Party he literally flipped his lid and said, “Mom…that’s a GREAT idea!”

Tractorcade! Grandpa Mickey's tractors with the Pedal Tractor Dane got for his Birthday!

I just love it when someone (even an easily excitable toddler) gets as pumped as I do about a super cool party theme ;)

The biggest tractor in Grandpa Mickey’s collection is a classic red International, he also has some smaller grey ones too….so that is where the party inspiration really started…I had my color palette! I also wanted to accent with navy and white. A very classic color scheme, perfect for this time of year and for a boy whose birthday falls on Memorial Day Weekend!

Invitations & Printables

I immediately contacted Anders Ruff Custom Designs and got going on the invitations and coordinating printables. They did such an amazing job designing for my daughter’s Vintage Schoolhouse Party! I knew they had just the right aesthetic! I found an invite in their shop that was very similar to what I wanted and asked if they could rework it a bit to go with the tractor theme. Adria added the PERFECT tractor graphic and changed the colors to match our party...LOVE! She also created small party logos and Thank-you tags that coordinated…it is all just TOO cute!

Adria also suggested that I try printing the invites on Watercolor paper to go along with the vintage feel…seriously….BEST SUGGESTION EVER! I absolutely adore how they turned out!!!

Decorations

The TRACTORS definitely stole the show and were the main focal point of our party decor! Grandpa Mickey brought all of them up and parked them throughout our yard. Dane went ballistic when they all started arriving….it was seriously the cutest thing ever! When the last one pulled up he said, “MOM! It’s ALL the tractors of the world!” There were 4…but to him…close enough!

Since I’m a DIY kind-of girl, I had some projects I wanted to tackle for Dane’s party. Even though the colors were essentially Red, White, Blue and Grey…I didn’t want the party to be too 4^th of July….does that make sense? LOL! I found some remnant upholstery fabric that went with the color scheme perfectly!

I used the navy colored fabric to cut a few runners for the various tables….I ALWAYS use Pinking Shears…mostly because I’m lazy and don’t want to hem anything…I also am not at all skilled with a sewing machine, so I’m always looking for ways to avoid using one ;) I layered the runners with landscaping burlap for the table coverings throughout the house…super cheap and super easy!

I really love the look of flag banners and wanted to create another version of them (I made some for Harper’s party too!) I found some really fun patterned burlap that I cut into strips for the tops of some of the banners, for the others I used gossgrain ribbon. After I cut all the fabric into flags (which was a little tedious since I also don’t really like measuring either- LOL), I tried attaching them to the burlap with fabric-glue-tape….it didn’t work at all…so I turned to my other best friend when I’m working with fabric…my HOT GLUE GUN! That’s right…I just glued all the pieces to the top ribbon and….viola….my no-sew banners were done!

Of course, as soon as we had the theme decided, I started rounding up vintage tractor toys at local Antique Shops to use throughout the party. They were the perfect investment because now Dane has his own little collection of toy tractors! BIG hit…HUGE…let me tell ya!

The Dessert Buffet

I kept going back-and-forth up until the night before the party about moving the Dessert Buffet downstairs. We usually do it upstairs on the dining room table, but I always hate how that set-up eliminates so much seating! I decided that we’d switch things up and if it didn’t work I’d at least know for next time ;)

The Desserts were displayed on an antique store bin piece I acquired a month or so ago from Barb at Cross Creek Antiques. My plan is to use this to hold the kids’ ever-growing mound of toys…but for now it’s still empty…so it was the perfect buffet-spot! I also used two of the Barb’s AMAZING Rustic Farm Dessert Stands! These things are seriously cool and went with our vibe perfectly!

For treats, first I made some fun Cupcake Shooters! I’ve had the containers since APRIL, and have been dying to use them! Don’t you just love a fun new dessert craze ;)

We also served homemade Strawberry Shortcake, buffet style. I arranged the shortcakes in these ADORABLE Cupcake Wrappers from Bella Cupcake Couture! They were SO stinkin’ cute…and super fun because you can use them SO many ways!

Then, I HAD to make some Cake Pops…you know…cause that’s what I do! I was up making treats the night before the party and had the brilliant idea to use the sweet mini-pinwheels from Twirlie Whirlies as the sticks for the Cake Pops! Awesome RIGHT?!? I know! They turned out SO super cute!

For Dane’s cake, I had grand ideas…but in the end I went with a simple Dirt Cake...no baking required! I made one for his Birthday last year and he thought it was the COOLEST thing since sliced bread….and since the party was for him I wanted to make something that he would LOVE! We served his cake in a toy tractor replica of one of Grandpa Mickey’s tractors. I also made single servings for all the guests in half-pint jars! This was PERFECT because last year we had GOBS of leftover Dirt Cake….not this year! The extras were already packaged and guests could easily take some home.

The Favors

I was totally inspired by a party I saw over at The Purple Pug to have a Favor Table for the kids! I LOVED this idea…I think it’s SO much more fun and interactive for the kiddos to actually see what they’re getting and pick it out themselves…plus, you know…it’s WAY cuter!

The favors included bubbles that I wrapped with scrapbooking paper, twine and topped with the coordinating party printables from Anders Ruff. We had jump ropes, Tootsie Pops, assorted candy, Bandanas, Paper Fans and Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies (Dane called these his “Tractor Tire Cookies!)

I didn’t want to leave the grown-ups out, so we had a Raffle Drawing for some SUPER COOL giftbags from Eco Glow Candles! These candles are AMAZING! Totally natural, green…and they smell SO-SO good! Each bag had a candle, solid perfume and tin lip-gloss. I have to confess though…I got so caught-up in the party that I FORGOT to draw names until after half the guests were already gone! Terrible I know…but LUCKY for the last people there because they had their pick of the bags and got to get them all out and huff away!

The Fun

After cake, the kiddos all raced outside for TRACTOR RIDES! We attempted this at our Halloween Party last Fall, but got rained out halfway through the first ride. Thankfully the weather was GORGEOUS for Dane’s party so everyone got to take a lap on the Tractor Trailer....again…BIG HIT! Dane has since expressed his wish that we ride that way ALL the time…he mentions it several times a day in fact….so it might be time to trade-in the SUV ;)

Next up were the Sack Races! I found some nylon sacks in patriotic colors that worked perfect with our color scheme! We broke the kiddos into two groups…Big Kids and Little Kids! It was SO cute to watch the little ones try to figure out the hopping thing! Dane WON the Little Kid round…I’m sure it didn’t have anything to do with us letting him practice in the livingroom for two weeks before the party – LOL!

The Birthday Boy

Dane is STILL talking about his Tractor Party….he said it was the “BEST TRACTOR PARTY EVER!”

I love that we were able to create such a special day for our “BIG” Boy! The Birthday Boy was wearing a custom made shirt from Kathleen Rose Designs…TOO cute! She also created a matching pin for his Harper’s dress and a clip for her hair…which she, of course, adamantly refused to wear…little stinker!

The Photography

Kara of KV Photography took ALL of the party pictures! AMAZING as always! It’s so fun for me to see my parties through her eyes!

I should also mention that she attended the party the day after her Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party….so do I even need to explain HOW MUCH we appreciate her….what a TROOPER!

Sources

Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats - Treats and general deliciousness

KV Photography – all party photography, general awesomeness

Anders Ruff Custom Designs - Custom Party Printables

Twirlie Whirlies – Custom Party Pinwheels

Bella Cupcake Couture – Couture Cupcake Wrappers

Eco Glow Candles – Adult Favor Bag Goodies: candles, solid perfume, lip-gloss

Cross Creek Antiques – Rustic Farm Cakestands, vintage red toolbox, blue enamelware pieces

Shop Sweet Lulu – Red & Grey Paper Straws, fringed tissue garland, bamboo sporks

Kathleen Rose Designs – Custom Birthday Shirt

Dane's Tractor Party has been FEATURED on the following FABULOUS sites!!!

Dane's Tractorcade Party!

2011-06-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

So...I have some SUPER exciting news to share with you all...

Dane's Tractorcade Party is being FEATURED
at Hostess with the Mostess!

Photos by KV Photography

I'm a HUGE fan of HWTM and find ENDLESS amounts of party inspiration there!

Pop on over to check out the FEATURE...I'll be adding my own post later this week ;)

VENDOR CREDITS:
– Treats & Sweets: Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats
– Photography: KV Photography
– Custom Party Printables: Anders Ruff Custom Designs
–Custom Party Pinwheels: Twirlie Whirlies
–Couture Cupcake Wrappers: Bella Cupcake Couture
–Adult Favor Bag Goodies: Eco Glow Candles
–Rustic Farm Cakestands, Vintage Red Toolbox, Blue Enamelware Pieces: Cross Creek Antiques
–Red & Grey Paper Straws, Fringed Tissue Garland, & Bamboo Sporks: Shop Sweet Lulu
– Custom Birthday Shirt: Kathleen Rose Designs

Fluffernutter WONDER Cupcakes!

2011-06-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

I thought that this weekend would be the perfect time to take a crack at the June Cupcake of the Month Club flavor...Fluffernutter Wonder Cupcakes! My husband and my Dad are both BIG peanut butter fans, and since we were all getting together to celebrate Father's Day...dessert was decided!

Fluffernutter Wonder Cupcakes!

This flavor was the winning suggestion from my Name That CUPCAKE Contest! YOUR votes decided what flavor I would be making...and let me tell you...you all did a great job! This is one of my absolute FAVORITE flavors TO-DATE! I should also mention that 4 of my best Taste Testers agreed...so I think it's safe to say that the cuppies were a hit ;)

I started with a rich Peanut Butter Cupcake, topped with a small circle of chocolate syrup, covered the syrup with the most amazing (if I do say so myself) Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting and finished with a small piece of homemade Peanut Brittle. I'll give you a minute to let that sink in.....goodness...I'm getting all worked-up just describing them!

It's time for a Close-up....ahhhhh!

Because I make a business out of selling these delectable treats...I don't usually share my recipes...but...I'm going to make a bit of an exception (sort-of!) I'm a big fan of short-cuts and have the best Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe that I HAVE to share with you all! So...if you want to take-a-whack at making your own Fluffernutter Wonders, find a good PB Cuppie recipe, concoct some type of Marshmallowy topping...and then make this SUPER easy and SUPER delish brittle...in about 15 minutes!

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 cup Honey Roasted Peanuts

1 Tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Line a cookie sheet with Parchment or Wax Paper. Mix the sugar, corn syrup and peanuts in a large glass bowl. Microwave on high for 5-6 minutes; mixture will be bubbly and peanuts should be browned. Stir in butter and vanilla; microwave 2-3 minutes more. Remove mixture from microwave, add baking soda. Mix quickly; pour onto lined cookie sheet. Cool completely, break into pieces and ENJOY!

Happy Baking everyone!!!

~Audrey

How do you make Cupcakes EVEN cuter?

2011-06-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce those of you not yet familiar with the concept of CUPCAKE SHOOTERS to these little cuties!

Super Mario Cupcake Shooters!

Ingenious RIGHT?!?!

I first saw the idea for Cupcake Shooters back in March at Love from the Oven. She made the most adorable little Peeps Cupcake Shooters and I was instantly smitten. So...naturally I bought a bulk box of 100 of the little containers...and then sat on them for the next 2 months - LOL!

I finally got around to trying them for Dane's Birthday Party and they were SO stinkin' cute! Seriously. These things are just TOO perfect for parties because they're smaller servings for the kiddos...and they're in a convenient To-Go container so you're not stuck with leftovers!!! Not that I'm saying leftover cupcakes would necessarily be a bad thing...but it's always nice to send some goodies out the door ;)

Because these things are so DARNED CUTE...and because I know how you all LOVE CUTE....I've OFFICIALLY added CUPCAKE SHOOTERS to the Sweet Cheeks Menu! Wahoo! Let the fun begin!

Each Cupcake Shooter consists of two mini cupcakes, frosted, sprinkled and lovingly arranged in Push-pop containers! Just think of all the different ways you could personalize these!!! Trust me...my mind is spinning!

~Audrey

TRACTOR Time!

2011-06-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Many of you know today was my son Dane's 3rd Birthday Party...the theme was Vintage Tractorcade!

I'll share full party details at a later date...because let me tell you...I'm BEAT! To sum up...the party was great...tons of friends and family and WILD kiddos everywhere...Dane had an absolute BLAST!

Photo by KV Photography!

I won't leave you completely in the dark though....I HAVE to share these extra special Cake Pops I made for the party! The idea literally just occurred to me last night (in the wee hours...that's when a lot of my best creating seems to happen ;)

I had some of the most adorable Pinwheels from Twirlie Whirlies for the party...mini-pinwheels...and the sticks just happen to be the same size as Cake Pop sticks...are you seeing a lightbulb here!?!? LOL!

So here they are....Pinwheel Cake Pops!

Pinwheels by Twirlie Whirlies; Cake Pops by Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats!

Super cool rustic Cake Stand available at Cross Creek Antiques!

That's all for now! ;)
~Audrey

When life gives you lemons...

2011-05-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

When life gives you lemons...make lemonade...right?!? That's how the saying goes and I definitely took it to heart last week ;)

The strangest thing happened in the kitchen...I was baking a batch of Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, using my tried-and-true recipe, when about halfway through baking them I could tell something was terribly wrong! The little boogers just were NOT rising...at all...they were like half-cupcakes. I racked my brain and for the life of me could not figure out where I went wrong....and since I didn't want to hurt myself by thinking too much I just moved on with my life and decided to rebake them.

So, I remixed and baked using the SAME recipe I've always used...and whaddya know...they turned out just fine...as fabulous as ever actually! So who knows about that other batch?!?!?

Here's where it gets fun though...I couldn't just pitch the dud cuppies...it seemed too wasteful...and since I'm always making Cake Balls or Pops anyways a really fun thought occurred to me...NEW FLAVOR ALERT...I used the batch of flop cuppies to make the most AMAZING Strawberry Lemonade Cake Balls!

So in this case...when life gives you dud Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, make Strawberry Lemonade Cake Balls, and then take a moment to enjoy your awesomeness - LOL! Seriously though...this was one of the BEST happy accidents that has come my way in awhile...and another bonus...I'm officially adding this flavor to my menu so YOU all can enjoy some too ;)

Here are a few pics of the end result....plus just for fun, I'm also sharing a picture of some yummy cuppies that made their way out of my kitchen last week ...after all that talk of dud cupcakes I didn't want you all to think I'd lost my touch ;)

Strawberry Lemonade Cake Pops, complete with Pink Paper Straws for sticks!

Strawberry Lemonade Cake Balls...yummers!

Black Magic Cupcakes, Margarita Cupcakes, Strawberry Cupcakes and Chocolate Mint Cupcakes
It's okay if you're drooling...I was too! ;)

Name That CUPCAKE WINNER ANNOUNCED!

2011-05-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats Name That CUPCAKE Contest is...

KRISTI WAINWRIGHT!

Kristi's winning suggestion of a Fluffernutter Wonder Cupcake will be featured as my

Cupcake of the Month Club flavor in JUNE!

This contest was SO much fun and I truly appreciate everyone who took the time to participate. I got TONS of amazing flavor suggestions....don't be surprised if more than one of them make an appearance in the CCMC down the road!

If you would like to join the Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats

Cupcake of the Month Club contact me at sweetcheeks@southslope.net!

Enrollment ENDS SOON....May 31st is the official cut-off!

Don't miss your chance to be a member in the coolest club in town ;)

For more details visit my CCMC page!

Name That Cupcake FINALISTS!!!

2011-05-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you....it was SO hard to choose the Finalists! There were so many YUMMY Cupcake flavor suggestions, I was drooling every time I logged in!

So here's a little surprise...there are 6 Finalists! I just couldn't get it down to 5...but I didn't think you all would mind ;)

I definitely got TONS of great ideas for future flavors to try out....if you would like to join the Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats Cupcake of the Month Club there is still time! Contact me and I'll get you set-up with your Cupcake Connection!

Here are the Name That CUPCAKE FINALISTS! Be sure to pop on over to my Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats Facebook page to vote for your favorite flavor! Photo tags and comments count as votes....please only vote once to make it fair!
Good luck! Can't wait to see what I'll be baking!!!!

Name that CUPCAKE!

2011-05-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

There are only a few more weeks to enroll in the Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats Cupcake of the Month Club!

The response so far has been amazing!

To celebrate, I'm announcing my BIGGEST GIVEAWAY to-date!

A CONTEST that gives YOU the chance to name the next flavor of my Cupcake of the Month Club....

and....wait for it.....WIN a FREE 6-MONTH MEMBERSHIP!!!!

Here are the details:
1) Post your Cupcake and Frosting flavor suggestion as a comment on my Sweet Cheeks Facebook Page. One suggestion per person please, so make it good! Suggestions posts will be open for one week!
2) I will select 5 finalists based on the Flavor suggestions received. These will be the Top 5 suggestions I’m most interested in making! I will then create a voting feature for the Top 5 flavors.
3) The finalists will have ONE week to get as many votes as possible for their suggestion.
4) The flavor with the most votes will debut as the Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats Cupcake of the Month in June! The entrant who submits the winning flavor suggestion will receive a FREE 6-month membership to the CCMC
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! I can't wait to see the suggestions you all come up with!
This contest is only open to LOCAL Sweet Cheeks customers...unfortunately I cannot ship Cupcakes at this time.

As always...feel free to contact me ANYTIME to enroll in the Cupcake of the Month Club! Enrollment period ends SOON...don't miss your chance!

~Audrey

Goodie Parade!

2011-05-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling a little guilty and a lot stressed about not posting on a regular basis and keeping you all in the loop with the treats I've been making! I've been very fortunate to be SUPER busy with orders lately...but that also makes getting pictures of all the treats before I pack them up and send them out the door a little...well...tricky.

Most of you are aware that I operate Sweet Cheeks as a side business out of my home. I alse have two kiddos under the age of 3, my hubby, two wild dogs and a full-time job to keep me occupied...so "spare" time seems to be in short supply lately ;)

This week...and by this week I really mean last week, but...you get the idea....I made a mini-resolution of sorts to photograph everything that came out of my kitchen! It was my first full week baking in my new Sweet Cheeks Kitchen downstairs so I spent a lot of time organizing and putting-away.

The rest of the time was devoted to the following parade of goodies!

Sweet Springy Cake Pops

Sugary Crystal Cake Pops

Dragonfly Cake Pops

Apple Cake Pops with FREE printables from Living Locurto!

Dino-RAWR Cupcakes!

Mama's Little Helper breaking in his new baking gear from the Easter Bunny and sporting his "Cool Dude Apron!"
This is the BEFORE picture during the Dino-RAWR Cupcake experience.

AFTER....cleaning the bowl! Don't worry folks....he doesn't get to work on official orders just yet ;)

That's all for now!
Happy Baking!
~Audrey

Mother's Day Specials!

2011-04-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...you're probably thinking..."What!?! Mother's Day?!? We haven't even celebrated Easter yet!"

Well, Mother's Day is literally right around the corner...and since I personally like to get my shopping done early I thought that some of you might too ;)

Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats

Mother’s Day SPECIALS!

My Mother’s Day Specials are simple…but SO super sweet!

If you ARE a Mother and are hoping to receive some

Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats

for YOUR Special Day pass this along to your children…

helpful hints are always appreciated!

Mother’s Day Orders will be accepted NOW through April 30^th.

Orders are PICK-UP ONLY and will be available on May 6^th.

As always, my baking roster fills-up fast…

get your order in TODAY to reserve your fair share of yummy treats!

Standard Cake Ball Sampler

$12

-an assortment of 1 dz yummy Cake Balls

Super Cake Ball Sampler

$24

-an assortment of 2 dz yummy Cake Balls

Cupcake of the Month Club Membership

Here’s the BIG one…

Sign your Mom up for the Cupcake of the Month Club

NOW through Saturday May 7^th

to receive $5 OFF the normal membership price!

Enrollment is ending soon so this is the perfect chance to get in-on the coolest club in town ;)

Click HERE for full details on the CCMC!

Contact Audrey at sweetcheeks@southslope.net

Feel free SHARE this along to anyone you know who may be interested!

I appreciate your support SO much!

Sweet Cheeks WEDDINGS!

2011-04-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I had a blast at the 1st Annual Eastern Iowa Bridal Fair! This super fun event was coordinated by Event Planner, Alison Dix, of Devotion to Detail and hosted by The Brick Arch Winery!

Located in West Branch, IA....The Brick Arch Winery offers an amazing location for any of you brides-to-be who are in the planning stages....so be sure to check 'em out ;)

I've been booking more and more weddings, so this seemed like a really great opportunity to get out there and let more of the public sample some of my treats...my plan was to win their affection with extravagant treats of deliciousness!

It was also the PERFECT venue to debut my new FAB Cupcake Tower! I had two Cupcake Towers custom built and they are now available for my clients to rent. They would make quite the statement on your dessert buffet lemme tell ya!

After everything was arranged and ready to go, I realized my camera battery was dead....luckily the amazingly talented Kara of KV Photography was also setting up that day....and since I had cupcakes to offer she willingly snapped some shots of our display!

I also just happened to turn 30 last week (insert shocked gasp here!!!) My sister, Kristi told me that she wanted to get me some Sweet Cheeks Aprons, that I could wear to these types of events and when I run deliveries...isn't she sweet? ;) I picked out the fabric and we found a skilled seamstress to make them for us...this was something to leave to the professionals ;) They turned out so super cute and we had them just in time to wear to the show.

The day was a success...we met lots of fun people and handed out tons of yummy samples! I even recruited a few new members for the Cupcake of the Month Club!

If any of you are planning a wedding or know someone who is...I'm booking into the Fall and would love the opportunity to create something fabulous for your event! Contact me to schedule a consultation ;)

All photos used in this post are courtesy of KV Photography! Kara rocks...if you need a wedding photographer this could be your one-stop shop ;)

~Audrey

Spreadin' some Love!

2011-04-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

So...I meant to have pictures from the Eastern Iowa Bridal Fair to share with you all....including pictures of my new, fabulous Cupcake Tower...and our super cute table display...but wouldn't you know-it...my camera was dead! A rookie mistake I know! Luckily Kara of KV Photography was set-up at the same show and was able to snap some pics, so when I get them you'll be the first to know ;)

I still have something really FUN and exciting to share with you though!

One of my absolute FAVORITE things to do is go on blog-hunts to find fun, new sites and inspiration! I’m still relatively new to the blogosphere but when I first entered the blogging realm last summer I was BEYOND AMAZED at all the talent out there! It was also SO super cool to find a way to connect with people who are into the same things as me. I felt instantly at home and truly cherish all the connections I have made!

To that-end….the super cute and cool Kirsten from Mushki Loves informed me that she was awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award! So fun! It’s a really great way to spread the love and introduce your readers to other bloggers that you’re into stalking….errrr….reading…whatev!

Here's my Award ;)

Be sure to visit Kirsten's blog...she has TONS of fun ideas and yummy-looking recipes...

you'll LOVE her site!

Here's how it works:

Thank the person who gave you this award by linking back to their site in your original post.
Tell us seven things about yourself
Pass along this award to six newly discovered bloggers
Contact these bloggers and let them know they got this award!

So here are 7 totally random, hopefully interesting things about me...plus a picture since I don't think there's a single one of ME on my own blog (shocking I know!):

Photo of me with my Little Sweet Roll by KV Photography

1. I’m super sarcastic by nature. I wish there was a sarcasm font so people could really get the gist of what I’m typing. I love that my nearly 3 year-old son already gets sarcasm. I think his sassy-self is going to give me a run-for-my-money….like in another year or so ;)

2. I’m a compulsive list-maker. To-do Lists, To-Make Lists, To-Bake Lists, Party Ideas, Shopping Lists, Random Inspiration Lists….post-it notes are literally scattered everywhere! I also regularly misplace or leave-behind my lists…which leads to duplicate lists….it’s never-ending!

One glimmer of hope: Pinterest! LOVE-it! It has helped me SO much with my online listing and finding my way back to sites/items I wanted to remember ;)

3. I have serious O.C.D. tendencies when it comes to planning parties or special events! I get totally and completely consumed by all the details during the planning process. I’ve learned by now that I have to just go with it or else I won’t stop thinking (and thinking…and thinking….like around 2am, 4am, etc) about all the ideas I have.

4. I LOVE watching the show Hoarders because it makes me feel better about all the stuff I have piled up in my basement….but… it also makes me feel like I’m one tragic life event away from starting to collect garbage. It’s a fine line people…I know!

5. I have a bit of a potty-mouth. Depending on the audience, I like to sprinkle choice curse-words around my conversation like confetti. I’m nipping this one in the bud though because it’s definitely not cute to hear your children repeat these naughty words….especially in public….like at the grocery store or something (not that…ahem….this has actually happened or anything…)

6. I LOVE (love-love!) baking and making special treats….but I love packaging them and presenting them just as much! It really is all about the presentation…well, taste is important too I guess-LOL! Sidenote about the whole loving baking thing: I HATE doing dishes… so I’m constantly trying to coerce someone else (i.e. my hubby) into cleaning up the kitchen. You think he would be honored to be my kitchen assistant….apparently not.

7. This one is going to be a confession of sorts: I am currently addicted to watching the movie Tangled! I just cannot get over the cuteness! We seriously have it playing almost every day…. and if I haven’t watched it I think to myself, “Oh NO! I haven’t watched Tangled today!” Luckily my son’s movie selection can be easily swayed ;)

I’m bestowing the Versatile Blogger Award to the following SUPER-FAB bloggers….I know you’ll LOVE them too!

1. Simply Iowa

2. Home Made Parties

3. Musings by Kim K

4. She Paperie and Design Boutique

5. Maybe Matilda

6. Sweet Creations by Stephanie

And of course a BIG THANKS to all of you for following ME!

~Audrey

Harper's Vintage Schoolhouse 1st Birthday Party!

2011-04-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

I’m SO super excited to finally share images and details from my daughter Harper’s 1st Birthday Party! It's still a shock to me that our Little Girlie is already 1!

For those of you who are new to my blog, or haven't experienced me in "party-planning-mode", be WARNED...there are a lot of details and pictures...but I always like to give more information than is really necessary ;) Enjoy!

When planning parties I almost always start with an inspiration piece and the rest of the theme seems to flow from there. The inspiration for Harper's party came from some items that had been in the attic at my parent's house for years and years.

About 15 years ago, my mother purchased a box full of classroom materials from her elementary school teacher’s garage sale. The box included some original Dick and Jane paper dolls that I’ve always loved...that's where it started. I tracked down the box and it was all downhill from there!

The same day that I decided on the theme, I found a vintage chalkboard at my friend Barb’s shop, Cross Creek Antiques, and that sealed the deal! I started accumulating fun, vintage school items to incorporate into the party. I found things everywhere…local thrift and antique shops, online through ETSY and eBay. I was on a mission!

I collected so many fun, vintage items that really brought this party together. Some of my favorite finds were the vintage vocabulary cards I used throughout the party, vintage lunch trays, alphabet blocks, a super cute abacus and of course the teacher’s bell.

Printables and Decorations

Once I had the theme and color scheme nailed down, I contacted the fabulous Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff, of Anders Ruff Custom Designs. I told them my plans for Harper’s party and sent them an inspiration board I had put together to give them the color scheme and other fun details. They designed the BEYOND adorable invitations, bookplates, thank-you tags, tent cards and party logos. This process was so fun for me and I am in-love with what they created!

UPDATE: The SUPER cute line of printables designed for Harper's Party are now available for purchase through Anders Ruff Custom Designs...here!

I also found some adorable vintage-inspired pennant straw toppers and paper straws from Fort and Field. I contacted Jessica to request the sayings on the tags be personalized to go with the party. They turned out SO super cute! I used them on the straws and to decorate the Apple Pencil Cake Pops.

The vintage-style Alphabet garland and the pennants used to decorate the highchair came from Pretty Little Studio. They fit in perfectly with the vintage-feel of the party and I love that I can use them as decorations now that the party is over too!

The backdrop we used for the dessert/cake table is a large piece of particle board that was sprayed with chalkboard paint. I decorated using fun Tissue Poms I bought locally from Kate Ford.

I also made the fabric bunting/garland that is hanging on the backdrop. I found a group of vintage quilt blocks made out of old feed sack material and cut into them with pinkers. Disclaimer: I don’t sew. This bunting isn’t going to win any awards for technical skill…but in the end I think it turned out cute and got the job done ;)

Party Fun!

We made a chalkboard table for the kiddos to play with and it was a HUGE hit! It kept them entertained for the entire party…seriously…the entire party! To make the table my husband chopped the legs off of an old kitchen table we had that was already painted black, and added two coats of chalkboard paint to the tabletop…voila…pure genius…sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best!

I had collected (i.e. obsessively hunted down and acquired) vintage school chairs, desks and student chalkboards for the party. These were all out for the kids to enjoy too ;)

The Favor bags for the kids included flashcards, a small board book, candy (so they could continue the sugar high at home) and super cool, customized Alphabet Crayons made by Touch of Pink! I requested 10 sets of the letters ABC and told her the colors I would like. For a minimal charge, she even individually bagged them for me, so super cute….plus I didn’t have to attempt to make them myself!

Desserts

The dessert table treats were all made by yours truly! I had SO MUCH fun coming up with treats for the party, and trying new recipes and techniques that have been on my to-make list for awhile now.

I created a tutorial on my site so you can make your own Apple Pencil Cake Pops. They were a BIG hit and looked so super cute…they would make perfect Teacher Appreciation Gifts!

The homemade marshmallows were delish, it was my first time making them and they’re definitely going into heavy rotation! I also made ABC Squares using Alphabits cereal that the kiddos really enjoyed.

I baked and decorated both of the cakes for the party. Let me just say here, normally I work on a much smaller scale (think cupcakes)….but I saw a tutorial for a breathtakingly beautiful Rose Cake by Amanda of i am baker and was dying to try it out! I wanted to make a multi-tiered cake, even though the most I’ve stacked in the past was two tiers.

I figured I had a special reason to go all-out and try it. The end result was pretty, a little sloppy, had a lean in the back (I turned it so no one could see)…but it was made with love for my Little Sweet Roll and that’s what counts!

At the Drink Station we served Strawberry and Skim Milk Cartons purchased from a local Elementary School. The hobnail milkglass pitcher and glasses were all purchased at local thriftshops.

The Birthday Girl

I spent more time than I’m willing to admit searching for Harper’s Birthday outfit. I ended up with a few options…you know…in case she needed a mid-party wardrobe change. When I found THE dress listed by Luxe Starling on Etsy I knew that it was perfect! It is a vintage party dress that is so simple and sweet, it was perfect for a little girl who spends most days in grubbies chasing around after her big brother ;)

Finding a headband that went with the vintage dress took some work, but it was another Etsy Shop to the rescue! Bellasma has an amazing line of headbands that are so reasonably priced you'll want an armful!

This party was truly a labor of love. I poured so much time and energy into all of the details because I wanted to create something special for my little girlie. During the planning process, I know (I KNOW) I can get a little (okay a LOT) obsessed…but I LOVE to do this! It is so rewarding to create these kind of memories and even though Harper is only 1….and as people kept reminding me “She won’t even remember it”….I will, and that’s enough ;)

Photography

All of the party pictures were taken by the uber-talented and super amazing Kara Hinzie of KV Photography. Kara’s work is truly inspiring! I feel SO lucky to have found a photographer that I adore…and one who can deal with the “crazy” that is my family ;) She has captured so many amazing moments in priceless images that our family will cherish forever!

Thanks SO much to all of our friends and family. YOU all helped make Harper's Party extra special! Now I have to get crackin' on Dane's 3rd Birthday Party...it's just around the corner ;)

~Audrey

Party Sources

KV Photography all party photos

Anders Ruff Custom Designs Invitations and coordinating party printables

Fort and Field Customized School house pennants, paper straws

Gatherings by Kate Ford Tissue Poms

Pretty Little Studio vintage style flashcards used for garland

Cross Creek Antiques large vintage chalkboard, serving pieces

Touch of Pink Customized Alphabet Crayons

Luxe Starling Vintage Party Dress

Bellasma Headband

Harper's Party has been featured on the following sites!

Sweet Cheeks Spring Specials!

2011-04-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

My Spring Specials have been posted!

This is a perfect one-stop-shop for those of you needing to fill Easter Baskets ;)

Details are listed on my newly created SPECIALS page!

Harper's Vintage School Inspired 1st Birthday Party!

2011-03-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

Harper's Party has been featured on the following sites!

Click on the above links to see party pictures and details!

I'll add a full Party Post later this week!

I do want to send a quick THANK-YOU to the following ladies!

They all contributed something special to Harper's Big Day!

All photos by KV Photography

Anders Ruff Custom Designs Invitations and coordinating party printables

Fort and Field Customized School house pennants, paper straws

Gatherings by Kate Ford Tissue Poms

Pretty Little Studio vintage style flashcards used for garland

Cross Creek Antiques large vintage chalkboard, serving pieces

Customized Alphabet Crayons Touch of Pink

Luxe Starling Vintage Party Dress

Bellasma Headband

Enjoy!

~Audrey

Cake Pops and Cupcakes: UNITE!

2011-03-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Things are getting back to normal around our house (YAY!) so I've had more time to try out some things in the kitchen that have been on my list!

I had a couple of different orders for Character Cake Pops, specifically Elmo and Cookie Monster. You guys know that these are some of my favorites to make. They all end-up with their own personalities and I always feel like they're smiling up at me when they're finished!

Well, I've also been cranking out cupcakes all week. Some were for my CCMC Members, some were destined for Birthday Parties, and others were 6-Pack Samplers (or as I like to say...after-dinner snacks).

So, today I had a few extra Cake Pops and a few extra Cupcakes and thought it was the perfect opportunity for these two, amazing-dessert-super-forces to UNITE!

I was inspired by photos I saw awhile back at The TomKat Studio. They featured some adorable Cake Pop topped Cuppies...I can't find the exact post...but you'll have fun looking through all of her amazing posts trying to find it ;)

Here are some of the Cuppies that made their way out of my kitchen this week...YES...Easter is coming! I've been bitten by the Bunny-bug so stay-tuned for more Easter-inspired treats ;)

Happy Baking!
Audrey

Just keep poppin'....

2011-03-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

So, the past two weeks have left me completely and utterly exhausted!

Harper's 1st Birthday Party last Sunday was GREAT...surrounded by family and friends celebrating our little Sweet Roll. I seriously CANNOT believe that she is 1 already! Where does the time go!?!? Everything came together for the party and I couldn't have been happier....

Flash to later that evening, my husband, who always bears the brunt of my party-planning schemes when it comes to heavy-lifting and general physical labor...noticed something wasn't quite right. Well, I guess I did him in because a visit to Urgent Care the next day confirmed that he had a hernia!

So this week around the house we've had two fussy kiddos, lingering ear infections and stomach bugs, I got the 24-hour flu mid-week, hubby had surgery on Friday and is now recovering but mostly immobile....oh and...I had orders on the books ;)

So here's what came out of the kitchen in my spare time:

Little Fishy Cake Pops

Chocolate Mint Cake Pops

Dark Chocolate Mint Cupcakes with Chocolate Mint Ganache
I know these aren't the prettiest cupcakes you've ever seen...but they taste AMAZING!!!

I used the extra Chocolate Mint Ganache to make Leprechaun Chow for the kiddos...BIG hit...huge!
Here's hoping that next week is less eventful!
~Audrey

Pencil Pops!

2011-03-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

I've been CRAZY busy this past week preparing for my daughter's 1st Birthday Party! I'm taking a break from the last minute crafting, arranging, baking...yes...I'm still making treats (to the tune of about 6 dozen sugar cookies waiting for icing!)

So I'll keep this short....but very sweet!

Harper's party is a vintage school theme and I made these super fun Apple Cake Pops using pencils as the sticks. If you want a great tutorial on how to make the Apple Cake Pops I'll defer to the Queen of Cake Pops herself, Bakerella!

She also has a tutorial for those of you that have never attempted Cake Pops and need the basics...I'm not reinventing the wheel here...and she's so thorough you definitely need to go to her site if you plan on poppin' in the future ;)

Here's what you'll need for the Pencil Pops:
Prepared Cake Balls, formed into apple shapes
Red Candy Melts
Pencils
Plastic Pencil Pop Tips (I got mine from Sweet Baking Supply)

If you like the cute tags I used to decorate the finished pops check out Fort and Field!

POW Pops!

2011-02-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so SUPER excited to finally post images of the Custom Cake Pops I created for this BEYOND adorable Vintage Pop Art Superhero Birthday Party put on by the fabulous Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff Custom Designs!

To make the emblems for the Pow Cake Pops I softened and then flattened Starburst candies. I used a tiny cookie cutter that I bent a bit to cut out the shape that I wanted, and added the words with edible markers.

Be sure to check out the full party post at Hostess with the Mostest for more fabulous pictures, to see my Cake Pops in ACTION and to get excellent party planning tips for your next big shindig!

UPDATE! Be sure to head over to Fabulous Features by Anders Ruff Custom Designs for even MORE details on this amazing party! Part 2 features the Candy Bar and Dessert Tables!

Cake Pop Parade!

2011-02-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

The past week has been busy-busy around here! I had lots of super fun Valentine's Day orders to work on thanks to all of my amazingly supportive customers. Every holiday has gotten a little crazier (which is good!) It's forcing me to become hyper-organized with my baking time so I can accommodate as many orders as possible.

We're working on making a designated baking space for me in our home right now...out of the way, separate, and just for my sweet treats....once that is finished I will JUMP FOR JOY! I love that this venture has proven so successful, but it has seriously overtaken my house!!!

On the list this week: cupcakes, Cake Pops of all varieties, including the SUPER popular Rose Cake Pops, Cake Balls and my personal favorite Valentine's Day treat....Chocolate Dipped Strawberries! They are my weakness...well one of my weaknesses...but let's not go down that path ;)

Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Specials...finally!

2011-01-30T19:07:00.000-08:00

Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats

Valentine's Day Specials

Taking preorders NOW! Be sure to get your order in before my baking roster fills-up!

All orders will be available for pick-up on Friday February 11th.

Cake Ball Sampler

$15

1 dozen assorted Cake Balls, boxed

-4 Double Chocolate Cake Balls

-4 Red Velvet Cake Balls

-2 Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Balls

-2 Strawberries and Cream Cake Balls

Cake Pop Sampler

$18

1 dozen assorted standard Cake Pops, Valentine-inspired decorations

-4 Double Chocolate Cake Balls

-4 Red Velvet Cake Balls

-2 Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Balls

-2 Strawberries and Cream Cake Balls

Rose Cake Pops

$18 for 6, or can be purchased individually for $3.50

-Chocolate Cake Pops covered in hand-formed petals made from modeling chocolate

Contact me to order TODAY!