Acquired Taste Art Show at Cal State Fullerton

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I am super excited for this coming Saturday!  There is a pretty rad art show kicking off at Cal State Fullerton (class of 1999 baby!).  The show is called Acquired Taste:  Food and the Art of Consumption and is all about food, how we consume it, what we consume and how it consumes us.  The show is curated by Alyssa Cordova and Heather Richards of Sixpack Projects. 

But here is why I am SO excited about it.  This will be the first time I get to see any work by my idol Jennifer Rubell (art installations/social commentary using food, best selling cookbook author {seriously - this is one of my all time faves!}, hotelier...) in person.  I'm not going to get all stalky and gushy in this post, I'll save that for later.  This post is about the upcoming show.  There are 13 different artists being featured and I can't wait to attend and learn more about their work!!!

The show starts Saturday, October 29 and runs through December 8th.  The opening reception (Oct. 29) is open to the public and along with the what is sure to be thought provoking and hunger inducing art there will be a bunch of other interactive events.  A cooking demonstration by chef Jonathan Dye will feature recipes he created based on some of the work in the show.  There will also be a participatory mural art project, and a lecture by artist in residence Gregory Stewart.  As if that wasn't enough, Delilah Snell of Backyard in Jar will be there in her vintage Volkswagen van, hopefully selling her ridiculously delicious preserves!  I'm such a fan of her products!

Don't miss it!!!  

Acquired Taste:  Food and the Art of Consumption

October 29th - December 8th

Begovich Gallery at California State University, Fullerton

800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA  (just north of Nutwood Ave.)

Opening Reception is October 29th, 2011 from 5 - 8 pm.

Sharon

image via Sixpack Projects

Mission Accepted! The Secret Style Suite Party by Mom's Fashion File

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Not only did Mom's Fashion File put on an amazing day of makeovers for 12 of us very grateful bloggers, but they also through a party that night as well!  The view was stunning from the Elevation Suite at the Hard Rock Hotel and everyone came dressed to impress.  There were delicious cocktails using Ciao Bella Gelatos and Sorbets.  There was an area showcasing the newest Stokke products (love, love, love the designs!).  There was a bright and cheery candy bar courtesy of Plum District and yummy drinks from Trop50.  Those adorable ladies at the top right are the amazing crew from Mom's Fashion File.  And the lovely ladies near the bottom right are some of my fave OC ladies, Jen of Tiny Oranges and hair expert, Tera Rae Stephens.  

Speaking of Plum District, have you signed up yet?  I know there are a ton of deal sites out there but Plum District is fast becoming a favorite of mine.  You already know how it works, you get an email sharing deals in your area, but what makes Plum District extra special is that their deals are geared towards moms.  I have bought several deals already and have been tempted on dozens more.  And the website is just really pretty.  And that goes a long way with me. 

I got a few more minutes with Cheryl at the party but still feel I need more time with her.  She's freaking funny.  And there is my sweet Amy (and of Operation Shower).  I did get to pal around with her at the party and she helped me calm my nerves about the fashion show I had to take part in!  Yup, a fashion show.  Um, I may come off extroverted but I really don't like the spotlight (which you probably aren't buying because of the amazing amounts of photos I've posted of myself lately - but its true!)

The top left is me trying to act natural, like I always twirl around on a pink carpet in front of a huge group and camera lights.  Cut to super fake smile, trying to be casual and charming while pretending that no one is looking at me.  And finally the group shot (or group shot where I looked cutest but half the girls are cut out) of the rest of the makeover winners.  And scene.  Sigh of relief.  It took all of 2 minutes but had my heart racing.  

At the end of the party, these amazing woven bags were handed out courtesy of Plum District.  They were filled with goodies like Johnson and Johnson products, coupons and recipes for Ciao Bella and so much more! 

It was the perfect way to wrap up the awesome experience that was my makeover.  If you missed that post, go here! 

Mom's Fashion File is a collaboration of bloggers who are moms, are cool and know their stuff.  If you aren't a regular reader, you should go ahead and start now.  They are like your cool best friend recommending the best items for your family.  

See the full makeover gallery here.

See the full party gallery here. 

Sharon

All photos by Bella Diva Photo

Blogher '11 Recap - Coming Soon!

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I didn't go to Lalapalooza when I was in high school.  And I always regretted it.  Sure, it is back but it is different.  Perry Farrell is a father now and though I imagine he's still quite the rocker, I will never truly know what the original incarnation of the show was like.  So I couldn't let Blogher go by without attending.  I know there are other conferences that might be better suited to my niche or allow me to meet more like-minded people face to face, but it wouldn't be the monster that is Blogher.  And it was in San Diego!  No plane ride needed.  I can't wait to share all the amazing people that I met and experiences that I had.  I uncovered some amazing products and cool new programs that I think you should all know about.  I'm still missing one camera cord so my photo downloading is at a standstill.  So instead of stressing, I'm going to go play with my kids.  I'm going to tell them again how I got to meet Buddy from Dinosaur Train so they think I'm a total rockstar.  Oh and did I mention that I got styled by a real-life rockstar stylist?  It's all coming in the next few days!  Stay tuned...

Sharon
Photo is the view from our room (our being myself and Amy - the world's BEST roommate and conference partner in crime)

Meringue Bake Shop is the Coolest!!!

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As you know, Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop is one of my "go to" girls for baked treats.  She's super talented.  And guess what?!  She and I were talking about my contest and she totally wants to help out.  So this weekend she is offering two special cupcakes - a chocolate cupcake with pink vanilla buttercream and a pink vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream dipped in pink rock candy! and she will donate all the proceeds from those to the KitchenAid Cook for the Cure 1,000 Cooks in the Kitchen!  How awesome is that.  

Guess what else.  As long as you fill out a very simple entry form (pretty much an email address and name) you will be entered in to my contest, sponsored by Del Webb, for a chance at winning the sweet pink Kitchen Aid hand mixer!  

This weekend you will find Meringue Bake Shop:

Saturday:

at Munchathon (a weird event with a 5K run and all the food you could dream of - do they go together?) at Oak Canyon Park in Orange from 11 am - 5pm - this one costs to enter but just about every food truck known to man will be there.  You'll be eating well there.  

Sunday:

The Great Park Farmers Market in Irvine from 10 am - 2 pm - free entry to the market

Look for a flying cupcake to find Kristin and her booth or follow her on twitter for updates on location.    

Thank you so much, Kristin, for supporting me and the cause!  I heart you!  And your new website is fantabulous!  If you think Meringue Bake Shop is radical too, please "like" them on Facebook!  

Can't make it out to see Kristin but still want to enter the contest go to this post HERE!

Sharon

Children's Party Network So Cal Meet Up!

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You guys!  How fun does this meet up sound?!  If you aren't a member of Children's Party Network yet, you should rush right over and sign up (its free).  What the heck is it, you ask?  Its an awesome place to meet other party lovers - everyone one from professionals to plain old mom's like me who want to share ideas and support each other.  The coolest part is that they are hosting a meet up for So Cal.  You all should totally go.  See info above and click here.  I bought my ticket one morning and that afternoon got an invite in the mail for a friend's wedding.  Boo!  (I mean, yeah for them and love and unions and cake but I really wanted to go to this!) 

It will be a super fun chance to go out to dinner, meet some great party ladies and take some fun goodies home.  I am super bummed that I won't be getting any glittery goodness from The Purple Pug (who is scheduled to appear via the goodie bag). 

Can't wait to hear all about how this turns out and when they will have another one. :) 

Sharon

Confetti Lab was awesome and I can't wait for the next one.

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I LOVED Confetti Lab!  And here is why...

This was the window that Lauren of A Fabulous Fete created at The Wedding Pantry in anticipation of the event.  Neon cacti!  Wooden garlands!  Serapes!  Uh-mazing!  I love how clean it looks and how classy but totally casual.  Check out the adorbs cake stands Lauren made out of glass candlesticks and terracotta drip catcher things (can you tell I don't garden???)

Many of you may have heard of The Wedding Pantry but did you know that they can also help you throw a pretty cool non-wedding related party too?  Think of them as The Party Pantry.  They carry twine in a ton of colors, those awesome stripey paper straws and how cute are those ruffled favor bags!  And I know you all love A Fabulous Fete on Etsy but did you know that you could run in to The Wedding Pantry and pick up a fun cake stand for your next party or hostess gift?  Love that!!! 

The Wedding Pantry has an event space just behind the boutique.  This is where Lauren invited several party vendors to set up shop and sell their party goods.  I really can't wait for Ed of Up Imagery to put up his pics because I didn't get many good ones in here. :(  Here is another wooden garland made by Lauren.  LOVE!  And oh my gosh!  Confetti Lab introduced to me to a vendor that I can't wait to use, Dolly's Sweet Dreams Premium Cotton Candy.  The cotton candy was delicious and I talked to her about her ingredients and process and I felt really good about feeding it to my food allergic son.  How pumped is he going to be with it at his next party!  Not only is her product delicious (she even has organic!) but her food cart is sooooo cute!  Totally check out their website it is adorable!   That charming table setting was created by none other than Lauren Elise who I was really excited to meet.  I must confess I showed great restraint when talking to her and came off socially awkward...she's lucky I didn't ask her for her autograph and cut off a lock of her hair.  I'm a huge fan of her work.  Check out her Confetti Lab wrap up  with tons of great photos of her display and items, some of which are available at The Wedding Pantry!  And how CUTE are Annika of Cakes Likes a Party and her friend Lauren!  I was pretty lame with them when we first met too, but I got to redeem myself later and am so happy I did.  These girls are super sweet, and I always love to meet other party ladies.  I am sure I'll be seeing them again!  

It was a gorgeous evening on the patio where Lauren really did it up.  Every thing Lauren does is super cool and this was no exception.  She created little seating areas, surrounded it with food and drinks and kept the party jumping with the DJ, Mahjestik.  Decorations did not disappoint and the atmosphere was really fun! 

Lauren made that sign, complete with her crazy good hand writing with the help of her fiance.  I want one for every party.  Soho Taco provided the yummy tacos from their party ready taco cart and sweet treats were provided by Kupcake Spot, Dolce Vista Cakes and Somedays Bake Shop.  YUM!  And look at the little table Lauren made by turning over a terra cotta pot?!  Brilliant! 

Ridiculously good cocktails were provided by Tres Sietes Tequila.  Check out the recipes on A Fabulous Fete here and here.  I love that some of Lauren's other products like the teal stripe runner and green tray totally fit right in to the look of the party.  And I think I am going to use air plants at all of my parties.  No vase needed!!!  

Also on the patio, Lauren set out craft stations where she showed you some super simple party items.  How cute is this duct tape bunting?! 

Lauren also demonstrated how to make super cute fringe drink stirrers.  Glue Dots provided some product to make it possible.  Love this idea! 

On the way out there were two goodie bags.  One put together by Lauren, Eva and Brittany and one from Lauren Elise.  The Confetti Lab bag contained a bunch more resources for throwing you best fete.  Laure Elise's was a rad 'make your own s'mores' kit!  Complete with matches and votive light, the presentation was awesome and is a great idea for favors for any summer get together.  

What I hope everyone took away from this event, though, is that Lauren Verity of A Fabulous Fete is rad.  I know from personally working with her how creative and crafty she is as well as being sweet and charming.  But what I am so excited about is that she is expanding her line of party goods and adding services.  I know her Etsy site is not updated yet, but I'm so excited for her to offer her calligraphy skills, invitation design, full party and wedding decorating and so much more.  I hope she offers a punch card for repeat clients because I plan on keeping her busy.  

I hope that you were able to get a small sense of what Confetti Lab was all about and I hope you will all look for the photos by Ed of Up Imagery also.  He is amazing and I can't wait to see what he came up with! 

Thank you Lauren, Eva and Brittany for an awesome night! 

Sharon

Who has 4 thumbs and need a style session? These girls.

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I need a style make over.  Like, bad. 

When did this happen?  When did I give up?  As my readers know, I have two amazing little boys.  Who would rather I play Legos with them then make myself presentable.  After my second kid, the texture of my hair changed and I was forced to try to figure out how to make my frizz work.  I still haven't.  On average I wear makeup, and by makeup I pretty much mean mascara, about twice a week.  Weird.  I NEVER thought I would not wear full make up every single day.  Especially in Orange County, CA, home of the first Brovolebrities.  But mama is tired.    

And while I wouldn't really consider leggings my uniform, per se, they are certainly easy to throw on after my morning shower.  Even after my first child, when I was still working part time, I would iron my clothes every single day, even on weekends.  Now I can't even be bothered to throw something in the dryer to try to get the wrinkles out.  

photo by Lauren

And this is the picture that really hit home.  Before I had kids, I knew how to dress my body shape.  I have worn a size 8-10 pants for as long as I can remember.  But no one ever believed me when I told them.  I knew how to dress to play up the good parts and play down the bad (hullo, that's what clothes are for, people, not for showcasing your bad ass muffin top).  When I saw this picture, I was thrown for a loop.  When did I start looking like Spongebob?  I know what's going on underneath and it could be WAY worse.  BUT, this outfit is super unfortunate.  While the dress goes in at the smallest part of my body, I layered on a jacket that made me look square.  But check out my sweet skinny ankles.  Girlfriend still has it going on a little.  What do I do with these new proportions of mine?  What are my best areas and how do bring them out?  All my "go to" silhouettes and shapes no longer work.

This August I am going to Blogher in San Diego.  I'm super excited to meet new people, learn a ton from industry leaders and be inspired.  But I want to put my best foot forward.  First impressions are everything and I need help!!!  But how crazy is it that I can dress a table but not myself?

I will spend hours designing or hand making party decorations.  But I spend 5 minutes to get ready in the morning.  I will iron tablecloth after tablecloth for a party or photo shoot, but walk around town looking like I slept in my clothes.  My party's dazzle.  I wear jeans and a plain colored t-shirt most days.  I have a garage full of party accessories - cake stands, vases, decor, but my personal accessories mostly amount to $3 bauble found at Forever 21.

I have created this graph to demonstrate the division of time spent on my appearance compared to other very important parts of my day.  *Note, due to my lack of both basic math and graphic design skills, this graph is in no way to scale, if graphs can even be "to scale".  I would venture to say my watching of reality tv is much larger... (Edited to add:  Yeah, um, I know this is a pie chart.  I called it a graph.  Its just weird that I wouldn't have called it a pie chart.  I love pie.  Its where my mind goes when I'm asked a question.  Like, Sharon, who do you think is the best possible gubernatorial candidate?  Hmmmm, pie.  Not trying to get all political on you, just like the word gubernatorial.  Almost as much as the word pie).

What am I looking forward to most about going to Blogher?  Meeting my online bff, Jenny in person.  

How cute is she?  

We have SO much in common.  We met through our party blogs and she also has two crazy "mini men."  Which is why I think she might be ripe for some style secrets too.  Or maybe I'm just projecting...But I can't think of a better way to bond than having overly glamorous beautiful people trying to disguise our every flaw.  Can you???

*This is my desperate attempt at winning a style session by these stylish bloggers:

Pretty please????

Sharon

   

Love is in the Hair - An Event Wrap Up

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Photo from Whoorl

Look at that sweet face.  You must read her story on Whoorl.  Bring tissues.  As a mom, you never want to have to think of a life without your child.  But that is a reality for so many families in this world.  When I was asked to help decorate a fundraiser benefiting The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation of course I said yes.  Decorating was really only a tiny part of this very important fundraiser put on by Tiny Oranges and Tera Rae Stephens but I'm glad that I could participate in such a worthy cause.  (Read more about the Foundation here).

I asked Lauren to help a sista out and because she is the coolest, she agreed.  Here are some of the details from the event. 

Lauren really hit this one out of the park.  Her calligraphy gets me every time and made the decor extra special.  And the fringe!  Check out the adorable close up of the photo backdrop pink fringe heart and matching bellini bar tags!  Adorbs!

Photo by Sugar and Spice

Here is a better look at Lauren's pink fringe heart!  So great!  And the amazing co-hosts Jen and Tera.

More event wrap ups here:
Hair Thursday
The Modchick
Sugar and Spice
and check back for a wrap up by Tiny Oranges later this week!

Best of all, the event raised $3,000!  Total success!

I personally want to thank Tera and Jennifer for asking me to be part of this amazing event, to Lauren for always being willing to participate with me, to Amy (my dear friend) for always coming to my rescue and assisting with the day-of craziness, Lauren of Nothing Bundt Cakes (opening next week in Costa Mesa!) for donating such yummy treats and Sensitive Sweets for their mini cupcakes and lemon bars!  And if you haven't yet been to TEK Salon (no web page yet!) where the event was held, you totally need to go.  Totally cool atmosphere, great products, the BEST stylists and an amazing new owner, Debra.  Its been completely redone and they are bringing on super talented make up artists and other skilled professionals to make you beautiful.  Check it out!

Sharon

Be bright and sparkly this weekend and do something good.

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Yesterday the boys gave me 6 minutes to play with my new macro attachment.  Here is my fancy new Ban.do hair clip I just got.  I hope everyone has a bright and sparkly weekend.  My son told me I had to give them to my little nieces that will be visiting.  Um, nope.  I think I have some old Tiffany jewelry they can have but they aren't getting their little mitts on these babies. 

  

This attachment takes some practice and a moving target is even more difficult.  I got my oldest son to sit still for longer then he's ever sat for one stretch before.  Approximately 1 full minute.  I wasn't even sure I got any usable photos but this one is cool.  I may or may not have bumped him with the lens a few times getting the hang of it...

And this is why I got the lens adapter!  How crazy is that detail?  You may never see full shots again.  My world will now consist of extreme closeups for small children or ears for people who don't really like to be photographed, especially close up.  And wouldn't you kill for those lashes?

Also there are still spots available for this very special fundraiser being held in Orange County next Saturday.  See the full post on Tiny Oranges.  I am decorating for the event, with the help of Lauren, so come down and check it out.  It is sure to be a super fun event!


Have a super great weekend!!!!!

Sharon

Hitched Recap

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This past Sunday, Lauren and I went to Palm Springs for Hitched.  Here is what my Sunday looked like:

-Got to play around with my new macro/wide angle lens adapter while sipping Bellini's on our patio

-Had an amazing lunch at the Viceroy.  Yes, there IS mac and cheese and short ribs on my grilled cheese sangwich (to be said like Pauly D a la Jersey Shore - I should note that I just tried to translate Jersey Shore in to French so that it sounded more romantic but alas Jersey Shore in French is still Jersey Shore)

-Lauren got hot pink lips from the fabulous Winks and Grins bar by Fiore Beauty.  I got fake lashes.  I am a total convert and want to wear them daily.  I may or may not document my mishaps with trying to apply them myself.

-If you are reading all the event recaps I am sure that this little puppy will be in all of them.  This dog owns more Ban.do than I do.  I love how this pic looks more like a painting then a photo.

-Got to meet Heather and Ashlyn of Carter and Cook!  And they humored me by taking a photo with me.  And then took more with us later when we coaxed them in to the Smilebooth. :) Adorable girls!

-Cut a rug or two to some super sweet tunes by The Flashdance.  Love how fun his mixes are!

-Sipped some bubbly out of a can

-Marveled at the synchronized swimming team The Aqualilies.  SO FUN!

-Met Ashley Effing Meaders!  And she let me gush all over her for a minute like the crazy fan that I am.  I accosted her a bit later in the Smilebooth...She may be drawing up some orders for restraint as I type this.

Not pictured:
-Met Megan of MaeMae Paperie.  She is the cutest and nicest person in all the land.  And I am beyond inspired by her talent.

-Met THE Amelia Lyon.  I truly admire her photography style.  Well, first I spilled my wine all over her on the dance floor.  She was totally gracious about it.  Then later when I found her and apologized for the aforementioned incident she was super nice about it and I'm pretty sure she won't hold it against me.

The event was super fun and inspiring.  We got to stay at The Ace Hotel (one of my faves in Palm Springs) and did a little thrifting.  A pretty great little overnighter.

Sharon

OMGI'MSOEXCITEDICAN'TWAITUNTILWEDNESDAY!

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I don't usually talk a lot about weddings on this here blog.  It's not that I don't love weddings because I totally do.  It's just that there are so many great wedding sites out there.  And these days I just seem to be at more kid's parties than weddings.  But one of my fave weddings sites, Utterly Engaged, is throwing their 2nd annual new years party on Wednesday and I will be there.  I went last year and LOVED it!  The tablescape challenge that they put on is simply amazing.  It's the best of the best event designers, who all happen to live right here in So Cal and their creations are so inspiring.  I'm dying to see what everyone does this year and to meet some new blogging friends.  Check out the judges panel alone to see the stars that will be in attendance!!  And I may even ask for autographs from Lucia and Henny because it was their forward thinking that created the first (and best) online wedding magazine.  

Lauren and I have our outfits picked out (and I've already carved out when I can do my hair - one kid at school and one napping - fingers crossed) and we are counting the minutes until party time.  If you are local, I think there are a few tickets left but you better hurry!  Are any of you going?  Let me know!  I hear Dough-A-Deer will be there and I'd love to meet over delightful baked treats! 

Sharon

Love is in the Hair

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If you live in or around Orange County, CA you simply must be part of this fabulous fundraiser.  To raise money for Pediatric Cancer, the best hairdressers in Orange County (led by the amazing Tera Rae Stephens) are offering beautiful blowouts for just $25.  This event takes place the Saturday prior to Valentine's Day and will get you date night ready.  Tell your guy to take care of the dinner reservation and you get pampered for a good cause.  Win win.  Appointments are filling up fast so don't wait!  

Not in Orange County and interested in donating?  I'll be helping out with some little goodie bags and treats for the clients so let me know if you would like to help out by donating some items or printables.    Email me at cupcakesandcutlery@gmail.com.  

You can find out more info about the this event,  the marathon raising money for pediatric cancer and more at Tiny Oranges.   There is also a similar fundraiser with Core Athletica this weekend!  I've been dying to try pilates and she's holding a class for $35, all proceeds going to pediatric cancer. 

Hope to see you there! 

Sharon

OC Event: Wine and Music - Another perfect pair

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For years my dad only listened to the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.  I'm sure that is a gross exaggeration, but it sure seemed like that is all we listened to.  I remember day dreaming about throwing those cassette tapes out the car window on long family road trips.  And although today Steely Dan is one of my favorites, I was grateful when he turned the corner to smooth jazz.  Finally we got some Dave Koz saxophone up in that mini van .  Sharon, where is this going, I hear you thinking.  And before you get outright snarky, I'm about to get to the details.  
  

Whole Foods Huntington Beach is putting on a fun little event on Monday, December 13, 2010 and I am very sad I can't go.  Dave Koz is also a vintner (makes wine) and to celebrate the release of his new CD "Hello Tomorrow" he will be playing a short live set, signing cds and hosting a little wine tasting.  So fun!  Can't find a babysitter like me?  Live in another state?  This "perfect pair" will be sold at all Whole Foods Markets (price may vary) and will include a bottle of wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or my fave Sauvignon Blanc) and the new Dave Koz CD.

The event costs only $5 per person.  For that paltry amount you get a wine tasting, live music by renowned saxophonist Dave Koz, and can get your cd signed by the artist himself (as long as you buy the wine and cd, $20 - total bargain).  If I were you, I would whip up a cute little coupon for a night on the town and give an early Christmas present to those people on your gift list that have everything.  I'm guessing they don't have a semi-private Dave Koz concert on their "been there, done that" list.

Whole Foods Huntington Beach
7881 Edinger Ave, Suite 150, Huntington Beach, CA 92647


Sharon


Special note to Dave Koz:  Terribly sorry that I can't make it.  While my 4 year old would be totally in to you my two year old seems to be more into rap and would probably cause a scene.  And don't get me started on their thoughts on red versus white.  If only there was to be straight grape juice offered this event would have worked out for all of us.  

Wrap up of Cupcake Camp OC

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Cupcakes and more cupcakes!

Kristin and my mom, Marilyn putting some finishing touches together before the doors open

Meringue Bake Shop's A Kid Again ~ cookie dough filled and topped with peanut butter buttercream

Meringue Bake Shop's Orange Crush ~ Orange Crush cake with creamsicle buttercream *winner Best OC themed*

I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon then with new friends and cupcakes. I had been looking forward to the Cupcake Camp OC event (see my previous post about the event here). But I was even more excited to learn that I would get to help out Kristin from Meringue Bake Shop. She found out late in the game that she would need to fill up a whole table and asked if I might have any items to help. Yeah!!! I love to help, so I packed up some stuff, my mom (who is an excellent helper and curious about these cupcake events that I go to) and hurried down to the Atrium Hotel. Turns out, Kristin didn't really need my help. Her cupcakes really are the star of the show. Not only are her flavors inventive and flavorful, they LOOK amazing. Along with the two flavors pictured above she had a Red Velvet and also a strawberry balsamic number topped with a bruleed strawberry (sorry, that description doesn't do it justice!). But I was really glad to finally get a chance to get to know her a little better. Once she was all set up, I walked around the rest of the event. There were tons of people there (word on the street is that 1 1/2 hours in to the show there were 800 people). There were about 15 professional bakeries displaying cupcakes and it was fairly easy to move around the room and see them all. Emphasis on the decor was minimal and focus seemed to be on the cupcakes. Some looked better then others but they were all there for a good cause. The water set up was pretty dismal but after an initial drought, the hotel made an effort to keep up with the demand. I think it was a great turnout and hopefully, it raised a lot of money to end human trafficking. Here are some more of my highlights:

Mmmmm, a breakfast themed cupcake will get me every time

My Delight Cupcakery out of Ontario hit a home run with their Breakfast Cake.

Sugar Tart Desserterie came with an intriguing combo of chicken and waffle cupcake. It had chunks of chicken in the cupcake and was quite tasty once you got past the fact that there was chicken in your cupcake. :)

Gotta Have S'more brought about 10 different flavors of s'more/muffin/cupcake type treats. So tasty. I has the chocolate caramel and I really could have eaten a lot more of these. The graham cracker crust was so buttery and awesome. The company hails from Culver City so I'm not sure if I will get to have these very much but if you are in their area, check them out!!!

Two Parts Sugar never disappoints. I enjoyed Monica's Cherry Chip cupcake immensely. More then the cupcakes though, she took it upon herself to raise even more money for El Pozo by holding her own raffles. I was really encouraged by her giving spirit and loved that her family was there to support her.

Check out the Cupcake Camp OC website to see the rest of the winners and here what they have to say about how the event went. I may have brought home a cupcake or two. I'm going to go eat them now. :)

Sharon

All photos are mine. Some with a camera phone... :}

Cupcake Camp OC - the only way to camp

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

I set out this morning to bring you the latest in party products. But then I remembered that there is a really great event coming up, in my neck of the woods, and I wanted to share. The Cupcake Camp OC will take place on August 1, 2010 from 3 - 6 pm at the Atrium Hotel near John Wayne. What may come off to some like a fluff event is really being put on to raise money and awareness for a good cause, the end of human trafficking. I have watched this event come together for a while, from an initial tweet where I learned about the event to more and more local bakers and companies coming on board as sponsors. One of my personal favorites, Meringue Bake Shop, will be bringing baked goodies and I can't wait to see what unique flavors she's decided on. I am dying to get involved but as life would have it, I don't have a spare moment until a week after the event. Hopefully this will be a yearly event and I will be able to lend a hand next year. The Cupcake Camps have been taking place around the country and the has been brought to a very cupcake hungry Orange County by Charles, Esther, Eunice, Jenn and Hannah. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door and the cupcake tastings will take place all afternoon. So let's all go and support the cause, the event planners and the cupcakes. It takes a lot to put an event like this on so be sure to say thank you to the fabulous five who have taken on the challenge. Who else is going? I'd love to meet you!!!

Sharon

Images courtesy Cupcake Camp OC