Yee Haw! It’s Rodeo Time!
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Dust off your hat. Shine up your boots, and slide into those Wranglers…it’s rodeo time again! Houston is gearing up once again for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! HLSR is huge for Houstonians…great bbq, livestock shows, dancing, concerts, carnival, and did I mention bbq? And there’s plenty to do for the kiddos too. There are various activity booths and petting zoos for the kids that are both fun and educational. Outside the whole family can enjoy carnival rides and traditional carnival treats. It’s fun for the whole family!
Also now through Spring, many veteran and new moms to be are gearing up for baby showers! A western themed baby shower is a rowdy good time! You can create your own invites by cutting out plain or paisley cardstock in the shape of a cowboy hat. Or you can visit your local craft or party supply store for other options and kits.
Food: For some western flavor, cowboy favorites include barbecue or chili with cornbread. Steaks, potato salad, coleslaw, grilled chicken, wings, burgers, or even hot dogs are a yummy choice too. Pretzels, chips and salsa are good finger foods. For outdoor fun, try grilling hot dogs or making smores over an open flame. And for dessert, making a horseshoe shaped cake offers the parents to be a tasty treat and wishes of good luck!
Decorations: Depending on your location, you may be able to find hay bales for seating and/or decoration. A rocking horse makes great decor and wonderful baby gift too. Bandanas work great as decor and as placemats or utensil holders. Assorted cowboy hats, ropes, saddles, boots, toy horses, cows and tin cans with flowers make excellent decor.
Games: Modified game of horseshoes. Instead of the traditional game with iron horseshoes and a stake, you can play indoors using baby bottles and baby cowboy hats. 8 second bronco riding becomes 8 second (or less) diaper changing contest. And the “baby” song game can be played using country songs (write as many country songs with the word “baby” in the title).
Favors and Prizes: Individual packs of sunflower seeds (bags can be printed specific for your party). Also small tin or glass candles with twine wrapped or hot glued around them are festive too.
To top of your baby shower, a western / cowboy or cowgirl theme diaper cake not only makes the perfect centerpiece, but is a wonderful gift for the mom to be to take home and use! Check out these cakes and more from L.A. BabyCakes!
Moon & Stars Baby Shower
Thursday, February 18th, 2010 | How To | No Comments
If you don’t know by now, I love BAKING! I think it’s that I love being creative and love having a good challenge. One of my favorites to follow is Martha Stewart. Now I now she has a full time staff who gather new ideas for her show, website, etc., but I simply love this woman. She’s great when I need some inspiration. I recently ran across a recipe for an adorable cake she created – Stars-and-Moon cake. It’s just precious and I thought it would fit perfectly with a Moon and Stars diaper cake I created for a client. The whole theme is a precious idea for a baby shower. I checked out the recipe. Although it doesn’t seem too difficult, I would imagine it may be a bit time consuming….so as a warning…I would mix the batter and chill a day ahead just so you’re nice and fresh to begin the time consuming fun! 
Here’s the recipe from Martha’s site:
Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for parchment
- 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cups packed light-brown sugar
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- Royal Icing
Directions
- Sift flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl. Mix butter and brown and granulated sugars on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined.
- Divide dough into quarters; shape into squares. Wrap each in plastic; refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Working with 1 square at a time, roll out dough between pieces of lightly floured parchment to 12-inch square, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer on parchment to baking sheet; freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut dough into rounds with 2 1/4-inch cutter and into moon and stars with shaped cutters.(You will need 75 rounds for the cake; use remaining dough as desired.) If dough becomes too soft, freeze for a few minutes. Space cookies 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Bake until centers are firm to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature up to 1 week.
- Beat cream and confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form.
- Lay 15 cookies in an 8-inch circle, overlapping edges slightly to fill the circle. Spread with about 11/4 cups whipped cream. Repeat, making 5 layers. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or up to 1 day.
- Tint royal icing as desired. To frost moon and star cookies, pipe icing around edges; pipe zigzags to fill in, and spread with small offset spatula. Let stand until set, 1 to 2 hours. Serve cake, garnished with moon and star cookies.
Looks dreamy right? This cake would also be great for a child’s birthday party as well. And you can’t forget the wonderful DIAPER “cake” to go along with your edible one. This Moon and Stars diaper cake comes complete with the wonderful classic “Goodnight Moon” which is a must for any child’s library.
Sweet Dreams!!!
*For more information or diaper cake ideas, click the “quick buy” or “custom cakes” option above, or visit www.la-babycakes.com
Valentine Fun with the Kids & Giveaway!!!
Friday, February 5th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Next weekend is the day of love – Valentine’s Day! Even before our daughter was born, during the early part of my pregnancy, my husband and I went to a paint your own pottery studio and made her a special Valentine’s plate. It’s a fun way to let out your inner Picasso and spend quality time together. My daughter and I have had fun at the studio painting pieces and using her hand print to create amazing designs.
Other Valentine day fun is to wake up and make heart shape pancakes for the family. My daughter gets a big kick out of this. She also likes to make her initials too!
For afternoon snacks, carving out strawberries and filling them with whip cream and sprinkles or slivered almonds is a big hit. And for a quick cool treat, making pink or red homemade juice or pureed fruit popsicles wins them over anytime. 
This year, our trio plans to spend some quality time out in the backyard roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. And as nightfall approaches…the sparklers will be a huge hit. Just make sure your child is old enough and properly supervised at all times!
How will you light up your Valentine’s???
It’s our 2010 Valentine’s Giveaway! L.A. BabyCakes is giving away a JP Lizzy Chamelia clutch (diaper clutch) to one of our fans! Diaper clutch is a beautiful espresso color with blue stitching. To enter the contest, tweet about our giveaway on your Twitter page. Have your friends tweet too. The more tweets you send out…the greater your chances of winning. Winner will be chosen on Sunday, February 14, 2010!
***The Chamelia clutch is designed to meet all of your needs, from diaper clutch for moms-on-the-go to wallet, makeup bag and purse all-in-one. With built-in credit card slots, matching wipes container, and dividers in a neatly zipped outer pocket, the oversized wristlet boasts a stylish
design that lets you carry it hands-free.
It’s Back….
Sunday, November 15th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Our ever so popular Cat in the Hat cake is back! Due to limited quantities at this time, we will be taking custom orders! Just call or email us for more details and to place your order.
Also….Sesame Street recently celebrated it’s 40th Birthday this year! Congrats! To celebrate, we are now offering Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster diaper or spa cakes. Please call or email for your custom order today!!!
Wedding Season is Upon Us!
Thursday, May 21st, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
The year is flying by! Summer is almost here and so is the peak of wedding season! Although our focus is mainly babies and young children, we do enjoy the beginning of that family process…the wedding!
When it comes to weddings, we all know what we look forward to….gazing at the gorgeous bride in her spectacular dress and of course the wedding cake! These days, the bride and groom put even more focus in creating their special and unique cake for their joyous event! And speaking of unique…what about a special and unique gift? Prior to the wedding, many brides have a bridal shower. Getting a gift off the registry is a safe bet, but how about something truly unique and thoughtful? A wedding spa cake is a sure hit. The spa cake can mimic the bride’s wedding colors and flowers, and is loaded with wonderful spa treats to pamper her before her big day.
L.A. BabyCakes offers spa cakes for weddings and other special occasions too! Just contact us for your next event and let us create the perfect “cake” for you!
Happy April Fool’s Day
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Ok…it’s only 20 minutes to midnight on March 31, but I’m already in the prank mode…possibly from the loads of caffeine I’ve had tonight. I’ve been perusing the internet reading up on some great pranks from years past. Normally I partake in the festivities, but due to a crazy schedule this year, I may pass.
Although I’m not being a jokester this year, I thought I’d pass along some cute, tame, and fun pranks and gags to you….
Exploding frog soap? Yes…you read that right. These cute soaps are a fun gag for children of all ages. Found of course on one of my favorite sites…Etsy. These cute froggies are scented, colorful and bubble once they hit the water. Check them out at www.HowardsHome.etsy.com
For some family friendly fun and recipe ideas, check out http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/minisite/april-fools-pranks-main-ms/. They have family fun pranks, recipes, and videos too!
For stories, ideas, etc., you may visit the site www.april-fools.us, but be prepared to be grossed out by some of the things written. Just a note, I’m not endorsing this site.
I hope your April Fool’s day is an enjoyable one! Stay alert and be wary of your closest friends!
Valentine Sweets that are Pawsitively Delicious!
Sunday, February 8th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day fast approaches. Flower shops and candy stores are stocked up and ready to go. This is the time we lavish those we love with sweet treats. And to many of us…these include our doggies too! Our 4 legged princes and princesses have a sweet tooth too. My lucky Great Pyrenees Tori will be pleasantly surprised this Valentine’s with special gourmet treats from 3Dogs & a Chick – a fabulous bakery that caters to canines! They are baking up fresh for Tori carob dipped peanut butter bone shaped cookies as well as a box of doggy truffles! Ssshhhh, don’t give away the surprise! Mmmmm…..I can imagine the drool that is to come….
3 Dogs & a Chick is a licensed bakery in Florida that also has an online shop for those of us out of the area. I asked Nicole – the “Chick” to share with readers some information about her products. Here’s what she said. “All our treats are handmade and all-natural. Only human-grade ingredients are used and we never add any salt, sugar or preservatives. We’re a fully registered and licensed bakery with the Florida Department of Agriculture. I started the company 4 years ago, out of the desire to provide healthy, quality treats to dogs. I also am a huge supporter of rescue groups and promoting adoption. We hold monthly doggie socials at our shop and always invite various local rescue organizations and usually end up finding a new home for at least one. My own dogs (Saber, Tayte and Zara – all rescues) are the 3 dogs in our name and of course I’m the chick. My horse’s name is also Chick, so it’s my little way of including her in the business. ”
You may find Nicole’s online shop at www.3DogsAndAChick.etsy.com
Check out these tasty goodies and more in her shop….
Pretty Little Things…Tutus for Tots!
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Is there anything cuter than baby girls in tutus? I think not! And Leslie of Mom2twogals couldn’t agree more! I’ve been talking for the last couple of months about Etsy. For those who don’t know, Etsy is your online resource for wonderful handmade goods from artisans around the globe. Leslie’s shop Mom2twogals is one shop I came across on my many ventures on Etsy. I LOVE her tutus. As a mom to a beautiful little girl, I am in awe of her wonderful tutu designs. So of course I asked Leslie if I could feature her on my blog to let the world know about her tutus! Here is what Leslie had to say…
“I began making tutus on a whim. I had wanted one for my daughter for her birthday party and decided to try to make one on my own after realizing finding one in my small town in Ohio was impossible. After a few initial flops, I found my perfect technique. After showing a few friends, my new found hobby became a business of it’s own. After having two daughters, little frilly things are all I seem to be familiar with. It is going on two years now since my love of fluffy soft tulle consumed my waking hours and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I draw my inspiration from anything and everything from my own children, a strand of ribbon, or a photograph I saw and enjoyed. I love bright colors the most but use over 40 colors in my designs and love making custom items because it allows me the most interaction with each customer.”
Check out more of Leslie’s creations at www.mom2twogals.etsy.com!
It’s a Pet Paradise Here!
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
How wonderful it is in this business to meet many wonderful and interesting people both in real life and online. Through my own site and on Etsy, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some truly unique and crafty shops not only for people, but for pets too! One artist I recently encountered creates and sells all kinds of goodies & supplies for dogs, cats, and small pets too! Allison of Inu Inspirations is the mastermind behind the wonderful pet products featured below. I asked Allison how she got started and her inspiration behind her products.
Divine Designs: Handmade Products for Babies & Children too!
Monday, January 5th, 2009 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Who hasn’t gone shopping for their baby or young child and couldn’t quite find that exact item you were looking for? I recently chatted with Sarah of Poutberry, an online shop found on Etsy. Sarah is one of those people I envy, who just have that knack for sewing and able to create an abundance of wonderful products. I wanted to share with my readers her amazing talent and find out how it all began! Here’s what Sarah had to say….
“I guess you could say that I have always been “crafty”. Ever since I was a child, I have always needed to have some sort of creative outlet that allowed me to make a product in the end that was all my own! My three children have been the greatest source of inspiration to me and have lead me to the current path of baby and childrens products. Whether it’s a fleece hat or this year’s Halloween costume, I have always loved the challenged of creating something fresh and exciting for them. We have 3 boys and with each one I find something new to make that I end up falling in love with! When I was pregnant with my first son, Jake, I was looking for a “budget friendly” way to decorate his room. I couldn’t find anything at the store that I had to have so I went home and started whipping up curtains, basket liners and a crib skirt for him! As he got bigger, I gradually started making more and more things for him. I do have a niece and she is my channel to all things “girlie”. I have done tutus, hats and blankets for her but my latest completion with her in mind is the child-sized aprons. They are an adorable gift for a little mommy. I am also working on a couple boy-friendly options as well because my 5 year old, Sean, loves to help me bake and he wants one too! He’s also the inspiration behind my necktie shirts. He loved playing “housekeeping” in pre-school last year dressing himself up in a tie everyday and not wanting to take it off to come home, so I decided to make him a shirt that the tie never has to come off of! He is definitely my most imaginative and still loves to dress up, he has commissioned me to make his very own super-hero cape! I love to see what new ideas he comes up with next! With my last son, Derek, I really wanted a comfortable, stylish sling. He was really cranky and not a very good sleeper and with 2 other boys in the house I needed a way to carry him around. I couldn’t find anyone who made a sling that I liked so I ordered up the sling rings and made my own. As Derek has gotten older I have started to make new and exciting things for him as well from the shopping cart cover that I use every day to the take-a-long mini blankets that he loves to cuddle! I have also found the mini-diaper totes to be very useful in my larger diaper bag. I take them out all the time to you as a little wristlet for me too.
My husband is in the Army so it’s great that I can work from home and be here for my boys. I can also pick it all up and move to the next place when Uncle Sam tells us to! (Let’s hope he doesn’t call anytime soon though, I’m comfortable where I am!) I have so much fun creating original and modern accessories and necessities for me and my boys to enjoy together. I’m so thankful to be able to share my products and ideas with other families that I don’t really even feel like it’s a “job”.
Here is just a small sampling of the wonderful products you can find in Sarah’s shop at www.poutberry.etsy.com.
