Are you a fan of Facebook? Become a fan of L.A. BabyCakes too! We've created a new page on Facebook (L.A. BabyCakes) and wewant to see you there! To entice you to venture over to our page, L.A. BabyCakes is giving away a beautiful Easter dress by Little Bitty! This fantastically peach dress is adorned with beautiful flowers and tulle overlay with fashionable, fun swirls! This dress is every little girl's dream! The dress is 5T. Not your size? Go ahead and still "like" our page - if you're our winner, you can keep or give to a friend. We're going to have more giveaways soon...so stay our friend and still be registered to win future items from L.A. BabyCakes!!!

Hurry!  Contest ends April 10 so we may ship the winner their dress before Easter! See you soon!

New year means new products for moms and babies! Mom's today are all about cute and convenience! Check out the new must haves for 2011...great for you or as a baby shower gift for the new mom or mom to be!

One new product out on the market has been revamped with baby in mind. Mini fridge for babies! Now you can store baby food, bottles and more right in your baby's room without having to run to the kitchen! It keeps items cold or warm and can be taken anywhere...even the car!

 

Bebe Sounds Mini Fridge may be found online at stores such as Amazon or Shop.com 

 

 

Also, for moms torn between cloth or disposable diapers...why not both? gDiapers are a hybrid between cloth and disposable. The gDiapers system consists of cotton, reusable little gPants, and either 100% biodegradable gRefills or washable gCloth inserts. The diapers come in fashionable colors to fit any wardrobe. 

Check out gDiapers at retailers such as Diapers.com. 

 

 

 

And lastly, for moms who are battling that post baby belly bulge, the Kardashians are at it again....mom Kourtney Kardashian has designed the stylish Belly Bandit®.  With its beautiful faux lace design printed on the outside, and silky tan inside; this Belly Bandit® looks and feels silky against your skin. Moms swear it gets them their pre-baby belly back faster than ever before! This is a must have accessory for new moms! 

Also available at retailers like Diapers.com

 

Whew...cannot believe it's already September!  This year has truly flown by for me as you can tell from the lack of posts.  In June, we welcomed our second daughter.  She's been such a delight!  Funny how much you remember and how much you forget! ;)  Having an infant again brings me that much closer to all the new and cute baby products out on the market.  Here's the latest.... Skip Hop Hare Comb and Brush Set is such a cute accessory to any child's bathroom!  It doesn't take up much counter space, keeps things neat and is just adorable to see!  The comb and brush handles make up the bunny's ears while the tail is the handle of the mirror!Product is available at numerous retailers including Amazon.com, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Toys R Us, and Target!

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!

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 know 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:

Directions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Beat cream and confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form.
6. 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.
7. 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,  visit www.la-babycakes.com

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. 

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!!

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!

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! :)