Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!!

I have been away for a while, and have been to culinary school! My business partner and I are starting a new adventure, and I thought I'd pop in all say hello, and blow the dust off of this site!

Anyway, my love of sparkles, cupcakes, sprinkles, and sparkly sprinkling cupcakes led me to try some real ones. Then some cake decorating...then back to cupcakes!






So coming to the Southwest and Western Suburbs of Chicago this summer will be Pecan and Charlie's Mobile Cupcakery! We are in the process of working with a consultant, and have just received the layout plan for our van.

I have a new blog, at Pecanandcharlies.blogspot.com, if anyone would like to come and say hello!

Feel free to check us out on Facebbook as well! We are at http://www.facebook.com/PecanandCharlies

Happy New Year!!

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I have really been a bad blogger for the last few months. Working outside the home really cuts into my time, but its been a year since I started my job, and I still really love it. I do miss my art so much though.

I work at a college, and one of the perks is free classes. Not too shabby! So I have begun taking classes to become a pastry chef. I love doing my cupcake art, it is my passion and my fun time, so I thought why not become certified in the real thing as well! I have always loved to cook and bake...not quite as much as I love creating my artwork, but nearly. I am on my second semester now, and my next two classes start next week.



My dream has always been to own a small shop. When the economy picks up, I would love to open a small patisserie that sells artwork and maybe a few cool books...a total girly place, the kind of place that I would hang out in. A place that makes you want to stay awhile and have a nice cuppa.

Anyway, less dreaming, more studying LOL I am looking forward to the kids going back to school, and getting back to work. I like a bit more structure, it keeps us all from getting bored and lazy in my house ;)

Happy Almost Halloween

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I am having a ball visiting so many fantastic blogs that I have been missing so much! There are so many goodies to look at, its almost overwhelming to visit a page, and want to take it all in immediately...Have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy it all!!

My 6 year old daughter is so excited about Halloween, she really takes after her Mommy. She knows exactly how she wants her costume, which bag to take Trick or Treating, and has her route all planned.

My 8 year old son, on the other hand, just sort of follows her lead. He's kind of an 80 year old man, trapped in the body of an 8 year old LOL He is probably one of the most talented artists that I've ever met too, he does things at 8 that I have trouble with at 36. He is gruff, and too cool for words, but has a secret soft side, and is a real lovey deep down. I know he's looking forward to Trick or Treat, as long as his sister does all of the work.

Happy Haunting, Blogland!!

Its been a long time!!

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Ah blogland...all summer long I had no time or inkling to blog, with all of my kids home and all of us busy busy busy! Since they have gone back to school, I have been DYING, TWITCHING, YEARNING to get back to my art, get my hands dirty, cover everything with glitter and twirl around in it :D

I only really have Fridays to myself anymore, that's my day off, but I haven't been able to motivate myself to be creative. I have done a few commissions, some custom stuff, but nothing for myself, none of the things that I create out of pure need to make them exist. I am getting back into it slowly, there is just always an excuse not to. Our washer is on the fritz at the moment, which is making me a bit batty, and we have reached the Science Fair time of year BOOOOOO :( The other teeny little problem is my digital camera.

I have charged the battery over and over, but it won't work. I need to just go and get a new battery and see if it works, so at least I can post again. I have decided that no matter what, in order for me to be a nice person, and get through all of the things that I'm doing (too many! LOL) I must have some art time. Non negotiable. So that's what's new with me!

I am also taking classes to become a certified Pastry Chef. All my friends here know how much of a cupcake girl I am, and I work at the college, so I may as well get certified while I'm there :D I passed my Food Sanitiation Class, so I am certified to make cupcakes that are bacteria free *giggle* I'm off to go and visit some blogs because I have missed you all so much, and need some eye candy...this is going to be a binge!




xoxoxox

Face Painting and Parties!

Sure is tough to be a working girl!! Between work, and planning my boys' Graduation and First Communion parties, and now face painting at the school carnival, I am a busy girl!

This Sunday we are having the party, my son Aidan is graduating from 8th Grade, and my son Liam made his First Communion. One big party is much easier than having two. Aidan is excited, because he is getting a new guitar, and he will be playing at his party with my brother Tim's band. How cool is that!!

Last night was the first night of the school Carnival, and I face painted for a couple of hours, which I will do again tonight, and tomorrow. The kids are so cute, and they are so delighted to see a bit of fanciful splendor on their little cheeks.

Its going to be a busy busy weekend, but hopefully lots of fun too. Our internet and phone have been out for the last five days, and Comcast came out yesterday (for the second time in a month!!) and so far, so good...if I haven't responded to any emails, that is why, and I am back up and running (fingers crossed!!)

Have a great weekend, blogland!

And the winner is....

Number 17!!!

Scrappy Jessi!!!!!

Thanks everyone who played, and thanks for all of the friendship and comraderie that you've all shown to me!!!


My newest piece...I have a little bit of work to do on it, some pretty trim for the edges...but I'll show it anyway :D

My 100th Post!! That means a Giveaway!!

Wow, I can't believe it, 100 posts already. When I first started this blog, I wasn't sure that I had anything to say! I don't always have the most eloquent words, but I have certainly enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful people out there in blogland, there are so many lovely and creative folks with whom to share, get inspiration, and greatly admire.

Reading the various blogs in my sidebar is such a treat. Sometimes the eye candy goodies are almost overwhelming, that it's hard for my brain to take it all in!

It has been absolutley wonderful blogging, finding so many like minded folks, who share a passion, who understand and share the addled brain of one who lives in color and texture, LOL!

Anyway, for my 100th post, I am giving away an altered wooden house, called "Bakeshop" I made it today just for this occasion. It felt so good to have glue and paint all over my hands again!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I will draw the winner on Friday, May 16, via the random number thingy.

As promised, some pictures of the goodies from the adorable Miss Laura, of the Little Orange Kitchen
She is so sweet, and these are so cute!! She even sent me some yummy organic peppermint tea, and the cutest magnet I've ever seen. Thanks again, Laura!! You made my day :D




Last, but not least, my sweet pair, Annalise her Daddy going to Father Daughter Dance. Aren't they cute :D

Trying to inspire myself

Time has been so limited, and I have not been creating nearly enough. I thought if I dug out some pictures of past goodies to remind myself that I need to get back into the groove. Art isn't a luxury, its a necessity, just like brushing your teeth, or doing laundry.
I'm entering a show in November, so my goal is going to be to create at least two new things a week, until then. Starting now :)

Also, I recieved the most wonderful suprise in the mail the other day from the adorable Laura, of Orange Kitchen fame. The absolute CUTEST magnet and post cards, and I have had a bit of overtime this week, so I've not gotten to share, but they are worth the wait, I assure you!! If you haven't been to Laura's blog yet, I encourage you to go, she makes the most whimsical (yes, I said it) wallets, and always has great recipes to share, plus her writing is so beautiful, that even if she said nothing, it would still be enjoyable to read! Pictures soming soon, and huge thanks to Laura!!

Lots of great Junque!

The Junque in my Trunque swap was great fun! I swear, since I've started working part time, swaps are one of the only ways that I can force myself to be creative. Friday is supposed to be "Art Day" as its my day off, but I don't seem to have it to myself too often.

The darling Elizabeth was my partner, and this was her first swap! I feel very fortunate to have been her partner, because look at all of the goodies that she sent me!
The box was so pretty that I was afraid to open it :D



It was HUGE too!! Love this girl!



Doesn't it look amazing!! Look at the cupcake, oooooh love it!!


Look at the cute little tin, and wow, there is just so much great stuff in here! The most darling vintage pink gloves, fabulous buttons, adorable cupcake picks...

The teapot box just bowled me over, it is the cutest little thing I've ever seen!!


Thank you so so so much, Elizabeth, I just adore it, and you really went all out. Beautiful stuff!!!

On another note, another Elizabeth, who happens to be my darlingest dearest cousin, has had the baby!!!!!!!! YAY, and welcome to the world, gorgeous Connor!!!!!!

I'm not going to give any details or show the picture, because I know Liz will want to do that herself (and he is supersupersupercute!!!!) but I know many of you have been waiting for news, and Mommy and baby are well!! I'm dying to talk to her, and I know she'll post a pic as soon as she gets a chance. Yay, Liz and baby Connor!!!

Swappin' is done!

Just mailed out a package to my lovely swap partner Tangee we were paired in Artsymama's Vintage Party Swap. I had so much fun making her goodies!! Also, have one package to send out tomorrow to Elizabeth, my partner in Heather's Junque in your Trunque swap. I recieved my box from Elizabeth already, and it made me squeal and clap, so fantastic!!!!!! I have pictures that I will post hopefully tonight, fab stuff!!

We also have a science project (another one!) that we started yesterday, we are doing the "growing crystals out of charcoal" expirament. We started it yesterday, and they're already growing!

Anyway, must dash, but I will have pics to post, and I have been working on some new cuppies for my shop, it is getting pretty empty in there, so I really need to fill it up with some goodies. Love to all!