I know what you are all thinking….ANOTHER baby?!?!?!?! Hold on, she’s got a 4 year old, a 2 1/2 year old and a 9 month old….she owns/runs a business and she’s pregnant again? My answer to you: YES, another baby. While we had planned on another (maybe another 6-12 months from now), we certainly did not plan it this soon. BUT, we could not be more thrilled! I’ll admit… notifying all of our family and friends about baby #4 seemed a little more mellow than baby #1 (plus, it is early and there can be complications). I am just as excited as I was when I got pregnant with Ricky…but for some reason when I thought about telling everyone, it just kinda felt like a broken record. LOL! Everyone was super excited and I can’t believe I am going to have another little munchkin to hold and love. 

So there you have it …this CRAZY baker, “stay at home” mom, party planner, soccer banner maker, wife, crafter, team mom, seamstress, delivery woman, maid (although I’ll admit, not a very good one), blogger, photographer (again kinda sucky in this area), Halloween costume maker, and probably anything else you challenge me with is adding one more thing to her plate. Cannot wait for baby number 4!

So,  last Saturday I had 2 delicious orders….and it was my eldest daughter’s first soccer game. In case you all don’t know, I am such the soccer mom. No, really. I make the team banners, whip up the coolest snacks for half time and after the game, make team soccer hair clips, you name it. So, you can only imagine how thrilled I was for the first game. I arranged the deliveries for 7:00 am and the other for 12:30…Rick’s game was at nine. The first delivery was in Garden Grove. Having broke my navigation system (which I lived by) two days prior I was a little on edge, but had my iphone to help. So, I plug in the address and was on my way…right on schedule. I took Ani and Snooks with me and left Ricky with Poppa. On the freeway, passing Garden Grove. I am THAT bad with directions….thinking to myself how big is Garden Grove. Well, finally after driving for way too long the phone announces I have reached my destination. I WAS IN SEAL FREAKIN BEACH! I know, cut me some slack..I’m a baker not a delivery person. So, now, I’m freaking out because the clock is ticking. I try to re-input the address and my phone is just not loading. Crap, I was lost. it was now around 7:45 and I was in full panic mode. I call the hubby (who is wondering where I am) and explain…in tears. What? I did not want to miss my baby’s first game. So, the hubby laughs that I am in tears and tries to help….no luck. I’m driving around who knows where and it’s now 8:15…..EF it, I’m going home. 

You have to understand I love ALL of our customers, EVERY single one. You all are what made Two Parts Sugar what it is. This, this was a very special customer though. I’m not sure if any of you remember back when we auditioned for Cupcake Wars, but on lady really pulled through for me and literally got me on the show. You can read about that here. This order was for her….I feel I owe her a lot. So, I snap out of it, call the customer and get directions. 8:30, delivery done. YES! On my way to the game. Huh…not so fast. About half way there (Ladera Ranch) my car dies. You read correctly, died. So, now I am on the side of the road waiting for AAA. Then, AAA ends up on the 405 instead of the 5 and I’m still waiting. I guess it was the alternator…whatever fixed it and I was on my way. Parked the car in the handicap spot (hubby graciously volunteered to move it once I got to the field…awwwww) ran down the what seemed like a mile long hill with both girls in my arms, only to see the game end. Typical Monica luck. 

I was so bummed. You know those movies where the dad misses the big recital because he’s stuck in a meeting….yeah, I was so THAT parent. NEVER again. I talked with the hubby on the way to lunch and told him I was done. I was not going to be THAT parent. I was convinced there would be no more cakes/cupcakes for me. Well, I think we all knew what bologna that was. I was serious at the time…I wanted to shut it down. But, I started thinking about what it has taken to make this what it is.

Yes, it’s very difficult at times to manage the business and family life. Yes, I hate that I NEVER get to sleep. I hate that I have to drag my girls to the cake shop or deliveries. Yes, it gets frustating that I can only do so much because I am not in LA, or because I don’t have Mom and Dad to shell out a lump of cash to get a storefront. I can’t bake every single day and get samples to everyone I can think of. I can’t take every order that comes my way. The most frustrating thing is that I know what I am capable of, but cannot fulfill my potential. I can’t do all the things I want to with the business…and it sucks. Then, while I am getting down on myself for not doing more…I realize, now’s just not the time. As much as i want to “do it all” now, I’d rather be the soccer mom, the mom that spends every possible minute with these girls, cause they are growing fast. I’m not gonna lie, I do wish I had more time in the day. Plus, it totally bugs me when I see these single gals (with no family, or other responsibilities) hustling half as much as I would. I am struggling with my competitive nature daily and constantly turning to my girls for reassurance that I AM doing enough for both the business and them. 

So, that’s that, I got my cupcakes delivered, but missed a very important game. Just another day in the life of a baker trying to raise her girls and balance life.

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So the only changes really were to eliminate Stawberry Shortcake and incorporate the age and message “Happy Lula Day”. Otherwise from our discussion I felt I had “creative liberty” on this one. So, here’s what we came up with:

Cute right?….WRONG! By cooinsidence, the customer sent me a ext and asked what colors i had used so that she could purchase the party supplies to match. I excitedly told her I had a picture I could e-mail her. Well, i sent the e-mail and the response was not what I expected. She said it was really cute, but just not what she envisioned. OK…don’t panic, how can we fix this? I asked what she liked and didn’t like and we went from there. It was a mad dash to change it to what she wanted. It really was no biggie. I realized more today than ever, why I LOVE my job. I get to be  a part of memorable occasions in people’s lives and help bring their vision to reality. We added some darker colors, and some bows and TADA…a brand new cake and a thrilled customer!

Yes, it was a little crazy….but, this is what we do! I would never deliver a cake knowing the customer was not satisfied.  This is what sets us a part from the bakery down the street. We truly value each and every order we create. We are a part of YOUR memorable event and it should ALWAYS be ALL about YOU! We love our customers and strive to deliver smiles every time! 

A very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lula who turned SIX today….Happy Birthday Lula, hope you loved your cake!

When we decided to commit we want to do something big…so we raffled off $1,000.00 in cupcakes and teamed up with Orange Novelty Cake Supplies to raffle off a gift basket of decorating goodies (valued at $200.00).We also baked over 550 cupcakes to pass out! Velma Trevino won the cupcakes and Michelle Gonzaga won the gift basket.  We were able to raise $385.00 for El Pozo. It was a family event for me…my hubby and girls were along for the ride (which was also crazy). All in all it was a stressful day, but lots of fun and for a great cause. Can’t wait until next year! 

I’ve been having issues with PayPal…First, they do not allow you to accept money in correlation to raffles. They consider it gambling. Second, in order to accept donations through PayPal, you must have all kinds of documentation. So, after having my PayPal account “on hold”, then activated again, then “on hold” again….well, let’s just say it’s been frustrating. I love PayPal…I know there are rules and regulations for reasons, and rightfully so. Man, does it make things complicated though. Especially when you are trying to raise money in such a short amount of time. Now I know for next time.

THEN, the shirts. I was so excited to finally get some shirts made and Steve from Twizted Teez offered to donate the screening! Sweet right…well, here’s the run down on that scenario. I was in the process of ordering some high quality shirts (you know, the really soft, thin ones) and when I sent over the shipping address, good old iphone spell check turned Pradera into Traders. So, no shirts. Well not just yet anyway. I know, I know, I should have checked, and I’m not making excuses (although I really am)…..3 kids, 4 orders this week, a new recipe in the works, a display and cupcakes for Cupcake Camp OC…well, something was bound to get lost in the shuffle I suppose. 

On to the good stuff. I stopped by my all time favorite shop , Orange Novelty Cake Supplies to pick up some goodies. For those of you unaware, Orange Novelty Cake Supplies is the premiere cake/cupcake supply shop in Orange County. I was talking to the amazing owner Anna about the event, my donation, and the hiccups along the way. I mentioned to her that I could maybe set out some of her cards if she’d like, to possibly help generate business. She decided to “one up” me and offered to donate a gift basket LOADED with cupcake goodies for our raffle.

WIN OVER $200.00 worth of decorating supplies!

Including over 700 baking cups, 16 bottles of sprinkles, 3 jars of disco dust, 8 Americolor color gels, edible daisies, decorating bags and tips!

What does this mean for you? Well, when you purchase a $5.00 raffle ticket you are not only entered to win our GRAND PRIZE of $1,000.00 worth of cupcakes/cake, but we will be drawing a second winner who will win this fabulous gift basket! That’s right 2 chances to win!

Simply e-mail me: monica@twopartssugar.com or stop by the Two Parts Sugar booth and purchase a ticket the day of the event! 

Thank you Anna and Orange Novelty Cake Supplies for your generous donation!

So, here’s the run down: while the event is technically FREE, a suggested donation of $10.00 is asked upon entrance. Remember this is for charity and you’re lucky to get 3 cupcakes at some bakeries with $10.00. Already a win/win if you ask me. You’ll have access to cupcakes from lots of local bakeries as well as others participating who just love to bake! I have to tell you I was giddy with excitement when I found out Cupcake Camp would be happening in my backyard (not really in my backyard…..well, you know what I mean). I knew we had to participate and do it BIG!

We will be organizing a raffle where you could win BIG! I’m talking $1,000.00 BIG! 

The Two Parts Sugar GRAND PRIZE raffle will consist of the following:

100 decorated cupcakes

100 accent cupcakes (sprinkles/colored icing)

A 6″ decorate cake

A custom cupcake stand

-OR-

A cake valued at $1,000.00 

Not only will you be entered to win the GRAND PRIZE, but with every ticket purchase you will receive a coupon (coupon code if purchased on line) for 10% off you next order from Two Parts Sugar.

Tickets will be sold for $5.00 in the Two Parts Sugar booth the day of the event (please stop by and say hi even if you are not purchasing a ticket). You can also purchase tickets by contacting Monica via e-mail: monica@twopartssugar.com. We will then send you a confirmation and throw a ticket with your name on it in our raffle jar (to be drawn day of event). ALL proceeds go to EL POZO. Contest is open to all Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. But wait, we didn’t stop there!

We will also be offering our signature “I bleed buttercream” T-Shirts (photo coming soon) at the event and on-line (until 7/31/10). Purchase a shirt for $20.00 and we’ll throw in a raffle ticket and a 10% off coupon! Again, ALL proceeds got to EL POZO.

Available in a variety of colors with white print.

Yes, there’s MORE….we will be debuting a NEW FLAVOR we have been wanting to do for over a year now(just waiting for the right occasion)! Not only that, but any cupcake we sell in that flavor from now until the end of the year, we will be donating a percentage of the proceeds to EL POZO!

So, let’s sum it up…$5.00 raffle ticket gets you a chance to win $1,000.00 worth of baked goods and a 10% off coupon towards a future purchase. Or buy a T-shirt for $20.00 and we’ll include the raffle ticket and coupon. You’ll be sampling a brand NEW FLAVOR and if you order some goodies in our new flavor, a percentage of proceeds goes to EL TOZO. You’ll meet lots of cupcake lovers and taste lots of yummy cupcakes. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, you will be helping great cause. 

Diabetic, don’t like sweets, on a diet, no worries, you can still participate. The organizers of Cupcake Camp OC are accepting donations! LOVE to bake? Don’t be shy, sign up and bring some cupcakes down to help raise awareness and money! 

Those of you not on a diet can enter the CUPCAKE EATING CONTEST!

Bottom line, a bunch of wonderful people are coming together to do something selfless and raise money for a good cause. Be a part of it and I’m living proof, karma will thank  you later.

*Grand Prize is valued at $1,000.00. Can be redeemed for one cake OR a 6″ cake, 100 decorated cupcakes, 100 accent cupcakes, and one decorated stand. Decorations subject to difficulty/time involved. Delivery/set up may or may not be included depending on circumstances. Open to Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and LA counties. Date of redemption dependant upon availability.

For questions feel free to contact us here or call Monica 714.651.9769.

So, Parker’s cake…Laurie tells me he requested a “Big Pink Cake” as seen in The Cat in The Hat. The flavor….cherry chip. She attached an image and let me run with the flavor. I had no idea where to start with the cherry chip. I started thinking of the ice cream, chunks of cherries and chocolate chips. Then, I noticed a box of Duncan Hines Cherry Chip cake mix while down the baking aisle in my local grocery store. It would be perfect. I scowered the internet for cherry chips and experimented with icings until I thought what I had was just right. So, here’s the new flavor:

Parker Cherry Chip (yes we named a flavor after him, cause he’s just THAT rad!)….vanilla bean cupcake with cherry chips mixed in, topped with vanilla bean buttercream and cherry ganache drizzle….So Yummy!

Me, cake, Parker and daughter

Laurie is SO sweet, she made it a point to get in touch with us the following day, here’s what she ahd to say!

“I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful cake! Parker and all of his family and friends LOVED it! Even the caterers were asking about it! Parker’s youngest daughter said, “Daddy, it looks like a cartoon!” which was the point! And the flavors were sooooo delicious! You did the most amazing job! Everyone raved over your cake, and I mean everyone!” -Laurie

“One of the most amazing things about the party was this CAKE. It was PINK & Suessy. The most delicious cherry chip & vanilla bean cake… So Good!! It was a Parker dream-cake…My favorite…And you know me and cake…     So, I’m a fan….” -Parker Jacobs

It was so special to me to be able to create something for someone who has created something so special for my girls (yes, YGG was created for MY GIRLS…lol!). Parker, from our family to you…we wish you a very happy birthday and a big thank you for being a part of our favorite show!

SO many pics….where to start? The invite: I obviously wanted to incorporate the theme, but wanted to keep it modern and clean…went with the circle Gabba faces for most of the decor.

I guess we can go on to the goody bags….I chose colored buckets and made the faces of each character on the appropriate colored bucket. I then filled the bucket with some goodies: an apron they would be painting later, a windmill, a 5 page coloring book (one page of each character), a squirt gun (we had an inflatable water slide), a baggy of water balloons, and a bag of crayons and YGG stickers…each tied up with a black ribbon. They were finished off with name tags that read “My name is —– I like to dance!” The buckets also doubled as candy storage when it came time for the pinata!

So, next we had some decorations…You can never go wrong with coordinating streamers hanging from above, but I wanted to Gabbafy it. So,I made double sided faces of each character that matched the invites and strung them from some black ribbon.

On to entertainment….Along with a giant water slide we rented (and ended up purchasing…Yipee!), we had giant water blasters, big bouncy balls, a kiddie pool, and a plex sprinkler (we never used cause it needed a hose and that was already being run to the slide). Oh, and did I mention the games? I made a pin the eyeball on Muno (pretty self explanatory right?), as well as a “Party in my tummy” Brobee bean bag toss (bean bag food and all). One of the awesome moms also volunteered to paint faces, you’d never guess what the request of the day was….THE CAKE!

Ok, next hmmmmm…the centerpieces! These were my favorite! Originally I was going to paint the Gabba Lands and characters on containers but, I have 3 kids and a limited amount of time. So I picked up some clear plastic painters buckets and some paper, went to my computer and hit print. I then stuffed the buckets with tissue paper and popped in some rice krispie treats decorated to look like the characters faces….TOO CUTE!

Next, the pinata! My daughter’s favorite character is Foofa (the pink one) so I mad her a Foofa pinata. I found a Bratz pinata at party city on clearance for $5.00 (yes $5.00!) and grabbed a bag of pink tissue paper and went to town. I glued on the new tissue paper and cut out a face and eyes and viola…Foofa, fa Foofa, fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa Foofa! And yes…all my girls had on very colorful swimsuits to go with our theme! 

Now on to the yummy stuff…..Dazzle berry lomonade anyone? In one of the episodes of YGG Muno’s mom makes “dazzle berry lemonade”, so we served some up. Of course we had to include polka dot cups and colorful squiggly straws to go with!

I tried to adapt each character into a goody…all thought up literally the day before and made with whatever I had lying around the house!

Foofa oreos, complete with her signature flower.

Muno chocolate covered pretzels (and yes, I know I spelled it wrong on the label, I didn’t even realize until I was writing this blog)!

To top it off, here are a few more pics (as if there weren’t enough already) that I loved to pieces…ENJOY!

“The cake and cupcakes were a hit! Everyone, myself included, just loved the Snoopy decorations you created.  So cute! Not only that but they tasted delicious, especially the raspberry red velvet. Those were gone so fast that my husband didn’t even get to try them, haha!”  

-Ellie’s Mom