by chicFABu

I attended a book signing for Author LaStarr McCullough at Cupcakes & More in Houston, TX. It’s located on a side of town that is not known for having specialty boutiques, so I was excited to visit and try my lovers (the cupcakes, of course) for myself. You always know when you step into a good bakery when the aroma hits you in the parking lot. This experience was no different. The hand painted windows were delightful to the eyes and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into their goodies.

There were mini-cupcakes for the event, ones of all flavors. I, of course, tried every single one. They melted in my mouth. I couldn’t even pick a favorite. They also had an array of cupcake-themed items from plates to cups that gave the bakery a cozy and welcoming feeling. I had the pleasure of interacting with the owner, Justin, and his customer service was impeccable.

I watched him interact with several customers that were not a part of the event and he made their experience comfortable and personal. The only thing that I would change to this delicious boutique bakery is the paint inside. It’s painted to look like a 50’s ice cream shop, but the painters could have done the boutique more justice than they did. But, hey, we don’t eat the walls and the cupcakes surpassed my expectations.

They offer more than cupcakes as well, so find more information about them on their website at www.TreatsFromScratch.com.

You may also find them on the Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/treatsfromscratch
Store Address: 14705 Woodforest Blvd Suite #105 in Houston, TX 77015
Phone Number: 832-220-3531
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-8pm Sun- CLOSED

Reviewed by Brandie Randolph of chicFABu.

I’m thankful for so many things that it wouldn’t benefit me waiting until November to list all the things I’m grateful for. I’ve come a long way from that painfully shy girl in the South Bronx who didn’t fit in with the status quo. I’m now happily married, enmeshed in fashion, writing for several publications, operating a relationship ministry for singles and couples, doing what I love and have a shoe collection to swoon for, an online vintage boutique and am acquiring several nice vintage pieces for my stash that are growing as well. I’m always thankful to God first and foremost. I have done nothing on my own and to think so would be vain and foolish. But there are other things I’m thankful for as well that have also been tremendous blessings to my life…

1. I am truly thankful for a husband who loves me unconditionally and supports everything I do from radio to tv to helping me make videos and logging on for the Twitter Parties! He has been there for me 100% and even though I make certain to tell him daily how much I love him, I just want to share it out loud. I love my husband Mr. C–HE’S THE BEST!

2. I am thankful for a son who is smart, college educated, respects women and understands the need to for upward mobility. He works hard at everything he does and I am thankful for the opportunity to be his Mom and model for him what a solid healthy relationship and marriage looks like, so that one day he can and will have his own. I love you “J”

3. I am a helper by nature so I know how important it is to be thankful for your supporters. I want to thank everyone who supports me, my vintage endeavors and the Princess Dominique brand. That includes my family, my shoe posse members and my category contributors, my friends both in New Jersey as well as other states and countries. It is so amazing when you can connect with people (some you have never met face to face) and have it feel like they’re your next door neighbor. I appreciate you all–never forget that!

*Now it’s time for an early morning snack!

What are you thankful for today?

by Brandie Randolph

I met my neighbor the other day and discovered that she sold Scentsy products. I’ve seen Scentsy at many events and at many people’s homes over the years and, though they smelled good, assumed that they were yet another candle company. There are tons of those, right? Wrong! She gave me a brochure, so I obliged and began flipping through when, what to my wandering eyes should appear? A Scentsy cupcake burner! Yes, follow cupcake lovers, it is a big, fat, juicy, fabulous cupcake! It’s a three part warmer and the top is the frosting. It isn’t painted with cupcakes, it IS a cupcake. Of course, I had to have it. I purchased the Birthday scent to go along with it to get the entire cake feel. Unfortunately, I discovered that it didn’t smell so much like cake once I actually burned it. The cheesecake and citrus scent bars are a delight, though! This burner will add an adorable touch any place in your house because you can never go wrong with a cupcake!

Contact Scentsy rep, Bridget Bee Bryant at 832.577.6507 to place your order, or visit her site at www.WaitingToInhale.com. Enjoy!

To go along with this fabulous find, I found a deliciously beautiful cupcake recipe from Preston Bailey. Let me know how they turn out!

Chocolate-Chocolate Cupcakes with White Frosting

Makes 12
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups milk chocolate morsels
White Frosting:
½ unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 to 3 tbsp. milk

1. Sift together cocoa and next 3 ingredients in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until well blended. Stir in vanilla.
2. Add cocoa mixture to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with cocoa mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in morsels.
3. Place 12 paper baking cups in a muffin pan; spoon batter evenly into cups, filling completely full. Bake at 350º F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack, and cool 30 minutes.
4. For frosting, beat butter with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until creamy. Gradually beat in sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and 2 tbsp. milk, adding additional milk, if necessary, for desired consistency. Spread cupcakes evenly with white frosting.

I attended a fabulous event this weekend put on by All Twisted by Design, titled Cupcakes and Cocktails. The event was designed to bring awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness and kick off their Total Beauty and Empowerment event in January. Guess who stole the show? The cupcakes, of course!

All Twisted by Design Owner

The spread was gorgeous. It was pink, with beautiful sprays of roses and splendid, textured cloths. The entire dessert table looked like it was spread with buttercream icing. Don’t worry, I didn’t lick it. The cupcakes were made by Epiphanie’s here in Houston, ALL FROM SCRATCH. Since the theme was Cupcakes and Cocktails, they were served on teeny, chic cocktail glasses. The flavors were vanilla, chocolate chip, and red velvet. Yes, red velvet-my favorite. I love all cupcakes, but I am the harshest critic for red velvet cupcakes. I was not disappointed. The cupcakes literally melted in my mouth. They didn’t even need the icing; that was an added bonus. There’s a certain southern warmth and love that goes into custom cooking and Epiphanie’s is proving that baking is no different.

Visit their website for more information: http://epiphaniesdesserts.webs.com
Contact Information: Email: lakisha_rg@yahoo.com
Phone: 1 832.258.2584

by Brandie Randolph

I am so excited about this contest. It has now come to an end and it’s time to announce the winner! A couple of years ago, Opal Hue created a scent especially for me-Brandie’s Cupcake Obsession. Their products are 99% natural and the scent smells exactly like cupcakes. Literally. You’ll want to lick your elbow. The winner is receiving a sugar scrub, body oil, and spray in my signature fragrance! Below, you will find my very favorite kind of cupcake (red velvet with cream cheese icing) recipe from Paula Deen! Enjoy it as you will smell better in your new scent. The winner is Mocha Kia!!! Please visit Opal Hue at www.OpalHue.com for more yumminess! I stand firmly by all of their fabulous products!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.
Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook’s Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.