Rock, Paper, Cupcakes

first friday

2011-06-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

The whiskey sour...

The crostini...

The menu board...

The wine...

h'ors d'oeuvres and cocktails fridays

2011-06-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow starts "H'ordeuvres and Cocktails Fridays", just a little something I promised my husband to make the fact that I don't work during the summer and he does just a little easier for him to bear. Stay tuned!

cupcakes in jars part 2

2011-06-19T18:40:00.001-07:00

Here's the finished product!. Very cute and easy to eat! I'm looking forward to doing them red, white and blue for the 4th!

cupcakes in a jar

2011-06-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

My neighbor wanted to make cupcakes in a jar for her son's high school graduation party tomorrow. It took us two hours to get this far.......

We used a recipe for chocolate cake from Taste of Home. I couldn't believe how easily the cakes came out of the jar. They just slid right out! They are cooling now, and then she will slice them and layer them in the jars with frosting and sprinkles. I'll post a picture of the finished product after the party tomorrow!

cupcakes on kauai - part 2

2011-06-09T22:34:00.001-07:00

My next venture into Kauai cupcakes involves Sugarmill Cupcakes. We had mint chocolate chip cupcakes for dessert tonight, and they were fabulous. The frosting wasn't overwhelmingly minty and the cake was moist and delicious. The baker currently sells her cupcakes at farmer's markets on Kauai, but she is planning on opening a storefront in August on the south end of the island.

cupcakes on kauai - part 1

2011-06-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Icing on the Cake is a bakery in Kapa'a run by Andrea and Patrick Quinn. I stopped in for an afternoon cupcake/iced tea and was happy to find fresh chocolate cupcakes that hadn't even been frosted yet. This was one of the best chocolate cupcakes I've ever had. The iced tea was great as well......a vanilla/chai blend.

happy easter!

2011-04-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

summer journal

2011-04-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the fabulous Alison May of Brocante Home, I was inspired to create a summer book to keep track of ideas and plans for summer 2011. I made sections for road trip ideas, home maintenance projects that I'd like to get done while on my break from work, plans for our vacation to Kauai, fun projects like "Hors d'oeuvre Fridays", 4th of July plans, and birthday plans for summer birthdays.

cupcakepalooza

2011-01-04T07:06:00.001-08:00

Today is Cupcakepalooza! My friend and I are going on a whirlwind self-guided tour of 5 Los Angeles cupcakerys....Yummy Cupcakes, Magnolia Bakery, Frosted, Crumbs, and of course Sprinkles, as well as lunch and beignets at Farmers Market.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

happy 4th

2010-07-05T08:26:00.001-07:00

photo.JPG
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

the summer of finished projects

2010-07-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

I finished this quilt a long time ago, but I finally got around to putting a sleeve on it and photographing it.

Have a happy 4th of July weekend!

calendula then...

2010-06-25T14:57:00.001-07:00

Calendula now...

summer vacation week 1

2010-06-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here's what I accomplished during my first week of summer vacation:

4 blocks for my Arctic Christmas quilt:

and a cupcake apron!

cupcakes and ponies

2010-06-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Father's Day was celebrated with regular sized cupcakes and mini ponies!

strawberry shortcake is back!

2010-04-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

We had our first strawberry shortcake of the year today. James had the bright idea to chop up our basket of CSA berries which weren't very sweet, and put them IN the shortcakes. I use Susan Branch's shortcake recipe...I'm not sure which cookbook it's in. So here is a strawberry infused shortcake...

Fresh whipped cream...

The finished product, topped with fresh grated nutmeg...

carrots!

2010-04-25T17:54:00.001-07:00

Carrots!
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Spent some more time weeding the pie orchard today. It looks like someone else is working on it too, thank goodness!

I was mistaken before....my carrots had not sprouted......it was a vile weed that has now been eradicated. But today.....two weeks to the day I planted them......Kaleidoscope carrots are appearing!

calendula

2010-04-20T19:28:00.001-07:00

Calendula
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I spent a little time in the garden this evening. We got quite a bit of rain today so I wanted to check on things. I figured it would be a good opportunity to pull some weeds in the pie orchard too. I discovered my calendulas have sprouted, and I think my carrots have too. I was starting to worry about my carrots!

figueroa field trip

2010-04-18T16:59:00.001-07:00

Owl Clover
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Beautiful morning on Figueroa Mountain. Owl clover was my favorite wildflower of the day. I've never seen any this pale before! We were too late to see the fritillaria and the shooting stars.

mark your calendars!

2010-04-17T14:28:00.001-07:00

Teacup Apron for Stephanie
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

May 10th is National Apron Day!

campaign trellis

2010-04-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was looking for some kind of afordable trellis for my sugar snap peas. My dad had the great idea to use some leftover wire braces for campaign signs. I tied 8 of them together and made this little cage/trellis for my peas. I suppose it could be taller, but you can't argue with free.

We kept hearing that it was going to rain today, but all we could see were overcast skies and lots of wind. I was afraid my seeds and seedlings at the community garden were going to be thirsty, so I went over and watered. A few hours later the skies opened up and it has been pouring ever since.

owl update

2010-04-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

It's quadruplets!

owls, owls everywhere

2010-04-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for baby owls. I, along with my fourth graders, have been fixated on Molly the Barn Owl on Ustream. This is an amazing thing to watch, and the good news is the owlets will be in the box for at least another 6 weeks, so there's plenty of interesting stuff ahead! The owner of the owl box put a camera outside so you can see Molly and her mate, McGee, fly out and around at night.

Then we have these guys...

These are our La Purisima Great Horned Owls. Actually these are last year's owlets (there were three last year!) This year we think there are only two. Here's the mom...

peas and carrots

2010-04-09T20:14:00.001-07:00

More progress in the garden....I planted 12 sugar snap pea plants and 15 feet of carrots. I used seed tapes for the carrots which I've never used before, so it will be interesting to see how that works out. Still left to do: cucumbers, lettuce and the Kaleidoscope carrots. At the nursery today I found a stevia plant, which I planted in an old sugar tin, and a peanut plant! I'm not sure where to plant the peanuts yet, but I thought that would be a fun experiment. It's supposed to rain this weekend, so hopefully I can get the majority of my stuff planted tomorrow morning before it starts.

an afternoon in the community garden

2010-04-08T20:01:00.003-07:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Here is my garden plot in mid February. I am ashamed to admit that I did absolutely nothing there this winter, which is a crime really, living where we can grow things all year long. But it has now been cleared and is ready for planting this weekend. My plans include cucumbers growing on this trellis with lettuce underneath, some multi colored carrots and some sugar snap peas.

And this year I am determined to maintain my plot all year round!!

victory garden

2010-04-07T19:11:00.001-07:00

Victory garden
Originally uploaded by BVACA

I just love this picture of school children planting a Victory Garden in 1938. We have put so much sweat into our school garden. I was over there today to water since it's spring break, and our 4th grade Mission Herb Garden is really starting to take off. I hope our efforts at school turn some of our students into lifelong growers of food!

downtown disney cupcakes

2010-04-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

Downtown Disney Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Just spent a couple of days at Disneyland, and was pleased to discover that Marceline's Confectionery in Downtown Disney had cupcakes!

happy birthday elvis!

2010-01-08T20:43:00.001-08:00

Blue Suede Cupcakes - Happy 75th Birthday Elvis Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by SweetToothFairy

awesome tribute to the King!

happy new year, cupcake!

2010-01-01T20:23:00.001-08:00

Project 365 ~ 1/365
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

i was a very good girl this year

2009-12-27T17:49:00.001-08:00

My Christmas Present
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

My new car didn't come with a bow........so I photoshopped one on!

25 days of christmas photos - day twenty five

2009-12-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to me!

25 days of christmas photos - day twenty four

2009-12-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

Our house on Christmas Eve

25 days of christmas photos - day twenty three

2009-12-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza down the street

25 days of christmas photos - day twenty two

2009-12-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

25 days of christmas photos - day twenty one

2009-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

25 days of christmas photos - day twenty

2009-12-20T17:17:00.001-08:00

25 days of christmas photos - day nineteen

2009-12-19T17:15:00.000-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Gingerbread houses in progress - 2008

25 days of christmas photos - day eighteen

2009-12-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas Wallhanging
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I made 5 of these as gifts last year.

25 days of christmas photos - day seventeen

2009-12-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

2008 gingerbread house

25 days of christmas photos - day sixteen

2009-12-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Blossoms
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Peanut Butter Blossoms - favorite family Christmas cookie

25 days of christmas photos - day fifteen part two

2009-12-15T21:26:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Here is a peek in the kitchen window of the mailbox/dollhouse.

25 days of christmas photos - day fifteen

2009-12-15T21:24:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Our town has a neighborhood where people go all out with the Christmas decorations. On Christmas Eve all the neighbors line the sidewalks with luminarias, and lots of people walk through the neighborhood to see the sights. The residents of the neighborhood are all outside, passing out candy canes, having parties, bbqs, etc. One year there was a house with real ballerinas performing The Nutcracker in the garage!

My favorite house turns their mailbox into a dollhouse every year. This year it is all new and incredible. I tried to take pictures in the windows, but they didn't turn out so great. I'll post one in a minute.

25 days of christmas photos - day fourteen

2009-12-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

We have tons of murals all over our little town. This one goes up right after Thanksgiving every year!

25 days of christmas photos - day thirteen

2009-12-13T11:38:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I was going to make this cake last year, but never got around to it. This year for sure!

25 days of christmas photos - day twelve

2009-12-12T07:04:00.001-08:00

Awwww
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

25 days of christmas photos - day eleven

2009-12-11T21:08:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

25 days of christmas photos - day ten

2009-12-10T20:34:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

25 days of christmas photos - day nine

2009-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

25 days of christmas photos - day eight

2009-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

25 days of christmas photos - day seven

2009-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

25 days of christmas photos - day six

2009-12-06T15:19:00.003-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

25 days of christmas photos - day five

2009-12-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

25 days of christmas photos - day four

2009-12-04T18:57:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Katie Lou's first Christmas!

25 days of christmas photos - day three

2009-12-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

1966
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

25 days of christmas photos - day two

2009-12-02T14:10:00.001-08:00

1966
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Here we are a year later in 1966. I am digging that candy cane!

25 days of christmas photos

2009-12-01T19:27:00.001-08:00

1965
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I think this was my first Christmas which would make me a whopping nine days old. My big sister is holding me, looking somewhat demonic actually. I also noticed that there's a flaw on the picture that makes it look like I have a candy cane sticking out of my left ear. We Hartmans really know how to party, even at an early age.

visitors

2009-11-01T06:28:00.001-08:00

2009 Halloween Pumpkin Village with Trick or Treaters
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Looks like our pumpkin village had some ghostly visitors last night!

pumpkin village

2009-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my pumpkin village. I've been wanting to make one of these for awhile, and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

happy halloween!

2009-10-30T21:05:00.001-07:00

Spooky!
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

welcome to our halloween party!

2009-10-12T19:14:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Halloween at Rock, Paper Cupcakes!

Let's start with a visit to the pumpkin patch....

Halloween would not be complete without a visit to the cemetery...

Meanwhile back at home, Bellina is checking the ghost radar for possible hauntings...

Care for a cupcake?

Thank you to A Fanciful Twist for organizing this blog party and thanks for visiting! Stop by again soon!

a hauntingly magical celebration!

2009-09-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to participating in A Fanciful Twist's online Halloween party!

snickerdoodle cupcakes

2009-08-24T17:18:00.001-07:00

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I love snickerdoodles. I love cupcakes. Recipe from the Martha Stewart Cupcake cookbook. I attempted 7 minute frosting for the very first time!

i love this!

2009-08-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

OK, back to posting after an unintended 3 month hiatus. Cake Wrecks is one of my all time favorite blogs and today's post just struck me as hilarious. Look at the second cake.....

"what did you want the inscription to say?"

"I don't give a _____. Something funny."

Cake Wrecks

i love this

2009-05-21T15:05:00.001-07:00

Bowling cupcake display
Originally uploaded by lorange

lotsa mini quilts

2009-05-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had a very productive quilting weekend. I had the embroidery done on these awhile ago, and finally got them all made up into mini quilts. The embroidery patterns are from Wee Wonderfuls.

enjoy!

2009-05-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

I read about a new cupcakery in Los Olivos this morning on Cupcakes Take the Cake....how they snuck into town without my knowledge is beyond me. Anyway, we popped over to the valley to check it out. We bought a chocolate blackberry syrah and a tiramisu. Delish....check them out...Enjoy Cupcakes.

president's quilt

2009-04-17T09:50:00.001-07:00

My friend Karen and I went to one of our favorite quilt shops, Creative Patches in Nipomo, CA, this week. They had on display this beautiful autograph quilt made by a local guild for their outgoing president. The silhouettes are machine embroidery. I love the way the signatures are not only in the squares but around the border too. These are so not my colors, but this really is a stunning quilt!

freaky easter cakes

2009-04-12T10:25:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I'm always on the lookout for weird cakes. FoodsCo rarely disappoints. This cake scares me.

latest mini quilt

2009-04-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

Spring Mini Quilt
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I received the embroidered square in a swap from cypress, so Friday night I did a little log cabin action and voila....spring mini quilt!

happy easter!

2009-04-11T15:14:00.001-07:00

Easter Tulips
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

sweet

2009-03-07T15:31:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I have been teaching my 4th graders how to embroider. I posed it as an optional activity, and every single one raised their hand when I asked who wanted to learn. They are getting pretty good (read independent!) at doing it so I don't always notice how much progress they are making. Yesterday as I was straightening up before I left work, I came across this piece that I thought was so sweet. Someone's been diligently working!

sabine!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-07T06:58:00.001-08:00

iPhone Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by nickbilton

Check these OUT!

um, honey?

2009-03-06T17:34:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I think we may have to go out for dinner tonight.

flower of the month quilt

2009-03-03T07:03:00.001-08:00

Flower of the Month Quilt
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

because I don't have enough unfinished projects.

my p kitty

2009-02-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Here's my P Kitty, laying on my legs while I'm on the laptop.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T08:18:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Happy Valentine's Day a day late! I was busy eating cupcakes...

tricky teacher

2009-02-01T08:39:00.001-08:00

Science Experiment
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

The kids are doing the ole carnation in the colored water science experiment at school. This picture shows day one. When we left yesterday we could see signs of color in the flowers. I found a white carnation with green and glitter on the tips at Michaels, and I'm going to put it in the green jar Monday before they come to class and see if anyone notices.

it's done!

2009-02-01T08:36:00.001-08:00

Valentine Wallhanging
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Actually it's been done for awhile, but I am just now getting around to blogging it. I love the way it turned out!

done!

2009-01-11T08:14:00.001-08:00

Crafting 10/365
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

The kit came in the mail on Wednesday and by Saturday morning I had finished the top! I am going to try and get it quilted and bound today but I'm not very optimistic about that. My coursework for the GATE class I'm taking came yesterday in the mail, and I'm wanting to get started on that. I also have lesson planning to do for this week and potato cheese soup and cornbread to make!

10/365

2009-01-10T11:59:00.001-08:00

10/365
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

We took some tree branches from today's pruning to the landfill today and were met by these guys. I had heard tales of these mythical creatures but had never actually seen them. Not surprising since I don't make it a habit to frequent the dump. Truthfully, this is only my second visit.

i lied

2009-01-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

I said that Once Upon a Star was going to be my next project. And it was. Until I saw this.

I ordered it from here before I left for school, and when I got home I had an email saying that they had already shipped it! Yipppeee!

my next project

2009-01-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

I love McKenna Ryan patterns. I have two of her Gingerbread Lane patterns, the gingerbread house and the plum pudding. I was so excited to see her new set, Once Upon a Star, offered as a Block of the Month at an online quilt shop. I ordered it, so over the next 8 months I will get the patterns,fabrics and embellishments to make each section.

happy new year!

2009-01-01T16:47:00.001-08:00

1/365
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

dang it!

2008-12-28T16:57:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

I was totally planning to make this cake for Christmas, and then I completely forgot! Now I have to wait a whole year.

2008-12-27T18:47:00.001-08:00

shamWOW!

2008-12-25T17:26:00.001-08:00

shamWOW!
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

My husband is obsessed with the shamwow. He can often be heard saying things like "It's made in Germany, and you know they make good stuff," or "You know, I've read the reviews, and the people who don't like it obviously aren't using it right." I ordered him a shamwow for Christmas, and late last week when it hadn't arrived I was starting to panic a little. But on Christmas Eve the shamwow gods delivered and the package arrived. The photo is evidence that the gift was a hit.

merry christmas!

2008-12-24T09:04:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday!

pumpkin pie cupcake

2008-11-27T08:15:00.001-08:00

pumpkin pie cupcake
Originally uploaded by jewelsb78

This is genius!

happy thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T08:10:00.001-08:00

thanks
Originally uploaded by pumpkin cupcake

the winds of change

2008-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

I have changed the name of this blog to "Rock, Paper, Cupcakes"....I don't know why. It just hit me.

happy halloween!

2008-10-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the scene on West Barton this evening:

My 3 favorite spooks!

RIP Hitty

more this is halloween!

2008-10-05T17:04:00.001-07:00

This is my display of fall fabric postcards I've received from Art2Mail and Postcard Pizazz...

Hitty spent the afternoon visiting on the haybale in her new spiderweb dress...

And my mom and I spent the afternoon decorating Halloween gingerbread houses...

this is halloween!

2008-10-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have accomplished a lot lately. For example, I made a Halloween apron for an apron swap I am in...

Both Halloween Sudoku quilts are finished...

We've been decorating for Halloween at home. I say we, but in all honestly I live with the Halloween Scrooge, so it's really me that's been doing the decorating.

Our fall nature table is in full swing at school...

ok, ok i'm back

2008-09-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

The beginning of school really took it out of me this year. There is just way too much going on. But I did have time to fit in my first shooting lesson, thanks to dh's cousin Bruce. This is a VERY big deal to a girl who has literally never even touched a gun. Please note that, unlike Sarah Palin, no animals were harmed during this adventure. Oranges, water bottles and a green candle, on the other hand, were dusted.

Here's Bruce giving me the low down.

Ready to obliterate the green candle.

Aforementioned green candle is now sorry it ever messed with me.

Ready for the big boy.

how did this happen?!

2008-08-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is already time to get back into school mode. Today I head in to work in my classroom, getting it ready for 30+ fresh faces that will arrive with their new crayons on August 20th. Of course, it's 9:00 a.m. and I'm still in my pj's. But I'm getting up soon. Really.

vegas report

2008-08-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

The Bellagio always has the coolest garden. This year there is a miniature version of the Bellagio, including the fountains.

Always love the Elvis slots....

and a gnome sighting...

All in all a good trip. I came home with $500 more than I left with, so I can't complain.

farmer's market friday on sunday

2008-08-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Better late than never. This week's big find? Olallieberry pie!

fresh from the garden

2008-08-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

We've got some ripe grape tomatoes...

Some not-so-ripe Siberian tomatoes...

And Ricky's got a few limes that seem to be getting bigger by the day...

And now for something completely different...

Be back on Wednesday!

farmer's market friday and a bakery in the works

2008-08-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Good farmer's market week - some peaches, lettuce, a cuke, some bread, a mixed berry crisp, cauliflower, squash and yellow and red cherry tomatoes.

I've finally started working on my dollhouse bakery. These kits are so dang hard to put together!

just plain wrong

2008-08-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

It is so wrong that this is happening while I am on vacation. Just plain wrong. Wrong wrong wrong.

Cupcakes a go-go

geez a lou

2008-08-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

Some of you may remember this post.....the perfect amalgam of two things I love. A little creepy? Perhaps, but it is what it is. I love cupcakes. I love cemeteries. So sue me.

But what is even creepier? Walking in to your friend's new house and finding that pictured FRAMED and hanging on her wall. Her explanation? "It's so you." Her kids are going to be scarred for life. They will grow up thinking Auntie Amy (or Auntie Mrs. Wilson, since they go to the school where their mom and I teach) and Uncle James are freaks. Or maybe we can initiate them into the joys of cemetery tromping. God knows their parents aren't going to. I'm just sayin.