Cupcake '10

So Good

2010-01-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

The night before Cupcake '10, I had no idea what to expect. I was tired and I had traveled far and I wondered if something would go really REALLY wrong. But only for a moment.

Then on Saturday, as people I knew well or only kind of knew or didn't even know at all arrived, I was nothing if not completely loving everyone. Their humor and light and love and kindness.

Allison of O My Family

It was so good.

Ann of Ann's Rants

If you were there and you'd like to link up and share your post (or posts) about Cupcake (if you have any), feel free. We can check in on each other, read over the thoughts of others and get to know each other more.

Thank you all. Each and every one of you. For coming along and making this thing exactly what we hoped it would be, and so much more.

-Heather

Cupcake 10: We did it.

2010-01-10T19:02:00.001-08:00

Wow.

That was awesome.

A recap on Cupcake 10 coming soon.

-Stephanie

Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8

2010-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Don't forget about Katie of A List Maker's Life!

"True to my blog title I love to write lists, but really it's part of my secret plan for procrastination. (Although it does feel good to cross off: brush teeth, serve breakfast, sweep kitchen floor, play puzzles, sweep kitchen floor, serve snack, sweep kitchen...)

In fact, although I list and plan, I'm on a mission to quiet my heart.

I appreciate witty conversation, but typically I'm the thoughtful listener.

I just finished reading The Well Behaved Child by Jon Rosemond, but I've concluded that The Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family more closely fits my personal parenting philosophy.

Perhaps embarrassing to admit my favorite movie is While You Were Sleeping, but mostly because of the highschool memories it stirs in my soul.

I believe in a lot of things, but put my trust in God.

I love being a mom to my three little ones, but I can't wait for a weekend away!"

Must read:
Quiet My Heart

Meet Beth, the Anti-Supermom

"I'm Beth. My husband and I met in high school, I was a cashier and he was a bag boy at our local grocery store. The first time he asked me out I said 'no'. Our second date was almost 3 months after our first and he almost gave up on asking me out again, since I was always 'busy'. Lucky for me, he was persistent.

We have 2 boys, Henry is almost 6 and Wyatt is 2 1/2. I watch 2 other boys; a 2 and a 1 years old, 4 days a week. All boys, all the time. I've been doing child care for 5+ years. It's been an amazing adventure.

Must reads:
I like to blog about things that make me laugh from my kids, to my husband, to things that I see in the newspaper. Since sharing birth stories seem to be popular, here's my posts on my journey of being a surrogate mother."

Have you met Allison of O My Family ?

"Movie: I have actually gotten to watch a lot of movies lately; it's Dan (the hubs) and my activity to feel like we still have lives after the baby is in bed (thanks redbox!).

I loved watching Julie and Julia with him because it was fun to see the portrayal of a couple where the woman blogs. The husband said some of the exact same things that Dan has said "Do you know any of these people?" and "Don't call me a saint it makes me feel like a jacka**".

Book: Besides the book Love&Respect (completely rocked my view of how to be a loving wife), my favorite book lately was The Pillars of the Earth. It's about the lives of midevil/renaissance craftsmen as the build a cathedral for God. Absolutely amazing story woven through decades and decades of history (nerd alert).

Something surprising about me: Uhm. My dream job, besides Mommy, would be interior decorator. Mostly because I am constantly fighting the urge to re-do rooms in our house (and sometimes not fighting it...)."

Heather of The Extraordinary Ordinary

"I'm a fort building, light saber wielding mother of two small boys. Their names are Miles (4.5) and Asher(2.5) and they rock the party. I've also been a wife for over five years to a very tolerant (I'm feisty) and strong man named Ryan. He has carried me through some totally unfun post partum depression, as well as Asher's (our youngest) diagnosis of hydrocephalus and brain surgery. Life throws curve balls a whole lot, doesn't it? My husband is an exceptional catcher when I am not.

A writer (I'm not sure which one) once said, "I write to find out what I'm thinking." Me too. Before I became a blogger, I had forgotten that I love to write. I was busy being a social worker and a wife and mom and I forgot the buried thing in me. Words.

I can't say enough how glad I am that I stumbled in to the blog world. I get to write now and share my stories and figure out what I'm thinking and I love it. Even more, I love the people I've come to know because of it. That's why I can't wait to meet you (or see you again) at Cupcake '10!

Peace out."

More Cupcakes:
Get a load of these cupcakes- Meet Steph, Elizabeth, & Erin
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 2- Meet Ann, Kristina, & Haley
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 3- Meet Maggie, Beth, Carrie, & Hyacynth
Next Batch of Cupcakes: Part 4- Meet Brianna, Donya, & Samara
Fresh Cupcakes: Part 5- Meet Lee, Becky, Stephanie, & Sara
Just iced- Meet These Cupcakes: Part 6- Sarah, Julie, & Tara
Hot Cupcakes: Part 7- Meet Kim, Esther, & Amanda
Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8- Meet Katie, Beth, Allison, & Heather

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Hot Cupcakes: Part 7

2010-01-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

Meet Kim from I Want A Minivan

"Something about me that often surprises people is that I knew I was going to marry my husband before he even called and asked me out.

I was 19, he was 27. He was the only guy I ever dated and we talked about marriage on our first date. Seven years, two weddings (short but semi-sad story), lots of ups and downs and 2 beautiful boys later and I've finally come to terms with the fact that he can't seem to unball his socks before he throws them in the hamper.

My favorite movie is Love Actually, followed by Notting Hill. Apparently I have a thing for Hugh Grant. Except I don't. I have a thing for Ryan Reynolds. I know, I can't figure me out either.

And, no, I haven't written about my most embarrassing moment, but I will. I predict I'll post about that twice in 2010. Once following something ridiculous that I did at Cupcake, and that will be trumped in March when I take some of my clothes off for a Calendar photo shoot to raise money for the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I'm embarrassed just thinking about it."

Must read:
Chocolate, Beer, And Cupcakes -"A post with a cupcake recipe. I'm really proud of these. (They were pretty.)"

Esther Brady Crawford of FaintStarLite

"I'm a new mom with an 8 month old baby boy who I am head-over-heels in love with.

Last summer, just two months into our marriage I found out I was pregnant. It was a huge surprise because I'd been told I couldn't get pregnant without IVF, but I guess someone had other plans!

My husband & I actually met through my blog in January 2005 when he left his first comment. :)

Life has been a whirlwind the past few years but I wouldn't have it any other way. Our plan was always to adopt two siblings and just a week ago we sent in our paperwork to become licensed in Wisconsin to adopt through foster care... so we're expecting in the next 6-9 months we'll be growing the family! I work from home, primarily with Weight Watchers, creating digital content and helping them connect with passionate members online.

It's not what I ever expected to be doing - I figured I'd be living somewhere in the Middle East working on sociopolitical issues, but the one thing about meeting someone online is they could live anywhere... and because he works for the family business, I ended up living in snowy Milwaukee."

Amanda of A Life Long Playdate

"how about my current obsessions? my two year old baby girl. i want to bite her cheeks every day. but not in a weird way.

my pj pants which i seem to currently live in. my yellow stocking cap, which i also seem to currently live in because i always feel cold. my new rain boots. i don't think i have taken them off since i got them for Christmas. my husband (the taller snowman) who is also my bff.

my blog went private a few months ago, hence the no linking to posts (not that i am not willing to share - feel free to email me at lifelongplaydate at gmail dot com if you want to peek before this weekend - i love sharing with people i don't know in real life). no real drama to record, it's mostly in my head, but i am trying it this way for a bit. so coming to cupcake? pretty big out of the box moment that i am waaaay looking forward to.

ps - in my past life i was a 3rd grade teacher and bc of that i don't believe in capital letters or proper grammar or correct spelling. and i love to make up words."

Elvis Cupcakes

2010-01-08T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hey! It's my birthday! And Elvis', too.

What do you think about these deep fried chocolate-chip-banana-peanut-butter-bacon cupcakes?

Mini Elvis Bacon Cupcakes

Found at HeavyTable.com

More Cupcakes:
Get a load of these cupcakes- Meet Steph, Elizabeth, & Erin
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 2- Meet Ann, Kristina, & Haley
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 3- Meet Maggie, Beth, Carrie, & Hyacynth
Next Batch of Cupcakes: Part 4- Meet Brianna, Donya, & Samara
Fresh Cupcakes: Part 5- Meet Lee, Becky, Stephanie, & Sara
Just iced- Meet These Cupcakes: Part 6- Sarah, Julie, & Tara
Hot Cupcakes: Part 7- Meet Kim, Esther, & Amanda
Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8- Meet Katie, Beth, Allison, & Heather

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Sad Cupcakes

2010-01-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

We have a fallen cupcake.

Arianne of To Think Is To Create would have, no doubt, joined us for Cupcake '10 if she hadn't just moved away to South Carolina. This week, she lost the little cupcake growing inside her, a baby at 18 weeks.

Tonight, join us at dusk by lighting a candle for her and the baby and all the babies taken too soon from the hearts and arms of their Mommies & Daddies and friends that love them.

More Cupcakes:
Get a load of these cupcakes- Meet Steph, Elizabeth, & Erin
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 2- Meet Ann, Kristina, & Haley
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 3- Meet Maggie, Beth, Carrie, & Hyacynth
Next Batch of Cupcakes: Part 4- Meet Brianna, Donya, & Samara
Fresh Cupcakes: Part 5- Meet Lee, Becky, Stephanie, & Sara
Just iced- Meet These Cupcakes: Part 6- Sarah, Julie, & Tara
Hot Cupcakes: Part 7- Meet Kim, Esther, & Amanda
Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8- Meet Katie, Beth, Allison, & Heather

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Photo: arvin red

Just iced- Meet These Cupcakes: Part 6

2010-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Sarah of Sarah Viola.

"Five things I can't live without:
My ridiculous husband and ridiculously adorable son. Music. Nature: sunshine and singing birds and the smell of summer rain. Sephora shopping sprees. Good choreoraphed dance scenes.

Favorite Color: Parrish blue.

Favorite Word (family edition): Seriously. As a question, a statement, and an exclamation.

Top five songs, in no particular order: Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley, Breathless by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Life's Been Good by Joe Walsh, Baby Got Back by Sir-Mix-a-lot, and Seven Day Mile by The Frames.

Pen or pencil? A nice, new, black fine-point Sharpie. Yum."

Julie of Spot On Your Pants:

"Here is a self-portrait of yours truly drawn by my six-year-old, Calvin. I love that my hand is actually bigger than my waist (if it only were true).

He specifically drew shoe laces on my shoes because I've been training to run my first-ever half-marathon in New Orleans in February. I didn't think this through very well, though.

A trip to the Gulf of Mexico in February sounded great when I registered in October, but what I failed to think through was that I would have to train in the WINTER until then. At this point, I'm just trying not to break a bone.

My blog is about trying new things and learning from hindsight. It's not a mommy blog as much as it is a way to fantasize I'm making a real difference in the world (although really I use my kids for material all the time).

I still claim inventing Mutchup and am cheer leading other women into using jumper cables as confidently as car thieves. Other than that, we just moved to Madison from Minneapolis and are slaves to creating a memorable child hood for our six year old boy (pictured above), four year old girl (mini me) and three year old boy (our country's finest negotiator in 15 more years).

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, talking some adult conversation, and possibly enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine."

And Tara from Capitolmommy...

“I’m Tara, a.k.a. Capitolmommy. When I was a little girl I always wanted a nickname but how much can you really shorten Tara? I tried to get T-T to catch on...but it didn’t. Another
reason to love the world of blogging, a place where you can give your self a
nickname and people know you by it.

My daughter, Bianca Rae, is 15
months and I am loving every minute of being a mommy. I’m a hopeless optimist and very passionate (although my husband would most likely describe this trait as stubborn). Oh and I am completely dependent on spell check (it’s like I never learned to spell- I’m that lousy at at)

I was so delighted when I heard about Cupcake ‘10 and realized it was right here
in Wisconsin, it feels a bit like fate to me. I am looking forward to meeting
such inspirational and (obviously) fun people, even if I am a bit out of my league.”

For the travelling cupcakes

2010-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Tara of Capitol Mommy put together her Hot Picks for the Madison area.

Restaurants:

The Great Dane: Local restaurants, great food and relaxed environment.

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner: Excellent food, diner atmosphere. Local and many vegetarian options

Shopping:

Happy Bambino- awesome baby and kids boutique

Greenway Station:

Great stores like Michaels, Marshalls, Archivers and even a Cosi restaurant.

Thanks, Tara!

More Cupcakes:
Get a load of these cupcakes- Meet Steph, Elizabeth, & Erin
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 2- Meet Ann, Kristina, & Haley
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 3- Meet Maggie, Beth, Carrie, & Hyacynth
Next Batch of Cupcakes: Part 4- Meet Brianna, Donya, & Samara
Fresh Cupcakes: Part 5- Meet Lee, Becky, Stephanie, & Sara
Just iced- Meet These Cupcakes: Part 6- Sarah, Julie, & Tara
Hot Cupcakes: Part 7- Meet Kim, Esther, & Amanda
Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8- Meet Beth, Allison, & Heather

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Peace, cupcake.

2010-01-06T05:45:00.001-08:00

Tee by Johnny Cupcakes.

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Fresh Cupcakes: Part 5

2010-01-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Flying in from SUNNY Los Angeles, California is Lee from Moms Without Blogs (Lee, dress warm!)

"I am a mom of three to Claire, 7, Phoebe, 5 and Tommy, 2 and I still work as a freelance producer in reality/non-fiction television. I wish I could say I've seen a lot of movies but I haven't. But The Hangover made me laugh really really hard.

I also like listening to music in the kitchen (even though I'm a lame cook, I do seem to spend a ridiculous amount of time in the kitchen) especially Dave Matthews, Chris Cornell and Foo Fighters. I'm scared to death of the cold so I hope I survive this trip to the Midwestern tundra. :-) "

Must reads:
"The Evolution of a Mother" - "A pretty decent overview of who I am right now." And a kinda funny one: "A Matter of Life and Death."

Becky blogs at The Tales Of Princess Mikkimoto

"I'm a 37 year old single mom to a wonderful 9 year old son. We live in Madison and are very close to my parents who watch Ben every day after school and often on the weekends. His father isn't in the picture and never has been. This isn't something to be sad about as it hasn't defined us… perhaps made us closer as mother and son.

And I recently found Mr. Right, who not only am I head over heels for, Ben is too. We are all excited about a great 2010 which may include a wedding. In which case, I'll have to change the tag line of my blog."

Must reads:
"I think my most favorite post was the letter I wrote to my son on his ninth birthday: Nine or the one that took the longest and almost broke my brain from the creativity it involved was my verson of The Night Before Christmas: Twas The Night Before a Snow Storm."

Stephanie of The Hanes Family Chronicles

"I am a major bookworm... though my reading time has been few and far between with two little ones ( a 17 month old and 3 month old.) I was able to read two books in a series by one of my favorite authors while we were driving to and from Michigan for Christmas- The Secret and The Missing by Beverly Lewis. For some reason I love reading books about the Amish. They fascinate me... mostly because I know I could never live without Internet or pictures!

I also love the simple way they believe in God and how it radiates into every aspect of their lives- I want my life to be like that. My faith is what has sustained me through many of life's trials and what gives me hope for tomorrow. I want my life to reflect that in ALL things. It's a daily journey, choosing each morning to live for Him and surrender my wants and desires to His will for me.

I love to scrapbook and sew, too, though finding the time to do either is just as hard as finding the time to read. I have a little Etsy shop where I sell some baby things I've created but am currently taking a sabbatical from sewing orders to take care of my kids. ;) "

Must reads:
Best Job In The World
25 Random Things About Me
Introducing...

Sara blogs at Joel Lives

"Ok, well, I love movies but just never seem to get to them. Which is odd because I find movie popcorn to be the most delicious food group next to sugar, so you would think I'd go more often.

I guess I'd just like everyone to know I'm new at this, and I started because the turmoil from losing my son had to go somewhere. I am so blessed that somehow it found its way to an amazing group of women who have forever altered the last seven months of my life for the better. I feel like I've lived seven lifetimes and it's all ok because it got me here.

I'm a Christian first and foremost, flawed and learning, grateful and healing. I have been showing horses for twenty five years, and LOVE it even though I am currently horseless. I went to law school even though I didn't want to be a courtroom lawyer.

I started blogging in July, after my son was born on June 9 not breathing, and went home to heaven on June 13 after every human effort had been made to save his life. Joel is the reason I am here, and while I know my life and my person are so many things more than just his mother, he brought me to all of you and to this place, and for that (and so many other things) I thank him."

Must read:
Sara's entire blog. :)

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Cupcake Burglars

2010-01-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

I found this print browsing etsy and couldn't resist sharing it on the ole Cupcake blog.

Want.

Illustration Print Burglars and Cupcakes by Tamara Garvey

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Next Batch of Cupcakes: Part 4

2010-01-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

Brianna

"I'm a mom. And it has brought so much joy and pain. The hardest question anyone ever asks me is how many kids I have. Do I answer 2 or 7? I gave birth to sextuplets two and a half years ago. Only one survived.

On my blog, Little Green Pastures, I chronicle my journey through grief and the joy of raising a brilliant son with cerebral palsey and a darling girl who turns 1 this week!

I live life fully, all the while longing for Heaven.

And I really, really like cupcakes."

Must reads:
I recently blogged about grieving during the Holidays here.

Meet Donya aka CrookedEyebrow

"I love movies, but one movie I can watch over and over again would be Tommy Boy. Who can resist "fat guy in a little coat?" Definitely not I. "was there a niner in there?" You have to laugh in life, right?

I think I am funnier than I really am and can usually crack myself up on a daily basis, meanwhile my family just rolls their eyes and nods their heads. But I'm cool with it. Hence I am a self-proclaimed dork.

Some may not know that I rode motorcycles in high school and for two years in a row, rode as a passenger in a huge line of Harley Davidsons to our nations capital. Seeing parts of our country on a motorcycle is and was certainly a site I will never forget. Nor the sunburnt face and the bugs on my shirt. (snicker)

I am usually shy and slow to warm up to meeting new people, so why not share an embarrassing story to break the ice?:

When my husband and I first started dating we were still in that somewhat awkward, trying to impress one another phase. Me being a nervous speaker, was trying to find something to talk about as we were driving one night. So I was quietly looking out the window and we pulled up to a stop sign I read the restaurants sign.

Friday special: AYCE fish $11.99

I looked at him and said, " AYCE fish? what kind of fish is that? Like a lake perch?"

I swear time stood still and he stared at me, then cracked a smile and then politely told me, "you mean all you can eat fish dinner?". Oh man, I was so embarrassed. To this day anytime we see AYCE used, we crack up.

See you at Cupcake 10!"

Samara blogs at Simplicity in the Suburbs

"I am a wife, mama and stepmom blogger in suburban MN. In five years time I met and married my husband becoming a wife and stepmom, had a son, lost my mom and had a daughter.

I'm told I have an old soul. I am passionate about living my life everyday with my children in the moment and lose sight and re-remember over and over and over again"

Must reads:
Just Shy Of 33 Months
The Difficulties of Blending
On Being a Mom and Missing Mine
Remember Mother

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Meet The Cupcakes: Part 3

2010-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Have you met Maggie?

Maggie started blogging in early 2007 after a lot of nagging from her favorite editor (hence the name Okay, Fine, Dammit.)

When the blogworld started calling her Maggie Dammit it created a crisis in her oldest daughter, who worried everybody thought that was really her last name, too. She's excited to have had one of her 2008 posts published in the new Kirtsy book, but her biggest blogging pride and joy is Violence UnSilenced, which she launched in February 2009.

In real life she's a full-time freelance writer, and therefore increasingly less weirded out by speaking of herself in the third person for bios. 34-year-old Maggie lives in the wilds of rural Wisconsin with her husband of 13 years and their two daughters, ages 10 and almost-5. She plans to drink all the wine this weekend while everyone else is distracted by the cupcakes.

photo credit: amysprite

Meet Beth:

"My name is Beth, my blog is I Should Be Folding Laundry and I have two children. Anna will be turning 7 this month and Noah will be turning 6 this month. I am 27 weeks pregnant (as of 1.2.10) and very, very excited about this baby who will be happily disrupting our lives with it's crying, feeding and pooping. (and warm snuggles, tiny coos and delicious smells.)

I rarely watch TV or see movies but the other night I watched Inglorious Basterds and it was one of the most brilliant movies I have ever seen. I may or may not walk around randomly saying "NAZIS" just like Brad Pitt does in that movie. It was awesome. You should watch it.

I once talked on the phone with Patrick Dempsey, it was one of the funnest moments of my life, you can read about it here: Oh, Patrick.

I love cookies, cupcakes, ice cream and pizza and baking is fun for me."

And Carrie, who blogs at 4 the Love of Family...

"I read the best quote yesterday by Andy Stanley."Every decision you make will eventually be a story you tell. What story do you want to tell?" Makes you think doesn't it?

Sometimes there is so much thinking going on in my noggin that my wheels start spinning. When that happens I pick up a good book (my favorites are Historical Christian Fiction set in the late 1800's - what can I say, I loved Little House on the Prairie), and regroup before getting back to work. (I am a park caretaker, a photographer, & a blog book designer by day and a mom and blogger by night.) Yes, I'm that busy, but there is still time for good old fashioned family fun and it helps to be married to The One.

I also have a January birthday, but my crafting skills don't extend beyond felt."

Such a lovely name, Hyacynth.

"I'll be 27 this month.

But even though I'm nearly three decades old, sometimes I feel like my life really began only five years ago with a study-abroad trip to Egypt -- a trip I didn't even want to take. I met my now husband there in a fairy-tale esque adventurous romance, and I learned a whole lot about who God says He is and who He's always been.

Since my time in Egypt, I've graduated from college, worked as a reporter at two newspapers, had a killer wedding, bought a house, birthed two babies (one at home this past September!), raised a puppy into a respectful dog and become the owner (and healthy-living guru) of Grayslake Curves.

In my spare time, I co-lead our county's babywearing group, write in my blog and drink chai tea.

My goals for 2010 are to finish reading the Old Testament, diverge from making the same dinner recipes every two weeks, really soak up this precious time with my boys and create a village."

Hot Cupcakes: Part 7- Meet Kim, Esther, & Amanda
Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8- Meet Katie, Beth, Allison, & Heather

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Meet The Cupcakes: Part 2

2010-01-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

Excuse me but I am a bit distracted by the beautiful that is Ann of Ann's Rants.

Can't wait to meet her.

Must read:
Dear Man At The Urinal in Target.

Kristina, who blogs at The Joy Walk would like to mention a disclosure and slightly sarcastic tidbit:

"I'm not very ladylike about eating. I'm not too timid to be the first one in line and I never eat a ladylike portion. I talk with my mouth full because I just can't help myself. Deal with it. :0) Cupcakes, here I come!"

(Kristina, I think you'll fit right in...)

Must reads:
An Esther Style Makeover
Little Russian Lady
New Niece, New Year, New Mercies
Playing (And Fighting) Fair

Haley writes at Love, Life, Family, and then some.

"Since I'm a busy mom I'm usually behind on current
movies...but not too long ago I watched "UP". I sobbed at that movie...gosh how wonderful it was! I felt so touched by the relationships throughout the story.

Continuing on a Pixar note, I love "Finding Nemo". I can remember
seeing that movie for the first time...and just being blown away. I love the ocean and the way they animated it was just breathtaking. The first time I watched it (I was young and single) I was deeply touched by the relationship between Marlin and Coral; later I watched it again not long after Jackson was born and I remember it affecting me on a whole new level. To me, it is the perfect story of parental love.

I spent much of my childhood in the hospital, very ill with Asthma. At one point I was even on the lung transplant waiting list. For more interesting facts about me, you can read my "100 Things About Me" post here. I wrote it in May 2007...while I was pregnant with my son, Jackson."

Must reads:
Why Blogging Saved My Life

The Rock Candy's Melted, Only Diamonds Now Remain

Hot Cupcakes: Part 7- Meet Kim, Esther, & Amanda
Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8- Meet Katie, Beth, Allison, & Heather

Cupcake '10 deets
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Get a load of these cupcakes.

2010-01-02T06:19:00.000-08:00

How about a little "getting to know" everyone before we all meet (many for the 1st time!) in person?

I'll go first.

"I'm Stephanie, Mom to 4 (three boys named Noah, Carter, & Grayson and a little girly girl Ivy LaRue.) I blog at Adventures In Babywearing. My blog's title is more about how as a Mom I can feel like I wear my kids, or they wear me out. You know? But I do some babywearing on the side, too. PS I love the art of mothering.

Yesterday I watched the old 80's movie Parenthood, twice. They just don't make movies like they used to. I like to knit and I don't say bad words. (You will also find that I am a senior citizen in an almost-33-year-old's body.) Oh yeah, my birthday is next week. :)"

Must reads:
A post that sums up much of my daily life with Gray (now 4, but with double the intensity!): Honeys in the Hizzouse. Also, I gave birth to Ivy at home. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life: The Birth Story.

Elizabeth from Boy Crazy is the Mom to three boys (hey, I can relate!) and she tells me:

"I am more comfortable in a tent than in a swanky hotel... in college I followed the Phish tour every summer, and... my house is probably messier than anyone else's. For real. (Ok, that totally makes me sound like a dirty hippie, which I am not. I swear. I wear eye makeup every day, even when I'm home all day with the kids!) *sigh* I'm no good at these things."

Must read:
Elizabeth wrote about a post a while back about irrational fears we all have: Crazy Talk.

Have you met THE fabulous Erin of School Teacher by day, Superhero by night? Someday this will get old, but every introduction will probably from here on out involve the mention that she recently gave birth to her second son at home on her stairs on accident.

"I just finished reading Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult, which touched me because it forced me to really think about the death penalty, a topic that always leaves me feeling so conflicted. It also made me think about the lengths one would go to protect and save a child.

My favorite movie is Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure because it always makes me feel better and laugh, no matter how I'm feeling at the time. And because I strive to eat all desserts in the same way that Napoleon eats the Ziggy Piggy."

Must reads:
Embarrassing blogged moment (drunk vogue-ing) and of course, Tommy's birth story

More Cupcakes:
Get a load of these cupcakes- Meet Steph, Elizabeth, & Erin
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 2- Meet Ann, Kristina, & Haley
Meet The Cupcakes: Part 3- Meet Maggie, Beth, Carrie, & Hyacynth
Next Batch of Cupcakes: Part 4- Meet Brianna, Donya, & Samara
Fresh Cupcakes: Part 5- Meet Lee, Becky, Stephanie, & Sara
Just iced- Meet These Cupcakes: Part 6- Sarah, Julie, & Tara
Hot Cupcakes: Part 7- Meet Kim, Esther, & Amanda
Scrumdillyumptious Cupcakes: Part 8- Meet Katie, Beth, Allison, & Heather

More from Cupcake '10
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

2010: The Year Of The Cupcake

2010-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Don't miss these posts:
Cupcake '10: The Itinerary
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Photo: Anita Jamal

Cupcake '10: The Itinerary

2009-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 9, 2010
2-4 PM (CST) Arrivals

4-5 PM Meet & greet, food prep

5 PM Dinner

6-8 PM "What's Your Story?" Attendees will have the opportunity to share (if you'd like) what makes you you.

8-10 PM "Open forum, Q&A" A time to ask anything and everything- blog related or not. We'll even provide a way to ask anonymous questions if you prefer.

10-? Free play!

Sunday January 10, 2010
Breakfast will be provided

1pm Checkout

This itinerary is open to suggestions and subject to change as needed. Please let us know what YOU'D like to happen at Cupcake '10.

See also:
What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?
Are you following these cupcakes?

-Stephanie

Photo credit: Happiness in a Bite

Are you following these cupcakes?

2009-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

The official list of Cupcake '10 attendees on Twitter can be found here:

Are we missing you on the list? Let us know! Follow the list to stay in the know and help each other out with Cupcake '10 questions.

Also, have you figured out what you're bringing to Cupcake '10 yet?

-Stephanie

What are you bringing to Cupcake '10?

2009-12-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

[I get a little crazy-eyed when cupcakes are around. Be prepared.]

Cupcake '10 is LESS THAN A WEEKANDAHALF AWAY!

And that means MY BIRTHDAY is LESS THAN A WEEKANDAHALF AWAY!

(cough cough, didn't you know?)

Anyway....

Heather is currently moving to a new house. And we're all nursing holiday hangovers, I know. But Cupcake '10 is almost here!!!

Aren't you getting a leeeetle excited? I am!!

I thought I'd let you all know what I plan on bringing (aside from birthdayself, my pillow, & Ivy)-

For the Saturday night potluck
Remember, lunch is on your own for Saturday, as we expect people to arrive after lunchtime. But we thought it would be super fun if we all bring our favorite potlucky dishes to share for dinner on Saturday. (There is a full kitchen at Stony Hill Farm, so things can be re-heated. Bringing crock pots, etc will probably be helpful, too.)

I think I'll bring a veggie pizza thing I love (it's a cold appetizery veggies&dip-type thing) and maybe this really yummy chipotle black bean chili. I'll make a huge pot.

I am thinking about ordering some of my favorite cupcakes (the strawberries & cream cupcake pictured above) from the cupcake shop by us. If I can get them super fresh, I'll bring some of those, too!

Don't forget
Your camera (we'll make a flickr group to share all our awesome photos)
Your laptop (if you want to blog, there's supposed to be wifi!)
Your jammies
Your pillow (just in case-we might need to get creative with the sleeping arrangements- if we decide to sleep, that is.)

What else should we bring?
Leave a comment letting us know what you are thinking about bringing for the potluck and anything else I might have forgotten to add.

We'll be updating the Cupcake blog more often until the awesome cupcakey weekend. So stay tuned.

See you soon!

-Stephanie

Photo credit: Beth Fletcher

Registration is closed (and some other very important information)

2009-12-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

Registration for Cupcake '10 is now closed!

We've reached the maximum number of guests that we can accommodate,
but we thank you all so much for your interest.

Please feel free to follow along so you can decide if this is
something you'd like to make plans to do next year.

~~~~~~~~~~

If you have registered and have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments.

There are a number of bloggers coming from the Minneapolis/St.Paul area. In the next few weeks, we'll be working on ways to connect you with each other so you can carpool if you'd like. I would even suggest considering coming the night before, if you're able, because of the long drive. Maybe splitting a hotel room? That way you'll be able to get to the lodge early on Saturday and take advantage of your time there. Just a thought.

~~~~~~~~~~

Please keep in mind that part of the reason for the low price for this event is that we're going all potluck on you on Saturday evening. This means you should plan to bring something small to share, which can be tricky while traveling.

(Think about bringing a cooler if you're road-tripping it, or think about stopping at a grocery store on the way to the lodge, especially if you're flying and staying at a hotel.)

~~~~~~~~~~

We're really excited about what we have in store for Cupcake '10. We're going to have such a great time! Thank you so much for making plans to join us!

Thank you and then thank you again, friends.

In which I get all sappy sapperton on you (pass the codeine)

2009-12-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

I've spent the last week either on my pillow or close to it. The swine flu and bronchitis have put me down like nothing I've experienced before. I feel pretty good if I have my boys near me, and they've been here, snuggling me and entertaining me. We've read books and watched UP and Christmas movies. In a strange way, it's been good.

They lift my burden just enough for me to think that I can get through the sick.

When the boys tire of me just lying here, they spring up and out of bed (until last night anyway, when Miles came down with the flu too) and they head out of the room to wrestle or build Legos with their healthy Daddy. Then I pull my computer from the floor to the bed and read blogs. It's been a long time since I've been able to read and read and read until I've visited nearly every friend I've met through blogging. Sometimes I leave a comment and sometimes I just leave with a little more knowledge of the person than when I came. I love it. I love this blogging thing. There are so many fantastic people out there.

They lift my burden just enough for me to think I can get through the sick.

I've often said that on-line relationships cannot replace real-life interactions. Of course they can't, we just don't see each other enough, if ever. But when I say that, I think it takes something away from the validity of these friendships. I don't know many of my blogging friends in the same way that I know the friends that I originally met in person, but I'm learning that even though these relationships may have formed differently, they head to the same place.

Any kind of friendship has a spirit to it, something that connects two people beyond anything they can understand. Sometimes that happens, and sometimes it doesn't. Finding that kindred spirit kind of connection through someone's thoughts and words is a pretty good place to start, if you ask me.

I came across this song recently (video below), and thought about my closest friends, people I've known for years and years that are like sisters to me. Then I started to think about the blogging world, and how my experience with it has been so inspiring. I've watched and joined in as people have celebrated each other's joys, the births of new babies, weddings, pregnancies, new jobs, you name it...and then there have been those tragedies, the things we all fear, that have happened to one of us and I've seen the way the hurt has been lifted, even just a little bit, because of the help of strangers and friends. Money raised, prayers spoken, encouraging comments left...

It's good. And it gets even better when we finally get to meet in person.

So CUPCAKE '10 girls, this song is for you. As you listen, think of your friends, on the world wide interweb and off, who carry you through. I look forward to seeing you again, or meeting you for the first time.

Take some time to visit the blogs in the sidebar, if you get a chance. I've been doing that, and I just want to say, I think we're going to have a really good time.

~Heather

Sara Groves

Hotels, Finalizing Registration, and More

2009-11-27T09:41:00.000-08:00

As you've probably heard, the lodge we've leased for CUPCAKE '10 is full at this time, but if you'd like to attend this fantastic blogging event, you're still welcome to come! You'll simply need to book a hotel near Oregon, WI., and then spend your waking hours out at the lodge.

As it turns out, if you do this, you'll be spending nearly the same amount of money as those of us who are staying at the lodge (or even less if you share a room).

Here are some options for you:

Hat tip to Tara for giving me this information:
The Sheraton in Madison. ($100 a night and 11.5 miles from the lodge.)
The Quality Inn in Madison. ($100 a night and 8.5 miles from the lodge.)

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
515 W. VERONA AVE
(this one is about 15 miles from the lodge. If you book in advance, you can get a room with 2 queen beds for $90.95 a night.)

(Hat tip to Haley for finding the Holiday Inn deal. Haley will be staying there, and would love to share a room if you're looking. We suggest clicking on her link and connecting with her through her contact information on her blog.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

We also want to be sure to thank each one of you that has registered so far. We were absolutely floored by the response to this event. Whether you were one of the first 20 to register, or you plan to stay at a hotel or at your very own home, we're so excited to see you!

We have some amazing things up our sleeves and can't wait to share them with you as January 9th and 10th gets closer. We'll be planning and scheming and enjoying every second of it. (Please don't be surprised if you're asked to do an interpretive dance.) (JOKING.) (But you can if you want to.)

If you have not paid the event fee, but you're on the attendee list, please consider making your payment through paypal to fullcircle(underscore)doula(at)yahoo(dot)com as soon as you can. That way, I (Heather) can be sure to send payment to Stony Hill Farm.
(the off-site fee is $20, the on-site fee is $100)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the initial post it was mentioned that the $100 fee is only refundable up until December 20th, 2009. (This is the case because we won't know for sure if we can fill the space from the waiting list at such a late date.)

We also wanted to make it clear that the lodging portion of the fee will not be refunded should weather interfere with the event. Of course, this would be a ginormous bummer for everyone, but since we are meeting in the Midwest in January it's a possibility. The reason we cannot refund the lodging portion is because the venue will be unable to refund the fee at that time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some of you have also inquired about airports, as you're considering flying in to join us. We are working on getting information about which airports are closest and what routes are the best to travel to the venue. We will post that information as soon as we have all the details. Thank you for your patience!

Thank you to all of you who have helped and offered help! We couldn't do this without you!

Once again, please leave a comment to share your interest in coming in order to connect with others regarding sharing a hotel room, or anything else you may need. You can also check the comments from the last post, as a few people commented that they're looking to travel with/share a room with other attendees. Of course, If you'd like to join us and stay in your very own hotel room, feel free to do that too. It is NOT a requirement to share a room. Just be sure to let us know so we can plan for you to join us at the lodge in the daytime hours.

The final day of registration of any kind will be Friday, December 11th, so get your thinking caps on!

WHEW! I think that's all for now!

We are seriously excited for Cupcake '10, and we hope this information helps you find your way to the event!

Peace, Heather

Details

2009-11-24T03:47:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: 6:45 pm (Tuesday)

Wow! You guys are just as excited about CUPCAKE '10 as we are! Registration for lodging at Stony Hills Farm is full at this time, but keep in mind that we are creating a waiting list in case an initial registrant is unable to come. Also, plans are in the works to help those of you who still want to attend link up with each other and get lodging (perhaps at a nearby hotel) together if you would like. Stay tuned!

So what we're saying is, don't give up!
Make your plans and join us! We'd love to have you!
Please leave a comment if you'd like to be in the loop about lodging elsewhere. Thank you!

What is CUPCAKE '10?
CUPCAKE is a Midwestern event for women bloggers. The vision for this is a simple one involving friends old and new, the eating of good food, a fireplace, talking for hours and the sipping of wine. Although it isn't a blogging conference, we're guessing there will be many discussions on blogging, since it's a common interest of...well, bloggers. The purpose of the event is to give bloggers a chance to meet in person, hang out, and take a break from life.

When is CUPCAKE '10?
Saturday, January 9 to Sunday January 10, 2010

Where is CUPCAKE '10?
This event is taking place in the Midwest almost completely because the visionaries behind it happen to live in the Midwest and had been kicking around the idea of meeting half-way to spend some time together. The venue is a lovely place called Stony Hill Farm in Oregon, WI, just minutes from Madison.

What is the cost?
$100 total. This includes lodging, breakfast on Sunday (Saturday night will be potluck (in true laid back hanging out style), so bring something small to share), beverages, snacks, and a token of appreciation for coming (sometimes known as swag, but this isn't a conference so we're not going to call it that).

This fee will be paid at registration and will not be refunded after December 20, 2009. (see details by clicking the 'Register' button above).

(Yes, there will be cupcakes too, but they aren't included in the cost. They will be donated, thankfully.)

Who is invited?
Any 20 people who want to come! You don't have to know anyone at all, you're welcome to come and get to know other bloggers. Registration will be first come, first serve.

Why only 20 people?
Our vision for CUPCAKE is an everyone is welcome approach. That being said, because this is the first year we honestly aren't sure how big it is going to get. Lodging is tricky for uncertain numbers of people, and we love the location we found which maxes at 20. If we do fill all of our spots and you would still like to participate, you are more than welcome to arrange lodging near by and spend your waking hours at the CUPCAKE '10 headquarters. Please let us know if this is your plan so we can have a cupcake ready for you, too. (In this case, the registration fee will be $20. So if you and some friends want to split a hotel room and join us, please still register.)

We will also create a waiting list. If someone finds they're unable to attend after registering and cancels, we'll let the next person on the list know that a space is available if they'd like it.

What is the point of following this blog?
Good question. We included the followers widget not only for people who are attending to stay up-to-date on details and information, but another reason to follow is if you'd like to observe the journey and then join in on this in the coming years if it's something that interests you. If there is a larger response than we imagined this year, we'll definitely plan for more than 20 people in the coming years. So follow along, whether you're coming or not. We're sure to post some stories and photos as well, during and after the event this year.

How do I register?
Click on the 'Register' button above. Follow the directions and voila! Done.

Do I need to buy new clothes?
Nope, not unless you like using a girl's weekend as an excuse to do some shopping. This event is taking place in January in Wisconsin, so think jeans or yoga pants and sweatshirts and sweaters. And slippers. Basically, wear whatever you're comfortable in (including your baby if you have one and want them with you).

Why is the event called CUPCAKE?
This idea was born out of a friendship and a meeting of the minds. It grew organically, as two bloggy friends (Heather of the EO and Stephanie of Adventures in Babywearing) emailed about how and when they and a few others could get together in person. A discussion developed on Twitter in response to this, and suddenly it became clear that there were a lot of Midwestern bloggers who were interested in a weekend away, and a chance to get to know each other better in person.

The Twitter banter that ensued when this conversation started was inspiring and sometimes hilarious. Tweeters shot off ideas rapid-fire style, and when the topic of a name came up, Beth (I Should Be Folding Laundry) tweeted a simple "CUPCAKE." You see, the love of cupcakes is a common bond for many of the bloggers interested in this event. Many of these lovely ladies get together in person quite frequently to eat said cupcakes. It has become their "thing."

So what better a name than one that holds personal meaning to many, and is completely relatable to many more. Friendship, laughter, story-telling, and baked goods. What could be sweeter?

What else should I know?
Since it's not an official conference, there will be more mingling and less sitting and listening. But, since we all have the common ground of blogging, we want there to be time to discuss what may be on your mind. We plan to have some time (in front of crackly fireplace) available to pick each other's minds and bounce ideas off of each other. Consider bringing a topic or idea to discuss, or a specific question(s) you may have. Some of the people planning to attend are seasoned bloggers, who may have some valuable advice and/or words of wisdom in helping you focus in on what really matters in your world of blogging.

More than that, bring your ability to relax and have a good time. We have a few (totally rad) things up our sleeves for organized time as a group, but that will be short and sweet (like a cupcake).

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Founders

2009-11-24T02:48:00.001-08:00

STEPHANIE

Stephanie Precourt is a work at home Mom to three boys and a baby girl in Northwest Indiana. She likes to knit, take pictures, and eat fancy cupcakes with friends on a weekly basis. She blogs about her life daily at AdventuresInBabywearing.com and blabs a lot on Twitter as babysteph.

Stephanie is the Managing Editor at 5 Minutes For Parenting and is a freelance writer for NWIparent Magazine and the NWIparent blog Close To Home. She is also a contributing writer at SheKnows.com's Real Moms Guide.

HEATHER

Heather spends her days with her two small boys, Miles and Asher in Minnesota. She waxes philosophical on all things motherhood and life at The Extraordinary Ordinary and shares random information on Twitter as HeatheroftheEO.

Heather blogs because it reminded her that she loves to write, but mostly because she loves the community of kindred spirits she's found here on the world-wide interweb.

ALLISON

Allison has recently entered the world of blogging and even more recently, motherhood. She met her husband at 18, married him at 21, and had a baby at 23. It's not that she's trying to get it all done by 30, she just thinks family is so freaking awesome.

Allison has found tremendous amounts of support in the blogging community, support that is invaluable to a brand new mother. Plus, she can use it to connect with the outside world while not actually having to get dressed. The internet is a beautiful thing.

Visit Allison at her lovely blog, O My Family and on Twitter as OMyFamily.

Register

2009-11-24T02:48:00.000-08:00

For cupcakes and a good time, ~~call~~ email Heather @

fullcircle(underscore)doula(at)yahoo(dot)com

In your message, include your full name, a telephone number, and your blog address.

When I receive your email, I'll send you the paypal information. After you pay your $20 registration fee (for food and beverages only, now that the lodge is full), your space will be reserved for January 9 and 10 at Cupcake '10! Your lodging is your responsibility. (you can find some hotel options here.)

After December 20th, 2009, this fee will not be refundable. If you find you cannot attend before that date and let us know, we'll refund your fee and give your space to the next person on the waiting list. But please keep in mind that we cannot refund the fee after December 20th, 2009.

Should bad winter weather rear it's ugly Midwestern head, the fee for food and beverages will be refunded.

I'm looking forward to spending time with you more than I can say,
Heather