From today through September 26th, more than 700 bakeries and stores all over the country are joining cupcake forces to sell cupcakes for a cause.  They are raising funds and awareness for CancerCare for Kids, an organization that provides support services to kids and families dealing with cancer.  You can find a participating bakery near you here.  If you can’t find a location near you, you can order online from CupcakeStop.  Visit Cupcakes for a Cause for more information.

My great friend Anne just shared this awesome cake she ordered from her Target bakery for her son’s seventh birthday.  The party had a mad science theme and the beaker pull-apart cupcake cake was a perfect fit.  This would be a great cake to make for a Halloween party too.   I wish my local Target had a bakery!

Happy Birthday Avery!

What color are your tiger stripes?

That is the question that is being asked over at ATC Sponsor Pink Sugar Bakery.

But why? Well, did you know that of all the tigers in the world that there are only about 3,000 left in the wild?  According to Pink Sugar Bakery, “poaching and habitat destruction have decimated the population of tigers in the wild” so they are calling on your assistance.

These little cupcake necklaces are not only adorable but they have been created specifically to support the Wildlife Conservation Society and the tigers.  From each one $5.00 is being donated directly to the cause, and best of all you can wear your stripes, be they black and orange, white and black, or the rather rare hot pink and white tiger stripes proudly.

You can purchase one of these limited edition Tiger necklaces for $14.99 plus shipping from Pink Sugar Bakery up until the end of October, or you can head directly to the WCA website to donate directly.

Feeling down about another blah Monday? Well, this colorful giveaway should cheer you up!  This week we are introducing you to fabulous Etsy crafter, Red Elm Designs. They specialize in unique handmade crayons. With over 100 different designs, it was hard for me to choose my favorites, but here are a few Fall ones you have to see:

Wouldn’t these be perfect party favors for your Halloween party?  In addition to these crayons, they also have many, many cupcake crayons to choose from.  This week Red Elm Designs is giving away 6 colorful cupcake crayons to one oh-so-lucky ATC fan! 

I personally own and love these little beauties too!  To enter this giveaway, go to Red Elm Designs and have a nice look around.  Then come back here to ATC and click on the comment area below.  Tell us your favorite crayon and what type of crayon you think Red Elm should make next.  One winner will be chosen on Monday, September 27th.  Thanks Red Elm Designs for sponsoring this colorful giveaway!

Make sure to become a fan of Red Elm Designs on Facebook too!

First we shared with you the sweet tea cupcake molds by Fred & Friends.  Then we showed you the gory numskulls cupcake molds.  Now we bring you the fun, Yumbots.  Included in each box are four robot cupcake molds in four assorted colors.  Yumbots are currently out of stock on amazon but other sites, like perpetual kid have them for $17.99!

Awww it is sad, even when you know I am talking about the last summer cupcake fling.  I am too settled and contented to think about the other type of flings, but the cupcake one I am open for, especially when it looks as good as these Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream!  How hot pink is the color of these?

These cupcakes have been dreamt up by The Crafty Penguin and are a great way to use up the last of those summer berries!

You can find the full recipe along with heaps of step by step photos on her website here.

All of a sudden I have a real hankering to go watch Grease!  ”Ahhh… those summer… NIGHHHHHTTTTTSSSS….”

During a recent stop in Borders I, of course, had to check out the cookbook section.  One of the books I came across was titled A Zombie ate My Cupcake: 25 Deliciously Weird Cupcake Recipes.  The graphic horror comic/illustrated cookbook is great for Halloween cupcake ideas because author Lily Vanilli is known for making gruesome yet gorgeous cakes! The book offers tips and directions for using fondant, piped icing, marzipan, gum paste, and more.

The book is available at borders locations or through their website.  Amazon offers the book for as little as $8.39 and be sure to check Vanilli’s website for book signing and demo days throughout the month of October.