I just found a new toy! Duff food color pens! I found these pens, which act much more like markers, at Michaels for about $9. They are fun and easy to use, and great for kids’ decorating. But first, I used them to personalize these fondant-topped cupcakes for my friend’s birthday!

Williams-Sonoma now carries their own line of cupcakes mixes!  The stores have a very fun display with all the mixes and jars of frosting.  The Williams-Sonoma website now has a section called The Cupcake Shop where you will find the mixes, bakeware, and cookbooks.  The mixes cost $14.95 and frosting, which is sold separately, is $19.95 per jar.  The mixes are available in the following flavors: vanilla bean, chocolate, red velvet, coconut, and meyer lemon.  The frosting is available in the same flavors with the exception of red velvet.  I have enjoyed the Williams-Sonoma products I have tried in the past so I have high hopes for these mixes.

Take a look at this cupcake handbag.  Anybody recognize it?  It is the look-alike of the famous cupcake handbag from the second Sex and the City film.  For just 3,950 British pounds it can be yours at Harrod’s.  But seriously, doesn’t everyone need their own cupcake bag?

It is no secret that I love Etsy! I have been buying and selling on there for quite a few years and it has turned into a wonderful marketplace to find unique handmade crafts as well as antiques.
Check out these amazing polymer clay cupcakes made by Etsy crafter and ATC sponsor, CuteNSweetCafe. For only $13 you can design your own cupcake charm and add a scent too! Yes, this charm can smell like a cupcake or one of over 50 other scents. You can also choose your base color, icing flavor and toppings.  You can truly make this cupcake your own!

For many of us, it is maple syrup season, and I can’t think of a better way to spend this golden sweetness than in some cupcakes! Check out these Blueberry and Maple Syrup Cupcakes! You can find the recipe and instructions at Forty Percent Fringe Sixty Percent Face. It’s the cupcake(s) you can have for breakfast, right?

I am not the biggest fan of beets, so I can’t expect my kid to love them.  BUT, I can pretty much guarantee that he will have no idea that they are in these cupcakes.  Even if your child helps you with this recipe, they will probably be so mesmerized by their really vibrant purple color, that they won’t even think about the fact that they are eating their veggies.  It’s worth a try!  But do be aware…beets can make quite a mess (just one more reason your kids will love them, right?)!

Here’s a cupcake idea for the artist in your life! How artistic! Visit Natashaogle’s Flickr photostream for more cool cupcake photos!