Now, with twice the fun of Original Blog!

I've been kicking around the idea of starting up another blog -- more shopping and random life stuff. Pretty often there are amusing things that happen or some really great/fun/trendy/classic thing I just have to have that I want to talk about, but part of me always felt that this blog should be more business-based. Well, as of late that has meant its gotten fairly snooze-worthy and I simply can't have that.

Seeing as I run the show around here (contrary to when I sometimes feel my ribbon has taken over the business and is then running at least 2 of this 3-ring circus), I think its only fitting that I get to make executive decisions. Right? Right!

From now on, don't be surprised if there is something worth reading, traveling to or buying around here in addition to the fabulous things you already want to buy from The Creative Cupcake. Don't say I didn't warn you...

Zinnias are here!

Calling all mommies!

We are in the designing and testing phases of our new baby & toddler line of gifts and "accessories" that will be ready for sale later this summer. The only problem is that, since we don't (yet) have our own Cupcake Children and have moved far away from our favorite little 'guys, we need a few little ones to try out our stuff! Interested product testers should:

* have a little one (or more) at home under the age of 12 months
* are able to thoroughly and candidly fill out an initial survey about the product(s) sent for you to test as well as answer any follow up questions.
* optional: are willing to submit photos of your little one wearing/using the product(s) for use on our website and/or promotional materials.

Your hard work will be rewarded with free product(s) and a special coupon code to use on our site or at any in-person shopping appearance.

If you are interested, email us at: nicolette{at}thecreativecupcake.com with your name, address, and gender/age of your little one(s). If you are chosen to participate, we will contact you within a few days with more details.

3 days left!

It's almost time to launch our full Spring line!! The past few days have been largely spent glued to my laptop, editing photos and working out final pricing formulas. I am thrilled with what we're coming out with and, most of all, I'm thrilled to almost be done! While I do love designing and sewing up headband after hair clip after belt -- sometimes I like to venture outside of my studio. Maybe into my living room. Maybe, on a really good day, outdoors before 8pm. A girl can dream, can't she?!

We'll be sending an email/newsletter out on Friday to give you the full scoop on our new headband designs (zinnias, scarf styles, wider preppy ribbon) -- you write in, we listen! What else do you have to look forward to this spring?

Customer photo contest * more gift-y items * the beginning peeks into our upcoming baby/toddler products * expanded ribbon choices & our 3 year anniversary sale!

Cupcakes on the Road: South Park, CO

I am in full-on procrastination mode today, which made it a perfect time to stumble upon a site that lets you create your own South Park characters. And who am I to turn my nose at that?! For your viewing pleasure, we have:


Me


and just for kicks, Mr. Cupcake, Business Edition

Lazy Sunday

Sundays are just made for relaxing and enjoying down time. Today was no exception as Mr. Cupcake and I spent the entire day kicking back and recovering from yesterday's show in Frisco High School. It was a successful show for us and a particularly fun one thanks to our neighboring vendors. They had a wonderful sense of humor and we haven't laughed that much in a long time. Who doesn't love a snarky vendor during the slow lulls?!

The shoppers walking through our hallway at FHS were so much fun and we had a blast chatting it up while they hemmed and hawed in our booth over the monumental decisions of life. For example: Do I buy the Apple Zinnia headband or the Pink? and How many key fobs do I need to buy for all the other moms in my play group? A special Thank You to Sarah for turning us on to some local places to pick up "close to authentic" NY bagels and other foodie treats we miss so dearly.

For some unknown reason, we forgot to take any photos of our booth so you'll just have to trust me that it was fun and colorful, dotted by our hair clips and tons of headbands. We actually completely sold out of 5 of the styles of fabric headbands that we will be launching next week -- so I'll be cutting and sewing up a storm tomorrow to replenish in time for all of my non-local headband fanatics to snap them up. Stay tuned...

10 Days to go

There are some days that I just love my job. Today, for example, I spend the day surrounded by some of my favorite fabric prints and ribbon/trims, cutting out and pressing pieces that I'll sew tomorrow into headbands. In addition to one of my favorite Amy Butler prints of all time (Deep Blue Covington Tile from the Charm collection), I discovered this fun brown/pink/blue floral pattern today at the fabric store that I will show you a sneek peek of tomorrow.

I found some left over yardage of zinnia woven trim that I thought I had sold out of, which excited me to no end. There was just enough to eek out a few headbands in each style so when I add the headbands to the site you will have 7 colorways to choose from. Plus, my new 2.25" preppy stripe ribbon came in this morning -- I should have photos up tomorrow once I'm done with the headbands. There is one red/white/turquoise combo that I have fallen in love with. At this rate, there will be nothing left to sell when we launch the line next week. Must... Leave... Headbands... To sell!

Bad hair days, beware!

While I was setting up a few of my new wide headbands to quickly photograph, I felt a little rush. I've been playing around with different designs for so long that it's almost hard for me to believe that we're almost ready to "officially" launch them in less than 2 weeks. It was so important to me to maintain the ultra comfy fit of the headbands already in my collection. Because of my recent quest to find a new hair stylist in Dallas, I wear a headband nearly every day at some point when I don't feel like fighting with my hair and/or badly overgrown bangs. I am happy to report that I did not have a single headband headache (yippie!) and none of the wide styles slipped back on my head along my straight hair like so many have in the past. I'd wander past a mirror or window and see my chic headband practically falling off the back of my head -- which is quite the opposite of chic, I can assure you.

In addition to the ribbon and trim headbands, we will be introducing my favorite of them all -- scarf headbands! Tying up regular scarfs around my head always prove to be fruitless since they just slip right off my hair. I also apparently happen to have a slightly larger than average head, which makes pulling off the super-wide headbands a little more difficult since a 2" wide band just doesn't cut it. Our version includes a 3.5"-4" wide scarf which is anchored by one of our famously comfortable headbands.
This generous width allows you to customize just how wide you want to go. A vintage print I had in my stash is shown to the right but expect a mix of trendy, modern prints and some preppy favorites.

Over 35 different styles will be available for purchase the first week of April - I can't wait to hear what you think!

Oh happy day!

Well, I'd given up on finding my camera USB cable so I broke down and ordered a new one and joy of joys... it arrived today! I am actually giddy. Seriously, I want to call someone (since Mr. Cupcake gets the she's-talking-about-ribbon-again face) just to share my joy. My new wide headbands are just so adorable and beyond comfy since they now use the same inserts that my standard styles do -- and it pained me that I couldn't share them with you just yet. Hold tight, my friends... tomorrow prepare to be wowed!!

Big Spring Ahead Sale!

Take the chance to stock up extra colors of your favorites -- headbands, hair clips and belts -- all for up to 50% off! Crazy, I know... but I am ready for spring to arrive and I know you all are too. Nothing says "spring" better than something new and pink!