Addressing the Cake Pop Trend Part 1

It finally took some convincing by my friend Claire from grad class, but I have attempted the cake pop! In the end, I was quite satisfied with the results and would definitely make them again. I am including here lots of pictures, since it is definitely a long process, as well as my notes, tips and trick to getting this recipe to work. It was not "hard" however there are things that I know now that will make it easier the second time around... don't worry, I will share!

First though, to address the cake pop phenomenon! Like any other person I started by Googling "cake pops" to gather some research.

I found some absolutely wonderful and inspirational photos, recipes, as well as tips. Listed here are some of my favorites, but the true cake pop master is Bakerella. Check out that blog for fabulous and awe-inspiring baked anything!

Here are some others that I found helpful to guide me through my cake pop journey:

The Kitchn - Great instructions for getting started! This is where I got most of my help.

Bakerella Flicker - Oh to be so talented!

Just a Bite - Strictly selling cake pops, but great images and ideas!

Babble - A site for new moms, but a great recipe for chocolate pops filled with cheese cake!

So after you have become completely intimidated by those images, let me show you mine!

I am going to include the basic recipe here and create a second posting that includes all of the steps and instructions.

To get started:

1 box of cake mix (yes, I didn't do this from scratch because this cut a serious amount of time off the process!)

1 can of frosting (I only needed about 2/3 of the can)

2 bags of candy melts (I started with one and needed a second)

50 Candy pop sticks (It definitely makes more that I realized)

Bake the cake according to the package directions and then let cool completely. I just stuck mine in the fridge for 24 hrs.

Cake/Icing Combination Suggestions

Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Icing
Chocolate and Chocolate
Carrot or Spice Cake and Cream Cheese Icing
Vanilla and Chocolate
Chocolate and German Chocolate Icing
Strawberry and Cream Cheese Icing
and many more...

Stay tuned for the process...

Consumer Testing for McCormick

Super excited about a new opportunity to possibly be selected as a consumer tester for McCormick!

My friend Dana was telling me about a girl she works with that does consumer testing for the spice company and since it is fairly close to home, I thought I would sign myself up. You are only able to participate every three months, however you are compensated for your time. They can send you things to prepare, surveys or even invite you to the testing site to test stuff there! I hope I get picked to do something like that!

If that is something that you might be interested in here is the site: Consumer Testing for McCormick

A Word from Carrie Bradshaw

I came across this clip on a friends Facebook wall and thought... how appropriate, I have to share!



Samantha had it right... no man who still lives at home is worth your time... no matter what he is saving his money up for.

As for Carrie's comment...I guess I am no longer allowed to shop for clothes at American Eagle. So all you little 13 year old bishes need to keep away from Forever 21 cause I plan on being 21 forever!

#Sing It - MCR

I have always been a fan of My Chemical Romance and even more so now with they work they are doing to raise money for the Red Cross with their song #Sing It. Check out the site where you can donate or purchase the song on iTunes with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. While it is weeks after the tragedy in Japan, they are still in need of support, so better late than never.

#SING It for Japan

Here is the video that they put together, such sad but beautiful images.

Really, How stupid can people get?

My friends enjoy sending me pictures that provide evidence of how dumb some adults can be and that they are exposing their children to their own stupidity, thus continuing their idiocy. Darwin Awards anyone? It doesn't help that I am then asked to try and provide said idiot's children with some semblance of an education while they only go home to have a hard day's work reversed by their parents.

Here are a few of my favorites.


Cause nothing says love like a bag over the head... missing brain cells anyone?


Watch out for that rabies epidemic, cause that will always be better than lice.

And the winner is...

This little girl has a bright future ahead.

I'm Not Alone

One of my colleagues shared a most wonderful blog with me the other day. I am a huge fan of young adult literature and have found a group of others who are like me! The blog, Forever Young Adult is totally devoted to those adults, like myself that prefer to read YA over that impossibly boring adult stuff. Because many people do not take the time to recognize the merits of YA lit, the ladies of Forever YA are the perfect voice for the genre. I love the snarky, sarcastic and alcohol related postings that come from these women. I mean really, what could be better than a Sweet Valley High Drinking game?!?!