Anticipation...Is Making Me Late

Cupcakes for Heinz, a photo by Sugar Daze on Flickr.

Do you remember this Heinz ad from the '70's? Carly Simon singing Anticipation as the ketchup oh so slowly poured from the bottle? Personally I can never think of Heinz ketchup without hearing Carly singing in my ear!

I made these cupcakes for the Heinz Group here in France to celebrate their reaching 80,000 fans on their facebook page. Quite an accomplishment! Congratulations!

And while I would have liked to try one of those cupcake recipes that calls for ketchup or tomatoes in the batter, these are just a simple assortment of my White Wedding, Pretty in Pink, I Love You Honey Bunny, Storm and Raspberry Beret cupcakes with pink and red buttercream (as requested by the client).

Open Your Heart to Me

It's rare that I find myself at a loss for words. The past few days, every person I meet has asked something akin to the following..."Sooooo? How's it going?" while talking about my shop finally being open. I'm finding it really hard to articulate my feelings in concise sentences. It may be the lack of sleep. So what I have to say in response has been a hodge podge of sentiments with the following being some of the key words:

Crazy, great, fun, interesting, hectic, a headache, tiring, exciting, my dream come true, stressful, an adventure, a work in progress, lovely to meet so many people I've only known virtually, trying, fantastic, really good, I am exhausted, I've done it!, it's just the beginning, amazing first day, hoping to find our rhythm, my back is killing me, I love my kitchen, the customers are so sweet!, time to bake again, blah, blah, blah (I really do say this a lot - my husband has pointed out to me my over-use of the expression "blah, blah, blah.").



I think a rough translation of our first week would be we had a rocking first day (we gave away 100 free cupcakes and sold out of what we had baked to sell about 2 hours in advance!) and it's been up and down ever since. I know from being in this business the past few years, there are a lot of ups and downs and trying to figure out a pattern is almost impossible. I think the same may be true for a brick and mortar. Last Tuesday, it was pretty dead in the shop and today (again Tuesday), I have barely had a second to breath. It's frustrating to figure out so I won't bother!

Many of you have asked where the shop is located. We are at 20 rue Henry Monnier in the 9th. This is a few blocks down from the sex shops of Pigalle and in the other direction, you find your way down to the department stores, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette in just a few minutes. It's a real crossover neighborhood but oh so charming and the locals have welcomed us warmly. There are some adorable, kitschy shops on our street, and so far the restaurants sampled have not disappointed. Several of my friends who have stopped by have mentioned that Henry Monnier is one of their favorite streets in Paris. I can't disagree. Very happy to have settled on this location.

So if you are in the neighborhood, stop on by. And if you're not, why not take a walk on the wild side and come check it out. I'm here most days; otherwise, I leave the shop in the very capable hands of Chris. PS thanks to my bank, we are without a functioning credit card machine for the time being...working on that but don't say you haven't been warned. :P

Baby Love, My Baby Love

Oh Baby, a photo by Sugar Daze on Flickr.

Crimson & Clover and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang cupcakes for a baby shower. The young couple, who are expecting their first, were my first customers to get a sneak peek at the new store and I was happy to have their encouragements as they live in the neighborhood. Wishing them lots of luck in the weeks to come too!

Well, I am two weeks away from opening and there is still A LOT to do. But I have started to get some nice press, for which I am very grateful!!!! Here's a little smattering:

Cupcakes Take the Cake - Sugar Daze Has a Home in Paris! Plus, Free Cupcake Alert!
La Belle Bulle - Bonnes Nouvelles pour les Mordus de Cupcakes
Glose - Ouverture de la boutique Sugar Daze, Specialiste en Cupcakes Amèricains

Thank you!

It's Been a Long Long Time Coming, But I Know a Change Gonna Come

When I was pregnant with my kids, as my due dates approached, I would think to myself, "Only 2 more weeks until it's not just going to be the two of us anymore." Or, "By this time next week, it's going to be back to diapers, late night feedings and no sleep!" I'm sure I am not the only one who felt this way. Funnily as the target date for my store opening approaches, I've had similar thoughts -- "Only 3 weekends left and then I'll be working every Saturday all day away from my family...."

My store has been a loooooong time in the making. I've watched as many of the other cupcake bakers here in Paris who started out like me with custom-order business have opened their stores, some have even opened two stores (!) and I'm still plugging away on my own in a rented kitchen.

It took us almost 4 years to decide we were ready for a second child and the same is true about my store. Which I guess will be like a 3rd baby. I used to get sick to my stomach thinking about having a store and all the time it would mean away from my family who I love so dearly. But truth is, I'm not getting any younger and I just feel this is something I gotta do...to see how far I can take this, where my business will lead me. I'm ready for more hard work, I'm still overwhelmingly passionate about what I do, I still love seeing the delight on a customer's face when they see the cupcakes I have created for them, and I'm still a little sick to my stomach about the whole store thing but hoping that will pass in time as my baby grows from a needy newborn to a more independent toddler, and then some hopefully!

I can't recall who I was corresponding with but about 2 years ago on twitter someone suggested when I open my cupcake store, I should give out free cupcakes. I thought it was a mighty fine idea and agreed. Well, I am a woman of my word and that's why we'll be giving away 1 free cupcake to the first 100 people through the door on opening day. No strings.

So without further ado, I am delighted to share that June 23 is the day I've circled on my calendar for the opening of the Sugar Daze Bake Shop. With a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, we'll be ready!

The Sugar Daze Bake Shop
20 rue Henri Monnier (map here on Foursquare)
75009 Paris
Metro: St-Georges, Pigalle
Open Tues-Sat (still working on those hours)
Phone: Will post just as soon as the phone company gets me set up!

Every day you will find a rotating assortment of the over 30 flavors on my current menu, plus special limited-time only flavors & other traditional, American-style baked goods. Oh and did I tell you how stoked I am to be partnering with Le Palais de Thés whose tea you will be able to enjoy with your cupcakes either as take-out or on-site (yes, there will be a small seating area in the Bake Shop).

Hope to see you there!
PS If you'd like to help me spread the word, please feel free to contact presse@sugardazecupcakes.com for a copy of our press release.

Don't Stop Believing

Well kiddies, if you haven't heard the Sugar Daze Bake Shop is coming soon!!! I am so excited - this is literally a dream come true! And I thank you all who have encouraged me along the way. I am so looking forward to sharing my special brand of American-style cupcakes with both those who are already fans and newcomers alike. It's time Paris got a taste of real fresh-baked cupcakes like we make 'em back home!

If you want to follow news about the store, check out my new Sugar Daze facebook page: www.facebook.com/enviedecupcakes . Oh and sorry for the lack of pics with this post; my tech capabilities are a bit limited as I'm in the hospital with a nasty staph infection (a word to the wise - you know when they tell you to take extra care to disinfect a cut or wound? Just Do It!).

Hope to see y'all real soon at the Bake Shop!

Grab Your Gun.....

Bang Bang, a photo by Sugar Daze on Flickr.

Chocolate Squared cupcake with fondant pistol. No, I don't condone violence, just having fun with a new cookie cutter.

Pink

Baby Shower Cupcakes, a photo by Sugar Daze on Flickr.

These are Vanilla Lovers cupcakes with raspberry cream centers - a special request by the client. All decorations are lovingly hand-made with fondant. These were made for a baptism happening tomorrow on Easter. Congratulations!