Smashcake Birthday Photo Session!

Imogen had her first birthday last week.  Sadly, we couldn't be back in Dryden, ON, for the actual birthday, but now that the day has come, we can share these birthday pics with you.  While they were visiting in Ottawa, they wanted to have some smashcake fun in front of my lens, and of course, Wendy at Thimblecakes was eager to whip something up for little Immy.  

We found a quiet little spot in an area near the canal, and had a little picnic.  The Royals (Kate & Wills) were just arriving in town and actually passing very near us, but who could be bothered to stand and wave at them when there's so much fun to be had?  Unless, maybe if they planned on some cakesmashing.  In pretty little outfits.

After our lunch it was time for Imogen's first chocolate and first taste of cake!  She was so dainty, dipping her little finger in it over and over.   And, being as sweet as she is, wanted to share every 3rd or 4th fingerful of cake with mommy or daddy.  She managed to get it all over her face and adorable outfit this way but after a little help from her parents, she was tearing into it quite happily and in a lot messier way.  

 

 

Happy Birthday to the adorably silly, smart & playful, much-loved little Immy! 

Love is in the Air

Spring Weddings are now making room for Summer Weddings, so we got together with our friend Wendy from Thimblecakes recently.  She does a fantastic job with cupcake towers and wedding cakes and she's at the top of our list of favourite neighbours!

A friend of mine has a lovely vintage engagement ring and graciously let us show it off a little in a photoshoot.  She will be marrying her man later this summer, and will be using the simple and sweet flower, shown above, in her bouquet.  Thanks for the inspiration L.

More photos to share from this later in the summer....

Spring is coming, really, it must be....

I have a backlog of blog posts to share with you.  For now I'll just say a little hello!

Well I think this week flew by, meanwhile I'm still enjoying how great last week was.  First, I spent some time connecting with some incredible women. There were visits with Wendy from Thimblecakes, Kate from Flights of Fancy/Bombshells Closet, and Aria at the newly opened Gypsy & Co.  We have a few fun plans in the works with some of these ladies and a few more we met at Cherry Pie so you'll be hearing more about them here in the next few months.  It's going to be busy and I can't wait!

Finally, last Saturday was the show that Darcy & I had been waiting for since Feb....  Pixies!!!!  Touring the 20th anniversary of the Doolittle album, they came to Ottawa for the first time in 7 years.  We had never seen them live but they're played quite regularly on our ipods.  I was so excited and even after the show, I'm still excited.  They completely blew me away.  Kim Deal, I am so in awe...

That's our news for now.  Thimblecakes has some adorable and tasty Easter treats for you this weekend!

Hello Neighbour! Thimblecakes is here....

Notes From Wednesday's Snowstorm.....

I know many of you may be cursing this huge snowfall, but I have to admit, I love it!  Especially going out for a walk with no real need to be anywhere, with the snow falling heavily in big flakes.  I took today's joy and doubled it by taking myself out for a mini break to the nearby used bookshop and then... Cupcakes!

Thimblecakes opened up weeks ago, which was long-awaited by me since they are at the end of my block and I passed by their pretty storefront almost daily in December.  So far I've popped in a few times since they opened.

Sunrta as Barista

Try Jackie's fave, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip!

I've been loving the mini cupcakes (only $0.83) which allows me to try a few different varieties.   The flavours seem to always be changing, and there seems to be a little more selection in the regular size cupcakes which are still so light and delicious I feel pretty guilt-free about.  They have some gluten-free, sugar-free or vegan options to offer as well.  They're open 11-7 daily, and Apt613 suggests getting there before 1 or after the second batch goes out for the day for the best selection.

Today I tried the lemon with Vanilla Bean Buttercream, Double Chocolate and Pumpkin ChocolateChip(with Chocolate Buttercream).  I'm not usually a fan of chocolate buttercreams or chocolate icings (and I'm a serious chocolate lover) but theirs is perfectly rich and cocoa-y.  I loved it.

If they have the pumpkin cupcake when you go, it's a must-try.  I was skeptical, but Oh My was I wrong.  Absolutely great.

I popped back in with my camera after lunch.  They have some cupcakes in the window that will be available for Valentine's Day, and really, they were just too adorable not to take photos of.

While I was there Wendy, the owner and her partner Sunrta were setting up the Thimblecakes twitter and enjoying some coffee and Jackie was helping the customers coming in from the snowstorm.  The shop is full of vintage velvety chairs in gorgeous colours, and is lightfilled and calming but still cozy.

I've enjoyed picking up some cupcakes to bring back to my desk, but their space is so tranquil and lovely I may just need to start taking a proper break some days and enjoy coffee or tea with a cupcake there.  It might just be what I need to help me through endless hours of editing and emails.

Find them on Facebook for updates about what's going on in the shop!