Little Cakes Cupcakes

Must blog, want to blog, PROMISE TO BLOG!!!!

2010-12-23T01:22:00.001-05:00

Why design a blog if you never use it???

As you can see, our last blog post was in January 2010. Well, it's now December 2010 and you haven't heard a peep from us!

We have had one heck of a busy year and although we hope 2011 will be even busier, we do promise to make time to BLOG!

Until next time, we wish you a safe and happy holiday!

Shakira & Colleen

Little Cakes Cupcakes - 2009 in review!

2010-01-12T01:13:00.003-05:00

It's not too late to say "Happy New Year" is it??

We have been so busy baking and delivering our yummy goodies to the cupcake lovers of Ottawa and it's hard to believe it's almost the middle of January already!!!! Time flies when you're having fun :)

2009 was a great year for both of us. Little Cakes officially launched in March 2009 after 6 months of planning, research, recipe testing, logo design, marketing, etc.

Our first order was a baby shower in March 2009 and we catered our first wedding in August 2009.

From there, the ball started rolling and we've been catering anniversary parties, bachelorettes, baby showers, birthday parties, family reunions, weddings, dinner parties, retirement dinners....and the list goes on! When we chose our tagline - "cupcakes for all occasions...and just because!", little did we know how true it would be!

Many students at Carleton University and Ottawa U have enjoyed our cupcakes this past year thanks to special birthday deliveries sent by mom and pop! Who wouldn't want cupcakes delivered right to their door in residence??

We took part in a few events in 2009 where our cupcakes or gift certificates were donated in support of charity:

1. FLAUNT Ottawa - June 2009 in support of "The Peter Munk Cardiac Center" -www.flauntottawa.com/foundation.php

2. Ottawa Bell Canada team ("Women in Bell Business Markets") - September 2009 in support of "CIBC Run For The Cure" -

www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/login.asp?session=y

3. BBQ for the Puppy Mill Bust - October 2009 in support of "Bullies in Need" - www.bulliesinneed.ca/events.htm

4. Plasco Energy Group United Way Campaign - November 2009 in support of The United Way - www2.unitedway.ca/uwcanada/default.aspx

Watch for Little Cakes Cupcakes in February 2010 at "Bringing Back the 80's" in support of The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Also stay tuned as we announce details of our first monthly "Sampling Night". We will be offering monthly sampling nights where you and your fiancé, mother, father, best friend, grandmother, etc., can come and taste our cupcakes, see our cupcake stands available for rental and chat with Colleen and I about catering your wedding cupcakes!

May 2010 bring you much happiness and love, good health, and prosperity!
Thanks for a wonderful kick-off year!!!All the best,

Shakira & Colleen

Customized Cupcake Flags

2009-11-12T23:52:00.002-05:00

Want to add a fun message or photo to your cupcakes? Ask us about customized flags for your next order! We can work with you to design something special that will be perfect for your cupcake occasion!

September Weddings

2009-11-12T00:46:00.002-05:00

With Back to School, Thanksgiving and Halloween behind us, we thought we'd let you know what's been keeping us busy....other than Colleen's 4 kids and Shakira's 2 kids :)

We catered 4 weddings in September. We know some cupcake bakeries probably cater 50 weddings per month, but we are proud to say that we bake all our cupcakes fresh the day of (literally just a few hours before) your event. No frozen cupcakes thawed for your wedding! No cake mixes, just fresh and from scratch. There's plenty of love in our cupcakes!!

September 5th wedding #1 -150 ALL VEGAN Mini Cupcakes!!

carrot with creamcheese icing
coconut lime
creamsicle
chocolate with peanut butter icing
chai latte
vegan, gluten-free vanilla with blueberry icing

**We also made vegan cupcakes and vegan icing for the bride's bacheloretty party. Her friend decorated the cupcakes herself in the form of a corset. Very talented girl!!

September 6th wedding #2 - 200 mini cupcakes

Luscious Lemon
Granny's Apple
Simply Vanilla

September 11th wedding #4 - 100 regular cupcakes topped with fondant gerbera daisies

Banana Rama
Mom's Carrot
Simple Vanilla
Chocolate Lover's

And a PEANUT BUTTER topper cake for the bride and groom..... Y U M M Y !!!! Pictured here on our 5 tier platinum stand.

September 19th wedding #4 - 150 regular marble cupcakes topped with assorted fondant fall leaves and a new york style cheesecake topper cake.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

2009-09-30T13:44:00.007-04:00

To show our support, Little Cakes Cupcakes is offering a charity cupcake for the month of October:

These are a special menu item featuring Lemon Cranberry Cupcakes, topped with pink lemon icing and pink ribbon sprinkles. Tart and sweet at the same time, these cupcakes are mouth-watering, and we hope you will join us in our quest to help create a future without breast cancer.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada's largest single day, volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, and education and awareness programs.

Each year, thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life unite to participate in the Run. Their reasons for participating vary, but they all have the same goal; to create a future without breast cancer.

On Sunday, October 4th, 2009, Run, Walk and Give Generously.

For more information about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and/or the 18th annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, visit: www.cbcf.org.

Snickerdoodle - just saying it makes you happy :)

2009-09-05T21:56:00.005-04:00

Remember when you were a kid and your mom made Snickerdoodle cookies? Well, Little Cakes is now offering SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKES, just in time for fall. Available in regular and mini cupcakes, topped with cinnamon buttercream icing, and sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar.

Introducing "Colleen's Hush Hush Brownie Cupcakes"

2009-08-22T21:50:00.007-04:00

Why did we name them "Colleen's Hush Hush Brownie Cupcakes".

As many people know, Colleen's mom makes the world's best brownies. (She also makes amazing carrot cake, which is why we already stole her carrot cake recipe! Thanks mom!!)
So when we decided to introduce a brownie cupcake, we knew for sure we wanted to use her famous brownie recipe too.
However this time, since Shakira is such a chocoholic and loves these brownies more than words can say, Colleen decided to keep the recipe a SECRET from Shakira! Yes that's right, Shakira does not know the brownie cupcake recipe!! Probably a good thing because otherwise, she might start baking and eating brownie cupcakes every day.

Try them naked as pictured here, or with a gentle sprinkling of icing sugar. Or if you really want to indulge, we can slap on some chocolate fudge icing!!!
We hope you all enjoy this new addition to our "Everyday Cupcakes" menu.

Bye Bye Summer Flavors! We will miss you.

2009-08-09T23:30:00.008-04:00

With fall just around the corner, (I know, I know, we aren't ready either!!!), it is time to bid farewell to our summer flavors.
Strawberry Bliss and Pink Lemonade are no longer available at Little Cakes. Stay tuned for NEW FALL FLAVORS we are sure you will love.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For those of you who have ordered Strawberry Bliss or Pink Lemonade for your August, September or October events, don't panic. We will honor your order of these flavors as promised :)

Fairy Birthday Cupcakes

2009-08-08T00:55:00.011-04:00

Last weekend, we had some fun with 2 dozen cupcakes for a fairy-themed 3rd birthday party. We like the way this order turned out so much that we are introducing a "The Fairy Garden" mix of cupcakes. These are available in regular or mini cupcakes (Regular size are pictured below). Your order will consist of up to 2 flavors of cupcakes with a variety of sprinky, sparkly fairy decorations as pictured below. Stay tuned for more themed cupcakes!

Wedding Bells are Ringing!!

2009-08-06T00:12:00.003-04:00

'Tis the season for wedding cupcakes! Our phone has been ringing non-stop lately. Seems as though all the trendy brides have found us and are eager to book their wedding cupcakes. Want your cupcakes to match your wedding theme? Ask us about the many ways we can customize your cupcakes!

If you are planning a wedding, or any other event for that matter, please take a look at our availability calendar to see whether we are booked or if we are free to cater your special occasion.
You can view our calendar here: Little Cakes Availability Calendar.

We FLAUNTED!!

2009-07-05T23:43:00.022-04:00

Last weekend, Little Cakes Cupcakes took part in a fabulous event on the rooftop terrace of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

FLAUNT was a fun, sexy, and stylish evening of Little Cakes Cupcakes, martinis courtesy of Bar 56, mini-makeovers courtesy of Murale, and fashion, fashion and more fashion!! Featuring clothing and accessories, skin and body care, home decor, and more from local and Canadian designers such as:

Second Clothing
Pish Posh
Klutch
Kania
Kairos
Froosh
Flavour Design
Balmshell
AND MANY, MANY MORE!!

We donated over 500 mini cupcakes in support of the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. Fashionistas of Ottawa, both women and men, flocked to our table for a taste of Simply Vanilla, Chocolate Lover's and the debut of Pink Lemonade cupcakes! Some just kept coming back for more, and more...and more! We met some wonderful people and we were wowed by the music and decor. Overall we had a great night and we are happy we baked our buns off for a good cause.

Thank you to Stacey Bafi-Yeboa of Kania Couture for inviting Little Cakes to provide the cupcakes at FLAUNT and thank you to Natalie Schleyer of NDS Photography for all the beautiful event photos!
It was a pleasure working with fellow local businesswomen and we look forward to the next opportunity to have fun, support a worthy cause, and fill more bellies with our delectable cupcakes :)

Sweet blog posting!

2009-06-08T10:03:00.006-04:00

Katharine, creator of GIRL ABOUT O TOWN chronicles people, ideas and things that impress and inspire her here in Ottawa. We were fortunate to connect with Katharine as she celebrated her birthday last weekend, and she was very kind to mention us in her birthday weekend blog!

Check it out: http://www.girlaboutotown.com/2009/06/01/38-feels-great/

Thanks Katharine xo

We're getting ready to FLAUNT our cupcakes!!

2009-06-04T13:51:00.002-04:00

We have been invited to be the exclusive cupcake supplier at an event hosted by KANIA Couture this summer called FLAUNT! It will be held on Saturday June 27th, under a stunning, fully enclosed Rooftop Terrace Tent at the National Arts Centre(NAC) Ottawa.

FLAUNT is basically the modern day take on the old school trade show. Featuring the work of 30+ independent designers fashion, accessories, body care, sweets and treats (Little Cakes Cupcakes), this is slated to be one of the hottest events this summer! Live djay's, complimentary martinis and high end appetizers put the consumer in the mood for shopping! It's one night to have it all! The Ultimate shopping experience!

Contact tickets@flauntottawa.ca for ticket information.

Twin Girls First Communion Cupcakes

2009-05-25T14:04:00.004-04:00

Alexandra and Megan celebrated their First Communion and a special friend ordered chocolate cupcakes with pink and white swirled buttercream icing. Cupcake flags with 'A' and 'M' we added for fun!

Princess Tea Party

2009-05-25T13:37:00.008-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS EMILY!!

Pink Princess cupcakes for Emily who celebrated her 5th birthday this weekend! Emily's chocolate cupcakes were topped with 'pink' white chocolate icing and princess pick sugar. Princess flags topped the pretty pink cupcakes for an extra special touch.

The BIG "50"!

2009-05-25T13:29:00.006-04:00

We made 100 mini cupcakes for a 50th birthday party this weekend. Russ is a chocolate lover so there are 60 chocolate cupcakes with chocolate fudge icing and white chocolate icing! The rest are carrot with creamcheese and strawberry with strawberry buttercream!

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY RUSS!

Calling all brides!

2009-05-11T08:57:00.005-04:00

This is our newest flavour and I LOVE IT!!! Perfect for a wedding cupcake tower. It is delicious with either vanilla buttercream or lemon buttercream!

Orange Dreams!!

2009-05-01T21:24:00.001-04:00

Don't forget mom!!!

2009-05-01T20:09:00.000-04:00

I know my mom would LOVE a couple dozen of these!

Cupcake Flags

2009-04-21T14:11:00.000-04:00

We think cupcake flags are just so adorable, especially for parties and events. They can be personalized and add a fun touch to a batch of cupcakes.

Fresh colors for Spring!!

2009-04-15T20:06:00.000-04:00

Planning a spring event? We will ice our cupcakes to match any color you like.

Whether you are planning a baby shower or baptism, birthday party or bridal shower, or just because.....we've got you covered!

Stay tuned for some more design ideas that feature BOLD and BRIGHT shades as well as Black & White!

Our newest flavor!

2009-04-08T14:06:00.000-04:00

Celebrating Easter with CUPCAKES!!

2009-04-06T18:43:00.001-04:00

Pictured on mini cupcake tower:

-vanilla with chocolate buttercream

-vanilla with vanilla buttercream

-chocolate with chocolate buttercream

-chocolate with vanilla buttercream

-banana with creamcheese

We think the Easter Bunny would definitely approve!!

We are ready to take orders!

2009-04-01T18:40:00.000-04:00

Can you think of any other occasions??

2009-04-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

Our Mini Cupcakes

2009-03-05T19:05:00.000-05:00

When we chose the name "Little Cakes", we thought it was appropriate because cupcakes are, after all, little cakes. We've been baking mini cupcakes and delivering them to local businesses as samples to get feedback on our recipes before we launch officially. The general consensus has been that the mini's are the perfect size cupcake.

The nice thing about the mini cupcakes is that you can have two or three different flavors and not feel stuffed, just completely satisfied :) They are also the perfect size for kids or those with smaller appetites who maybe can't finish a whole regular-sized cupcake.

( left to right: chocolate with chocolate, lemon with creamcheese, banana with chocolate, vanilla with vanilla, apple with caramel.)

"Partners in Crime"

2008-11-04T21:02:00.000-05:00

How we got to where we are today?

When Colleen and I shared the same employer 10 years ago,we always worked very well together. Our similar personalities and sense of humour made working fun, even when we had to be at the mall at 5:30 a.m. We share similar parenting styles; she's mom of four and I'm mom of two. We both love surprises, Halloween, shopping for bargains and mmmmm candles!!

I built from scratch my own retail store, and ran it for over 5 years. After being my own boss, I decided I could never go back to working for someone else.
Colleen had been running a home daycare business and made custom all occasion cakes for friends and family on the side.
Both ready for a change, Colleen and I put our heads together and decided we should go into business as partners! Colleen has been baking and cake decorating for over 20 years. I love marketing, advertising, and all the other behind-the-scenes creative roles involved in running a business. Little Cakes was a no-brainer!!

WELCOME TO LITTLE CAKES!!