Save the Date Magazine feature

at this moment my multi-tasking consists of eating ginger biscuits whilst typing up some more nonsense for you to read! I have always been easily distracted and this is the reason why I have to multi-task as I start several things simultaneously. I am flicking from Face Book, to Twitter, to Blogger, to biscuits and more. to be fair I think most women are like this so I am not alone.
Right, well there has been much going on as usual at the urban bakery - mucho baking, admin, pr, shopping (supplies not topshop unfortunately) and the like. As I am the sharing kind I thought you would like to know about where we have featured recently. Save the Date Magazine featured the urban bakery with a double page spread on their first few pages of this months issue and it is a great wee article all about the Whoopie. this is a lovely wedding and events publication as it is specific to the midlands so contains lots os localized stuff as it can be a pain to see something in a magazine and find its a 100 miles away and not a viable option. Save the Date Magazine is on and offline so offers the best of both worlds depending on how touchy feeling you are - or at one with the web etc. There is more (as always) but little and often is my motto (apart from when I have a bowl of crisps in front of me as this is just an eat until you see the pattern of the bowl scenario) as I want to keep your interest and not bore you even more than I may do!! if anyone has any suggestions/questions about any of my blog please shout as is good to get some interaction going with these things rather that a one way thing. right, off to start and perhaps complete another task...cake on through to the other side (oh B if you spot any crappy poor grammar/spelling please shout x)

Mercia FM Cupcakes...they where literally giving them away!

was asked by Mercia FM to do 200 cupcakes for a promotion they where doing in the lower precinct in Coventry city centre a couple of Weeks ago. I matched the hot pink cases and buttercream frosting to their logo and when they were all together on the 7 tiers they looked pretty impressive. People where mesmerized by the sudden surge of sugary wafts and mad there way over like they had no other choice!! The cupcakes where part of the promotion that was to last 4 hours, which equates to 50 cupcakes an hour to be given away - I was there for the first 10 minutes after set-up and I doubt very much they lasted (well actually I know this for a fact from the promo people but I like a bit of over egged drama!!).
Basically they where pink, they where tasty, they smelt awesome and they where being given away free so whats not to love people. I love getting involved with jobs like this as it makes me feel included in the marketing mix and takes me back to days of old - the nostalgia stops after about 5 minutes so all good as I want to stay firmly where I am now let me tell you - no politics in my domain!!
I had some cracking feedback from the marketing manager at Mercia who was great to work with. I understand the pressures that marketing peeps have as I have been there and done it so I can just take the brief and do it which is part of my offering as I like to take control!! (OCD - moi?). Here is the feedback ‘We worked with the Urban Bakery on a listener promotion and had long queues of people in the city centre all after the delicious cup cakes, the presentation was amazing and we will certainly be using them again’ – Dominic Parker, Marketing Manager Mercia FM
Right, gotta go and bake a squillion cupcake - hasta la vista

Too Hot to Handle

I have been so busy baking I have not had a chance to do any blogging - shameful I know. I can tell you know that today's rainfall would have been a blessing at the end of last week when I was in a kitchen that was reminiscent of the fires of mordor as my hand piped chocolate hearts (a couple of hundred of em') where finding it hard to settle in said ambient temperature. it was a solid 20+ hours on my feet baking several hundred cupcakes for weddings, private parties and a couple of boxes that where picked up to be taken to Amsterdam to watch the World Cup Final (hopefully not a bad omen...). After cleaning down - which takes a good few hours (sheer bliss when you are dead on your feet and all you want is a cold beer and an episode of 'The Inbetweeners' to start the healing process). It is all about being highly organised I can tell ya. You need a list (long one) and the ability to multi-task like never before as you cannot drop one of your balls (ouch). I get so much brilliant feedback from my customers and this makes it all worth while. I especially love the feedback from brides & grooms as this is such an important part of their big day.
I had this feedback from a bride who got married on Saturday 10 July who was overjoyed:
"The Urban Bakery ROCKS!!!! My wedding cupcakes were awesome yesterday and went down a storm. Thanks so much Anne Marie, you're a truly talented lady. love Rose & Tim xxxxx"
Gush away my lovely customers as at 3am in the morning this feedback keep me going!!

Wedding Cupcakes & Cake

Tickled Pink!! This was one of the most complex and wedding jobs I have done to date as involved many handmade cupcake decorations and 3 shades of pink of each and of the frosting. I think they all look really good together as the colours blended and flowed. I had asked for a round table as I though this would have helped the cascading look but when I got there is was a rectangle table so I just had to get on with it...humph. The table literally could not have taken another cupcake as it just so happened every 230 of them fit perfectly on this space - praise be...
The cake was a complicated little number as for the size it was very heavy for a 7.5 inch round. To get the dome involved a third level of cake that was topped with medium sized sugar roses which weighed a lot - it was seriously a heavyweight cake. Complimented the cupcake display as there where about 40+ of the same roses on various shades of pink cupcakes so good to tie it all in in subtle ways.
The bride was overjoyed as it exceeded her expectations...hooray!
If you would like this style of cake or adaption of please just drop me a line at annemarie@theurbanbakery.co.uk or call 01926 425750

Mini Cooper Birthday Cake

when i was asked if I could do a birthday cake like a mini cooper i went a tad cold at the thought of carving sponge to emulate said classic. I am not a huge fan of overtly obvious things as i think it is always so much more stylish to take an element of a design and work with this. the mini is an iconic car with so many iconic and recognisable features so i thought it would be good to come up with a design that took on board so key design features. the result was the aside image which takex cues from the bonnet of a mini cooper with the dark blue and grey colour usage from their palette. i wanted to keep clean lines and not overly complicate or fuss the cake as i am a believer in less being more. the customer said that the cake was the highlight of the party and that it tasted awesome - so that is just great as it is always good to hit the mark.

World Cup Cupcakes

Never thought I would be piping grass!! All in honor of the impending football mania that is very soon to descend upon the world. These little beauties would also be a great gift for Father Day as this falls on the 20th June- midway through the world cup mayhem!
Will be doing a box of four 'World Cupcakes' for £15 so get your orders in quick to ensure you can get your order guaranteed!!

i'm a rock and roll star...apparently

Well, apparently entrepreneurs are the new rock stars - and as I have received and award officially labelling me an entrepreneur (lets not spell that again...) I kinda beg to differ when I am elbow deep in icing sugar - but hey, every dog has its day (woof).
I have been named as one of the '42 under 42' in the midlands (you know, someone to watch out for, a rising star etc), and am in some very good company i have to say. there is a posh award ceremony being held at villa park next week and i will have an opportunity to schmooze and rub shoulders with fellow people of utter brilliance. there will be special awards given to those that shine beyond that of a fair glimmer - usually a high turnover and staff numbers will determine this so i will keep an eye on the bread rolls and flow of vino. attire is lounge suit so i shall be frocked up - am hoping leg bruises have lessened by then as this is really not the weather for tights (skin like a peach people).
there will most likely be an array of fromage press shots that i will of course share with you as i am always up for a laugh. i am hoping to have some tales to share with you as it is a while (since leaving the race of rats) since i attended such an affair. the most exciting bit so far was receipt of some cherry flavoured tic tacs by fellow winner who was very organised and sent me a letter in advance about looking forward to meeting with another fellow winner. i feel a tad under prepared as have not made contact with any fellow 42ers - perhaps i should just bring some cake along and make friends via the lucid connection of sugar?
anywho - i shall share anything of interest with you next week as i am all about the sharing! i did this whilst waiting for some cupcakes to bake - this is multi-tasking at its very best and given that it is 4.50am i really do deserve an award!

whoopie pies in your eyes

no sunday is complere without a hangover, the sunday papers, carb rich salty food and a baked treat. made some whoopies in small and regular size that were a top way to end a lazy chilled out sunday. not everybody is aware of what a whoopie pie is - nor are they aware that they are thee baked treat of choice and that they will reach (not overtake!) the giddly sugary heights of the ubiqutous cupcake. your short and sweet monday treat...

sex and the city 2

the release of sex and the city 2 is imminent and i for one am well excited! i soo remember that infamous moment when carrie bit into a pink frosted vanilla cupcakes from the magnolia bakery while divulging her crush on aiden to miranda! take a trip down memory lane via this clip!!

i will be paying homage to this latest installment of sex and the city with lots of pink frosted cupcakes as these are the original and still the best. so if you ladies/gents are planning a SATC2 party look no further that the urban bakery to supply cupcakes to go with your cosmos!!!

Front Cover of Period Living Magazine

This is just a quickie (oh er...) to share my (my cupcakes that is!) front cover appearance on this months edition of 'Period Living Magazine'
I was contacted by a London photographer/stylist a few months ago who said she had found my website and wanted my cupcakes - bad! I of course was very flattered and obliged with a couple of boxes for the shoot (tied in with a peruse of Londinium - so everyones a winner!).
They called me a few weeks ago to say that the shot including my cupcakes was going to be featured on the front cover shot so I was very pleased. It is hardly an extreme close up of my handy work but they are there in all their lovely glory - we all deserve our 15 minutes -even cupcakes...

Owl Timer!!!

It was my friend Kerys 30th Birthday at the weekend and her lovely boy Mark asked me to do a cake for her. I love doing cakes especially when it involves coming up with an idea that you know will hit the mark. So; as Kerys loves owls I decided to do a cake that would incorporate her love of this top bird in some non-girly colours as pink is a tad cliche!
The result was a very happy birthday girl and very happy party guests as we call got to get stuck in. It was a spiced banana sponge with vanilla buttercream frosting so after several tall drinks this was the sugar hit we all needed to re-energise for the bad dancing (after 30 it is officially impossible not to dance like you mum and dad...fact).

Kreative Blogger Award

Nikki from Pinnikity has been a top lady and tagged me with the Kreative Blogger award!


So the idea is that I have to tag 7 other blog peeps and give you all 7 interesting bits of info on me (here's hoping I can cut it!)

1. I have an irrational fear of fudge...

2. I once 'outed' the original Milky Bar Kid (I used to work in TV and I found out a colleague was the original MBK and had kept it secret all through his TV career as a Producer!!!)

3. My hangover cure is Wotsit sandwiches. I recently discovered that this is my cousin Aines cure too!

4. I won a trophy for fishing on the Lakes of Killarney when I was 12 - beating off stiff competition from seasoned salty sea dogs - they were not amused...

5. I have an obsession with Winnebagos & Airstream Caravans...hobo heart

6. I was enrolled to start a fashion and textiles course at Belfast College and changed my mind at the last minute and went to Uni in England. Always been a bit of a frustrated designer...

7. On the inside of my wedding ring the word 'shhh...' is engraved because I talk so much!


So my tagged bloggers are;
1. Sophie at - All things beautiful, useful 1and stylish
2. Polly Rawlings - Polly Rawlings Blog
3. Rikke at Sticky Sweet Danish
4. Emily Evans Camera Operator & Editor
5. Emma at Bridal Soup
6. Kat Williams at RocknRoll Bride
7. Angie at Angies Cakes & Bakes

So keep it going as great way to share good blogs and stuff. The instructions are simple

1.Copy the award to your blog
2.Insert a link to the person who nominated you
3.Tell seven things about yourself that you haven’t told before
4.Nominate seven other bloggers for the award
5.Link to their blogs
6.Tell the nominees about their award

Supersize My Cupcake

Sometimes big is clever...and the proof is in the pudding (sorry for midday punnage!). Have had a sudden surge in the demand for supersized cupcakes (Giant Cupcakes in layman terms...complicated stuff eh!). I think they are brilliant as they look a bit daft as they make you feel a bit Alice in Wonderland as the perspective is all shot! Haven't seen that latest Burton film, and anything that has Jonny Depp usually gets me up and out quick smart. See, this is what happens when I blog, I ramble. Should be called blambling...
Anywho..just like to keep you up to speed with what is going on at the urban bakery and thought I should share the cupcake of supersize. These are great for wedding cutting cakes if you are looking for an alternative to a traditional cake. They are fun, frivolous and still damn tasty!
So, supersize your cupcakes - cos it really is big and clever!
Click here for Giant Cupcake images
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Making Whoopie (pies)!

Not heard of a whoopie pie? Well that is all about to change people! They have been going crazy for them in the States for quite some time and now they are landing in bakery's in and around London - and of course Leamington Spa!! I love the story of the origin of the name 'whoopie pie' as it has a real innocence about it. A whoopie pie (alternatively called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or "BFO" for Big Fat Oreo) is a baked good made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake with a creamy frosting sandwiched between them. According to food historians, Amish women would bake these (known as hucklebucks at the time) and put them in farmers' lunchboxes. When farmers would find these treats in their lunch, they would shout "Whoopie!

I have been making whoopie pies for quite a few months but am only now releasing them to the menu as I like to trial them out among friends and family first.

Having achieved great feedback I am delighted to announce the arrival of the whoopie pie to the urban bakery.

Have a look at the aside photos to see just how enticing they are!!!

Tie Dye Cupcakes

This weekend was spent at a Woodstock inspired festival for my sister in law Sarah and friend Kerys joint 30th birthday. It was incredible and so much fun seeing everyone dressed in hippy gear. We all stayed in proper Teepees with woood burners and danced like lunatics into the wee hours.
I made some tie dye cupcakes that went down a storm as they where not only pretty far out in the aesthetically pleasing department - but they tasted fantastic! Here are some piccies of them being consumed by some very happy hippys!!

Radio GaGa!

Just a wee note to say here is the link to the interview I did yesterday on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire if you want to put a voice to the face and listen to my random ramblings and dulcet tones!!

BBC Radio Interview - click here

Part 1 is at 21'14" & Part 2 is at - 41'58"

Stay tuned for more soon...

Monday Mumblings...in your cakehole!

...Or Piehole if you are Stateside! That is a random title as it is a monday and this day brings little in the way of creative bursts. I seek solace on days like this in blogs/websites that offer me pretty things to look at that will not make my eyes bleed or my brain explode as a monday will always be a tad grim ridden. Talking of all things pretty I do like to keep an eye on Sophie Warren Smiths blog as it is filled with an array of goodies and things that I covet. Mostly these stylish features make me yearn for lotto win in order that I too can adorn my abode with items that will no doubt fill me with a warm glow and sense of satisfaction.
I love the sheer irreverance of the Domestic Sluttery blog as they really say what they see - 'Bollocks to Baking' is my favourite bit! As sprinh has sprung I am in the mood to do DIY and house re-vamping but I find I cannot contain myself to one room at a time. Bedroom or living room - what a dilemna...

Cupcake Porn Panel

Have been told that my descriptions of my cupcakes creations are somewhat pornographic! Top compliment as, a)descriptive skills are obviously getting juices flowing, and b)the cupcakes flavours are scoring high!
I posted on the urban bakery fan page on Face Book this morning asking for flavour suggestions and had a fantastic response. Lots of chilli & chocolate, peanut butter and citrus requests so will see which ones got the most votes and bake these batches for the Jam Bar & Brasserie in Leamington next Thurs-Sat.
Today's deliver was Peaches & Cream Cupcakes (layer of juicy peaches at the bottom of vanilla pod sponge topped with vanilla butter cream frosting and a dusting of light brown sugar) and another batch of Easter Nest Eggs cupcakes (choc fest!).
If you have any flavour suggestions just shout. Also, if there is a particular baked item you would like to see added to my menu suggest away!!

Easter Nest Eggs Cupcakes

In culinary terms I equate Easter with chocolate (as do most of us). Of course there are bunny's, daffs and chicks but the overriding icon of Easter is the chocolate egg. So, as I make cupcakes and cakes and the like I of course had to combine the two and the result was 'Easter Nest Eggs' cupcakes. Moist chocolate sponge with chocolate buttercream frosting, lashings of chocolate shavings decorated with mini eggs.
Will be dropping off another batch of these beauties to the Jam Bar in Brasserie in Leamington this Thursday so if you are passing pop in and get yourself one!

Cath Kidston inspired cupcakes

No two orders are the same and I love it when I am asked to do something very bespoke as I get to unleash my creativity with sugar! I was asked if I could do Cath Kidston inspired cupcakes and I was delighted! All the cupcake cases where a mix of polka dots and flowers in varying colours so looked a real vintage treat. I kept it simple with a rose decoration on each and I think the result was really great. The customer loved them so that is good enough for me!

No longer a Burlesque virgin!

Well, I think I am in love...with Burlesque! Event on Saturday organised by Le Keux Events was fantastic. It was my first time and I loved it. The atmosphere, the entertainment and the audience where fantastic. I made some cheeky cupcakes which I sold on a vendor tray that went down a storm - particularly the Cherry Bomb Baby cupcakes as the Kirsch infused sponge and frosting really hit the spot! Emily Jayne did loads of make up tutorials and transformed a host of ladies into total sirens!! Sasha from Siren Photographic is the most incredibly talented photographer and she captured amazing shots of the evening. The Burlesque courses where fantastic and from my spot at the back of the room I think I may have picked up a few moves that I will look to unleash at some stage!!

Le Keux events will be organising many more events to come so if you fancy it have a look at www.lekeuxevents.co.uk

Charity Burlesque Show & Class, Saturday 20 March, Verve Bar, Rugby

Am very excited to be attending my first Burlesque show on Saturday 20 March at the Verve Bar in Rugby. It is a charity event with the money going to a selection of charities that are helping really important causes like the Haiti appeal and Help For Heroes.
I will be selling naughty cupcakes to all the fab sassy ladies and gents in attendance! Will be great to get dressed all 1940's stylie and to have my make-up done by the fab and talented Emily Jayne who is doing tutorials on the night...must pay attention! It should be a great night so come along if you can get your hands on a ticket from Le Keux Events

BBC1 News_ Midlands Today

Can't believe I forgot to share the urban bakery TV debut with you - how rude!! I was contacted by the BBC Midlands Today team as they had seen me in the Birmingham Telegraph and wanted to come and film me doing my thang. I was a tad apprehensive as it is difficult to talk, bake and look intelligent simultaneously! I got through it and my piece was aired on the 9 Feb 2010 on the BBC1 Midlands Today lunchtime news. I am going to load it onto You Tube so that if anyone feels the need to have a butchers at me in action they can!! Will put link on here as soon as I have cracked the upload! Tune in again soon for more of the rambles...

Chanel Handbag Cake

I know, I know, I go from radio silence to assaulting you with all manner of updates, but if I don't get into a rhythm with my blog I will fall short of it's required upkeep.
I just wanted to share the cake (not in the literal sense as it has all been consumed) I made with you all as it is pretty su-weet. A friend of mine was turning 30 on Saturday and because she wanted a Chanel handbag as a gift she also thought it would be pretty super to have a Chanel handbag cake - and she asked me to make it. I loved making it as it was brilliant to combine a love of food and fashion in one. I made it to the actual dimensions (bar a mil here or there!) and copied an actual handbag photo to try and emulate as authentically as possible.
Well here is the result and I am pretty pleased. Birthday girl was delighted (as per pictures!!) and I have already had enquiries about doing other handbag styles so that is great. Chic, classic, fashionable and edible...what's not to love! for more images have a look on the urban bakery website or facebook

Daisy Duke

It's not everyday you are invloved in a vintage 70's photoshoot and styled as Dasiy Duke and etheral 70's bride - but that is how I spent my Sunday and it was fantastic. The shoot was pulled together by Le Keux Events who specialise in pulling together retro events for weddings, events, parties - you name it. So when you want to have an authenic vintage/retro inspired day Le keux are the experts. My husband likes Daisy best!!! I like my Goldfrapp look with yellow tulip too.
Have a look at the photos to see how the amazing talents of the following ladies pulled this off with true authenic class. Set design and styling by LeKeux Events Photography by Siren Photographic Make up by Emily Jayne Image Consultancy Hair by Ami Pinks

Vogue Magazine

Strike a pose...

Don't be shocked, I have as promised returned to continue with my blog as there is always so much going on here that I really should record it all in some form. I was always taught to share so that is what I will continue to do!
The BIG NEWS was that the urban bakery was featured in the March 2010 edition of Vogue Magazine on page 352. It was only a wee inclusion, but hey, it was Vogue and I am well proud. It was a feature on all that is truly scrumptious and it was an honour to be among an array of very talented cupcakes makers from all across the UK. The beautiful picture was styled by the most talented Polly Rawlings. Check out Pollys blog to see her amazing work. Will be back in a bit with more, just off to make a brew...

afternoon tea parties

well, there is no other word for it but rubbish at keeping up to speed with my blog. I have neglected you like a spouse in a bad marriage and I feel just awful about it. You have been sitting here in the dark without so much as a word...sorry!
Is it a good enough excuse that I have been really busy doing so much on my own that I am spread thinner that a slice of cheap ham? No, ok...I will try and make amends and come back to visit you as often as possible to tell you aboout loads of new and interesting stuff that is sure to make you like me again.
I really want to tell you about a new and exciting addition to the urban bakery offering which is afternoon tea parties. Think finger sandwiches, cupcakes, cookies, scones with jam and clotted cream, teacups of Prosecco and normal tea and you are nearly there...now add on the addtion of this all being served on the most beautiful vintage mix and match bone china and cake stands and then the picture is complete. I am doing these tea parties in collaboration with My Vintage Party who have the most incredible range of gorgeous crockery. They even have a 1960's vintage caravan that can be hired that is decked out gloriously in Kath Kidstone soft furnishings.
So if you fancy having a party that is chic, decadent and memorable for all the right reasons then have a look at my website for more information
I promise to keep you up to date with what is going on here as there is always loads! Tune back in soon for more from me...
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