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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