Clever Cupcake Cakes!

(image from Coco Cake Cupcakes)

If you are throwing a baby shower or birthday party, everyone knows you can't skimp on cake; pretty much a necessity and most definitely the #1 tried & true dessert!  But just in case cake decorating isn't your thing and you want something cheap and budget-friendly to take its place on your sweets table, why not go the cupcake route instead?

Not only can you make a few different flavors to keep all of your guests happy, but you don't have to worry about slicing or serving, extra plates or silverware either!  It's a win-win, don't you think?

Take a look at a few fantastic designs and then sit right down and come up with your own special something!  You just can't get much simpler than this!

 (via Betty Crocker)

(courtesy of  Coco Cake)

The prettiest (and easiest!) bunch of flowers . . .

(via Pictures of Birthday Cakes) 

(courtesy of the Cupcake Blog)

Beautiful butterfly . . .

(courtesy of That Sweet Ang)

A few cakes after my two-year-old son's transportation-obsessed heart:)

(via Crazy Cupcakes) 

 (courtesy of Cake Central)

Race cars!

(courtesy of Decadent Designs) 

(courtesy of Rhapsody of Cacophony)

Loving this gorgeous Owl cupcake cake!  Would be absolutely stunning at an Owl Baby gender reveal party too...with pink or blue filling waiting inside the cupcakes to announce the big news!!  And we have just the invitations for you, found RIGHT HERE:)

(image courtesy of Family Fun) 

Divine birds in their nest cupcakes . . .

Aren't those just adorable?  And quite a bit less daunting than making an entire cake look amazing too!  Hope you are enjoying your week so far...pop back tomorrow for a fun new debut from our Juneberry Lane shop:)

Summer Dips...Not Just For The Pool Anymore

Ahhh, Friday at last and time to debut a fun little something we have been baking up over here at Juneberry Lane!  I am so excited to announce that my sweet little sister, Meggie, has joined the team and will now be stopping by every week with all sorts of her yummy recipes and delightful food finds to share with you for every season!

I couldn't be happier to have her on board and I just know you are going to be thrilled with all of the tasty fun she brings to the table!  Take a look, enjoy, and then go and have yourself an amazing weekend!!

~ Misty

With all of the fabulous summer party and shower ideas that my sister has shared with us it makes me want to bring out my hostess side. But, I didn't quite get the party planning genes that my sister has...instead I got a sweet tooth and an obsession with baking (and occasionally cooking) fantastic treats. So, it's only fitting that when I get married in May that my new last name will be Frost...like the frosting on a delicious ruffle cake!

So, my sister gave me the idea to use my love for decadent sweets to share some recipes for your next event. But, with the heat wave that everyone has been experiencing lately, no one wants to turn on their HOT oven. Why not ditch the preheating and baking and join the newest craze...DESSERT DIPS?!

Here are just a few of my personal favorites:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
(Courtesy of How Sweet It Is)

Ingredients:
(Makes approximately 1 1/2 cups)

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 8-oz. block of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 3/4 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to bubble. Set aside to cool and whisk in vanilla.
2. Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar for 60 seconds. With mixer on low speed, add in brown sugar and butter mixture. Mix until combined. I add the chocolate chips at this time so the mixer can break them up into peices. You can do that, or just fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Garnish with additional chopped chocolate. Serve with fruit, cookies, crackers, pretzels, or just a spoon.

S'Mores Dip
(Recipe from What Megan's Making)

Ingredients:

• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup marshmallow cream
• Graham Crackers, for serving

Directions:

1. In a small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and condensed milk on High for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate chips are melted. Mix well.
2. Pour into 9-inch glass pie pan, spreading evenly. Drop marshmallow creme by tablespoonful randomly over chocolate mixture. Microwave on High for about 30 seconds or until marshmallow creme is softened.
3. Immediately, make several swirls through the marshmallow and chocolate, creating a marbled appearance. Serve immediately with graham crackers for dipping.

Are you drooling yet?

Red Velvet Cake Batter Dip
(Via Peanut Butter and Peppers)

Ingredients:
(Makes around 2 1/2 cups)

• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2/3 cups dry red velvet cake mix
• 2-3 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cake mix, and 2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar until well incorporated. If you prefer it to be sweeter add an additional Tablespoon of powdered sugar.
2. Place in a serving bowl and enjoy with shortbread or your favorite fruit.

Caramel Cheesecake Apple Dip
(Recipe by Cooking Classy)

Ingredients:
(Yields enough for approximately 10 people)

• 2 8-oz. packages of cream cheese, chilled
• 1 cup caramel ice cream topping, chilled
• 1 store bought graham cracker pie crust, crumbled

Directions:

1. Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until smooth and fluffy for about 1 minute. Stir in caramel ice cream topping.
2. Break graham cracker pie crust into peices, and place peices in ziploc bag. Then seal bag, and using a rolling pin crush graham cracker crust peices until finely broken. (There should no longer be chunks.)
3. Serve with apple slices. Dip apple slices into caramel cheesecake dip and then into broken graham cracker crust. This dip can also be garnished with a bit of cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) or a few dashes of nutmeg. Note: This dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Girl Scout Cookie Samoas Dip
(Courtesy of Something Swanky)

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, cold
• 8 oz. butter or margarine, cold
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 sleeve shortbread cookies (like Lorna Doone)
• 1 cup (or more if you like) toasted coconut
• 1 cup caramel Hershey Kisses
• Semi-sweet chocolate for drizzling

Directions:

1. Using a paddle attachment in your mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese. Add in the cookies and mix on High (so the cookies are good and crushed).
2. Mix in powdered sugar, until fully incorporated. Add Hershey Kisses, and mix on High so they get broken up really well.
3. Fold in the toasted coconut with a rubber spatula. Drizzle the top with melted semi-sweet chocolate. Serve with apples and graham crackers.

There are so many dessert dip recipes out there and most are so easy to make, with only a few ingredients required...so they are also easy on the wallet. But, the best part are the unlimited options for dippers, like: graham crackers, all varieties of fruit, animal cookies, Nilla wafers, or pretzels. The possibilities are endless. This is your chance to be adventurous! So, dust off that KitchenAid mixer, whip up some tasy dips, and enjoy the sweetness of the summer.  It is wonderful to meet you all and I can't wait to share more delicious inspiration with you!  Have a great weekend ~ Meggie

The Only 10 Supplies Every Girl Needs to Re-order for Every Party

So, the other day we focused our energy on how to stock up the garage and kitchen with supplies you will re-use again and again; for all of your favorite events and holidays.  And today it is time to roll on over to the fun stuff and put together a quick list of the smaller details you will need to make each and every party a 'custom' & unique event!

So first things first, you need to PICK A THEME!!  Once you decide on a direction, well the rest, my friends, is smooth sailing!  And you don't just need to stick with a theme for birthday parties....each and every one of your  holidays can center around one idea as well (think a 'Milk & Cookies' Christmas party, a "Good as Gold' St. Patrick's Day bash, or a 'Brats & Beer-Tasting Oktoberfest' Halloween Party, just to name a few).

Having one central idea in mind will help you with every element of the planning process too!  Know what else will help?  The printable PDF list we have attached below for you to print up and whip out whenever you have a new party to put together!!  So back to our 'ten things'; here goes . . . 

1.) Invitations:

Well, being this is our Juneberry Lane specialty, you know I am going to start with this EVER SO IMPORTANT item:)  After all, you NEVER have a second chance to make a first impression!!  

Invitations set the tone for the entire party; will they be thoughtful, special little pieces of art that your guests will hang on the refrigerator for weeks to come in excited anticipation of your big day or a last minute text message that will only make your loved ones remember that they have to spend $ on yet ANOTHER present?  You decide:)

A few Juneberry customs . . .

2.) Custom Banner:

Super easy to make, extremely affordable, and precisely the right way to announce the theme of your party and to tie it all together.

You can get these lovelies anywhere; make your own or order a simple, DIY version from Etsy (did I mention that Juneberry Lane makes custom, printable versions of whatever you need?)  And don't be afraid to get creative; string up old vintage records as 'background' for a "Rock-a-Bye Baby' themed shower banner or a few pretty doily circles to 'girly' things up a bit!  A couple of examples . . .

3.) Cupcake Circles/Cake pop Labels/Straw flags/Food & Drink Labels etc.:

I grouped these all together because you can usually have a set 'custom-made' for you for your entire party for very cheap.  Once I have the template for a party invitation designed, I can easily turn them into any type of label you need for your party and am more than happy to do it at a fraction of the cost in lieu of selling the files separately.  And I guarantee I am not alone!  

Just send a message to your favorite seller and ask if they will be willing to create matching labels & paper goods for you as a set for a discount!

Some of our customs . . .

4.) Retro striped straws:

Fun, very affordable, and now available in any color you need, these little lovelies work great to dress up your cocktails & beverages and also make a cupcake fantastic in no time!  And since you already stocked up on those mason jars or $1 tree glass tumblers to re-use at every party, ordering a quick pack of pretty straws is the perfect way to spruce them up for whatever theme you have decided on!  

My absolute favorite seller is Sweet Estelle on Esty; fast, affordable, great selection, and high quality every time!!  Just add the straw flags . . .

5.) Table runners/Fabric:

You already have your re-usable table skirt, so now you will just need to find a table-top covering for your dessert and favor/beverage/gift table to match your event and put the icing on the cake, so to speak.  

Head to your local fabric store and buy 2-3 yards of your favorite fabric that goes along with your party colors & theme.  You can leave the edges rough and just tuck them up under or hem them with a sewing machine or iron-on hem tape, it's up to you.  Don't forget to give it a pass with a hot iron first, if the material allows!  Nothing spoils a pretty dessert table like unsightly folds and wrinkles.  

My favorite cost-effective go-to runner is burlap; it can be combined with elegant, luxurious accessories if you are looking for a more glamorous feel or paired nicely with wooden serveware for a more rustic camp-theme, outdoorsy, or fall harvest type of event.  And don't forget about our post to use wrapping paper instead of fabric if you need to bring the budget down a bit!  In case you missed it, you can check it out here:  Juneberry Lane Wrapping Paper Runners

6.) Backdrop for your Main Dessert Table:

I see all types of backgrounds when perusing around for different party ideas to share with you, from a curtain of crinkled paper streamers to a wall of balloons and beyond.  What's important here is to only go as far as time and your budget allow.  

You can save a bundle by thinking out of the box-mini tissue poms scattered across the wall, a strand of paper or fabric bunting, or even a Target shower curtain in a retro-mod print that you love.  Just see for yourself . . .

7.) Favors/Labels:

Everyone loves to take home a little something to remind them of what a fabulous time they had at your party!  No need to spend a fortune here, either...in fact, a homemade jar of something delicious or a fresh baked mini-loaf of your favorite sweet bread (think banana bread for a safari/monkey themed shower:) work just perfectly and are an excellent find for your friends when they are scouring the kitchen for a late night snack:)

Ask the seller who created your paper party goods to include a little label for these too; a quick print on the computer, a touch of cutting, hole-punching, and tying on will just take a few minutes and can add just the right touch! 

8.) Paper Plates, Flatware, & Napkins:

I love the $ Tree for simple, colored plates, napkins, & flatware.  You already have so much pattern & theme work involved in your table runners, backdrop, and paper party goods that sticking with the simple, solid-colored stuff here keeps the party classy and chic....

9.) Cake/desserts:

Go ahead and order something fancy here, if you like, as cakes are not only everyone's favorite party treat but also make for beautiful decoration the whole party through.  Or get totally wild and pipe your own cupcakes (topped off with your paper circle labels and retro straws, they will steal the show!)  

If you are feeling like switching things up a bit, add in cake pops (see HERE for our easy how-to),  a table of pies, or a plethora of different cookies!  There can never be too many sweets, in my opinion:)

10.) Food, Beverages, and one 'Signature' Cocktail or Drink:

I love to cook and adore trying out new recipes, but when it comes to throwing a birthday party, the last thing I want is the stress of a new recipe or losing out on decorating time to slave away over the oven.  You don't have to drop a bundle of dough to have your day catered though!  Now that you have gorgeous serveware to use again and again, you can order pizzas, sandwiches from your grocery store deli, or even El Pollo Loco or Baja Fresh and your guests will gobble up the good stuff in pure style!

Even if you prefer to do all of the food prep yourself, make sure to test out any new recipes before the party.  And if the event calls for it, feel free to go 'potluck style' and have every guest bring a different cookie (for the milk & cookies Christmas party, that is:) or judge a 'cook-off' and let everyone bring their best chili, brats, pies, or pasta.  

As for drinks; a few cases of water, beer, soda, and economy bottles of wine will do the trick.  For a special touch, add in a 'signature' cocktail that compliments the theme of your party; I have found that these creative concoctions always delight the party-goers and make for a fun & carefree afternoon.  We did 'Turbulence Tamer' white sangria cocktails for my son's 2nd Airplane-themed birthday party...a big hit with the parents who spent the afternoon chasing rowdy toddlers around.  

And now that you have a gorgeous beverage dispenser or two, you might as well get your $20 worth!!

YOUR FREE, PRINTABLE PDF LIST of EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR PARTY: Party Supply Checklist

And there you have it!  Two days of 'TOP TEN' to get you completely prepared for any party or event your are putting together!  I hope this helps eliminate some stress and gets you excited for all of the upcoming fun to be had.  I can't wait to see what you come up with...happy planning everyone!  

TEN for Tuesday!! 10 Supplies Every Girl Needs to throw the Perfect Party for Any Occasion!!

1.) A Primary 'Dessert' Table:

(fold-up, easy to store version available from Walmart for $42)

2.) A Secondary 'Beverage'/Favor/Present Table:

(also from Walmart for $59)

3.) 2-3 Cases of Ball Mason Jars (12 per pack) for Beverages:

(16 oz, regular mouth Ball mason jars case of 12.  Around $9.99 each for 12 at your local grocery or hardware store)

If you would like something a little less stylized and easier to fit into every party you throw (if mason jars aren't your thing), then consider vintage milk bottles, plain, clear glass tumblers or water goblets from the $1 store.  Once you add in the pretty straws & labels they will be gorgeous, I promise!

4.) Plain, Neutral Table Skirting for your 6 foot & 4 foot Tables:

(fitted 6 foot table skirt available from Amazon for $49.99)

You just need the skirt here...we are going to show you  an easy way to DIY different table runners/cloths to make each party you throw a personal one.  If you are a crafty type, why not make your own; like this gorgeous, ruffled version made from a 3-tiered SHOWER CURTAIN!!  Amazing!!  

(A wonder of a DIY table skirt out from Everyday Beauty...genius!!)

You can save even more $$ by sewing ruffles onto a twin bed sheet & then cutting it in half.  Two twin bed sheets ought to be plenty to cover the sides of your dessert table on the three exposed sides, with the fourth flush to the wall.  Just stick with a neutral white, off-white, linen, or grey and you will re-use your table skirt again & again!

5.) Table Skirt for your 4 foot beverage/favor/present table:

Don't forget one for your 4 foot table too...check EBAY, Linens-N-Things, Amazon, & Etsy for fantastic deals that will carry you through every party!

6.) Clear, Glass Beverage Dispenser

(double dispenser-perfect for side-by-side alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, unless you trust the kiddos, make your beverages 2 different colors:) by Del Sol from Bed, Bath, & Beyond for $29.99)

(a single version of the above, also by Del Sol from Bed, Bath, & Beyond for $19.99) 

7.) Tiered, Neutral Cupcake/Dessert Stand

(a rustic beauty from Melinda Wedding Design for $59)

Make sure you do yourself a favor and check stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, Etsy, & Marshall's for these first...or you can DIY a pretty version using crystal taper candle holders (from the $ Tree) and mix & match plates from one of the above-mentioned discount retailers.  Check out our previous post HERE:)

8.) Assorted White (or other neutral) Serveware 

(Get thee, STAT, to your local Home Goods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Ross and stock up on assorted serveware in neutral colors-my favorite is white.  Think chip bowls, sandwich plates, veggie trays, dip & salad bowls, etc-you know what you normally serve at parties, and you can find a plethora of great stuff for $8.99 a piece and under!)

9.) Cake Pop Stand:

(this one is from KC Bakes for around $25.  I made my own version with a wooden cutting board painted white and a drill (see pic below:) You will have a ton of fun coming up with different cake pops to coincide with all of your favorite parties.  Pick up yourself a neutral version of one of these and then head on over to Bakerella so the genius can show you how it is done...)

My DIY version:

10.) Assorted, Neutral Vases

(scope out stores like the $ Tree, antique malls, Goodwill, garage sales, flea markets & discount retailers for a mismatch of clear glass vases & large jars.  You can get creative with every party by decorating with flowers, adding candy, fruit, glass Christmas bulbs, and a host of other goodies...the options are endless!)

And there you have it!  For less than $200, you have all of the building blocks you need to create a unique party EVERY SINGLE event & holiday and you will get all-sorts-of -comfortable with the supplies you always have on hand.  Have a wonderful time collecting and be sure to get creative!  

The best thing about stocking up on a collection like this one is that you will seriously re-use it again & again; from birthday parties, to Holiday gatherings, Baby Showers, & Graduation Parties.  Once you have these basics you can focus on the fun customized goodies that will make each & every party you throw a unique one!!  Check out a few examples . . .

And stay tuned for an easy shopping list of things you will need to decorate & style each of your parties.  This is the exciting stuff-but also the CHEAP-and you know we love a good deal!!!  Have a great Tuesday!