The Loveliest Links

It has been a busy week here on Inspired Celebration as I welcomed new team members, launched The Showcase and Bespoke Inspiration Boards, added courses & events to more of the new pages on the blog and shared fabulous lace inspiration.  Aswell as the fantastic nautical themed birthday party from Isa Maria and some gorgeous engagement gifts from Viv in the first of her weekly Gift Guides. 

The wedding blogosphere is still buzzing with talk of the Royal Wedding and as wedding season hots up there is plenty of inspiration to help you find the perfect accessory or gift, cake or floral arrangement.  The thoughts of summer also also mean more parties in the garden, picnics on the beach and of course graduation celebrations for many.

My husband is busy finishing his dissertation having 'quit the day job' nearly three years ago to study for a B.A.(Hons.) in History, which is a brave and bold move but incredibly rewarding for him and the whole family.  So with thoughts of his imminent graduation I loved this colourful graduation party idea from Chris at Celebrations at Home this week. 

Yesterday I posted a fab idea of a cupcake decoration stall at your wedding or party and these Pink Lemonade cupcakes from The White Library look delicious.  Be sure to look at the vintage hobnail patterned finds whilst you are in the library too.

Ian Stuart 'Seville' available from Rock My Wedding Un-Dress

With the recession still gripping the nation and people trying to be just a little bit greener I love the 'Un-Dress' section on Rock My Wedding, full of beautiful dresses that brides are choosing to sell so that they can be worn again.

This week saw Not On The High Street launch their Perfect Gift Guide and mine arrived yesterday in the post but you can also view the guide online. I was thrilled to see so many of the products we have featured on Inspired Celebration!

image source - Pinterest

Today is Mother's Day in the US and Australia and I am sure many mummies are being incredibly spoilt with special lunches, brunches or dinners.  So I would like to wish you all a very Happy Mothers Day.

I hope you all have had a fabulous weekend.

Aphrodisiac Cupcakes - Genii Cupcakes

As we enter February our thoughts turn to love as Valentines Day fast approaches and the old wives tale that the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, especially with these cupcakes from Genii Cupcakes.  The Hampshire based baking temptress has created three new flavours especially for Valentines day. 

After Dark Truffle Cupcake – sophisticated dark chocolate cake with baked raspberries, mild honey topped with bittersweet chocolate and honey buttercream. Ancient Aztec emperor Monteczuma drank 50 gold goblets of dark chocolate a day to enhance his sexual power, but you can eat just one rich satisfying chocolate cake with a raspberry and chocolate truffle centre and the hint of honey will help “sweeten” your evening.

Stimulating Fruit Cupcake – fresh strawberry and fragrant basil cake topped with balsamic frosting. Described in erotic literature as fruit nipples, strawberries are packed full of vitamin C combined with the aroma of sweet basil which is said to stimulate sex drive and boost fertility.

Hearts Desire Cupcake - dark chocolate and a hint of red wine topped with cream cheese frosting. Referred to as the ‘nourishment of the gods’ by the Aztecs and rumoured that the famous lover Casanova is said to have consumed chocolate before his conquests, chocolate is the perfect partner with red wine to stimulate the senses, increase stamina and start the dance of love.

Laura Payne, the chief baking temptress at Genii Cupcakes, explains that she wanted to create something a little bit special for couples celebrating Valentines Day this month.  So if you fancy something a little but naughty and very nice you can order these delicious cupcakes in boxes of six or twelve (£2.50 per cupcake) and this food of love can be delivered directly to the object of your desire.

To order visit Genii Cupcakes Website.

Christmas Cupcakes

Today I am feeling a little weary due to the busy run up to the festive season and would love to sit and enjoy a nice cup of Lady Grey and a delicious cupcake.  However I have little time to bake today so instead will indulge in finding some delicious cupcakes from creative cake designers here in the UK. Cupcakes make a wonderful gift or can be piled onto a cake stand to make a delicious table centre piece, whatever the occasion. So grab yourself a cuppa and indulge those tastebuds without the calories!!

from Genii Cupcakes

based in Hampshire, deliver to Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire & Surrey

from Rachael's Kitchen

Delivery throughout the UK

from The Original Hat Box Cake Company

Delivery throughout the UK

from Mrs Campbell's Cupcakes

Delivery throughout the UK

from The Small Cake Company

Delivery throughout the UK

from Cake Me Home

Local Delivery only (Bicester, Oxon)

from The Little Cupcake Company

Delivery throughout the UK

from Cake Shop Corner

Local delivery in Hampshire currently.

And if you would like to have a go yourself here are some recipes.

Snowman Cupcakes from Annabel Karmel

Chocolate Chesnut Cupcakes from BBC Good Food

Reindeer Cupcakes from BBC Good Food

My children & I made these last year and they are delicious!

Happy Baking.