Last week I was kindly  invited by Sandown Race Course to supply cupcakes for a special Family Race Day where celebrated children's author Lauren Childs would be signing copies of her books.  Now I have always enjoyed my Farmers Markets (despite the inclement weather reaking havoc) but what a luxury it was being inside with tables laid out and a huge space to set up in!

My 250+ cupcakes and I were happy to be placed in a prime spot in the main hall at the bottom of the stairs/escalator and close to the exercise circle (I think that's the wrong name somehow) so when  things got a little quieter, I was able to pop my head around and view the beautiful horses. Anyway, although beer and burgers seemed to be the order of the day, I was (happily) suddenly inundated by lots of little outstretched hands and received many lovely comments and murmurs of appreication from young and old alike.  I naughtily increased sales by commenting (immodestly) on my lovely cakes and location of such when standing in a queue to get a long-awaited cappucino half way through the day and therefore elicited a few more customers!  Well, as a small business you do what you have to do ;-)  All in all it was a great day and the staff at Sandown were lovely so very pleased to be invited and happy to return on another occasion.. oh, and I sold out as well an hour before the end so that was an added bonus!

From Cupcakes to Cookies....

Like most people, I prefer an easy life but then again, if it's too easy and predictable, I get a little bored so that's why after nonths of happily making cupcakes for equally happy customers,  last month saw me hunched over an assortment of biscuits icing anchors on to pirate ships and beady little eyes on to bright green parrots!  I hadn't just plucked the idea out of thin air of course; I'd been contacted by a company holding a conference in Malta with a theme of "piracy" asking if I could create an array of eye catching themed biscuits and of course I replied with a resounding "aye, aye!"

Cue oodles of dough making (sore fingers and tired wrists!) and time spent hunched over piping beady eyes on to skull and cross bones and anchors and port holes on to pirate ships. 
100 cookies were duly created and packed safely up to be flown over to Malta and the results were worth the effort if the comments of the client were anything to go by... "they looked lovely and attracted lots of attention...they were yummy!" and "Thank you very much for the cookies - they were great and went down very well."

Now I've investigated the world of biscuits, I'm hooked and I'm now busy planning a whole range of new biscuit collections for anything from birthdays to baby showers so watch this space....

Exciting day yesterday up at Old Spitalfields Market in London waiting to hear how Jen's Cupcakery had done in the UK Enterprise 'Make your mark in the markets' competition!  After a few speeches, the runners up were announced and of course I was hoping NOT to hear my name... and didn't.  The judges then spoke about how close it had been and that the next people were within a hair breadth of winning... and then (drum roll....) my name was called.  Out of 197 entrants, Jen's Cupcakery managed to scoop second place and a Highly Commended. Wonderful achievement (though couldn't help being disappointed I hadn't won of course). Next year...

Well, Walton Farmers Market took place amidst a monsoon but happily our cupcakes survived and we sold out an hour before closing even though it's the holiday season and notoriously quiet! ;-) The red velvet cupcakes proved a hit again although the cream cheese frosting is a bit of a worry when it's very muggy.  Big day is finally arriving tomorrow when Jens Cupcakery will finally discover whether it's the winner, runner up or highly commended in the UK Enterprise competition. Finger's crossed for the top prize of course but it is gratifying to be one of just 14 out of 200 that's made it to the final.

Against all my best intentions, I can't seem to find the time to update my blog regularly enough! Anyway, it's been a bit of a cupcake free few days as I actually took a short time off to relax at the seaside on the Kent coast and very nice it was too. Checked out a few cupcakes down there of course, so a bit of a busman's holiday on second thoughts but it's always interesting to look at the competition.  Before then, I revisited Cobham Farmers Market to see if the winds had got any better on that draughty old Leg of Mutton field!  I can report that even in the Summer it's still as bad as standing on the edge of Blackpool pier ;-/ Anyway, had some very positive reactions from the local marketgoers which was good but think I'll give August a miss as everyone seems to be away.  Now gearing up for Walton Farmers Market this Saturday where I'm going to try out my new Red Velvet cupcakes on my Walton customers - they proved a big hit at Cobham particularly with one hungry cyclist who was about to embark on the second leg of his journey from North London to Chichester... hopefully the sugar kick helped him on his way ;-)

Exciting news - just found out I've been named as a finalist in the Enterprise UK Make Your Mark in the Markets competition, which you might remember (if you're on my email list) I got judged for a couple of months ago.  I'm one of 14 out of 197 companies and will receive an award at the London ceremony on 11th August, whether that be highly commended, runner up or WINNER!! last one pleeeessseee. ;-)  Will keep you posted.  In the meantime, life is busy as usual but I have added a few more flavours to my cupcake menu (of particular interest to our American cousins perhaps)... Red Velvet cupcakes, a rosy red sponge capped with a cream cheese frosting and Oh Reo!  a chocolate sponge sitting on half an Oreo cookie, then sprinkled with more cookies and topped with either cream cheese or buttercream frosting.  Also, my giant cupcakes are going down a storm and pictures will be on the web soon...

Well, what a few weeks it's been!  Following judging day at Walton Farmers Market last month, a piece appeared in the Surrey Advertiser (and a huge pic of myself and my partner Richard - not sure how he snuck in there! ;-)) then the Features Editor of the Surrey Ad came to interview me about my business (and yet more pics!) Wish I could afford Botox for my concentration frown between my eyebrows.  Then, lots of private orders from all corners of the globe and a last minute wedding order for a ceremony at  Painshill Park, where a Mad Hatter theme was needed. I had great fun making the Mad Hatters hat out of sugar paste for the giant cupcake (banana and rum yum) and various little clocks, diamonds, spades and hearts etc for the cupcakes. The clients were very pleased with the result - see www.jenscupcakery.com guest book...   Now just got to make 400 cupcakes for Walton Farmers Market this Saturday 3rd July, as well as two lots of private orders and cupcakes for Flours cafe.. no rest for the wicked!

Well, it's been a really busy few weeks what with  a radio interview on Brooklands FM, preparing for the judging of the UK Enterprise competition, interview by Surrey Advertiser, lots of private orders and yesterday making a Mad Hatters Tea Party themed giant cupcake and smaller cupcakes for a wedding today!  Not complaining though as if I wasn't so busy, something would be wrong ;-0   The groom wanted a Jamaican banana rum cake as the giant cupcake and I have to say (even though it sounds immodest) it tastes absolutely delicious and is all gooey rum loveliness inside (and I don't even like bananas).  Hope they enjoy the cakes as much as I've enjoyed making them...

Ooh, also, how could I forget! Jen's Cupcakery has been shortlisted in a competition run by UK Enterprise - Make Your Mark in the Markets.  Aside from the prize money, which would buy me that long coveted Artisan food mixer (and save my poor aching arm from all that mixing), the winner gets 6 months free market trading and the accompanying publicity. Finger's crossed! The judge should be coming along to Walton Farmers Market on June 5th to see what Jen's Cupcakery has to offer so as many of my loyal customers who can be there scoffing cakes and saying 'yum yum!' would be appreciated....

Oh dear, I never seem to have enough time for this blog but so much is happening, thought I should report back to anyone out there who's reading! ;-)  Brooklands FM interviewed me this morning about Jen's Cupcakery and it was great, lasted about 20 minutes which gave me a good chance to talk about how my cupcake 'empire' started and my future plans for the business.  Jen's Cupcakery will be featured in a piece on Afternoon Tea in the Independent on Sunday this weekend (23rd May) and was also featured in the June issue of Vogue (never thought I could say I'd been in Vogue!).  Now if I could just get a regular column somewhere.... ;-)

Had a great time last night at Rush hair salon in Walton's charity auction evening for Great Ormond Street. It was great to see  watching people munching away on my 'cocktail collection' cupcakes.  Firm favourites were the Baileys infused delights, as were the tangy lemon with lemon cream cheese (the only non alcoholic one) and the Raspberry framboise.  Jen's Cupcakery were also happy to offer its services as one of the auction prizes.  The evening raised a lot of money for charity and we will also be at the salon's charity fun day this Saturday (with purely non alcoholic cupcakes!)

So, it's been a busy few weeks, with Easter Saturday at Walton dawning wet and windy I'm afraid. Happily, the rain eased off and it was another great Farmers Market for Jen's Cupcakery.  It's always lovely to greet returning customers and just as lovely to meet new ones. My Easter cupcakes adorned with little mini eggs and spring flowers proved a hit as did my fake grass dotted with little easter chicks and eggs - a delight for little ones sticky fingers!  Picked up a couple more wedding orders but must find the time to put some wedding cupcake pics on my site otherwise how is everyone going to know how beautiful I can make them look... and taste ;-)

Hello all - well Easter is nearly here and Jen's Cupcakery is full of little easter chicks, mini easter eggs and icing nozzles filled with what will resemble little nests when finished (hopefully). The weather's not looking very spring like today but here's hoping Easter Saturday will dawn nice and bright for Walton Farmers Market at the Heart Centre.  We have lots of pretty new designs and a few new flavours including our little Banana-drama cupcakes, succulent banana sponge with a scrumptuous cinnamon flavoured cream cheese frosting.. these sold out fast at the last market, so get there early to get your hands on some! 

A belated Happy New Year to all!  Christmas seems a long time ago although with all this snow around there is a definite festive feel (but not to my nose and toes which are frozen!). Anyway, getting back into the cupcake stride, trying out new recipes whilst working on some new orders which is great.  Eggless cupcakes are causing me a few problems at present, they're definitely not as light and tasty as my usual delicious little mouthfuls (as immodest as that sounds). Anyway, I shall persevere!

Brrrr... so cold at Esher Christmas Farmers Market last weekend that my poor little cupcakes nearly froze to the plate - good for those people that like their icing of the iced variety though.  It was good to see some familiar faces but a shame that, even with all the increased signage, visitor numbers were still low. Apparently, the market has taken place on the high street in the past but that didn't work, so who knows what the answer is! Anyway, my Christmas cranberry, orange and lemon went down well.. as did my towering vanilla cupcake christmas trees, fun to make and ideal for the sweeter toothed amongst you.  A break from the markets for a few weeks now giving me time to think up some new flavours and styles for the New Year...any ideas welcome!

Hurrah! Saturday looks set to be fine for Esher Christmas Farmers Market which takes place from 9.30am-2pm this weekend in the Civic Centre car park so no sand bags needed on the old gazebo (I hope).  I also hope there'll be a good turn out as there will be lots of Xmas treats on show I'm sure, including my very own festive fancies. If you bring the ad with you from Essential Esher magazine, you can even take advantage of a free Xmas cupcake - not to be missed!  Speaking of which, the Editor of our local lifestyle guide, has given Jen's Cupcakery rave reviews in her Editor's letter this month commenting that  "...they are something seriously special...icing out of this world..." she says, so come on down and see for yourself..

Well, my festive fancies went down a treat at Walton Farmers Market last weekend, making all the icing efforts worthwhile. As much as I love creating big swirls of buttercream icing (as in my lofty green christmas tree cupcakes which bought smiles all round), the white fondant icing resplendent with snowmen or holly leaves and berries and pretty silver baubles, did catch the eye of many a passing shopper.  Even better, the rain held off until I was packing up so no cakes went flying through the air!  Nice to see loyal customers back and, just as nice to have people buy a couple of cakes, eat them and come back for half a dozen more. Many thanks to those who post comments on the guest book at www.jenscupcakery.com  by the way, I do appreciate it.  Roll on next weekend and Esher Farmers Market - hope you can make it...

Well, what a busy few weeks it's been. The big design show is over thank goodness, let's just say it was a learning experience!  Now back to the more familiar environment of Surrey and my lovely local Farmers Markets.  Speaking of which, hope to see some of you at Walton's Heart Centre this coming Saturday. I will be there (hopefully not blown away by wind and rain) along with my usual best sellers but also a new Xmas addition to the cupcake collection - you'll have to come along to find out what the flavour is though!

Ooh, bit late on my blog posts lately - life's just too busy! Anyway, busy preparing for next week's show in London when Jen's Cupcakery will be providing a mix of cupcakes for the 1500-strong hungry horde that's expected to come visiting the Craft Central 'Made in Clerkenwell' event that starts next Thursday evening. See News page for further details.  In addition, a sudden flurry of cake orders have come in which is great.  Look out for a review of my cakes in the next issue of Essential Esher magazine by the way; lovely Alice the Editor and her friends sampled some and she will be telling you what she thought. Also look out for my ad which gives you the chance to get a free 'festive fancy' cupcake at Esher Farmers Market on the 12th December. Take a look at what these might look like on my new Festive Fancies web page...

Well, Halloween has been and gone and happy to report my ghostly cupcakes went down a treat (even though some confused the ghosts for light bulbs or mushrooms!)  Esher farmers market was quiet sadly, perhaps everybody was too busy preparing their halloween parties, however, it was nice to see some of my regular customers again.  My raffle for the Xmas lights fund was won, in the end,  by fellow market trader Gill Bacon from Pimpernel Fisheries who won a mixed box of cupcakes - congrats Gill! See News page for pics. 

So, one minute the weather forecasters are predicting a sunny Saturday and now I hear rain is on its way. Oh dear, hope my wounded gazebo lasts the day! And I hope lots of people will turn up to see my gorgeously ghoulish halloween cupcakes. I was up late last night making bulging eyeballs and spooky ghosts so will be interesting to see how they go down.One of you could also win a basket of my delicious cupcakes as part of the raffle I'm holding in aid of the Esher Christmas lights appeal.  For those of you who read The Surrey Advertiser, you might have seen the story with yours truly quoted at length! Well, that PR background certainly does come in useful. View it here : http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2059470_businesses_save_christmas_lights_in_esher

Busy weekend with a christening to make some cupcakes for - had to experiment a little to achieve the aqua icing that was requested but think I got there in the end! I also had a last minute request for birthday cupcakes so it was a late Friday night, icing past midnight but worth it when I saw the reactions of the clients.  Finally managed to make some halloween style cupcakes for my Gallery page - bit too late this time around I think - but will make sure my festive treats go up in plenty of time for Christmas. Next two weeks will be busy  with Esher farmers market this weekend and then Walton the week after as well as a cafe opening to prepare for (more on that later...) 

So, it appears 9 out of 10 cupcake eaters choose buttercream icing over cream cheese frosting - judging from reactions of those who took the poll on my website. It doesn't suprise me that buttercream won but didn't expect it to be so very nearly unanimous! Anyway, I do think that some cupcakes such as the fuity, nutty Carrot Top and the spicy Ginger Nut lend themselves better to cream cheese so I won't be replacing it just yet... Look out for the next poll and just take a second to click on a button if you get the chance. After all, it'll help me make sure I'm creating cupcakes that tickle your tastebuds!

Another day, another farmers market to plan for. As my gazebo crumpled around my ears in that incredible wind at Walton farmers market the other weekend, I need to check it's still actually in one piece before Esher farmers market on October 31st (Halloween - so great opportunity to get my spooky cupcakes ready for the children... and perhaps adults).  I do hope that more people come to Esher this time around as last market was a little disappointing with regard to numbers. We really need to support our local businesses, although before I actually became one of those local businesses, I probably didn't appreciate that myself so much!  Speaking of supporting Esher, I read with sadness that it looks likely we won't have christmas lights or a tree in Esher this festive season. What a great shame that would be and won't do much for morale already knocked by the economy and other miserable issues. It just takes a little collective hands in pockets. For my part, I intend to hold a raffle on October 31st with the prize being a delicious basket of my cupcakes - hope you'll all buy a ticket.

For those of you who have been kind enough to leave a comment on my guest book - many thanks, it is appreciated. I have always been a little dubious when I've seen testimonials on people's websites wondering if they just put them there instead but I would like to confirm none of these are from my own fair hand!  For those of you who are having any problems leaving a message, I am reliably informed by Mr Site's very kind support team that it could be due to you having a pop up blocker which stops you sending the message. If you enable your popup blocker, this will allow you to leave me all your wonderful comments ;-)

I have to admit to being rather bemused. I just tested my competitors wares once again, trying yet another of the talked about brands (well, they were featured in uber trendy publication Wallpaper anyway) and not only did it cost a whopping £2.50 for the cupcake, it was just plain unpleasant. Huge wodge of sickly icing on top of a heavy sponge in a plain cupcake case. Yet, they must sell I suppose. Happily I shared it with some people who have sampled quite a few of my cakes and they said there was no comparison. It's great to be building a loyal, local customer base - that is the most important after all - but if I'm to vie for title of Cupcake Queen to more postcodes, particularly the often cliquey London circles, then I either need to get a celebrity endorsement or stage some publicity stunt - as a former/current PR that shouldn't be too difficult! ;-) Anybody know anyone famous who likes cakes?

I read in the London Metro this week that actor heart throb Jude Law  had defied anyone to find a better cupcake than the one he'd had from the Primrose Bakery. I'm not saying theirs aren't tasty, I haven't tried one after all (though I did sneak a peek at their new book and they look lovely) butI like to think - rather immodestly perhaps - that if he ate one of mine he might change his mind ;-)  What do you think? If you agree, perhaps you could email London Metro at mail@ukmetro.co.uk or life.london@ukmetro.co.uk ...

Well, last weekend's market in Walton was a little windy to say the least. In fact, stuck in the wind tunnel that is the entrance to The Heart meant that I had one arm holding onto new (supposedly gust proof...hmmmm) gazebo and one trying to serve customers. Aside from a slight incident involving a blown over shopping trolley, upended table and some squashed cakes, I managed to remain standing and most of the lovely cupcakes in one piece.  Saw some return customers which was great including one that told me that her husband had warned her not to come back without my cakes in hand... as well as another who told me my cakes were better than the two leading cupcake brands (can't mention any names). All music to my ears! Two week break from markets before Esher at the end of the month although working on a couple of clients private orders including a childrens' party (great opportunity to be pink and frivolous).

Well, another Saturday beckons, another Farmers Market to prepare for.  I'm going to try out my new blueberry cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting topped off with fresh blueberries - my family love them, not it's time to unleash them on the residents of Walton.  I only hope the blustery wind and rain forecast doesn't stop people from coming out.. or my new gazebo from collapsing!  I'm positioned outside Starbucks and opposite Carluccios which seems to be a good spot - well they say competition is good!

Well, another Saturday has been and gone, another farmers' market successfully negotiated! Myself and my cupcakes took our pitch in the Civic Centre car park in Esher. It was a lovely day and we expected crowds - particularly as the organisers had carried out more advertising - but it was more a gentle dribble of people than hordes of ravished purchasers. We sold out by the end luckily. I think I've become a little too used to selling out hours before the end of market so it was a bit of a reminder that you can never rest on your laurels...or your cupcakes in my case.  Anyway, another busy week ahead as I prepare for Walton Farmers Market next Saturday - my pitch outside Starbucks and opposite Carluccios seems to be a good spot as I sold out two hours before the end of market last month! See you there hopefully!