Mobile Phone Knitted Cover - Panda - £7.49 ($11.93)

Knitted Mobile Phone Cover - Bear - £7.49 ($11.93)

Cupcake Coin Purse - £7.99 ($12.72)

Fingerstache - Moustache Temporary Tattoos - £3.49 ($5.56)

Suckeys - Vampire Key Covers - £4.99 ($7.95)

The Shredder - Electric Guitar Cheese Grater - £6.49 ($10.34)

Sparrow Salad Bowl and Servers - £29.99 ($47.76)

Polar Ice Bucket - £37.49 ($59.70)

Master Crane Chopsticks - £6.49 ($10.34)

Bunny Desk Organiser - £14.99 ($23.87)

Oh My Stars!

As I'm sure you've all heard, there was a bit of a dust-up recently over whether or not our astrology signs have changed. Betrayal, bewilderment, boredom...there was a veritable gamut of emotions running wild.

Fortunately, CNN has since assured the world that my not being a Taurus is total bull. Whew! However, just for fun, let's take a look at these "new" signs and how they might have changed our lives forever.

Or...not.

Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16
Capricorns are known to be obedient and dedicated. If you ask a Capricorn to do something, you can be sure it is going to get done...

...literally.

Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Aquarius is represented by water, which fits this sign's creative, "free flow" personality.

"That'll be $28.95, please."

Pisces: March 11- April 18
Pisces is an emotional yet generous sign. These selfless individuals will give until it hurts.

Or until they run out of room.

Aries: April 18 - May 13
Much like their symbol the ram, Aries are fearless creatures. They forge boldly ahead, letting no man, beast...

...or periwinkle border stand in their way.

Taurus: May 13- June 21
Taurus is a sign that never backs down. This stubborn bull will stand her ground through all of life's challenges.

"Look, the writing on the order form says 'Blinday.' END OF STORY."

Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Gemini is often of two minds, waiting to make a choice until the very last minute.

When it's over she'll know if she can write "happy" or not.

Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Cancers are rooted in the past, home and hearth. You can trust a Cancer to feed you, mother you, clean you, feed you, love you...

...and feed you.

And then maybe eat you.

Leo: Aug. 10- Sept. 16
Leos are very ambitious - shooting for the stars, taking on large projects, and sometimes getting in over their heads.

Or King Tut's, as the case may be.

Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
You can always count on the reliable Virgo to deliver steady, consistent results.

This is more of a virtue if they know how to spell.

Libra: Oct. 30- Nov. 23
Libra has a clear sense of right and wrong, and is always a fair and impartial judge. However, Libra also craves communication and loves an opportunity to prove her intelligence.

Yes, thank you, Libra.

Scorpio: Nov. 23- Nov. 29
Sharp-shooter Scorpio has no problem telling it like it is. Scorpio is honest, direct, and lays everything out in black and white.

Scorpio is usually free most Saturday nights.

Sagittarius: Dec. 17- Jan. 20
Nothing can slow down a carefree Sagittarius. Her spontaneity and drive keep things fun and interesting:

...and also covered in SPRINKLES!!! Wheeee!

Wreckiuchus: Nov. 29- Dec. 17
Wreckiuchus likes to hide in plain sight, often going years before revealing himself to those closest to him.
Some skeptics say Wreckiuchus doesn't actually exist, but if you cross your eyes and stare really hard, we think you'll get the message.

The message being that you look pretty silly with your eyes crossed, of course.


Thanks to Kailee M., Sarah C., Maggie B., Jinglei, Aaron, Jordan F., Niloufer R., Anony M., Heather & Mikki, Katie O., Elizabeth, Stina, & Valerie M., who should all look before they leap, take advantage of sudden windfalls, and explore new opportunities today. And then maybe buy their favorite bloggers a snack. (We like Bugles.)

Sparrow Serving Set - £44.99 ($71.65)

Rabbit Ears Salad Servers - £5.49 ($8.74)

Shark Bite Oven Mitt - £10.99 ($17.50)

Cupcake Measuring Spoons - £2.99 ($4.76)

Cupcake Measuring Cups - £4.49 ($7.15)

Ear Buds - Cats - £10.49 ($16.71)

Ear Buds - Russian Dolls - £10.49 ($16.71)

Russian Doll Memory Stick - £29.99 ($47.76)

Two good chairs from Las Vegas

Two chairs were named winners in the third annual “One Good Chair” competition, sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas and the Sustainable Furnishings Council. An awards ceremony was held Jan. 26 at World Market Center.

Eric Tong and his Zpine chair
Eric Tong’s Zpine chair received the grand prize and Juan Mercado’s RE_Flex chair won in the People’s Choice category.

The grand prize winner, Tong, from London, England, created his chair using a honeycomb core (also known as “cellular structure”). The piece converts seamlessly between a chair and a chaise, collapsing with ease. Tong said he chose honeycomb for its magnificent strength-to-weight ratio and because it’s inexpensive, sustainable and biodegradable. He received a $4,500 cash prize that he says he will apply towards the manufacturing and marketing of the chair.

Juan Mercado and his RE_FLEX chair
Juan Mercado of Jackson, Mich.,  created his chair from a standard 4-by-8-inch wood sheet. The chair can be used as a sleek modern desk chair or a comfortable reading/rocking chair, depending on the owner’s mood. Its design is simple yet sophisticated, and requires minimal packaging and space for shipping.

The goals of the competition revolved around minimizing material, production, shipping and assembly while maximizing comfort, utility, durability and beauty. Sustainable Furnishings Council members, including The Phillips Collection and Handy Living, created prototypes of some of the finalists’ designs. More than 360 participants submitted entries in the competition, representing both professional and amateur designers. Five finalists mastered the seeming paradoxical challenge of celebrating abundance while doing more with less.

The final jury included television host, writer and producer Sarah Backhouse of “Planet 100” on the Discovery Network’s Planet Green, Shashi Caan of Shashi Caan Collective, Kira Gould, director of communications with William McDonough + Partners and Zem Joaquin, founder and CEO of ecofabulous, the online source for the “well-lived eco-life.” The jury selected the grand prize, or “Judges’ Choice” winner, while the public voted for People’s Choice.

Other finalists for the competition include the following:
  • Helena Bueno, Brazil, Broom Chair: This simple yet whimsical chair is made from nine sticks of birch wood that fit easily into a bright plastic seat. It’s playful, yet remarkably efficient to mount and collapse—all of the sticks can be removed and requires no glue, nails, screws or metal components.
  • Tom Fereday, Australia, Allt Chair: This linear-framed chair is reminiscent of classic handcrafted Danish furniture, with a mesh and fastening system that are 100 percent contemporary. Made from recyclable birch plywood and stainless steel components, the chair uses non-permanent fasteners and can easily be disassembled, reducing its environmental footprint on a number of levels, from beginning to end.
  • Klaus Peter Berkemeyer, Germany, ELXE: Elegance meets functionality in the ELXE. The backrest and seat are made of two molded wooden shelves, which merge with two wooden legs that also form the armrests. With two light front legs of stainless steel, ELXE can be dismantled into just four components for easy moving or storage.

Sunday Sweets: So Stinkin' Cute

This week we're featuring some of the sweetest, cutest, most adorable, lovable, um... [consulting thesaurus] darling, bewitching, and fetching baby animal cakes you ever will see. Why? Well, if you must know, I'm feeling a bit sensitive this week.

This is john, by the way.

So, let me just get my box of tissues and we'll do this thing. Starting with Jen's favorite:


Found at the 2008 Orlando ICES Convention; baker unknown.

The hand-painted shading here is amazing. And the animals are adorable. And the lion isn't eating the zebra or the giraffe. So it's a win-win-win.


This cake is slightly more realistic:

Sub'd by Hilda F., and made by The Sweetest Thing Cake Studio

See how the monkey and giraffe cower in fear as the mighty tiger stalks his prey? Can you feel the tension? Can. You. FEEL IT?!?! No?

Maybe it's just me.


And now... sweet sleeping dragon!

Sub'd by Amelie B. and made by her sister Helene

Awwww. Okay. *sniff* I'm all verklempt. *sniff* I promised myself I wouldn't cry...

[blowing nose]

Hey! Look! Pandas!

Sub'd by Aljona and made by KralleCakes

And not just any pandas; these are the rare Russian Nesting Pandas. The mostly eat eucalyptus leaves and borscht.


Preeeesenting, the sweetest giraffe ever!


Literally. I think the lack of neck really adds to the adorabletude, don't you?


And because I have an inordinate affection for tigers:

Sub'd by Jade D. and made by Theresa Gue

So. Cool. Jen says this reminds her of some Lisa Frank folders she had in middle school. Which she claims is a huge compliment. So there.


And you know what else has stripes? (I am the king of segues)

Sub'd by Brenda B., and made by Lilo Taart

I'm digging the bow and the vintage 20's hair part. Just dandy!


And speaking of bows. (I'm on a roll!)

By Aletha B.

Baby Cthulhu!! AAAAAUUUGGHH!! SOOO CUUUUTE!!

And get this: this is Aletha B.'s first cake. Yes, really! Mike, Duff, and Bronwen better watch out, 'cuz Aletha B.'s coming, and she's got a Cthulhu.


And speaking of... cake. (Okay, that one wasn't my best work.)

By Ann N.

Adorable. And hip. Oh. Yeah.



Another of Jen's favorites:

Sub'd by Orna G., and made by Odelia

Hand-painted rosebuds, cuddly teddy bears, and a miniature cake on cake? I can bearly stand it!


And finally, for your viewing pleasure, allow me to present...

a unicorn with a comb-over:

Sub'd by Elizabeth A., and made by Sachi Swick

You're welcome.


Now, who wants to WIN SOME FREE BOOKS?!? Huh? Awwwww yeeeeeeaaah.

Zooborns, one of our favorite so-cute-it-hurts websites, has given us two of their new books to give to two of you loyal wreckies!

One's for little kids:

And the other's for everyone else who likes cute:
(Click on the pics for more info)

We'll be giving away one copy of each, so feel free to tell us in the comments which you'd prefer. Two winners will be randomly chosen from the comments tonight at midnight EST, so stay tuned on FB or check this spot again tomorrow for the announcement of the winners!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE!!!! The random number generator hath spoken! The winners are:

GrammaR @ 2:20 PM for the first book and
Ai @ 8:51 PM for the second!

Please email your addresses to comments (at) cakewrecks.com so we can mail out your prizes. And thanks to everyone for your great comments!

Wreck On!
-john (the hubby of Jen)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have a Sweet to nominate? Then send it to Sunday Sweets [at] Cake Wrecks [dot] com.

Urban Expo buys Smoky Mountain Gift Show

press release


Urban Expositions announces the acquisition of The Smoky Mountain Gift Show ® held annually at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Tennessee. Assuming all ownership and management duties from founding management company, The Smoky Mountain Gift Show, Inc., the Urban Expositions team plans to build upon the tradition of success that has defined this souvenir/gift show throughout its 45-plus year history .

"It is an honor and a privilege to take over the reins of an event that has been such an important mainstay in the souvenir industry," says Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions. "Over the years, the Smoky Mountain Gift Show Inc. management has cultivated a show with a solid reputation not just for the amount of business that is done, but for the networking aspect that takes place in this beautiful mountain setting. We look forward to further strengthening the show's position as the premier souvenir and gift resource in the Eastern United States."

"Sharing many of the same long-term relationships with buyers and vendors in the industry, the transition of The Smoky Mountain Gift Show into the professional hands of Urban Expositions is a natural fit," says Eva Havlicek, president, The Smoky Mountain Gift Show Inc. "As owners who have spent over 35 years building what The Wall Street Journal referred to as 'the crown jewel ' of the souvenir industry, JR and I look forward to enjoying retirement, while taking comfort in that The Smoky Mountain Gift Show will continue to build its legacy of quality under very capable hands."

Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center complex in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg -- the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park -- the show site is surrounded by hotels, gift shops, popular locally owned restaurants, nightspots and boutiques, not to mention stunning mountain vistas. The ambiance of this convenient, cost-effective setting comes together with an unrivaled product selection from the top names and innovative newcomers in the souvenir/resort industry to attract retailers from throughout the country.

"This acquisition also adds a strategic eastern region presence to our growing souvenir/resort gift show portfolio," adds Miller. "Our Las Vegas show now serves a national buying audience; our Myrtle Beach show caters to the east's coastal and shore retailers; and the Smoky Mountain show is designed for the specialized buying needs of lake, lodge, mountain, souvenir/gift, zoo, aquarium and amusement shop retailers. These events, as well as many of our other regional shows and The Gathering, our invitation-only souvenir buying event, have helped us build strong relationships and a keen understanding of the specialized needs of this industry's buyers and exhibitors alike. We plan to meet with industry leaders to assist us in further strengthening The Smoky Mountain Gift Show. "

The first edition under Urban Expositions management will be the November 4-7, 2011 show. Among the highlights will be a series of upgraded buyer and exhibitor services, as well as new marketing initiatives.

Exhibitor booth sales efforts will be led by Donna Guess, vice president, Urban Expositions (800.318.2238, ext 327 | dguess[at]urban-expo.com ), Lisa Glosson, sales director, Urban Expositions (800.318.2238, ext 334 | lglosson[at]urban-expo.com) and David Gilfoyle, sales manager, Urban Expositions (800.318.2238, ext. 231 | dgilfoyle[at]urban-expo.com)

For exhibitor, buyer or other information on The Smoky Mountain Gift Show, contact Urban Expositions, 1690 Roberts Blvd, Ste 111, Kennesaw, GA 30144, 800.318.2238 or 678.285.3976, www.urban-expo.com or email: info[at]urbanexpositions.com

2011 home decor style trends

(The following is based on an article I wrote for Imax Worldwide Home. Read the entire blog post there, which is illustrated with photos of home decor.)


Consumer spending is pointing to an improving economy. Retail sales have risen for six months in a row. In fact, they were up 6.7% in 2010, the best gain in more than a decade. Retailers are shopping the winter markets with a little more cash in their pockets. Here are four home decor trends to keep in mind as you buy for 2011.
Bright and Happy. Perhaps consumers are feeling a little bit more confident about their finances or they are simply tired of economizing. They are ready to perk up their homes. Look for bright colors in home decor. Brights can be matched with grays and neutrals for a stunning effect. Pantone's 2011 color of the year is Honeysuckle, a reddish pink. 

Clean and Coastal. Wherever you are in the United States, you aren't far from water. Oceans, lakes (Great and small) and rivers inspire home decor. Design influences range from yachts to rowboats. Look for nautical blue cushions trimmed with white piping. Seashells appear furniture, wall decor and lamps, and they are used alone as decorative accents in their own right.  
Affordable Luxe. The look says luxury but the price point says otherwise This is the style for the shopper who likes to celebrate special occasions in her home. At market, watch for furniture with mirrored surfaces. On decorative accessories, take note of mirrors accenting photo frames and decorative boxes. 
Warm and Welcoming.  We have trimmed our dining-out budgets and become accustomed to home entertaining. But now it’s time for an upgrade. Whether it's a formal dinner party, a wine-tasting get-together or a simple drop-in for a cup of coffee, hostesses seek to change out their current dinnerware for something new. Blue is a strong color on the table this year. 

Use the momentum of rising retail sales to retain your customer base and to bring in new shoppers. Position yourself as the "go-to" retailer of fashion-forward home furnishings and gifts.



Ms Food Face Novelty Dinner Plate - £9.99 ($15.94)

Food Face Novelty Dinner Plates - £9.99 ($15.94)

Babushkups Stacking Drinking Glasses - £12.49 ($19.93)

Cakewich - Silicone Cake Tin - £19.49 ($31.10)

Handlebar Wine and Beer Bottle Opener - £8.99 ($14.35)

Play More Notepad - £6.49 ($10.36)

Switch Salt and Pepper Shaker - £7.49 ($11.95)

Hatched - 3D Egg Ice Cube Tray - £6.99 ($11.15)

Smiley Face Ice Cube Tray - £6.99 ($11.15)

Mixed Messages Novelty Mug - £11.99 ($19.13)

Trop Sticks - Flamingo Chopsticks - £6.49 ($10.36)

Birthday Cake Candelabra - £5.99 ($9.56)

Fill a Lily - Kitchen Funnel - £7.99 ($12.75)

"Surprise!"

You know, when I see something like this I can't help but wonder:

Exactly which part do they consider the "surprise?"

The candy wrappers smashed into the icing on the cupcakes?

The cupcakes smashed into the icing on the cupcakes?

Or could it be the fact that someone managed to write $18.99 without a giant "LOL - j/k!" after it?


Thanks to AmyLynn, who knows some three-year-olds who do this for free. No matter how hard their parents try to stop them.

Decorative /Tole Painted Wall Plaques




We are sharing today 3 new wall plaques from Jusbcuz Dezins...
we have a stacked Country Cow's and Pig wall hanging, see how great friends are lifting each other up :0)
This plaque is cut from 3/4" wood, hangs from twisted wire,cow bell & hemp bow,the sweet little top cow has a hemp braided tail, appx. size 14" wide X 8" tall........
$ 20.99 plus shipping
Next up is our Spring wall hanging
She is a yellow watering can with her purple & blue flowers spilling out the top,she has a side smile,hangs from a banner that reads "Spring" hangs from twisted wire & raffia bow.
she measures appx size 17" tall X 11" wide.........Makes a great front door greeting for the up and coming spring season
$22.99 plus shipping
Next we have a simple Patriotic Star.....
hangs from twisted wire with a rusty wire bow, 2 rusty tin star......
makes a great door or wall hanging....Simple and Patriotic
appx size 13" X 10"
$20.99 plus shipping

All 3 items are cut from 3/4" pine wood, hand painted with lots of love and care.
Painting is for me a passion that I have had for over 25 years...
You can order any of these plaques and much much more by visiting our website at
http://www.jusbcuzdezins.com
Stop by and take a look, enjoy and let us know what you think...We have a guest book, where you can leave us a comment as well. We love to hear from you.
Have an Awesome Friday !

Tote bag for apparel

The Green Garmento, filled with drycleaning


The Green Garmento is like a reusable bag for groceries, except that it is for clothes. It eliminates the drycleaning bag. At home, the bag serves as a hamper. Then it becomes a tote bag for the trip to the drycleaner. On the return trip to pick up clothes, the Green Garmento is a garment bag.

As a laundry hamper
The bag is available online now at the company's website and will be launched nationally at the International Housewares Show in March. The product is endorsed by Mike “The Situation” Sorentino of "Jersey Shore." He lives by the motto “GTL” (gym/tan/laundry). The Green Garmento says GTL can also mean “Green The Laundry.”
Filled with dirty clothes, on the way to the drycleaner's

Valentine's is in the Air

We are READY!  Valentine's Day is only 18 days away, and we have been busy making THE cutest things.
Do you know what you're giving your sweetheart?  What about the kids' valentine's?  Here are just 3 ideas to get you thinking...

The "target" Valentine... that says, "I was right on TARGET when I fell in love with you!"  Filled with lots of delicious goodies - but even better, buy a Target gift card to add to it!  (I want my husband to buy ME this!)



The "i love you" box - filled with 52 blank hearts for you to write down all the reasons you love your special someone.  Don't forget the "Fragile:  Handle with care - Many hearts enclosed in package"  Oooohhh...So sentimental!

And this oversized pixy stick saying "You're my PIX for a Valentine!"  (the pixy stick is almost 2 feet long)
Call to special order a box of giant pixy sticks to make your own!


Hopefully that got you thinking.  I know there are oodles of ideas out there.  Feel free to share links or send us pics of what YOU are creating this year!   Remember we're on Facebook, too - which seems to be updated a little more often than the blog.  Hope you have a great weekend!

Like, Finally!

Thank you Pang for uploading this picture
=) taken by my phone



So here you go.
FINALLY, a picture of the adorable puppies I had been talking about ;)
they are 16 days old already!!
Time flies =D

So show it around would ya?
Ask who wants to be the lucky owner of the puppies
I post up this picture on FB as well ;)





P.S Too laggy to blog more pictures. Sorry =)

P.P.S Going to this educational talk tomorrow night with Tashy, Jia Yen, and whoever else I don't know. Must wear formal, wth much.


XOXO
Suezie aka Darkling Lovecraft

Mailbag!

Jen, John and I get billions of emails every day. Some tell us how funny we are. The rest are "enlargement" offers, unique international business opportunities, and requests for the photo of the uncensored German dong cake (yes, they're still asking).

In honour of "Clean Out Your Inbox Week," we've decided to respond to a few of those emails here.

******************
Dear Jen and John,

I've had a hard week! With my in-laws coming to visit and my water breaking, I've had no time to myself! I finally found solitude when I locked myself in the bathroom for six hours on Saturday and read through the Cake Wrecks archives on my laptop. (Had to stop when Aunt Tilda had to go "Number Twosies.") Just wanted to say thanks for the laughs and also ask how do you keep from getting stressed out?

Crying tears of joy,
-Matthew

*********

Dear Matthew,

I assume you meant to write that your water "heater" broke. However, we recently found ourselves in a similar situation when family came to visit over the holidays (only we chose to lock ourselves in the closet, not the bathroom). We restored our sanity by relaxing, meditating, and focusing on the love we have for each other.

And we also got drunk and ate lots of chocolate.


Don't forget to flush,
john (the hubby of Jen)

********************
Dear Cake Wrecks,

While I generally consider myself a "humorous" person, I must admit I was deeply offended by a recent joke you made on your site. There is nothing at all funny in this punchline:

"What kind of joker put this cake together?"

As the dealer for the Vegan Underwater Polish Canasta Team, I think you should consider your readers who hold the Joker in high regard. It is not a joke, Cake Wrecks. It is one of the most important cards in the deck.

Unfollowing. It's been fun.

-Betty
****************
Hi Betty,

We apologize for offending you and the other members of the Vegan Underwater Polish Canasta Team. We realize the Joker can be very important and will be sure to reference it in a higher regard next time we feature a wrecked playing card cake.

We plan to post the following cake next week and we sincerely hope your team won't be offended.


All the best-
Number One

*******************
Dear friend,

Please vote for my cat Smuckers in the Kennel Treats "Cutest Pet Sweepstakes!" The more votes my cat gets, the more chance we have to win! So vote often, and forward this email to all your friends!!


Vote now!!!
-Jeanna and Smuckers
********************

Dear Jeanna,

Though we appreciate your interest and highly personalized e-mail, I'm afraid we get too many requests for online votes to grant ours to little Smuckers.

Plus we thought this guy was cuter:


Best of luck anyway!
-CW Team
****************
Our deepest thanks to readers Fifi B., Theresa K., Jennifer D., Emily P., and Roberta for sending us emails with photos of cakes in them... and not just asking us to claim our winnings in the Euro Millions email promotion.

Wall-hung mirrors in custom colors, finishes

The Howard Elliott Collection offers a selection of decorative mirrors, accessories and alternative wall art. The company can provide custom designs and finishes for retailers, designers and hospitality clients. See the company at the Las Vegas market.