Lady Cupcake Tour

"Lady Gaga", "Taylor Swift", "J-Lo" I'm not. But, I CAN imagine what it must be like to be an artist on tour: concert dates, sold-out venues, rehearsals, wardrobe, hair/makeup, fans and..MASSIVE checks. Okay, perhaps, I can't imagine the massive checks part, but everything else...do-able!

Lately, I feel like I've been on the "Lady Cupcake Tour." Weird, I know! Venues are a lot smaller than your average concert. Most up close and personal, just a few with theater like-seating. Absent are the in your face...TICKETS ON SALE NOW...through Ticketmaster or LIVE nation.com..., SECOND SHOW...just added!!! The approach is much more relaxed. Some in-store promotions and social media impressions, that's all. But, I do like the sound of SECOND SHOW JUST ADDED!!! Who wouldn't? How about this one...BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! Oooooohhhhh!!!

For months, I've mixed the batter, softened the butter, alternated the flour with milk, rehearsed until I was room temperature ready. Last December, the "LC" tour kicked off as a two-city circuit: New York and New Jersey. From Williams-Sonoma , Macy's, Bloomingdales, Architectural Digest Home Design Show, Neiman Marcus to Whole Foods Market with a few local venues in between. I know its sounds crazy, but I even have upcoming dates. Now, do you see what I mean? The Lady Cupcake Tour!!!! I've been turning more than "your favorite dessert into cupcakes". I heard the "pie" is the new trend for 2011, so I threw a few blueberries and cherries into my routine. Of course, I rehearsed before incorporating the "dough process". Seemingly, crowds approved.

Clearly, I haven't sold out arenas, and obviously I'm not referred to as Mrs. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter aka "Beyonce". I'm still trying to figure out how she endures a 2 1/2 hour high-impact aerobic workout onstage night after night. I would pass out mid-set. Then, cancel the rest of the tour.

Whew--no worries, I am not your competition "B".

Admittedly, it would be super cool to trade places with a performer for one, maybe two nights. Why not? The marquee at Radio City would read performing tonight "Lady Cupcake". Across town, Madison Square Garden would flash SOLD OUT demonstration "Lady Cupcake".

Aaaahhhhh.......

Feel free to pinch me at any time or I'll just wake up on my own.

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

Martha Cheats?

It was a shocking revelation. Earlier this week, I was watching the TODAY Show and the Goddess of "Lifestyle Everything" was the guest. None other than, Martha Stewart. She did a cooking segment. The feature was Pate-a-Choux, a french pastry dough. Think--cream puffs, profiteroles-(pronounced- pro- fit-ter- rolls), it took me a minute too! And, Eclairs. Yum!

For me, the best part wasn't her technique or the insanely delicious eye-tasting treats. Of course, whenever I see Martha, I'm in awe of her knowledge. Each time, I become a sponge absorbing all of the nutritional molecules surrounding her brain cells. Face-it, is there anything she doesn't know about baking, cooking, gardening, weddings, or entertaining? Apparently, so!

We're all aware that she's still in training for "insider trading". Sorry, your highness--couldn't resist.

Believe it or not, Martha uses CHEAT SHEETS!!! I know- CRAZY- right! If I didn't see it for myself- I wouldn't believe it.

Picture this...during the demonstration the camera zoomed in to get a better angle of Matt and Meredith participating as sous chefs. Martha stood off to the side. And, BAM- to the right of the dough bowl, was a 3 X 5 index card with blue recipe highlights. STUNNED--to say the least. Suddenly, I was nervous- why? Not sure. But, mostly excited, envious, reassured, and RE-LIEVED! If the queen, could have a few helping lines. Why not me? Would I have to join her fraud wagon? I wasn't ready to do time--eh eh. Besides, Martha already did her stint--she was good!

Seriously, if it was okay for MS. STEWART...

Then...

Or is there a double standard? Perhaps, I have more dues to pay. Although, I would be less conspicuous. Maybe even, write on my hand. Hmm...it worked in grammar school- or did you get caught? He-he!

The point is no one knows EVERYTHING, not even Martha Stewart!!!

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze