Cupcakes, Cupcakes, Cupcakes, Cupcakes + BONUS

Thirty posts in thirty days. They can't all be well-crafted and witty.

I have four things to share about cupcakes.

1. Pinkalicious -- Any fans of the children's book Pinkalicious out there? Bub and Little Bit both enjoy this tale of a little girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink and then red. She can only return to normal by eating green foods. Little Bit asks for the book by its unofficial title, Licious, and likes to point to each pink food item on the page illustrating the doctor's visit and say, "No, no, no, no . . ." Really cute. I always worry that he and his big brother will attempt to replicate the precarious stack of chairs and household items leading to the top of the refrigerator. There's a Pinkalicious musical playing in Lincoln Park right now, and I keep meaning to buy tickets and take the boys or at least take Bub (not sure if Little Bit has the attention span for live theater). For the record, I think Purplicious is okay but find Goldalicious pretty disappointing.

2. Earlier this fall, the boys and I finally tested out the Big Top Cupcake Pan that I "won" as part of the As Seen on TV prize package at Bub's school auction. The boys' decorating job is rather appalling, but I've learned to just let go and let the sprinkles fly, especially for baked goods only meant for family consumption. Note that the pan is also an accessory!

3. After months of "reminders," hubby has finally made it so that my "new" (received in March) laptop could communicate with our printer. Just this afternoon, I finally printed out two groupons previously purchased: one worth $50 at GAP and another worth $20 at The Meatloaf Bakery. I'm expecting to see cupcake-shaped meatloafs there and can't wait to check them out, perhaps while wearing a new t-shirt from GAP!

4. I haven't tried every cupcake spot in Chicago, but that doesn't stop me from answering if anyone asks about it. I'm a fan of Sweet Mandy B's on Webster. I love, love, love the frosting and think they manage to keep the cupcakes from drying out, which is key. I found out this summer that they offer cupcake decorating sessions for kids. Sounds fun and tasty.

5. BONUS! I just thought of a fifth cupcake talking point. Last year for Bub's birthday party, my mom made a bunch of cupcakes and frosted them with white icing. When the kiddies arrived, I had them decorate little boxes from the Container Store big enough to hold a couple cupcakes. Towards the end of the party, we brought out plates of candy and let the kids decorate their cupcakes. Then, the cupcakes went in the little boxes as a favor (except that I also made treat bags because I'm never sure when enough is enough). Assuming your guests are cool with their kids eating sugar, I recommend this party activity. I would not recommend letting young party guests ice and sprinkle the cupcakes themselves (see above).

Off to eat the last oreo cheesecake cupcake. How fitting.

What's your cupcake story?