Click your heels three times and you will be transported to the End of the Rainbow, surrounded by cupcakes. Well, not really, but you could be in a short time, because these treats are a snap to make. After you pop these out of the oven, be sure to head over to the Redford Theatre today, where the historical landmark is hosting two showings of the iconic film, "Wizard of Oz." 

But wait- There's More! Click 'Read More' to get the recipe...             ↓↓↓

On the heels of the Kentucky Derby- which I will score tickets to someday + to further explore the Merry-Go-Round theme- let's go off to the races with some horse cupcakes.

Not going to lie- they are kind of time consuming to make and my mom totally helped me with them- because you def need two hands, + an extended timeframe to allow them to set. And yes- your kids can help- but only with certain parts- like putting on the tail. And kind of like the Kentucky Derby- there is a ton of preparation involved for a two minute race to the finish- which in this case is a children's birthday party. 

But wait- There's More! Click 'Read More' to get the recipe + instructions ↓↓↓

Tired of chasing down the neighborhood ice cream truck -the one that plays that absolutely annoying pseudo-rap- as it rolls down the street? (If you've heard it, you know exactly what I am talking about). Quit running after it and make your own ice cream treats!

The best part is- this ice cream won't melt because it is actually cupcakes! Perfect for summer, these are super simple to make and the kids will go wild when they see them! + they can help with the production.

Ingredients:
Ice Cream Cones [with flat bottoms so they can stand on their own]
Cake Mix
Cupcake Pans
Frosting or Whipped Cream
Decorations: Sprinkles, Candy, etc.

Make cupcakes according to instructions on box, except place batter directly into ice cream cone instead of cupcake papers. Fill cones slightly higher than half- I did not and they were flat!

Bake cones according to cupcake recommendations on box. Little ones can help set the cones up in the cupcake pan, while older kids can scoop the batter into the cones and help decorate with whatever edible baubles are in the pantry.

25 cupcakes were transported without incident- the secret was that they weren't frosted until directly before they were eaten. Whipped cream instead of frosting worked like a charm & added the height the cones were missing.

Back in kindergarten, mom made this recipe for my classroom birthday party & I was not pleased- they weren't true cupcakes... However- I recently served these at a childrens' summer soiree at 555 Gallery and they were a hit!

Will this be another Father's Day of receiving ties of questionable taste?  Doesn't have to be.

I am a sucka for anything incorporating handprints into the design. So, this next project included, you guessed it: handprints. Simple to create & takes nothing more than a little embroidery skill & time.. A cool gift for dad, but an equally awesome piece of art for any occasion: Mother's Day, Grandma's Birthday, Anniversaries, etc...

Ingredients:
White Fabric
Paper & Pencil
Embroidery Needle
Embroidery Floss [a different color for each person]
Large Embroidery Hoop [pictured above is a vintage hoop of my mother's- now they are bamboo]
Time

Trace the hand of every member of your family. Cut out hands. Place on white fabric, trace hand onto fabric. Embroider away! Leave attached to hoop or place in frame upon completion. Find a spot & & hang.

Monkeys and Mayhem is pleased to introduce... Buntings! Our exclusive bunting line is now available. Buntings are for carrying your newborn in style. The modern fabrics, heirloom quality, and European design guarantee buntings are destined to be the show stopper at the baby shower.

Moss and succulents, not to mention a porcelain pink poodle, make this the most boss Mother's Day gift ever! I could not think of anything I would like more than my own botanical garden (which is why I made one for myself) & it reminds me of one of our favorite places in the D- the Conservatory on Belle Isle. Kids can make it for someone as a gift, but supervise or you may end up singing 'Shattered' a la the Rolling Stones, minus Mick's distinct frenzied voice.

The First of May is traditionally a time to celebrate the advent of Spring. Warmer weather, the scent of freshly-cut lawns, and dandelions! are welcomed into our lives, leaving the chilly winds of Winter a distant memory. Creating daisy-chain crowns are a lovely way to commemorate the day and spend time together all in one fell swoop. Excellent accessory for everyday, a soiree, or at Lolla.

Ingredients:
6 Pipe Cleaners [green preferred]
One Bunch of Fake Flowers [any variety, daisies pictured]
Hot Glue Gun & Clear Glue Sticks

Bulbs are now peeking through the soil, announcing the arrival of spring. These art-deco blossom cupcakes are whimsical & simple to make. [for real]

Ingredients:
1 Box Devil's Food Cake Mix
1 Container Dark Chocolate Frosting
1 Box Oreos [Chocolate creme filling preferred]
24 Cupcake Papers
24 Tootsie Pops 
24 Spearmint Candies
8 Pieces Green Licorice  [+ a few extra just in case]
Kitchen Shears

Prepare the cupcakes according to instructions on package. While they are baking, separate all of the oreos and scrape off the creme filling into a bowl. Discard.

In a large mixing bowl, crush the dry oreos; a potato masher works well. After the cupcakes have cooled, frost them. Dip them into the crushed oreos, coating the entire frosted surface. Now you have 'dirt.'

Next is the flower assembly. Kids can help with each step, except for the stem. Remove the wrappers and place lollipops onto a plate. Cut the green licorice into thirds using kitchen shears. Push the licorice 'stem' through the lollipop stick- there should be a prefabricated hole that will help tremendously. Please note that this step takes patience and can be frustrating. This task will be the most time consuming part of the assembly.

When the blossoms are complete, place each lollipop into a cupcake. Cut the spearmint leaves in half, lengthwise. Add the pair of leaves to the soil. The cupcakes are surprisingly sturdy and not one fell over, even en transit.