My wonderful husband had a box of Georgetown Cupcakes shipped to me early for Mother’s Day since he’s out of town to be with his dad who is having a quadruple bypass tomorrow. Our prayers are with him and wishes for a speedy recovery. I think he deserves a Georgetown Cupcake after all is said and done. They make anyone feel a little better.

I was so excited when I opened the front door to find the pink box with stars, swirls and florals emblazoned on it. Brand recognition doesn’t get much better than that. The delivery guy neglected to read the “This Side Up” sign and left it standing on it’s side. I thought the icing would have slid right off. But Georgetown Cupcake’s brilliant packaging saved the day. The box was packed with Styrofoam sleeves and 2 ice packs to keep the cupcakes nice and fresh upon delivery. Here is my dissection of the box, bit by bit. The cupcakes were as delicious as though I’d stood in line to buy one myself. Bravo GC! I will definitely be ordering them when we move next year (hopefully back to San Diego). Order some for yourself or your loved ones here.

I’ve posted before about what a huge fan I am of Georgetown Cupcake. The problem is it takes me a good 45-60 minutes to drive to Georgetown from where we live in Loudoun County. Not exactly convenient. One day I had an overwhelming craving for cupcakes and started browsing Google to see if there was any place nearish by. That’s when I found a review of Lola Cookies & Treats in Leesburg. Her bakery is located in the back of this whimsy pink building. Well known for her sugar cookies (which are to-die-for, by the way… my kids and I ate them before I had a chance to photograph one – ah well), her cupcakes are equally charming and delicious. I love the little note they include inside the box. It’s the little things that impress me. =) Well done Lola!

Location: 109 S. King St. Leesburg, VA 20175.

Hours: Mon.-Sat.  10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Closed Sunday

So in the Christmas rush I scratched my head trying to think of gifts to give our friends and family… which had me perusing photo gift items. I am happy to offer the following new products:

Puzzles
• Available in 4×6”, 8×12”, 12×18”
• Puzzles are shipped on 1.3mm thick backing with low tack adhesive

Magnets
• 2 sizes – 3×4.5” and 2×3.5”
• 2×3.5” comes 2-up

Calendars
• 12 month preview
• 8×10”
• Actual image size: 5.3×8” for horizontal, 8×5.3” for vertical

Buttons
• 3” diameter
• Metal back with durable pin

Wall Clings
Laser cut for pinpoint accuracy and realism, Wall Clings provide a unique opportunity to display your favorite photograph. They can be applied and reapplied with no worry about leaving a residue. Best of all, your image comes to life.

• Available in 18×12″, 36×24″, 48×32″, 60×40″, 72×48″
• Image printed on premium Photo-Tex material
• Backed with low tack adhesive
• Sticks on walls, doors, lockers, and more
• Apply and remove as often as you like

This place is the end-all and be-all of cupcake joints in the D.C. area. So I’ve heard, and so I’ve experienced 3 times since moving to the east coast. If you haven’t been, go. Please. Wait in line. Just go. I stood in the rain on Sunday for the box of 6 you see below. My first time there was the day before Thanksgiving and that’s when I fell hook, line, and sinker. It is good to the last bite. I promise. My favorite on the west coast is Vanilla Bake Shop in Santa Monica. Indulge and do some celebrity watching while you’re there.