A simple cardigan is the perfect piece to wave your creative wand at! With a plain jane cardi, you can-

*add three vintage pins to the front-and we’re not talking little ones! Be FEARLESS and make them glorious and showy! Ask moms, grams, aunts, and cousins if they have any sparkly pins tucked away that you could have.

*Ditch the boring buttons and get to the craft store and MIX it up…each one different and delicious!

*Sew a ribbon you love on to each cuff

*Get out your acrylic or fabric paints and do some simple doodling on the backside…get fancy or create in any way that you want.

*Do some embroidery on top of your cardi

*Add some monogram letters to make a custom sweater just for you.

Can’t do it all on your own? Ask a parent, sister, neighbor, or someone you know that sews- they’d LOVE to help.

 This weekend I’m going to do a makeover on my bedroom! The Cupcakes all said they would come and help paint, organize, and clean up …can’t wait! It’s like getting a fresh start to get everything all neat and organized and to know where everything is. Maybe I’ll find that pair of jeans I’ve been searching for the last two weeks?! Have a good one, Sierra

Thank you to EVERYONE who played to win the Cupcakes plates—they are SO cute!   Congratulations goes to #71, missm, chosen by random.org.  Please shoot an email to customerservice@thecupcakesclub.com to give us an address where we can send these adorable plates ASAP!                                                                                                                               PS. why do we have YOU email us? We feel that since we are GIVING you something (for free!!) it should be YOUR responsibility to check back to see if you’ve won and email us…it’s a good life lesson to learn! 

Such a sweet story about what true friendship is all about….all shapes, all sizes, but hearts full of love.

 So, I got some bad news today. My parents said that they are having to cut back on spending and I’m not going to be able to do my traveling soccer for this season.  I’m bummed but I can totally understand…I mean, even Sierra isn’t making as many trips to the mall as she used to BUT- I’m going to make the most of it and join the local soccer teams around here to keep my game up. AND- it’s all good so now I can spend more time with my friends on the weekend as well. When life gives you lemons–you make lemonade, right?! Summer

Our next Clues for Cash GIVEAWAY will begin 2/1/09. Less than 15 people entered last time so chances are GREAT that YOU could win $100 just for reading The Cupcakes Club books!! The Clues for February will be from Dog Gone Drama—so, if you don’t have the book- get it NOW so you can WIN!

We feel the same way about you, totallymars! Thanks for the Cupcake!

There’s still snow on the ground in some parts of the country but the stores and catalogs are thinking spring. What’s hot? Florals and flowers to brighten up your closet. How to make it work now? Add a long sleeve Tee under your short sleeve top and throw a jacket or button down sweater on top if you’re still cold.

Milkshakes are fabulous for a celebration, birthdays, and sleepovers. Always add a straw, long spoons if you have them… whipped cream is a must… and, for a special twist, pass a bowl of toppings for all to sprinkle on their shakes… cherries, jimmies, coconut, crushed Oreos, chopped brownies…yummy! Here are a few favorites:

* Old fashioned vanilla milkshake… vanilla ice cream and vanilla extract with milk. Add a cherry and whipped cream. SO good!

* Peanut butter milkshake… vanilla ice cream and Reese’s peanut butter cups.

* Strawberry milkshake… made with strawberry ice cream, milk, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

* Chocolate milkshake… chocolate ice cream and milk (add in extra chocolate if you want it SUPER rich and dreamy)

What’s your favorite? Do you ever make milkshakes at home?

Thank YOU Addie!! Thanks to EVERYONE who plays in our contests and enjoys our website and tells all their friends about The Cupcakes Club. Thank you, thank you, thank you!