Springtime Mango & Poppyseed Cupcakes & Teeny, Tiny Moments of Happiness

This past week has been one of the most frantic of my life. I can’t quite reveal why just yet (although I’m dying to!), but I do have some rather exciting news to share with you soon. But with excitement comes much work and these past few days have passed by in a blur of sleepless nights-one evening involving a torturous one hour of sleep where I watched the projection clock goad me with it’s pulsing red digits and tell me that I was about to have the least sleep ever. I was tired and out of sync yet still I was deliriously happy.

springtime cupcakes

In the midst of all of this activity I had promised to make Christie some cupcakes for her impending baby shower. She was having a Spring themed baby shower so I thought that making bees and ladybirds would be a good idea. I had some floral patterned cupcake liners and some sugar blossoms that I bought from the Adelaide Central Markets. I decided to make her some mango and poppyseed cupcakes as I’ve started to see some delicious mangoes in the stores.

springtime cupcakes

I fashioned the bees much like Nigella’s chocolate bee cake by sticking some flaked almonds in some coloured fondant in place of wings. The ladybirds were sort of ad hoc and I made a vanilla buttercream icing (although a cream cheese icing would do quite nicely too). I rushed about and realised that I had no time to photograph them as I only had a tiny sliver of time between 7:30am and 7:45am one morning in between waking up, packing and catching a plane. Still, despite being a human kerfuffle, could not have been more happily frantic.

springtime cupcakes

In this vein, shamelessly borrowed from the lovely Celia’s fabulously uplifting post from yesterday, this is my list of teeny tiny moments of happiness.

Teeny Tiny Happiness 1: I can pick a seemingly endless supply of jasmine from my neighbours from the bush that creeps out beyond their fence.

Teeny Tiny Happiness 2: I got to spend two days with one of my closest friends Queen Viv and we had a ball exploring the Snowy Mountains. And I packed just right and didn’t break a nail.

Teeny Tiny Happiness 3: I have had three good hair days in a row. I must never cut my hair again. OK that doesn’t quite work does it?

Teeny Tiny Happiness 4: I am the United States of Tara without the new for medication and/or therapy and I have perfected a new alter ego. I love to imitate accents and I can now do an excellent New Zealand accent thanks to native NZer Queen Viv who has been coaching me.

springtime cupcakes

Teeny Tiny Happiness 5: I dropped my iPhone 4 onto the tiles and it didn’t require resuscitation or get scratched (yes we’re joined at the hip now).

Teeny Tiny Happiness 6: Mr NQN didn’t see me drop it so he couldn’t a) get mad or b) have ammunition to call me clumsy.

Teeny Tiny Happiness 7: Mr NQN washed the dishes last night without too much protest and bottom wiggling.

Teeny Tiny Happiness 8: I got some lovely emails from readers. These delight me beyond belief!

Teeny Tiny Happiness 9: My taxi driver today knew where he was going.

Teeny Tiny Happiness 10: OK I just have to share a bit of the news….I’m going to be in a television commercial! I’m so excited! I wish I could tell you what it is for but I’m sworn to secrecy…for now… ;) All I can say is that it is going to play over Summer in Australia and New Zealand! I’m so excited about it.

So tell me Dear Reader, what was your latest Teeny Tiny Moment of Happiness? :)

springtime cupcakes

Spring Cupcakes

Mango and Poppyseed Cupcakes

  • 2 tablespoons poppyseeds
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cups cake flour (to make this, place 2 tablespoons of cornflour and top up to 1 cup with plain flour, repeat for 2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar
  • 125g/4ozs butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup mango flesh, chopped finely

For buttercream icing

  • 1/2 cup (125grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups icing sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To decorate

  • Yellow coloured fondant
  • Red coloured fondant
  • Small round chocolate discs
  • White icing pen
  • Black icing pen (or a small amount of dark chocolate melted)
  • Black Kopycake pen to draw dots and faces
  • Flaked almonds
  • Toothpicks

springtime cupcakes

springtime cupcakes

1. Make the decorations first as you want them to dry. Always start shapes as a round ball. To make bees, roll yellow fondant into a round ball and then shape into an oval. Stick almond flakes into the sides as wings and draw stripes on them using the black gel tube pen (I got these from Little Betsy Baker) and draw eyes and a mouth using an edible pen like the Kopycake one also from Little Betsy Baker. Leave to dry.

springtime cupcakes

Pressing the red fondant onto the chocolate buttons

springtime cupcakes

Cutting out small semi circle with an icing tip

2. Make the ladybirds but pressing out a small ball of red fondant and sticking it to a chocolate button (use water if necessary). With a small paring knife then cut out a small V on one side and the using a round cutter or the open side of a icing tip, cut off the opposite side (as shown). Draw dots on top with the black edible pen and use the white gel tube pen to draw eyes. Leave to dry.

springtime cupcakes

Soaking poppyseeds in milk

springtime cupcakes

Finely diced mango pieces

springtime cupcakes

Mango and poppyseed batter

3. Preheat oven to 180C and line a 12 hole cupcake tray with liners. Soak poppyseeds in milk and set aside.  Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy and then add eggs one at a time. Fold in flour, poppyseeds and milk and mango flesh. Spoon into prepared pans and bake for 20 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

4. To make buttercream, place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes) and add a few drops of green food coloring until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency and the colour is completely incorporated.

5. To assemble: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the green icing and pipe it onto the top of the cupcakes. Place 1 or 2 flowers on top and then place a ladybird on the cupcake. Break a toothpick in half and use that to position a flying bee on top of the cupcake.

If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?

Print Page

Related Posts

Subscribe to Not Quite Nigella

Subscribe to Not Quite Nigella to receive daily updates via email. Just enter your email address and press Subscribe.

101 Comments | Add your own

  • 1. Jayde | October 12th, 2010 at 5:21 am | #

    Arghh!! Ms. NQN is preggers :)

  • 2. Maria @ Scandi Foodie | October 12th, 2010 at 5:24 am | #

    I am so excited and happy for you Lorraine! And I can’t wait to see the tv ad! These cupcakes look so adorable too :-) It’s the smallest things that sometimes make all the difference! And it’s about embracing those tiny moments that is so important :-) Sleep is important too though Lorraine!

  • 3. Debra Kolkka | October 12th, 2010 at 5:42 am | #

    Very cute!!

  • 4. Free Recipes Online | October 12th, 2010 at 5:56 am | #

    oh yes those Mango and Poppyseed Cupcakes looks so good. I’ll be completing this recipe really soon. Thanks for sharing this with us.

  • 5. Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial | October 12th, 2010 at 6:05 am | #

    Well, mine of course, was reading this post at 6am in the morning over a cup of hot tea. Thanks for sharing your teeny tiny happinesses with us! :)

  • 6. Trissa | October 12th, 2010 at 6:29 am | #

    Congratulations Lorraine!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Not so teeny tiny happiness moment for me but rather woo hoo moment. When NQN reveals her good news! Hurry up already!

  • 7. Blond Duck | October 12th, 2010 at 6:34 am | #

    I love those bees and ladybugs! You’re so talented!

    I can’t wait to hear the news!

  • 8. foodwink | October 12th, 2010 at 6:34 am | #

    I’m so happy for you – you’re going to be on TV!!! Woohoo, that must be a first for food bloggers! Well done and well deserved. Oh, get more sleep too!

  • 9. Liss | October 12th, 2010 at 6:44 am | #

    How pretty, now off to Betsy baker to buy that pen!!

    Christie is gonna be a mumma very soon ! <3

  • 10. Kristy | October 12th, 2010 at 6:49 am | #

    Those cupcakes are adorable! and Mango and poppyseed sounds like a delicious combination!

    I have many teeny tiny moments of happiness, especially when that gorgeous spring sun comes out! and every time I come to the realisation that i’ll be finished with school in three weeks time, I definitely gain a spring in my step :)

  • 11. Ladybird | October 12th, 2010 at 7:14 am | #

    oooh looking forward to hearing your exciting news, Lorraine! Pretty cupcakes, I’m sure your friend was thrilled with them :)

  • 12. GourmetGetaways | October 12th, 2010 at 7:21 am | #

    WOW!!! Congratulations, I can’t wait to see the commercial!! I am so happy for you, you are the Queen of Blogging!!

    I love your cute little cupcakes, only now my daughter wants me to make them…

    10 Happy Moments

    When my morning coffee is perfect, and it does the job.

    When a movie ends up funny beyond belief. Love it!

    When a quiet night at home turns unexpectedly into a full house for dinner of friends, family and childrens friends. Reminds me of the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” Very happy.

    When it rains just as I was about to water the vege and herb garden.

    When it rains just as I was about to put the clothes on the line so I can use the drier guilt free :)

    When hubby compliments me, (he does it all the time)it is always genuine and sweet and makes me feel very lucky.

    When I get nice comments on my blog. The smile stays on my face all day :)

    When my children say a word incorrectly and it comes out cute ie: “Golden Serious on pancakes please mum”, instead of Golden Syrup.

    When my eldest is cuddled up watching TV with the youngest. I get the feeling I may be doing something right as a parent and it makes me happy.

    When I have had a big night with friends and a few too many wines and I don’t wake up with a headache in the morning! WIN!

  • 13. Cate | October 12th, 2010 at 7:41 am | #

    Your cupcakes look so lovely! I will have to try the mango poppyseed recipe – much more interesting than orange or lemon poppyseed.

    My teeny tiny moment of happiness at the moment is that I have a recipe published in this month’s Australian Good Food Magazine as the Reader’s recipe of the month!

    Hooooray for you Lorraine I am so excited for you – can’t wait to hear all the good news, and of course see you on our screens!!!

  • 14. Lisa (bakebikeblog) | October 12th, 2010 at 7:41 am | #

    ooooh how exciting re the commercial! Cant wait to hear all about it more!
    Ps > “Teeny Tiny Happiness 9: My taxi driver today knew where he was going.” :) :) Must have been a good day!!!!

  • 15. cityhippyfarmgirl | October 12th, 2010 at 8:06 am | #

    That is super exciting! Well done. No wonder you haven’t been able to sleep the past week!
    Teeny tiny happiness for this morning- having a sleepy snuggle with my two year gently stroking my eyebrows.

  • 16. Xiaolu | October 12th, 2010 at 8:06 am | #

    So cute and wonderfuly springy for those of you on the side of the earth lucky enough to be experiencing spring ;p.

  • 17. Heidi | October 12th, 2010 at 8:21 am | #

    That is SO exciting, Lorraine!!! I can’t wait to hear more about it :D
    What a lovely theme for a baby shower. These cakes are just gorgeous!
    I’m happy about having a fairly free schedule this week so I can have some guilt free sick days. and I’m happy about the sun shining more frequently these days :)
    Heidi xo

  • 18. Faith | October 12th, 2010 at 8:33 am | #

    First of all, congrats on your upcoming commercial! That is so exciting!!! Will you (please, pretty please!) post a link to it on your site so readers here in the US can view? ;) The cupcakes are adorable, love the little ladybugs! Hmmm, my latest teeny moment of happiness would have to be the dark chocolate truffle I just ate, lol. :)

  • 19. Katrina | October 12th, 2010 at 8:37 am | #

    Cute cupcakes!!

    SUCH exciting news about the TV commercial!! Can’t wait to see it :)

  • 20. Karen | October 12th, 2010 at 9:15 am | #

    Rock on, Lorraine! Can’t wait to hear your news, and these little delights are just another of your pure moments of inspiration. Totally adorable.

    My latest teeny tiny moment of happiness was (almost) finishing a piece of work that has been bugging me big time.

  • 21. Gianna | October 12th, 2010 at 9:28 am | #

    This post is one of today’s teeny moments of happiness! – I couldnt help but smile when I saw the tiny happy faces that the bee’s had on..they are still happt despite the “human kerfuffle” hee hee!

    Im so excited for you and the commercial, im sure you’ll be a natural star!

  • 22. Fiona | October 12th, 2010 at 9:28 am | #

    aww too cute :)

  • 23. Myriam @ Detours | October 12th, 2010 at 9:32 am | #

    Teeny tiny happiness 1: starting the day with this gorgeous and inspiring blog post from NQN!! Lorraine, wow, your bees and ladybirds are so cute!!! Hope Christie enjoyed her cupcakes!

    Lorraine, I’m so happy for you and all these good news, you deserve it 200%…

  • 24. Pam | October 12th, 2010 at 9:34 am | #

    Oh, well done with those adorable cupcakes Lorraine! They really do look like Spring. Might just have to try making some of those.
    and woo hoo re the commercial!!! I’m sure you’ll do a fab job of it. :)

  • 25. Shan | October 12th, 2010 at 9:43 am | #

    Teeny Tiny Happiness #1: Sharing a book I loved as a child with a class and they loved it too.

  • 26. Bev Malzard | October 12th, 2010 at 9:52 am | #

    Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous – you clever cook you! They make my heart sing just looking at them.

  • 27. thebakingaddict | October 12th, 2010 at 9:57 am | #

    The cupcakes are seriously cute!! Congrats on the commercial, cant wait to hear about it when you can tell us! My heart dropped when I read you dropped your iphone 4, thank goodness its ok. My latest teeny tiny moment of happiness has to be the fun day I had at the great brownie bake off on saturday :)

  • 28. Rosie | October 12th, 2010 at 10:01 am | #

    Teeny moment of happiness- yesterday the 180cm, often grumpy and smelly , 19 year old son, stumbled from his bedroom and asked if I wanted to go to lunch and a movie as I had a day off! He even washed his hair for the occasion. Small pleasures

  • 29. Rob Emanuel | October 12th, 2010 at 10:01 am | #

    Teeny Tiny Moment of Happiness for this month – perfecting a lime or lemon sauce for poultry, pork and fish without using sugar!

    Love your site.

  • 30. Belinda | October 12th, 2010 at 10:05 am | #

    Hi there, very cute cup cakes! Just a question, why do you soak the poppy seeds in milk? I have made loads of Poppy seed cakes and have never heard of soaking them. Thanks

  • 31. sally | October 12th, 2010 at 10:05 am | #

    It’s great to hear such positive things! My teeny tiny moment of happiness for today is that I can plant my climbing beans!! LOL

  • 32. Julie @ Willow Bird | October 12th, 2010 at 10:07 am | #

    These are SO cute and sound amazing–

    AND CONGRATULATIONS!! That’s so wonderful, Lorraine! You deserve it!!

  • 33. Bubble and Sweet | October 12th, 2010 at 10:07 am | #

    Mmmm that poppyseed and mango looks interesting in a good way. Wow television commercial, big news.

    My days are filled with 3 teeny tiny walking talking moments of happiness.

  • 34. jen | October 12th, 2010 at 10:31 am | #

    Wow, how exciting! I’m assuming it’s a food commercial? ;)

  • 35. ToniTones | October 12th, 2010 at 10:33 am | #

    Yay! Yay! Yay! Congrats on the commercial :)
    Here are some of my Teeny Tiny Moments of Happiness:
    - when hubby sneaks home for lunch to do the dishes while I’m at work so I can come home & chill out
    - falling asleep with the smell of our neighbour’s Jasmine wafting through the bedroom windows
    - watching my strawberry plant slowly form little fruit

  • 36. Shirley@kokken69 | October 12th, 2010 at 10:49 am | #

    Lorraine, congrats on you new project! Don’t forget us when you become a famous star :) ! The cupcakes look so pretty. Have never worked with fondant… But have recently been tempted to play with it…

  • 37. penny aka jeroxie | October 12th, 2010 at 10:51 am | #

    how pretty! and such great news. can’t wait to watch the commercial. :D

  • 38. Matilda | October 12th, 2010 at 10:51 am | #

    Lorraine, you’re a whirlwind and a never-ending source of entertainment and inspiration .
    The cupcakes are soooooooo pretty and I’m beyond impressed that you patiently, very patiently sat there and made the ladybirds and bees . High five to you :-)
    I love surprises and can’t wait to find out what yours is!
    AAAAAAnd to see the TV commercial. You are going from strength to strength, so glad that all your hard work is paying off.

  • 39. Di-licicous | October 12th, 2010 at 11:01 am | #

    oh yum! I love mango – I bet they’re moist.
    My teenie happiness moment for today is having a still in pajamas day with my daughter…..and endless cups of perfectly brewed tea.

  • 40. Barbara Harris | October 12th, 2010 at 11:12 am | #

    They are very cute. Congrats on the commercial gig. I shall look forward to seeing it.

  • 41. Stefania | October 12th, 2010 at 11:15 am | #

    Excited for you Lorraine! Can’t wait to see the ad!
    Teeny Tiny Happiness:-
    #1 Having my nails shellaced for the 2nd time (for free) after 1st attempt didn’t work and they look great even after 5 days of domestic use!
    #2 Getting a great hair cut and blowdry and being served my new absolute favourite herbal tea – Aveda Comforting Tea – divine no sweetener required big deal for me! Bought some as soon as I left he salon thk u Chatswood Chase for being u! Lol
    #3 My son making his bed, packing his bag yesterday morning 1st day back at school without me even mentioning anything! x
    #4 My niece telling me she loves me because she’s five and thinks I am awesome (when I feel like I’m not)
    #5 My hubby for everything and last but not least
    #6 My puppy waking up during the night incessantly from 2am – 7am wanting to go out but not really wanting to go out – ummmm sorry no got that one wrong not a good thing but yeap all the rest made that not so bad plus she is super cute with her beautiful big brown eyes!!

  • 42. yuki | October 12th, 2010 at 11:39 am | #

    That’s some awesome news!!! THat will be such a cool experience too =) looking forward to that.
    Btw…i love ur cupcakes..! especially with mango in it ^^

  • 43. Joanne T | October 12th, 2010 at 11:50 am | #

    I LOVE them! Put a smile on my face today!
    Can FEEL the love made in your own special way!
    Thanks for always sharing something creatively innovative and new!
    Makes me now want to try a “little bit of happiness” food myself too!

  • 44. MaidInAustralia | October 12th, 2010 at 11:51 am | #

    Ohh, I’m so excited for you. Can’t wait to hear your news.
    I love the teeny tiny happiness list. I do these each day, though I tend to do things, and I find 5 things usually (because that’s less of a challenge than 10. Baby steps).
    My five things today were:
    1. Waking up to kitty cuddles and purring.
    2. Cuddles from my kids (even though they both tried to chuck sickies from school).
    3. My laundry is clean and tidy. (One room in the house is a start!)
    4. I’m broke, but I still have a roof over my head, food in the fridge/larder, and we’re warm and dry. Others aren’t so luck.
    5. I’m feeling more creative than I ever have in my life. Just need to get all the crap like tax returns and property settlements out of the way so I can get more of it onto my puter.
    And hey, I’ve found 6. Reading blogs likes yours and tweeting with my twitter peeps. I’ve met so many fun and talented people this way than I ever would have without the net.

  • 45. Joanne T | October 12th, 2010 at 11:53 am | #

    BIG congrats on your upcoming commercial too!
    Got sidetracked re experiencing your wonderful photos of the cupcakes this morning, TRUE!
    Look forward in the commercial you we see,
    WOW! Not Quite Nigella in Australia and New Zealand will be on TV!!!

  • 46. Annette | October 12th, 2010 at 12:11 pm | #

    Teeny tiny moments of happiness include reading your wonderful blog, good luck with the commercial, please share if possible because it will not air in the USA ;)

  • 47. AR | October 12th, 2010 at 12:39 pm | #

    Can’t wait to see the TV ad Lorraine.
    Cute cupcakes :)

  • 48. Hannah | October 12th, 2010 at 12:45 pm | #

    I honestly believe that teeny tiny moments of happiness are what make like worth living.

    Mine was a super fun email interaction with a friend I met overseas that absolutely lifted my out of my doldrums last night :)

  • 49. Phunk | October 12th, 2010 at 12:52 pm | #

    I bet your friend loved these! They look so cute & sound delish :)
    Excited about your news, can’t wait to hear more!

  • 50. sharan callender | October 12th, 2010 at 1:07 pm | #

    my teeny bit of happiness was to race home from our bakery and find my delightful daily ounce of inspiration waiting for me on the email
    thank you for making my day buzzingly great

  • 51. Johanna GGG | October 12th, 2010 at 1:16 pm | #

    Those bees and ladybugs are so cute – teeny tiny cake decorations delight me – and I will be very excited to see you commercial – just hope it is on the ABC (ha ha – just joking)

  • 52. Moya | October 12th, 2010 at 1:17 pm | #

    These cupcakes are adorable, such work going into the decorative pieces! Can’t wait to see what your next project will be – TV, hmmmm? Product, Place or Experience? Arrgh, don’t keep us guessing!

  • 53. Liv | October 12th, 2010 at 1:22 pm | #

    Those cupcakes are adorable!!! Mango & poppyseed…must try that combination. A lot of the time there’s a cupcake/muffin with poppyseeds in it, it’s orange flavoured…and I’m allergic to oranges!! :( But I can definitely do mango! :)

    YAY!! Can’t wait to hear more about your adventures in TV land :)

    My latest teeny tiny moment of happiness… eating a packet of Wizz Fizz sherbet and watching my cat curiously trying to figure out what I’m doing! :)

  • 54. Tammy | October 12th, 2010 at 1:52 pm | #

    oh, I love your cupcakes!! and the commercial sounds very exciting. Cant wait to hear what it is so i can keep an eye out for it!

  • 55. Sarah | October 12th, 2010 at 2:11 pm | #

    Oh my gosh – congrats on the commercial! Looking forward to seeing it :)

    Was the mango flavour really pronounced? Last time I attempted a mango cake it wasnt very mango-ey!

  • 56. Chanel | October 12th, 2010 at 2:29 pm | #

    Those cupcakes are just gorgeous :D

    How exciting is your TV commercial!!!

    My latest teeny tiny moment of happiness was laying on the lounge last night with one of my cats curled up against me :)

  • 57. Barbara Bakes | October 12th, 2010 at 2:54 pm | #

    Sounds like you’re in a whirlwind of happy right now. I’m going to need a link to the television show so that I can watch and be a proud Mum. Congrats! xoxo Mum

  • 58. 5 Star Foodie | October 12th, 2010 at 3:39 pm | #

    These look so cute, I love all the cheerful spring decorations!

  • 59. Anna Johnston | October 12th, 2010 at 3:54 pm | #

    Well now, before I forget. Ladybugs & Bees are awesome, your a very clever one & all this success coming your way is so, so deserved.
    OK…, here’s my teeny tiny happiness news:
    My Mr HG was so overcome that no-one had ever bought me a diamond that he bought me a diamond set in a white gold necklace for no reason & ‘just because’ …., I am ridiculously thrilled & overcome (apparently the diamond studs I bought years ago don’t count) – the fact that its Springtime, the sky is blue & the birds are a-tweetin’ have just made today a great day.

  • 60. Midge | October 12th, 2010 at 4:35 pm | #

    Now here’s a recipe I see myself doing in a bit, what with all the mangoes in this part of the world. And I *heart* those adorable bees and ladybirds!

  • 61. mashi | October 12th, 2010 at 4:45 pm | #

    You’re so creative Lorraine, these cupcakes look so cute. Love the bees!

  • 62. Amy | October 12th, 2010 at 4:55 pm | #

    Ahhh! These are fantastic. So so cute

  • 63. Sneh Roy | October 12th, 2010 at 5:29 pm | #

    These are a work of art! You rock! and oh wow! tv commercial! You go girl! Can’t wait to see you on telly :-)

    My Teeny tiny happiness No 1 – Rivvy(my 6 year old) has started sleeping till late every morning. I have to wake him up as opposed to him waking up at the crack of dawn since he was a baby :-)

    My Teeny tiny happiness No 2 – A crazy maniac van driver nipped my car, but I got away with barely a scratch and some paint off.

    My Teeny tiny happiness No 3 – I just celebrated 15 years of being with my soulmate and he took the day off so we could spend it together minus the kids :-)

  • 64. InTolerantChef | October 12th, 2010 at 6:01 pm | #

    My,oh my, I hope you don’t forget all us ‘little people’ now you’re a big star! Congrats!!
    My teeny tiny moment of happiness was my littlej bringing me in a daisy with a real live ladybird on it.( but then we had to re catch it, and save it from the cat, and release it, but somewhere nice, where the cat couldn’t get it, and somewhere with green plants to keep it happy…whew!)

  • 65. Fig and Cherry | October 12th, 2010 at 6:22 pm | #

    Thank you, thank you, thank you (x infinity) for the wonderful cupcakes. They were a super-big hit at my baby shower. You are the sweetest friend ever! :)

  • 66. Nuts about food | October 12th, 2010 at 7:01 pm | #

    Congratulations for the beginning of your TV career!! Beautiful cupcakes!

  • 67. Rosa | October 12th, 2010 at 7:12 pm | #

    Oh, so pretty! I love your cute decoration. Great flavors.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • 68. polkadottuille | October 12th, 2010 at 7:26 pm | #

    I love the cupcakes, they are super cute!! I can’t wait to try them out:)

    My tiny happiness is when I have a great cup of coffee with a delicious cupcake.

  • 69. Christie | October 12th, 2010 at 7:36 pm | #

    Tiny hapiness today
    leaving work while it’s bright and
    knowing I have delicious pasta at home

  • 70. sophia | October 12th, 2010 at 7:41 pm | #

    These are just too DARling!!! Eeee! Love the ladybugs and the bees! hm, they also made me wonder if the big news is that you’re pregnant, lol.

    I just found out there’s a legit rosemary bush near my school. Sweet!

  • 71. Emma @CakeMistress | October 12th, 2010 at 9:25 pm | #

    Gorgeous as always m’lady. Starting to salivate at the thought of cheap fresh mangoes. Yipee for spring!!

    Will be keeping a keen eye out for your TV appearance :)

  • 72. Celeste@Berrytravels | October 12th, 2010 at 9:39 pm | #

    Congrats on the TV commercial!

    I love those cupcakes – perfect for spring plus they look super cheery!

  • 73. Hanna | October 12th, 2010 at 10:29 pm | #

    Naw, these are perfect for a baby shower!

    I came home yesterday after a weekend away and the flat was tidy and my boyfriend had done the laundry!

  • 74. Heavenly Housewife | October 12th, 2010 at 11:57 pm | #

    My latest moment of happiness: picking apples with my hubbs.
    Lovely cupcakes.
    Cant wait to hear your big news. I have some hunches…
    *kisses* HH

  • 75. Beth | October 13th, 2010 at 2:07 am | #

    I love the cupcakes. My name and logo is a bee so those were my favorite.

  • 76. mylittleexpatkitchen | October 13th, 2010 at 2:14 am | #

    Congratulations! That is fantastic news. A tv commercial, incredible!
    Your cupcakes are gorgeous. Your friend’s baby shower must have been a “sweet” event :)
    I love those bees, I have baked Nigella’s bee cake and they’re so easy to make!
    Magda

  • 77. Chocoholic | October 13th, 2010 at 2:55 am | #

    I hope you plan to post the commercial on here so I can see it too! That must be thrilling, can’t wait to read the surprize! The cupcakes are adorable too.

  • 78. Jennifer Richardson | October 13th, 2010 at 7:43 am | #

    Congratulations!! A TV commercial…how super exciting!

    Teeny – Having my pilates students follow me around different gyms for classes

    Tiny – Smelling freshly baked (anything) and buying/devouring it

    Happy – Waking up to see NB has left a vase of lilies on the bedside table in the early hours of the morn…

  • 79. Loll | October 13th, 2010 at 8:51 am | #

    Congratulations Lorraine! What fantastic news!! I can’t wait to see you on the tv. :)

    My teeny tiny moment of happiness was waking up in the house I love with the Frank I love…

  • 80. Esz | October 13th, 2010 at 11:18 am | #

    They look so yummy – I love poppyseeds AND mango :-D Your decorations are so cute

  • 81. Conor @ HoldtheBeef | October 13th, 2010 at 11:34 am | #

    omg you’re going to be a TV star! Hang on, it’s not on Guthy Renker is it?

    Yay!

  • 82. Gummi Baby | October 13th, 2010 at 1:01 pm | #

    I’ve never thought to put mango into a cake mix but they sound delicious and why ever not?!! I love the idea of making bite-sized ones as I’m not really a sweet-tooth. I find it hard to believe that you can do anything related to cooking in a 15 minute window though! :D

  • 83. Genevieve | October 13th, 2010 at 4:40 pm | #

    Love the cuppycakes :) using almond flakes instead of messing around with MORE fondant is a great solution to the wings-problem too! Thanks!

    Teeny tiny moments of happiness: getting a surprise extra day with my boy,some sunshine- something I haven’t seen in weeks, and my beans plant producing another 6 beans when I thought it was done for the season! :)

  • 84. Cooking Gallery | October 14th, 2010 at 4:25 am | #

    Aww….These cupcakes look adorable and sweet :) ! You’re right, it just got into my mind that Spring is coming there, it’s the opposite here! The days are always somehow gloomy and cold…!

  • 85. Julia @ Mélanger | October 14th, 2010 at 10:04 am | #

    What gorgeous baby shower cupcakes. Christie is very lucky! :)

    My latest teeny tiny moment of happiness is watching, staring and being entranced by my baby Nina! She makes me smile, even when I am now 4 weeks into serious sleep deprivation! ;)

    Can’t wait to find out more about your TVC!

  • 86. take in paris | October 14th, 2010 at 3:11 pm | #

    Congrats for the occasion of appearing in TV Commercial, that must be so cool..

    The teeny tiny moment of happinesss? For this moment is to look at these cute cupcakes and admire the ladybugs and bees…

    Sawadee from Bangkok,
    Kris

  • 87. Sue | October 15th, 2010 at 1:54 am | #

    These cookies are adorable and sound delicious! I have a soft spot for bees:) Can’t wait to hear about your exciting news!

  • 88. Avanika (Yumsilicious Bakes) | October 15th, 2010 at 2:27 am | #

    Congratulations, Lorraine!! THat’s so awesome. Be sure to put a vid up here for us :D

  • 89. Brenda | October 15th, 2010 at 1:20 pm | #

    Aww they are perfect for a Spring baby shower! How gorgeous!!
    Hahahaha love all your teeny tiny moments of happiness :)
    Ooooo commercial?! How can you leave us hanging like this! Come on tell us already!!

  • 90. clearlytangled | October 15th, 2010 at 2:49 pm | #

    these cupcakes look darling and delicious. congrats on the upcoming commercial! any chance that it’ll be on here or on youtube so non-aussies and kiwis can watch??

  • 91. MissA | October 15th, 2010 at 4:56 pm | #

    Those are beyond adorable! I’m so impressed at everything you can fit in – and can’t wait to see your commercial, congrats!!!

  • 92. Courtney | October 15th, 2010 at 5:12 pm | #

    Hello NQN,
    I am a long time reader but this is my first comment!

    I can’t help but notice those sugar blossoms that you bought from the Adelaide Central Market- they must be from Lucia’s. There is a very special warehouse in suburban Adelaide where they make these exact flowers and many more little sugar pretties and sell them to the public for next to nothing. I’d be happy to share the address with you on your next trip to Adelaide!

    Courtney

  • 93. Val | October 15th, 2010 at 10:00 pm | #

    Congratulations, even though we will probably not see it here in South Africa. My not so teeny moment of happiness – I have just come out of hospital after 10 days and I am feeling great.

  • 94. The Bilby | October 17th, 2010 at 7:59 am | #

    Lorraine, I loved your list of Teeny Tiny Happinesses (is that a word?) and I am going to aim to do a list like this once a week. Picking Jasmine and avoiding Mr NQN’s clumsy comments being my favourites. Mr Bilby is always looking for ammunition regarding my own clumsiness so it’s always nice to get away with something! Huge congratulations on your TV debut. I might see it on YouTube. I’d be horrified to be on TV myself, but as you’re a pretty young thing it’s not a problem!

  • 95. Forager | October 18th, 2010 at 7:36 pm | #

    A TV star!! Congrats on the upcoming commercial! Gorgeous cupcakes too – those ladybirds are waaay too cute to eat!

  • 96. grace | October 19th, 2010 at 4:48 pm | #

    sigh. i wish i had a second home in australia. not only would i live in australia, but i could experience summer and spring year-round. win-win! great cupcakes, lorraine. :)

  • 97. Angela@spinachtiger.com | October 27th, 2010 at 1:17 pm | #

    I’m glad I came back to this post I missed. Now I hope that commercial is going to be on youtube.

4 Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Post a Comment

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *
*
*