Where to Score the Best S’mores Treats in Seattle

by Allison SutcliffeAugust 10, 2021

It’s National S’mores Day! And we’re happy to report, you can celebrate with the kids, even if you’re not around the campfire in the middle of the forest We’ve got what you need to track down deliciously creative versions of this ooey-gooey treat right here in the city. From s’mores donuts to a molten cake, here’s where to get your s’mores fix today.

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Zuri's Donutz

When it comes to donuts as an art form, the folks at Zuri’s Donutz are master artists. Bite into their indulgent Trojan Smorez to taste your favorite campfire flavors (including a torched marshmallow) when your s’mores cravings hit. Wondering about its name? Well it’s totally gluten-free.

Hours: Thurs., 5-10 a.m., Fri.-Sun., 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

7600 196th St. S.W., #850
Lynnwood, WA
425-582-8803
Online: facebook.com/zurisdonutz

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KJ’s Cakery Bakery Sweet Shop

There’s nothing low cal about the many sweets you’ll find at this south end bake shop. And there’s no limit to the creativity either. For a twist on the typical try a S’mores Thickums, a totally loaded cookie that’s soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a S’mores Sammie—graham cracker buttercream sandwiched between two chocolate marshmallow cookies, rolled in graham cracker crust. Gotta love these kinds of touch choices.

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11:20 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Sun. & Mon.

204 Central Ave. N., #101
Kent, WA
253-277-2516
Online: kjscakerybakery.com

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New York Cupcakes

You may only be able to get this specialty cupcake on Saturdays, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. Baked with only homemade ingredients, New York Cupcakes’ Campfire S’mores includes a graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache-filled chocolate cake and a rim of marshmallow buttercream filled with toasted marshmallow meringue. We'll take two!

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

15600 N.E. 8th St.
Bellevue, WA
425-283-5445
Online: newyorkcupcakes.com

Hot Cakes

If you like your s’mores served hot, you’re in luck! Hot Cakes’ S’mores molten cake is an individual chocolate cake topped with a roasted marshmallow. The ice cream and chocolate sauce are served on the side so your steaming hot cake doesn’t get soggy. Families can order this in gluten- and dairy-free options too, so everyone can enjoy.

Hours: Vary by location

Ballard
5427 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA
206-453-3792

Capitol Hill
1650 E. Olive Way
Seattle, WA
206-258-2591

Online: getyourhotcakes.com

Lady Yum

For a lighter take on the s’mores experience pick up a pack of Lady Yum’s S’mores macarons. Unlike most of Lady Yum macarons, the s’mores flavor contains gluten, but don’t let that stop you from biting into this flavorful cookie that’s just the right size. Our favorite part? The marshmallow hidden inside.

Locations in Seattle, Bellevue and Kirkland

866-499-1977
Online: ladyyum.com

Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

The fact that they torch the homemade marshmallows after they put them on the top makes this ice cream sundae extra gooey. Celebrate National S’mores Day with Shug’s original S’more Sundae. It’s a hard-to-beat treat on a summer day. Our suggestion? Grab spoons to share!

Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 1-8 p.m.

Pike Place Market
1525 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA
206-602-6420
Online: shugssodafountain.com

Hello Robin

For a s’mores treat that’s as homegrown as Macklemore himself, look no further than the Mackles’more from Hello Robin. Set atop a Graham Cracker, this gooey cookie features chunks of pure Theo Chocolate goodness and melty marshmallows. Order just the cookie or turn it into a sandwich that hugs your favorite Molly Moon ice cream flavor.

Hours: Vary by location

University Village
2570 N.E. University Village St.
Seattle, WA
206-397-3634

Capitol Hill
522 19th Ave. E.
Seattle, WA
206-735-7970

Online: hellorobincookies.com

Indulge Desserts

Put this cupcake shop on your to-visit list when you visit the island of West Seattle. The s’more cupcake is everything it should be. With a toasted marshmallow frosting piled high on top of the chocolate-y cake, it’s the perfect balance of your favorite summer campfire flavors.

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Sun. & Mon.

9003 35th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA
206-428-8581
Online: indulgedessertsllc.com

—Allison Sutcliffe

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First Birthday Party Decorations You Can Make in a Flash

by Christal Y.July 3, 2021

Save money with DIY decorations that make your babe’s first birthday party look spectacular. Yes, they’re quick to make. And no, you don’t need to be super crafty. Read on for ideas on how to perk up your party with cupcake garlands, light-up signs, baby pics and more.

Click here to save to your fave DIY boards on Pinterest.

Fly, Baby, Fly

Remember how to fold paper airplanes? This simple craft becomes whimsical decor for a birthday party. Allie of The Brimblecom Blog swept us off our feet with her fleet of paper airplanes on the wall.

Topsy Turvy Garland

Cupcake holders make an amazing garland. First, collect leftovers from your cupboards and friends. Then make Rachel Hollis's vibrant garland—it takes a little patience and time to string everything together, but the results are kooky-fabulous in the most Alice-in-Wonderland of ways.

A Bouncy Entrance to Fun

Who needs helium? String balloons upside down with colored streamers of your choice just above those little outstretched hands to really get tots jumping. High-fives to Saar Manche for remastering these two common props with originality.

Tassels in the Air

If your high chair, table or countertop needs a little pizzaz, Callie Manion has solved your problem. Elevate that furniture to festive status with a shiny line of tassels embellishments.

Feed Them Fun Facts

Fun facts on your food table signs take them to the next level. Lavender's Blue Designs shows us how. Whether you choose interesting info from around the world about babies and birthday parties or funny memories about your special babe, it's a great way to keep your guests engaged and give them something to talk about.

Show 'Em Your Mug

When it's your child's birthday, everybody is there to see them, so there is no better theme than their own cute face. Ice Cream Off Paper Plates featured Owen's expressive face everywhere, from mantel garlands to cake toppers.

Always Your #1

Finally, a way to show off all those photos you took of your beloved babe. Add visual joy by using your fave photos (or all of them!) to build a gigantic number uno.

Fold Up Fun

Ellia had a radiant birthday filled with neon colors and cool geometric shapes. The wall of triangle origami by Darling & Daisy really caught our eye. Turn any empty wall into a psychedelic cavern by folding square sheets of paper diagonally in half. Then fold the edges about 1 centimeter in, allowing you to stick it on the wall and let it pop! Check out more of this 3D display at 100 Layer Cake.

Showstopping Lights

All you need is one showstopper to wow the crowd, and everything else will fall into place. The mom-crafter from You Are My Fave lit up the room with a glowing marquee sign that elevated even the most simple decorations without going over the top. The tutorial from Oh Happy Day requires a bit of work and wiring, so opt for making the number 1 or the just first letter of your child's name.

Reach for the Sky Decor

No helium for floating decorations? No problem! Hang your baubles from your chandelier or fan for ceiling-to-floor flair. Leah of Love & Lion spraypainted these plastic animals with bright colors and hung them from her lights for a colorful, creative effect.

Center of Attention

Your superstar deserves all the attention he or she can get on the big day. Show off candid photos as centerpieces at your guests’ tables. A Little Savvy Event propped up their photos with a colorful clothespin for this birthday social.

Streaming Pink Throne

The seat of honor is a very important spot indeed. Crafting mama Courtney of Joyful Joyful Designs gave her one-year-old the spotlight with this stunningly decorated high chair. Fun fact: This was actually Mom’s childhood high chair (refurbished) before Hudson sat in it!

—Christal Yuen

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American Girl & Magnolia Bakery Join Forces for a Cupcake-Packed Cyber Party

by Erica LoopApril 13, 2021

American Girl and Magnolia Bakery are teaming up for a very special virtual event! The two beloved brands are both celebrating big birthdays: it’s American Girl’s 35th anniversary and Magnolia Bakery’s 25th.

In honor of both events, fans can take part in a cyber cupcake baking bday bash. Tune in to the American Girl Birthday Bash, Hosted by Magnolia Bakery Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. ET for plenty of cupcake-filled fun.

Magnolia’s Chief Baking Officer, Bobbie Lloyd, will help your fam to mix up their own bountiful batch of cute celebratory cupcakes.

The virtual event is $115 and includes the online cupcake decorating event and a limited-edition American Girl x Magnolia Bakery Cupcake Kit. The kit comes with six full-size and 12 mini vanilla cupcakes, colorful sprinkles, edible star decorations, food dye gel and powdered sugar (a.k.a. the main ingredients in buttercream), icing bags and decorating tips. Your kiddo will also get one American Girl Cupcake toy in the kit.

Along with Chief Baking Officer Bobbie Lloyd, the event will also feature special appearances by influencers Rachel Pitzel, Ava and Leah Clements and Zooey Miyoshi. Tickets to this virtual events go on sale Apr. 13 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Buy your ticket from Magnolia Bakery’s website here.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

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Betty Crocker’s Cookie Cups Are Baking Bliss in a Box

by Erica LoopMarch 18, 2021

Betty Crocker just made baking a fave Easter treat easier. If you want to step up your sweet treat game, the new Cookie Cups kits make it easy to whip a batch of this IG-worthy dessert.

What exactly is a Betty Crocker Cookie Cup? Like the name says, it’s a cup-like cookie. Think of a cookie-cupcake combo and you’ve got the idea!

While these boxed mixes aren’t Easter-only treats, they’re certainly perfect for your bunny day bake-off. Each kit comes complete with the mix you need for the cookie cups, frosting/filling, sprinkles/toppings and paper baking cups.

You won’t need to shop several stores to pick up each part of your cookie cup recipe or worry about complicated baking processes. These kits are super-simple and perfect for bakers of every level.

The mixes are available in a variety of fun flavors, including Rainbow Candy, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Chip Fudge, Chocolate Fudge, Salted Caramel Pretzel and Peanut Butter Fudge. Find the boxed kits in grocery retailers nationwide, such as Walmart and other fave stores.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Betty Crocker

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An Usual Milestone That Means the World to Me

By Alex Andreae

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 15, 2021

Photo: Joanna Malinowska via Freestocks

Parents often discuss common milestones their children pass through: first foods, first steps, first words. All have their own major impact on a child’s development. Beyond those common ones are numerous family-specific milestones and events—their first stuffed animal, the strange (and usually funny or cute) way a child pronounces a specific word or phrase, and much more.

For me, one of the most memorable milestones that I learned from my first child and excitedly waited for in each of my two tag-alongs was the understanding of the word “then.” There’s countless words to be taught to a toddler, each with their own importance. Communication is critical. In my family, it was the word “then” that had a much more powerful impact than the more obvious choices of milk, toy, train or cow.

Each noun or adjective my children learned was important, but it was the power that came along with the understanding of “then” that meant so much to my wife and me. Understanding it indicates a milestone of learning that any simple words can’t possess on their own. “Then” is one of the first words that shows the next stage of brain development and quickly becomes a day-to-day (or minute-to-minute) word for any parent:

Eat your peas and then you can have some dessert
Watch your show and then let’s read a book
Put your toy away and then go pick out a new one

Before that simple word, my kids would have launched themselves into a cupcake at first sight. After learning it, toddlers have a sense of self-control and rewards.

As an adult, we take that simple connecting word for granted. Everyone knows its meaning and no one questions the order you want something done. As a parent, that simple word brings a new communications dynamic and raises conversations with your toddler to a whole new level. After a year or so of only looking 10 seconds into the future, your little one finally has goals! Yes, they may be small, but immediately, their horizons grow to think about the future.

It’s a powerful concept, all from the word “then.” It completely changes the parent/child dynamic and sets the stage for a toddler to begin their development into a kid.

I’ve spoken with many other parents about how much that word means to me, and I’ve received many strange looks in response. After discussing for a while, most seemed to agree it was important, but not nearly the hefty milestone I made it out to be. I completely understand. As I stated at the beginning of this post, each family has its own unique milestones and events that mean the most to them. For me, some of my most memorable moments were seeing the thought process of my children understanding that simple word.

Of course, even now, a sweetly said ‘daddy’ still gets them the cupcake immediately.

Alex Andreae

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Father of 3 that run the gammut from wild and daring to quiet and introspective. I'm always surprised by how crafty, witty and ingenious each can be in their own unique way. I figured out long ago that they have more to teach me than I do them.

7 At-Home Sweet Treat Kits for Valentine’s Day

by Meghan Yudes MeyersFebruary 11, 2021

There are loads of sweet ways to show your family some love on Valentine’s Day, but we’re partial to sugar-laden sentiments! We gathered up a few of our favorite at-home kits for the ultimate Valens-DIY. There’s an exploding cupcake, a magical unicorn cake and even a simple frost-your own cookie kit. Show your family how much they mean to you this Valentine’s Day weekend with one of these at-home sweet treat kits. All you need to add is love!

Make a Magical Cake

Make Valentine's Day a Valens-DIY! Caketime is an all-the-time DIY cake decorating studio in Northern Virginia! You can come to this Chantilly shop for some masked fun, pick-up a to-go DIY kit or have cookies or a cake delivered. As a dedicated DIY shop, Caketime has a number of sweet projects to fill your Valentine's Day weekend, from a magical unicorn cake to a simple cupcake kit. Why buy just one?

4300 Chantilly Shopping Center, Ste #1H
Chantilly, VA
703-657-0999
Online: caketimediy.com

Explode with Love (and Sprinkles!)

These EXPLOSIVE cupcakes aren't just for icing. You can fill them with sprinkles, too! Cut out the centers and let your kids add their favorite sprinkles, top with frosting and, you guessed it!, more sprinkles (or fancy DIY chocolate toppers). When you cut into these cupcakes, they spill their sweet contents out like a mini (edible) piñata! Each kit comes with 6 cupcakes and all you need to make these pint-sized cakes explode! Henry's Sweet Retreat in Bethesda also has DIY cookies in addition to these decorate-your-own cupcakes; all are available for curbside pick up or delivery.

4823 St. Elmo Ave.
Bethesda, MD
240-483-0485
Online: henryssweetretreat.com

Frost-a-Roo

If you have three sweet little munchkins at home, or you and your partner have just one huggable, lovable tiny, this box of to-be-frosted chocolate chip cookies is meant for sharing! Three oversized cookies come with all you need to whip up the ultimate Valentine's treat. The Valentine's Frost-a-Roos also comes in a gluten-free version. Get ready to add shimmering sprinkles to these mega-sized treats. Frost-a-Roos are available for pick-up, delivery or can be shipped to you from Sprinkles in Georgetown.

3015 M Street NW
Georgetown
202-450-1610
Online: sprinkles.com

Pipe Some Flowers

Pick up this DIY cookie kit at Buttercream Bakeshop on Feb. 13 or 14 (limited delivery is also available for DC residents on Feb. 14). Each kit includes 6 sugar cookies to frost with vanilla buttercream for at-home fun. Included in the kit are rosette tips so you can make pretty floral cookies and have some family-fun with piping. Don't forget the sprinkles!

1250 9th St. NW
Mt Vernon Square
202-735-0102
Online: buttercream-bakeshop.square.site

DIY Your Own Box of Chocolates

Fran's Cake & Candy Supplies in Northern Virginia is a one-stop shop for those looking to up their baking game. You'll find fondants, sprinkles and cookie cutters galore here. They also have DIY kits to go; pick up this Valentine's Day Cupcake Kit that lets you create cupcakes that look like your favorite box of chocolates! Want some hand-holding while you frost your creations? Fran's is offering a Parent & Me class for Valentine's Day with special guest Dawn Alston, a former Food Networks competitor.

10927 Main St.
Fairfax, VA
703-352-1471
Online: franscakeandcandy.com

Celebrate Your Kiddotine

Make Valentine's Day sweeter this year with a Kiddotine Goody Box from Neighborhood Provisions. Each kit includes 2 sugar cookies and 2 cake pops your little sweetheart can hand paint with fondant. For larger families, order Neighborhood Provisions' cookie decorating kit, which includes 6 sugar cookies. DIY cookie kits are available for delivery on Feb. 13 or you can pick up your pre-ordered sweet treats at one of their five locations (listed below).

Bluejacket
300 Tingey St. SE
Navy Yard
202-524 4862

Rustico Alexandria
827 Slaters Lane
Alexandria VA
703-224 5051

Rustico Arlington
4075 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA
571-384-1820

Red Apron Mosaic
8298 Glass Alley
Fairfax VA
703-676-3550

Owen’s Ordinary
11820 Trade St.
North Bethesda, MD
301-245-1226

Online: nrgprovisions.com

Choose Your Own Flavors

Mix-and-match your favorite cupcake flavors, icing colors and sprinkles for a vegan treat this Valentine's Day. Plant-based bakeshop Sticky Fingers is offering DIY cupcake kits, make-your-own brownie kits and a chocolate covered strawberry cupcake virtual baking class for the ultimate sugar rush this Valentine's Day weekend. Pre-order your sweet treats for curbside pick up.

1370 Park Rd. NW
Columbia Heights
202-299-9700
Online: stickyfingersbakery.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Smucker’s Unicorn Magic Shell Is Everything Your Ice Cream Needs

by Erica LoopFebruary 10, 2021

Magic is coming to your ice cream bowl! Smucker’s recently announced the grand debut of a new magic shell flavor—Unicorn.

The popularity of unicorn-everything endures. After scooping up ice cream, cookies, and candy in fanciful sparkling rainbow hues, now you can top your kiddo’s (or your) sundae in a glistening blend of pink, blue, and purple.

photo: Courtesy of PRNewsfoto/The J.M. Smucker Co

Smucker’s Unicorn Magic Shell features a super-sweet white cupcake flavor that, like other Magic Shell varieties, freezes on top of your ice cream in mere seconds. Ali Brown, Director, Smucker’s Brand Strategy, said in a press release, “We’re excited to sprinkle some fun for the whole family and their ice cream sundaes with our enchanting, unicorn shell ice cream topping that is sure to delight those of all ages.”

Brown went on to add, “New Smucker′s Unicorn Magic Shell topping brings a little magic to birthdays, Friday nights or any excuse to have ice cream.” You can create your own dessert-style magic right now. Pick up Smucker’s Unicorn Magic Shell from retailers nationwide or on Amazon.

—Erica Loop

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This Princess Cupcake Jones Collab Is Beyond Cute

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 26, 2021

When Ylleya Fields couldn’t find characters that looked like her daughters, she created one. In response to the lack of diversity in children’s books she wrote the hit series, Princess Cupcake Jones which was inspired by her own kids. Princess Cupcake Jones recently announced a deal with Payless including clothes and merchandise based on the title character.

The Princess Cupcake Jones series has been a popular choice for mothers to read with their kids, including celebrity moms Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, and Christina Milian.

The title character, Princess Cupcake Jones, is based on Field’s daughter and involves her going on imaginative adventures and learning important lessons in each story. The collaboration with Payless went live in late 2020 and includes merchandise, including backpacks, pajama sets, purses, jackets, shirts, and of course, the dress and tutu used by Princess Cupcake Jones in the books.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Payless

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Show Your Fur Babies All the Love with ALDI’s Valentine’s Pet Goodies

by Karly WoodDecember 29, 2020

With the holidays over, why not plan for the next big day? If you’re a lover of Valentine’s Day and want to show the fur babies in your life some extra love, head to ALDI.

Starting the week of Jan. 13, you can find plenty of pawsome products as part of ALDI Finds. With everything under $8, you can stock up on toys, apparel and even a scratcher for your pets. Keep scrolling to see our faves!

Heart to Tale Valentine's Cat Scratching Playhouse

$7.99

Heart to Tail Dog Toys Valentines Cupcake

$4.99

Heart to Tail Dog Toys Valentines Pink Pig

$4.99

Heart to Tail Pet Apparel Valentines Hearts Shirt

$4.99

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of ALDI

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Celebrate Halloween at Home with DIY Cupcakes from Sprinkles

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 28, 2020

Many parents are looking for fun alternatives to keep their kids busy on Halloween. This year trick-or-treating may involve indulging in sweet treats at home. Sprinkles has families covered with their newly released limited-edition Halloween DYO-TO-GO Cupcake Box.

Available on Sprinkles.com now until Oct. 31 for $25, these boxes are the perfect activity for families and kids to enjoy together this Halloween.

Each kit comes with:

4 unfrosted cupcakes (1 Red Velvet, 1 Dark Chocolate, 1 Sprinkle, 1 Pumpkin)
Frosting (2 Cream Cheese, 2 Dark Chocolate Buttercream)
Assorted decorations featuring ghosts, pumpkins, skull & cross-bones
Assorted Sprinkles featuring our NEW Fancy Halloween blend

Order now at https://order.sprinkles.com/ or find their nearest Sprinkles location at sprinkles.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Sprinkles

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First Birthday Party Decorations You Can Make in a Flash

Fly, Baby, Fly

Topsy Turvy Garland

A Bouncy Entrance to Fun

Tassels in the Air

Feed Them Fun Facts

Show 'Em Your Mug

Always Your #1

Fold Up Fun

Showstopping Lights

Reach for the Sky Decor

Center of Attention

Streaming Pink Throne

The seat of honor is a very important spot indeed. Crafting mama Courtney of Joyful Joyful Designs gave her one-year-old the spotlight with this stunningly decorated high chair. Fun fact: This was actually Mom’s childhood high chair (refurbished) before Hudson sat in it!

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