After rousing support from friends, family, strangers, and my beloved Cupcake Lovers, I was proud to announce my placement as a finalist for The Black Street Awards. I knew that I wanted to celebrate this victory and say, "Thank you" to everyone who voted, liked, subscribed, followed or ever read my blog.
Hostess Shelby
Drinks and laughs were had all night!
L-R: Adrienne Fikes, Guest,
Sharia B of Socialite Events and
Caryn & Sydney of BottomlessMimosa.com
The event was sponsored by Sweet Themez bakery, CityLifeDeals.com, and WashingtonEats.com. With a venue in mind and the date set, over seventy-five people poured into the Blue Banana Sports Bar (3632 Georgia Avenue) and partook in libations like: The Cupcake Critic (a cherry cran vodka with peach soda and grenadine), Black Forest cupcake (whiskey, ginger ale, blackberry soda and lime) and the Pineapple Upside down cake (Malibu rum and pineapple juice with pineapple chunks). My sister and assistant, Shelby, played hostess as she greeted guests and handed out gift bags.
Guests enjoyed signature cupcake drinks
Jess Harper of U.S. News
The cupcakes were flowing as guest noshed on mini vegan red velvet, chocolate chip, grandma's pound cake with raspberry cream and a coconut caramel cupcake all provided by Sweet Themez bakery. Gift bag recipients enjoyed an extra treat as goodie bags contained a red velvet cake pop also from Sweet Themez bakery.
Obama campaign interns: Toan and Mike
Radio Host & Cupcake Contributor UniversalEm
with Steph White of S. White Events
Ladies enjoyed lovely spa treatments courtesy of Stacia Jackson of Pink Papaya and gift bags from Shannon Burgwald of Stella & Dot. Meanwhile, Leon Bailey and Gerald Watson of CityLifeDeals.com took pics and shot video of party goers who ranged from media members, cupcake lovers, new and old friends.
The Beauty Bar provided by Stacia Jackson of Pink Papaya
Bloggers Ariana Graham and Nicole Crowder
After mixing, mingling, and cupcake carnage, it was time to draw for the door prizes. Photographer and blogger,Nicole Crowder, won the Foundation bracelet courtesy of Stella & Dot. Blogger Waverly B. won a $30 Gift certificate from Pizza Haven (Bethesda, Md) courtesy of WashingtonEats.com. Monique Graham won the $25 bar tab from the Blue Banana Sports Bar. Cupcake Contributor, Curvy CEO won the lip scrub kit from Pink Papaya and event photographer, Tim Peeples, won a dozen cupcakes from Sprinkles Georgetown.
Jenn Farley of Savory Simple and WashingtonEats.com
with prize winner Nicole Crowder
Winner Nicole Crowder with
Shannon Burgwald of Stella & Dot
I took a moment to acknowledge some folks who have been instrumental with the blog. There were so many people to thank but I especially wanted to thank Nisi Bennett of Forever A Pear who would be hosting the Cupcake Challenge for a Cure that Saturday whereby I would be a judge. I was able to present Mrs. Bennett with a pink bracelet specially made for October, being breast cancer awareness month, courtesy of Shannon Burgwald of Stella & Dot.
Nisi Bennett of Forever A Pear
Nisi and I exchange a hug! Aww....Cupcake Love!
By the end of the night, no one wanted to leave and the party went on until 10:30PM with guests still pouring in. Good times were had by all and afterwards, I was ready for NYC. Thank you D.C.
Hey Cupcake Lovers! To quote Rakim and Timbaland: "It's been a long time...I shouldn't have left you...without a dope beat to step to" There's been soo much activity here at Critic HQ that I haven't kept everyone updated with my posts.
My Black Street Awards
First, I'm proud to announce that I am the winner of the Black Street Award for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website'!!! The awards ceremony was held on Monday September 17th at the Millesime in New York. I am so excited (and exhausted) but still on my award-winning high. Thank you to all of my Cupcake Lovers, family, friends, and everyone who voted for me! Check out this video recap to see snippets of the awards show...
Speaking of awards, I am happy to announce that I am a nominee for 'Best Food Blog' for The Black Weblog awards! Let's keep the momentum going D.C. and show them what we're working with! Voting starts on September 15th and will end on October 3rd. To vote for the Cupcake Critic for 'Best Food Blog' click here....
Me hugging Nisi Bennett of the Susan G. Komen Walking team,
Forever-A-Pear; coordinator for Cupcake Challenge for a Cure
Thanks to your rousing support, I am a finalist for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website'for The Black Street Awards! The black-tie award ceremony will take place on Monday, September 17th at the Carlton Hotel. Honored guests include Mikki Taylor of Essence Magazine, award-winning actor Isaiah Washington, and New York state Senator Kevin Parker.However, before I travel to NYC.... we have to celebrate in D.C.!
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