Also I can't even believe I didn't post this. 

Personally, This is Hardcore is our favorite fest to do.

Why? Because its an out of state trip, which makes it exciting.

It isn't too far to make it a pain in the ass. 

This year Corin came and let me tell you - it was an amazing time. 

I wish we filmed all the shit that can go wrong in a food truck fest, in a road trip, in a work trip- in our day at Hardcore Sweet pretty much... 

We get to the hotel- they didn't book our hotel.

Do you know how hard it is to find a hotel that isn't booked during this weekend especially at 4am.

It was hot. Its end of the July, and when your AC was ripped off the week before your cupcake truck- let me tell you shit just is not fun. You are stressed your product will melt, that you made too much, that you forgot something (which lets be for real we did.) 

But one thing I can say is my husband went to this fest with reservations and excitement all in one.  Jeremy as he puts it, is on "hiatus" with his band. He left, he let them do whatever they need to do to put out another album. 

It's hard, I feel like I see my husband sad, and hurt- I hurt. Not to be a sentimental sap, but damn this was the one thing he dedicated himself to before he was married, so it hurt him to see his band play without him for this first time. It was like a band aid. Who knows how permanent it is, whatever his choice is - I support. Personally the reasons why it happened are his- they are silly, and I get his anger and why he just wants to be happy and not be near anything, anyone or any situation that is negative. He is so blessed to have some great friends, a lot that are now good friends of mine, and

Thank God my husband is a loyal guy. He is so optimistic and humble.  He at least got to do some filming at This is Hardcore- this is something him and a friend of his Mike worked hard on.

Jeremy is so proud of this video, and that makes me proud of him - he found something to be dedicated to- and I see the excitement he gets from making this mini documentary.

Ok, GO WATCH!

Okay, Okay I am such a liar. I can't keep up my end of the bargain on the blog. But then again - this is probably only for me, like a therapy. 

I need to get better at this, post, document, and look back and laugh at all the shit we have to do and hopefully smile in a year when all these sacrifices we are doing now will be in the past! 

Luckily we are getting an amazing crew. We are doing so many great opportunities. Too many opportunities are thrown our way, and unfortunately we have to turn down.

We have been asked to have our truck at every single event throughout the state, and we are so booked and with one truck we can only book up so much.

Hardcore Sweet is in high demand in LA- We were just asked to do the SOA series finale party, and the AMA's and a few other events- we just can't. We have small kids who have schedules, and a very small work crew, granted are amazing, but just not all are the most reliable. It happens.

Meeting with Mo, the owner of the Pin Shop this week gave us a huge perspective to running a business. This guy- is just one of the most nicest, kind hearted people we have come across, and his words of wisdom really do stick. This is someone who busts his ass all day, every day- and runs businesses.

He said, it takes a rare and certain type of person who can write their name on the front of the checks. Not everyone can do that- not everyone wants to. Most just want to come in do their minimal and get paid. 

It is hard, it is so hard to write so many checks out- make sure vendors are paid, employees are paid, rent is paid, and wait to take a check in 6 weeks after everything clears and you have a weekend. It is like a gamble sometimes - we have 3 kids and it is really stressful- lets hope we bust our ass hard enough to make sure we have enough money to treat the kids to ice cream this week, to pay the electric, hell - to have gas to get to our own business. 

We kind of laugh now, especially with local business owners, who know the crap shoot of owning a business- especially one that has NO, we mean ZERO capital. Every piece of equipment, we buy outright on sale, on Craigslist or through someone going out of business. Granted we have no debt (for the most part) but man it is a struggle. A struggle I don't think many families would do or even attempt. Sometimes I think we are crazy. 

Then I get an email from a bride, or someone with an allergy, who thanks us- who comments on how they would never go anywhere else- and it makes the stress worth it. It makes us push. Hustle. 

We have a motto at the bakery, and no we don't take credit for it but whenever we get overwhelmed one of us usually looks at someone else and shrugs and says "CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP" 

So that is what we are doing, not stopping. There is no much planned, and in the works and for someone who can't even keep what they get people for Christmas a secret- this literally hurts me, but it'll be worth it! :)

There is so much to update, and so little time.
I have about 8 minutes until the pre heat button starts singing bright and early, and about 6 more minutes until my coffee goes from blistering hot (the way I like it) to luke warm.

I will try to type fast. A lot is happening, a lot has changed, and a lot well has just been the same- which is always great.

Personally, Professionally, this is MY blog- Myself along with Jeremy own Hardcore Sweet, and we luckily
"own" three beautiful children and a beautiful dog which are more important then Hardcore Sweet.

There I said it, there is actually something more important then work. I see other businesses around the state, and see that some owners do not have kids, and I see how many more events, product and what not they are banging out... we can't. We have limits, big ones. I have three young children that pretty soon, I am going to blink and they are going to be asking to drive my Escalade...Who am I kidding, that will never happen.

No way will I let them drive that car! Haha! :)

I know as a new business, branching out and still branding ourselves it will get easier.
As far as the craze with everyone wanting to own a bakery in Watertown, here is my take.  We did research before we settled in Watertown. Here is why we did
1- We wanted to be close to Waterbury still, our roots, but closer to Litchfield/Torrington area where a lot of our customers are from and where we started at MSMP.
2- There was only another bakery here, which had a TOTALLY different spin and menu then we did (breads, pastries, wholesaling, etc...)
3- We loved the industrial feel... as a cupcake "factory"

Now since we moved in there are I think... 4 or 5 total... in Watertown. My take- I don't care!
It's like pizza, people are going to have their favorite. Do I think that is a lot of bakeries in a smaller town- yes. However, it just makes me want to step up my game more.
Some are different then what we are doing, others are trying to do the exact same thing. Good for them.
I hope we all walk away with not working 100 hours a week and a million dollars.

My only note would have been do a little more research and open up on unclaimed territory- other towns that need a bakery. That is what we will be doing... for our 2nd location of course!

Talking to Jeremy about it- his take "well (so and so) bakery does has the same names as some of our cupcakes, who cares imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and walked away.
Stopped. Came back and said "If I hear that bakeries start naming cupcakes after hardcore bands, that's when I will snap and go in and talk to them!"

Oh my love, always sticking to his roots! Ha Ha!

Speaking of which, Redscroll Records was a hit again this year for Record Store Day!
It makes me think of this persona and labels people put on others.

Can I just say "Hardcore Kids" who come in our shop are some of our best customers. Always friendly, welcoming, patient if they need to wait for more vegan to come out. Supportive. And do not mind the price ticket of $15 for a six pack. They add on vegan soap, and a hot rod bag to their order with no problem.

These people are maniacs. And we love it! 

It makes us get ready for This Is Hardcore. Only a few months to go and we will be in Philly doing 18 hour days, sweating our bags off in a tin can truck.

Besides random events booked out all fall, a lot of people are getting married! It is awesome! 

We are also doing a lot of classes-

One coming up we are PSYCHED FOR... Lucky Taco class part 2 on CINCO DE MAYO!! 

This is going to be awesome. Tequila, Cupcakes and the best tacos ever.
They did just win Best of Hartford 2 years in a row!! So proud of this couple.

Not only are they great vendors we have worked with, but friends- and really hard workers who get the whole balancing kids, home life, bills and working hours until you look like a zombie. 

Go like their page and see why they are voted the best. 

Honestly, Dave has me hooked on coleslaw, or their housemade coleslaw. 28 years old and NEVER would touch that mayonaise soaked cabbage. He has shown me the upscale freshness of a delicious  addition to tacos.

https://www.facebook.com/LuckyTaco

Sign up for the class too... May 5th! 

http://www.hardcoresweetcupcakes.com/#!upcoming-classes/c1r49

I promise I will update more. 

Ha. I even laughed out loud after I wrote that.
But seriously, I will try. 

I swear I thought I would be better at this blogging thing.
I swear I am doing ten million things a day, and then I think "oh this would be good to include in the blog" 

Alas, it never happens. As much as people think we are a big operation, we aren't. Some might say I am a control freak. Some people bein my husband.

I have no shame in it. I have to say, since opening our own space, the response has been overwhelming. And guess what, I take that personal. This is something I gave up everything for. So if someone gives us rave reviews, I take it personally. If someone gets pissed about a price, or their cupcakes, or anything that people can nit pick, guess what I take that personal. One great form of advice was from Dan at John Bale, do not put your emotions in business. It's true you can't. 
In nursing though, I did the same. I'm a sap sucker deep down inside. My bitch Italian attitude hides it very well, but I do, I'm too emotional..and probably why I work so many hours. If something is wrong- its on me.

So what do we have coming up... Valentines Day is coming, and probably the business time of year .we are getting ready though. Slowly. 

I think during blogging I am going to start showing you some tips that we do in the bakery, and some of ur favorite items we like to we. Like cocoa...I can't even describe the difference in cocoa, and how much of a difference it makes in your baking. That extra $2.00 between the fancy brand of cocoa you can not pronounce vs. the store brand is WELL worth it. If you have it! The color, smell, and richness it gives is so different...it's scary! If not, I like to add a little bit of espresso or strong coffee to bring out the chocolate flavor in with a less expensive cocoa powder. Try it!


Another topic i am going to hit upon on this post is our location. We love it, like I mean really love it. It's a big enough space, it's affordable, it's run by the nicest family, an awesome manager, and full of many many many incredible businesses with more coming in. The signage, I get it people! We have no front sign. It is happening. We like to do everything by the rules. Everything has to approved by the town, the building owners, certain colors, sizes and material are all factors. And we are in a really really old building... We have to wait to drill into those bricks. You come in the store, shake your head that couldn't find me. But in reality you did. And we thank you for that.

We are working on it. Really. We sell ot almost every day, shy deeds if cupcakes and orders go out with an actual sign who knows how may more. The word of mouth with these newly devoted fans and our amazing ones who have been with us since day one on a truck have been great abut spreading the word and directs! 

Another blog post will be up soon...I swear. Rig now on an iPad you can't do too. Inch. Ate you can and I'm old fashioned and I like a desk top. Not even a laptop. And I'm determined to get one for the house again. We have iPads, laptops and net books here, but my desktop was brought to the business and as much as I like my bakery, I like seeing. My kids, hearing them laugh and hearing all about their day! Trust me I can't even go into the guilt this momma feels, to go from astray at home mom (an amazing me at that , tootin my own horn!) to abusiness owner that took off instantly and working 16 hrs most days, is agony most days. Heartbreaking.  Bunny is going to be three tomorrow. THREE!

My heart :(  she's sick, and the boys haves snow day on my day off !!! On that note, I am spending the day getting goofy, and fighting the last of this crappy cold.. Busy weeks ahead of us with exciting news around the corner to announce. 

XO

So yes we won Cupcake Wars!
It is a reality. It was an accomplishment, that happened because myself and Jeremy earned it. Noone else.

Was it possible without help- without a doubt, our parents, our friends and our families, and our trustee taste testers... it helped us get to that level.

John Bale Cafe, was our "incubator", a term they like to refer to themselves as, personally- it reminds me of eggs.. chicken... whatever, but it is really the same concept. We grew and built our business in their facility, used their resources and took our ideas, our blood, sweet sweat and lots of tears into this magnitude if a Cupcake business that we reached. We can't thank them enough for putting up with us for a year, and I know they are so happy that in just a year, we out grew and now are on our own farm... see what I did there?! Haha. Our farm is really a factory- the Old Pin Shop in Oakville, and damn does it feel good to be here.

Honestly, it is night and day. The businesses are cross promoting, welcoming and well, just really nice and supportive. It makes us realize that our choice was the right now.

YES I know I said we put "Connecticut on the Map"
YES I really do mean it.
YES I do know other companies won on Cupcake Wars.
YES I respect those companies.
YES I stand by my damn statement, that luckily everyone LOVED and quote when they come in, It's actually cute.

Here is the thing, those interviews are like 6 hours long, and they edit it, and they kept that part. Honestly I don't even remember say that. And again, honestly I was upset that they didn't keep my quote of  "For all the T Ball games I missed, Bed time stories I couldn't read, and dinners that were take out and not homemade- this is for you, the three biggest fans I have, my loves, my children."

THAT, That is what I really wanted to hear. I had it envisioned that they would be at our party watching it for the first time, and watching me cry and see that I am sorry for everything for the past year I had to miss out on. That is what I wanted.


We are a small business, a very very small business. We  have such respect for every other buisness, because trust me- we KNOW how hard it takes, the hours, the money and the dedication to keep it running.
To hear negative talk through the grape vine, because remember we do live in that small state that "we put on the map" so it is really upsetting to see these companies we respect try to tear us down and pick us apart.

Tell me the reason.
Because it is NOT ok to try to tear down the hard work that myself and my husband have done. We have given up every penny, and then some to start this business, we work 18 hour days regularly, and we refer people to all other local businesses if we can not take a job, especially to the companies that we know are talking negative about us.

It is sad really. Childish, and really at this point kind of comical.
Get over it, and give it up, seriously. People talk. Small businesses talk. And the only way to keep a float is helping one another.

Thank you for all the support, it makes us feel that it was worth the move and the sacrifice to keep this up.
As far as the Cupcake Wars post.. that will be up soon.

We do not broadcast about the show, because as much as it has helped us, launched our business we want to be known for our logo done by Dominic at at Brass City Tattoo and our crazy cupcakes that are always fresh. The cupcake wars logo and winner title, is really just our added bonus on our resume ;)

Umm SURPRISE... Cupcake Wars tonight will have us on it!

This is just such a hectic month- I have literally three minutes until we have to leave to get ready, so I can't even- or wouldn't want to cram in all the new, eventful and crazy news that is happening and has been hitting us like a ton of bricks.

HOLY SHIT!
1- We have moved locations. Thank you to John Bale Cafe for accommodating us, helping us with the start up, and believing in our idea. We appreciate it so much!
2- Our new location will be in the Old Pin Shop in Oakville CT, right above Acorn Liquors *Everyone knows where there is a liquor store right?*
3- We will be having small retail, classes,  and MUCH MUCH more.
4-Our website is in the process of being revamped- Thank you so much Kae Pilat, you are way more creative then myself, or Go Daddy templates could ever do!!
5- Uh yeah Cupcakes Wars TONIGHT 8pm!
6- Rob Zombie is the guest judge!
7- We will be having more locations carrying our cupcakes, so be on the look out!
8- Thank you to all the supporters and dedicated customers we have. Seriously, again- holy shit (excuse the swears , but if you were inside my head right now, that would be tame then what I am really thinking!) We could not have gotten this far in a year without all of the help, and love we get from everyone! xo
9- I apparently swear alot, But hey we are under so much stress.. But now at this point in our business, we are taking all the stress with a positive twist. We are excited to be on our own, and really branching out and doing all these ideas and events and just having fun with our job!
10- DUH CUPCAKE WARS- FOOD NETWORK, 8pm!!!! DVR IT! ;)


I hope you all like the episode, and if you don't- don't tell me, I am way too sensitive.


Tonight we will be at the Palace Theater, viewing the episode. My stomach is in knots, its KNOT even funny. Get it..  Ok, I am bad at jokes!

We will be doing a charity of the month in support of pitbull rescue. Duh, you already know how much we love us some Elsa <3 (Elsa is our pit rescue from the Waterbury pound!)

We have so many raffles, it is amazing to see so many local businesses we admire donate to help us raise awareness.

We will have pictures tonight to showcase everything, and we are trying to really show this event with photos, so be prepared for LOTS of them

-Elizabeth Richards Gifts Waterbury,CT
-Lady Bug Cake Supple Southbury, CT
-CT Roller Girls
-Onyx Moonshine East Hartford, CT
- Dippys Ice Cream Waterbury,CT
-Watertown Meat Center Watertown,CT
-Pasta Gallery Watertown,CT
-Asa Gleek Designs Torrington,CT
-Kate Stephen Jewelry Bethlehem,CT
-Brazen Betties Torrington,CT
-The Arts Desire Torrington,CT
-Good Life Wine and Spirits Waterbury,CT
-Sheeban Brewery Wolcott,CT
-Sundae Spa Waterbury,CT
-Nick Palazzo Art Southington,CT
-Corin Winters Photography Naugatuck,CT
-JALS Cake Pops Bristol,CT
-Dominic and Vinnies Pizza Waterbury,CT
-Cavallos Deli Waterbury,CT
- Harbor Freight and Too; Waterbury,CT
- Shock n Awe- Waterbury,CT
-Amis Bagels Waterbury,CT
-Hardcore Sweet Waterbury,CT
-FYE Waterbury,CT
-Pinups for Pitbulls New Jersey

and there are probably more that I forgot, I am so sorry- everything is a blur to me and we will have a more accurate list.

Again, thank you all - you are all businesses we admire and respect so to come and show your support for our little cupcake crazy business means a lot!

Thank you to such amazing employees,
Corin and Tricia- you ladies hussled and kicked ass this week. We have two of the best workers anyone could ask for.
Corin, you are my right hand WOman, and best friend- but you get me and check and recite the stupidest jokes that no one thinks is funny but us to help me destress. Thank you so much for everything you have done to help us, and always willing to have sleepless nights to to give me an extra hand. You seriously have been such an amazing worker, and we couldn't have done all this without you! xo
Tricia- You are a great asset to the crew already, thank you so much, you have been such a breath of fresh air throughout the craziness! Your determination and professionalism is something we really admire. We are so happy to have you join us in this new chapter of the business, where shit is going to hit the fan now that we have our own place, and more events happening!


If you do the instagram thing- do a #hardcoresweet so we can capture all the candids whether you are at home at with us at the Palace!

 Uh Yeah, Nick Palazzo is the sick artist (Sick means good still right?!) Either way its amazing! And we are such huge fans of your work!!

xo
Nicole and Jeremy

Sooo I didn't get RIGHT to posting about This is Hardcore.

But I still am reliving it in my head every time I look at the pictures.

The crowd, the bands, the customers, and the crew and family of TIHC made the trip so worth while.

We can not wait until NEXT YEAR!! 

We had a little fun with the menu. 

Being Jeremy is in a hardcore band- that happened to play-- Hello, 100 Demons. (plug plug plug!) 

He grew up listening to a lot of the bands playing, or he has played with.

I just felt like a fan girl half the time, or a creative baking/clever name genius.

Well... No, I wasn't a fan girl- I mean I love hardcore music- but it wasn't like Buddy Holly was reincarnated and I was watching him play. But, Lou from Sick of It All- made me freak a bit. 

His wife- who might possibly be one of the prettiest, sweetest girls I've met- came up to the truck to tell us how much she loved Ignite. Ummm yes! It made me love her even more.

Then stated we needed a Sick of it All Cupcake. 

Not only did we love this idea and last minute couldn't think of anything.

Luckily Melissa, Lou's wife REALLY thought about it.

I mean REALLY thought about it. And I can't even say how much I loved that- one- it is something I would do for my husband. two- her ideas made sense and were clever, and cute and delcious combos! and three- it showed she really appreciated our company, and supported it. 

Isn't that what it is all about anyway- supporting local businesses, bands, bakeries... 

Between the awesome food trucks that were there that welcomed us- and all the vendors, it really did feel like a close knit group. 

 This is Vermalicious- If you are in the Philly area- GO FIND THIS TRUCK! Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese?!  AMAZING! 

 This is FOO TRUCK. I am in love with how this truck is designed. Again- the food is awesome, and really cool guys with a gourmet twist on their food! 

 I mean... the guy loves Cupcakes and 100 Demons. Well done my friend! 

Our customers from Japan. We aren't even in a band and we sold T Shirts to people in Japan, Germany, Iceland, and England- and of course many kids from the states! 

This is Furnace. Human Furnace. I like to tease Jeremy and say this is Jeremys "Man Crush". I remember at a wedding of a friend, Furance was there- and my husband wouldn't leave his side. Everything he said was the most interesting thing he ever heard, and asked him if he needed a drink more then his wife.
Actually I don't think he even knew I was there the entire wedding.

I'm ok with this because well, The Human Furnace

- the singer of Ringworm is a bad ass dude. He is nice, and friendly and wanted a pickle juice cupcake!

We settled with a Hard Cider and Fireball Whisky Frosting Cupcake. Which is now on the menu- because it went over so well.

Umm yeah - Did I FORGET to mention... GWAR?!?!?!

FUCKING GWAR! 

Blood Spewing GWAR! 

Long story short- these were the NICEST, Friendliest people we have ever met.

I mean- they eat body parts, and drink blood and do insane things that will give people nightmares. 

We had such a blast- and came home to just go right back into so many more fun and crazy events.