Local Flavor: Lincoln Art Festival Sept. 26-27, 2009

This event is perhaps one of the coolest things about living in Lincoln, Nebraska. For many it might have been given the title of the coolest. For us it is something we look forward to this event every year.

The Lincoln Art Council has taken probably one of the yuppiest parts of town and turned it into this very laid back cool atmosphere for all kinds of art to be discovered. Perfect fall days are the scene for thousands of folk mingling with artist and art collectors. The smell of kettle corn and roasted almonds filling the air and the sound of local jazz and blue floats through the crowd.

"...Brought to you by the Lincoln Arts Council and the help of over 75 volunteers, the Lincoln Arts Festival will celebrate its 9th year on September 26th and 27th at SouthPointe Pavilions Shopping Center. The festival will be home to fabulous works of art for purchase and perusal, amazing live music acts to enliven your senses along with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere complete with children’s activities, food and raffle prizes including two round trip tickets to Chicago on Amtrak with a free two night stay at the downtown Holiday once you’re there...

...If art is what you’re after (and we hope that you are) you’ll have the opportunity to float through nearly 100 artists’ booths displaying their very best wares. About half the artists will be returning favorites while the other half are new participants with exciting, innovative pieces to share. Affordable pricing on valuable pieces allow you to get carried away while keeping your budget in tact. If you’re looking for a great piece for that blank wall, a unique “off the registry” gift for a family or friend or just something fun for your coffee table, garden or earlobes, the Lincoln Arts Festival is the place to find it."

We hope to see you there! All Gurus will be in attendance! For more info go to Lincoln's Art Scene.

Local Flavor: PJ's Baby Cakes

There’s been a consistent theme in our Local Flavor that was brought to our attention recently—women who have turned their passion into businesses that continue to bring inspiration into their lives and those around them. Amanda of PJ’s Baby Cakes is one of those such women.

PJ’s Baby Cakes is a cupcake business located in Waverly, Nebraska but is more often found in Lincoln. Amanda, owner of PJ's Baby Cakes, hosts a variety of flavors ranging from traditional vanilla to flavors matching orange-chocolate candies and root beer floats.

Like many new businesses, PJ’s Baby Cakes came out of lost—a lost of a job early this year. According to Amanda her first thoughts after loosing her 9-to-5 was “finally I can start a bakery.” Highly enthusiastic attitude quickly took a nose dive into a slump that lasted over a month until her loving husband and strongest support, Zac, encouraged her off the sofa and into the kitchen.

The name “PJ’s” comes from little Patrick John, the son of Amanda and Zac, who often tags along on cupcake deliveries and at the Haymarket Farmer’s Market. The business began as “made to order specialty cupcakes” and continues to be that today, but as mentioned if around the Lincoln (Nebraska) area on any seasonal-Saturday you’ll be able to meet and experience the “Cupcake Goddess” yourself and her delights.

Cupcakes are made fresh according to order and come in a variety of cake and icing flavors with fun decorations and even fondant for special orders.

Amanda would like to stress one thing and that is “focusing on cupcakes.” She is dedicated to providing the customer with the “perfect cupcake.”

For more information either go to www.pjsbabycakes.com or call 402-786-2249. And for a very limited time PJ’s Baby Cakes can be found every Saturday at the famous Haymarket Farmer’s Market in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Note: PJ’s Baby Cakes has full knowledge of this article and is in support of it. Public comment welcomed!