Hey Cupcake! Review

We have driven by the new Hey Cupcake! stand in Oak Hill and finally dropped by to see what it was all about. I have heard several people say they were amazing cupcakes, so we had to check it out.

With one store front and four other location "on wheels" in and around Austin; business does not seem to be too bad. I think the idea is cleaver, especially in a town like Austin. If you haven't seen one of these stands, basically the menu consists of 7 cupcakes, drinks and other gift items (shirt, hat, gift card).

Kari ordered The Standard and Red Velvet. We tried both and to be honest weren't very impressed. The Standard left a funny after taste in my mouth, none that I desire in a cupcake. The price seems a little high as well. Coming in at $2.50, that will be the last $5.00 I will spent at Hey Cupcake!.

With a little quality improvement in the flavor of the cupcakes, this little business would be smokin', but until than, it is just and average, quirky desert joint in Austin.

Have a great day.

High Expectations for $12.00; Let Down

According to the Los Angeles Times’ Ken Bensinger, “DreamWorks' latest animation fest, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, surpassed all expectations for its opening weekend, bringing in $63.5 million.”

Twelve dollars of that $63.5 million was ours, although I did not see it on Friday night, as previous stated. Kari and I caught a matinee showing of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa at the Alamo Drafthouse yesterday.

First Reaction to the film: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa was funny, just not as funny as Madagascar. All the loveable characters did a wonderful job and of course, the penguins did an amazing job. Don’t get me wrong, I laughed almost the entire time, but I don’t recall any memorable lines. From an adult perspective, I think there were some awkward moments that made it not as funny (Skipper the Penguin's love interest, strange). In the first film, the dialogue seemed more punchy, raw, and memorable, but this had a more “scripted” feeling, and I wasn't able to take away any one line that caught my attention.

Overall: Concerning the plot and sub-plots; the film wasn’t bad. I enjoyed the back story on Alex, how they got to Africa and the individual and collective problems all the characters dealt with were well thought out and entertaining. I enjoyed watching the friendship between Alex and Marty continue to grow and overcome conflict; I highly enjoyed this part of the film.

Basically, it wasn't a bad story, just not as cleaver, funny or catchy. I went in the film thinking it would be Madagascar all over again, but it wasn't (which is expected). I left the film unsatisfied and that is why I was let down. I would say rent it, but don't spend too much on it.

Please let me know if my disappointment is valid or if you loved it; drop me a comment.

David Crowder Band: Remedy

Now sitting at Number 4 on the Top Albums chart on iTunes, the David Crowder Band is back with Remedy. At first glance, many Crowder fans notice only ten tracks on this album, but don't let that discourage you. Each is unique and worth while, thereby amplifing the standard by which many artists should pattern their track selection. This is not any easy album to listen to, while not only praising God, the lyrics in "Surely We Can Change" call Christians to live differently. Easy for some, often times we over look people who really need love and I think the lyrics speak for themself, take a look:

where there is pain
let us bring grace
where there is suffering
bring serenity
for those afraid
let us be brave
where there is misery
let us bring them relief

and surely we can change
surely we can change
o sure we can change
something

With the love of Christ, we can reach out to those in need, pain and hurt and do what Crowder proclaims, "the whole world’s about to change…" In October, Crowder begins a club tour and recently announced a collection for the homeless would be taken. "Here's what we would ask you to do do: bring towels and socks to the concert! you heard correctly - BRING TOWELS AND SOCKS WITH YOU TO THE CONCERT!," is what the statement said. It will be interesting to see how many items are gathered here in Austin on Oct. 4th. I am looking forward to helping start the "change."

Other noteworthy tracks include: "We Won't Be Quiet," "Can You Feel It," and "The Glory of it All." The album also includes fimilar hymns and praises to God. Each track is delightful and God honoring. I hope you enjoy the album as much as I have. Have a great weekend. God Bless.

*Note: JMob, I did buy it!