Cake Wrecks Book
A couple of weeks ago, we featured Jen Yates' new book Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong, and promised to send a free book to a Neatoramanaut whose question got answered by Jen. Here's her pick (and answer):
From Avid Cake Wreck Reader Rebecca: "I read on your site that you had taken cake decorating classes with your husband. I wondered if you ever posted one of your cakes as a wreck?"
And the answer is: Yes! You'd have to check the comment section to know this, but the infamous Epcot (aka Spaceship Earth) cake was made by me and John. That's part of why it was so funny when so many commenters told me I was wrong to call it a Spaceship Earth cake. Yep, we got a *huge* kick out of that - and still do when readers make a "I think that's Epcot" crack on a new post. Heh.
Thank you Jen and congratulations, Rebecca! See more at Jen's blog Cake Wrecks
Neatorama Mystery Sale
It's done! After two solid weeks of shipping, all shipments finally went out. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Mystery Sale!
If you haven't gotten yours yet, please be patient: it may be in the last batch, which means that you should get it either by next week or early the following week (USA) or add a week for customs clearance for international destinations.
New at the Neatorama Shop
M-Cups, the measuring cups shaped like matryoshkas or Russian nesting dolls are HOT - we've sold out of the current batch and are waiting for our next shipment ... if you order them today, we'll add a little extra "mystery" bonus to your order. ;)
I never would have bought one for myself. But it is kinda cool and the SPAM-like tin is pretty funny.
The big question seems to be:
Is it worth Nine bucks?
Archie McPhee in Seattle retails it for $11.95, and I got quite a laugh from the whole idea. The can looks great in the pantry.
I was pretty darn disappointed when I opened the package, but decided to just consider the expense a donation to support Neatorama.
I have no hidden desire to terrify my cat, so I wish it had -some- use. I'd use it as a travel pillow, but it seems too squeaky.
Lighten up Francis. I've participated in several mystery sales and the turkey was pretty cool, I actually had a chuckle when I opened it. My coworkers were fascinated by it but I didn't want to take it out of the container.
I too was disappointed by my items (even though they did throw in a free bacon air freshener, yuck).
But, like elfi21, I felt going into it that it was just a donation to support the website (which I enjoy every day).
Although the inflatable turkey can be seen as a fun thought for Thanksgiving, I hope the Neatorama mystery sale people remember that we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Europe...
Just once, I wish I could get something really really cool!
I wish you sold the matryoshka sewing kit or those lavender sachets. Love you, neatorama.
....most of that being UK shipping.
I've been checking it most days since then so that works out at a measly $2.43 per year (or £0.35p per month)
Worth it!
What's up with the inflatable turkey?
I gave it to a friend as a wedding gift. I ensured him it was worth at least 10 dollars.
I got an inflatable turkey.
My disappointment was substantial.
so far, I read of inflatable turkey, bacon air freshener, plush biotic/viruses.
1 Box ordered = Turkey
2 Boxes = Turkey + Virus Plush OR Bacon
3 Boxes = Turkey + Plush + Bacon
And so on. So I think I already know I'll be getting a Turkey and a plushie! But meh, I can't complain, I've wasted more money then this on junk food. :P I just think Neatorama should look into how they ship and make it more random by adding a LOT more variety. I think the biggest complaint I'm seeing is that it's not the fact people are getting the turkey... it's the fact EVERYONE is getting the SAME item. There's no mystery when you can tell exactly what you'll be getting from reading the comments! :) Either way, I'll probably try again, I'm a sucker for silly items.
The turkey has now made appearances in the shower, clothes dryer, bicycle basket and fridge. I'm afraid of where it may be right now.
This is my first mystery sale and I thought it was fun. Trust me when I say that I've spent $10 on worse things so I'm not bothered it wasn't something that I normally wouldn't purchase. I do agree that it would be nice if there were a variety of silly things rather than just one set prize per sale.
I'd send it back but don't see the point in paying what ever it costs to send it back to USA.
That's not a knock at Alex or the other contributors, the queue is a difficult feature to manage effectively.