LONG BEACH Sugar and caffeine have made for a flavorful combination at a new business open in Long Beachs Sandpiper Mall, Sweet Celebrations.

    Angela Cox and Amanda Prest opened their colorfully decorated, cupcake-themed shop on April 8 in the former space of the Rocket Diner.

    Previously employed at Sportsmans Cannery in Seaview, Cox says she started out selling truffles and other sweets at local weekend markets, festivals and at the cannery. Opening a shop of her own had always been her dream, which became a reality with help and support from her cousin, Robert Smith.

    In addition to truffles, Sweet Celebrations also makes cupcakes, cake balls, caramel apples, chocolate covered strawberries, rice krispy treats, smores bark and drumsticks a pretzel stick dipped in caramel, then dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with nuts.

    The cupcake offerings vary depending on the day, offering the basics like red velvet, tiramisu and carrot cake as well as novelties and unique flavor combinations, such as maple bacon, Mountain Dew-Gatorade, peanut butter and banana, Payday candy bar, chocolate caramel pretzel and cotton candy. They also make themed cupcakes for birthdays, baby showers, weddings and other parties, and what Cox calls 21 and over cupcakes, which are recipes that use liquor or beer. Custom orders are available with 24 hours advanced notice.

    Customers can wash down their sweets with Sweet Celebrations very own blend of Columbia River Coffee Roasters coffee, sodas, juice and energy drinks. Paying customers may also access the stores free wifi.

    In the future, they plan to expand their menu with milkshakes, smoothies, gluten-free items and dog biscuits. Cox and Prest also plan to host teas, cupcake decorating and wine pairing events at their shop. A grand opening event is planned for sometime in May.

    Located at 101 Pacific Avenue South in Long Beach (next to Long Beach Pharmacy), Sweet Celebrations accepts credit cards and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    For more information, call 642-0003, email them at sweetcelebrations@centurylink. net, or find them on Facebook.