Totally sweet! It's friday! Fire up Facebook, click on these links, and while away the work day, sweetly! (I won't tell your boss, promise.)

Cake Revival: In Los Angeles, almost-extinct desserts get new life.

Sweet cream: Jeni's Ice Creams are "the best I've ever tasted" says Cake Gumshoe Margaret, who says her favorite is the salty caramel.

Sweet fancy: here's a reason to wish you were in Chicago right now: The Baked Escape.

More sweet TV: DC Cupcakes is coming to TLC!

Cream Cheese and Paula Deen: They're teaming up to help us get fat with a $500 per day recipe giveaway starting July 19!

Best Book Tour Ever: Jennifer Weiner is doing a book tour for her newest novel, and at each reading, there will be cupcakes from a local cupcakery (including Love at First Bite in Berkeley, Sprinkles in Los Angeles, Betty's Tasty Buttons in Philadelphia, and Society Bakery in Dallas!).

Ice Cream Sundae Brownies? I love you, Picky Palate.

Toffee? Pretzels? Beer? Why decide? In Chicago, a confectioner combines all three. (via NY Times)

Whoopie! If you're in Seattle, you're in for a treat, with the upcoming Whoopie Pie Bake-Off at Oddfellows Cafe.

What did you do over your summer vacation? In the Seattle area, an 11 year old is making cupcakes (and bank!). (Thanks Suzette for the tip!)

Sweet sisterhood: new show DC Cupcakes is hosting a blog essay-contest giveaway.

Pie Irons. Yeah! In double, square, and round. Thanks to Kristin at Meringue Bake Shop for the tip-off!

Sweet Memories: Remember the CupShake?