What is the best icing to use for a cake that has a way to travel to an outdoor party with a big chance that it will be a hot day and still look and taste good.........yes a nightmare scenario but one I may be facing shortly, and as a beginner I have no idea as to where to start

Indydebi's buttercream icing works well and holds up to heat and humidity. Here's the link...

http://cakecentral.com/recipes/6992/indydebis-crisco-based-buttercream-icing

Good luck!

Any all-shortening recipe like indydebi's or Sugarshack's would be a good choice. And try not to add too much liquid...keep it pretty stiff, but still spreadable. Cakes that will be outside on a hot day are no place for butter-based or very soft icing!! Good luck!