Wedding & event inspiration, ideas and all things creative!
Decorate With A Little Bit Of Love & Some Powdered Sugar!
I’m silly. I forgot to tell you about the cupcake stencils I bought at Crate and Barrel a couple months ago - they are WAY cool!
I wish I would have told you about them sooner because unfortunately the store no longer has them online, but no worries! You can make your own cupcake stencils!
Find out how by clicking HERE. Yay!
…With Skyy Infusions Vodka & Ultimate Host Tips From Skyy!
Have you tried the new Skyy Infusions Vodka? I just noticed it for the first time the other day while shopping…but check out their site and look at the ads - there are SHOES in them!!! What a stylish little vodka! I love Skyy Vodka, and I REALLY love shoes, so I had to share.
While this blog is mostly family friendly, this blog post is obviously for adults 21 and over - so if you’re under 21, please feel free to browse the rest of the blog, but disregard this post!
I’m sure many of you have probably seen or tried fruit infused vodka before, many high-end bars will have a couple of glass pitchers on display, usually with lemon slices or strawberries soaking in vodka.
Now we can enjoy it without having to put the work into it. Skyy Infusions comes in delicious Citrus, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Cherry and Grape flavors.
Planning a wedding or hosting a party? Create your signature cocktail using Skyy Vodka, or serve some up from the Skyy Vodka Mixology Guide, which you can easily download for some sassy little recipes!
Skyy has also come up with an Ultimate Host Guide! Offering tips and ideas on how to throw a stylishly memorable party, you’ll surely find it quite helpful - after all, you want to enjoy the event too!
Learn how to get started with organized planning. Create your own themes or use one of the many themes from Skyy Cocktail Moments image collection! Find out how to set the mood with certain decor and lighting. Get tips on serving food.
They keep it simple yet creative enough to inspire you. Use your imagination to create your own party fantasy!
Get planning now, just head on over to www.skyy.com, they’ve got some really cool e-cards and backgrounds you could use, so have a blast! :) Please drink responsibly.
Lookie, Lookie, Lookie What The Cat Dragged In!
Oh chocolate lovers…aren’t these the most adorable favors you’ve ever seen?
“Customize your order of 25 or more with your choice of dark, milk or white chocolate mice, silk tail colors, box color and silk ribbon color. Personalize the ribbon and present your guests with a gift that says “thank you for sharing our special day”. - Burdick Chocolate
“Dressed for the big day in their tuxedos, our penguins have a dark chocolate and lemon ganache, and their almond arms welcome everyone to the wedding.” - Burdick Chocolates
“Scrumptious and sassy, the honeybees are hand-piped with a hazelnut forest honey filling, finished with dark chocolate, almond wings and white stripes. These favors will be the buzz of the party - making a lasting impression with your guests!” - Burdick Chocolate
Find these favors and more, for every occasion at www.burdickchocolate.com!
Thank you, Jenn Sbranti & Chambord!
Last week I attended the “Hip Hostess/Chambord Event” at The Ivy Room in Chicago, hosted by our favorite hostess Jenn Sbranti, founder and editor-in-chief of Hostess With The Mostess!
While there, she shared with us creative and affordable ideas for stylish summer entertaining. For a tropical themed get-together, she taught us how to create a zen-like experience for a more contemporary feel.
Tips included using tropical items - such as palm leaves to line the inside of glass bowls, coconut cups, orchids, river rocks, zen gardens and paper lanterns.
Jenn also suggested using tiki torches and candlelight to set the mood, along with vibrant colors.
For those who don’t enjoy slaving in the kitchen on a hot summer day (the oven heats up the house too much, ya know?), she made us feel ok about keeping it simple and ordering in, having it catered, or picking up pre-made trays from your grocery store. Nobody will know it wasn’t you that cooked all that yummy food!
During the event, we were served amazing Chambord cocktails including the French Martini, Chambord Mojito, Chambord Patio, Rasberry Cheesecake Martini and Chambord Kir Royale.
We then were spoiled with the drink recipes, including a recipe for Chambord Berry Sorbet by the Chambord mixologist who showed off a bit of his talent in front of everyone. You should have heard the “oooohs and aaaaaaahs” from the crowd as he made each drink! It was hilarious, we all sounded like a big ol’ Chambord CHOIR!
After Jenn was done sharing her fabulous party tips and the Chambord mixologist stopped mixing, I was so happy to be able to meet and talk a little with Jenn! Everyone, she truly is as beautiful as her site is, and super sweet too! The poor girl had to catch an early flight out of Chicago the next day, so we let her finish up, but wow, what a great time we had!
So thank you, Jenn Sbranti! It was a pleasure to meet you, hope to see you in Chicago again soon! Next time, you’ll have to try Chicago pizza at The Oven Grinder. Then YOU will be the one “ooohing and aaaaahing”! For everyone else, check out the HWTM Blog and Hostess With The Mostess to see the rest of what Jenn shared with us, and happy planning! -Jaime 
By the way…If you love Jenn’s super cute dress, you’re in luck! She shared with us where she got it! Find it HERE!
P.S. We tried some super tasty hors devours while at the Hip Hostess/Chambord Event, so a quickie on my favorite:
Red Grapes rolled in honey-infused goat cheese and then rolled in crushed pistachios. The caterer called them “Red Grape Truffles”. They were catered in from Blue Plate. Try it! Serve with toothpicks and display on a pretty plate. They were serving them at the event and were soooo delicious!
UPDATE: Jenn mentioned she’d try to figure out the exact recipe with the quantities for us if they’ll inform her. She said she’d post it on the blog if she can get ahold of it, so keep checking the HWTM Blog!
…Get Ready For Battle Of The Sexes At Your Couples Shower!
Getting the groom to come to a shower isn’t always easy, but if he loves to show off in the kitchen, this idea will make him happy to attend!
Host a couples shower for the bride and groom, with an “Iron Chef” theme, such as the one that Chicago wedding planner Marina Birch helped create!
“The idea”, says Birch, according to Chicago Home & Garden Magazine, ”is to have a cooking competition that will build camaraderie among the guests while at the same time resulting in the preparation of some of the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for the party itself.”
The fun begins when the guests are divided, about 12-into two teams, women vs. men, for an “Iron Chef meets Martha Stewart affair”! The best part? This competition forces guests to work together, which also helps them get to know eachother better. Result? New friends are made!
To see how it all goes down, click HERE. To contact the oh-so-creative Marina Birch for your event, click HERE.
Have A Wedding Or Shower Coming Up?
Get your favorite couple the sweetest gifts from The Merry Martini! Getting married? If you love this shop as much as I think you will, why not register here? They offer a very easy gift registry program along with wonderful customer service. Check it out!
This fabulous Pewter & Pearl Gift Set includes a lovely cake stand which comes with different mini accents to attach to it, allowing you to enjoy it year round.
Accents include a wedding cake, a bird, pumpkins and a tree! Adorable!
Why not add a little bit of love in with your yummy recipes? Sentimental and charming, these measuring spoons also come with a hook to hang them with, so they are easily accessible. Besides, they’re too cute to put away in a drawer!
For the hostess, this Customized Party Set will make any party stylish! It comes with a flower vase, a party tray and party tub. Choose from several different patterns or make them all the same. This would also be perfect for those throwing a bridal shower!
Shopping at The Merry Martini? Don’t forget to check out their delicious martini recipe!
Serve at the bachelorette party, bridal showers, or make it your signature wedding cocktail to serve to guests on the big day! Cheers!
Personalize Your Tables With Placetile Designs!
Owner and designer Kristin Bowen, of Placetile Designs, decided to do something different for her wedding reception. She created her own erasable ceramic placecards! Turns out the guests loved them so much they were stealing eachother’s!
Since then, Kristin has created an entire line of erasable ceramic placecards, tableware and gifts for the home.
Choose from the Nature, Vineyard, Timeless, A La Mode, Cosmopolitan and Holiday Collections to add fresh, stylish and unique personalization to any event! They’re even great for the home!
Use them as placecards, table numbers, favors, or to label that fabulous food or candy buffet you’re setting up!
Create signs, menu boards, to do lists, whatever your little heart desires. Fall brides, how perfect would these maple leaf placetile/napkin holders be for your wedding!?
There’s an endless list of ideas…so get inspired! Check out the collections now at www.placetile.com.
Good Stuff.
After “YES”, Before “I DO” inspires us, with her new addiction, to play editor and put together our favorite outfits with shoes and accessories with Polyvore!
Trying to figure out your wedding look? Polyvore would be the perfect site to do just that! Whoa.
Denise over at Bellis Studios posts about Book Mooch!
What a great idea to pick up some cool wedding inspiration and planning books!
Or, if you’re feeling stressed from all the planning and want to take a break, why not pick up a funny wedding novel?
Don’t have a diamond engagement ring? Shannon over at Divine Caroline talks about why it’s ok!
Afterall, getting married is about your love for eachother, not the size of your ring!
Think about it.
Feel like baking? Bakerella brings you loads of baking inspiration and oh-so-delicious recipes! Even Martha Stewart loves her creations!
Warning: This blog WILL make you hungry!
Now get baking and get creative - let your inner domestic goddess shine, baby!
Beaulieu Vineyard Helps You Personalize Your Wedding Day!
Looking to personalize your wedding day in a stylish and affordable way?
Beaulieu Vineyard is there to help at “My Wedding My Wine“!
Choose from FREE, personalized wine labels, favor tags, wedding programs and wine tasting party mats! Such a great idea for anyone looking to add a little something special to their day.
BV’s “My Wedding, My Wine” allows you to create using different fonts, messages, colors and styles.
Giving out bottles of wine as your favors? Personalize them so your guests can cherish the bottle even after it’s gone! I LOVE these labels!!!
These would also make a great shower or wedding gift for your favorite wine-loving couple!
I actually just ordered these for my friend’s shower gift. I gave the couple 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne, each with a different label and saying. I then threw in the sheets with even more labels on them so they can use them for future bottles of wine purchased - great for enjoying together or for showing off while you entertain. Hey, be proud of your love!
My favorite was the label I created for them that said, “Anniversary Wine”. Now the couple has a special bottle of wine they can drink on their 1st wedding anniversary!
I loved the idea so much, I even ordered some for myself. The best part is that it’s free! I didn’t even have to pay for shipping and handling. They arrived quickly in the mail (they say it takes about 2-3 weeks) without any issues. I love them!
Beaulieu Vineyard even offers:
*Toasting tips
*Party styles
*Advice on how to pair different wines with food
*Information on how much wine you’ll need to order based on how many guests you’re inviting
Order your free items now at: www.myweddingmywine.com! Need to order wine? Want to learn more about BV wines? Go to www.bvwines.com! It’s actually really great wine!
Thanks, BV!
Sugar Inc. Kicks Off The Wedding Season With IDoSugar!
I’m so thrilled to bring you this exciting news! If you haven’t visited any of the sites by Sugar Inc. yet, you’re missing out! But it gets better, because now they even have a site for all things wedding!
If you’re planning your wedding, make sure to check out the brand new “IDoSugar” which just launched this week to kick of the wedding season!
Hello, My Name Is Jaime And I’m A Sugar Addict.
I know, I’ve been posting a lot of bakery this week…makes you wonder what’s running through my mind. Perhaps it’s because I’m trying to eat healthier these days, so at least I can get a sugar fix with these lovely visuals!
Realizing style and design can change between regions, I decided to look outside of the (box) U.S., over the ocean and on over to this delightfully creative bakery in Scotland!
Simply, sweetly, delightfully stylish.
Cookie Monster Here!
Trying to come up with the perfect favor or centerpiece idea for that wedding or bridal shower? Why not do it with cookies?
At Cookies By Design, you can order sweetly designed cookie bouquets to use as unique bridal shower centerpieces!
Looking for the perfect favor to give your guests? Choose from several different designed wedding cookies. Their cookies are delicious…and great for any special occasion, whether it’s a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower or birthday!
Not only great for special occasions, but any occasion!
Think “cookies” as the new alternative to sending flowers. Yum! Everyone loves cookies.
So take a look…they’re fun, delicious, unique and even customizable!
Learn more at: www.cookiesbydesign.com.
It’s true, the third week of March is American Chocolate Week. I don’t know why we need an entire week, but who am I to judge any excuse to indulge!! Here are a few ways to celebrate:
1. Read a book:
The Bride Wore Chocolate, by Shirley Jump
2. Rent a movie:
Chocolat, Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp
3. Play a game:
Truth, Dare or Chocolate, available at Red Envelope
4. Get a chocolate massage:
The Spa at the Hotel Hershey. Can’t get there? Their Cocoa Massage and Body Oil is available online.
5. Throw a chocolate tasting party:
Allchocolate.com You can also learn how to pair chocolate and wine and create your own tasting mat! (Check out SavorChocolate.com, for more chocolate party ideas!)
6. Discover your chocolate personality:
SavorChocolate.com (I’m a “Chocolate Goddess”!)
7. And of course, eat it!
Botanical Truffles, by Kohler Chocolates. Available in honey, green tea, lavendar, and ginger. Those are my latest favorites! Check out the Craverie too!
Have a great chocolate week everyone!
…Is Now Sweeter With The New ”Sweet Tooth Cupcakery”!
When did you fall in love with cupcakes? I’m sure we all enjoyed them when we were little, but when did you start paying more attention to them?
Was it when Martha Stewart featured her cupcakes on the cover of her wedding magazine, or are you like me who’s just always been a fan?
With the cupcake craze going on right now, I’ve noticed more and more places opening cupcake shops. Not all-around bakeries (which I love too), but actual cupcake shops.
I believe there are several in the “Windy City“, but now the western suburbs of Chicago will soon have one too, thanks to the ”Sweet Tooth Cupcakery“!
While the store itself has not opened yet, “Sweet Tooth Cupcakery” does currently offer delivery in the Chicagoland area.
Whether you need to order a dozen for yourself, the office, or need to order several for a special occasion, their cupcakes are the perfect solution to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth!
Hosting a bridal shower or planning a wedding? Why not order the “24 Carrot” cupcakes - their classic carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting…yum!
The cupcakes are baked fresh daily, available in 20 different flavors, and stylishly decorated! I look forward to trying their Chocolate Mousse, Peanut Butter Cup, Key Lime Pie and Banana Nutella flavors. Check out their list…it all sounds so delicious! Which ones will you choose?
To order or find out more, go to www.sweettoothcupcake.com!
Indulge In Your Dreams Come True.
White frosting not for you? Looking to have an amazing wedding cake, but leaning towards something more unique?
How about this dark chocolate cake with rasberry filling, rasberries on top, and dark chocolate bark on the side? Your guests will surely be in heaven after eating this amazing creation! It tastes like true love.Like the idea but not for your wedding cake? Why not let it inspire you for the dessert bar, or make it the groom’s cake?
Picture thanks to: Dallas Wedding Planner.
UPDATE:
Apparently Lara from Ready2Spark and I were both thinking about the same thing the other day. Using the combination as inspiration, I asked her if she could create an inspiration board - and she did! Check out her wonderfully put together rasberry & chocolate board HERE!
I love these fabulously unique ideas I recently found at The Nest!
Serving mojitos as your signature cocktail at your wedding? Why not let your guests take a little bit of mojito love home with them, with these cool favors?
Their signature drink being the mojito, Christie and Owen from Toronto gave their guests “Mojito Kits“, including their favorite mojito recipe and a muddler!
What a perfect favor. To see more of their pictures, go HERE!
Shayna and Chris from Denver got creative and asked two friends to snap photos of guests with a polaroid.
The guests then received their placecards in exchange of having their photos placed on a clothesline!
To see more of their pictures, go HERE!
Don’t you just love it when you run across an idea you’ve never seen before? It just makes my day! Looking for more inspiration? Check out www.theknot.com, and www.thenest.com - jam packed, darlings!
Get Your Cupcake On.
What’s wrong? You don’t have time to decorate all those cupcakes? Fear not, just order some Cupcake Caps!
Made from sugar (yes, they’re edible), these cupcake caps are perfect for decorating cupcakes for all your special occasions, whether it’s for a wedding, shower, holiday or birthday! And they’re easy to bite into…simply lovely!
Coming in all different colors with different designs to choose from, they’re the perfect answer if you’re not exactly, uh, ”Martha”. You can even have them monogrammed! How sweet is that?
Order yours online at Cupcake Caps for only $12/dozen!
To see more pictures of fabulously decorated cupcakes from Cupcake Caps, go HERE.
You know this girl has her days where the inspiration just isn’t flowing (I think that means I need to step back and take a little break, and let life inspire me). So what’s a girl to do? LAUGH! Come on…you know you need a good laugh. Or at least a smile…so let’s smile and laugh together…
First, I bring you one of my favorite bands…”Last Fast Action“, from Chicago. Here, they teach you how to have pearly whites for your wedding day. But that’s not why I love them. I love them because they’re a great band. Wanna hear their music? Go HERE!
But first, watch this video they created…I wonder how long it took them to get it right?! lol It’s hilarious. Enjoy!
Next I provide you with these saucy little lizards from the SoBe “Life Water” commercial. Apparently I missed this during the Super Bowl this year. Oops. Learn more about this yummy thirstification (yes, that’s a word from the Jaime Dictionary) HERE.
Clink - Clink!
If there’s one thing I registered for when we got married, it was stemware! I couldn’t put the registry gun down - I just adore stemware…and it adores my kitchen cabinets.
I’d be in a store, as if stemware could talk, it would start yelling out to me, “Oh, yeh, baby…you know you want me“, and I’d have to get it. The hilarious thing is that I really don’t even drink that often!
But fear not my fine-feathered friends, if I ever need to throw a big cocktail party, I’ll surely have the stemware covered. You can just bring the champagne, ok? That’s right. Cocktail party. Not dinner party…because this girl does not cook…but that’s another story.
There’s something about stemware I love…which is why I ended up apparently collecting it. One of the things I love most about it is that it allows you to toast to good things.
When I stumbled upon this stemware from Bloomingdales, discovered at Inside Weddings, I knew I had to share it with you!
It’s a collection of glassware from Orrefors…and each glass comes with a silver ring around the stem that says “Amor Vincit Omnia” - Love Conquers All. Can it get any more romantic than that?!
To read more about it, click HERE. To purchase or register for these, go HERE.
Now here’s a toast from me to all of you…I wish you all the blessings for a long, happy, healthy life together. Amor Vincit Omnia! Cheers! -Jaime
This Girl Can Make Your Centerpieces Look Fabulous…
…For Next To Nothing!
Stressing out about how you’re going to afford centerpieces for each table at your wedding or event? Stress your sweet little heads no more, because Rachael Ray is here to help you save your day, and your money!
Check out some of these very crafty and affordable ideas…they’re super easy and super duper lovely! Did I just say, “super duper”? Wow. Here are a few of my favorite ideas and how-to’s from this domestic goddess. Be sure to check her site for even more inspiration for not only decor, but themes, food and drinks too!
Bargain Blooms!
“Daring designer Genevieve Gorder works decorating miracles on The Learning Channel’s Trading Spaces , and she did the same with this month’s centerpiece: Her arrangement comes together for about $6!
The ingredients: a cheap bunch of supermarket flowers, a bag of colorful dried beans and some tall glasses from your cabinet. Fill each glass with a 2- to 3-inch layer of beans and add a few tablespoons of water. Trim one flower stem to fit inside each glass, then arrange the “vases” down the center of the table.”
Revealing Glance!
”Designer Lulu Guinness, famous for her whimsical accessories, put her usual flair on the table when she came up with this month’s centerpiece—votive candles and a vintage mirror with lavender roses.
To re-create the look, use your favorite flowers and any candles and mirrors. If you’re worried about having food stuck in your teeth, a glance at the table will reveal all.”
Bean There!
“As long as you’re stocking up on staples for cold-weather soups, pick up an extra bag of lentils for this easy centerpiece.
Designer Mark Brunetz—who helps bring order to homes on The Style Network show Clean House—grabs some juice glasses and orange votive candles and ties it all together with raffia from the craft store.”
A Touch Of Glass!
“No need to buy votive candleholders: Just grab juice glasses instead. Arrange the tealights in a line along a mantel or down your table for instant mood lighting. Avoid scented candles — they’ll compete with the delicious smell of your meal.” - Rachael Ray
All images and quotes thanks to: Every Day With Rachael Ray!
Today I stumbled upon this awesome shop called:
This oh-so-fabulous shop sells stylish, chic, cool & quirky cocktail napkins, guest towels, coasters, placemats, napkin holders, wine tags, & more!
With a variety of different colors, patterns & options to personalize, you’re sure to find something you love.
Perfect for any special occasion, ”To Bee Named” has products to dress up the bar at your wedding reception or the tables at a shower! Your guests will surely be impressed by your sense of style & attention to details! These would also make great gifts.
Want to see more patterns, colors & products by “To Bee Named“?
Go HERE now!
Whaaaaaat….the?
Dinner in the sky? Yep, you heard me right! I don’t think it gets any stranger than this. I have to wonder…if you were to have your wedding reception in the sky, would anybody even be brave enough to attend?
All I gotta say is, if I’m walking around town and all of a sudden a big ol’ piece of wedding cake falls on my head, it better be chocolate! lol
Intrigued? Find out more at: www.dinnerinthesky.com!
Have you checked out some of the new items at Z Gallerie lately?
They’ve got you covered for your next wedding, party or other event! Take a look!
Anne Tantor Flasks -
$21.95 each, with fabulous retro-women sayings:
“I’m so happy it’s happy hour”, “Ta-da! Now let’s have a cocktail!”, “Surely it must be 5 o’clock somewhere” and “medicated and motivated”.
These would make adorable bridesmaid gifts!
Marquis Salt & Pepper Shakers - $19.95
Sparkling with two sides of jewels.
These would be too sweet on your head table, or if you can spare the change, would dress up any table nicely!
Lite Cube Fruit Slices - $15.95/Set of four
These would make great garnishes for cocktails at your reception.
These LED lighted fruit slices come in four different colors, with three different blinking options. Way cool.
Now you can really love your coffee, as it’s wearing it’s own corset!
Gives “loving coffee” a whole new meaning, doesn’t it! Too funny. And while different, I can’t deny it…I think it’s adorable!
Look hot & trendy carrying this lovely corset coffee holder by the Etsy shop Jenn Gee! Choose from several different patterns -It is only $12.00! It’s 100% Cotton and washable!
It’s not a deal, it’s a steal! After you’re done with your coffee (and finished undressing it…HA HA!), you can put the corset in your purse and use it your uh, next “coffee date“!
You KNOW you want one.
Don’t Laugh. Mr. Clean Rocks!
I know I’m probably way behind on discovering this cool find, but in case you haven’t heard about it, I’m sharing the secret with you now!
Mr. Clean has this amazing thing called the “Magic Eraser“. Whatever…I heard about it before but never believed it’s abilities until I saw for myself. It’s true, it is magic!
I discovered it at my mother-in-law’s house while visiting. She introduced me to it, said it was amazing and informed me that I needed to try it. She showed me a white dish she’d had for years, but could never get the stains out of. Until she met Mr. Clean with his Magic Eraser! She showed me, and it’s true. It worked! It got the stains out of the dish!
So I had to invest in one. I now had to try it in my home! I took it to my kitchen counters, which had a few red wine and coffee stains. Not bad…it got the stains out! Then I tried it on my stove top. Sure enough, all the baked-on grease was gone within a few scrubs. Awesome. This thing rocks! I now feel like I have new kitchen counters and a new stove! Too cool. I’ve never enjoyed cleaning so much! So if you haven’t yet, try it out…and fall in love.
Learn more about the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser at www.mrclean.com!
Happy cleaning!
With all the expenses that a wedding can bring, wouldn’t it be nice to catch a break once in a while? To find something stunning yet affordable?
Check out this lovely idea found on this addicting-to-read, money-saving wedding blog:
“A $10,000 Wedding (Can I Do It?)”
This picture offers inspiration for place cards and favors combined! You know everyone loves chocolate!
Make This New Year A Safe One.
Tonight, many will party it up and the phrase “Happy New Year” will be yelled all over the world. Tonight at midnight, we’ll ring in the New Year with fresh hopes, dreams, plans, and resolutions. Tonight those hopes and dreams could quickly come to an end if you drink and drive.
So if you have to make only one resolution this year, make it one where you promise yourself, your friends, and family that you will not drink and drive.
I’ve heard too many stories of stupid decisions turned bad, or even deadly. And quite frankly, I’m sick of it. It’s not only stupid, but costly, selfish, unneccessary and dangerous. If you are driving tonight, don’t drink. And if you do drink, get a cab.
Make this New Year a safe one. Go home to your loved ones tonight safe and sound, with the promise of a better year. A Happy New Year could turn very sad if you get a DUI or kill yourself or others by drunk driving. So, be smart. Choose to make your hopes and dreams come true. Choose to live. Choose to get a cab.
Happy New Year everyone! And remember, if you’re drinking, drink responsibly!
It’s true, we finally have a kitchen table again!
After 3 years of not having a kitchen table, we are finally proud owners of this lovely new one! We had given our old table to my sister, who at the time had more space for it than we did.
We got used to eating on t.v. tables, and eating at the bar area. Now that we’ve moved, we have a table again, it’s great!
Not only can we officially have company over for dinner (riiight…since I’m SO domestic), but now we also have a place to sit and do bills, make arts and crafts, play cards, etc.!
It’s pretty, isn’t it? And it goes with the rest of our furniture too, so it’s perfect. We love it. Wondering what’s in the flower vase? Wine corks! I’ve been collecting them for about a year now.
I never knew where to keep all my wine corks, and now I’ve found the perfect place! Not only does it store them for me, but it also makes a great decorative piece!
My husband’s work’s Christmas party is tonight. So after hauling my butt to the stores and finding nothing to wear, I decided I’d just come home, get ready, and bake. But first I had to stop at the store and pick up more baking ingredients.
I figured I’d make oatmeal chocolate chip cookies…they’re super yummy, easy and not too gooey to put into a brown paper bag, and I’ve made them before so I knew what I was getting into. “Eeeerrrrwit!” (Quote from LFA @ www.lastfastaction.com) Couldn’t find the base to my blender. Shoot, now what?!?!?
Fear not, fine feathered friends, I had my fabulous Hershey’s Baking Book next to me to save the day! So what did I decide on? Hershey’s Rocky Road Brownies. Hmmm…those sounded good, and looked pretty easy, so that was that.
I hurried the ingredients together, mixed them up, popped it in the oven, and sat down to blog. They turned out very moist and yummy! If you’re interested, here’s the recipe.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Stir together chocolate chips, marshmallows and nuts; set aside. Place butter in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until melted. Add sugar, vanilla and eggs; beat with spoon until well blended. Add flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; stir until well blended. Spread batter in prepared pan.
3. Bake 22 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chip mixture over top. Continue baking 5 minutes or until marshmallows have softened and puffed slightly. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Using wet knife, cut into squares. About 20 brownies.
For MORE fabulous baking recipes for all you chocolate lovers, go to www.hersheys.com!
Today is going to be a crazy day. Tonight we are going to my husband’s Christmas work party, and I’ve got lots to do before I go! Not only do I have to go shopping to find an outfit to wear, but I’ve also been told I need to bake something amazing. Yes, bake something SO yummy that we hopefully win the baking contest along with a pair of airline tickets!
But that’s not all. This is the first time I’ll be meeting my husband’s boss, and while I’ve heard nothing but nice things, the nerves are still there. So I’ve gotta look good, I’ve gotta bake good, and I’ve gotta pull this night off good. Wish me luck!
The baking contest requires us to bake something then put it into a brown paper bag, nobody will know what it is, they just have to taste it, and if it tastes the best, we win! I’m normally an excellent baker, but a horrible cook, so thank goodness it’s baking and not cooking. However I’m still nervous…what’s a girl to bake?!
There are so many yummy treats out there to make, and I’ve really only got about 6 hours to decide and get all of this done. Ideas, people? Ideas! Throw me those recipes, help us win this thing! And remind me to bring my “Tums”, since I’m sure I’ll be nervous meeting everyone for the first time. It’ll be fine, it seems like a truly wonderful company, with great people, so maybe I’ll leave the Tums at home and just have a little cocktail! Enough blogging for now, I’ve gotta get a move on this day! I’ll post later the pictures and recipe from my baking decision. As for now…
Let the games begin!
Advertises that you’ll feel “rich”.
If you haven’t heard the the buzz, you’ll soon be able to get buzzed…on the new bubbly, “Rich Prosecco“, created by Paris Hilton. Now that’s crafty, putting it out right before New Years. Wonder if anyone will actually buy it, considering it’s in a CAN!
But you know it’ll spark people’s curiosity, so I’m sure it’ll sell, and I’m sure she’ll make even more money to add to her overflowing bank account!
The bubbly (I refuse to call it champagne like everyone else is…because it’s not) has it’s Debut in Berlin tomorrow, and will be available in the U.S. next year. Sorry U.S. peeps, you’ll have to wait!
Wonder what the socialite will be charging for this little creation? We shall see! Will YOU be trying her new little creation?
Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don’t want to do - just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for Today
Prepare Early For Your One Year Anniversary! Freeze Your Cake!
Following tradition and planning on freezing the top of your wedding cake to enjoy on your One Year Anniversary? Don’t do what we did.
We waited a whole year, got excited, and when it came time to unwrap the frozen cake, I cried because it turned MOLDY! Obviously I didn’t do it the right way. SO, lesson learned…but to keep the same thing from happening to you, I thought I’d write this post!
The girls over at Soiree Special Events, LLC have posted the CORRECT way to freeze the top of your wedding cake. The way it should be done, so that you can actually eat it on your One Year Anniversary!
Thanks, ladies! To find out how, check out their blog post HERE. Still not feeling confident? Pass on the freezing and just order a smaller version from the bakery that made your wedding cake for the following year. Issue resolved.
P.S. Don’t you just LOVE this black and white cake?!
Ever hear of the latte factor? It’s basically an issue I have. I spend too much money on Caramel Macchiatos and Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. I buy them one at a time, thinking, “Oh, it’s only $5.00, no biggie. It’s a treat.
Well, this “treat” of mine has made me realize how much money I really DO waste, giving into the “latte factor”. If I could just stop going to Starbucks, or limiting my visits at least to once in a GREAT while and not every day, I could save TONS of money!!! lol What a concept.
Think about it. If I could save $5.00 a day, and that $5.00 a day equaled roughly $150.00 a month, I’d save about $2,000.00 a YEAR! I could put that into a retirement fund each year, where it could grow tax-free until I retire. I’d save millions! -Information Taken From “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach.
Still need your coffee? Today I discovered the several different flavors of “International Coffee Delight“. Coffee creamer! They now have limited edition “Pumpkin Pie Spice” and “Vanilla Caramel Brownie” flavors to offer. For about $2.00, you too can get your very own yummy coffee creamer, that tastes VERY much like Starbucks! Only you make your treat now at home, for a LOT less money, and enjoy it just the same!
Although I WILL miss saying, ”One Venti Soy Whip Pumpkin Spice Latte please!”
See, I told you I was practicing my cupcake designs for my friend’s baby shower this weekend! Here’s one of them. Still lots of ideas to come up with and work to do, but that’s what winter storms are for…baking! Luckily the storm is not going to hit the day of the shower! So here’s one I created…no you can’t have one, I ate it already. lol Sorry!
This weekend I have a baby shower to go to for one of my best friends. I offered to make cupcakes instead of a cake. I thought I would create them making them not only yummy, but fancy and fun! So I did a trial few. Since we don’t know if she’s having a girl or a boy, we’re having a “pink and blue” themed shower for her.
I started practicing and ended up in the holiday spirit instead, so I created some holiday cupcakes! I did practice a few for the baby shower, but I’m pretty sure I can create those just using different colors and design. For now, we enjoyed these yummy treats! Something soothing and relaxing about baking. It’s not as stressful as cooking, in my opinion! Maybe that’s why I can bake but can’t cook. Either way, here they are!
I might make more and bring them to my husband’s workplace…either those or cookies. But these are so much more fun than cookies, so we’ll see. Sssshhh!!!
I always love finding new and creative ways to decorate an event…and today I was inspired by a blog at www.socialeventdesign.blogspot.com. Check out this great idea: Using lemons, this event planner created vases for flowers…now how creative is that!
Today’s Subject: Neaplitan Ice Cream!
Ever since I was little, whenever I’d eat neapolitan ice cream, I’d always just scoop out the chocolate part for myself to eat. The other flavors, vanilla and strawberry, I never really cared for. I like them, just fine, but I much prefer c
You KNOW I’m a fan of 