Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Turkey Day!

I am back from my Thanksgiving holiday. I took a few days off from work so I could relax and unwind. I treated myself to a spa day at the Aveda Institute, and headed to Wisconsin to visit family and friends. I thought I would share some of the more creative and fun stuff from my family's Thanksgiving dinner.
My sister hosted her first dinner this year. We cooked the meal together. Here is our table setting!
We chose metallic accents and a modern printed fabric for the table runner.

I used scraps from the fabric to create a bunting centerpiece. It says Give Thanks on both sides of the pennants.
We also created mini bunting for the names at each place setting.

This was my favorite project though. I went to the Dollar Store and bought 3 silver trays. I spray painted them copper, and then used chalkboard paint in the center. I actually intend to put these on the wall in my dining room.
In addition to great food, family and friends, I decided to make a drastic change for myself. I've been thinking about donating my hair to Locks of Love. I don't really like having short hair, but I had enough length that its not too short.
Here is my new do! You need to donate a minimum of 10 inches, tied in a pony tail. I sent it in this week. My hair, I'm still getting used to it. But mine will grow back. I feel good knowing that my hair will help a child with cancer look and feel better about themselves. Me waiting for my hair to grow back is a small price to pay.
I hope everyone had a great holiday!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Swanky Parisian Soiree

I am busting at the seams to show you this party! For my November Party Challenge event I hosted a Parisian Inspired Wine Tasting. A few girlfriends came over for a wine and cheese pairing, complete with dessert buffet. Behold the amazingness!
Fortunately, I already have a Paris theme in my living room. I strategically moved furniture around to have my buffet table set up just under my enormous Paris picture. Want to know a great secret? Almost everything on this table was under $1!! But before I get to that, lets marvel at the gingerbread Eiffel Tower!

This is my absolute favorite piece of this event. I spent days baking gingerbread, covering with fondant, and accenting with royal icing. I am quite proud of this baby!

I did two small cakes for this table. However, boring cake stands just did not seem the way to go. So I picked up goblets at the Dollar Store. Spray painted them black, along with a serving tray. Add some gorilla glue and now I have a cake stand ready for this table!


I made shortbread cookies decorated with the theme colors and a few French words (the ones I know of course!)

Brown Sugar and Spice Eiffel Tower cookies were also on the table. Not pictured is French chocolate macaroons, chocolate mousse cups and red wine truffles, all made by yours truly. I know, I'm a busy lady.

Here is the "tasting table" where we samples wines, cheeses, and of course took tasting notes on our favorite pairings.
I made the centerpiece from Dollar Store taper candles, and spray painting wine bottles and beer bottles.
Lets take another look at the table! You can see in this photo the glittery candelabras and in a previous photo, glittered chandeliers, all bought in the "Dollar Spot" at Target.
To run down the cost of decorating this table....
2 Glitter Chandeliers: $2
2 Glitter Candelabras: $2
4 Wine Goblets: $4
2 Serving Trays: $2
2 Taper Candles: $1 (50 cents each at the Dollar Store)
2 Wine Bottles: $0 (already had them, just needed spray paint---which I also already had)
Tablecloths: $0, they are my bedroom curtains
Paris Backdrop: $0, already hanging in my living room.
Paris Title Sign: $0, again, already owned
Total cost to decorate this table: $11, yep you read that right. $11.

This has been my favorite party yet! It was so fun to do! I'm also sharing with you my favorite photo of the night...My two pups, Caesar and Sookie got dressed up for the occasion. We tried to get a good photo together, but they were more interested in giving me kisses.
I hope you enjoyed this party, I think I'm proudest of the party so far!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Princess Parties Aren't Just For Girls!

Recently I was asked to do a cake and cupcakes for a little girl's princess themed birthday. However, the client also wanted cupcakes specifically made for the boys attending so they could feel special too. Sounded like tons of fun, until he gave me the list of allergies. There were three children with allergies. Each one, different of course. I haven't had much exposure to allergies, so I was quite nervous. I scoured blogs and websites dedicated to these subjects. I read everything I could. Then I put together an ingredient list for the parents, just in case. I did a dessert buffet awhile back and this little boy comes up to the table, and asks his mother "Mom, is there any treats up here for me?" And she sighed and said no. He had severe allergies, which I didn't know in advance. I will never forget this poor child standing there, in front of a dessert buffet, which is basically a children's wonderland, and he couldn't touch any of it. It absolutely broke my heart.
When I got this order, I was determined to make sure every child was able to eat something. I have to say, it was a lot of research and me being nervous, but in the end, the children loved the cake and cupcakes and everyone got to enjoy a treat!
This is the princess cake and cupcakes.


I love the stars bursting out of the cake.

These were the cupcakes just for the boys. There were three boys attending, each had a different interest. Batman, Sonic the Hedgehog and Dora the Explorer.
Everyone got to enjoy their treats. That's how a birthday party should be, everyone having their cake and eating it too!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Holiday Cupcake Toppers Part II

I have a few more Holiday Cupcake Toppers to share with you.
Holiday Wreaths

Christmas Trees

Snowflakes

Holly Berry
Thanks for checking them out!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Holiday Cupcake Toppers

I know, Thanksgiving technically isn't here yet, so its almost wrong for me to be giddy about Christmas. I did say almost wrong!
Check out my latest collections of Holiday Cupcake toppers! All of these are available for purchase in my Etsy shop.
Peppermint Swirl

Penguin Pals
Melted Frosty

Santa and his merry Elf!

Frosty

Mini Frosty

Santa, Elf and White Reindeer
These toppers will be a hit at your holiday parties! Make sure to get your orders in quick, Christmas will be here in no time!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Cupcake Bunting!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have seen that these simple triangles (or squares, or half circles, etc) have taken the world by storm. Bunting is everywhere! These banners have even started to make appearances on top of birthday and wedding cakes. But what about cupcakes?!
That's right.....Cupcake Bunting!!! Here is a collection I did just in time for the holidays!
Cupcake Bunting is easy to do.....but why waste your time when someone could do it for you?


Stay tuned, Holiday Cupcake Bunting will be available in my Etsy shop by the end of this week. But thats not all....I also did a new twist, specifically for the winter season....SNOWFLAKES!! Tiny banners of snowflakes can adorn your holiday goodies! How cute would these be floating over cupcakes on a winter sweets table? These will also be available in my Etsy shop later this week!

Monday, November 15, 2010

CSN Giveaway Winner!

I am so excited!! My very first giveaway has ended and I'm giddy! The winner of a $35 gift certificate to CSN Stores is.....

MARY JENKINS!!

"quitecontrary1977 said... I follow, and I love this question! I have vacation on the brain right now. Miami! I have been watching alot of Golden Girls, and it makes me want to visit the grand city!"

Mary, since you were so kind to include your email, I'll be sending you instructions on how to redeem your prize! Congrats!!

THANK YOU to everyone who entered, and THANK YOU to all of my loyal readers! I heart you guys!!

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