2011 April

Apr 30, 2011

Derby Day Bracelets

I do love a reason to acquire a new bracelet.

My credit card is running for the roses this week!

I recently brought Janna Conner up to post position.
Here’s another winner to cross the finish line.

Lauren G. Adams is once again on the inside track with her enamel and stirrup charm bangle.

Odds on favorite is always Ralph Lauren with something classic yet edgy.

Giddy Up!

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: bracelets, cuff bracelet, gifts, janna conner, jewelry, just for me, lauren g. adams, Ralph Lauren

Apr 28, 2011

Espresso Martinis, Nachos and Tiaras!

Besides being a great potential blog name these goodies will be on the menu tonight as I venture over to a royal wedding party with the girls at 1 AM! Coverage begins just after midnight Pacific time and we’re donning tiaras while pulling an all-nighter. The best in-house party favor is bringing out the collection of tiaras. Yes, tiaras! Even a replica of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation crown will be there which is a family heirloom of my friend’s mother. Isn’t… [Read More]

Filed Under: Miscellany, Uncategorized Tagged With: friendship, musings, royal wedding

Apr 27, 2011

Refrigerator Envy Ina Garten Style

Last fall I was seduced by Ina Garten’s refrigerator. It had been coming on for a long time. Everytime she opened the door of her side-by-side it was a tease. After midnight one autumnal night leading up to Thanksgiving I weakened and succumbed to what I had been envying for so long … organizational nirvana . There they were – statuesque opaque quart sized containers, all matching, lids locked in place, stackable, reusable. It doesn’t get much better than this,… [Read More]

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: kitchen must-haves, organization, Things I Love

Apr 26, 2011

‘Smile’ For Camera Cookies!

Food photography has become a big component of blogging where recipes and techniques are shared and since I’m taking so many pictures to document my cookie making and decorating I’ve needed to find resources to help me improve.I’ve been very fortunate to find two exceptionally talented women in this field. The first is Amanda Padgett who runs Everyday Elements. She’s incredibly savvy at photography and Photo Shop Elements (PSE) and offers online workshops, tutorial videos and so much more…. [Read More]

Filed Under: Birthday Cookies Tagged With: baking, cookie decorating, cookies, Decorated Cookies, diy, photography, resource

Apr 21, 2011

“It’s A Fact, The Lady’s Stacked…”

…”ain’t holding nothing back.” Elizabeth Showers Lauren G. Adams at Max & Chloe “I’m Just A Girl Who Can’t Say No” … to Kenneth J. Lang Have a beautifully stunning day.

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: bracelets, cuff bracelet, just for fun, just for me, shopping, Things I Love

Apr 20, 2011

Unforgettable “Quotes” Captured

A tiny photo of a book that will have huge heart warming impact in our older age. When my boys were very young I started a journal of all their wonderful quotes. My record keeping of these pearls of wisdom didn’t last very long because I didn’t have just one booklet dedicated to this. I wish I would have done this but here is a journal for you mom’s out there who still have time to capture these precious words… [Read More]

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: books, gifts, motherhood

Apr 18, 2011

“Everything’s Ducky” Chocolate Ducks

Since I’ve finished all my decorated Easter cookies I thought I’d turn to molded chocolate today. Candy coating, as it’s technically referred to, comes in all different colors and flavors but let’s call it chocolate.I melted the wafers in a small Pyrex dish on high for 1 minute in the microwave. Stir to melt all pieces. Heating to remelt the mixture after it cools, took 10 seconds. Tip: If you’re making a lot of molded pieces I recommend placing… [Read More]

Filed Under: DIY Treats, Party Favors, Spring & Easter Cookies Tagged With: baby shower, chocolate, chocolate ducks, Easter, molded chocolate, party decorations, party favors, spring

Apr 15, 2011

Confessions Of An Easter Bunny Cookie.

“I have to admit it. I’ve had a little work done.””You can’t expect a girl to look this good without a little help, can you?””Sometimes I get a little, puffy, shall we say, and I need a touch of microdermabrasion.””A microplane takes care of that right away with no down time!” “I love my little round turned up nose, don’t you?” “I’ve been told my little twitch makes the boys’ ears stand straight up, but I wouldn’t know about that!”… [Read More]

Filed Under: DIY Treats, Spring & Easter Cookies Tagged With: baking, bunny cookies, cookie decorating, cookie decorating tips, cookie of the month, cookies, Decorated Cookies, decorating ideas, easter cookies, packaging, party favors, recipes

Apr 13, 2011

“Sweet Embraceable Ewe” Cookies

Move over bunnies! There’s a new cookie in town! Well, actually there’s a whole flock. When I was making wedding cookies samples I used a fondant embossing sheet on a few of them. I liked the look of one sheet in particular and thought the pattern would look cute on lamb cookies. You can read the post I wrote about how to use the embossing sheet on fondant here. Here’s the quick recap ~ Roll the embossing sheet over the… [Read More]

Filed Under: DIY Treats, Spring & Easter Cookies Tagged With: cookie cutters, cookie decorating, cookies, cookies with fondant, Decorated Cookies, diy, Easter, easter cookies, fondant on cookies, lamb cookies, party favors

Apr 12, 2011

Decorated Baby Bunny Cookies

These baby bunny cookies are some of my favorites and I made them again this year for clients and friends. I received some emails asking questions so I’m happy to show you how to make them! What You’ll Need: Batch o’ Bunny Cookies (Sugar Cookie Recipe) or see recipes at the end of the post Royal Icing Recipe Pearl Dragees (tail) Assorted Small Pink Dragees (eyes) or use icing #2 Plain Round Decorating Tip/Coupler (optional) Decorating Bag or Parchment Cone… [Read More]