Apples and teachers go together like No. 2 pencils and college-rule lined paper or for my years in school, a No. 2 pencil and many, many pink pearl erasers. I’d even venture to say on every teacher’s desk from kindergarten through eighth grade you’ll find the iconic symbol of their profession in the form of a paper weight given as a token of appreciation. But wouldn’t be nice to start the new school year totally “old school” giving a treat… [Read More]
Peace, love and Bobby Sherman. It was the golden era of bubblegum music, tie-dyed shirts and bell-bottomed pants. In the late 60’s and early 70’s colorful daisies and happy faces were on everything, at least in my world, from posters and bed spreads to flowery stationery and book covers. Somewhere in my stash of relics from my innocent youth there’s a “Have a happy day” button – the real deal, so groovy and far out, as I hope you’ll think… [Read More]
Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays – the festive atmosphere from parades early in the day to the anticipation of sparkling, booming fireworks late at night. The entire day is wrapped up in a trio of colors and feelings that resonate from a place of deep love for my country. I love the patriotic bunting and paper lanterns strung across the lights that criss-cross from under the eves of the roof to the big trees in our… [Read More]
Are you inviting these cute bunnies to brunch this Easter? You might put them on the invite list because they are so easy to make ahead of time out of any juice or drink mix. I made the bunnies below out of regular lemonade, pink lemonade and OJ. I used the 24 Cavity Bunny Silicone Mold by Wilton Cake Decorating which would be also perfect to make cute little bunny petite fours for a sweet bite afterwards. How easy is… [Read More]
What’s new in candy couture this spring season? Celebrity Peeps! I’m loving the Brad Goreski collection with his signature dark-rimmed glasses and bow tie. So Brad! April’s Fool! Just having a little fun today with Peeps and Wilton Cake Decorating Icing Decorations. Other accessories in the icing package include carrots and eggs, which it true – no foolin’. So haute! You can find them where Wilton products are sold such as Michaels, JoAnn and Party City. What will your… [Read More]
When you return from a vacation does it always take you awhile to acclimate again? I spent last weekend in Berkeley and Lake Tahoe with all my men and it was gorgeous! Did I even take one photo? No! I can’t believe it but it proves how much I drank in the moment without a thought about getting a shot to post on Instagram or Facebook. In my zen state-of-mind I kind of forgot Easter is nearly here too! Instead… [Read More]
The great thing about making cake decorations with fondant is making extra for cupcakes. In this case, I made a St. Patrick’s Day checkerboard cake a few days ago so I made additional fondant decorations for a batch of cupcakes. Let’s start with making the cupcakes. In baking the checkerboard cake, I had some left over green and white batter so when I was ready to bake the cupcakes a few days later, I was able to use it and… [Read More]
For weeks I’ve been daydreaming about creating a St. Patrick’s Day cake with bright, vivid colors and dimensional decorations. Of course, rainbows, shamrocks and Leprechaun’s gold had to be included in the decorating theme of the cake. And like any dreamer that follows the rainbow’s end, guests will find a surprise inside the cake! I received some really nice emails from readers (thank you!) who enjoyed reading my thought process as I began this St. Patrick’s Day design that… [Read More]
Happy March! I’ve been busy making decorations out of fondant that will adorn a St. Patrick’s Day cake I’m envisioning. I say “envisioning” because I have ideas of certain decorating elements and then I have to figure out how I’m going to make them. This is why I love the creative challenge of decorating cakes, cupcakes and cookies and seeing if I can make those ideas come to fruition. I always ask myself, “Can I figure out a way to… [Read More]
Growing up, I was always aware of the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, as it’s becoming more commonly called it seems. Both my brother and I were born in the heart of Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles and my mother would recollect that when my brother was born fireworks were going off. Since his birthday is on Valentine’s Day there’s a good chance that this coincided with the Chinese New Year. No fireworks for me when I arrived… [Read More]
“The Best Ever – Blue Ribbon Winning – Chocolate Layer Cake – In All The Land”!
How To Host a Shabu-Shabu Party – An Interactive Dining Experience for a Group: Part 1
Bridal Shower Gifts and Wrapping Ideas
Nautical Wedding Cookies
A Holiday Cocktail ~ Carrot Cake Martinis
Make-Ahead Frozen Buttercream Cake Decorations
USC Trojan Cupcakes! Fight On!
Pretty Painted Pie Crusts
