With summer still going strong here in Southern California our garden continues to reward us with a bounty of zucchini. Yay! But I still want to usher in the festive feeling of fall even with our hot temps. By this time of year, I’m ready for earthy colors, and fragrances of warm spice with pumpkin flavors so I came up with an idea to incorporate the best of both seasons for a tasty transition into fall with a Zucchini-Pumpkin Bread… [Read More]
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]
Chivalry is not dead. And ladies, we need to invite and welcome it back into our lives again. I think it’s good for all parties involved. When you think about it, when a stranger opens or holds the door for you, two smiles are exchanged and if you’re feeling particularly friendly the cherry on the top of the obligatory “thank you” might be to say, “That was really nice of you”. A widened smile will always greet you in return… [Read More]
A couple weeks ago I had the privilege and honor of being invited for an all-expense paid trip to Wilton Cake Decorating’s HQ near Chicago for their annual Sweet Up where new products are launched and trends are discussed. Guests were a mix of bloggers and vloggers. We felt very welcomed indeed! I’m a little late to the recap post party as I caught a bug on the flight home and I’ve been out of creative commission for almost two… [Read More]
Being a Child of the 60’s, not as in Woodstock, but more like Sally Draper but with non-smoking, non-drinking, loving, supportive parents that actually liked their kids, these were my earliest baking recollections with my mom: Dream Whip. Dolloped on top of a boxed gingerbread cake. My feet tucked under my knees on the kitchen chair watching her transform dense, brown holiday loaves filled with yellow and green cubed sticky stuff into baked jewelry. The candied cherry halves on top… [Read More]
One of the most fun experiences I’ve had being a blogger, besides being a member of Wilton’s Sweet Treat Team, was attending the #WiltonSweetUp last year in Chicago. The Sweet Up at Wilton’s headquarters is host to what I would call a celebration as they reveal their new products and where decorating trends are announced. I loved being in the middle of all the excitement last year and I’m thrilled to be going again next week and in a way,… [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]
Pretty Pink Petal Cake – A Wilton Cake Decorating Technique
Make-Ahead Frozen Buttercream Cake Decorations
Bridal Shower Gifts and Wrapping Ideas
Carlo’s Bakery Cannolis and Lobster Tail Pastries
A Holiday Cocktail ~ Carrot Cake Martinis
Cookies and Cocktails
Gentleman Jack (Jack Daniels) Cupcakes Recipe
Beverage Brunch Bunny Ice Cubes
