The Best Giant Make-Ahead Cinnamon Roll Ever!

This spectacular cinnamon roll is the centerpiece of our Christmas morning breakfast and is greeted with the same anticipation at our holiday table as the Cratchit’s plum pudding is at theirs. The recipe relies on using store-bought frozen bread dough, thawed, and an overnight rise in the fridge while Santa makes his rounds. Pop it in the oven while opening presents and the scent of warm cinnamon throughout the house is what a holiday morning is all about. Of course,… [Read More]

Jeana’s 89th Birthday/Thanksgiving Dinner

The best MIL in the world! Taken with my iPad. 8 mm HD app. 70’s style. Edited by Reel Director app. Music ~ “The Brothers Go To Mother’s” by Joey Altruda

A Vineyard Wedding – Part 3

As the wedding dinner in the vineyard was transitioning into evening, Adirondack chairs painted specially to complement the colors of the wedding were set up around the large fire ring. Plum colored pillows added coziness when the sun fell as did a basket full of purple and blush hued pashminas for the ladies. Such a thoughtful touch. One last push on the swing. A perfect dinner. With perfect company. Magic. Enchantment. Good conversation. Music. Dancing. And what kind of a… [Read More]

A Vineyard Wedding ~ Part 2

out of towners wedding favors

The ceremony and garden party. Scott’s 5 o’clock shadow was a bride’s request. Happy wife. Happy life. I love this photo. Lela’s veil floated to embrace Scott’s face at the moment of the kiss to give them just a hint of privacy. Soon it was time for the sunset dinner in the vineyard. Guests were seated at one long elegant table. Our wine charms pointed us towards the tables we were to sit at. Mirrors with our names at our… [Read More]

A Vineyard Wedding in Sedona

vineyard wedding cookie favors

I had the honor of designing and creating decorated cookies for a beautiful vineyard wedding in Sedona this past weekend. My time in the kitchen was made even more special since it was my nephew’s wedding. I love making cookies for people I know (and love). I think of them the entire time from sketch to the tying of the ribbon. How lucky can a baker girl and auntie get? The destination wedding location was unique and lovely and not… [Read More]

Ready! iPad! Action!

I had some fun this weekend at my niece’s birthday party. I took my iPad along and took a video with a new app I downloaded called 8mm HD. There are different styles to film in so I used the 60’s and added a little film jitter, as it’s called, on the app. It’s where the film frame flicks up or down. The room was a little dark but it was fun to just experiment. Then to make the movie,… [Read More]

Remembering the 4th of July on the 8th

paper lanterns in the trees

We gathered for a happy, relaxed time together. The lanterns and bunting were hung in place. Party favors for everyone! The vintage mid-century bottle opener was also invited to the party. It was tied onto the drink tub with a festive ribbon. Several croquet games ensued. There were some very impressive wicked wicket shots and who knew croquet could become a contact sport! And of course there were plenty of frozen red, white and blue daiquiris. I thank my lucky… [Read More]

Jennifer’s Wedding

wedding cookies favors bridal shower cookies

It was a lovely day.The day before I had finished making 140 wedding cookies for my niece, but you might have already known that. On Saturday, as we were leaving for the ceremony, I received a call from the father of the bride. “Where are you?” Three little words at the beginning of a conversation that always makes your heart beat faster.Seems the florist came and left before the bakery dropped off the cake so there was no one to… [Read More]

Happy Thanksgiving To You!

So much prepping, so little time! Both refrigerators have been thoroughly cleaned, organized and are re-stocked. The boys’ beds have been made and are awaiting their arrival late Wednesday night. Crystal and silver are shining and individual pumpkin tureens wait for their proper placement for Thursday’s dinner. The linens needed will be ironed today with back up ready for another dinner on Saturday. My intention was to post more appetizers last week but blogging just got pushed down further on… [Read More]

Nautical Wedding Part III

Marianne’s photographer was also her friend and completely captured the twinkle in her eye and her playful personality. Her pictures are so beautiful and need no introduction or commentary, mine, on the other hand, need all the help they can get as you’ll be able to see at the bottom of this post. :)Beautiful photos by Brittany Dow Photography Now my photos. Brittany has no worries. These are mostly for family but I thought I’d share… “The bride and groom’s… [Read More]