Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Turkey Day!


I'm so thankful for all my lovely readers, fellow bloggers, and fabulous sponsors! You all inspire me daily. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, I will be celebrating with my family, including my brother who has flown in from NYC. Woo-hoo! Safe travels to all!

Image: Kelly Wearstler Tablescape from House Beautiful

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Modern White Thanksgiving


I am loving all white right now, and thought it would be fun to mix white and natural elements for simple and clean thanksgiving table this year.

White Tablesetting photo by Karen Mordechai
Modern Home from Martha Stewart
White Hot Chocolate
Centerpiece from WedLuxe Magazine, photo by Ikonica

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Simplesong Design Letterpress Treat Boxes


Don't forget to pre-order these super cute treat boxes for the holidays from Simplesong Design. Perfect for friends, clients, and neighbors. Fill up with their favorite treats, and you have a sweet gift. Be sure to check out her blog, its one of my favorite daily reads.

Image Simplesong Design

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Beau-coup Favors Sale


Need some favors? Don't forget to check out the Beau-coup sale. Ends 11/19 at midnight EST.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Real Soirées: Zebra Birthday Party



Loving this Zebra Party Nancy of Together is Our Favorite Place to Be threw for her 4 year old daughter. I am loving the color scheme and all the amazing details. How about that gorgeous pinata she had custom made in Mexico? The candy table is d-lish and I want that zebra cake for myself. Be sure to head over to Nancy's blog to find out all the details of the event and resources she used. Thank you Nancy for sharing your party with us!

Images: Together is Our Favorite Place to Be


Friday, November 13, 2009

Cheesecake Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes



Cheesecake and Pumpkin, yum, making these this weekend!

Cheesecake Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes

12 Servings
Prep 45 minutes
Bake 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 large eggs, plus 5 large egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • Simmering water
  • 3 sticks (12 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces and chilled
Directions
  1. Place a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with baking liners. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar for 3 minutes. Beat in 1 egg white and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

  2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, granulated sugar, oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Whisk in the flour mixture.

  3. Layer each muffin cup with some of the pumpkin batter, then the cream cheese mixture, then more of the batter. Bake until springy to the touch, 25 minutes. Let cool.

  4. Using the electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, remaining 4 egg whites and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Fill a medium saucepan with enough simmering water to reach a depth of 1 inch; place the mixing bowl on top. Whisk the mixture until it registers 160° on an instant-read thermometer.

  5. Transfer the bowl back to the mixer and beat at high speed until fluffy; lower the speed and beat to room temperature, about 5 minutes. Add the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, then beat at high speed for 5 minutes. Beat in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. 6. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag; pipe large rosettes on top of the cupcakes.

Tips

Using a small pastry scoop, fill the baking liners to the top with some of the pumpkin batter, then the cream cheese mixture, then more batter.

Let the cupcakes cool before frosting (the tops will crack during baking).

Add cold butter a piece at a time to make a fluffy frosting

Use a pastry bag with a star tip to pipe the frosting decoratively.

No pastry bag? Fill a resealable plastic bag with the frosting, snip off a corner and pipe away!


Recipe/Image: Rachel Ray Magazine

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Monday, November 9, 2009

Mom's Night Out Event in Portland



Portland/SW Washington moms and moms-to-be come visit me on Thursday Night, November 12th(5-9pm) at My Kidz World in Beaverton for Mom Night Out. Lots of yummy goodies, raffles, and fabulous shopping. For more information and to RSVP for this fun night out, go HERE!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Swanky Deal: Festive Banner Flag & Paper Straws




I was looking for gray and white striped straws and ran across the site Creative KidStuff. First of all, you can get 50 assorted Kikkerland striped paper straws red, blue, and gray for One Dollar. On top of that, they are running a special: 25% off one item and $5 shipping. So stock up on straws and pick up this cute flag banner for 25% off. Sounds like a reason to party!! Happy Friday!
Update: Looks like both items are sold out at Creative Kidstuff. You can find the same straws thru Kikkerland.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Ghost Chair for your Soiree?









I'm a big fan of the ghost chair, arm and armless! I just think it really sparkles and shows off that table you worked so hard at designing! What do you think? Are you a fan?

The stunning photos:
Taylor Creative Inc. - (1 & 2) Stunning Tables!
Martha Stewart Weddings (3) Love those centerpieces too!
Pink to Green (4 & 5)Modern Chairs in a Natural Setting - gorgeous!!!
Willow Decor(6) Sheer covers for the Louis Ghost Chair

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Kumquat After Dinner Drink


Impress your Thanksgiving Day guests with this amazing after dinner drink. Its so gorgeous you'll want it to decorate your table too. Good over ice cream too!

Kumquat Digestif
from my favorite magazine Sunset

Yield: Makes 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups vodka
  • 10 kumquats, cut in half lengthwise, plus 5 to 6 whole
  • Several branches fresh thyme

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, heat sugar with 1/2 cup water, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.

2. Stir in vodka. Pour mixture into a decanter and add kumquats (halves first) and thyme. Chill at least 3 weeks. Serve ice-cold, in shot glasses.

Image and Recipe: Sunset Magazine

Monday, November 2, 2009

Winner of the Inkspot Workshop Giveaway!



And the winner of the Inkspot Workshop Holiday Giveaway is:

Sydney85 who said:
Love the note cards. The pesky squirrel, the chandelier, cupcake love and the armadillo. So many wonderful cards.


Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2009-11-02 14:20:05 UTC

Thank you to everyone who entered the Inkspot Workshop giveaway! I loved reading all the great comments. Thank you to Stacy, the fabulous designer for sponsoring the holiday giveaway.
Don't forget to check out her BLOG and Fire Hydrant Press, the furry little charitable division of Inkspot Workshop for dog breed silhouette stationery customized for you!