Modern Christmas Tree Idea

One of my fave bloggers, Chris from  Celebrations at Home, posted a great DIY Christmas Tree idea using IKEA vases.  These vases are cheap (79 cents!) and are a great way to decorate without breaking the bank.



Check out the link to see the easy how to!

DIY Tinsel Wreath & More

So my tinsel wreath is done and I couldn't be happier with it!  It took all of 20 minutes and it has inspired me to want to make more.  Take a look:

I got this great idea via Creature Comforts!

In other news, I have found some other goodies for my Christmas Glam table:

I was at Marshalls looking for something and came across these. They were both only $2.99!  Hello, I was not passing that up! So happy to have scored the cookies...they will make a great addition to the table.  PSA: don't sleep on TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Home Goods, etc... You get some of the best decor, food goodies, vessels, let's just say I light up everytime I'm there :)

 Have a good weekend and  I hope you have your Turkey day shopping done because I know it's gonna be brutal out there!



Christmas Glam

I am working on a holiday dessert table for a fundraiser hosted by the Women of Homeland Security.  All proceeds go the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation which helps educate children of permanently wounded or fallen members of the armed forces.  They wanted to go with the classic red & white color scheme which I love.  I was trying to decide if I wanted to go kinda retro with it but instead I'm going to go more glam.

 I saw a blog post about making a tinsel garland wreath and found what I needed at the Dollar Tree!  I really want a red feather wreath but I haven't had any luck.  (If anyone knows of where to get one let me know!)   Also came across these peppermint sticks which I'm going to crush up and use on some of the desserts.

I'll keep you updated on the progress and I'll post the DIY for the wreath on Friday.

Donovan's 1st birthday!

So my little munchkin turned the big numero uno a couple of months ago. We had a little shindig to celebrate, laugh and be sad about where all the time had gone. He is getting so big as I still try to hold on to the memories of holding him for the first time :(

Well, as I step off my soapbox, let's move on shall we!!!

I decided to do Cookie Monster as the theme. I kept it basic and used the Cookie Monster electric blue and white as my colors. I found some great paper lanterns on clearance from Michael's for 15 cents! You can't beat that!


At first I wanted to do a big blowout party but because of  last-minute budget changes since we had just moved into our new place, I decided to keep it simple. (forgive the pics, they're from my iphone)

this was hanging above the dessert buffet

treat buckets!

stuff for the kiddies!

We had sugar cookies, chocolate covered oreos, brownies and jawbreakers

I've already started on his 2nd birthday which will be the big bash.  Can't wait!

"Etsy Love!"

Well...I was a little indisposed last Thursday (my babysitter got sick so I had to stay home with my munchkin) and let's just say it wasn't the most conducive environment to blog :)  So, I decided to make up for it and give love to two etsy businesses today. 

First up, we have Dough A Deer.  I have heard a lot about her over the last couple of months and can't wait to have some of her yummy treats.  The pics from her store look so yummy and I love the fact that they are BAKED and not FRIED.  You can't get any better than that!  They would be great as a treat especially since the holidays are here.  Check her out at the link above.


                            maple flavored!


                            love the colors!

Next up is whimsy&spice.  I stumbled upon her shop...I think it's because I was searching for cookies or something like that but the important thing is I found her.  She has some amazing sounding sweets and I love that they have some spices and exotic flavor combos.  I have not sampled the deliciousness yet but will be soon for an upcoming project I'm working on.  If you want to try something off the beaten path head over to her shop at the link above.


          rose & black pepper thumbprint cookies


                 chocolate chili cashew biscotti


More love to come next Thursday!!!

If you have a shop or know of one that deserves some love let me know :)

I Couldn't Help Myself...another Halloween Table!!

Ok, now as I said before, I don't really celebrate Halloween but I have come across some great sweets tables that I can't resist sharing!  This one is from Sweets Indeed (one of my biggest inspirations!).  Oh how I wish I had been there during the creating of this table, from the beautifully-designed cake, to the stunning backdrop, the colors...I could go on and on! Everything is just perfect!  Check out the rest of the jaw-dropping loveliness on the link above.

   

  

Woodland+Halloween=Chic!

I like to see what designers/party planners from different parts of the globe are doing and a while ago, had stumbled upon Designs by Nina.  I went on her site and she has the cutest, kid-friendly sweets table!  I love the colors because it doesn't scream Halloween but has more of a Fall feel.  The mix of Halloween with the woodland theme is so original.  I think my favorites are the owl cupcakes and the "mummy" drinks.  How 'bout you?

"Etsy Love!"

Today I decided to have a little feature every week showcasing an etsy business.  So...Thursdays will now be "Etsy Love" posts.  There are so many talented, creative ladies (and men) out there that I've got to give credit where credit is due.  I hope to maybe one day open an etsy store (possibly printables but mostly handmade cards) but we'll talk about that another time :)

My first round of love goes to Alegria Studios!

Her shop features beautiful invitations, banners, hats and whatever else you need for that special party.  When I was doing my son's 1st birthday (which I will show some pics of next week), I searched for some Cookie Monster themed stuff and hit the jackpot with her.  I did a custom order and she was super easy and sweet to work with.  Please check her out and here's some eye candy for ya:

Awesome Autumn 3

Ok folks, decided to do one more entry for Awesome Autumn....I was in the mall and had to make a stop by Williams-Sonoma and you know how they have the food demos sometimes. Well I missed it but was able to get a sample of their apple cider and a sample of some cranberry oat squares.  Can you say DELICIOUS!!! (no really you need to say it 'cause it's just that good).  I immediately grabbed another sample of the squares (I had my son with me so I think it was justified...even though he only got one nibble of it) and got a copy of the recipe.  I think I will be making it this weekend.

This cider is great:



Here is the recipe:

Cranberry-Oat Squares

1 1/2 cups of rolled oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 3/4 cups WS Apple-Orange Cranberry Relish

Preheat over to 350F
Combine oats, flour, sugar, butter and baking soda into bowl.  Mix together until crumbly
Divide mix in two
Pack (larger) half into greased 9"x9"pan.  Spread cranberry sauce over top.  Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.  Press down with your hand
Bake for 35-40 minutes until a rich golden brown.  Cut into squares
(Delicious served warm with ice cream).

Enjoy!!!!

Awesome Autumn 2

So I decided to do a second post focused on some sweet goodies.  I went to my girl Martha Stewart because you know she's got a recipe for pie, cupcakes, everything.  The article that I came across is composed of Thanksgiving desserts but you certainly don't have to wait 'til then.  Here are a few that caught my eye:

pumpkin swirl brownies- def. getting the recipe for that ^_^

apple crisp-an old fave that can never go wrong

salt-roasted pears with caramel sauce- sweet & salty at it's best

To check out these and many other mouth-watering desserts, click on the link above.  Happy drooling!!

Awesome Autumn

Autumn is here (even if it doesn't quite feel like it yet) and it's time for pumpkins, turkey and all things apple.  Well, I like to see new takes on old favorites and I came across this article on Real Simple for ways to decorate pumpkins without carving.  Now I must admit that I love getting to the pumpkin seeds for roasting (so yummy) but I'd be willing to skip it for this DIY project!  My absolute fave are the metallic ones.  How about you? 

Not Your Typical Halloween

I don't think of Halloween to be a real holiday but I was over at my fave dessert table designer, Amy Atlas, and she had a guest feature from Pizzazzerie that blew me away. This glam pink & silver table is one of the best I've seen yet. I love how the colors are feminine but laced with a bit of punk for the theme. What do you think? Head over to their blogs to check out the rest!

S'mores are a hoot!

Found this cute s'mores idea by way of Maddycakes Muse from Living Locurto! I personally love owls and anything designed around them is a thumbs up in my book :)