Sunday, November 29, 2009
Swrily Twirly trees
Posted by J+S at 8:26 AM 2 comments
Labels: cake decorating, candlelight, Christmas, crafts
A new twist on an old favorite
Aren't these little snowmen cupcakes adorable? Find the directions to make your very own at Celebration Shoppe via Bright Ideas..
INGREDIENTS
1 box yellow cake mix
1 can vanilla frosting
1 tube black decorating frosting
1 tube orange decorating frosting
1 14-oz. bag shredded coconut, optional
16 pieces DOVE® Brand Milk Chocolate
16 pieces chocolate malted milk balls
1/2 cup M&M’S
Standard cupcake pan
Mini cupcake pan
16 standard paper cupcake liners
16 mini paper cupcake liners
Resealable plastic bag
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 16 standard cupcake cups and 16 mini cupcake cups with the paper cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Transfer the batter into each cupcake pan and bake minis for 12-15 minutes and the standard cupcakes for 18-21 minutes.
3. Remove cupcakes from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely.
4. Put 1/4 cup of vanilla frosting in a resealable plastic bag; set aside.
5. Frost all the cupcakes’ tops with the remaining vanilla frosting, and then sprinkle with the shredded coconut, if desired.
6. Place a frosted mini cupcake on its side on top of each frosted standard cupcake, using the vanilla frosting to attach it.
7. Make the hats by using the vanilla frosting to secure a DOVE® Chocolate on top of each mini cupcake. Pipe a dot of frosting on top of each chocolate and attach a malted milk ball.
Add details by using vanilla frosting to attach M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies as buttons. Pipe the eyes with the black decorating frosting and the noses with the orange decorating frosting.
Posted by J+S at 6:37 AM 0 comments
Merry and Bright!
Posted by J+S at 6:04 AM 0 comments
Favorite Christmas purchase
Posted by J+S at 4:18 AM 1 comments
Labels: Christmas, Favorite Things
Saturday, November 28, 2009
You can't stop me, I'm the gingerbread man!
I have always wanted to make gingerbread men cookies. Perhaps this is my year. Find some helpful tips here.
From the Celebration Shoppe blog.
Posted by J+S at 6:55 AM 0 comments
String of light cookies
If you see a little Christmas light cookie cutter, please let me knw. I want to make these.
From Celebration Shoppe.
Posted by J+S at 6:44 AM 1 comments
Sweetheart candy cane napkin holder
Posted by J+S at 6:06 AM 0 comments
Labels: Christmas, crafts, Entertaining, Favorite Things
Friday, November 27, 2009
Frosty, The Snowman
I'm ready for snow...not the snow that we've had that melts after a day or two, but REAL snow. In my world, it's just not Christmas without this wonderful white blanket. For the first real snow this year, I think the mister and I should have a little snowman party.
We'll use this snowman-making kit from Restoration Hardware,
bake these cute little snowman cupcakes from Martha Stewart,
and afterward we'll warm up with this delicious hot chocolate drink.
Posted by J+S at 7:59 AM 1 comments
Labels: baby it's cold outside, Favorite Things, snow, winter
Run, Run Reindeer
Awwwww.....cute!
I can't remember where I found this image. If it's from your blog, let me know; I would love to give you credit.
Posted by J+S at 6:53 AM 0 comments
Rudolph with your nose so bright
How adorable are these little Rudolphs, made with donut holes and white chocolate chips? So completely creative! Find the how-to at Duh-Licious!
Posted by J+S at 6:46 AM 0 comments
Labels: Baking, Christmas, crafts, Favorite Things
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Be grateful!
Gratitude is the mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable.
~Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin via Marta Writes.
I am grateful for the love of my life,
my faith,
my generous employer and great co-workers,Posted by J+S at 7:15 AM 0 comments
Labels: gratitude, Thanksgiving
One last fantastic idea
Although it's too late for me to make this fabulous Indian corn centerpiece by Eddie Ross this year, I'll definitely be doing it next year. Find the great step-by-step instructions from the master himself right here.
{Photo via Eddie Ross.}
Posted by J+S at 5:43 AM 0 comments
Labels: crafts, Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
More place setting ideas
If you are still searching for Thanksgiving place setting ideas, here are a couple to get you started from my go-to gal, Martha Stewart. First, there's the ever-popular pear placecard. (On Studio 5 they covered a pear in gold leaf and that looked fabulous too.)
There's something about these little votives wrapped in corn husks that I love. I'm sure the gorgeous purple-ish roses don't hurt the scene either!
I'm always for anything that involves chocolate.
I am seriously envious of this little Mayflower centerpiece, and I think you could use it for the adult table too.
If you spray paint some miniature pumpkins, you could use them to greet your guests at the table.
Posted by J+S at 6:02 AM 0 comments
Labels: Entertaining, Thanksgiving
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
And what to my wondering eyes should appear...









If the only thing you do today is look at this sweet Thanksgiving candy buffet by Amy Atlas, your day will be complete. I think I'm in love with her!
Posted by J+S at 7:59 AM 0 comments
Labels: candy, Favorite Things, Thanksgiving
Chinese birthday party
Posted by J+S at 6:40 AM 0 comments
Labels: Favorite Things, my obsession with asia
Wineglass placecard
Posted by J+S at 5:59 AM 0 comments
Labels: Entertaining, Favorite Things, Thanksgiving
Monday, November 23, 2009
Smittens
Posted by J+S at 7:16 AM 0 comments
Labels: baby it's cold outside
Saturday rewind
The mister invited a friend to the BYU game, so I spent the afternoon playing with Shelly. Before I picked her up, I stopped at World Market looking for the blue Welsh water bottles, which, sadly, have been discontinued. I consoled myself by purchasing some chocolate ornaments. I love the things I find there!
Shelly indulged my and we stopped at Day Murray Music. I reminisced about my piano student days and "The Federation." I picked up a couple of Christmas duets that I will now be forcing the mister to learn to play with me. (He's actually a great sport about it...after I promise him lots of favors in return. We'll be ready for a 2012 performance...or something like that!)
Then we headed downtown where we drank Cadbury hot chocolate at Elizabeth's English Bakery and Tea shop. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I'll definitely go back. You may enjoy a Cornish pasty, high tea, English trifle, and other treats. If you visit, don't forget to stop next door for your fix of London. I came home with a box of Turkish Delight and I rather like it. (I might need the White Witch to pay me a visit!)Across the street from the bakery, and not to be missed is the newly expanded Pottery Barn at Trolley Square, rumored to be the second largest store IN THE NATION. That's right, I'm in Pottery Barn heaven. If only I had lots of money to spend on their wonderful things...

Of course I stopped at The Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakeshop on the way home...Shelly needed to get her mom a cupcake fix before she returns to California. (I promise these are THE BEST cupcakes.)
And we rounded out the evening with dinner at Pizzeria 712. YUM! Freshly made crust and tomato sauce topped with hand-pulled mozzarella and basil. This is pizza heaven.
Posted by J+S at 6:23 AM 2 comments
Labels: a perfect day, Favorite Things
Chronicle Books
Now is the perfect time to stock up on some books and kits and other fun items from Chronicle Books. And don't forget all of those nice people on your Christmas list! Just look at their selection of materials on cupcakes!
Posted by J+S at 5:42 AM 1 comments
Labels: a good deal, A good read
The Duchess of Whimsy
Posted by J+S at 5:40 AM 0 comments
Labels: A good read
Just believe!
Posted by J+S at 4:19 AM 0 comments
Labels: Christmas, Cupcakes, Favorite Things
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Upon reflection
Posted by J+S at 7:58 AM 0 comments
Labels: Favorite Things, me and the mister
Ticings
Posted by J+S at 7:39 AM 1 comments
Labels: Baking, cake decorating
Tiny and cute: a candy bar adventure



Check out the petite pink candy display that Natasha from Fête Fanatic put together. I love the ribbons she chose to adorn the apothecary jars and the mirrored table effect. If you live in the New York area, you really should have her help you with your next event!
Posted by J+S at 7:31 AM 0 comments
Labels: candy, Favorite Things, pink
In the neighborhood
Posted by J+S at 6:56 AM 0 comments
Labels: art, Favorite Things, oh the places you'll go
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Flemish houses in gingerbread
These little Flemish canal house cookies, from Fancy Flours, made of gingerbread and then decorated with royal icing, are just beautiful. The copper cookie cutters come with a stencil to make it easier to decorate, but I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried these before? I'm a little gunshy thinking that it will still be much more difficult and time consuming than it looks...but if they did turn out, imagine how gorgeous a gift they would make!
Posted by J+S at 7:33 AM 1 comments
Labels: Baking, Christmas, Cookies, i want that
Gobble, Gobble
This year for Thanksgiving, I am in charge of rolls and fruit salad. I saw this picture on Nurturing Notes via Tip Junkie, and I'm thinking I should copy it. She used cloves for the eyes...and I bet this was the hit of the party!
Here's a picture of the how to:
Posted by J+S at 6:59 AM 0 comments
Labels: Baking, Favorite Things, Thanksgiving
Friday, November 20, 2009
Glitter ornaments
Posted by J+S at 6:55 AM 0 comments
Labels: Christmas, crafts, Favorite Things
Comfort & Joy
I think these polka dot towels would be the perfect Christmas touch in the bathroom. Find them at Pottery Barn.
Posted by J+S at 6:28 AM 0 comments
Labels: Christmas, decorating, i want that
Christmas floursack towel
Posted by J+S at 6:25 AM 1 comments
Labels: Christmas, Favorite Things, i want that
Sparkly paper cranes
Posted by J+S at 12:01 AM 0 comments
Labels: Christmas, crafts, my obsession with asia
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Keeping my fingers from freezing
Posted by J+S at 6:18 AM 3 comments
Labels: baby it's cold outside, i want that
Monday, November 16, 2009
Donut display
Posted by J+S at 7:59 AM 0 comments
Labels: donuts, Entertaining, Favorite Things
Sundance goodies
Posted by J+S at 6:07 AM 0 comments
Labels: dining out, Favorite Things, i want that
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wrapping cart
I've tried lots of solutions for my wrapping paper and ribbon over the years, but I think this little wrapping cart from Ballard Designs might be just what I need. There are storage cabinets, a clever little ribbon display, and plenty of room for lots of wrapping paper. I love it, and the good news is that it also comes in black, which means it will fit perfectly in my craft room.
Posted by J+S at 7:59 AM 2 comments
Labels: cake decorating, Favorite Things, gifts, storage and organization
Lock and key magnets
Posted by J+S at 7:58 AM 0 comments
Labels: Favorite Things, i want that
Friday, November 13, 2009
Peppermint ice cream bon bons
Time: 40 minutes, plus about 6 hours to freeze.
Bakers' Tip: When you dip the ice cream balls in chocolate, make sure you coat some of the skewer too—this keeps the ice cream from sliding off as it melts.
Yield: Serves 8 to 10
Ingredients
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Preparation
1. In a small bowl, stir together ice cream and extract until blended. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and freeze alongside.
2. Using a large melon baller, quickly scoop all the ice cream into balls and place them on one side of the cold baking sheet. Freeze until firm, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
3. Insert a decorative skewer or pick into the center of each ice cream ball and return to freezer to set, about 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, put chopped chocolate and shortening into a small metal bowl. Set bowl in a slightly larger bowl of hot water and let sit until melted, stirring occasionally. Transfer chocolate mixture to a 1-cup glass measuring cup. Put crushed candies on a small plate.
5. Working with 1 ice cream ball at a time, dip into melted chocolate to coat, making sure chocolate reaches above ice cream onto the skewer and letting excess chocolate drip off bottom. Roll ball in candy and set on the clean side of the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining balls, returning them to the freezer if they start to soften. Freeze at least 2 hours before serving.
Bonbon Variations: Experiment with other flavors of ice cream, such as coconut or chocolate, and coatings, such as flaked coconut or dark chocolate.
Posted by J+S at 12:05 AM 4 comments
Labels: Christmas, Favorite Things, ice cream
Up, up and away!
Posted by J+S at 12:04 AM 0 comments
Labels: Cupcakes, Favorite Things, Movies and Television
Rebecca and Roxanne: Do we love this?
As demonstrated by Kristine McKay on Studio 5 yesterday, I introduce to you the QuicKutz letterpress kit. I have wanted to do letterpress forever and I think this is the ticket. Rebecca and Roxanne, you are the two people I know who I think might also be interested. What do you think?
Posted by J+S at 12:03 AM 3 comments
Labels: crafts, Favorite Things, i want that
The TimTam slam!
Earlier this year, the lovely Ashley introduced the data team to the TimTam slam. Karly brought us the cookies from World Market in March, after a bit of a search. Heather blogged all about it. Today, Karly and Angie returned from Target and announced that they are carrying TimTams right now. Hooray again! We're doing the TimTam slam today to celebrate the coming weekend.
Posted by J+S at 12:02 AM 1 comments
Labels: Chocolate, Cookies, Favorite Things
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Chocolate fondue - a cold day treat!
Starting today, Spoon Me locations across Utah will begin offering fondue for 2. How delicious is that? Hip! hip! Hooray! I love all the scoops from Studio 5.
{Photo from Chocolate 411.}
Posted by J+S at 11:59 PM 0 comments
Labels: Chocolate, dining out
Darling baby shower downloads
Jennifer Sbranti, of Hostess With The Mostess fame, has generously made these adorable birdie baby shower downloads available free! How lucky are we and how nice is she? Find them in colors suitable for a boy or a girl right here, along with lots of details as always. And you can see lots of pictures of the actual shower that she threw here.
Posted by J+S at 7:02 AM 1 comments
Labels: Entertaining, Favorite Things, showers, wee ones
The finest hot chocolate
Ultimate Hot Chocolate
Recipe from Our Best Bites
2 1-oz. squares of unsweetened baking chocolate
1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
4 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla
In your microwave or in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the chocolate and the sweetened condensed milk until the chocolate is completely melted (about 2-2 1/2 minutes in the microwave). Whisk in vanilla, combine completely, and set aside.
In a larger saucepan, bring 4 c. water to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate mixture.
Serve in mugs with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serves about 6.
Variations:
Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and 1/8-1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper in with the vanilla.
Mint Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp. mint (NOT spearmint) extract
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp. peppermint extract. Serve with a candy cane instead of a spoon to stir.
Almond or Hazelnut Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp. almond or hazelnut extract.
Posted by J+S at 7:00 AM 1 comments
Labels: Chocolate, Favorite Things, snow, winter
Portable photograph to digital converter
I think this portable photograph to digital converter would be a fun and handy Christmas gift. Find it at Hammacher Schlemmer.
Posted by J+S at 6:46 AM 0 comments
Labels: photography
Do you love a good deal too?

Jeanette introduced me to this very cool site, The Thrifty Mama. Find bargains, give aways, and the general scoop on great deals right here.
Posted by J+S at 6:35 AM 0 comments
Labels: that's amazing
Who says candy corn is just for Halloween?
I am in lalalalike with these candy corn cupcakes from Our Best Bites. I love the colored cake in the white liners...and they've even provided a little frosting tutorial. So cute.
{Recipe and photo from Our Best Bites.}
Candy Corn Cupcakes
1 18.25-oz. white cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp. almond extract
Yellow and orange Wilton food gel (about a heaping 1/2 tsp. of each)
A double batch of Perfect Cupcake Frosting and Filling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 24-cup muffin tins with white paper liners (although you may not make it to 24 cupcakes). Combine all ingredients except for food coloring in a large bowl and beat on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then beat on medium for 2 additional minutes.
Divide batter equally into two bowls; you should have about 2 1/4-2 1/2 c. of batter in each bowl. Mix about 1/2 heaping tsp. of yellow coloring into one bowl of batter and 1/2 heaping tsp. of orange coloring into the other bowl.
Divide the yellow batter evenly among the muffin tins. I used a standard cookie scoop, which measures about 1 Tbsp. I only had enough to make 20 cupcakes with the cups filled about halfway. Holding the edges of each pan firmly, bang the pan a few times on the counter to level out the batter. Repeat the process with the orange batter. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan and then allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
When ready, frost the cupcakes and garnish with a candy corn.
Posted by J+S at 4:54 AM 0 comments
Labels: autumn, Cupcakes, Favorite Things
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
More autumn tabletop goodness
Yesterday I received an email from Better Homes & Gardens with some fantastic Thanksgiving table ideas.
Start with this lovely option, which involves pumpkins, some craft store picks, and candles:
Posted by J+S at 7:07 AM 1 comments
Labels: autumn, cake decorating, Entertaining, Thanksgiving
Australia: the friendly place
Q: Does it ever get windy in Australia ? I have never seen it rain on TV; how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.
__________________________________________________
Q: Will I be able to see kangaroos in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.
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Q: I want to walk from Perth to Sydney - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only three thousand miles; take lots of water.
_________________________________________________
Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Australia ? Can you send me a list of them in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, and Hervey Bay? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?
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Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia? (USA)
A: A-Fri-ca is the big triangle-shaped continent south of Europe. Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does not ... Oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday
night in King's Cross. Come naked.
__________________________________________________
Q:Which direction is North in Australia? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here, and we'll send the rest of the directions.
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Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia? (UK)
A:Why? Just use your fingers like we do.
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Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...Oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys' Choir plays every Tuesday night in Kings Cross, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.
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Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia ? (UK)
A: You are a British politician, right?
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Q: Are there supermarkets in Sydney, and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers. Milk is illegal.
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Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Australia who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca which is where YOU come from. All Australian snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled, and make good pets.
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Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Australia, but I forget its name. It's a kind of bear and lives in trees. (USA)
A: It's called a Drop Bear. They are so called because they drop out of Gum trees and eat the brains of anyone walking underneath them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.
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Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in Australia? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
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Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia ? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.
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Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first
Posted by J+S at 7:06 AM 2 comments
Labels: oh the places you'll go




























