Swrily Twirly trees

I spotted these cute trees on The Party Dress, and I'm hoping someone I know has used fondant before and can help me. I don't think recreating these swirly trees would be difficult, but I've never used fondant before, hence my nervousness. Find the directions at BHG.

Candy cups

Oh my goodness! Who comes up with these things? Candy cane cups? Wouldn't these be a riot at a party? I'd like mine filled with hot chocolate or eggnog, please. Find yours at Amazon.

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.

Merry and Bright!

These little wooden blocks from Garnet Hill, referred to as Chatterblocks, are pretty cute. I used to have a thing for stenciling little wooden blocks and then creating little door hangings, etc. from them. I don't think it would be too far fetched for me to pull out my paint and stencils and make something like this. I'll wait until I actually get out my Christmas decorations, though, because I already have so much in the way of Christmas decor!

Favorite Christmas purchase

There's a store in Trolley Square called Tabula Rasa, and I love it. I bought these really great Christmas cards made by Yellow Bird Greetings on my last visit. Share my giggle at the funny greeting:

Dear __________,

You are on my naughty list.

You were not even close to making the nice list.

Better luck next year!

Santa

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.

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.

Sweetheart candy cane napkin holder

Check out this festive napkin holder craft, one of several, at Von's.

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.

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.

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!

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 loving family,

my adorable little pet,

my generous employer and great co-workers,

freedom and this land that I love,
and a comfortable home, among many other things.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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.}

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.

This little pine cone is an adorable table greeting for your guests.


Happy turkey day!

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!

Chinese birthday party

I wish someone would throw me such a wonderful birthday party as this asian party by Design*Dump. It's amazing down to the very last detail.

I'm really into the dipped fortune cookies. They were a hit at my Chinese New Year party earlier this year.

Yummy egg rolls with cute little flags...

Here's my favorite detail: sushi Rice Krispies treats wrapped in fruit leather with colored licorice inside. How creative is that?

And, not to be missed are her invitations. Oh, the invitations. They are just lovely.

(All images from Design*Dump.}

Wineglass placecard

While browsing the Pottery Barn website, I came across this image of wineglass placecard holders. They look so cozy and inviting for Thanksgiving dinner, don't you think? With a few leaves, filler, placecards, and stemware, you could easily recreate these for your tabletop this season. Bon apetit!

Smittens

These mittens from Restoration Hardware are a crack up! Restoration Hardware advertises them as "mittens built for two." Awww!

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.

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!

The Duchess of Whimsy

I spotted a sneak peek of this artfully illustrated children's book on Black Eiffel and can't wait to find a copy on a store. The story is about a fancy, food-loving duchess. Sounds right up my alley!

Just believe!

If you sign up for the mailing list from The Celebration Shoppe, they will graciously send you the PDF files to create your own little display of "believe" cupcakes. I love this site!

Upon reflection

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” – John Barrymore

{Quote via The Apron Stage.}

Ticings

While browsing Amy Atlas's site this week, I stumbled across this very professional looking cake and discovered that it was made with a pre-made, thin, edible icing sheet. I love the fact that home bakers can now make beautiful cakes in a jiffy! Find more details at Ticings.

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!

In the neighborhood

This picture, by Swallowfield, reminds me of the rolling hills of San Francisco, with the lovely Victorian style houses scattered throughout. I wish I were in Chinatown right now! Find this print, and many lovely others, right here.

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!

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:

{Image via Nurturing Notes.}

Glitter ornaments

Wow! Look at these beautiful paper-made Christmas ornaments. What an act of love, and how lucky are the recipients of these? You can find all of the instructions, including lots of helpful pictures, here, on Diana Hulme's Website.

{Images from Diana Hulme.}

Comfort & Joy

I think these polka dot towels would be the perfect Christmas touch in the bathroom. Find them at Pottery Barn.

Christmas floursack towel

I simply must have this Christmas floursack towel, a fun twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas. Pretty much if you make anything with The Twelve Days of Christmas, I want it.

{Image via Sur La Table.}

Sparkly paper cranes

Last year, Pottery Barn sold origami Christmas paper with instructions to fold little crane Christmas ornaments. I was so sad when they sold out before I had the chance to order them, so imagine my surprise and delight when I spotted these glittery paper crane ornaments on Zakka Life. And, there's a tutorial on folding them. Now I just need to find some fun Christmas paper.

{Photo from Zakka Life.}

Keeping my fingers from freezing

I can't imagine a cuter way to keep my little fingers nice and toasty on the upcoming cold winter nights. Find these hooden mittens at Sundance in a variety of colors.

Eat, drink, and be merry

I've posted about these before as well, but I just love them! I'm thinking about giving these little hats and scarves to friends to dress up their bottles of Martinelli's. Find them at Sundance.

Donut display

Who doesn't love a tasty donut? And how much more appealing do they look in this fantastic display? Pardon me while I drool for a bit. I saw this donut display on No Fuss Fabulous and definitely want to recreate it soon!

Sundance goodies

I have posted about these wine bottle candelabras previously, and now Sundance is selling them too. I think it's such an ingenious little idea, and would be romantic for a spring or summer patio dinner.

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.

Lock and key magnets

I am also smitten with these lock and key magnets from Ballard Designs. How lovely they would be on my magnet board!

Peppermint ice cream bon bons

I can't hold out on posting these delicious and pretty peppermint ice cream bon bons from Sunset Magazine via Divine Party Concepts.

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.

Up, up and away!

If you loved Disney*Pixar's UP as much as I did, you will love these cute cupcakes. I want to throw an impromptu party where we frost and eat the cupcakes and then watch the movie, which I ran to Wal-Mart to buy first thing this past Tuesday. These cupcakes are just perfect.

{Spotted on Everyday Celebrating. Photo, directions and downloadable house via Family Fun.}

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?

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.

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.}

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.

The finest hot chocolate

I've blogged about European drinking chocolate before, and today I bring you a slightly different version of the good stuff from Our Best Bites. Find the recipe for this delicious hot chocolate here.


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.

{Image via Flickr.}

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.

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.

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.

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:

The bittersweet branches, complete with burnt orange and creme candles, are beautiful in this arrangement.


White pumpkins are everywhere, I tell ya. They look lovely in this centerpiece:

These pumpkins and pine cones are simple and delightful.


{Images from Better Homes and Gardens.}

Australia: the friendly place

A week or so ago, the mister's Australian buddy sent these funny blurbs to him. These are supposedly an Australian tourism Website's responses to some FAQs. I don't even care if it's not true because they are hilarious. Read on for some giggles.

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.
__________________________________________________
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?
__________________________________________________
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.
_________________________________________________
Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia? (UK)
A:Why? Just use your fingers like we do.
__________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________
Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia ? (UK)
A: You are a British politician, right?
__________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________
Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia ? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.
__________________________________________________
Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first