With pie making taking center stage on Wednesday along with all my other prep work for Thursday’s dinner, I’ve planned ahead and taken some steps to make the day less hectic and more organized with “pretty” still in mind. Truth be told, I cannot make a pie without a decorative crust finish. When I won the blue ribbon for my Dutch apple pie at the Orange County Fair, one of the judge’s comments was how pretty the single painted apple… [Read More]
While I was making the USC cupcakes I had to open my college box and see what was in there since I haven’t opened it up in a couple decades. I loved seeing dozens and dozens of handwritten letters from my friends. What a gift! There were letters detailing how they spent their summer vacations and hopes for the next school year. Lots of love letters from various gentlemen which were fun to read. Nothing will make you feel younger… [Read More]
Are you thinking yet about the December holidays and sitting on the fence whether to entertain and host a fun party? With the temps in the high 80’s here in Southern California it doesn’t exactly feel like the holiday party planning season is here but it is! Thanks to Shutterfly, I was able to find my holiday spirit while working on a project for them. I’m very pleased to feature a party invitation that I chose, and I think you’ll… [Read More]
Trick or Treat! Happy Halloween Week! Here’s a treat that’s best made a day or two before the big night. It’s a twist on the hard candied apples that are usually colored red but I’ve made these black and cinnamon flavored. That would be the trick but they’re not tricky to make. To begin, clean apples thoroughly to get the wax off. I did this by taking baking soda in my hands, dampening with water to make a paste and… [Read More]
I love the celebrations of weddings and the anticipation of the big day. I’ve had the delight and honor to be involved with numerous nieces’ and nephews’ wedding preparations from making hundreds of rosettes to hang to baking and decorating hundreds of cookies favors for every guest to enjoy so when Shutterfly asked me to style and photograph a bridal shower theme party using their products of my choice, I couldn’t wait to get started on a bright and fun… [Read More]
I hope everyone had a nice Mother’s Day. I did! Just a quick check-in today as I’m styling and shooting for a project for Shutterfly that will post on Friday. I’ve had a bit of an injury to my right hand which I believe has been from swiping constantly “to the left, to the left” on my iPad and phone and swirling all around on my track pad on my laptop which I use for everything, even photo editing and… [Read More]
Happy Easter and Passover week! I’d like to share with you what the latest in fashion accessories is for Peeps this spring season. …but before we hit the runway… Did I tell you I was in the Chicago area over the weekend? I attended a fabulous conference at Wilton Industries where I met fellow Sweet Team Members, members of the Wilton School of Cake Decorating, toured the headquarters (incredible) and did some hands-on decorating. I can’t wait to show you… [Read More]
What do music themed cake pops with DIY washi taped covered sticks, DIY pennant cupcake toppers, DIY saxophone floral arrangements, Shutterfly graduation party announcements, thank you notes and “To Do” list party favors all have in common? They’ve all come together today on the blog to throw one swell party and you’re invited! Can you believe it’s time to start planning for graduation celebrations? Last week I was very busy baking, styling and photographing a project in collaboration with Shutterfly… [Read More]
Over the last few weeks I had the pleasure of designing and decorating cookie favors for a bridal shower in Newport Beach this weekend. What made these cookies special for me was that they were invited to the party by Mary Ann of the blog Classic Casual Home. We were finally able to meet, have lunch and become fast friends in person after reading and commenting on our respective blogs and emailing each other over the past few years! The… [Read More]
Hello and happy Valentine Week! Just a short recap of the wonderful morning making different Valentine’s Day cookies at the workshop held at West Elm OC on Saturday. As usual, when I’m in ‘event mode’, I’m too busy to snap many photos but luckily there were plenty of photogs in the group. Here we are all set up and ready to go with my booklet of recipes, tips and techniques for baking and icing success. I couldn’t resist giving everyone… [Read More]
Bridal Shower Gifts and Wrapping Ideas
Carlo’s Bakery Cannolis and Lobster Tail Pastries
A Holiday Cocktail ~ Carrot Cake Martinis
Make-Ahead Frozen Buttercream Cake Decorations
Colonial Williamsburg Sweet Potato Muffins
Shaking It Up With Snow Globe Decorated Sugar Cookies
Gentleman Jack (Jack Daniels) Cupcakes Recipe
Calligraphy, Hand Lettering and Inspiration Boards at Sugar Paper Los Angeles
