Fresh Citrus Margaritas

Margaritas are my default cocktail and I like that.  They’re the sure bet when going to a new restaurant and not because I’ve had all winners.  Oh, I’ve sent back my share.  But the thing is… I know what they’re supposed to taste like and from there I can judge. Lately though, at home, I’ve been experimenting with more citrus flavors.  A half of an orange, a wedge of lemon and a lime cut up in quarters.  If there’s a… [Read More]

My Trip to the Wilton Sweet Up 2014

Can you believe it’s almost May!?!  So much has been going on in sunny SoCal this past month.  The most exciting and certainly a dream come true – I was the guest of Wilton Industries Cake Decorating as part of their Sweet Treat Team and was flown to their headquarters in the Chicago area for the Wilton Sweet Up! I was very fortunate to have been able to attend this event where new products were debuted and dessert trends were… [Read More]

Fashionable Peep DIY Brunch Bunnies

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]

A Whimsical Springtime Brunch

You might think I’ve gone down the Easter bunny hole or have spring fever but when I saw the Spring Flower Cupcake pan from Wilton, I immediately thought of quiche flowers for a springtime brunch and not cupcakes!  Hard to believe, I know. With the beautiful tulips, lilies and freesias that grace my table, I wanted to add a touch of the garden to everyone’s plate but in a whimsical and unexpected way. Using the cupcake pan is a fun… [Read More]

Graduation Party Styling and DIY For Shutterfly

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]

Wilton’s Twist Quick Coupler Set – A Review

All good things come with a twist – a dance, a game and of course a twist in one’s cocktail.  Here’s another one – When I opened my generous box of Wilton goodies with cake and decorating supplies, I was very intrigued by their product called the Twist Quick Coupler Set so I decided to give it a try and write a review. If you’re new to using decorating tips with a pastry bag or even a parchment cone, a… [Read More]

Wilton Sweet Treat Team

I’ve got some news that I’m pretty proud of.  I was asked by Wilton, to be one of a dozen bloggers chosen to be a Wilton Ambassador and a member of their Wilton Sweet Treat Team!  Yay! This is a huge thrill and honor for me since I’ve been using their products for over thirty years! Yes, I know this dates me but I feel I’m in very good company. Before I was married, I learned cake decorating using their… [Read More]

Wedding Dress Decorated Cookies For A Bridal Shower

wedding dress decorated cookies

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]

St. Patrick’s Day Boozy Buttercream Cupcakes and a Bailey’s Martini

St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

It’s hard to believe we’re in the last month of the first quarter of the year.  For us in SoCal spring flowers have never stopped blooming and it’s safe to say this past weekend we had our truly first rain in a season that will soon be over. March also makes nearly everyone Irish at least for a day.  To get a start on St. Patrick’s Day planning I’m revisiting two of my favorite recipes that speak Irish to me… [Read More]

Cool Creative Things–Waterlogue and Blogshop Class

Note:  For the Bridal Shower Cookies seen on Classic Casual Home click HERE.  Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine’s Day.  It’s hard for me to put away the pink and red hearts.  I just love everything leading up to the day.  One thing I missed this Valentine’s Day were the green hills that would normally be here in February.  Is anyone’s weather what they expected this year? I’m working on my next project – wedding dress cookies… [Read More]