Penny Candy

Please Welcome: Vegan Hostess

2012-02-09T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I am really excited to announce that my new entertaining and lifestyle blog, Vegan Hostess, is up and running! I wanted to create a more dynamic blog for the ideas and party inspiration floating around in my head. The blog will be all about parties, celebrations, weddings, events and anything else related to stylish entertaining.

Please forward the url to anyone who likes to celebrate and entertain (from weddings and birthdays to cocktail hours and date nights), or just likes to look at pretty photos of fabulous things. I am also looking for party ideas to post about, so send me an email!

Vegan Hostess will replace this blog, and I will morph some of these old posts into the new blog over time. Thanks for the support and I hope you continue to follow me over at veganhostess.com.

Sunday Edition *59

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

{Pinch of Yum}

Chalkboard Messaging

2012-01-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Not necessarily a new trend, but really cute nontheless. A simple black chalkboard (maybe embellished a bit) featuring some detail of the event... the couples names, directions, dessert options, table seating, etc. Here are some lovely examples to use at your next party.

{Green Wedding Shoes}

{Green Wedding Shoes}

Portland Wedding with Succulents

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been dreaming of a weekend away in Portland. I have never been, but have heard so many great things about it. I saw this Portland wedding on Brooklyn Bride and fell in love with all of the adorable succulents. Great colors and details as well. Happy Monday everyone.

Sunday Edition *58

2012-01-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

{Bitter Sweet}

Colorful Inspiration

2012-01-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have some cheery colors for you to love today. {Flights of Fancy}

Desserts and Paper Flowers

2012-01-10T07:24:00.001-07:00

I came across these homemade paper flowers on Green Wedding Shoes... and then saw the dessert table images. Super cute, fun, youthful and bright. These ideas are perfect for a spring wedding. A warm palette of sunshine, fushia, peach and grey is unique and really pretty.

Sunday Edition *57

2012-01-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

{The Wannabe Chef}

Recipe Day: I Can't Resist These Photos

2012-01-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

I am posting this recipe mainly because the photos make me so so so happy. Have you seen more beautiful pancakes? ever? These guys are coconut oat pancakes with date syrup, coconut chips and clementines. Yum!

- 1 cup white spelt flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons aluminium free baking powder
- 1 cup oat milk or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon date syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil + for cooking
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
- pinch of salt
- unsweetend coconut chips
- clementines
In a bowl mix together the dry ingredients: flours, baking powder, salt. In another separate bowl mix together oatmilk, coconut oil, vanilla and date syrup. Give each mixture a stir then add the wet to the dry combining just until mixed. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow the batter to rise. Prepare a non-stick pan with 1 teaspoon oil on medium heat. Spoon batter into pan, forming a pancake. Cook until lightly brown on the bottom. Turn and brown the other side. Serve with clementines, coconut chips and more date syrup if you want.

Wedding Fashion Trend

2012-01-02T15:24:00.002-07:00

My favorite wedding fashion trend from 2011: Bridesmaids in shades of white!

{Green Wedding Shoes}

{Green Wedding Shoes}

{For the Bride}

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this festive time of year. I am taking some time off to be with family and friends. Cheers to a great year.

Holiday Sweets

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cheers to a happy holiday season! I wanted to throw together another round of gorgeous and delicious dessert photos to share with you. Links to all the recipes are included... go make something yummy to share with one and all.

Confetti Cookies {Namely Marley}

Soy Nog Shake {Healthy. Happy. Life}

Almond Orange Bundt Cake {Miso Vegan}

Peppermint Patties {Elana's Pantry}

Ginger Cookies {Joy the Baker}

Pumpkin Pie with Hazelnut Crust {So Good and Tasty}

Candy Cane Ice Cream {She Let Them Eat Cake}

Gingerbread Cookies {Growing a Green Family}

Holiday DIY Ideas

2011-12-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today I have gathered some excellent DIY ideas for the holidays. Lots of unique things to create and use to add some cheer to your home. I love all the glitter, tinsel and red and white. There are so many ways to make the season merry!

1. Brass Tack Ornaments {Fellow Fellow}
2. Lyrics Glitter Banner {Kate's Pencil Box}
3. Straw Burst Wreath {Tatortos and Jello}
4. Mini Xmas Trees {The Sweetest Occasion}
5. Yarn Present Pom Poms {Creature Comforts}
6. Tinsel Wreath Ornaments {The Sweetest Occasion}

Sunday Edition *56

2011-12-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

{Manifest Vegan}

DIY Glittered Present Topper

2011-12-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Here is an adorable and easy DIY gift topper or ornament project for you via Creature Comforts. So cute... all you need are some clothespins, glitter, double sided tape, glue and little holiday figurines. Your friends and family will love these on their holiday gifts.

Sunday Edition *55

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

{Real Sustenance}

Derby Desserts

2011-12-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's cold out... so I am thinking of warmer weather today and wanted to share this Kentucky Derby inspired shoot, seen on The Inspired Bride.

Newleywed Christmas Shoot

2011-12-01T06:50:00.001-07:00

I am loving this Christmas photo session... complete the flannel, little dogs and twinkle lights. So dark cute! Perfect for Christmas cards...

Pinning: Vegan Treats

2011-11-08T07:04:00.001-07:00

Back with another round of pinterest finds. This time we are focusing on my favorite thing, vegan desserts, treats and sweets.

Weekend Away

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

C and I are heading out this morning for a weekend away in Chicago. We are celebrating the marriage of my sister to her long-time love. Can't wait to see family, relax, and drink some wine. Ciao.

{here}

Fall Photo Session

2011-11-01T06:47:00.000-06:00

Sun-soaked and filled with love, this family photo session caught my eye the other day on Love and Lavender. These pics incorporate the couple's love of the beach, bikes and autumn.

Halloween Dessert Tables

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween has always been one of my favorite days of the year. Here are some spooky, sweet and beautiful Halloween dessert tables.
{Celebrations at Home}

{Save the Date for Cupcakes}

{Pinterest}

{Amy Atlas}

More Pretty Autumnal Colors

2011-10-28T18:06:00.000-06:00

{Creature Comforts}

Pale Palette for Fall

2011-10-24T21:18:00.000-06:00

Love this color combo created by Flights of Fancy.

Sunday Edition *54

2011-10-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

{B Out There}

European Rustic Farm Wedding

2011-10-19T20:29:00.000-06:00

I could immediately tell that this was a bash, please wedding. The attention to detail, the succulents, the dessert table, the professional style DIY additions. Love, love, oh, I Love! Combine all of that with the fact that this lovely wedding was inspired by a rustic European farm. Swoon. What do you love most? I would have to say the the wood pile escort cards, the sweets table (of course) and the alter flowers. Planned perfection.

Pinning: Fall Inspired Weddings

2011-10-18T06:52:00.000-06:00

I am inspired by these beautiful fall pinterest finds. The colors are so warm and inviting... I would have a fall wedding if I could do it all over again.

Sunday Edition *53

2011-10-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

{Fork and Beans}

Recipe Day: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Take some time this coming weekend to relax and bake. I love baking in early Fall when it starts to get cool outside and the leaves are falling. These cinnamon rolls are both seasonal and sweetly delicious.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Earth Balance buttery spread

1/3 cup almond milk

1/3 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp warm water

1 (1/4th oz) package dry yeast

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/8 tsp ground ginger

filling:

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp Earth Balance buttery spread, softened

2 tsp cinnamon

for glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp almond milk

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Heat the almond milk and the Earth Balance together in a small pan on the stove over low/medium heat until the Earth Balance melts and the milk is warm to the touch. Remove from heat, sprinkle in the yeast and stir so yeast will dissolve. Let yeast mixture sit for five minutes (it will look very creamy after a few minutes).

Meanwhile, combine the pumpkin and chia mixture (when you combine the chia seeds and water be sure to let the mixture sit for five minutes to gel a little bit). In another bowl whisk together the flour, salt, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. Add flour mixture to the pumpkin. Pour in yeast.

Knead dough by hand for about 10 minutes or with a KitchenAid for six on medium speed with either a paddle attachment or dough hook. The dough should be smooth and elastic when you’re done.

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a dishcloth and set in a warm area to rise for 1 hour 15 minutes. While the dough is rising, mix together the softened Earth Balance, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Remove dough and punch dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll out to a large rectangle and spread brown sugar mixture on top keeping an inch bare around the sides. Gently roll up dough so it resembles a log. Slice dough into 1/2 inch slices and place in a greased 9-inch casserole dish. Cover with a dishcloth and let rise for another 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake rolls for 25 minutes. Let cool while you make the glaze.

For the glaze, mix together the powdered sugar, almond milk and vanilla extract. If glaze seems too runny, add a little more powdered sugar. Place glaze in a small plastic bag and snip the tip off. Make swirls over the cooled rolls and serve.

Picture Perfect

2011-10-10T17:11:00.000-06:00

From bash, please.

Sunday Edition *52

2011-10-09T06:33:00.000-06:00

{The Family Kitchen}

Blog Love: Sparkle & Hay

2011-10-06T07:46:00.001-06:00

For all the brides to be out there, I suggest checking out the wedding blog Sparkle & Hay. Great ideas for rustic weddings that are also chic and fabulous. Lovely photos and ideas all over the blog... enjoy!

Ranch Wedding Sweets and Details

2011-10-03T16:32:00.001-06:00

This real life wedding on a ranch has some lovely details and finishing touches. Like always... its the little things that I think make a wedding or event extra special and memorable. These photos came via Green Wedding Shoes (where you can view more) and I just can't get enough of them. I especially love the DIY crepe paper cake topper and fabric details all around.

Sunday Edition *51

2011-10-02T08:18:00.001-06:00

{But She Can Bake}

Shower Them With Sugar and Glaze

2011-09-29T06:01:00.000-06:00

This real life wedding shower had a sugary sweet donut theme, with lots of colors and fun treats. Great idea for a themed shower for a wedding or baby or whatever. Also easily customizable for colors, veganized, etc. I especially like the donut hole stir sticks in the chocolate (lets call it soy so i feel better) milk. Donuts!!!

{A Beautiful Mess}

Pumpkin On My Mind

2011-09-26T07:13:00.000-06:00

Fall has officially begun and I am excited. My very favorite season for so many reasons, some of them (of course) food-related. Who doesn't love apple crisp, pumpkin bread, ginger spice, apple cider donuts, apple cinnamon pancakes, and pumpkin spice lattes?

Pumpkin is among my all-time favorite ingredients and now that it's popping up on store shelves, I am ready! Bring on Fall.

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

Pumpkin Blondies

Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Orange Banana Bread Bars

Teeny Tiny Pumpkin Pies

Sunday Edition *51

2011-09-25T08:12:00.000-06:00

{Healthful Pursuit}

Fall is in the air

2011-09-22T06:48:00.002-06:00

Flights of Fancy posted this lovely fall blue color palette... love. I am still getting back into the swing of things from 3 weeks off in Europe. More posts to come early next week.

VACATION!!

2011-08-31T07:39:00.000-06:00

I am off to Europe for a 3 week vacation with my husband. It is going to be an adventure! I will not be posting while away, but capturing lots of photos and will report back to all of you mid-September. Cheers!

Pretty Colorado Engagement Session

2011-08-29T06:06:00.000-06:00

These images from my friend Laura of Laura Murray Photography are so happy and sweet. The coke bottles and picnic for 2 makes a great set-up for any e-session. This one takes place in Colorado, with flowers by Cori Cook, retals by A Vintage Affair Rentals and cake by Little Fig Cakes and Desserts. (Nice work Laura and Cori!)

Sunday Edition *50

2011-08-28T07:08:00.006-06:00

{Oh She Glows}

Vegan Chocolate Obsession

2011-08-26T06:17:00.000-06:00

I recommend spending some good quality time drooling over these stunning chocolate desserts. All 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

{via Foodgawker}

Pretty Rustic Wedding

2011-08-22T07:30:00.000-06:00

I like the rustic details of the dessert table seen at this California wedding. Muted tones, tree and other nature items, and lots of love and happiness!

Sunday Edition *49

2011-08-21T08:34:00.000-06:00

{Healthful Pursuit}

DIY Adorable Party Animal Candle Holders

2011-08-19T05:03:00.000-06:00

I saw these guys here and was obsessed immediately! I love the idea and love the use of 80's plastic animals and a can of gold spray paint. Who wouldn't love this on their birthday cupcake!?

You can find the instruction and supplies list here... but its pretty simple as you can see.

Top Trend: Gourmet Popsicles

2011-08-16T05:08:00.000-06:00

I have been seeing quite a few posts and articles about offering gourmet popsicles at your wedding, shower or summer soiree. I personally love this idea! Something new, hip and cool! There are endless flavor options and a rainbow of colors to create. Try it yourself! This is totally a DIY dessert! Think flavors like Mojito, Mexican Chocolate, Lemon Basil, Blood Orange and Key Lime Pie.

Popcycle Treats are out of LA and are delivered on a bicycle!

Check out Good Pop in Austin for some true Texas flavor!

Then you have Locopops in North Carolina

And People's Pop in New York City.

Nothing in Denver yet... hmmmm. Business idea?

Sunday Edition *48

2011-08-14T09:27:00.000-06:00

{Family Kitchen}

Recipe Day: Burnt Maple and Coconut Ice Cream

2011-08-11T10:46:00.000-06:00

I saw this beautiful bowl of ice cream on Finding Vegan and had to share it. Simple ingredients and so refreshing on a hot summer day.

Inspiration: Seaside Shell Bridal Shower

2011-08-08T07:27:00.000-06:00

These photos are pretty as can be! Lovely shades of pale pink and seashell. Lots of nice details and a great dessert spread for the guests. Great inspiration shoot as seen on Inspired by This. Photos by Elizabeth Messina.

Sunday Edition *47

2011-08-07T06:09:00.000-06:00

{Cookie and Kate}

BHLDN Fall Collection

2011-08-04T06:48:00.001-06:00

Love love love the new BHLDN collection for Fall 2011. Great muted colors, cocktail glam, and serious sparkle and details. Makes me excited for cooler nights and Autumnal loveliness.

Birch Bark Dessert Spread

2011-08-02T06:12:00.000-06:00

Love the natural elements of this dessert feature. Lots of great colors and woodland accents. I also like the rustic feel of everything.

Sunday Edition *46

2011-07-31T06:04:00.000-06:00

{Papillon}

Orange you Glad you Love Grey, Salmon and Navy?

2011-07-29T07:15:00.000-06:00

{Flights of Fancy}

Recipe Day: Peach Pie

2011-07-26T22:14:00.000-06:00

I have never been much of a pie person, but this just looks mouthwatering a delicious! I love the lattice crust and peeking out peaches. The colors are so summery and I think I might have to make this pie!

Summer Peach Pie
Filling:
3-4 peaches, roughly diced and sliced
1/3 cup soy milk
1 Tbsp corn starch or arrowroot powder
1/3 cup sugar or maple syrup
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tsp real vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted butter - cubed

Pie Crust:
2 cups white flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp sugar
1 cup vegan butter, cubed
1/3 cup soy milk
1/3 cup water
extra flour for dusting/pressing out

Directions:

*see video for complete how-to*
1. Crust. Use my technique in video to mix up the pie crust. Press out 1/2 of the dough into pie dish. Bake at 350 for ten minutes.

2. Peaches. Fold the peaches into the filling ingredients.

3. Pull the crust from the oven and pour in peaches. Dot with your 1/4 cup cubed butter. Grab chilled dough (other half) and roll out. Slice into strips. Arrange on top.

4. Bake at 350 for 55 minutes. Cool. Serve warm.

Inspiration: A Farmhouse Brunch

2011-07-25T07:01:00.000-06:00

I saw this great brunch inspiration feature on The Sweetest Occasion. I would definitely love to throw a little gathering at a farm and feature lovely vegan cupcakes, pies and tarts, swallowed down with cocktails and spritzers. This shoot captures a lot of that and displays a great color palette.

Sunday Edition *45

2011-07-24T06:05:00.000-06:00

{RedChillies}

Summer Color Splash

2011-07-19T21:29:00.000-06:00

These colors make me really happy. I love the feminine palette and the great pops of colors in these photos.

{Flights of Fancy}

Vegan Pancake Explosion

2011-07-14T04:20:00.000-06:00

You guys know that I LOVE pancakes. Well... nothing has changed, except I no longer use eggs in my pancakes. Here are some awesome vegan pancake recipes. Mouthwatering. Fluffy. Sweet. And delicious.

Blueberry Pie Pancakes

Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blackberry Sauce

Walnut Silver Dollar Pancakes

Coconut Maple Cream Chai Pancakes

Cheesecake Pancakes

Carrot Cake Pancakes

*Yes, I know that I have posted several other pancake posts... but this one is special, because it's all cruelty-free. And we all need more pancakes in our lives.

Sunday Edition *44

2011-07-10T09:16:00.000-06:00

{Chocolate Covered Katie}

Thoughts of Lake Como

2011-07-09T07:11:00.001-06:00

We have about 8 week left before we leave for Europe! One of our destinations is Lake Como, Italy and today that is on my mind...

{Brian Ferry via Black Eiffel}

Pretty French Patisserie

2011-07-07T06:43:00.000-06:00

A little dessert and design inspiration with serious European style. I love the classic french pastries, colors and cafe designs around Europe. Classic pastel shades of sweetness.

{Photos from here and here}

Recipe Day: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

2011-07-05T06:24:00.000-06:00

You may or may not have noticed that I recently went from vegetarian to vegan. This obviously means some changes to my recipes, business strategy and overall lifestyle. My dream is to one day open a cafe/coffee/dessert shop, and when I do, it will be vegan. So, all future recipe posts will be vegan... but I swear, they are amazing and delicious and you won't miss the dairy or eggs.
This recipe is from The Kind Life by Alicia Silverstone and I made these little cups of love last week. They are creamy and chocolate-y and really hit the spot.

MAKES 12)INGREDIENTS:
1⁄2 cup Earth Balance butter
3⁄4 cup crunchy peanut butter
(preferably unsweetened and unsalted)
3⁄4 cup graham cracker crumbs or 10 graham cracker squares
1⁄4 cup maple sugar or other granulated sweetener
1 cup grain-sweetened, nondairy chocolate or carob chips
1⁄4 cup soy, rice, or nut milk
1⁄4 cup chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts
STEPS:
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and maple sugar and mix well. Remove the mixture from the heat. Evenly divide the mixture, approximately 2 tablespoons per cup, among the muffin cups. Combine the chocolate and milk in another pan. Stir over medium heat until the chocolate has melted. Spoon the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter mixture. Top with chopped nuts.
Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours before serving.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T04:43:00.000-06:00

{Flights of Fancy}

Sunday (Stars and Stripes) Edition *43

2011-07-03T05:34:00.000-06:00

{Flickr}

Red, White and Blue Party Details

2011-07-01T06:09:00.001-06:00

Getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July? Here are some party ideas to add a little sparkle to your festivities.

{The Sweetest Occasion}

Recipe Day: S'mores Ice Cream Sandwiches

2011-06-29T06:29:00.000-06:00

It is way too hot to turn on the over today! So instead I will choose to indulge in something cold, creamy and delicious. I found these S'mores Ice Cream Sandwiches on Healthy.Happy.Life. and I am dying to pop one in my mouth!

Ice Cream Maker Version:
1 part coconut milk
1 part vanilla soy milk
splash of vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt
dash of cinnamon
sweeten to taste with sugar
a few heaping spoonfuls of cocoa powder, to taste

Make according to ice cream maker instructions. Chill liquid mixture in fridge until ready to use. Fold in 4 Tbsp Ricemellow Creme after ice creme has processed. Place in freezer until hardened.

S'mores Assembly Directions:
1. Retrieve your hardened S'mores ice cream from the freezer. Allow to soften very slightly.
2. Scoop 3-4 Tbsp of ice cream on top of a graham cracker square. Place top square on.
3. Roll edges of sandwich in sprinkles.
4. Repeat for all 4 sandwiches. Place on wax paper or oil-sprayed surface and place in freezer to harden completely.
5. Serve a few hours later, or wrap more tightly and store for later indulgence.

Classic Combo: Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry

2011-06-27T06:55:00.000-06:00

Inspired by This featured a great Neapolitan style bridal shower. The treats include mini cakes, sugar cookies, cream puffs, meringues and french macarons. The pretty palette is a great way to focus a party and limit the endless dessert possibilities that can sometimes be overwhelming.

Sunday Edition *42

2011-06-26T08:19:00.000-06:00

{Eat Live Run}

Pretty Pastel Bridal Shower

2011-06-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

The classic pink ruffled cake... I love the ribbons on frosting and the beautiful pale shade of cotton candy. This bridal shower inspiration shoot if full of lovely details, pretty pastels and plenty of sugar. As seen on The Loveliest Day.

Jewel Tone Inspiration Shoot

2011-06-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

This photo shoot was inspired by bright and colorful jewel tones. Think emerald, sapphire, ruby, amethyst and garnet. We had a beautiful open loft space for the backdrop with lots of light. I had a great time working with some very talented local vendors... more information on the shoot can be found on Colby's blog.

The dessert table was a little gem in itself, featuring shiny candies, custom cupcake toppers on sugared vanilla cupcakes, white chocolate piece on colored sugar and a coconut cake centerpiece. I made the "Love Sparkles" cake topper just for the shoot. The models looked great holding the sweet treats.

Vendors:
Photography- Colby Elizabeth Photography
Dessert Table- Lemon Sprinkle Events
Event Design- Firefly Designs
Flowers- Cori Cook Floral Design
Dress- The Little White Dress Shop
Paper Goods- Milk and Ice Cream

Candy Overload

2011-06-20T06:43:00.000-06:00

The shoot is literally overflowing with candy in shades of yellow, orange and turquoise. Any candy lover would appreciate the awesome selection of candies and treats. The cake really pops with color and the models are just so cute!

{Celebrations at Home}

1 Year Married Weekend

2011-06-18T06:50:00.001-06:00

This weekend is my 1 year wedding anniversary! Chris and I are taking a few days to relax in the mountains, drink some wine and eat some delicious food. Cheers to 1 year!

{Images via Pinterest}

Because Everybody Needs a Donut Once and a While

2011-06-16T07:36:00.002-06:00

Images via Pinterest.

Farm to Table Inspiration Shoot

2011-06-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about today's post! A few weeks ago I worked with some amazing Colorado vendors on a lovely farm in Longmont to create this beautiful farm to table inspiration shoot. Surrounded by oversized trees, blue skies and the resident pigs, goats, cows and chickens, we created a rustic farm-inspired wedding. The color palette of lavender, sunshine, cranberry, herb and wood was highlighted with lots of sweet honey, raw fabric and mismatched button details.

My dessert table featured paper bags filled with ripe cherries, mini coconut-orange bundt cakes, cream-filled puffs, cinnamon-sugar donut holes, glass bottles of straight-from-the-farm milk, cherry pie pops on a stick, and lots of little details. The button and twine dessert toppers, cake flags and fabric bunting were handmade to show off the rustic charm.

Event Design and Planning- Calluna Events

Photography- Angie Wilson Photography

Dessert Table Design- Lemon Sprinkle Events

Flowers- Brighter Day Floral

Baker- Slice-The Designer Cake Studio

Dress- Anna Be

Jewelry- Todd Reed Designs

Letterpress and Paper- Smokeproof Press

Venue- Frogbelly Farm

Makeup- The Face Lab

Hair- Andres Mendoza

Inspiration for the Day

2011-06-13T05:26:00.000-06:00

{Sarah's Party Perfect}

Sunday Edition *41

2011-06-12T06:25:00.000-06:00

{The Novice Chef}

Blog Love: Bonzai Aphrodite

2011-06-11T08:28:00.000-06:00

I just discover Bonzai Aphrodite a few days ago while searching from more vegan recipes to add to my collection. The blog's author, Sayward fills the blog with vegan and raw recipes, stories of her home, family and garden, and compassionate options for food, fashion, and more. She also has some lovely photography skills that make the blog even better.

Check out this post on diversity in a vegan diet
Or this one about the best vegan mac and cheese
Maybe you want to bake some vegan banana bran muffins

Totally Yellow

2011-06-09T07:13:00.000-06:00

In the mood for bright and sunny yellow? I found this birthday dessert table featured on The Sweetest Occasion and wanted to pass it along. The candy buffet is adorned with lots of crepe paper streamers and a pretty table cloth. The fabric cupcake topper stole my heart, and all that candy would make anyone happy... especially some 3 year olds!

Recipe Day: Spring Salad with New Potatoes

2011-06-08T05:28:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you just need some pretty potatoes. This Smitten Kitchen recipes is sure to please as a summer side or delicious lunch with a piece of crusty bread.

2 pounds small new or fingerling potatoes
1 pound asparagus
1/4 pound sugar snap peas, green beans or other spring pea
4 small-to-medium radishes, thinly sliced

Pickled spring onions:
3 spring onions (about 6 ounces)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon kosher salt (I use Diamond brand; use less if you’re using Morton or table salt)
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

Sharp mustard vinaigrette:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (both Roland and Maille make a whole seed one I’m tremendously fond of)
2 teaspoons smooth Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with one inch of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the tip of a knife easily pierces through a potato. Drain the potatoes and let them cool until they’re almost room temperature. You can hasten this by covering them with cold water, and replacing the water a few times as it warms up.

Meanwhile, pickle your spring onions. Whisk vinegar, water, salt and sugar together in the bottom of a small container with a lid until the salt and sugar dissolve. Slice the bulbs and paler green parts into very thin coins and submerge them in the vinegar mixture. Cover and put in fridge until you’re ready to use them; if you can put them aside for an hour or even overnight, even better. Reserve the onion greens.

Refill the saucepan you used for the potatoes (here’s to fewer dishes!) with salted water and bring it to a boil. Prepare an ice bath, a large bowl with ice and water in it. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus. Once the water is boiling, add the asparagus. One minute later, add the sugar snap peas. Two minutes later, drain both together then dump them in the ice bath until chilled. Drain the vegetables and spread them out on towel to absorb excess water.

Slice the cooked asparagus spears and sugar snaps into 1/2-inch segments and place them in a large bowl. Chop potatoes into moderate-sized chunks and add them to the bowl. Cut the radishes as thinly as possible, with a mandoline if you have one. If they’re especially big (mine were), you can first quarter them lengthwise. Cut some of the reserved onion greens into thin slivers (no need to use all of them, as the onion flavor might take over) and add them to the bowl.

When you’re ready to serve the salad, or an hour or two in advance, whisk the dressing ingredients and toss it with the vegetables, to taste. (You may find you don’t want to use all of it.) Stir in as many pickled onion coins as you please, save the rest for anything and everything. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, o taste. Eat and enjoy!.

On Vacation

2011-06-01T06:35:00.000-06:00

I am off to the Midwest for a little vacation and some time with my family. Be back in a week.

Recipe Day: Pink Lemonade Pop

2011-05-31T06:29:00.000-06:00

Is it summer yet!? I am really ready for sunny days and warm nights in the patio. These pink lemonade pops from Somewhere Splendid are beautiful and refreshing.

LEMONADE BASE RECIPE

1 cup sugar
1 cup room temperature water
3 cups cold water
1 cup lemon juice

FOR PINK LEMONADE

3 teaspoons grenadine

FOR PASSION TEA LEMONADE

4 Tazo Passion tea bags
3 to 4 cups boiling water

Create simple syrup: Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to help it dissolve, if necessary, then remove the saucepan from the heat when the sugar has completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Pour the lemon juice (either fresh squeezed or store bought is fine) into a pitcher. Dilute the lemonade with the cold water, then add the simple syrup and stir thoroughly to combine.

Create additional batches of the basic lemonade for the other flavors. To create pink lemonade, add the grenadine and stir thoroughly to combine. To create the Passion tea lemonade, steep the tea bags in the boiling water. If you’d prefer a stronger Passion flavor, use a lower amount of water, as the lemonade will dilute it (I generally use, and recommend, only three cups for a more concentrated flavor). Set the tea aside to cool, then combine with the base lemonade recipe.

To assemble the popsicles, arrange a line of small paper cups in a line and pour in the desired amount of lemonade. To create even, equal sections as shown, I used a ¼ cup measuring spoon to measure out the liquid. When all the cups are filled with their first flavor layer, carefully transfer them to the freezer and let them set for about 30 minutes or until almost solid through – soft enough to insert the stick, but firm enough to support it. Insert the popsicle stick part way through the first layer (but not clean through to the bottom of the cup). Transfer the cups back to the freezer to allow the first layer to set completely.

Continue to add additional layers of the various flavors as desired, ensuring each layer is allowed to be frozen through before continuing. If the layer isn’t completely set, you may get a little bleeding between the layers rather than a crisp line (which you may prefer!). Stop creating layers once the cup is about ¾ of the way full to avoid any accidental overflow. After the last layer is frozen, serve when ready by ripping open the paper cup.

Happy Memorial Day.

2011-05-30T08:28:00.002-06:00

Frozen Cherry Mojitos- My Baking Addiction
Striped Sweater- Matchbook Mag
Outdoor Space- Chapman Interiors
White Dress- Emerson Made
Grilled French Toast- Bluewillow Blog
Strawberries- Furey and the Feast
Lake House- 100 Layer Cake

Sunday Edition *40

2011-05-29T07:40:00.000-06:00

{Namely Marly}

Dessert & Design: Blueberry, Snowcone, Sea, Sand, and Sugar

2011-05-26T20:43:00.000-06:00

Nautical details remind me of summer, East Coast style. I love the stripes, the colors, and the feeling of ocean waves, sandy beaches and melting popsicles.

Cake- Sweet & Saucy Shop
Dress- J.Crew
Cupcakes- My Recipes
Salt Water Taffy- Vanilla & Lace
Boat and Ocean- Circle of Unreality
Pancakes- Corners of Home
Room- Pinterest

Black & White with Sprinkles All Over

2011-05-24T21:10:00.000-06:00

Check out the fabulous images from the photo shoot that My Sweet and Saucy did for Styled magazine. Love the sprinkles... so many fun colors against the black and white cake and gold macarons.

Sunday Edition *39

2011-05-22T07:53:00.000-06:00

{Mitten Machen}

Farmhouse Brunch Shower

2011-05-20T06:57:00.000-06:00

Loving the details of this vintage chic farmhouse brunch baby shower. I first saw this great breakfast spread on Hostess with the Mostess. How can you resist heath coffee cake, biscuits with honey pear jam, and mini quiche? I certainly can't. I am a sucker for breakfast foods as it is... but these are displayed extra deliciously.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-05-19T05:29:00.000-06:00

Today, I am 30. Woah. Not sure where all those years went, but life is good and I am happy to be loved by family and friends. To celebrate... I think pancakes are required. Cake batter pancakes to be exact.

{The Sweetest Occasion}

Grayson's 2nd Birthday Celebrations!

2011-05-18T04:52:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I created a fun and festive Cinco de Mayo themed dessert table for my friend Julia and her adorable son, Grayson. The dessert spread included some candy favorites, like M&Ms and Swedish Fish, along with cactus sugar cookies, red velvet, french vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, and cake batter pops. The kids washed down the sweets with lemonade in vintage glass bottles with paper drinking straws. Julia is a fabulous photographer and created a great photo booth for the party. Even the neighborhood bulldogs got in on the action!

{Julia Vandenoever Photography}

Dessert & Design: Lemon, Buttercream, Sugar and Slate

2011-05-16T06:41:00.000-06:00

Grey and yellow is still one of my favorite color combinations. I really want to re-do my bedroom in this palette, but covering the midnight blue walls seems a bit daunting. So for now I will live through this inspiration.

Room- Apartment Therapy
Petite Hearts- Etsy
Candy Bars- Save the Date for Cupcakes
Cake- Sweeter Than Sweet
Dress and Shoes- Style Me Pretty

Sunday Edition *38

2011-05-15T06:53:00.000-06:00

{Alice Q Foodie}

Farm Shoot Inspiration

2011-05-13T19:35:00.000-06:00

I am working in another styled photo shoot coming up next month. This one is going to be at a farm and have some amazing rustic desserts. I am really excited! I hope I can hold a piglet at the farm. :)

Pinterest Dessert Discoveries

2011-05-10T19:46:00.000-06:00

I have fallen for Pinterest. I just love logging on and finding hundreds of beautiful photos of desserts, fashion, design, and so much more. If you haven't checked it out yet, now is the time. Here are some recent dessert discoveries from Pinterest.

{Cookies and Cream Cupcake}

{Chai Cake with Honey Ginger Frosting}

{Summer Berry Cake}

{Nutella Doughnuts}

{Blueberry and Lemon Cupcake}

{Apple Pie in a Jar}

{Spiced Pears}

Kendall's Colorful 1st Birthday Party

2011-05-09T06:53:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of creating a cupcake and candy bar for little Kendall's 1st birthday party. I love the colors that Kendall's mom chose... very bright, cheery and youthful. It was great fun to design a dessert table around pink polka dots!

The cake was designed and baked by Slice- The Designer Cake Studio... so great with the colorful dots and fondant ribbons. The cupcakes came in delicious flavors like carrot cake, french vanilla buttercream and peppermint patty. I created a variety of custom cupcake flags and labels to make the treats really stand out.

The party was filled with laughter, sugar, face-painting, gourmet snacks and lollipop favors. I just hope that I can create another fun dessert table when Kendall turns 2!

Photos copyright Julia Vandenoever Photography

Sunday (Mom's Day) Edition *37

2011-05-08T07:30:00.001-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of our amazing moms who love us, care for us and support us through it all. Thanks Mom!

{The Sweetest Occasion}

Cake Love

2011-05-06T06:43:00.000-06:00

This cake is stunning. Great details and structure. I also like the simplicity of the cake.

{My Sweet and Saucy}

Blog Love: Oh Joy!

2011-05-04T06:39:00.000-06:00

I am sure you are familiar with Oh Joy! and the great blog that features everything from fashion and design to food and photography. I especially love when Joy posts snacks and sweet treats she is enjoying. Check out some of her picks and finds...

Garden Party Wedding Shoot

2011-05-02T06:08:00.000-06:00

This photo shoot is very colorful and inspiring. Garden weddings are so intimate and special... and this color palette and dessert table idea are ideal for the setting. Thought of late spring evening with friends and cake.

Sunday Edition *36

2011-05-01T06:17:00.000-06:00

{The Little Red House}