Beyond Wonderland...

I don't know about you but I am soooooo excited to go and see the new Alice in Wonderland movie next week, staring Johnny Depp! I have always loved the original Alice in Wonderland and with my excitement, of course, came the idea of throwing an Alice in Wonderland themed party! I have seen so many great ideas for this party theme and hopefully some of these ideas will help to inspire you to host your very own!


1st Row:Bunny Napkin Ring, Napkins, Cabinet, Topiary, Dishes, Eat/Drink Me Tags
2nd Row:Cookies, Tableware, Eat Me Chocolate Wrappers, Alice in Wonderland Party, Teacups, Rabbit Mold
3rd Row:Tea Party Set, Eat Me Jars, Clock, Teapot Seat, Alice in Wonderland Party, Key Invitation
4th Row:Placecards and Table Numbers, Necklace, Invitations, Teacup Centerpiece, Scalloped Tags, Punch Bowl

Create Your Favors

I'm sure many of you have the same problem that I do sometimes.....and that is finding a cute favor container that matches your event theme and doesn't break the bank. While perusing through the fabulous DIY crafting project website Chica and Jo I stumbled upon some step-by-step instructions (with pictures) to create your own favor boxes! I don't know about you but I think these little creations are so chic! Find the directions here.

A Little Bite of Heaven......

Last night I made a scrumptious treat with only 3 ingredients and it was super quick and easy! And they were a huge success with my co-workers today! Gone in 60 seconds with many requests for the recipe! These would be adorable on a dessert buffet table or wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with ribbon as a guest favor! So now onto the good stuff......the directions!

Oreo Balls-

Ingredients:

1 pkg. Double Stuff Oreo Cookies
1 (8 0z.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 pkg. chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)

Directions:

1). Crush the entire package of Oreo cookies. I use a large ziplock bag and a meat tenderizer to keep the mess under control!
2). In a large bowl or food processor mix all of the crushed cookies with the package of cream cheese.
3). Roll the dough into small balls using your hands and then place on parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet.
4). Place into freezer for 30 minutes for the dough to set.
5). Melt chocolate chips in microwave or using the double boiler method.
6). Dip the chilled Oreo balls into the chocolate and cover evenly.
7). Place the chocolate covered Oreo balls back on the baking sheet and place in fridge for at least 15 minutes to set.
8). Store in fridge until ready to eat!

My Oreo balls were pretty big so my batch made 21 individual bites.

Before the chocolate dipping......


After dipping.....YUM! Good luck keeping them around!

Recipe and photo from College Candy

Edible Art

It's always a challenge to find ways to keep kids entertained at weddings and adult events, but I found such a cute idea to get the kids involved! Frecklebox.com features these custom made, personalized coloring books that would make any child feel special. There are so many designs to choose from and each page features the child's name on it!
And to add to the fun, Luxirare found a way to make edible Crayons! So no more worrying if your children are putting them in their mouth or eating them! They are totally safe to eat!
This idea would be super cute to have as a favor at your child's birthday party or even a fun birthday party activity. Happy coloring!

The envelope please......

The Academy Awards are in just a few weeks and I am busy planning a big Oscar Bash myself, (I will post pics soon!) so when I came across these cookies from Eleni's I had to do a post about them. Although they are a little expensive, ($59.50-75.00) they are fabulous! All of their cookies are hand iced and the best Actor/Actress cookies look just like their inspirations. They also offer a collection of Best Picture cookies, which feature icons from this years top nominated films. These would be perfect for the host or hostess that doesn't have enough time to make their own. Cute on a dessert table or to give out as favors!
Or for the host/hostess that does want to create their own Oscar Masterpieces Bakerella has step-by-step instructions for these adorable Oscar Cookie Awards. I will defiantly be making these for the Oscar Party that I am planning! Thanks Bakerella for the great ideas!

What's your sign?

Ever wonder what your Zodiac sign has to do with your wedding style? Well now you can find out with a complete astrological wedding planner. Astrostyle.com, a site that was created by identical twins Tali and Ophira Edut, who have been professional astrologers for over 15 years, offers free wedding horoscopes, tips, and even problems to avoid when planning a wedding during certain months. They also have horoscopes for other things like date night planers, your personal style, your man's sign, and career horoscopes too. Head over and check out what's written in the stars for you!

Enjoy!

I adore this idea for these cupcakes in these mason jars, especially served with the spoon on the side! Another great idea from Martha Stewart!

Buttermilk Cupcakes In A Jar:

Ingredients

Makes 20

• FOR THE CUPCAKES
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for muffin tins
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• FOR THE FROSTING AND ASSEMBLY
• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups raspberry jam

Directions

1. Make the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 2 standard muffin tins with cooking spray, dust with flour, tap out excess. Sift flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a mixer bowl. Add egg, yolk, water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to bowl; beat on low speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.
2. Divide batter among 20 muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until cupcakes are golden brown and a tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 17 minutes. Let cool in tins placed on wire racks for 15 minutes, then turn cupcakes out onto racks, and let cool.
3. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and confectioners' sugar with a mixer on medium-high until smooth. Beat in milk and vanilla.
4. Spoon 2 tablespoons jam into the bottom of each jar. Place cupcake on top, then top with 2 tablespoons frosting. Cupcakes can be stored for 1 day.

From Martha Stewart Weddings, Spring 2009

Stay Awhile....

Lounge:
-verb (used without object)
1. to pass time idly and indolently.
2. to rest or recline
3. to go or move in a leisurely manner, saunter
4. to pass (time) in lounging

-noun
5. a sofa for reclining, sometimes backless
6. a place for sitting, waiting, etc.
7. a cocktail lounge.

The definition in the dictionary is exactly what you want to create when planning a lounge space for your guests at your wedding or any event you are hosting. They have become a popular, quieter space for guests to wander where they can escape the busyness of the other events taking place or to just relax and take in the commotion! The Florida Bride's Blog gives the top 5 tips for creating a fabulous lounge space for your event!

1. Choose the physical space.
   

   For some reception venues, this may be easier than others. Perhaps your venue already has a separate little enclave that would be perfect for a tucked-away lounge space. But if you’re dealing with an enormous ballroom, you’ll have to get a little bit more creative. Try using pipe and drape to delineate a separate area for your lounge. Or group your dinner tables in one section, and place your lounge area in its own corner of the ballroom.
   

   For reception venues with outdoor space, this is the perfect place to put a lounge, provided the weather will be comfortable. The comfortable furnishings and outdoor breezes will definitely inspire your guests to put your lounge area to good use!
   

2. Select your furnishings.
   

   Your furniture is the foundation for the entire look of the lounge. Typical lounge furniture items include sofas, love seats, benches, and ottomans. You can mix and match these items to create a customized space all your own. Most major metropolitan areas have a rental company that provides these items, so try googling “wedding lounge furniture” and see what you find. Your event planner should have connections as well, and may even be able to offer you a discount!
   

   Some tips for your furniture: I love to keep the furnishings all one color. This way you can create a neutral base for your accessories, which helps them really pop. I also like to match the styling of your furniture to the overall feel of the event. For example, for a shabby-chic wedding I would choose Victorian-looking furniture with curved backs, rolled arms, and carved wooden feet. For a modern wedding, try all-white leather, and geometrically shaped pieces.
   

3. Pick your pillows.
   

   Almost every successful lounge area uses pillows to create “pops” of color and to customize the space. Depending on your overall look, you could get away with just a few pillows, or you could use tons of them. Typically, your rental company has these; but you can also find great pillows at home-décor stores, often at prices comparable to or less than rental prices. Use your pillows to tie the space to other areas of your reception, and to incorporate your wedding colors. Look for pillows with unique textures and embellishments. You may also consider pillows made of luxe fabrics, such as dupioni silk or tucked taffeta.
   

4. Accessorize the space.
   

   Don’t forget the little touches that add character and personality to your space! Think residential elements: carpets, lamps, candles, floral arrangements. Incorporate the unexpected. If your lounge space is outdoors, don’t neglect your overhead space. Can you string lights or paper lanterns above? If your space is near a tree, think pomander balls or votive lanterns hanging from the branches.
   

   One caveat when adding accessories: keep it simple. You don’t want your sleek space to become cluttered.
   

5. Light up your lounge.
   

   Last but not least, add lighting! It may be as simple as groupings of votives or pillar candles on “coffee tables.” Or you may want to rent elaborate par can lighting. For those going for the modern look, some rental companies are offering LED “glow cubes” and benches. For a beachy theme, the tiki torch really sets a mood. You want your guests to bask in a sultry glow in your lounge space. Leave the lighting low enough to be romantic, but don’t leave your guests in the dark!

Pictures from trendsettingwedding.com, bizbash, absoluteeventsnyc, cococozy, cedarlakedance, theeventcafe.net, and nuagedesigns.

Stuck on Love

I love these cute, heart paperclips I came across on How About Orange... Such a great idea for Valentines Day or any day for that matter!

Educational

Have you heard that your local Pottery Barn store hosts complimentary decorating classes every month? Well they do! Did I mention Complimentary means FREE! Take advantage! Every month they host a different class focusing on helpful hints on decorating and entertaining. On Sunday, March 14th they will be hosting a class on How to Create Table Displays. Class size is limited so call your local Pottery Barn store for class hours and to reserve your space.

Wrap In Style

I recently came across the website for Kate's Paperie and fell in love! They have some fabulous gift wrapping, bags, bows, paper, boxes, etc. But beyond the fabulous paper, there is so much more to discover! They carry calendars, invitations, gift wrap and ribbons, stationary, photo albums, items for home or the office, and I'm just skimming the surface. They also have a very cute Valentine's collection. Each item is better than the next. And the prices are pretty great too! And if you become a subscriber to their site you'll also receive 20% off of your first order. So what are you waiting for?! Head over and see what you've been missing!

Glitz and Glam

This Valentine's Day avoid the overly crowded restaurants and the busy mall lines. Stay in and take a romantic step back into time with an Old Hollywood movie night spent with Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Rita Hayworth, Gregory Peck, and your significant other. There is no other time in history that exuded more glamor, sophistication, and sex appeal. Take the time to make a romantic dinner for two, make some classic cocktails, and enjoy some romance stories from some of the greats. Here are a list of the favorites:

• Meet Me in Saint Louis
• An Affair To Remember
• The Philadelphia Story
• Roman Holiday
• Gentlemen prefer Blondes
• The Palm Beach Story
• Giant
• Notorious
• Casablanca
• The Goodbye Girl
• Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
• Doctor Zhivago
• It Happened One Night
• Sabrina
• Breakfast at Tiffany's
• The Apartment

Place setting picture from Always A Bridesmaid, Never a Bridezilla, Rhinestone Bracelet BellaLuAndMe, Cupcakes Sugarbloom Cupcakes.

Savy Shopper

Here are some great Valentine's Day gift ideas for anyone on your gift list! Plus, you don't even have to leave the house!


1). Rose USB Hub, 2). Made For Each Other Pillow Set, 3). Heart Ice Cube Tray, 4). Love Poems Book, 5). Kiss Kiss Stamp Set, 6). Naked Cookies, 7). Heart Casserole Dish, 8). Chinese Symbols Personalized Canvas>, 9). Made With Love Organic Infant Set, 10). Custom People Chocolates, 11). Anatomical Chocolate Heart, 12). LOVE Personalized Canvas Art,
13). Pink Hot Cocoa, 14).Bow Necklace, 15).All About Us Book, 16).Chocolate Covered Conversation Heart Oreos, 17).Organic Cotton Winnie the Pooh Pillows, 18).Box Of Chocolates Dog Toys, 19).Fondue For 2 Mug, 20).Heart Brownie Bites, 21).Mini Hottie Hand Warmer, 22).Me And You Pillowcase Set, 23).Heart Measuring Spoons, 24).Heart Cake Pan, 25).Romantic Postcard Box 26).Demeter Hershey's Kiss Fragrance, 27).X & O Smores, 28).Smashbox O-Glow Lipgloss.

Cheers!

Romance will be in the air when you serve your sweetie one of these Valentine's Cocktails or Mocktails!

1). Be Mine Mojito

• 1 1/2 ounces Bacardi Razz (white rum optional)
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 1/2 lime , freshly squeezed
• 12 to 14 fresh mint leaves
• 4 raspberries
• 4 blackberries
• Sprig of mint

Directions:

In a tall glass, lightly muddle the lime juice, 3 raspberries, 3 blackberries, simple syrup and mint leaves. The trick is to muddle just enough to release the oils from the mint leaves while leaving them intact. Add crushed ice and rum, and top with soda. Stir until the outside of the glass begins to frost. Garnish with the leftover berries speared with a mint sprig.

2). Cupid's Kiss Cocktail

• 1 1/2 ounces Irish cream liqueur
• 1/2 ounce dark créme de cocoa
• 1 ounce amaretto
• Hot chocolate
• Whipped cream
• Hershey's Kiss

Directions:

Pour all alcohol in a mug. Top with hot chocolate. Garnish with the fresh whipped cream and a Hershey's Kiss.

3). Hope Floats Cocktail

• 1 1/2 ounces PAMA
• 1 ounce citrus vodka
• 2 ounces pink grapefruit juice
• Champagne
• Raspberry sorbet
• Sprig of mint

Directions:

Shake PAMA, vodka and grapefruit juice with ice. Strain into a champagne flute. Add one scoop of your favorite raspberry sorbet. Top with a splash of champagne. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

4). Love Potion #9 Cocktail

Start preparing this special drink one week before Valentine's Day, and serve it on the big day to a crowd of friends.

Infusion:

• 2 pineapples , peeled and cubed
• 2 pounds sliced strawberries
• 2 bottles (750 ml each) Absolut mango vodka

Cocktail:

• 3 ounces Love Potion #9 infusion
• Lime wheel

Directions:

To make infusion: Layer fruit in a glass infusion jar. Add vodka. Save liquor bottles. Let rest for 7 days at room temperature. Using a sieve and funnel, strain liquid back into original bottles. Store in the refrigerator.

To make cocktail: Add infusion into mixing glass. Shake well with ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

5). Latin Love Cocktail

• 1 1/2 oz Cruzan coconut rum
• 1 1/2 oz coconut cream
• 1/4 oz banana liqueur
• 1 1/2 oz cream raspberry puree
• 3 oz pineapple juice
• Garnish: coconut flakes

Directions:

Blend with ice until smooth. Strain into a tall glass rimmed with coconut flakes.



1). Cran-Daddy Cooler

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle ginger ale
• 1 orange, sliced in rounds

Directions:

In a gallon pitcher combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, cherry juice and lemon juice. Just before serving, slowly add ginger ale; stir to blend. Serve over ice in cups or glasses. Garnish with cherry and orange slices.

2). Tornado Twist

• 12 fluid ounces cranberry-raspberry juice
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

Directions:

In a pitcher, mix cranberry-raspberry juice with lemon-lime soda. Pour over ice and serve.

3). Mock Mimosa

• 1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT Pineapple Orange Flavor Drink Mix
• 1 bottle (2 liter) club soda, chilled
• 2 cups cold orange juice 1 seedless orange, cut into 10 thin slices

Directions:

Empty contents of drink mix tub into large plastic or glass pitcher. Add club soda; stir until drink mix is completely dissolved.

Stir in orange juice.

Serve over ice cubes in 10 tall glasses. Add orange slice to each glass.

4). Razzmopolitan

• 1-1/4 qt. (5 cups) cold water
• 1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT SUNRISE Classic Orange Flavor Drink Mix
• 2 cups light cranberry raspberry drink 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Directions:

Add water to drink mix in large plastic or glass pitcher; stir until mix is dissolved.

Stir in remaining ingredients.

Serve over ice. Or, refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve in martini glasses with rims that have been dipped in water and sugar.

5). Strawberry Kiwi-tini

• 6 cups water
• 1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT Strawberry Kiwi Flavor Drink Mix
• 3 cups frozen strawberries, divided 1 cup cold diet ginger ale, divided

Directions:

Add water to drink mix in large plastic or glass pitcher; stir until mix is dissolved. Pour 3 cups into blender.

Add 1-1/2 cups berries and 1/2 cup ginger ale; blend until smooth. Pour into 4 glasses. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Serve immediately.

Garnish each filled glass with a strawberry and peeled kiwi slice.


Pictures and recipe's from Cocktailtimes.com, Oprah.com, Kraft Foods and All Recipes.

Edible Valentine

It's officially February 1st. Time to start planning the perfect Valentine's day for your spouse, kids, family, and/or friends. I'm going to kick off February with a week's worth of Valentine's posts! This recipe from Martha Stewart is sure to delight all of the sweet tooth's you might know.


Valentine Heart Pops:

Makes 32 pops (2 1/2 inches each)

• FOR THE SUGAR COOKIES
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 32 white lollipop sticks (6 inches long)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• FOR THE CANDY CENTERS
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint, cinnamon, or other flavored oil, optional
• Paste or gel food coloring in pink tones

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In bowl of electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar on medium until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla until incorporated.
3. Gradually add flour mixture on low until combined. Wrap dough in plastic; chill 1 hour.
4. Heat oven to 325 degrees. On a well-floured surface, roll out dough to 3/16 inch thick. Cut out 2 1/2-inch rounds. Use smaller cutters to cut hearts from rounds. (If desired, save and bake heart cutouts.) Transfer 8 cookies to an ungreased cookie sheet. Press 1 lollipop stick under each cookie. Place small hearts on same cookie sheet. Chill until firm, 15 to 30 minutes. Bake 8 to 12 minutes, until firm but not browned. Transfer cookies on pan to wire rack to cool, about 20 minutes. Repeat until all dough is used. Leave cooled heart pops on ungreased cookie sheet. Set aside.
5. Combine 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water in heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stir over medium heat, until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to medium high; boil until mixture reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer, 25 to 35 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, and stir in flavored oil. Quickly pour mixture into 2 small heatproof bowls. Add food coloring to each; stir to combine. Pour into each empty heart. Make candy mixture again as in Step 5 with remaining ingredients and 1/2 cup water. Fill remaining cookies. Let set until hard, 10 to 20 minutes. Transfer in single layers to airtight containers. If humid, refrigerate.