Affection for Detail

Someday

2012-01-29T07:33:00.000-08:00

As you can see I have taken a hiatus from blogging. I was already in the running for worst blogger of the year, then I had my 3rd child, then I found Pinterest :) Blogging got put on the back burner. My kids, my husband, my house, my health....blah blah blah. Someday I hope to blog again. I love it but I just can't fit it all in at this point in time. In the mean time you can catch me here on Pinterest.

Free Halloween Party Printables

2011-10-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

The always inspiring Catch My Party is offering up several free printable Halloween packages. How great are they?! Here are the links, so be sure and head over to check them all out. Happy haunting!!

Visit Catch My Party here for the download

Halloween Cupcake Idea

2011-09-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these Cupcake Liner Witch Hats by Carrie of Half Baked .
Her creativity makes me swoon! Check out her tutorial for the cuties here. There is lots of sweet eye candy over at Half Baked so be sure to browse a bit.

Inside Out Apple Pie

2011-09-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a dessert that cleverly presented and delicious?! This super creative Inside Out Apple Pie is from Tiny Urban Kitchen and would make a great treat for adults or kids. For the entire recipe and a step by step picture tutorial click here.

Easy Halloween Treats

2011-09-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

I love elaborate, creative, Martha Stewart worthy Halloween treats, I do, but here is the deal. Life with 3 small kids is crazy. Kindergarten, soccer, work, the house etc. So needless to say, it helps to simplify when I can. We are having a Halloween party for our boys at our house and I have been searching out easy Halloween treats. My criteria was minimal kitchen time, incorporates store bought items, kid friendly, and visually appealing. Here are some of my favorites. No superior baking or decorating skills needed, and they really are cute! Which one do you like best?
Worm Infested jello cups via From Karlyn

Frankenstein Ice cream Cupcakes via Megan Turnidge Designs

Frankenstein Cupcakes using Wilton's Scary Scull Cupcake Tin via Squawk Fox

Click here to see picture tutorial

Ghosts marshmallows from Gordon Gossip via Tiny Prints

Goulish Yogurt covered pretzels via Chasing Tomatoes

Graveyard pudding cups from here

Bats & Ghost Cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake via Real Simple

Monster cupcakes via Celebrations

Dipped marshmallows from Oh My Sugar High via Love From the Oven

Vintage Doors and Windows

2011-09-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing vintage doors and windows being used as styling props for a while now. The charm and rustic feel they lend is perfect. They are also versatile, which I love. They can be used as escort card displays for weddings, backdrop's for dessert tables, or simply for decorative purposes to name a few. I managed to score 4 fabulous windows at a garage sale this summer for $3 a piece. Now I just need an excuse to use them. I think Olivia's 1st birthday will be just the occasion! Do you like this trend or do you think they are best with the old houses they came from??

Image { Elizabeth Anne Designs }

Image { Style Me Pretty}

Image { Kara's Party Ideas }

Image { Ruffled }

Image { Style Me Pretty }

Image { Jenny Cookies }

Image { Pen & Paper Flowers }

Image { Dwellings and Decor }

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-09-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Image { Recipe Girl }

While I am looking forward to Halloween, I am resisting all other things fall, specifically the cool weather. I just don't want to admit that summer is over and another long winter will soon be upon us. When I saw these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins on Recipe Girl it helped to ease my negative fall attitude. I am always looking for quick yummy breakfast and snack ideas and I think these would be a hit with my kiddos too!

Pumpkin- Chocolate Chip Muffins
Yield: 18 muffins

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 18 min
Delicious combination of pumpkin and chocolate in a morning muffin...

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups pure canned pumpkin
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 Tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray 18 muffin tin cups with nonstick spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (through pie spice).

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, applesauce, oil and vanilla until well blended. Stir in dry ingredients and mix only until combined (do not over mix). Gently fold in chocolate chips.

4. Scoop into muffin pans and bake 18 to 20 minutes. Turn onto rack and cool.

Tips:
*Use an ice cream scoop with a spring handle to scoop the batter into the muffin tins- it's so easy and no mess.

Source: RecipeGirl.com

Halloween Caramel Apples

2011-09-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

I can't get over how fun these Halloween caramel apples from Distracted Homemaker are!! Talk about creative. You can view the step by step picture tutorial here. Have a great Monday!

Hallloween Party Inspiration

2011-09-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I look forward to it all year long! I picked up my copy of Martha Stewart Halloween at the grocery store yesterday, and it is full of great ideas. There are also lots of fun Halloween ideas popping up around the web. Here are two fantastic dessert tables seen this week. Be sure to check them out in their entirety by clicking the links below.

Table by Anders Ruff via Hostess with the Mostess

Table by The Celebration Shoppe via Better Homes and Gardens

Nautical Dessert Table

2011-08-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

I love the rustic appeal of this nautical dessert table by Jenny Cookies. The two tiered ruffle cake makes for a perfect focal point and Jenny did a great job with the nautical details. Just the right amount. You can check out more eye candy from Jenny Cookies here at Eylander Photography.

{Images} Eylander Photography

{ New Trend } Ombre Ruffle Cakes

2011-08-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be honest and tell you that even though my daughter is only 4 months old, I'm already thinking about her 1st birthday. Obsessive compulsive, I know. I have been looking at different styles of cakes and I'm infatuated with ombre ruffle cakes!! The ombre color technique (using many shades of one color to create a faded appearance) is gorgeous and the ruffles...well, how do you not love ruffles?! Here are some images of the fabulous ombre ruffle cakes I have been saving. Isn't the first one by Maggie Austin to die for?!

{Image} Maggie Austin

{Image} Maggie Austin

{Image} Cake by Fondant Flinger via Cake Central

{Image} Eylander Photography

{Image} Cake Central

{Image} Sugar Custom Cakes

{Image} Whipped Bake Shop

{Image} Superfine Bakery

{ Featured Party } Tractor Birthday Party

2011-08-17T13:53:00.001-07:00

Who knew tractor's could be so chic?! This stylish tractor birthday party is from Rebekah of Wild Ink Press ,and John Deer has never looked so good! From the darling favor baskets to the color coordinated cake ( I just posted about this trend here ) this party has all the right fixings.

Party by Wild Ink Press via The Sweetest Occasion

{ Featured Party } A Spa Soiree

2011-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the talented ladies from Anders Ruff? They are uber creative, have a super fabulous blog, and an amazing etsy shop . This Spa Soiree was created and styled by Adria Ruff for her daughter Brynne's 9th birthday. What a lucky birthday girl!! This soiree is down right adorable and full of inSPAration ;). I love how Adria removed the labels from store bought items and added her own customized labels and that many of the items were from $1 aisles! Check out the full post including details from Adria here.

Colored Layer Cake

2011-08-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new trend of coordinating the cake to match your events color palette? These cakes are popping up everywhere from weddings to kids birthday parties, and I think they are simply fantastic! . Here are a few I have seen over the last week. Martha Stewart offers up a quick and easy layer cake recipe and frosting instructions here.

{Image} Amy Atlas

{Image} Attention 2 Detail

{Image} Martha Stewart

Surfing Party Ideas

2011-08-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

I know summer is winding down and it's time to start thinking about going back to school, fall parties, and even Halloween { my favorite holiday! } But, I have been collecting ideas for a surfing themed party for some time now and wanted to share them with you. The colors are fantastic and I love the fun in the sun carefree vibe that comes from a surf party.

{ Image } The Homespun Hostess via Pizzazzerie

{ Image } Style Me Gorgeous

{Image } HWTM

{ Image } HWTM

{ Image } Retro Planet

{ Image } The Party Wagon

{ Image } Half Baked - The Cake Blog

{ Featured Party } Ballerina Bakery Party

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a treat! Now that I have a little girl ( yay! ) I have been paying closer attention to all the sweet little girl parties out there. So when I came across this Ballerina Bakeshop party from the creative girls at Icing Designs, I definitely took some notes! My favorite details are the pink ruffle garland, the handmade bakery case, the adorable pink bakery boxes for the girls to take treats home in, and the peppy toppers on the marshmallows from Potter and Butler . You can create your own Ballerina Bakery party with invites and accessories from Icing Designs on Etsy. You can also see more photos and details here and here. Just LOVE it!

Free Baby Shower Printables from HWTM

2011-08-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Jenn from Hostess With the Mostess is offering up her adorable Vintage Sweet Shoppe baby shower collection as free printables!! How great is she?!! Here is the link. She also offers a baby boy version along with party and styling tips here.

Lemon Meringue Pie Shots

2011-08-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of dessert shots. They are cute and offer guests an alternate portion size. I made these chocolate pie shots for my cousins baby shower last year, and they were a huge hit! I was delighted to come across the lemon meringue pie shots below on Honest Cooking. They would make a perfect light summer dessert don't you think? And, what hostess doesn't love a dessert that can be completely or partially made ahead of time?!

{ Image } Honest Cooking

Ingredients
Lemon Curd
■8 egg yolks
■3/4 cup (1,75 dl) sugar
■1/2 cup (1,18 dl or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
■zest of 2 lemons
■1/2 cup (1,18 dl) lemon juice
Italian Meringue
■8 oz (227 grams) sugar
■2 oz (57 grams) water
■4 oz (113 grams) egg whites
Assembly
■30-35 vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
■24 shot glasses (I found these plastic ones at a party supply store)

Instructions
Lemon Curd

1.Combine the egg yolks, sugar, butter, lemon zest and juice in a medium stainless sleet or glass bowl, and set over a saucepan of barely simmering water.

2.Whisk constantly until lemon curd thickens and reaches 175 degrees F.

3.Remove from heat and let cool, whisking every few minutes to aid cooling.

4.Cover with plastic wrap so the plastic touches the surface of the curd and chill for a few hours or overnight, the curd will continue to set up as it chills.

5.This can be made in advance, you can store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or freeze.

Italian Meringue

1.Cook the sugar and water together in a small saucepan over high heat until it comes up to 243 degrees F.

2.When the mixture reaches about 230-235 F, begin whipping the egg whites in a stand mixer on medium-low speed until they are foamy.

3.When the sugar reaches 243 degrees F, remove from heat, and pour very slowly in a steady stream into the whipping egg whites.

4.As soon as all the sugar is incorporated, turn the mixer onto high, and whip until completely cool.

Assembly

1.Place a small amount of crushed cookie into the bottom of each shot glass.

2.Transfer your lemon curd to a pastry bag and pipe a small amount into each glass.

3.Top each glass with more crushed cookies.

4.Transfer your meringue into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain tip and pipe a big dollop on top of each shot glass.

5.Using a kitchen torch, carefully toast each meringue top until they are golden brown. If you are using plastic shot glasses, be mindful just to toast the tops of the meringues, otherwise you run the risk of melting the plastic.

6.Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Zoku Quick Pop Maker

2011-08-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

We love making our own popsicles at our house, but my kids usually drive me crazy waiting for them to freeze. Are they ready yet? Are they ready yet? Are they ready yeeeeeet?? You get it, right?! Well goodbye whining, and helllllllo Zoku! This nifty gadget makes popsicles in 7-9 minutes. Amazing! And, the recipes sound quite delicious...marble cheesecake, key lime pie, and just peachy, to name a few. You can purchase the Zoku Quick Pop Maker here at the Zoku store or here at Williams-Sonoma.

{ Featured Party } Cake Decorating Party

2011-07-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

I just adore this sweet and fun cake decorating party from Strawberry Chic! Created for her little sister's birthday, it featured pre made mini cakes ready to be decorated and some always fab shabby chic decor. The girls were given a few decorating tips such as the popular ruffle technique, then went to work on their little masterpieces. Don't you just love the mini "cake" pops?!! To read all the details and tips on hosting your own cake decorating party visit the Strawberry Chic here.

Beach Birthday Party

2011-07-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

This fun in the sun beach bash was created by LeAna from A Small Snippet for her son's 7th birthday. Besides a great color scheme and the cutest board shorts banner, I love that LeAna designed the printables herself. You can check out the printable details on her blog here and LeAna's full post on the bash here.

One of the activities was for the guest to find sharks teeth on the beach. So fun!! The areas were flagged by these cute red flags with one of LeAna's printables attached.

S'mores Stuffed Brownies

2011-07-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

We just got back from camping last week and my kids are still obsessing over s'mores. Can't blame them, they are delicious!! I was looking for s'mores recipes and came across these bites of heaven on Food Snots. The recipe is simple and they sound YUMMY!! Stop by Food Snots and check out all the other fab recipes.

Ingredients
1 box of your favorite brownie mix
4 1/2 full Graham Crackers
3 1/2 full size Hershey's Bars
16 large marshmallows (I substituted half of a bag of mini marshmallows cause that what I had)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Line foil into a 8x8 inch baking pan and spray generously with cooking spray. Pour half the brownie batter into lined pan. Layer graham crackers over brownies following Hershey Bars and marshmallows. Pour remaining brownie batter over marshmallows (I found it useful to spray a spatula with cooking spray and use it to smooth the batter over any exposed marshmallows). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes mostly clean from center. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Carefully remove foil and brownies from pan. Peel any foil from away from edges and cut into squares.

Camping Party Ideas

2011-07-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

Camping Party Roundup

Since it is almost time for our annual family camping trip, I thought I would share links to some fabulous camping parties. We have been going to the same lake every summer since I was a little girl, and I have such fond memories of our camping trips. I have not had the pleasure of hosting a camping party yet, but it is a theme I definitely want to tackle someday. Be sure and check out full party details by clicking the links below the photos.

Birthday Girl

Pizzazzerie

Kara's Party Ideas

HWTM

Kara's Party Ideas

Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

2011-07-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

Ice cream cakes are hands down my favorite cakes and semi-homemade recipes are also a favorite of mine. This ice cream sandwich cake from Kraft is like a dream come true! They also offer a video here for those of us that are visual learners. Don't you think it's a perfect summer dessert?!

What You Need1/2 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
8 OREO Cookies, chopped (about 1 cup)
12 vanilla ice cream sandwiches
Make It
POUR fudge topping into medium bowl. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP. Add dry pudding mix; stir 2 min. Stir in chopped cookies.

ARRANGE 4 ice cream sandwiches, side-by-side, on 24-inch-long sheet of foil; top with half the COOL WHIP mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sandwiches. Frost top and sides with remaining COOL WHIP. Bring up foil sides; double fold top and ends to loosely seal packet.

FREEZE 4 hours or until firm.
Kraft Kitchens TipsNoteThe consistency of fudge topping can vary depending on what brand you purchase. If the fudge topping mixture is too thick to spread easily, stir in 1/4 cup milk.

{ Featured Party } Circus Party

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

This adorable circus party is from Lydia of The Party Wagon. From the circus tent invitations to the tulle topped ticket booth, Lydia did a fantastic job styling this party. Circus/carnival themed parties are definitely a favorite of mine. They lend themselves to many creative opportunities and kids LOVE them!! Be sure and stop by The Party Wagon and see all of the great party inspiration they offer up.