icakepops

50th Wedding Anniversary Cookies

2015-08-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Edible ink has come a long way. I love the fine tip food writers made by Wilton. They give me total control while creating swirls and writing names on iced cookies. My hand just isn't as skilled with piping names in the medium of royal icing.

I often feel like I'm going to ruin my perfectly cut and iced cookies with a giant blob of icing . . . darn those pesky air bubbles!

But food writers make "piping" a real pleasure. I can once again have the reliability I need so that I can create something wonderful.

Here are some cookies I made for a 50th wedding anniversary. See if you can tell what was piped and what was written with food writers!

Toffee Espresso Cupcakes with Browned Butter Frosting

2014-09-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I'm loving the warm nutty flavors of browned butter this Fall!
And my Toffee Espresso Cupcakes with Browned Butter Frosting have all the rich flavors of the season, with out the spice. The depth of the browned butter compliments the toffee just as the espresso enhances the chocolate. So decadent!

Adding to their elegance are the flecks of brown in the buttercream and the drizzle of chocolate ganache. If you need a no-fail recipe to impress the palate and the eye, then you must try these.

Click the "Read more" link for my recipe for Toffee Espresso Cupcakes . . .
I truly hope you enjoy it!

iCAKEPOPS TOFFEE ESPRESSO CUPCAKES

2 c. superfine sugar                            2 eggs (room temp.)
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour                      1 c. milk (room temp.)
   3/4 c. cocoa powder                         1/2 c. unsalted melted browned butter *
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder                     4 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda                         1 c. hot espresso
1 tsp. salt                                           1 c. toffee bits

* Heat butter in a metal pan over medium-high heat, swirling pan until butter turns a dark golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 3 mins.)

Heat oven to 350. Sift and combine dry ingredients. Mix in eggs, milk, vanilla and browned butter. Beat on medium speed 2 mins. then slowly stir in hot espresso. Batter will have a liquid consistency. Fill cupcake pans, then sprinkle toffee bits on top.

Baking Times:
mini's for 10-12 mins.
regular cupcakes for 22-25 mins.
two 9-inch rounds 30-35 mins.

*BROWNED BUTTER FROSTING

(I like this recipe as you don't have to wait for the butter to come to room temp.)

1/2 c. unsalted melted browned butter *

3 c. confectioner's sugar
pinch of salt
1/4 c. heavy cream

3 tsp. vanilla

Combine melted browned butter and confectioner's sugar in an electric mixer on medium speed. Add a pinch of salt, heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until desired consistency, adding more powdered sugar as needed.
Makes about 2 cups.

EASY CHOCOLATE GANACHE

Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a small pan, add in a cup of chocolate chips and a 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until smooth being careful not to burn.

The Ultimate Girls Spa Party

2014-08-25T11:47:00.002-07:00

Goodness GRACIOUS, how do our sweet baby girls turn into pampered princesses?!?! Seemingly overnight, they've turned EIGHT!!! I'd REALLY love to know how to slow this ride down. It's unreal . . . yet really awesome!

This was a such a great party to soak up some of those sweet moments before they've sped on by. This party was colorful and fun . . . pink and blue color theme with plenty of pampering and glitter and glitz.

And with a TON of pictures, I know you'll find some great ideas to inspire your own ULTIMATE GIRLS SPA PARTY!!!

So, away we go . . . .

The goal of every good spa is to help you unwind and relax.

Mmmm-Mmmm . . . these jello "martini's" were a SPLASH with the little ladies!

Each place setting had a gel eye mask, rolled up washcloth, a personal mirror and a mini silver spoon to apply their pudding facial.

After they ~~ate~~ applied their facials, the girls each got a fluffy pink robe to put on and a beach bag to take with them into the spa.

The hot-stone massage station . . .

The glammed-up hair station . . . .

The manicure station . . .

The pedicure station . . . .

Once the girls completed each station they received a small gift to put into their spa bag and added a star sticker to their personal name tag badges.

Now for the Deeee-LICIOUS dessert table . . .

Before they left, they each received a PAMPER ME PRETTY t-shirt.

Now, let's look inside their spa bags!!! . . . . .

Loofas and lipgloss, shower caps and gels, foot massagers and lotions . . .

And a pretty journal to jot down memories of the special spa day!!!

Royal Box of Chocolate Cookies

2014-02-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Make your sweetheart feel absolutely Royal this Valentine's Day with these royal icing box of chocolate cookies.

Although my piping skills may need some improvement, I love the look of this quilted iced cookie.

To get that "tufted" look, I drew a grid pattern onto the cookie using a yellow food writer. Then filled in the squares with pink royal icing. For a top-notch tutorial visit The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle.

Once the icing was semi-set, I placed an edible pearl at the corners of the squares. I think it helps complete the pattern.

This was a fun collection to make for Valentine's Day. But the next time I make these I will use real chocolates to place on top of the iced cookie. Because really . . . what beats chocolate on Valentine's Day? Have a happy one!

Cowboy Birthday Party

2013-12-06T14:12:00.002-08:00

Can a cowboy live in the Big Apple? Well hoof-beats-and-hay rides, I say . . . he sure can!

And when that cowboy throws a city-slickin' birthday party, it can be a mighty fine affair. So get yerself to a comfy spot and check out these pictures full of fun cowboy party ideas.

I was fortunate enough to be asked to make these adorable cowboy themed cookies . . . western boots, cowboy hats and a sheriff's star.

Can you believe this little ranch is right in the middle of the Bronx?

These favors were horse-themed calendars. What a great idea!

I hope you enjoyed the pics and got inspired to create your own Cowboy themed party . . . no matter where you live! Happy trails y'all . . .

Thanksgiving Turkey Cake

2013-11-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

I found this Thanksgiving Turkey Cake in the bakery at our local supermarket and thought . . . now THAT puts a playful spirit into Thanksgiving! And I am definitely thankful for the little things in life that make me smile. So I couldn't resist buying it. But every good turkey (dinner or dessert variety) needs a good stuffing!

And it doesn't get more delicious than this . . .

Start by cubing up a freshly baked cake. I used a yellow mix - as that is what was on hand - but a spice cake would work nicely here . . . giving it a whole grain stuffing look.

Spoon a bit of cherry preserves into the cubed cake mixture.

Then drizzle on some buttery caramel sauce.

Add fresh raspberries . . . and crumbled walnuts.

Look how the caramel binds the cake, jam, berries and pecans together in a sweet and buttery delight.

Assemble the turkey cake onto a platter surrounded by the cake "stuffing" and decorate with a bit of fresh raspberries. And set out a gravy boat filled with caramel sauce.

I got a bit playful slicing this bird-cake . . . quartering it as with a real turkey.

Then onto a plate with the Caramel Raspberry and Cherry Pecan Cake "Stuffing". How fun would this be on a dessert table? And crazy delicious!

Here's to a full belly and even fuller spirit this Thanksgiving!

May you stay warm and well, find time to be playful and be surrounded by those who love you.

Bless this food and the hands that bring it to us . . . Happy Thanksgiving!

Barbie Spa Party

2013-11-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

This adorable Barbie Spa Party was a fun and glam, girly-girls dream party!

It was held at Beehives and Buzzcuts in Manhattan.

I had the opportunity to make these vintage Barbie silhouette sugar cookies. . .

. . . and monogram cake pops.

The girls entered through the front shop which has a cute play area.

Then headed in to get their mani-pedi's in this crazy cool butterfly lounger!

Then on to the party room where the girls partied like little fashionista's!

Back to School 2013

2013-09-02T18:23:00.001-07:00

With the beginning of another school year approaching fast I thought I'd make the kiddos some cake pops to celebrate.

In these parts school starts way after Labor Day . . .

. . . letting Summer hang on just a bit longer. . .

. . . squeezing in a few more activities onto our Summer Fun Chart.

Now we're looking forward to apples for the teachers and backpacks full of school supplies.

Even if some of those school supplies break . . . like mine did here. . .

(hey, pencils are supposed to break, right?)

. . . we'll be ready with a back-up.

That's what I love about the beginning of another school year. . . a chance to start again.

With the promise of an entire year of learning on the horizon, kids and their grown-ups can ride along on this journey together.

With a little bit of preparation and a whole lot of enthusiasm . . . it's bound to be another great adventure!

The background I used for this setup was courtesy The Crafting Chicks.

Forest Animal Cake Pops

2013-08-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my summer cake pop garden . . .

. . . where the forest animals are just the sweetest!

Where brightly colored birds look adoringly at their friend the red fox.

And sugar-white bunny rabbits bounce on toadstools.

Where little red chipmunk's play on the strong backs of black bears . . .

. . . and happy little skunks are actually welcomed!

The little red fox still gets into mischief . . .

. . . and invites his black-masked friend raccoon to splash in the bird's bath.

Ever curious, it isn't long before the whole lot of forest animals join the party!

Raccoon and skunk drum a cool beat on the toadstool bongos.

And the yellow-breasted chick-a-dee sings a happy little ditty!

Do-whop, do-whop . . . they hop and they bop . . .

because they just don't want Summer to stop!

Octopus Cake Pops

2013-06-23T15:56:00.001-07:00

Welcome Summer! I love everything about this time of year. Beach parties, lake trips and day hikes . . . . I am ready!

I created these Octopus Cake Pops to bring a little "beachy" goodness into our dessert line up.

They would be great for an Ocean Wonders or Under the Sea party, don't you think? And making them with five legs vs. eight legs is just part of the fun!

Place them in a bed of brown sugar and it is an instant presentation on your dessert table.

They were fairly simple to make; however, the legs are delicate and do break easily.
Suggestion: pipe them directly onto where they will be presented.

Roll the cake pops into an oval shape, dip and let set. Put the remaining melted candy coating into a squeeze bottle and make a center circle directly onto the brown sugar. Pipe curls for legs. Then place the oval cake pop in the center circle and decorate.

I hope you try these for your next Ocean themed party. They will make you and your guests smile!

Summer Candy Apples (with freebie printable)

2013-06-02T18:30:00.001-07:00

Oh boy, Summer is upon us! Kids are preparing for the end of the school year and families are planning the activities for the warm months ahead.

Whether you are hitting the beach or heading to the lakes here is one activity the whole family can join in on . . . Oh Boy Summer Candy Apples named in honor of Diahann Darwood's new book Oh Boy Summer.

What I love about making Summer Candy Apples is that they are fun, delicious and easily portable. With a little assembling ahead of time the kids can jump into this activity and get creative by decorating their own apples . . . there is no wrong way to do it! So let's get to making these sweet Summer treats.

You will need to buy one bag each of Candy Melts by Wilton in the color of your choice at your local Michaels Craft Store or A.C. Moore. While you are there, pick up some popsicle sticks and you are ready to go. At home wash and dry your apples and insert the popsicle stick in place of the stem. Make sure your bowl is wide and deep enough to easily dip your apple.

Then melt your Candy Melts in your microwave safe bowl on the defrost setting of your microwave for about 1 minute. Mix in a little Crisco shortening to help thin the consistency and continue to microwave for 30 second intervals until the candy coating is nice and smooth.

Now on to the fun part . . . get dipping! Let the kids choose which color they'd like to try first and dunk their apples. Let the first color set for about 5 minutes then dip your apple into the second color about halfway up. While your candy coating is setting print out these free and adorable Summer decorative circles courtesy of Shindig Parties To Go.

I hope you will try these yummy Oh Boy Summer Candy Apples and have fun getting creative with your families this Summer!

Minnie Mouse Cake Pops (and free printables)

2013-05-25T17:29:00.002-07:00

Minnie Mouse Cake Pop Centerpiece

These were super cute and fun to make. You will find the link below to download your own set for free!

This makes a great centerpiece using an 18" round Styrofoam piece painted black. It held 16 individually wrapped cake pops and a Minnie Mouse cutout on a popsicle stick.

I wrapped the sides of the Styrofoam with pink ruffled ribbon.

The highlight of these cake pops are Minnie Mouse's ears. I used candy melts pushed gently into the sides then dipped.

Large candy heart sprinkles made her bow.

And confetti sprinkles dotted her "outfit".

This awesome printable set was a freebie courtesy of Printabelle

Brave themed Birthday Party

2013-05-12T09:10:00.005-07:00

Welcome to this year's Brave themed birthday party for my two April babies. With the help of my husband and two very best friends . . . . this year's party was Destined for Adventure!

I made this Merida doll cake for my princess. Even though I ran out of frosting I think it turned out pretty!

My best friend baked all of the cake, cupcakes (chocolate and vanilla) and mixed up the most delicious homemade frosting. Check out her facebook page Happy Sweets.

Also on the table were Scottish Sweet Buns (frosted donut holes), Bear Paw Oreos and Spell Cakes (Pepperidge Farm Fruit and Butter cookies).

In the movie, Princess Merida receives a Spell Cake from the witch to "change her fate". And it does . . . when her mother and brothers eat the magical Spell Cake it turns them into bears.

And for my little Birthday Bear . . . Chocolate Bear Cub cake pops!

When guests arrived I had them "follow the wisps" that led to the party.

At the party's center was the witch's Crafty Carver Cottage (tent) with posters and inspirations from the movie . . . like "Never conjure where you carve."

Inside the tent I hung wooden wind chimes to add a musical element to the wood carving tent.

The kids then headed over to the spinner board to find out which clan they would belong to. They loved this part!

Each clan member received a tartan sash and matching button with their colors and symbols. It was theirs to keep!

For the Highland Game of Archery I made special bows spray painted gray and strung with beads and feathers.

The birthday girl got her very own Princess Merida inspired dress, lovingly handmade by her Godmother who can make anything. What a lucky Goddaughter!

She also had her own gorgeous bow and arrow set!

On to the Highland Games . . . the kids were so excited for this part. They lined up behind their clans' flag and took turns practicing their archery skills.

They had so much fun competing!

In the movie Princess Merida's little brothers Hamish, Harris and Hubert turn into bear cubs and they were found getting into mischief all around the party. (-;

This was a home made piñata I created out of a pizza box. I just trimmed it into a circle and binded it with hot-glue. Then I filled it with candy and balloons and hot-glued streamers and a bear paw to the front.

After the cake and dessert table goodies were devoured the kids got to take home a treat bag in their clan colors and symbols.

Each bag contained a bow and arrow set.

Even my sweet Penny Lane got in on the action . . . she knew how to follow the wisps out to the party!

It was a fun filled party for all! My two best friends flew in to celebrate with their Godchildren and were such a huge help. I can't thank them enough for all of their support! xoxo

Happy Birthday my darling April babies! I love you more than all the stars in the night sky!

Ladybug Cake Pops

2013-04-11T05:13:00.001-07:00

It's finally starting to feel like Spring in these parts.

The grass is growing again and turning a silky bright green.

The daffodils and forsythia are blooming a sunny yellow.

And the ladybugs have returned! So I made a few happy lady's of my own to share.

I hope Spring is blossoming near you. Enjoy her visit because it is all too short!

And to help celebrate here is a free Spring printable courtesy of Tatertots and Jello.

Here is who I am linking up with this week. Come party with us!

Chocolate Bunny Cake Pops

2013-03-28T19:05:00.004-07:00

Here comes Peter Cotton Tail . . .

Hopping down the bunny trail . . .

Hippity, hoppity, hippity, hoppity . . .

Easter's on its way!

A classic Easter basket treat - a chocolate Easter bunny - done cake pop style!

The first batch has a crumbled dark chocolate cake center and milk chocolate candy coating.

The second batch are made with a hot pink vanilla cake center and white chocolate candy coating.

These are sure to bring smiles to your Easter basket goodies.

Have a wonderful Easter and a Happy Spring!

Adorable (and free) printable bunny silhouette courtesy of Craftily Ever After

Here's who I'm linking up with this week. Come to the party!

Cake Pop Easter Basket - How To

2013-03-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Here's an idea for your Easter Baskets this year. Cake pop Easter eggs in mini baskets!

They may look like the sparkly foam ones but these are completely edible.

Start out by selecting your sanding sugar in the colors you'll be working with.

Shape your cake ball into an oval and dip.

Once its on the lollipop stick, pinch the top slightly and let it set.

Dip into your candy coating and let set until it no longer drips. But no longer or the sprinkles will not adhere.

Sprinkle on the sanding sugar over a cupcake liner or bowl to catch the sprinkles that fall. You can pour these back into the bottle and reuse.

Carefully fit your baskets with floral foam and cover with paper grass.

Arrange your cake pop Easter eggs by gently pressing the sticks into the floral foam being sure to hold only the stick or the cake pop may crack.

Wouldn't they be a sweet alternative to give out on Easter?

Here's who I'm linking up with this week. Come to the party!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2013-03-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

Top of the Mornin' to you!

Look what the "wee leprechaun" made us for breakfast.

Looks like he used this heart shaped cookie cutter to form the shamrocks.

Well, that looks magically easy to do! I bet even I could do that. (;

What a lad! He even topped them with a dollop of fresh Irish cream.

And there's himself sitting on his pot o' gold.

He even left the little folk with packages of adorable photo props. (Courtesy of The Party Project)

And what St. Patty's day mornin' celebration would be complete without cake pops and rainbows?

I made these for dessert later on. They look so festive I had to include them in the Leprechaun's tale.

May the luck of the Irish be with you today!

Shamrock Cake Pops

2013-02-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Shamrock Cake Pops

What do you do with all of those leftover candy hearts from Valentine's Day?

You flip them over, line up four of the tips and turn them into Shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day!

All the colors work well since rainbows are a symbol of luck.

I like the large candy hearts for this application. The tips have a more defined point.

And there are a lot of fun variations you can come up with.

If you like the printables in the background they were freebies courtesy of some talented folks.

This chalkboard "Lucky in Love" printable is from lilluna.com.

And the "Map of Ireland" pennants are from papergravy.com who has fantastic retro printables.

I hope you are finding a little magic and luck this season!

I'm linking up at the following link parties. Come visit!

Valentine's Day Cake Pops

2013-02-13T19:51:00.003-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today we indulge in the sweet life.

Reflecting on the powers of love.

Read a love letter.

Or write a poem.

And make something special.

Maybe that something special is dessert.

Like a chocolate covered Oreo.

Or a dozen chocolate covered Oreos!

Maybe its a box filled with treats that beckon.

Your own home made Valentine.

Let it sparkle.

Let it shine.

Set it out in a sweet display.

And enjoy a lovely Valentine's Day!

Valentine Bear Hugs Cake Pops

2013-01-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

Bear hugs are welcome any time - no reasons needed.

Although Valentine's Day does inspire hugs to come in different forms.

Like in the form of a vanilla bean . . .

pink swirled cake pop.

With a royal icing bear on top . . .

hugging a sweet icing heart . . .

and sharing the love with a bunch of friends!

Now that's a cake pop we can all embrace!

These two would be perfect for my twin nephews.

I made the cake using a French Vanilla cake mix and adding vanilla beans to the batter. Easy and full of flavor.

For the pink swirled effect . . .

Just dip a toothpick into hot pink gel food color . . .

And gently knead into the cake ball.

Your hands fingers and palms will turn hot pink for a few hours . . .

but hey, it's all in good fun!

Have a coffee cup filled 1/4 of the way up with the sparkling sugar sprinkles.

After you dip the cake balls into the candy coating, give them a dip in the sparkling sugar.

Add your Wilton royal icing bears on top and let it set up.

Wrap these up in a treat bag and give someone a big Valentine Bear Hug . . .

. . . cake pop style.

Happy Baking and Making!

Valentine Love Knots

2013-01-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

Cupid send your arrow this way because these Love Knot Pretzels are ready for Valentine's Day!

I am stepping outside of the cake pop box for a moment to enjoy the fun of making something sweet and easy. Bag these Love Knots with a bow or put them into a small treat box. They only take minutes to assemble and make a great Valentine's Day treat.

There are a lot of awesome printables out there that you can frame or use as favor tags. The printables I used came from these talented bloggers who kindly made them available for our personal enjoyment (be sure to check them out!) Click on the links for: the framed subway Valentine printable , "love" doily large tag, the flag bunting , and the pink and grey cupcake topper/tags.

Now on to the Love Knots!

I used Utz Old Fashioned Sourdough Hard Pretzels. They are nice and big (about 3 in. x 3 in.) which gives you a good area to work on but not so large that you couldn't fit them in a treat bag.

Melt some white candy melts in a bowl and dip the pretzels in face first. Generously sprinkle on pink or white sparkling sugar. Let it set up on a wire cookie rack. Once dry package them up or display them in a bowl for family to nibble on.

The sweetness of the candy coating together with the salty crunch of the pretzel is delicious! I hope you keep a few for yourself before you hand them out to all those special people on your Valentine's list. Enjoy!

Blue Velvet Snowflake Pops

2013-01-17T11:48:00.004-08:00

The January snows have settled into our neck of the woods.

It blankets the fields, bridges and pines in a clean, bright white.

And to celebrate I made up a batch of these crystalline snowflake pops.

When it came time for their photoshoot, I bundled up - gear and goodies in tow - and headed outside.

I think I had more fun photographing these sweet pops.

Finding a good spot where the morning sunlight glittered over the snowdrifts.

Placing them gingerly at the edge of the old red bridge.

And finding just the right snow-covered rock at the river's bank.

I think the cake pops were right in their element!

Just look at how striking the blue velvet center is against the sugared white.

The cake part of these pops are incredibly delicious. I baked a blue velvet cake. First time ever and so delicious! Click on the link for the recipe as well as other blue desserts and drinks.

The Christmas Kitchen

2012-12-29T14:43:00.004-08:00

The Christmas Kitchen. I love the sound of that.

The sweet smell of nutmeg and vanilla welcomes you in from the snowy wonderland outside. Into the heart of our home where the warmth of an oven is baking the winter recipes. By day ours was filled with a bustle of activity with family reminiscing and laughing together. And at night, the twinkling of its lights on low when the household had gone to bed. And when a favorite Christmas song came on and held us in its beauty, the often overwhelming feeling of being blessed - fully blessed is clear.

Here is a collection of pictures of the goodies that came out of my kitchen this Christmas. Some treats my own creations and some designs inspired by other talented bakers. But always in the spirit of fun and a sprinkling of trial and error!

May the Spirit of Christmas find you well! Enjoy!

Xmas Street Pops

2012-12-11T15:51:00.004-08:00

These are some character inspired cake pops I made for a little boy's 2nd birthday party this weekend.

They were so much fun to create as I watched a simple ball of cake come to life.

They were really quite simple to make. However . . . . .

If you do attempt to make them, be sure to set aside plenty of time to be able to focus on the details. It took me three hours to make 24. And that did not include the time to bake the cake. YIKES!

You have to build these step by step. Layer upon layer. Candy upon candy melt.

Melt your colored candy melts first and set aside. Then assemble all of your candy pieces. I used ice cream dots for the eyes (colored in with an edible ink marker).

The noses and beaks were Mike and Ike's candies.

And the hats were created by "painting" candy melts over an icing decoration shaped like a triangle.

To get that furry look you have to add texture to the smoothly dipped cake pop. You can achieve that by adding another layer of candy melts and "fluff" with a toothpick as it begins to harden. This is a neat way to try your hand at food sculpting!

The fun was definitely in the details for these pops. And so worth it!

Just look at the birthday boy loving his street character pop!

Masquerade Ball Cake Pops

2012-10-22T12:49:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love a good Masquerade Ball? Especially as Halloween nears!
And who best to put you in that Venetian party frame of mind than the master of song and theatrics: Andrew Lloyd Webber with his song "Masquerade" from The Phantom of the Opera. Here are some of my favorite lines:

"Masquerade! Paper faces on parade... Every face a different shade... Masquerade! Look around - there's another mask behind you!

"Flash of mauve... Splash of puce... Fool and king... Ghoul and goose... Green and black... Queen and priest... Trace of rouge... Face of beast...

"Eye of gold... Thigh of blue... True is false... Who is who?... Curl of lip... Swirl of gown... Ace of hearts... Face of clown...

"Faces... Drink it in . . .drink it up . . .till you've drowned in the light . . . in the sound . . .

"Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds . . . Masquerade! Take your fill - let the spectacle astound you!

"Masquerade! . . . Burning glances . . . turning heads...

"Masquerade! . . .Stop and stare . . . at the sea of smiles around you!"
- The Phantom of the Opera

I hope this put you in a fun and theatrical mood as you prepare your costumes and ready yourselves for the magic of Halloween!

I'm partying over at these awesome blogs this week - come link up!