Monday, November 22, 2010

Free Thanksgiving Printables from Posh Pixels Design Studio

Looking for gorgeous Thanksgiving printables? Head on over to Posh Pixels Design Studio. Kristy of Posh Pixels is generously offering her So Thankful Collection for FREE!!  I think Kristy is a creative genius and she's done it again with this collection.  Beautiful fall colors - purple (so hot right now), orange and green.  This collection ALMOST makes me want to host Thanksgiving!  :)  I'm definitely going to use a few things on whatever I bring to my Aunt's house that day! Enjoy and Thank YOU Kristy! 







Friday, November 19, 2010

Something Different! A Fruit & Veggie Table

If you are looking for a different way to entertain, try a fruits & veggie table!  This great concept is the brainchild of Esther Kim of My Bride Story.  This is a great concept for adult and children's parties a like!





Thanks for the great inspiration, Esther!  



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday Tutorial - How to Make Cookie Lollipops

My youngest daughter is almost 7 months old and I have already started planning her First Birthday Party. I just decided on a theme the other day (it's a secret for now) but one of the things that I NEED to have at the party is cookie lollipops.

I found a great tutorial from the Cake Journal.




 Please click here for the full tutorial from Cake Journal. I can't wait to try them!!



PART 2: Do You Know How to Carve a Turkey?

Here's Part 2 of  Do You Know How to Carve a Turkey Part 2, courtesy of Martha Stewart.

Step 6: Slice Thigh Meat

Slice the thigh meat from the bone (the dark meat should be tender from resting in the juices).


Step 7: Slice Breast

Place the knife horizontally at the bottom curve of the bird's breast, and slice in toward the rib cage to create a "guide cut." Then make a slice from the top down alongside the rib cage. Be sure to cut carefully.

Almost done....

Step 8: Create Slices

Cut vertically through the breast meat to create medallion slices, being careful to preserve some of the skin on each slice. Repeat steps 6 and 7 on the other side of the breast.

Place the knife at the first wing joint; insert the knifepoint, and twist it to sever the wing. Repeat with the other wing.




Here's some deliciousness for you to look forward to:


www.MarthaStewart.com


Sunday, November 14, 2010

PART 1: Do You Know How to Carve a Turkey? Here's How....

I'll admit it, I have no idea how to carve a turkey. When I have hosted Thanksgiving in the past, my Dad usually takes over and won't even let me take it out of the oven when it's ready.


If I did have to carve it on my own, I just know it wouldn't come out looking like this:


Doesn't it look like pure perfection? Of course, it's from the folks at Martha Stewart.  They even have a great How to Carve a Turkey Guide (of course they do!).  Next time I host Thanksgiving, I will definitely be referencing this. 

Here are the step's from Martha's website:

Step 1: Preparation

Before carving the turkey, let it stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the juices to saturate the meat; then transfer the turkey from the roasting pan or presentation platter to a carving board (use layers of paper towels or two clean kitchen towels to protect your hands from the heat). The best way to hold the turkey steady is to use your hand -- a carving fork doesn't provide the same grip and will pierce and tear the flesh.

Next, cut through the trussing with scissors, taking care to remove all of the string.

Step 2: Remove Drumsticks



Remove the drumsticks first. Place the knife against the thigh, and cut down to expose the leg's second joint.

Step 3: Sever Drumsticks

Apply pressure at the joint with the knifepoint; twist the knife, and cut through to sever the drumstick. Repeat with the other drumstick.

Step 4: Slice Neck Cavity

This part kinda freaks me out! This is where Dad would come in handy!!

Slice open the neck cavity with an oval incision that allows you to remove the stuffing while leaving the skin intact.


Step 5: Scoop Stuffing

Use a long-handled spoon to scoop out the stuffing from the body cavity; transfer it to a serving bowl.





Final steps coming tomorrow! Stay Tuned. Thanks Martha Stewart!


Friday, November 12, 2010

Thanksgiving Printables from The TomKat Studio are 50% OFF!

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or the 10th time, you'll knock the socks off your your guests with this great Thanksgiving printable collection from the TomKat Studio. It's 50% off making it $9.50 which is a total steal!



This printable collection includes:

1. Fill-in Invitation
2. Blank Invitation
3. Blank Menu
4. 2" Party Circles (4 designs)
5. 2" Favor Tags (4 designs)
6. 4" x 6" Blank Recipe Cards
7. 4.25" x 3.25" Blank Fancy Labels
8. Fancy Labels customized with 12 Thanksgiving Food/Dessert Items compiled by our fabulous readers including:
- Tantalizing Tasty Turkey
- Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes
- Savory Cornbread Stuffing
- Fluffy Buttery Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy French Green Beans
- Marvelous Macaroni & Cheese
- Carmamelized Candy Yams
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Festive Cranberry Salad
- Perfect Pumpkin Pie
- Grandma's Pecan Pie
- Tempting Apple Tarts

Head over to Etsy and buy it today!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Alphabet Themed Baby Shower

Looking for a cute theme for a baby shower that is gender neutral? An Alphabet themed shower is the perfect solution.

Here are some photos to get your ideas flowing!

Perfect Alphabet Baby Block Cake  from Martha Stewart.





Homemade Baby Shower Invitation from Pregnancy & Baby.


Another adorable invite option from Paper Culture.



A collection of pastel Tissue Poms from various sellers on Etsy.  You can do so many things with Tissue Poms - back drops for dessert bars, hang from the ceiling for added interest and even top candle holders with small poms.  The options are endless. 




Baby Block Centerpieces from Baby Favors & Things.  Only $6.99 each!!


And best of all,  a perfectly coordinated gift!  You'll have to wait until the baby is born, but it's one of my favorite gifts to give. 

Personalized Baby Blocks from Memories & Milestones, Inc.



This is a really fun theme.  If you need any help planning, please contact me

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thank You to Best Party Ideas!

A huge thank you to Best Party Ideas for featuring our Pink Zebra Christening!

Vendor Spotlight - Bake it Pretty

I'm not sure about you, I am a sucker for cupcakes.  I just love them!  Never mind how delicious they are, but they are so much fun to decorate!  If you see fancy cupcakes from bakeries, don't get discouraged and think you can't do something similar yourself.  You can! It just takes patience and a little practice. 




Today's vendor spotlight is Bake It Pretty.  Bake it Pretty is " a magical wonderland of clever and nostalgic supplies for baking, crafting, party-making, and everyday celebrating."  And it really is.  When you browse through the site it makes you want to start baking immediately!!


One of my favorite items they carry are cupcake kits .  Perfect for parties, holidays or get togethers with friends. 

Here are a few of my favorite cupcake kits from Bake it Pretty.  

The Nutcracker Tale



Circus Cupcakes








 Happy Baking!!


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kara's Party Ideas

Thank you so much to Kara of Kara's Party Ideas for featuring my Pink Zebra Christening Party as a winning feature today. It is truly an honor!



Please visit Kara's Party Ideas for endless inspiration!


Tutorial Tuesday - Ribbon Topiary

Here's the instructions on how to make beautiful ribbon Topiaries. I made four of them for my daughter's Pink Zebra Christening and I loved how they turned out.



    Step 1: Supplies


    I used pre-formed topiaries that I purchased at AC Moore for $6.81 each, but you can easily buy everything separately.   If you do that, you will need a Styrofoam ball, dowel and a base.  
    • Topiaries - either pre-formed ones or separate parts
    • Ribbon
      • Plan ahead and buy ribbon on sale or in bulk. You will use a lot more than you think you will. (Each of my centerpieces have 250 pieces of ribbon on them!)   
      • Refrain from purchasing ribbon that is smaller than 1" wide because it will take you forever to fill up the ball  
      • Don't be afraid of different textured ribbon - use grosgrain and satin, etc...  The only ribbon I don't recommend is wired ribbon. 
    • Stick pins - get the ones with little plastic balls on the end - not flat metal because they will kill your fingers
    • A good scissor

    Here is is the pre-formed topiary I bought.



    For the base I bought basic terra cotta planters and I spray painted them white.  I then hot glued white crinkle paper on top but you can use just about anything.

    Step 2:

    Cut the ribbon in 3-4 inch strips.  Try to make them consistent so the ball is even.  Make the ribbon into loops and use the pins to secure them to the styrofoam ball. Cover the ball with ribbon.  If you don't buy the pre-formed topiaries,  poke the dowel rod into a piece of floral foam in the pot, glue on a little moss, crinkle paper or just about anything and you have yourself a ribbon topiary!

    These pictures are from Sweet Craft Cakes, where I originally found the directions. 







     Here are some pictures the topiaries I made. It was so easy!










      Happy Crafting!!


      Monday, November 8, 2010

      Paper Pilgrim Hat and Bonnet from Martha Stewart

      Here are some great, free templates available from MarthaStewart.com.  These are adorable and quick projects you can do with your kids before Thanksgiving dinner. Or, if you are hosting Thanksgiving and have a lot of kids coming over, its a great project to keep them busy. 

      Image from MarthaStewart.com


      Sunday, November 7, 2010

      Banner Boutique STOCK UP SALE!!

      If you haven't heard of Banner Boutique, you are really going to hate me! Lindsay Banner is the owner of Banner Boutique and she creates the most exquisite children's hair accessories. I am telling you, they are drop dead GORGEOUS!!!!

      Here's a sampling of my favorite items from her Etsy Shop




      Perfect for the Holidays!





      Right now, Banner Boutique is running a Stock Up Sale!  The more you buy, the more free items you will earn.  I can't wait to place an order.   Shhhh...don't tell my husband!