Monday, February 28, 2011

Macaron PopStands

Last year I was OBESSESSED with macarons. No, I don't mean macaroons, I mean macarons. The French kind. Pure deliciousness. I even ordered some from a bakery in Virginia for my daughter's Christening. Just writing about them is making me crave them. Anyway....everyone's been really into cake pops lately (myself included), but who says you can't make a macaron pop?

I found this great tutorial on Nonpareil. I think I may have to try it!



Macaron Pop Stands
Materials:
- Styrofoam cones from the floral department at most craft stores.
- Styrofoam-safe spray paint. Traditional spray paints melt styrofoam.
- 7 to 8 yards of your chosen ribbon. 1″ satin ribbon works nicely for the 24″ cones. Consider a narrower width for shorter cones.
- Large washers from a plumbing or hardware store to weigh down the cone. Use a large washer to cover your cone’s base.
- Pearl-head straight pins from a fabric or craft store
- Lollipop sticks slim enough to fit into the cream of your macarons. Your baker may be willing to do this for you as they assemble the macarons.
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Step 1:
Using hot glue, attach large washer to the bottom of the Styrofoam cone. Spray paint the cone in a color that matches or compliments your ribbon, otherwise glimpses of styrofoam may be visible once macaron pops are inserted. Let paint dry.
Step 2:
To achieve straight rows of ribbon on the front of your cone, cut the ribbon in strips to wrap around the cone only once. Align the first ribbon with the top edge of the cone. Pull both ends of the ribbon to the back of the cone and overlap them in a shallow “v” shape so that the ribbon lays smoothly and tautly against the cone. Fold the uppermost end under to hide the raw edge and secure with a pearl-head straight pin. Repeat with subsequent rows of ribbon, slightly overlapping each row.
Step 3:
Using the sticks of your macaron pops, pierce the cones in between the ribbon rows at a downward angle. Begin inserting macaron pops at the bottom of the cone to avoid it becoming top heavy.
Step 4:
Finish the display by inserting a monogrammed topper into the cone. Attach the topper to a lollipop stick with a dab of hot glue.
photo credit : Larry Callahan


Saturday, February 26, 2011

Tissue Pom Tutorial

Thank you Martha Stewart for starting the tissue pom craze! I never get sick of looking at these colorful puffs that hang from the ceiling.


I used them for my daughter's christening above and I'll be using them again for her first birthday party. I get mine from A Dash of Color on Etsy, but they are very simple to make on your own.

Here's a great tutorial from Martha Stewart

How to Make the Pom-Poms
You'll need tissue paper and 24-gauge white cloth-covered floral wire.

Hanging Pom-Poms
1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inchwide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.
2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.
3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.
4. Tie a length of monofilament to floral wire for hanging.









Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Pom-Poms and Luminarias How-To


Friday, February 25, 2011

Cake Pop All Stars from Etsy


The cake pop craze has hit nationwide thanks to Bakerella! I have made basic ones a few times and they are pretty easy, just time consuming. My secret ingredient is whipped cream cheese instead of frosting. I feel it provides a less sweet taste that is a little cake-ier (if that's a word!) taste!

I thought I'd do a cake pop all star round up of vendors from Etsy. As you will see, there are some insanely talented vendors out there! All photos are taken from each vendor's own Etsy shop.

First up is Mom's Killer Cakes!  All I can say is WOW!!  The designs are so creative and well done.  Could this be Bakerella in disguise??  Mom's Killer Cakes is really THAT good!  Check out some of these cake pops! 









Cute Cake Pops definitely chose the right name for her company!  Look at these cute cake pops!  





 The Cake Pop Shoppe has great pops for a girls night out or a bachelorette party.  I love how they used a candy melt for the base of the martini glass!






These baby girl cake pops from Bee's Knees really caught my eye.  They would be perfect for a baby shower!






Please note that I have not personally bought from these vendors but they all have  100% positive ratings. 


Enjoy!


Easter Cupcake Tree

I just received the latest Williams-Sonoma catalog in the mail and they have the cutest Easter decor! I especially love this Easter Cupcake Tree.   I'm hosting this year, so I may just have to buy it!  It's only $14.95.





Thursday, February 24, 2011

Vintage Sports Party

Since I'm a mom of 2 girls (aka My 2 Pink Ladies), I tend to gravitate towards girl stuff. Occasionally, something boy-themed catches my eye and this Vintage Sports Party from Pretend, Party & Play definitely caught my eye! Shawna did such a great party - it almost looks like it was torn out of a Pottery Barn Kids catalog!

This would be great for a boy or girl who loves sports of any age!








Wednesday, February 23, 2011

St. Patrick's Day Inspiration

I think we can all agree that we are happy that February is almost over. At least, I am! We have gotten just a little too much snow here in New York this winter. I have seen my front lawn for about 2 days since late December! Anyway....St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner. Even if you aren't Irish, it's a fun day to celebrate!

Here is a great Inspiration board from Style Me Pretty.  Stay tuned for an upcoming Vendor Spotlight & Giveaway that will feature free St. Patrick's Day printables from Andreap | Designs

Hello there!!


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Free St. Patrick's Day Printables & Exclusive Interview with andreap | designs

Want some free St. Patrick's Day printables? All you have to do is:
  • Head on over to Facebook and "Like" Andreap|designs
  • Leave a comment on her wall saying My2PinkLadies sent you
Once she hits 200 fans, she will be posting a link to her St. Patrick's Day printables on her Facebook page.   Here's a sneak peak :)



Not only is Andrea a great friend of mine, but she is also a fantastic designer. I have used her for so many events! Today I was able to sit down with her over coffee and talk about her budding business and what inspires her.


 
Here's what she had to say:

1. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration in most things that I see around me and spending most of my time in New York City I have the opportunity to see a lot!

2. What has been your most favorite project?
I love every project I work on because I get to work with some really great people. Every party planned is planned with such care and I love being a part of something so special. The children's parties are my favorite for that reason because it is so incredibly sweet to see how much care, effort and dedication is put into those events. With each new project I think I declare a new favorite but right now my favorite is my own project - my son's first birthday. I've challenged myself to try new things in order to acheive the desired outcome and it has been fun (so far) building upon this idea I have in my head.

3. What is your favorite color?
Since I tend to fall to chocolate brown as a starting point (love anything paired up with that color) I'll have to say that is my favorite. I'm drawn to rich, dark colors for my own work but that's why working with client requests for bright, cheerful colors is so much fun...it takes me outside of my own preference and allows me to explore new possibilities.


4. What do you think will be the hot new trend in invitations and/or printable collections?
Right now I am seeing clients requesting more printable options...anything that can be labeled seems to be getting attention. With dessert/candy tables becoming more popular there has been an increased demand for multiple use printables as well as some interesting shapes and designs.



Creating Permanent Memories - SmileBooks Free Photo Book!

If you are like me, you take lots of pictures. I mean lots! I discovered SmileBooks a few years ago and have been hooked ever since. SmileBooks quality is definitely better than what you can get on Snapfish & Shutterfly - I promise! They even offer an upgraded paper option called silver halide paper which is professional quality. Wedding album quality. It is more expensive and I don't use it for all of my books but definitely worth the splurge when you have a really special book to make. SmileBooks also offers 12x12 books - perfect for the digi scrapper!  The books are a perfect way to make a permanent memory of events & holidays.  They are also great to document each year of your child's life. 

They are currently running a Send a Smile promotion, where you can send a coupon for a free 8x8 book to a friend and then you get a 50% off coupon in return.



It's a no brainer - try SmileBooks today!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Gorgeous Pink Chanel Inspired Baby Shower

I came across this shower on The Hostess with the Mostess blog today and it is INSANELY gorgeous!! Not only is this perfect for a baby shower but it would be perfect for a bridal shower or even a 1st birthday as well. The details are incredible and the photography by Alice Hu Photography make it even more special!

The cake is to die for - too pretty to eat! 



Guests thoroughly enjoyed the "Scent Station" which tied in the Chanel theme beautifully.  


The event was styled by the very talented Blair Britt Events. I love how they played off Chanel No.5 and used Peyton No.2 throughout.  Genius!






To see more gorgeous images and details, please visit HWTM Blog.

Enjoy your weekend! 


Sunday, February 13, 2011

Rock Star Party {Love Rocks}!!

In honor of the Grammy's and Valentine's Day, I thought I would share this awesome Rock Star party from Southern Belle's Charm.  Any child would love being the star for a day.

Head on over to Southern Belle's Charm for more details and amazing photos!