Cami Cakes

Last Saturday was Jaylan's (my son) birthday. Since he had been begging me since the end of September for a party at the skating rink, we had his birthday at Cascade family skating. I must say it was the most fun I have had in a long time. I think the adults had more fun than the kids. It had been over 10 years since the majority of us had been skating so the falls and tumbles were hilarious.

The highlight of the day were the cupcakes we ate after the party. My aunt found this cute little bakery in Buckhead 2 weeks ago that specializes in gourmet cupcakes. We ordered 2 dozen and they were all gone by the next morning. CamiCakes is owned by Andra Hall. She has 3 locations, 2 in Florida (Jacksonville) and 1 here in Atlanta. CamiCakes feature 17 favors that consist of Chocolate Raspberry Almond Cream, Banana Cream, and Sweet Potato just to name a few. Each cupcake is made with the freshest ingredients and topped with delectable butter cream or cream cheese frosting. If you live in Atlanta or just visiting try CamiCakes.

http://camicakes.com/home.html

Go Mrs. O!

First Lady Michelle Obama will go to the University of Pennsylvania this evening to inspire voters to support Democrats in tomorrow's elections. She will be joined by Pennsylvania's candidates for governor and U.S. Senate at tonight's rally.

In contrast with tonight's event, last night Mrs. O hosted a more festive occasion. She and Barack greeted trick or treaters on the North Portico of the White House. For the event Michelle wore an orange cardigan paired with coordinating orange sequin shell, accented by a bee brooch.

To follow more of Michelle Obama's fashion check out Mrs. O

http://mrs-o.org

Please remember to go vote tomorrow!!!

Easy No Fuss Pumpkin Ideas

If you are like me and you just don't have the time or patience for carving a pumpkin here is a super cute last minute pumpkin decorating idea. Decorating a pumpkin is easy as painting and peeling stickers. Browse the scrapboooking aisle at the crafts store to find Halloween-theme stickers in styles, shapes, and sizes.

What You'll Need

• Pumpkin
• Spray paint or acrylic paint
• Adhesive silver stars
• Adhesive silver letters
• Fabric glue
• Silk flower leaves
• Silver glitter

How to Make It

1. Paint the pumpkin, applying 2-3 coats. Let the paint dry between coats.

2. Let the pumpkin dry throughly, then adhere the stars and letters.

3.Brush fabric glue on the silk flower leaves and sprinkle them with glitter. Let dry complete; adhere to the top on pumpkin.

For more ideas check out Better Homes and Gardens www.bhg.com/holidays/halloween/pumpkin-decorarting/easy-no-carve-halloween-pumpkins/

Candy Apples

One of my favorite childhood memories is every Halloween my mother would make us popcorn balls and candy apples. Of course once we got older and the more health conscious she became this practice was put to an end. This year in spite of my doctor's request to watch my sugar I am going to bring this tradition back and indulge myself making the most lavish candy apples for Halloween.

Here are 2 great recipes

Ingredients

• Halloween sprinkles and small candies, for decoration
• 8 craft sticks, twigs or cinnamon sticks
• 8 crisp apples
• 1 1/3 cups candy melts in orange and green
• 1 1/3 cups chocolate candy melts

Preparation

Line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper. Pour sprinkles and candy into small bowls.

Insert stick into stem ends of each apple. Make sure sticks are tightly secured.

Place each color of candy melts in a separate microwave-safe, 2-cup measuring cup or bowl. To melt, work with one cup of candy at a time and microwave on medium for 1 minute. Stir and then microwave in 15-second intervals until totally melted.

Holding apple by stick, dip it into melted candy, swirling until apple is fully coated. While coating is still wet, dip apple into sprinkles or sprinkle small candies all over apple. Place finished apple on prepared cookie sheet to set for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day before serving. Repeat with remaining apples and candy.

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001875232

Ingredients

• 8 wooden craft sticks
• 8 medium Gala apples
• 2 (6.5-ounce) packages caramel apple wraps
• 1 (16-ounce) chocolate bar
• 16 ounces vanilla bark coating
• Orange paste food coloring
• Toppings: colored sprinkles, chopped peanuts, black writing gel

Preparation

Insert craft sticks into apples. Cover each apple with 1 caramel wrap.

Microwave at HIGH 15 to 20 seconds. Cool.

Melt chocolate bar in a small saucepan over low heat.

Dip each apple into chocolate; let dry.

Melt vanilla bark coating in a small saucepan over low heat; stir in orange food coloring.

Dip or drizzle each apple with vanilla coating mixture. Decorate with desired toppings, and let dry.

NOTE: For testing purposes only, we used a Ghirardelli chocolate bar.

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000258724

Halloween Fun!

Hey moms, FREE ADMISSION @ Georgia Aquarium! Kids 12 and under in costume will receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult. Offer valid for up to two children in costume per one paid adult or Annual Pass member on Oct. 29-31, 2010.

Here is a list of other events going on in the Metro Atlanta area.

Kids
http://www.atlantawithkid.com/halloween-fun-family-friendly-halloween-events-in-atlanta-favorite-attractions/

Adults
http://entertainment.accessatlanta.com/search?swhat=halloween&swhere=&swhen=this+weekend&srad=60&st=event&x=64&y=19

Monster Balls

This year rather than taking Jaylan (my son) trick-or-treating I have decided to host a small get together with family and friends. I found this cute little recipe for the kids that is sure to be a hit.

http://militaryspice.blogspot.com/

Simag on Etsy

Spreading love one letter at a time, Simag on Esty creates one-of-a-kind personalized handmade jewelry. Who can resist unique designs, quality craftsmanship, and the lasting beauty each piece of Simag jewelry captures effortlessly. I love that every letter and number is hand-stamp. Simag personalized jewelry are timeless treasures and wonderful keepsakes for you and the people you love. I urge you to check them out.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Simag

OMG!

Omg! Today is the day I can finally embrace my inner Kim Kardashian and enter the wonderful world of long luxuriously lashes. Urban Decay line of lashes feature 18 styles suited for any mood or occasion. Every pair is handmade with cruelty- free synthetic fibers. Lashes can be worn up to three times (maybe more) if they are cleaned between uses. The best part is lashes only take 2 minutes to apply and they come with a quick-drying non-latex adhesive. Urban Decay lashes can be found at Sephora, Macy's, and Ulta.

http://www.urbandecay.com/categories/UrbanLash.cfm

Another Lunch

About two years ago I canned school lunch and started making lunch for Jaylan (my son) myself. When I stumbled unto Another Lunch, a blog full of fun and creativite ideas on making lunch into cool shapes and themes I could barely contain myself. Melissa ( a super mom of four and creator of Another Lunch) demonstrates how to make different lunch themes fun for moms and kids . Check it out!!

http://www.anotherlunch.com/

Bossa Nova

After a few weeks on Wordpress, I decided to move the blog site back to Blogger. Blogger seems a little more user friendly. I also decided to make the blog geared more toward lifestyle and less about party ideas and recipes. Hope you enjoyed the changes.

So last Monday I went to the doctor for my annual physical. It was horrible. Not only have I gained over 20 pounds in a year, but my blood glucose was a little high. It seems that my fondness of citrus vodka cocktails was not only thickening my waistline, but leading me down a road for potential diabetes. Damn I'm getting old!

My doctor recommended I lose a little weight and change my diet to get my sugar down. Four days out of the week I jog half a mile. My new diet consists of bran flakes, organic brown rice, and those vodka cocktails are being replaced with Acai berry cocktails.

There are a variety of Acai berry juices on the market, but I perfer Bossa Nova. Bossa Nova is an organic juice made of Acai berries, which grow high in the palms of the Brazilian rainforest. Acai berries are packed with more diease-fighting antioxidants than any other fruit on Earth. Unlike many other antioxidant juices, Bossa Nova tastes pretty good and less expensive than the Pom juices that usually sits next to on shelves.

You can find Bossa Nova in the refrigrated section of any major grocery retailers and the single serve juice section of most natural food stores.

http://http//www.bossausa.com/flash/

Parisian Champagne Brunch

Yesterday, I saw the movie, Julie and Julia. For all you food lovers, its a must see. Julie and Julia, is the story of Julia Child's start in the cooking profession intertwined with blogger Julie Powell's challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book. This movie was just the pick me up I needed to motivate me toward continuing my goals. Therefore today's post will be dedicated to the one and only Julia Child.

If you have a lot of out of town guest at your wedding staying in local hotels it would be nice to host brunch before they head home. A Parisian Champagne Brunch would be a spectacular idea for such an occasion. The menu can feature a selection of quiches, french toast, beignets, and salmon croquette's all serve buffet style. You can include an Eiffel tower center piece, tea roses or tulips, and buckets of champagne for the finishing touches. Here are some recipes and links for decor to make your Parisian Champagne Brunch a success.

Menu

Quiches

French Toast

Beignets

Salmon Croquette

Corsican Chestnut Beignets

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/corsican-chestnut-beignets-recipe2/index.html

French Toast

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/challah-french-toast-recipe/index.html

Quiches

Smoked Salmon Quiches with Potato Crust

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/smoked-salmon-quiche-with-crispy-potato-crust-recipe/index.html

Crawfish Quiche

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/crawfish-quiche-recipe2/index.html

Tomato, Olive, and Rosemary Quiche

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/tomato-olive-and-rosemary-crustless-quiche-recipe/index.html

Salmon Croqutte

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1949743

Decor

Effiel Tower Centerpiece

http://www.shindigz.com/party/Parisian-Elegance-Centerpiece.cfm

Homemade Tapas

Since starting my own business my life has been hectic. I have had to balance being a mom, entrepreneur, girlfriend, daughter, favorite cousin, best friend, and last but not least, blogger. My plate is always full. So Friday night I decided to take a break from my life and go out. I accompanied my cousin and friends to a tapas bar. I thought it was kind of cute that the bar featured items on the menu for the everyday person. So I got to thinking, tapas would be an excellent idea for a girl's night in or a small gathering of friends. Here is my seafood inspired take on tapas in the following recipes:

Shrimp and Bacon Bruschetta

Ingredients:

1 lb Shrimp

6 slices of bacon

finely chopped fresh flat parsley

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic

3 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 baguette

Chop the bacon and shrimp into small pieces. Once you have finished, throw the bacon into a hot skillet. While bacon is rendering, minced garlic and add into the skillet. When your bacon is almost finished cooking, add shrimp. Pour 1 tbsp of olive oil and 3 tbsp of white wine vinegar into the mixture. Allow is mixture to continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are pink. When everything is finished add chopped parsley.

Preheat oven for 350. Slice baguette. Place the mixture in the skillet on top of baguette slices. Place them on pan and into the preheated oven. After 5 minutes or so remove from the oven. Enjoy.

Honey Sesame Shrimp

http://www.weheartfood.com/2009/07/catch-up-post-4-honey-sesame-shrimp.html

Mixed Seafood Salad

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1683576

Bellini

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/bellinis-recipe/index.html

Lemon Twist Enchanted Evening

My mother is the only follower of my blog as of now. I was extremely happy to know, she not only reads my postings, but looks forward to them as well. She called me the other night and said, "Girl, you should include a salmon panini recipe in your next post." I was so amused. So I am dedicating this posting to Ms. Carol Denise.

Dinner out on the patio, sipping limoncello martinis is perfect way to send a summer evening with family. I can imagine having drinks, eating a good meal, and sharing laughs with my mother, cousins, and aunts on my Tee Jenny's patio. We would light citronella candles and watch fireflies. If you are planning to have such an evening with family or friends here are a couple of cool and refreshing recipes:

Salmon Panini dressed in Lemon Dill Sauce

Ingredients:

16 oz salmon fillet (serves 4)

Baguette

Arugula

Sauce:

1/2 tsp. of finely shredded lemon peel

1 (8 oz.) carton plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup green onions

1/4 cup of fresh sipped dill

1 tbsp capers

In a small mixing bowl, stir lemon peel, yogurt, green onions, dill, and capers until smooth.

16 oz salmon fillet (makes 4 servings)

Brush olive oil on each side of the salmon fillet. Sprinkle with just a little salt. Grill or pan fry on both sides for 5 to 7 minutes until fish flakes with fork. Once fish is done, cut into 4 portions.

Place bread on grill until toasted on each side. When done, spread generous amounts of sauce to both slices of bread. Add salmon portions on baguette and top with arugula. Enjoy.

Fruit Salad with Limoncello

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/fruit-salad-with-limoncello-recipe/index.html

Limoncello Martinis

http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Limoncello-Martini-111361

Its Tea Time

A tea party theme for a little girl's birthday party would be absolutely charming. When I was a little girl I dreamed of always having a real tea party; I don't think mother ever knew. I imagined there would be sandwiches, cookies, and cakes. Here are a few tips and recipes that give your little girl's tea party a story book ending.

Menu
Tea Sandwiches
Shortbread Rhubarb Sandwich Cookies
Flower Cupcakes
Sparkling Sweet Cherry Lemonade
For the grownups Sparkling Elderflower Punch

Decor

• Hang tissue paper pop poms
• Use flower or heart cookie cutters to cut out shapes in bread for tea sandwiches
• Serve menu on tea trays

Crafts for kids

• Make Animal puppets using craft items
• Make Paper crowns using brown paper bags, glitter, and craft items
• Decorate bags for kids to take their party favors home

Recipes

Shortbread Rhubarb Sandwich Cookies
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/recipe/shortbread-rhubarb-sandwich-cookies-recipe?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/spring-good-things#slide_4

Flower Cupcakes

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/prefect-flower-cupcakes?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/birthday-cupcakes#slide_9

Sparkling Sweet Cherry Lemonade
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sparkling-sweet-cherry-lemonade-recipe/index.html

Sparkling Elderflower Punch

• 1 bottle of St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• 1 bottle of Hendrick's gin
• 11/2 cup of Rose's Sweeten Lime Juice
• 1 bottle club soda

Stir ingredients together in pitcher or punch bowl and chill.

Decor

DIY Tissue Paper Pom Poms

http://www.casasugar.com/DIY-Tissue-Paper-Pom-Poms-3116890

Pomegranate Martini

Its out with the Cosmopolitan and in with the Pomegranate Martini. Whether you serve it at brunch or an evening get together with friends it is sure to be a hit.


Ingredients:
6 fluid oz (3/4 cup) chilled gin
(recommended: Bombay Sapphire gin)
1 lemon, juiced
1 orange, juiced
1/4 cup Rose's grenadine-pomegranate syrup
Pomegranate seeds for garnish


Directions:
In medium pitcher or bowl, stir the gin, fruit juices, and pomegranate syrup together. Divide among 4 martini glasses. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Custom Wedding Invitations

Custom invitations are the perfect way to celebrate your special occasion. A set of customized invitations are clearly a distinguishable and more personalized method of sharing your occasion with guest.

You can order custom invitations from Ruthie Bea and other stationery shops
http://www.ruthiebea.com/
http://www.hellolucky.com/
http://www.bluesugarpress.com/

Paper Lanterns

Decorating with paper lanterns is the easiest way to transform your party from ordinary to ex-ordinary. There is just something captivating when walking into a room or yard filled with paper lanterns.

Tips for decorating with paper lanterns:

• Group masses of ball lanterns in bright color for maximum impact.
• Cluster paper lanterns in various tones of the same soft colors for an elegant and stylish look.
• Create intimate table setting by using low nested lanterns.
• Personalize your lanterns by using craft accents. Try embellishing lanterns with butterflies, dragonflies, paper flowers, and hearts.
  

Here are some links to papern lantern suppliers:

http://www.culturalintrigue.com/
http://www.lunabazaar.com/paper-lanterns.aspx
http://paperlanternstore.com/
http://shojidecor.com/

Pushcart Desserts

Beautifully presented desserts pushcart style will leave a lasting impression on guests. Here are 3 tasty desserts you can incorporate into your next party this summer!


Pomegranate and Mint Sorbet
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/pomegranate-and-mint-sorbet-recipe/index.html

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mary-nolan/chocolate-cheesecake-cupcakes-with-ganache-frosting-recipe/index.html

Lemon Cheesecake Mini Tartlets
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/lemon-cheesecake-mini-tartlets-recipe/index.html

Summer Style: Neutral Looks for Any Party

Here are 3 neutral looks I have put together based on this summer's fashion trends. If you are on a budget like me they are also very affordable.



All for One and One for All (left)
Monochromatic outfits are slimming and stylish.

• Women's Lightweight Wide Leg Khakis-$29.50
• Women's Cowl Neck Top-$19.50
• Women's Braided Slingback Sandals-$9.50

Ratio (middle)

Balance the print of a maxi dress with simple flat sandals and solid color cardigan.

• Women's Cross Front Cabana-$15.00
• Women's Crochet Trim Button Front Cardigan-$29.50
• Women's Faux Leather T-Strap Sandals-$19.50

Match Point (right)
Highlight solid dress with accessories like yellow t-strap sandals and necklace.

• Women's Jersey V-Neck-$24.50
• Women's Faux Leather T-Strap Sandals-$29.50
• Women's Clustered Bauble Necklace-$14.50

All fashions can be found at http://oldnavy.gap.com/