Celebrating the Moments

2011-12-31T19:35:00.003-05:00

Just want to give a shout out to all of you who have joined "the party" of my FB page and blog this year!!! Looking forward to an awesome 2012 full of moments to share, inspire and celebrate with you all!! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! HAPPY NEW YEAR xoxox

Rustic/Elegant Tabletop after a light snow...

2011-12-18T10:31:00.001-05:00

To be honest, I had a hard time pulling

this one together. The creativity isn't

always "just there"

But I do find once I kinda start it, it

usually does come.

Again, I used things I had but

in a different way and then just

added a few frosted fruit bundles

from Micheals.

I wanted it to look like the woods

after a light snow.

Magical and Peaceful!

I used pinecones to pull the brown and rustic

look through and to add texture.

As soon as I saw Bird's Party winter

printables I knew they would be perfect!

I matted them on some glitter paper for placecards

and then used them for drink tags by tying on with silver ribbon

and added a little rhinestone.

The lil Christmas ball place card holders...

the $1 Store!!

The tall snowflake glasses are from Ikea

and so are the silver paisley napkins I've

used as my placemats (Another inexpensive trick)

These sweet little glitter boxes are also from the

$1 Store. There are so many treasures there to find.

May you all have a BLESSED Christmas and

THANK YOU

for another year of allowing me to inspire you to

be creative, think outside the box, and bring beauty and joy

to your friends and family,

thru celebrating the moments in your life!

And also thank you all, for inspiring me with your comments,

encouragement through here, emails and

my facebook page.

It truly means the world to me!!!

Modern/Vintage/Aqua Christmas Decorations

2011-12-15T19:14:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a short post but with LOTS of photos.

Of course the holidays are busy

but I also have 2 weddings on December 30th!

Just wanted to share my foyer with you all.

Inexpensive tricks to change things up are using

a pack of colored Christmas balls.

One pack can fill a jar, bowl and glue a few

to the garland. Wrap a few boxes in coordinating

paper and VIOLA a whole new look!

Tablescape/dining room post coming up next week.

Stay tuned!

Christmas Mantel by "Upcycling"

2011-12-10T09:16:00.001-05:00

I wanted to change things up some this year.

I am loving the vintage/neutrals look and wanted

to do a music theme. My husband and son are REALLY

into music. My son writes tracks & plays the drums

in a local Christian band called "The Remedy."

So, I used my mercury glass collection, on the mantel this year

and then added the materials below. One pack of these music

cards from Pottery Barn $6, an old book from

a flea market .50 and this pack of chipboard

from the $1 section in Micheals.

Using what ya got... Holiday Paper Wreath

2011-12-05T10:30:00.001-05:00

So excited about this wreath I made this week.

TOTALLY FREE... Sweet!

I had to climb over a few things in the attic

to get to the wreath base... LOL

but I did not want to have to run out again!

You start by bending the pages back and

forth gently. (Tip: make sure if you are using an

old book it isnt TOO old or the pages will crack)

the above picture is actually the "bottom" of

the wreath. You want to start gluing them on there.

Then flip it over and start tucking in next pieces.

You will want to fold the end in some so they

are the same height as the back ones.

Lay the wreath on the floor or hang on the

wall to see where you may need to fill in.

I added paper flowers I made out of sheet music

to bring in my music "theme" this year.

(stay tuned for more of that...)

Of course I had to add a little glitter to them!

Sprayed with spray adhesive and then dipped into

the glitter. I may also spray the whole wreath

with some glitter spray too.

I just LOVE it!!!! Hope you to do.

Grateful... (AND my "Famous" Butternut Squash Recipe)

2011-11-23T08:49:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to say how VERY, VERY grateful I am for

all of you who follow my blog.

Your kind words and encouragement ALWAYS inspire me!!!

I wish you all a BLESSED Thanksgiving with full tummies and full hearts

BOTH THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR!

Below is my "FAMOUS" (well in our house *wink*)

Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe.... ENJOY!!!

(everyone always comes back for seconds of this so double the recipe for sure!)

BUTTERNUT SQUASH CASSEROLE

1/3 c. butter (softened)

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

1 (5oz) can evaporated milk

2 cup cooked & mashed butternut squash

In a mixing bowl cream softened butter & sugar.

Beat in eggs, milk and vanilla. Stir in squash

(MIXTURE WILL BE THIN)

Pour into greased 11x7 pan (13x9 if doubled)

Bake at 350* for 45 minutes.

Then sprinkle on topping and bake for 5-10 more minutes

TOPPING

1/2 c rice krispies

1/4 c packed brown sugar

1/4 c chopped pecans

2 T butter (melted)

ENJOY!!!!!

A Rustic Elegant Thanksgiving Tablescape

2011-11-11T09:29:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to be hosting my first Thanksgiving Dinner

at our home. I have 2 weddings December 30th so this will be

my BIG holiday entertaining this year,

so I am gonna cook up a storm!

I found the above mirror at the Goodwill

for $3.00 a few months back,

painted it cream and covered the mirror

part with chalkboard paint.

I always have loved the idea of dressing up

dining room chairs, but ours are kind tricky.

I wanted to create a look that was more "cozy"

so I wrapped the spindles with some leftover fabric I had,

added a burlap sash and a paper flower to tie it all together.

I made the placecards out of these "nameplates"

I found at Micheal's. Not exactly sure that's what they are called,

but they were 3 to a pack for under $3.00

AND 40% off... SWEET! The silk flowers & pumpkins were also

from there as well. I used a quilt for my tablecloth and did a

loose burlap runner down the middle.

I made paper flowers out of old sheet music and then the

music "cards' I just got from Pottery Barn.

Only $ for 8 sheets

(they are folded in half here.)

I love how this reflects our families love of music.

My son is a drummer in a local Christian band.

I used paper napkins as "placemats" is a great way to
customize your table inexpensively!

Since we will be using all the counter space in the kitchen to cook

and then serve, I have set up our old desk to be the dessert table

to make some extra room.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT

THIS PAST YEAR AS I CONTINUE TO GROW MY BUSINESS!

I AM TRULY THANKFUL FOR EVERYONE OF YOU

WHO FOLLOW MY BLOG.

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING XOXO

Some chalkboard vinyl LOVE ...

2011-10-27T13:30:00.001-04:00

I LOVE chalkboards and hate sticky notes all

over the counter and then I loose them anyway.

Thought our door to the basement would make

good place to do something like this, but didnt want

to use chalkboard paint & have it be

"permanent" So YEAH for chalkboard vinyl!!

Love it's a spot where everyone can

write down what we need at the store,

a note, to-do or number we need to remember.

AND... Today is my 21st wedding Anniversary!

I have the incredible blessing of being happily

married to my best friend.

I KNOW this is a treasure and a gift in our world.

I was 6 mths away from marrying someone else,

but God had other plans...

THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

We have had our ups and downs, just like everyone else

who lives on planet earth, but we are a team. We encourage each other,

forgive, build up and are kind to each other.

We TRY to love each other as Christ first loved us, in a

sacrifical way, expecting nothing in return.

I LOVE YOU BABE!!!! xoxo

2011-10-18T09:48:00.000-04:00

Recipe adapted from Carroll Magazine

(I tweaked this recipe a bit to make it easier, healthier and more my own)

Pumpkin Lasagna

1 teaspoon of salt

9 uncooked whole wheat lasagna noodles

2 t extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion chopped

1 30oz can pumpkin puree

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sage leaves chopped

frshly groun black pepper

1 medium red pepper (cut into strips)

1 medium yellow pepper (cut into strips)

1 container lowfat ricotta cheese

1 1/2 cup parmesean cheese

1 1/2 cup part skim mozzerella cheese

I prepped everything over the weekend and then

put it all together the morning of when I wanted to bake it.

I sauted and caramelized the onions and peppers and then mixed

the pumpkin, cream, sage, salt and pepper all the day before.

Then, when you are ready, add 1/2 cup of the pumpkin mixture

to bottom of 13x9 pan sprayed with cooking spray,

then add a layer of the uncooked noodles (3), then another

1/2 cup of sauce, then spread 1/3 of sauteed veggies,

then ricotta, 1/2 cup parmesean, 1/2 cup

mozzarella, then repeat the layers ending with a layer

of the cheeses.

Refrigerate all day or overnight so the noodles get soft.

Bake at 375* for 45min-1 hour or until warm, brown

and bubbling.. like above.

I also "fried" some sage leaves in olive oil to add on top.

I LOVE fried sage leaves. just add them to hot olive oil

and 'fry" til crisp.

Serve with a crusty wholegrain bread and sauteed

spinach, glass of white and you have the...

Lusciousness of Fall!

An "Out of this World" 5th Birthday Party!

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

I was so EXCITED when I received

the email about doing this party!

(And too be honest a lil nervous too!)

But had some encouragement from some

of my sweet party peeps and Gwynn

of www.GwynnWassonDesigns.com
contact me to do the printables and
I was off and running!

I LOVED working with Gwynn

amd she captured my vision

PERFECTLY!!!

These were the "party hats" I designed

for the guests.

Little alien headbands!

Alot of my inspiration came from the

meeting with my 5yr old client Ashley.

This little girl knew what she wanted!

Party hats, aliens, moon rocks, balloons...

and strawberry cupcakes!

Vintage "Goth meets Glam" Dinner Party

2011-09-13T10:15:00.001-04:00

Feature Article in Bird's Party Ezine!

2011-09-08T10:14:00.000-04:00

So EXCITED!!!! My first magazine feature!!!!

I had the honor of being asked to be a contributor for the

Fall Issue of Bird's Party Ezine.

We became party friends over a year ago and I have to say,

one of the sweetest & most generous people I have met online.

See the full issue here PACKED with tons of awesome

party ideas!

Under the Sea and turning Three!!!

2011-08-28T16:08:00.009-04:00

Thought I'd end the summer with this

"UNDER THE SEA"

birthday party since we just survived not going under the sea

last night when Hurricane Irene hit.

This day was 103* so the

PERFECT DAY

to have a pool party!

Fresh, Fabulous and FOURTY!!!

2011-08-01T15:02:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to design this party for

the Birthday Girl. She is such a FUN person

so I knew it would be a blast and she would

be great to work with...I was right on all acounts.

She wanted WHITE, PINK and ORANGE,

likes Gerber Daisies and LOVES ribbon.

She wanted it to be FUN and WHIMSICAL!

My challenge was to not have it look like a

wedding or kids party and stay within our budget.

Summer's SIMPLE Pleasures... Recipes for the SWEET & SPECIAL things in Life!

2011-07-12T10:16:00.000-04:00

Ahhh... Summer Breezes, Farmers Markets & Yummy Food!!

2011-07-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Savoring the last Memory of Summer

2011-06-27T11:05:00.000-04:00

Vintage WWll Inspired July 4th Dessert Table

2011-06-16T13:32:00.000-04:00

AMAZING shots!!! Natures Inspiration at it's best

2011-06-05T11:31:00.000-04:00

A BURST of Fresh Spring Flavors!

2011-05-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

When I was in our local grocery store Wegman's the other day, I saw this

recipe and thought it so exemplified SPRING!!!

I have to admit seemed a little

"OUT OF THE BOX"

but I am learning more and more to try to new things

and live that way.

Just think how many things we miss out on when we don't ;)

And you will be so glad you didnt miss out on this

FRESH salad bursting with the most delicious flavors!

CUCUMBER & BLUEBERRY SALAD with FETA

3 cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced thinly

(about 4 cups)

1 pt (2 cups) blueberries

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 White Balsamic Vinaigrette (Wegmans brand was good)

3 TB thinly sliced fresh mint leaves

1 cup of crumbled feta cheese

toss gently with dressing, then add mint and feta.

ENJOY!!!!

Fresh & Modern DIY Wedding Design

2011-05-12T10:40:00.000-04:00

Hello Kitty Inspired Party

2011-05-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

Springtime Pizza & Vanilla Vegan Cupcakes!!!

2011-05-10T09:23:00.001-04:00

Butterflies & Bees Tea Party

2011-05-03T09:26:00.000-04:00

Just a quick little table put together with a few spring goodies

from Micheals and sweet lil cupcakes and cookies

Marilyn from Whatever Whimsy.

These sweet lil straw purses were actually

my inspiration and guess what???

THEY ARE FROM THE DOLLAR STORE!

I think SPRING is FINALLY here!!!

Tangible & Intangible treasures found on our Getaway at a BEAUTIFUL Resort!

2011-04-21T10:55:00.000-04:00

Peter Cottontail Hops into the Secret Garden

2011-04-11T22:31:00.000-04:00

OK, I am guessing I seriously have a thing for bunnies!

Last years tablescape was inspired by a rabbit "calling my name"

and AGAIN, this year... the lil face below!

WHO COULD RESIST????

Anyway, you too can adopt a bunny and a few of the trimmings at Pier 1

and no they are not a sponsor... YET! ;)

The other AWESOME addition to my vision was digital printables by

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

and custom sweet treats by http://www.whateverwhimsy.blogspot.com/

She even created these custom cookies from Birds printables!!

Remember to walk around your own house and shop!

A few pieces from Pier 1, Birds Party set for just $10,

Dollar Tree silk flowers, Target $1 Section for yellow tins, a yard of burlap,

Walmart green plates & the rest from my own stash!

HAPPY SPRING!!!!!!

Vintage Spring Dessert Table "Sweet Tweets" ;)

2011-04-07T13:48:00.001-04:00

MIA and the Rollercoaster ride of life...

2011-04-03T20:54:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been

Missing In Action

lately but the rollercoaster ride of life has taken me on a

WILD RIDE!!!

(Funny I don't remember buying a ticket???)

In the middle of my business BOOMING my husband has been in excruciating pain since January.

That in and of itself has been tough because he is my right hand man.

This lead to neck surgery a few weeks ago for herniated disks.

Well, long story short... Complications from that lead to TWO

E.R. visits and then a 2 day hospital stay!!

All this thru me doing to back to back parties

(including all the desserts) developing my logo w/ my new INCREDIBLY

talented photog friend (and graphic artist)

and then preparing for my first ever

BRIDAL SHOW!!!!

(Hey, I thought I said I wasn't going to do weddings?????)

Well, I am happy to say my man is FINALLY on the mend

(So happy to see glimmers of him coming back)

and the show was a HUGE success!!!

I can NOT wait to share the pictures, the ides, the parties and my logo and

just the incredible doors, connections & talents God is connecting me too!

THAT part of the

ROLLER COASTER ride is the exhilarating part.

The rest, not so much.

You all should hear me when I ride a REAL rollercoaster...

It is HYSTERICAL!!!

I scream at the top of my lungs and then I actually kind do this giggle/laugh thing.

Then I scream and then laugh again at how silly I sound.

I have to say though I have had such an incredible peace on the ride this time.

My heart has been filled to overflowing with the love, support, cards, meals & prayers

of friends and even the kindness of "strangers"

I am TRYING to enjoy the

ROLLERCOASTER ride of life on planet earth, because in the end

I KNOW He's got my back!

And honestly it's thru the storms we really learn to

appreciate the sun & get to see the rainbows xoxoxo

Thru the Looking Glass... Modern Meets Vintage!

2011-02-28T21:27:00.001-05:00

Milestone Double Digit 10th Birthday is a

BIG CELEBRATION!

And today was the perfect day to

post this party, from the summer, because

Alice in Wonderland

won several Oscars last night.

(nice cover HUH? for my "gift" of procrastination LOL)

This whole party was inspired when I went to NYC

this summer to take a Gourmet Cupcake Class at

the Natural Gourmet Institute and found these

Alice in Wonderland coasters at

http://www.fishseddy.com/

Then the birthday girl picked her colors, I used pictures from

my childhood Alice in Wonderland book, add pool party,

ice cream sundae bar, cupcakes... and VIOLA!

The VERY BEST part

of my business...

the looks on their face and the

memory and moment

I have the privilege to create for them.

I had the clock and took one of the coasters,

cut it to cover the pink roses that were there.

Remember to think

"OUTSIDE THE BOX"

and

"REPURPOSE"

The favors were just PERFECT!

The birthday girls momma got

Gift Certificates to a local ice cream parlour

and found (the Johnny Depp version)

Alice in Wonderland folders and notebooks

for back to school.
GREAT JOB Lise!!! xoxo

Three of of my parties this summer went to Plan "B" at the

last minute due to the weather.

TIP: ALWAYS have a Plan "B" for outdoor events *wink*

As you can see from the rain on the windows it poured,

BUT as you can also see from the looks on the girls faces,

that didnt stop them from having a BLAST!

Sweet Sixteen Sweet Shoppe- A treat for your heart & your eyes!

2011-02-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

A Thelma & Louise kinda day... well "our" style ;)

2011-02-13T17:23:00.000-05:00

PURE Preciousness...Vintage Valentine Girls!

2011-01-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

Little did I know when I clicked on the

http://www.andersruff.blogspot.com/ a few weeks ago,

that a HUGE dream and goal would come true

(and more!)

Inspired by their Valentines Day printables and shoot,

the designing process began.

I took a chance and shared this idea with two of my friends.

Their response... "I'm game!"

"You have not, because you ask not"

Thank you Kimberly and Caryn for

believing in me and helping me see another dream come true!

I had so much fun texting back and forth with

the BEAUTIFUL momma of these ADORABLE girls!

She would send me pics of outfits she pulled and I would say

yes or no... so much FUN! Girls and pink <3

(only men around here)

"A spoon full of sugar, helps the medicine go down..."

I have had these spoons for a few mths, they were so cute and only .75 from Pier 1.

But I hadnt come up with an idea on how to use them... til now!

The Ugly Ducking Table turned into a SWAN!!

2011-01-23T10:19:00.000-05:00

Showers of Blessing (& LOTS of cuteness!!!)

2011-01-18T11:07:00.000-05:00

This shower's theme was inpsired by the new mom's bedding

for her new lil one.

My first shower not knowing the sex of the baby!

That, actually makes it a little trickier, but after chatting with the soon to be

grandmom and learning that the other grandparents in India refer to the new

baby as their

"Little Lion Cub"

the pieces started coming together.

PLUS, when found the adorable quilted fabric I had my inspiration!

Of course the inspiration for these cake pops

came from http://www.bakerella.com/

At first, I thought oh these don't look good,

but as you add the nose, then the eyes...

He comes to life!!! CUTE

My Anthem for 2011!!!!

2011-01-13T22:04:00.000-05:00

The wonder, magic & healing of Snow!

2011-01-12T00:58:00.000-05:00

Bridal Shower Follow-up "Custom" Cake Stand Tutorial PLUS Easy & Elegant Dessert

2011-01-09T18:45:00.000-05:00

LOVE + WINTER WONDERLAND = A MAGICAL DAY!

2011-01-04T11:41:00.000-05:00

I decided we needed to add a lil "California Sunshine"

So I made Orange Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

http://www.marthastewart.com/

with a Orange Vanilla Almond Cream Cheese Frosting

(made this one up myself!)

The personalized banner was done on the Cricut with

Creative Memories Exclusive "Reminisce" cartridge

www.mycmsite.com/marcielenick

Her fireplace was just PERFECT for the whole look!

The snowflakes on the banner had glitter, and pearl accents

seemed to add the perfect "bridal" touch.

GREAT fresh idea for "punch"

Found the recipe in the new

"Farm Chicks" book I got for Christmas.

It was a HUGE hit!

Simple Rice Krispie Treats, all dolled up!

White Chocolate Covered Cake Balls

http://www.bakerella.com/ with silver luster on top.

The snowfalke toppers, sprinkles etc are all from

http://www.bakeitpretty.com/

The two cakestands, to the left and right of the

middle cakestand, each had 4 wine glasses on top with

White Chocolate Mousse in them & little ribbons tied around the stems.

So bummed because I had them in the fridge and forgot to take

them out for the photos!

I am gonna do a follow up post with a

CLEVER idea I came up with for this part :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T21:37:00.000-05:00

Jack Johnson - banana pancakes

2010-12-23T14:05:00.001-05:00

All is Calm... All is bright

2010-12-19T12:49:00.001-05:00

A Grown Up Gingerbread Party!

2010-12-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

If you could eat a cloud.. it would taste like a homemade marshmallow!!!

2010-12-05T12:30:00.001-05:00

So, seriously... what was I so afraid of???

These are soooo EASY and worth every ounce of effort.

Which isn't hardly ANY!

The recipe I used is Alton Brown's at

http://www.foodnetwork.com/ Search "Homemade Marshmallows"

A few tips:

My candy thermometer was broke, but I decided to be brave

(and was too excited to wait!) and tried it anyway following

the time guidelines he gave.

They took no time at all. The most time was the 15 minutes

you have to let it whip into it's LOVELY cloud of fluffiness!

Oh yeah... and then waiting overnight :(

Then use a pizza cutter and cut them the size you want.

You could probably use a cookie cutter too!

How cute would that be? And then you could eat the scraps ;)

I was testing these to use on dessert buffet tables that I do

for the parties I design. So I wanted them to be dipped in chocolate

and made to look "pretty" and OH they are soooo pretty!

The ideas & colors are limitless. How about crushing up candycanes

and sprinkling them on top?? YUM

What an easy & lovely gift these would make!

The chocolate covered ones stand alone as a great gift

and what a change from the traditional cookies.

I actually am not crazy about marshmallows but these...

are to die for!! I am telling you, it is like eating a CLOUD!

Leave them "naked" and package them in a clear bag

with ribbon and cute tag, some Hot Cocoa

and you have a homemade, "gourmet" & thoughtful gift

that looks like you spent hours... It will be our secret! ;)

Christmas present for you all!

2010-12-03T08:39:00.001-05:00

Got this email today from this wonderful gal for a FREE

printable "BELIEVE" banner.

So I am sharing it with you all!

A little early Christmas present <3

Now time for a little SPARKLE... on a budget!

2010-12-02T09:37:00.001-05:00

The ELVES have been busy!

2010-12-01T11:24:00.001-05:00

Well, true confessions is that

I have wanted to

make these for two years for

Christmas gifts,

but life just didnt cooperate!

BUT timing is everything

and now that I am a blogger embracing

my inner crafty self ;) It is the time!

This is one of a few projects I am gonna share

PLUS some decorating pictures and ideas too,

because I LOVE the HOLIDAYS!!!

I actually timed myself making these and to make 2 of them

only took me about 40-45minutes! The above set is from my website

www.mycmsite.com/marcielenick

(shipping this week is only $1.99)

and you could make TONS of things with this set!

But if you have lots of scrapbooking paper laying around use

that up! They can be done in any color scheme/style.

To make it even more personal try to create it to reflect the person you are

giving it too. These are the things that make it special & thoughtful!

Just trace the book on the back of the paper, then cut and use

good doublesided tape. I use the taperunner from my website and I have to say

I have tried some other glues & tape for making my party things and

ours truly is GREAT! Then use a light little file to smooth the edges.

You will use different pieces/patterns of papers to create

the quilted effect.

The finishing touches are ribbon (cloth or paper) and then you can

add buttons, charms... whatever you like.

I had this ribbon from after Christmas sales, but so much stuff right now

is 50% off already and make sure you check out the

dollar stores for supplies too!

These could be a journal or a book to record what you gave as gifts,

to do lists for the holidays, recipes... and they will look soooo

pretty laying on your desk

(or kitchen counter which is where all my stuff lands!)

Make sure you do add the finishing touches.

You can see below what a difference they make!

The possibilites are endless!

STAY TUNED FOR ANOTHER NEW CRAFTY GIFT

PROJECT TOMORROW!!

I'm dreaming of a WHITE CHRISTMAS... topped with glitter!!!!

2010-11-29T21:40:00.001-05:00

Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year!!!!

And this is my very 1st year of my new business, so I am over

the moon to share my ideas with you all!

STAY TUNED for lots of VERY different ideas,

done on a budget!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! My favorite recipe...

2010-11-24T09:03:00.001-05:00

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

2010-11-07T14:40:00.001-05:00

So, of course one of the 1st things I reminisced

with my Aunt about was Mom-Mom's

HOT MILK CAKE

(per my Aunt)

Preheat oven to 350 and while it is heating up,

place a pan w a stick of butter or marg and a cup of milk in it,

let it stay in til butter melts. Meanwhile, mix together 3 eggs and 2 cups sugar,

add some vanilla,when milk is hot add to sugar mix

and then add 2 cups flour and 2 tsp bak powder, bake for 25 min.

Icing: In a large mix bowl, place a big glob of crisco

and about 4tbsp of butter (soft) mix up

.then add 1lb of 10x sugar 2 heaping tbsp of cocoa, 1 tsp vanilla

and just enough milk to get right consistency,

Remember, you can always add more milk so go easy on it.

I LOVE the little residue of cake that

sticks to the pan (as you can see in the photo above)

and I would always eat all the cake part,

leaving the icing standing and then

would roll that into a lovely little ball of yumminess.

I would take little bites of it savoring every one!

When my son had his first peice of cake MANY years

ago I almost fell on the floor when he ate his the same way!

I will be adding these photos & recipe to my

scrapbook this fall

with a picture of my grandmother.

It has been much too long since I remembered

and treasured this memory and I do not want to

take a chance of loosing it forever!

Thanks Mom-Mom for passing along your

love of baking, desserts and your laugh

that are part of my life and

my new business now too!

I KNOW you are smiling! XOXO

Giving Back is rewarding & FUN!

2010-10-29T19:51:00.002-04:00

EVERYONE can do something to

help make the world a better place...

to help their neighbor...

their community and to

CELEBRATE LIFE!

A photographer friend of mine was doing a special Halloween

free photoshoot and food drive at the local dance studio,

so I offered to provide the "treats"

I used some printables from http://www.tomkatstudios.com/

and made it a "GLAM" since it was at the dance studio.

One kid was cuter then the next! Can you even stand this lil Punkin?

The cupcakes were a HUGE hit!!

Lots of laughs and "Awww's"

over some cute kids,

but the BEST thing of all was

LOTS of FOOD

was collected to help fill our local food bank!

THANK YOU to everyone that helped!