Five Things

Posted on April 6, 2012 by

14 Comments

{tiptoeing through the tulips in DC}

Happy Friday! My week consisted of spending lots of time in the kitchen prepping for an intimate Easter brunch on Sunday. Have a Happy Easter!!! xoWhat are your plans for Easter this year? 
PS a lot of you have asked if I have twitter – I do it\’s @xoair

 {Lilly Pulitzer animal crackers perfect for my pink and green party}
 {spring apothecary jars}
 {Lily topiary I created for Easter}
{Easter party favor: homemade chocolate peanut butter eggs}

50 Calorie Cupcake

Posted on April 5, 2012 by

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Every year for Easter I have a dessert buffet table. I try to make sure I have one dessert that is low in calories. This year I made angel food cupcakes topped with a pineapple pudding frosting. These cupcakes are so addicting I think they are going to be my new go-to dessert for my brunch parties.
 Ingredients
1 box Angel Food (I used Betty Crocker)
1 box (1.5 oz.) sugar free vanilla pudding
1 can (20oz) crushed pineapple in real fruit juice; do not drain
1 container (8 oz.) Cool Whip 
Directions
Make the angel food cake as directed on the box. Fill your cupcake liners half full; if you fill it more than halfway they will over flow.
One box made about 47 cupcakes. Bake at 325 for 7-10 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
Mix the crushed pineapple and juice with the vanilla pudding powder. Once combined, fold in the cool whip. Make sure to cool your cupcakes before you frost them, and only frost them when you are ready to serve/eat.

DIY Spring Accent

Posted on April 4, 2012 by

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This year I wanted to go for a more whimsical approach when it came to my Easter décor.  I attached a small styrofoam ball to a styrofoam egg, and hot glued tiny silk flowers onto the “chick shape” to resemble fluffy feathers. I added eyes and an orange foam beak. The chick was placed into a birdcage that I had nestled two wreaths and three eggs in. You can make multiple chicks to create an adorable centerpiece or fasten them to an Easter basket for a touch of playfulness.

 {These egg picks came five to a pack; from the dollar store}
 {the white styrofoam ball came in a variety pack at the Dollar Store}
Nail Polish: Zoya Arizona

April Friendship Gift: Party Popcorn

Posted on April 3, 2012 by

22 Comments

Spring brings on colorful accents and cheerful moods. I knew that my friendship gift for April needed to counterpart what spring has to offer. In my mind there was no better choice than my party popcorn. A sweet and salty combination, with a pop of confetti color.

 You will need
• 2 bags Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn (I recommend Pop Secret for the biggest kernels)
• 1 lb. bag of white chocolate wafers (candy melts)I bought mine at Sarah\’s in Michigan – if you have a local cake/candy decorating I am sure you can find these there. Or Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics sells Wilton Candy Melts that will work the same.
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup confetti sprinkles
• Wax Paper 

Directions: 
1. Pop the popcorn in the microwave and place in a large bowl, be sure that you have removed all un-popped kernels(you don\’t want anyone breaking their teeth).
2. Melt your white chocolate wafers in a double boiler or the microwave on defrost(it burns very quickly so be sure to watch it and stir often)
3. Pour your melted chocolate over your popcorn and stir to combine.
4. Add in the confetti sprinkles, stir to combine. 
5. Spread out on wax paper and allow to dry for a couple hours. Break apart so you have separated the kernels.

 {I bought these mini pails 2 for $1 in Target\’s dollar spot}
 {The popcorn was placed in cello bags, adorned with coordinating ribbon and a tag}

Washington DC\’s Georgetown Cupcake vs. Sprinkles Cupcake

Posted on April 2, 2012 by

24 Comments

On my recent trip to Washington DC, I made sure to visit Georgetown and check out the two most popular cupcake bakeries; Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles.

Georgetown Cupcake was founded by sisters Katherine and Sophie, who also have a series on TLC called DC Cupcakes.  I waited in line for about a half hour before being able to get cupcakes – the cupcakes are $2.75 each.

• The buttercream tasted like cream cheese
• The cupcake was very crumbly and dry
• The \”signature swirl\” looked more like a blob.
I don\’t know if I was at Georgetown Cupcake on an off day or what, but I really do not understand the hype.

Sprinkles was founded by Candace Nelson, who is now also a judge on Food Networks hit series Cupcake Wars. The cupcakes are $3.75 each, and I was able to walk right in and purchase cupcakes.

• The presentation is very chic and aesthetically pleasing. 
• You couldn\’t eat the retro dot on the cupcake – which I didn\’t understand since Candace always complains on the show if there is something non-edible.
• The buttercream was delicious
• The cupcakes were extremely moist

Nail Polish: Zoya Shelby

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