Snow Cone Cupcakes

Tags

recipe, cupcakes, snow cone

Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!  If I were back home, I would be busy prepping the food for a massive weekend grill out (sliders and chicken wings are my favorite), but since I’m in Tokyo, this weekend will be filled with a Marc Jacobs sample sale, helping a friend move into a new house (ie. bringing & drinking the wine), girls night out, and surfing.  Even though I don’t get a long weekend, these “snow cone” cupcakes from Bakerella sweetened up my morning and are perfectly swoon-worthy!

These cupcakes are topped with colored frosting and sparkling sugar to give it that “snow cone” look.  Even the cupcake dough is colored to match the theme for a wonderful surprise bite after bite!

What a great idea!  Get the full know-how here.  Happy long weekend, everyone!

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Adventures, M&M

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DIY Chandeliers

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chandeliers, recycle, milk bottles, mason jars, votives

For me, chandeliers = charm.  They add so much style and romance to every room and event.  When I was young, chandeliers always seemed so out of reach (yes that was a short joke).  Something about the way they graced way above my head, with their crystals sparkling and dim lights glowing made them seem so expensive!  Luckily, chandeliers are within our grasp including many that you could DIY to match whatever look you’re going for.  Here’s a few I love.  Have you ever DIY’ed a chandelier?  I want to hear all about it!

A dozen recycled and sandblasted milk bottles (via Bedzine)

Mason Jars and Electric Tea Lights (via 100 Layer Cake)

And another example using mason jars in a very different way… (via iDIY)

Wine glasses (via Paper Doll)

And one using glass votives (Apartment Therapy via Driftwood)

Creative inspiration from Ira Glass

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beginners, inspiration, learning

I’m constantly inspired by the seemingly limitless number of incredibly inventive and innovative blogs and creative types out there on the web.  Coming from a PR/Marketing/Advertising background, I’ve always had an interest in print media design and photography, and more recently, I’ve discovered videography.  There’s so many wonderfully talented people out there that while inspiring me, also make me realize how far I have to go until I will be satisfied and really proud of my work.  Then I came across this video by Ira Glass (via Nicole’s Classes)…

… and it made me feel a bit better.  Rather than lack of talent, I could just be lacking experience.  Is there something that you’re trying to learn or improve that you feel you’re just… not. quite. there. yet?

DIY Cupcake Wrapper Template

Tags

cupcakes, free printable, wrappers

I came across this awesome template by Hello My Sweet.  Simply print the template onto any decorative paper, cut it out, and voila – easy cupcake wrappers for any occasion  or party.  It’s triple the style for less than half of the price of designer cupcake holders.  If you want to get more creative, use an edge or trim puncher or if your cupcake is colorful, use a shape punch and allow some color to show through.  And for weddings?  The ideas are endless and oh so fun!

Wine Glass Charms Free Printables

Tags

charms, cocktails, free, name, party, tags, wine

When you’re hosting a casual cocktail party, one of the biggest problems is figuring out whose glass is whose.  Glass charms are the best way to solve this problem especially after a few drinks when no one can remember much!  There’s many reusable sets that you can purchase online, but why not print out your own that can be designed to match each event?  Print yours here – designed for the Cocktails and Canapes party and to match the water bottle labels yesterday!  Another creative idea for a wine tasting party is to tag each glass with the type of wine and/or where it’s from!

View this document on Scribd

Picture courtesy of little projects in style

“Eat Drink and then be Sober” DIY Water Bottle Labels

Tags

canape, cocktail party, do it yourself, labels, water bottle

Awhile back, I hosted a Cocktails & Canapés Party, and many of the guests were wondering whether I bought water bottles with my custom “Eat, Drink and then be Sober” labels.  Water bottle labels are such an easy way to personalize an event, add to the decor, and show your guests you appreciate them!  I designed these labels as a play on the popular “Eat, Drink, and be Merry” phrase, and you can download it free here!  Enjoy :)

Materials: Water bottles, plain or adhesive paper, straight edge and blade or a paper cutter, double stick tape.

1.  Print out the pdf on 8.5″ x 11″ paper.  If you are confident about sticking the label on straight the first time, print on adhesive paper.

2.  Cut out each of the labels using a straight edge.

3. Remove the existing labels from the water bottles.

4. Wrap the new label tightly around the bottle, covering up any residue from the previous label.  Secure the label tightly with a piece of double stick tape.

View this document on Scribd

Chocolate Covered Kona Coffee Beans

Tags

cooking, coffee beans, Kona

Thought I’d share a little omiyage I made for my students.  This omiyage takes a bit of time and patience, but it’s a nice grown up treat! :)  Here’s how to do it yourself!

1. Choose your favorite coffee beans.

2.  Prep your chocolate by adding shortening and melt it in a double boiler.

3. Throw a couple beans at a time into the chocolate and use a fork to take them out, allowing excess chocolate to drain.  Place them on a piece of foil and/or in the fridge to harden.  Wrap or bottle as you like!