Archive for the ‘HOLIDAYS’ Category

Posted on November 19, 2010 - by Brie

My Favorite Cookie Cutters

In honor of the fact that Oprah is having her ‘Favorite Things’ episode today I figured that I would round up something a little smaller – some of my favorite cookie cutters – for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Obviously at least one of the above does not require actual baking and while I really do love to mix, roll out, cut, bake and decorate there are times that I only want to decorate. So skipping steps is just fine in my book!

clockwise from top left: pre-baked gingerbread tree kit $10; copper elf cookie cutter $9.75; owl cookie cutter $16.50; bear in stocking cookie cutter $35; star wars cookie cutters (set of 4) $20; squirrel cookie cutter $13; christmas roll and cut cookie cutter $8

I also found these lovely cookie baking pans…so you can mix, bake and decorate without the hassle of having to grab the rolling pins and cookie cutters! I really love these and honestly tend to prefer them when baking since so many times sugar cookies can spread so easily on just a sheet pan.

left to right: christmas cookie pan $12; snowflake cookie pan $13

Finally, in case you just can’t find a cookie cutter to your specific liking…or you just have a fabulous idea for a cookie cutter you can have your own copper cookie cutter made from Copper Cutters!

Cheers to holiday baking!

Posted on November 16, 2010 - by Brie

PUMPKIN BUTTER DESSERT SQUARES

I have made these dessert squares for Thanksgiving for the past I-don’t-know-how-many-years and they are absolutely delicious (and super easy). I usually don’t even like pumpkin that much…but these are amazing! I use the Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter and usually run out at the last minute and grab some from Williams-Sonoma or if you have time you can order it from the Muirhead website. Enjoy!

Pecan Pumpkin Butter Dessert Squares

1 Package yellow cake mix; set aside one cup
1/2 C Melted Butter
3 Large Eggs
1 Jar Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter
2 T Milk
1 T Flour
2 T Sugar
1/4 C Softened Butter
1 t Cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Divide the yellow cake mix, placing all but one cup in a mixing bowl. Stir the melted butter and one egg into the cake mix. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13” pan. Mix the jar of Pecan Pumpkin Butter with two eggs and milk. Pour this result over the cake mix. Stire the reserved cup of cake mix with the flour, sugar, softened butter and cinnamon. Mix together until crumbly. Sprinkle over top of the pumpkin layer. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Serves approx 24.

Finally, if you are looking for a great hostess gift for an autumn treat you can even give the ingredients or the actual dessert squares in this lovely baker from Crate & Barrel.

Posted on November 3, 2010 - by Brie

Glowing Planters

These planters from Rotoluxe are so cool. Not only are they made out of 100% recycled plastics – like water bottles and milk jugs – but they glow and are oh so exciting. You can order them in lots of sizes, shapes and colors – in case a custom pantone color  is more of what you are looking for. Plus how fun would it be to have these lighting up your backyard for a party – I understand we are in the middle of fall, however, it is currently really hot in orange county so I thinking of pools. Also, a backyard party is not the only option…

Another Option One – Thanksgiving is coming and having a few in a cluster by your front door accompanied by pumpkins and scarecrows would definitely be inviting to your guests as they arrive for dinner.

Another Option Two – These would probably be really cool in red and white with pine trees in them lining your driveway for a Christmas party. Just thinking of that makes me want to have a really long driveway and lots of Christmas parties.

At any rate – amazing planters…They are going on my Christmas Wish List.

Posted on April 6, 2010 - by Brie

dazzle easter eggs

thanks to my momma for purchasing these dazzle gems from two’s company. because of her i colored some wonderful eggs and then dazzled them up with the stick-on gems…

these eggs would be perfect for a easter centerpiece and i really want to have a late easter party just so i can have these as a centerpiece. they were really fun to color and next year i am going to have to color them and then blow out the yolks [instead of hard boiling them] so that i will not be as sad when i have to crack them to make egg salad.

Posted on March 17, 2010 - by Brie

march 17th gifts

one of my favorite sites to wile my time away on is etsy. i love that it is this fabulous marketplace for artists and craftspeople to sell their creations. and there is no shortage of super fabulous designs. and since it is st. patrick’s day … and there is no holiday that i don’t like to give gifts here are a few of my favorites.

oh how i want to wear this adorable pendant from cathy walters. i love the four leaf clover on the music background. for some reason i have a tendency towards items with music sheets – go figure. but the fun surprise of this pendant is that on the back of the pendant there is the word ‘lucky’.

and how cute is is this miniature pot of gold…oh my! i love to decorate my workspace for every holiday and i have to admit i think this would take the cake for the best desk accessory. it is chic but not over the top. i think it could even work on a guy’s desk. and i definitely like the idea of having a pot of gold on my desk all the time.