http://http://allyouneedisweddings.blogspot.com/
Check it out.
Love it.
And the author ROCKS!
She should give a class to soon to be brides on how to behave and why. Seriously.
I hope you enjoy her few posts and many more posts to come.
OXOX
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Baby on Board
Again, I disappear for what seems like forever and now again, I return. But this time with a good excuse for why I have been absent. Came back from my Tennessee bisit to discover that we are having a new human. OY! So, my mind has been a little pre-occupied with nursery decor, maternity clothes, being off of work during the busiest season of the year and trying to convince Beckett that the new baby does not go in the trash.
We are very excited & due in June. Yes, June again. I am hoping for earlier June though that will not make new human any less of a Gemini. GASP. Apologies to any Geminis in my life that are indeed fabulous but you know how difficult you are. :)
So, stay tuned for more...including Chinese New Year! Year of the Tiger and a Red Velvet Fancycake experiment.
OXOX
We are very excited & due in June. Yes, June again. I am hoping for earlier June though that will not make new human any less of a Gemini. GASP. Apologies to any Geminis in my life that are indeed fabulous but you know how difficult you are. :)
So, stay tuned for more...including Chinese New Year! Year of the Tiger and a Red Velvet Fancycake experiment.
OXOX
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Birthday Brunch Playlist
Musicaddict is back. It's been awhile.
I was toiling and troubling over the playlist for my soon coming birthday pajama brunch. Less than a week officially and I am so excited. I got some new PJ's via the Cat's Pajamas, did all the libation shopping at BevMo and completed my menu; Paula Deen's Hash Brown Quiche, Wolfgang's Breakfast Pizza with Smoked Salmon & Giada's Berry Strata just to name a few. Helloooo...YUM!!! Oh and of course a Fancycakes appearance with Breakfast Inspired Cupcakes.
Insert shameless plug here. www.fancycakesvta.blogspot.com.
The distressing part was though as of a few days ago there were a total of 4 songs on my playlist. Some Madcon, the Cast of Glee covering Queen [Glee - seriously the BEST new show of the fall. Completely addicted.], the supersexy Mercy by Duffy and some Black Eyed Peas. Fab 4, yes. But 4 songs does not a party playlist make.
I sent out an emergency email to my friends on the guest list asking for requests and some much needed help. I have NEVER EVER EVER done this before. The perfectly themed playlist is something I can always accomplish on my own. What on earth was going on???
Insomnia saved the day! In a matter of hours I had a list that evolved so coolly from a bit of Bing Crosby, Ella and some great New Orleans & French Jazz mixed in with a few light & easy Broadway show tunes. Then, right when the party should be getting started the Girl from Ipanema mashes right into Proud Mary. Heart Tina.
A 30 minute trip through 70's R+B drifts into some Bob, some Belafonte and a great set of Latin songs with of course some Tito Puente.
Just when you are getting into the Gipsy Kings a sharp turn careens you right into Basement Jaxx, Lady Gaga, Franz Ferdinand. And others.
Clocks & Jane Says mellow us out a bit [I can't keep the beat too high, my parents and pseudo in-laws are on the guest list - though I must say Ellen has been known to shake a tail feather to Poker Face. She is so fun!!!] and we sort of stay on the mellow track through the end of the list, floating through some Tommy James, Beatles & Bee Gees and wrapping up with a nice set of M. Ward, Richard Hawley [discovered him on Ovation TV! Check him out for sure] & Jack Johnson.
Squeezed nicely in the middle of all that is about 40 minutes of great 80's - Haircut 100, Psychedelic Furs, Talking Heads..."psycho killer, qu'est que c'est..." And yes, as always. THE CURE. Is that ever a question? Really?
79 Songs in 5 Hours, 1 Minute and 39 Seconds that starts with Moon River and ends with Everyday is Like Sunday. Andy Williams to Morrissey, all that's in between and then some.
Great music can make or break any party. It has to fit just right. I tell that to so many clients all the time. There are 3 things that people remember from any event. One of them is if the music was amazing or if it sucked. I won't divulge the other 2 right now.
I don't know why I get so giddy over making playlists for parties. It's just something in me. I love it.
I am a musicaddict after all.
I was toiling and troubling over the playlist for my soon coming birthday pajama brunch. Less than a week officially and I am so excited. I got some new PJ's via the Cat's Pajamas, did all the libation shopping at BevMo and completed my menu; Paula Deen's Hash Brown Quiche, Wolfgang's Breakfast Pizza with Smoked Salmon & Giada's Berry Strata just to name a few. Helloooo...YUM!!! Oh and of course a Fancycakes appearance with Breakfast Inspired Cupcakes.
Insert shameless plug here. www.fancycakesvta.blogspot.com.
The distressing part was though as of a few days ago there were a total of 4 songs on my playlist. Some Madcon, the Cast of Glee covering Queen [Glee - seriously the BEST new show of the fall. Completely addicted.], the supersexy Mercy by Duffy and some Black Eyed Peas. Fab 4, yes. But 4 songs does not a party playlist make.
I sent out an emergency email to my friends on the guest list asking for requests and some much needed help. I have NEVER EVER EVER done this before. The perfectly themed playlist is something I can always accomplish on my own. What on earth was going on???
Insomnia saved the day! In a matter of hours I had a list that evolved so coolly from a bit of Bing Crosby, Ella and some great New Orleans & French Jazz mixed in with a few light & easy Broadway show tunes. Then, right when the party should be getting started the Girl from Ipanema mashes right into Proud Mary. Heart Tina.
A 30 minute trip through 70's R+B drifts into some Bob, some Belafonte and a great set of Latin songs with of course some Tito Puente.
Just when you are getting into the Gipsy Kings a sharp turn careens you right into Basement Jaxx, Lady Gaga, Franz Ferdinand. And others.
Clocks & Jane Says mellow us out a bit [I can't keep the beat too high, my parents and pseudo in-laws are on the guest list - though I must say Ellen has been known to shake a tail feather to Poker Face. She is so fun!!!] and we sort of stay on the mellow track through the end of the list, floating through some Tommy James, Beatles & Bee Gees and wrapping up with a nice set of M. Ward, Richard Hawley [discovered him on Ovation TV! Check him out for sure] & Jack Johnson.
Squeezed nicely in the middle of all that is about 40 minutes of great 80's - Haircut 100, Psychedelic Furs, Talking Heads..."psycho killer, qu'est que c'est..." And yes, as always. THE CURE. Is that ever a question? Really?
79 Songs in 5 Hours, 1 Minute and 39 Seconds that starts with Moon River and ends with Everyday is Like Sunday. Andy Williams to Morrissey, all that's in between and then some.
Great music can make or break any party. It has to fit just right. I tell that to so many clients all the time. There are 3 things that people remember from any event. One of them is if the music was amazing or if it sucked. I won't divulge the other 2 right now.
I don't know why I get so giddy over making playlists for parties. It's just something in me. I love it.
I am a musicaddict after all.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Good cookin' school part 1+2
Yes, yes I am aware that the title of this post doesn't start with the letter b as with all previous posts but I am taking this brief break to blog about good cookin' school.
My wonderful friend always comments on how she wants to learn how to cook like I do. An amazing compliment since I have no culinary background other than being a catering manager at a hotel and being obsessed with Food TV, beautiful cookbooks and "fancy food."
I proposed one day that I teach her how to cook. In my kitchen. Just the two of us. Easy and yummy recipes that fit her style an that she can cook for her boyfriend. Who apparently doesn't cook either. I am sure they eat out a lot.
The first "class" was a few weeks ago and we made ahi & bok choy. Seared sashimi grade ahi that we crusted with chile powder & black pepper then seared in a pan fairly quickly so it was done rare. The bok choy we cooked in a wok with sesame oil, fresh grated ginger & minced garlic. We also made wasabi mayo - simply wasabi powder & good ol' Best Foods.
The second class was fun because Saturday we spent the morning shopping for the meal. We met at the Farmer's Market, got our coffee and hit the booths with Beckett - who had to get his kettle corn first thing. After the market - arms full of our produce for the week and some wonderful baby artichokes for dinner we drove to this great local fish market for our scallops. Plus I had to show her where I got the ahi for our first class so she could make it for her boyfriend. It's a funny little place in the middle of a bunch of mechanic shops and other warehouses. If you didn't know where you were going you would think you were lost.
Menu: Baby Artichoke with Lemon & Garlic, Champagne Risotto with Scallops drizzled with Truffle Oil. First we prepped the artichokes
My wonderful friend always comments on how she wants to learn how to cook like I do. An amazing compliment since I have no culinary background other than being a catering manager at a hotel and being obsessed with Food TV, beautiful cookbooks and "fancy food."
I proposed one day that I teach her how to cook. In my kitchen. Just the two of us. Easy and yummy recipes that fit her style an that she can cook for her boyfriend. Who apparently doesn't cook either. I am sure they eat out a lot.
The first "class" was a few weeks ago and we made ahi & bok choy. Seared sashimi grade ahi that we crusted with chile powder & black pepper then seared in a pan fairly quickly so it was done rare. The bok choy we cooked in a wok with sesame oil, fresh grated ginger & minced garlic. We also made wasabi mayo - simply wasabi powder & good ol' Best Foods.
The second class was fun because Saturday we spent the morning shopping for the meal. We met at the Farmer's Market, got our coffee and hit the booths with Beckett - who had to get his kettle corn first thing. After the market - arms full of our produce for the week and some wonderful baby artichokes for dinner we drove to this great local fish market for our scallops. Plus I had to show her where I got the ahi for our first class so she could make it for her boyfriend. It's a funny little place in the middle of a bunch of mechanic shops and other warehouses. If you didn't know where you were going you would think you were lost.
Menu: Baby Artichoke with Lemon & Garlic, Champagne Risotto with Scallops drizzled with Truffle Oil. First we prepped the artichokes
(don't these look yummy???)
and then started on the risotto. Risotto was a fun thing to show her how to cook because you have to pay attention to it. The actual process is something that you can see happen - vs. something that you pop in the oven.
This particular recipe is probably the simplest risotto I have made to date. Just a few ingredients - one of which is champagne to that makes the preparations that much more fun.
(these are the ingredients - except the scallops which are still in the fridge)
It turned out wonderfully - all three of us cleaned our plates. But the best part of all is spending time chatting, gossiping & laughing with my friend - oh and watching Project Runway.
Next up in good cookin' school is my famous and very top secret mac and cheese. I haven't ever told anyone how I make it so she is one lucky duck!! I may make her sign a non-disclosure agreement before class commences.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Birthday Brunch
I am not sure why so many people don't like their birthday. I happen to love my birthday. And this year, in honor of my very own special holiday [which United Nations Day has the audacity to try and share with me] I am throwing myself a brunch.
This year isn't sort of any major birthday milestone. Just thirty...something, again and again. It just feels like a fun thing to do.
Build your own Bloody Mary Bar, Assorted Bellinis, Quiche Buffet, Noah's Bagels and all sorts of schmears, Fresh Fruit and of course my two breakfast themed cupcakes - Maple Bacon & Mimosa.
Now to compile a guest list, and the evite will request that guests wear pajamas.
I hope my friends don't sleep naked!
This year isn't sort of any major birthday milestone. Just thirty...something, again and again. It just feels like a fun thing to do.
Build your own Bloody Mary Bar, Assorted Bellinis, Quiche Buffet, Noah's Bagels and all sorts of schmears, Fresh Fruit and of course my two breakfast themed cupcakes - Maple Bacon & Mimosa.
Now to compile a guest list, and the evite will request that guests wear pajamas.
I hope my friends don't sleep naked!
Monday, September 14, 2009
bacon bacon everywhere
As I am typing my bacon cupcake post I see the Ebell of Los Angeles has typed a little article about bacon. What is it with bacon these days? It is everywhere and not just in your omelet or nestled in your BLT.
Vosges Haute Chocolate has a bar called Mo's Bacon Bar and yesterday while shopping at Paradise Pantry for some cheese and wine I spied a new creation from Vosges - the Bacon Caramel Toffee. They also have chocolate chip bacon pancake mix - or with a box of Bisquick, pack of some good smokey bacon and a bag of chocolate chips you can probably make your own.
There was the chocolate covered bacon at the Fair this year - I did not try because I only wanted one piece and you had to buy an entire bowl.
And of course at any Tapas bar worth its salt - the date stuffed with Gorgonzola and wrapped with bacon.
The Ebell also referenced a cocktail recipe from the New York Times - Bacon Infused Old Fashioned! Hello!!! Yes, I am going to try this one out soon and share my results.
Mmmm...bacon...
Vosges Haute Chocolate has a bar called Mo's Bacon Bar and yesterday while shopping at Paradise Pantry for some cheese and wine I spied a new creation from Vosges - the Bacon Caramel Toffee. They also have chocolate chip bacon pancake mix - or with a box of Bisquick, pack of some good smokey bacon and a bag of chocolate chips you can probably make your own.
There was the chocolate covered bacon at the Fair this year - I did not try because I only wanted one piece and you had to buy an entire bowl.
And of course at any Tapas bar worth its salt - the date stuffed with Gorgonzola and wrapped with bacon.
The Ebell also referenced a cocktail recipe from the New York Times - Bacon Infused Old Fashioned! Hello!!! Yes, I am going to try this one out soon and share my results.
Mmmm...bacon...
breakfast in a cupcake
I love to make cupcakes! I do. I am a self professed non baker but for some reason in my brain cupcakes do not land in that category. A few months ago I started getting creative with the flavors and perfecting a made from scratch buttercream recipe. I bought some lavender sugar at a local market and made a strawberry cupcake with lavender buttercream - and of course sprinkling a little purple sugar on the top. They were a hit! Then came the peanut butter and jelly cupcake - thanks Martha! Then, last night, again thanks to Martha, I whipped up a maple buttercream frosting with pure maple syrup and a GOB of butter.
Really - that is FOUR, yes FOUR sticks of butter, chilled and cut into little cubes. Added to the syrup and egg yolks and beat into a frothy, fluffy bowl full of syrupy goodness. If I hadn't been waiting for our yummy dinner I may have eaten the entire bowl of frosting, inevitably getting sick from all the sugar - but still, it is that good.
Next came the bacon - a few strips baked in the oven and then crumbled up, and sprinkled on the cupcake. It tasted like breakfast!
A few minor adjustments to the process for next time - and I may try the bacon powder recipe I found on the super fun blog The Bacon Show. http://baconshow.blogspot.com/search/label/bacon%20powder
Up next in the breakfast cupcake series...mimosa, complete with champagne buttercream!
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