Cupcakes in a Jar

I have been wanting to try this for a while.  Last year at Christmas I tried making cupcakes in a jar and it was a disaster.  I cooked the cake batter right in the jar and it was so gross.  My family all ate them which was sweet but I could tell it was because they loved me not the cupcakes. I did a little more research and this time they turned out great.   They are actually really simple.

Make the cupcakes like normal.  Pick your favorite batter and bake.
Let them cool completely!
Make the frosting.   I like this recipe.
Cut them in half, horizontally.
Layer them in the jars.
Cupcake. Frosting. Cupcake. Frosting.
Add whatever you would like to the top. Sprinkles, fruit, chocolate chips, marshmallows or more.

Put on top or not.  They are really good too to make for someone bc they travel easily.
Happy Cupcake Making!

Entertaining: Neiman Marcus Syle

I received Neiman's "Gifts & Gets" magazine this week and in true NM style it has some of the cutest personalized entertaining supplies I have seen in a long time. Check them out.  I am thinking I'm gonna order the cups, plates and drink stirrers!  Great for hostess gifts too!

City Guides: Louis Vuitton

Did you know that Louis Vuitton now has its own social network/app called "Amble" that allows you document and explore cities throughout the world. You can even follow your favorite celebrities "Ambles" to find out what their "must do's" are in the city you are exploring.  You can add video, photos and more to document your travels. 

The best part about this is the App is free.

"Amble" pairs perfectly with LV's cool set of city guides.  These guides not only look fabulous but have a ton of great resources in them.  Wouldn't this be such a great gift for someone who loves to travel.  Even if they never opened them, they would still look divine on a bookshelf.  Happy Travels!

Day 12 and 11..."Wordly Wine" and Santa Transfer...

My husband loves wine. Not only does he love it but he's pretty knowledgeable about it also. I saw this cool ribbon with words transferred on it (I think at Potterybarn but couldn't find the picture again) and thought I could do that... the idea of words that people use to describe wine came to my head.

It would be neat to tie on wine decanters, glasses, bottles of wine, gifts and more.  

You will need ribbon (I used a soft canvas one.)
An ink jet printer.
An iron.
Transfer paper ( I used transfer paper from Dharma Trading Company.  The paper comes directions but it you want a really good tutorial check out  Lil Blue Boo.)

You can download it below for free.  Download is printed backwards so it will transfer correctly!
I printed 4 sheets out for 1-9 Ft. spool of ribbon.






















Words that describe wine

Day 11
Speaking of Lil Blue Blue and transfers... she has a really cute Santa one you can download for free too!

Lil Blue Boo Facebook Page

Day 19 & 18. Banana Bread and a Hostess Gift!

Opps... I missed a day bc I spent all my time this past weekend doing our tree!

Pics coming soon. As soon as I get some good light.

Day 19

Here's one basic bread recipe that you can make many ways.

Recipe
1 1/4 cups of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2/3 cups of sugar
2 large eggs


 Banana Bread add
3 large ripe bananas
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/4 vanilla

 Peanut Butter Banana Bread add
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup of butter
3 large ripe bananas


 Blueberry Bread add
3 teaspoons of lemon juice
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup apple sauce (makes moist)
1 cup fresh blueberries (or more if its your liking)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 5x9 loaf pan with Pam.
Mix dry ingredients together in a mixer. Add in all other ingredients and mix well for about 2 minutes.
Pour everything into loaf pan and bake for an est. 50 mins. 
DO NOT over cook. No one likes dry bread ;)

Serve, freeze or make in to a hostess gift!


DAY 18

Homemade gifts are fun once in a while aren't they?!?!? 
I am not saying they replace a gift card to Saks *wink wink*
but it's a nice gesture that you spent time on a persons gift.

I wrapped these loaves first in Saran Wrap, then in butcher paper and tied with twine.
The hostess can freeze them, just like they are or eat it right away. 
The bread is delicious toasted with some butter! 
Need a cute gift tag?  Download ours for free below!

Chistmas Present Printable Tags

Chirp Chirp

Are these not the cutest things you have ever seen! I love bird houses. They bring so much color to your backyard. Think outside the box with these...wouldn't they be great for decorating an outside space (or table) for a summer BBQ? This Eco-friendly company is out of Florida, which makes me love them more ;)

Find these birdhouses at www.rossosinternational.com

Retro Chic Collection Birdhouses $17

Sweet Treats!

We were invited over to a dinner/playdate at friend's house the other night.  They have two girls that are close to L and C's  ages so it is was a lot of fun.   As a little "thanks for having us to play" Lily and I made "treat jars" for their two little girls.

These are super easy to make and are adorable.  I found these  great labels download-able over at www.eighteen25.blogspot.com (my new favorite blog).  I tweaked the labels in photoshop to personalize them for each girl and then printed them out on sticker paper that I use for my shipping labels.

I used mason jars (which you can buy at your local grocer or  restaurant supply) filled them with candy.  Lollipops for the baby and Good n Plentys for the older little girl.  I tied  grosgrain ribbon around the jars and made "Love" labels that I hole punched and slipped through the ribbon.  Bingo!  All done and a great little love gift.  Lily loved helping me and giving it to her sweet friend.

Now I am working on slanted treat jars for her teachers for the end of the year.  Will post them as soon as I am done :)