We know. It is just a pillow cover. But, it's not. Its like dressing your pillow in a trend.
With over 500 choices, the possibilities are endless.
go visit the {shop} now
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
we need. we love. we just must-have!
AT HOME WITH ARTHUR DUNNAM
This beautiful apartment owned and designed by Arthur Dunnam is near Sutton Place in Manhattan. There is a special glamour about this light filled beauty. The living room and kitchen are my favorites. I hope that you ENJOY this view of luxury.
Perfecto Graham Cracker Crust . . . Works for Me Wednesday
Here is my recently discovered trick for making perfect graham cracker crusts....use a measuring cup to press the crust mixture into the pie pan!
This is a great recipe for graham cracker crust...I used it again this week for Mr. E's birthday pie. More on that later....
Graham Cracker Crust
{source: Betty Crocker Cookbook (Bridal Edition) }
1 and 1/2 cup finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
1/3 c. butter, melted (I used salted)
3 TBSP sugar
Preheat oven to 350.
Combine all of the ingredients. Press into the bottom and sides of a 9" pie pan.
So simple and utterly yummy! Graham Cracker Crust works for me! What's working for YOU this week?
Lady GaGa: Childhood & Early Career
Lady GaGa was born in Yonkers, New York. Her parents are Italian and she attended a private school, the Catholic Convent of the Sacred Heart. Previous pupils of the school include Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton and Caroline Kennedy.
She started to learn piano as a young child and wrote her first ballad when she was 13 years old. By 14, she was performing at open mic nights and at 17, she earned early admission as a music student to the Tisch School of Arts at New York University. She is one of only 20 people in the world to have ever done so.
Lady GaGa performed in a number of bands, such as SGBand and Mackin Pulsifer, playing venues on the Lower East Side. She soon decided to break away from rock 'n' roll music, and began performing in burlesque shows.
Lady GaGa got her name when the producer Rob Fusari compared her vocal style to that of Freddie Mercury and took the nickname from the Queen song 'Radio GaGa'. It was Fusari that helped her to write some of her early hits, including 'Disco Heaven', 'Dirty Ice Cream' and 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich'.
Keeping up with Kourtney
Kardashian is one name we all know (& love!) in Hollywood. From Keeping up with the Kardashians to Kourtney & Khloe take Miami to the pages of the weeklies -- they are everywhere and we LOVE it.
Since we spoke to Kourtney last her life has changed - but only for the better. We couldn't wait to catch-up! Kourtney opens up on her style since Mason, DASH and a few things we just might not know about her!
Since we spoke last so much has changed. Last time we talked to you the first season of Kourtney & Khloe take Miami was just starting, you were beyond excited about Dash Miami and just finding out you were expecting. How has life changed since Mason?
Well, life is now ALL about Mason! And I am loving every second of it. It was definitely an adjustment, but in the very best way!
You always have great style. Always! Has your style changed since Mason?
Yes. I am all about looking chic but being comfortable. I am always looking for stylish flats that I can run around in. Amazing big sunglasses have saved my life, especially on days when i just don't have time for makeup. I also find myself wearing jeans or shorts more rather than skirts or dresses (in the day at least)...I like to get down on the floor and play with him, so you can imagine this to be hard in a tight dress. I'm all about throwing on some jean shorts and a white t shirt and not spending as much time getting ready...for now anyways!
We had spoken about new DASH stores. Are those still in works, were you able to find any locations?
I would LOVE to open a DASH in NYC. That would be the next goal. New York exudes fashion. It is THE place for everything and anything fashion in America, so it is the next natural place to open a DASH. I am hoping to make this dream come true, as if I don't have enough going on already, especially being a new mom.
This season of KUWTK just started -- we are sure it is another great season. What do we have to look forward too?
Kim dating a little, Khloe teaches Lamar to swim, I try and help my mom kick a nasty little habit of hers, Scott and I trying for baby number two...all the usual Kardashian craziness.
Do you have any favorite brands you put your little prince in? We have to say, he has great style for a little one too!
Thank you!! It's so fun dressing him. Right when he was born, I went through his closet again and I was like this is his style and this is not. Once I met him, I knew. Crazy I know. I love Ralph Lauren, Eye Spy, Petit Bateau, Kicky Pants (pjs), Appaman (outerwear), Munster, h&m has great basics, Fore, Burberry, Haiden Surf (swim trunks). I am sure that I'm forgetting a million others.
We are getting ready to head off to New York Fashion Week in a few weeks. What do you see being the hot trend this coming fall?
I would say military insipired clothes will continue. I think leather will be a big trend. (shorts, pants, tops, dresses)
What should every girl have in her closet?
The perfect white boyfriend button down shirt. Classic, amazing with jeans, pants, shorts, even over a bikini open with the sleeves rolled up!
Any new projects or ventures in the works?
Always! We have been editing our Kardashian Konfidential book! My sisters and I had a blast reminiscing as we wrote it. It will be out right after Thanksgiving.
1. I was stung by a scorpion in college.
2. I'm a bitch when I'm hungry.
3. I love crying when watching sad movies.
4. I eat 2-4 double stuffed oreos dipped in milk before bed.
5. I always have a book with me in case I end up having time to read (not that I ever do).
6. I have had 3 panic attacks in my life. (all in closterphobic situations when I had no control)
7. I love interior design.
8. I love going to the mall!
9. Breakfast at Tiffanys is my favorite movie.
one gal we currently & always will be obsessed with!
We first met Danielle almost a year ago when we asked her for a little help with our blog button. Just recently, we saw exactly what she was capable of doing when she re-vamp'd both of our newly chic blogs & main site, cupcakeMAG.com. We still just stare at the pages - it is just oh so chic. Not only did Danielle do both of our blogs in just a few hours but she has passion & a big heart, going full-force with everything she does which is why we just had to share Miss Danielle with you!
Danielle, the owner and buyer for Shop Dandy and the editor of Just Dandy has years of experience styling and working fashion photo shoots. With a background of a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Interiors and Textiles she has worked in many different fields that has set her skills apart from others. She worked in retail which has taught her the basics of running and managing a store. She served as a design coordinator for a large home builder and it opened and trained her eye for color and design. Most recently she serves as a head and assistant buyer for very successful boutique. As you can see Danielle loves fashion. It is just contagious for her! We were so happy to sit down and chat with Danielle to get to know more about HER.
How did Shop Dandy begin?
Shop Dandy began out of a love to share my taste and desires. It all started with my blog, Just Dandy where I would sell "my own clothes." I was floored with the response I would get on my "blog sales" that people would admire the pieces I wore on a daily basis or to a special event. I have always had the dream to own my own boutique, and being a web based boutique, was the first step I took.
It is fun, I love searching and finding great designers to feature and to buy from. It kind of takes all of my skills and puts them in one outlet! I love being able to run Shop Dandy!
Do you have a go-to outfit?
About 90% of the time you will find me in a dress! I live in Florida, where the sun is always blistering, and I seem to wear a dress 24/7. Whether it is a fancy dress for date night, or a sun dress for a day of shopping, my go-to is a dress!
Describe your style.
I would say that my style is everywhere and everything. I like the term "wear what you feel" because I seem to just throw on what I feel for the moment and event! My style is a little more causal with sun dresses and day dresses with sandals and then some wedges and bangles to dress it up at night! I love to buy what I feel great in, whether it is the hot trend or not! I love trends and take a big part in them but the best advice I can give is to take fashion risks but make sure you are comfortable in your own skin!
When and how did you start web design?
I started with my web skills in high school. I used to trick out all my friends "myspaces" with designs I would create.. that was where it began! In college I took a couple classes in graphic design to enhance my skills, but for the most part I am self taught! I do a lot of designing out of love and love to help others feel confident about their online look! Be sure to check out Dandy Designs for any type of graphic design for print or web!
Besides fashion and being a genius when it comes to the web - what else can we catch you doing?
I also have a huge love for weddings, I am the editor and creator of Florida Brides Blog a modern blog for the elegant bride! When I am not on the web you can catch me cheering and screaming for The University of Florida Gators. My husband is the Head Coach for the University of Florida Gators Ice Hockey Team! Go Gators!
What is up next for Shop Dandy?
I can't wait to take Shop Dandy to the next level! I hope to offer more sizes and styles for every woman at every age. Please stay tuned to the website for our full launch in January 2011!
{connect} with Danielle
Papertake Weekly - Just the one!!
TWD - Espresso-Chocolate Shortbread Cookies and Oatmeal Spice Shortbread Cookies and Banana Cake w/Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Tuesdays with Dorie is here! Excitement! Flag waving! Okay, maybe no flags. Donna of Life’s Too Short Not to Eat Dessert First is our host this week.
The recipe: Espresso-Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Dorie also gave us a variation: Oatmeal Spice Shortbreads
I dropped the decorating ball with this batch. My kitchen sizzle was starting to fizzle. I love our baking groups but I also have my own list of "must bake" goodies and rarely do I get to do both. This last week I baked to my hearts content (literally) and learned to cut recipes in half along with freezing extras. Works great!
Dorie's recipe called for bittersweet chocolate. Brainstorm: Use my hidden stash of espresso chocolate along with bittersweet. (I know I am forgetting something.)
All the chocolate was chopped up into little chunks; mixed both shortbread recipes, rolled dough in gallon size Ziploc bags and refrigerated overnight. Took out my handy little kitchen ruler, the basic wood one we had in elementary school, and measured the dough into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Baked ALL the cookies.
There are oodles of cookies! Waited for the espresso shortbread cookies to cool then took a nibble. Immediately remembered what I was forgetting. I do not enjoy the flavor of coffee. I have coffee one morning, Sunday morning, every week and that cup is loaded with Nestle Hazelnut coffee creamer and 1 1/2 t. sugar. I sip 1/2 of the cup and talk a mile-a-minute for the next 2 hours. Weird ritual, I know, but hubby makes coffee on Sunday morning and I feel bad not having a cup. I have tried suggesting he become a tea sipper but he says all my tea cups are just too little for his fingers . . . funny ha but not funny ha-ha.
The shortbread cookies turned out cute but I guess shortbread cookies are not my thing (my first shortbread cookies). I would like to use some of the cookies in a few cheesecake crusts. I have oodles in quart size freezer bags plus Larry loves the espresso ones with his coffee. Personally, after 1 cookie and my 1/2 cup of coffee, I was dropping everything in sight. Making breakfast, I started cracking an egg open, the egg slipped out of my hand and cracked open between the stove and the counter. Interesting.
Donna, thank you for hosting TWD this week. I liked the oatmeal spice shortbread cookies and I know the cookies will be a part of some fun projects in the near future. To get the recipe, go to Donna's site and buy Dorie's cookbook.
I thought I would also share a banana cake recipe. Not to be confused with banana bread. The recipe originally came from Allrecipes.com but I altered it a smidgen. One of the changes was adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Makes for a light and fluffy banana cake.
Banana Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter
* 2 eggs
* 4 ripe bananas, mashed
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FROSTING INGREDIENTS:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9 x 13 inch cake pan.
2. Cream together the butter or margarine and the sugar.
3. Add eggs, bananas, flour, soda, salt, nuts, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly and pour batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.) for 30 minutes. Cool and frost cake.
FROSTING DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form; set aside.
In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in whipped cream. Frost cake.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Lady Gaga 1600x1200 High Quality Wallpapers
Lady GaGa is an American singer and songwriter. She started working for Interscope Records when she was 20 years old, writing songs for Pussycat Dolls, among others.
on the radar -- leopard print!
By Laura, cupcakeMAG Intern
One of this season’s key trends is the most important print this fall… LEOPARD! Yes, it's back and in full force. Every fashion designer has been using it in their collections this season. The print has been seen in skirts, dresses, pants, coats, handbags, belts, heels, scarves, you name it, it’s out there. With this fierce print you can always make a wardrobe statement. But remember in order to make a wardrobe statement with this print less is always more.
New release from Digital Delights by Louby Loo and OMG!! FINALLY - a blog hop winner!!!
Hi everybody! We've got a new release coming out this Thursday (Sept 2nd) from Digital Delights by Louby Loo! Please be sure and check back on Thursday to see some projects created with these adorable new images! Also, do NOT miss out on the freebie Wendy is giving away right now over in the shop! It's soooooo CUTE and a must have for those Halloween cards! Just click HERE!
Oh my goodness gracious, I am sooooo sorry!!!! I totally and completely forgot to give away my candy from the Magnolia-licious blog hop! I think I need some of those meds that sharpen your mind as you get older, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it's called! LOL! Ok, so the winner of the blog candy is:
#20 - Monique!!! Congrats Monique! Please get me your address and I'll send your surprise out to you !!! Please make sure it's written out exactly how it should read on the envelope for me. What can I say? I'm a complete dummy with overseas addresses! *smiles* Thanks to everyone for playing along! Hugs!
beyond excited for launchHER
We are just so thrilled to share the best news we received last week - launchHER has a new boss -- the power duo, Kara Jensen Zitnick & Sallisha Armour!
We are big fans of LaunchHER, an organization with the mission to boost women owner brands by assisting them with start up and spreading the word via online channels -- so this news was HUGE!
"Kara and I are looking forward to bringing our over 30 combined years of industry experience to LaunchHER. We are excited to not only help women start their businesses on the best possible footing, but also to help them achieve incredible success through the resources and advice that we will be sharing on LaunchHER."
- Sallisha Armour
- Sallisha Armour
 |
| Photo: LaunchHER.com |
The site founded in 2010 has had a very successfull start and received a warm response by independent women business owners nationwide. On a regular basis the Freshly Launched section features women owned businesses large and small from stationers, to potters, to seamstresses in hopes of spreading the word about their company and creating buzz. Armour and Jensen Zitnick are excited to grow LaunchHER using more social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Feedburner and we excited to watch them grow!
Stay up-to-date with all things LaunchHER
Heavenly Bakers - Two Seperate Desserts plus Dinner
What a fitting Name!
Recipe: Chocolate Layer Cake with Caramel Ganache
My "for real" first week with the Heavenly Cake Baker. I adore Rose Levy Beranbaum and her cakes amaze me in what looks like simple perfection. I love baking and I feel the push to always want to be better. I strive for those feelings of elation over finishing my project and/or admiring a new decorating skill, taking the first slice and realizing how moist the layers are or how silky, creamy the frosting lays, taking the first bite (or as in my case, running to get hubby to take the first bite) and realizing this is what I spent precious time assembling: Heaven!
An important point to add is I always take the second bite. Part of the cooking/baking addiction is watching expressions. Larry's facial expression when he first tastes any dish is usually spot on with what he says afterwards. He is my sounding board for input; although there have been moments when his honesty has almost gotten him hurt =). Almost. Especially when I am tired and all I want to hear is thank you for feeding me.
Love, love, love this cake. I was dreading making the recipe because I knew extra time would have to taken for the caramel ganache and boy was I right. My first batch of sugar syrup ended up burnt. The syrup is suppose to be taken off the stove just under temperature because the syrup continues cooking until the heavy cream is added. Thank goodness for air vents above the stove. Burnt sugar smells terrible!
My second batch of syrup had me gun-shy. I took the syrup off a little too early, about 10 degrees under and was worried the ganache would not thicken up. In fact, Rose stated the caramel may harden before pouring into the processor to melt the chocolate. Mine was liquid. I was thinking "this is not a good sign".
After 3 hours, I had thick soup. Refrigeration was in order. I refrigerated the ganache in 30 minute intervals until I had the right consistency. The flavor and texture of the caramel ganache was silky smooth with a chocolate caramel flavor holding depth without being overpowering. Another words, all I could say while tasting was uhmmmmmm. So Good! Then the first bite of cake. Crazy moist with a flavor that seemed to match the frosting. A wonderful crumb without being overpowering in flavor. Sophisticated and simple. Delicious!
Moving on but a week back.
Last week's recipe: Marionberry Shortcakes with Whipped Creme Fraiche
The little cakes were adorable using Rose's Shortcake recipe and my miniature bundt pan molds. The marionberry syrup is created by sugaring down the marionberries while in a strainer over a bowl. The collected juice is combined with a little sugar and a splash of raspberry liqueur. The color variation from painting the miniature bundt cakes with the syrup is beautiful. A pile of marionberries (mine were previously frozen; marionberries are past season here) were carefully placed on top along with a Large dollop of whipped creme fraiche.
I was worried the berries were going to lack fresh flavor but we were pleasantly surprised. The syrup, marionberries, shortcake and creme fraiche pull the dessert together into a pretty little package with a nice flavor and texture combination. We enjoyed the dessert but not extremely excited. Fresh berries would make this Heaven.
I accidentally dropped a few dots of marionberry juice on my kitchen rug and the color is here to stay. Marionberry makes a great dye. The dessert was a wonderful place to start in Heavenly Cake Baker. I tried getting this posted on time but 4 days later I actually was able to bake and assemble so my solution is to combine the two desserts in one post.
If you are looking to widen your horizons in the cake baking world, Heavenly Cake Baker is the place for you. If you are looking for teaching aides and a larger layer of understanding for putting together ultimate flavors, texture, crumb density, silky smoothness and consistency; this is definitely the place for you. If you are worried about a lot of dirty dishes over the idea of baking perfection, you may just want to peruse our Beranbaum desserts as we bake our way through heavenly cakes.
Will this post ever end? Almost. I thought I would also share an easy dinner recipe using a rotisserie chicken. The recipe is called Creole Chicken Soup and my family enjoys this for dinner and leftovers for lunch the next day. I enjoy the recipe because about 30 minutes is needed from start-to-finish.
Creole Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
2 T. vegetable oil
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. red bell pepper (or yellow or orange)
1 c. frozen whole kernel corn
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups of chipped cooked chicken (using a grocery rotisserie chicken)
1 1/2 t. Creole seasoning
1 (32-ounce) carton Swanson low-sodium chicken broth
Sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro for garnishing
Directions:
In a heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, corn, and garlic, and saute until tender. Stir in tomatoes and chicken. Sprinkle with seasoning, and saute 2 minutes. Add chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Top with sour cream and cilantro.
MEDITERRANEAN PATINA IN SANTA BARBARA
Designer Penelope Bianchi decorated her home in Santa Barbara, California. This Mediterranean home's outdoor rooms are as beautiful as the interior. I hope that you ENJOY this tour.
To read more about this home visit here.
See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo
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