My new obsession

Party blogs. I.LOVE.THEM.

Some of my faves....

The Party Dress

Party Perfect

Setting the Mood

Pepper Design

Celebrations at Home
TomKat Studios

What are your favorites? Do tell!

Bathroom inspiration

I bought this fabric today as inspiration for our basement bathroom that desperately needs to be painted. The bathroom is tiny with white and black hex tile on the floor and white subway tile in the shower. I'm thinking about light blue paint above the white bead board wainscotting. This fabric will be stretched over a wood Ikea frame. Where else could I use the fabric in the bathroom? Maybe sewed to a hand towel?

Creative folks, please chime in!

I'm no fashionista

(excuse the iphone photo)

But this number from J. Crew is questionable. It's called a romper. The catalog says, "Think poolside parties and chic beach soirees."

I thinketh not.

Guitar party

Friday's guitar cake baking extravaganza was a success. It only took about 4 hours to create the fondant covered masterpiece. Enjoy the photos....

Sources:

Invitations and cup labels by PaperCourt Press

Cake made by moi with yummy prepared fondant from Home Cake Decoration Supply Co.

Blue and red garland tutorial found on Purl Bee

Bunting made by moi with leftover Ikea fabric

Coordinating guitar shirt designed by PaperCourt Press and printed at Zazzle

Banana Muffins

Try these healthy banana muffins. My kids love them.

5 ripe bananas

1/4 cup canola oil

2/3 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

2-1/3 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 F

Lightly oil or paper-cup muffin or mini-muffin pan

Stir together fork-mashed bananas, oil, honey and vanilla

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and baking soda

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry and blend

Spoon into muffin cups

Bake until golden brown - 20-25 minutes (or 8 minutes for mini-muffins)

The cake store woman said it was easy....

In a moment of insanity, I decided to bake the cake for little boy's birthday tomorrow. A cake with fondant, no less. Damn! What have I gotten myself into? I can't bake. I've messed up slice and back cookies before.

Within the past half hour, I've googled "how to line a circle pan with parchment paper" and "which kitchenaid mixer attachment should I use for cake".

The cake is in the oven now. This post is keeping me from peeking and compromising the heat distribution of my oven. I'm on pins and needles.

Sometimes, I wish I was the mom who would plan a party at a park with grocery store cupcakes and a bag of balls and be done with it. I'm not that person. Sadly, I will never be that person.

Stay tuned....

Simple, yummy, healthy goodness

Let me tell you about my favorite delicious side dish. It's as simple as roasted veggies. You pick the veggies you like. I love red onions, red peppers, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms (portobello or crimini) and zucchini.

Chop them up and toss them in a bowl. Mix in a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and dried oregano. Pour them out on a baking sheet and throw them in a 450 degree oven for 40 minutes. The veggies caramelize and the are so delicious. I originally got this recipe out of a Weight Watchers cookbook. This is a ONE point recipe. Granted I usually eat the entire batch so it probably comes out to 4 or 5 points. But it's definitely a tasty way to get your veggies!