Last week...

I announced a spontaneous giveaway on Instagram...

which linked to my Facebook Fan Page.

The giveaway was for a set of these...

{Reusable} Pretty Party Skewers

A brand-new item I've worked with my manufacturer to create and will be launching soon!

I asked for some creative feedback as to the different ways these NEW Pretty Party Skewers could be used.

I had intended on choosing 3 winners on Instagram...

but I was having so much fun with the feedback...
I decided to select 3 additional winners from my Facebook Fan Page.

And now...

I would absolutely love to send a FREE set of Party Skewers to 3 of my blog readers.

All you have to do is leave me some feedback on the different ways you would use these.

I'll randomly choose 3 people. That's it! Pretty simple.

I do ask that you be a SUBSCRIBED reader to my blog.

Haven't done that yet? CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!

Now...take a peek at just a few ways you can use these beautiful, lucite party skewers!

(Click READ MORE below to continue reading)

SUGAR | Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

You HAD to know these were coming!?
I mean they were totally inevitable...right?
My love for peanut butter + chocolate...
plus the Recipe Radar post last week featuring the yummy recipe from +Jamielyn Nye aka +I Heart Nap Time
combined with my love for all things mini sized...
and you've got yourself some...

 Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

aka HOMEMADE REESE'S CUPS

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites SQUARED

Using the same recipe but two different techniques/molds...
you've got yourself two varieties of sinfully delicious grab n' go treats.
Keep reading to get the full scoop and recipe...

SUGAR | Mini Banana Pudding Dessert Shooters

Dessert Shooters are one of my favorite things to make.
Mini + Delicious = a perfect dessert table item.

Aside from dessert tables and celebrations though...
they are a form of "portion control"...
which for me is very important when it comes to sweets because I tend to eat more than I should. *wink*


Thanks to a potluck I participated in last week…
I was inspired to revisit a favorite recipe of mine...

Mini Banana Pudding Dessert Shooters

Surprisingly, I'm NOT a huge Banana Pudding lover...
However, this recipe is something I'll absolutely devour...

STYLiNG | The Pastry Pedestal • Sparkle + Shine Style

For the girl who has loved all-things-silver and platinum for most of my life...

especially the last 20 years...

I'm quite surprised by my gravitation towards the "gold" trend in fashion, home decor and style that has resurfaced.

You've seen bits and pieces of my pink + gold color palette HERE and HERE...

as I've been planning and prepping for a sweet Valentine's Day celebration.

Today...I'm hoping to inspire you with this super-easy technique 

for adding a little glitz and glam to your next showcase of sweets.

The Pastry Pedestal • Sparkle + Shine Style

This easy technique doesn't require much time or skill...
you'll be tapping into your inner child when you get out the glitter and adult-style glue.

Supplies needed:
• The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit
• Glue Dots 1" Glue Lines (or use the Continuous Glue Lines if you prefer).
• Glitter of your choice  (see RESOURCES below for links to the ones I'm using today)

DIRECTIONS:
Prepare to use Glue Lines by separating them from the roll. (approx. 9 lines for every Pastry Pedestal™ Round) 

APPLY
Apply Glue Dots Glue Lines by pressing onto the edge of The Pastry Pedestal™ Round.
Peel away the Glue Dots liner.
Continue until the entire edge of the The Pastry Pedestal™ Round has been covered with Glue Lines.

PREP GLITTER
Pour glitter onto a flat surface.
Paper or plate or better yet...a paper plate since you can easily fold it up to pour excess glitter back into its original container.

ROLL
Roll the edges of the The Pastry Pedestal™ Round into the glitter, pressing as you roll.

REMOVE EXCESS
Remove any excess glitter by shaking, tapping and even blowing on the edges.
You can even try using a small paintbrush to remove any excess? I didn't.
This will help prevent glitter from coming into contact with food items you'll be displaying - or making a mess of the rest of  your dessert table/display. *wink*

EXPERIMENT
Try using different glitter grain sizes and colors too. The one above was created using fine gold glitter. This one below is shown with a larger grain glitter.

In my opinion, I'm in love with both options!!
It really just depends on your preference for the end result.

ADD AN EDIBLE
After adding some sparkle to The Pastry Pedestal™, top it off with a pretty pastry of your choice.

Do you love them?

I can't stop staring at them!!

For me, they are "squeal-worthy" results, do you agree?

I HOPE you agree! *wink*

Last day of January!! Can you believe it?

Already one month out of our NEW YEAR - gone! Just like that!!

I'm excited to join you back here tomorrow with another simple DIY

AND...

for the official kickoff to Promise Me 2013!!!

REMINDER!!

Last day to enter to be chosen as one of THREE WiNNERS for the inspiring 52 Weeks of Gratitude Kit!

Go here for the full details about the kit itself  --------> 52 Weeks of Gratitude Kit by Live-Inspired

Go here to actually enter the giveaway --------> Enter to WiN!!

RESOURCES

The Pastry Pedestal™- www.thepastrypedestal.com 

Glue Dots Glue Lines - JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores

Fine Gold Glitter - Florentine Gold from the 3-pack glitter kit via The TomKat Studio Party Shop

Large Gold Glitter - JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores

Polka Dot Baking Cups - JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores (Easter section)

Vintage Pink Cupcake Sprinkles - The TomKat Studio Party Shop

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Those pretty cupcakes I took photos of are STiLL sitting out - displayed in my office.

I'm surprised ants haven't found them yet...

although I would guess being displayed on The Pastry Pedestal™ makes it a challenge to get to?

COMiNG UP | The Pastry Pedestal • Sparkle + Shine

Looking forward to sharing this easy technique for adding some glitz and glam to your next celebration...

The Pastry Pedestal • Sparkle + Shine Style

In the meantime...
a couple of quick reminders:

PROMiSE ME 2013
Our adventure begins on Friday, February1st!
Got your name on the list?
Want to pin to our "Promise ME 2013" Pinterest Board?
Leave a comment or email  me at: pnpflowers AT live DOT com

52 WEEKS OF GRATiTUDE KIT GiVEAWAY
Only one day left to enter.
THREE Winners will be chosen.
Go here for the full details about the kit itself  --------> 52 Weeks of Gratitude Kit by Live-Inspired
Go here to enter the giveaway --------> Enter to WiN!!

HERB UPDATE
Remember the Thank You Note I shared with you?
I updated the post with a photo and the outcome.
Check it out >>>> HERE!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
So much to share...
not enough hours in the day to do it.

Pulling my hair out folks.
Too many irons in the fire...
along with a healthy serving of serious mom-guilt going on over here.
Time for some re-evaluating and prioritizing...AGAIN!! *wink*

STYLiNG | Hot Cocoa Bar

Happy New Year's Eve!!

How about putting together a very simple "Dessert Bar" of sorts...

just in time for your New Year's Eve festivities...

 A SiMPLE HOT CHOCOLATE/COCOA BAR

A Few Toppings...

Some Drinking Mugs or Paper Cups

(optional items shown here: striped straws, mini wooden spoons and min wooden scoops)

This printable Chalkboard Art Print

(go here for details on how to print this 24x36 for under $3)

and you and your guests will be enjoying one of these in no time.

One of the great things about a Hot Cocoa Bar is

STYLiNG | Witch Themed Halloween Snack Table

I'm so excited to share with you...

the Halloween Snack Table I styled and was recently featured on Hostess with the Mostess.

I thought I'd TRiCK you by not including any TREATS on this festive table.

I figured some salty snacks were in order to help balance out the sugar rush from the excessive amounts of candy we'll all be consuming.

I hope you'll find some inspiration for your upcoming Halloween festivities.

Toil & Trouble Witch Themed Snack Table

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT
This snack table was designed to provide a festive salty grab-and-go snack station for Halloween.
The snacks were kept simple so you can spend your time enjoying the festivities that await.
Guests (and little ones) can quickly grab some salty snacks...
to off-set the sugar-induced comas they are likely to fall into either before or after the Trick-or-Treating begins.

The great thing about this table?
Set it up in your home at the beginning of October as part of your Halloween decorations.
Just add the snacks mentioned below on party night. 
OR create an interactive Halloween focal point in your home for the entire month of October...
Simply package up the snacks individually in cellophane bags.
This allows your kids or any guests that pop by to grab a quick snack on their way in or out.

FOOD and BEVERAGES
Snacks were kept super simple and included edible broom handles (mini pretzel rods...)
curdled screams (popcorn)...
and frightful fingernails (pumpkin seeds). 
If you want to serve something a bit more savory...
you could try crackers, chips, cheese trays and hot appetizers.
Customized Water Bottles...
bottles wrapped in decorative tissue paper...
keep things simple as well as provide another way to wash down all that sugar.

DIYS and CRAFTS
Decorative tissue paper water bottle wraps along with a simple Black Magic book cover are a couple of ways you can easily add some pizzazz to your decor. See links to tutorials:
• Black Magic Book Cover
• Tissue Paper Water Bottle Wraps

SOURCES/CREDiTS
• Styling, Photography and Apothecary Jar Labels: Pen N’ Paperflowers
• Decorative Tissue Paper: 7Gypsies

INSTAGRAM + BLOG FOLLOWERS

FREE Apothecary Jar Labels just for you Wednesday - Friday at midnight!
Grab them here while they are available ---> FREE Printable Apothecary Jar Labels


KEEPiNG iT REAL
Even though the original snacks for this photo shoot sat out for about 2 weeks in prep for the photo shoot...
(everyone knows not to touch things until Mom gives the "okay")
I still caught everyone snacking on stale popcorn and stale pumpkin seeds. Ha!!
Even Ella, (my 3 year old), kept grabbing the pretzel cups to take with her
as snacks in the car.

I will obviously replenish everything with FRESH snacks for Halloween night. *wink*

FEATURE | Rustic + Shabby Chic Bridal Shower

I've been anticipating sharing this gorgeous bridal shower with you for some time.
I'm thrilled to announce it's officially been featured on Hostess with the Mostess and
now I get to share all of the details here.

A sweet friend of mine, Bre, styled it and brought all of the beautiful Shabby Chic + Rustic details to life.
I LOVE how she seamlessly blended the two elements together to create a breathtaking bridal shower.
Enjoy the gorgeous images...(and "Pin" freely)...*wink*

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Party Host: Bre Kirkland
Celebration Type: Bridal Shower
Party Theme: Rustic + Shabby Chic
Inspiration: The bride's classic and charming personality
Color Palette: Creamy Whites, Soft Pinks and Beige
Party Style: Charming + Classic
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Rustic + Charming Bridal Shower

Wasn't that absolutely the sweetest bridal shower you've seen?

It turned out almost as lovely as the bride-to-be...*wink*

And like Jenn mentioned yesterday, this could easily be used for a gorgeous spin
on holiday decorating - don't you agree?

MY FAVORiTE PARTY DETAiLS

• The blend of burlap, lace and pearls

• The dreamy lace and various trimmings layered & used on The Pastry Pedestal™to display cupcakes

• The "Can of Dates" keepsake for the newlyweds to reference for weekly date night ideas

• The fabulous DiY table labels and hand-crafted hanging paper decor

• The use of feathers on centerpieces, table labels and other key focal points

• The custom coordinating lollipops

• The variety of delicious salads served

Bre did an amazing job of marrying the personality of the bride-to-be...

with the bridal shower elements she created. I LOVE the turnout.

Thanks for sharing your creative talents with us Bre!!

VENDOR CREDITS:

• Styling & Paper Decor: Bre Kirkland

• Photography: Ackerman Photography

• Cupcake Holders: The Pastry Pedestal™

• Custom Lollipops: Vintage Confections

• Florals: Bay Hill Florist

• Designer Oreos: Sweeties by Kim

• Cake: Couture Cake by Amy Russ

• Cupcakes: Couture Cake by Amy Russ

• Salads: Bre Kirkland

• Napkin Rings: Pier 1 Imports

• Lace, Burlap & Fabric Trimmings: JoAnn's

• "Can of Dates" Chipboard Letters: Michaels

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Whenever I see photos of The Pastry Pedestal™...

displayed so beautifully...

photographed so beautifully...

you have no idea how happy it makes me.

I'm always inspired by all of the creative things people are doing with them.

What the heck is going on with the release of The Pastry Pedestal™ Platform you ask?

I'll be dedicating a full post all about that to keep you all in the loop.

It's about time for an update, don't you think!?