Hello friends! We are already knee deep into February with Valentine's Day on our heels.

Today I'm sharing these super cute and super easy "Llama-themed" Ghirardelli bar wrappers to be given to anyone on your Valentine's Day list.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

1 - Ghirardelli bar - removed from outer cardboard packaging. ---> 3.5oz like these

1 - Llama Candy Bar Wrapper printed on white card stock. (links at end of blog post)

scissors

double-stick tape

INSTRUCTIONS

Print Llama Candy Bar Wrapper.

Trim to size using scissors.

Wrap around candy bar aligning image on front of candy bar.

Secure with double-stick tape on back of candy bar.

Tip: For a polished look, rub fingers along edges of candy bar for clear wrapper "creases". 

A "llama love" went into designing these for you guys!

Hoping you love them and most importantly....USE THEM!

Here's a fun time lapse video I shared on Instagram sharing the whole process of putting one of these together  - hopefully you can view it okay here on the blog.

DOWNLOAD your FREE Llama Love Valentine's Day Candy Bar Wrappers below:

There's a Llama Love Between Us Valentine

I have a Llama Love for You - Happy Valentine's Day!

Stay tuned for some classroom treat tags coming tomorrow!

Hint: You'll probably want some of THESE or THESE to go with them! *wink*

PS - If you love the idea of the Ghirardelli wrappers CHECK OUT THESE!

xoxo,

Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Ella has been down with a virus for a few days now so I apologize for not getting these photographed and up on the blog sooner!! 

iNSPiRE | My One Little Word for 2018

Hello January 2018!
I welcome your opportunities, your joy, your blessings, your happy memories + good health for myself, my family, my friends in real life, my friends that join me here on my blog and on social media. I embrace and welcome all of the good you have to offer each and every one of us and I celebrate the chance to do some good, to create some good and to feel some good. *wink*

Time for a new focus word and mine this year is....FREE.
And boy did I struggle for whatever reason to pick just the right word this year.
My word typically finds me without me searching.
Not this year.
Maybe because I knew it really needed to be a good one...
one with power...
but one that I would love to see written and spelled out...
because you know I love hand-lettered anything and I'm such a visual person.

(Heck! I even picked my children's names based on how it felt hand writing it out on a sheet of clean white paper). *wink*

But why the word "Free"?
I needed a word that represented an "unearthing" of sorts.
I needed a word that stood for "letting go", a "rebirth" AND an "elimination + purging" mindset.
A word that symbolized a "peeling away of layers".
A word that represented "healing".

I was searching for the perfect word to harness some beautiful energy for the journey ahead to rediscovering...and unburying...and reconnecting with the girl I once was.

Specifically to the girl who has buried her good health under layers of disappointment + shame, to be completely honest.
As I recently wrote in my journal, "I've been storing food reserves for a very long winter apparently." - lol  And this needs to stop. Self care is my number one this year. Period.
Everything else is secondary.
Essentially, if I can get a handle on my overall health everything else will see improvement.
I've played the victim to my own insecurities and unfortunately allowed myself to become a prisoner in my own body; a prisoner to my fears. A prisoner to my doubt. A prisoner to lies I had convinced myself to be truth.

I need to break out of the prison and be FREE!
I can visually see it in my mind.
I can see the girl I once was...the one I left behind. I'm looking at her. She's looking at me. Our eyes have locked and I am running fiercely to meet her; To grab her hand and continue the journey together;  To remind her I haven't forgotten her. I have NOT left her behind. I am back.

I'm running back to rescue the girl who's optimistic, cheerful, trusting heart has been crushed by life experiences.

I'm sprinting through the wide open prairie to wear she is standing and has been waiting for me to return. I can see this vividly in my mind. I cannot let her down. I cannot leave her standing there anymore. And I know when I reach her...I will not have rescued her....she will have rescued me.

Can you feel the passion in my words?  I hope so...because I can feel it in my fingertips as I type.

A spent hours upon hours looking up words that might be the word I was looking for!

Tend, restore, pure, clean, cleanse, reclaim, shift, return, reset, refresh, rebuild, dig, peel, chip, core, shed, center, root, foundation, excavate, create, carve, mold, chisel, unveil, beauty, unmask, claw, fight, war, take back, unbury, raw, stripped...and well.

I had convinced myself that my word was "well"! 

Then I changed it to "grit"!

And then I ended up at "free"!

"Well" was so awesome in so many ways but ultimately I decided it was too "soft".

So I then I did a 360 and chose "grit" which was a super tough and energizing word...but not "pretty" and appealing to me visually.

And then "FREE"....defined as:

No longer confined.

Not a slave.

Unimpeded.

Of power + energy.

Not bound.

Not subject to or constrained by.

Unrestrained.

Uninhibited.

Release from physical obstruction, restraint or entanglement.

Remove something undesirable.

BINGO!! That's it. 

It's an action word.

It's definition touches on everything I'm focusing on.

And it's aesthetically pleasing to my eye. *wink*

From my journal, "Free. That's nice on the ears and eyes and it touches on my 3 H's:

HEALTH + HEART + HOME"

HEALTH - free from my physical prison - aka fat layers + less than desirable level of health

HEART - free from guilt, pain, hardness, numbness

HOME - free up space in my life by continuing to simplify, declutter + getting rid of things.

I know that was a lot to read and take in.

I'll finish with this last sentence...

From my journal: "This year ahead is going to be really hard physically AND emotionally because of the awesomeness I'm looking to uncover within myself." 

Yes!! Amen to that! And if you are looking to uncover your awesomeness too perhaps choosing a word might be something to help motivate you!

If you do the whole choosing a word thing each year and are looking to uncover your awesomeness too, I hope you have found one to keep you energized.

And if you've never tried it...I highly recommend it. Tip: Choose a verb. It's got more power behind it. More action. And that's what choosing a word is about!

xoxo,

Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I'm definitely going to have to come back to this post and read it when I need a boost of energy and will power. Writing this has pumped me up all over again!!

I've added exercise into my life 2-3 days a week and have been eating so much better for the month of January. I'm a little behind in some goals I set for myself but writing this post has given me some renewed energy to make it happen. 

FREE | Give Thanks Art Print

We are only 3 days away from feasting with our friends + family, gathering around tables filled with an over abundance of delicious pies food and giving thanks for the pies blessings we enjoy in this life.

My aunt is hosting Thanksgiving this year and she reached out to me to create a "Give Thanks" sign for the "Thanksgiving Tree" she is setting up on a tabletop. It sounds like we'll each get a leaf to write down something we are thankful for, pies obviously, and then we'll add it to the tree.

Well I was so happy when I was given the assignment of making pies with the turn out I decided to make it available as a FREE DOWNLOAD!  -----> link at bottom of post

My aunt requested a custom 18x8 sign but I'm also making pies it available as an 8x10 as well as 4x6.
I figured some of you may want to frame it - as shown in the images above - and some of you may want to add them to your place settings.

Pssst...if you aren't hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year...this would make a fantastic hostess gift!! You're welcome!! *wink*

There are also THREE background options to choose from (see below) and every file size is available in .pdf as well as .jpg format.

I hope you love them and will print them out to add a sweet + simple reminder about what Thanksgiving is truly about....and it's not really about the pies...as much as I'd like to think. *wink*

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVORITE "GIVE THANKS" ART PRINT 

Happy Thanksgiving to you friends.
I am so grateful for each and every one of you.
May you enjoy the day with your family + loved ones and may we all take a minute to truly count our blessings and "give thanks" for all that we have.

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
1. Don't look to closely....the eucalyptus in the first photo is completely dead and dried out. But it looks great in photos, doesn't it?! *wink*

2. Really concerned about another spot on my face that could potentially be skin cancer again. Trying not to worry and turning it over to God.

3. The Fall decor is coming down and the Christmas is coming out before we head out of town this week. I'll explain my fresh new perspective on Thanksgiving melting into Christmas later this week.

FREE | Valentine's Day Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

Introducing the cutest Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar labels...just in time for Valentine's Day!!
These charming labels are the perfect way to say I love you. (or even "I Like You) to everyone in your life. (kids, co-workers, friends, teachers, and of course, your beau).

Ghirardelli has a fun selection of chocolate bar flavors to choose from - and two sizes. (Small gold bar on the left, large gold bar on the right). And the labels fit BOTH sizes! Hello!! Bonus!!

And check out the gold foil wrapper! It's perfection.

Here's a closer peek at the smaller bar...

And a closer peek at the larger bar...

Just print off the labels...trim to size with a cute pair of gold scissors (totally optional)
and secure with some totally cute gold glitter washi tape (or any of these) on the back!! So easy!

TIP: If you want more of the gold to show - just trim a little more off the top and bottom of the label.
(see the difference between the "hearts" label and the "Love You More Than" label).

The "Love You More Than Chocolate..but ummm yeah, can we share this?" label is my favorite.
Because...well...you know it's the truth! *wink*

Here are the links to download the FREE LABELS:
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar HEARTS label
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar LOVE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE label
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar BUT UMM...CAN WE SHARE THIS label

If you are an email subscriber, you'll also be receiving the BONUS labels:
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar - LIKE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar OUR STORY IS MY FAVORITE LOVE STORY - a Pen + Paper Flowers original quote - please do not copy!
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar LOVE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE
with these additional funny phrases:
        1. but don't get crazy and not share this with me
        2. did you know sharing is a true sign of love?

If you want these EXTRA labels too, you still have time to SIGN UP! Emails go out later tonight!!

Otherwise, I hope you love the three FREE downloads!

I hope you are as smitten with these adorable labels as I am!!
Use them! You still have plenty of time!!

Did you miss the TWO BONUS BLOG POSTS with MORE FREE PRINTABLE from earlier today?
Teachers Who Love Teaching - today only download
You Color My World Valentine

Love you my friends!
Thanks for being here today for the marathon of blog posts and free printables!

xoxo...
Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I may or may not have had to run to CVS (three different times) to replenish my supply of candy bars to be able to photograph them for this photo shoot.

FREE | You Color My World Valentine

So I wish I could've pulled myself together last week and gotten these posted sooner...
BUT...you can do two things with this FREE "You Color My World" Valentine Exchange idea...

1. Print it today for handing them out tomorrow - because you need a last minute idea! *wink*
2. Pin it for next year - so you don't forget about it! *wink*

Maybe some of you will choose both options?
In either case, this is an adorable non-candy exchange option and it's SUPER easy.
Print, cut and tape on whatever "colorful" item you want your child to hand out to his/her classmates.

I chose to attach these adorable mini shuttle pens because it gives the kids ALL of the colors in the rainbow but you can substitute a few crayons, a Crayola Pip Squeak Marker, a few mini colored pencils or if you want to use candy, try these Mentos Mini Rainbow Candies or these My Little Pony Candy Powder Rainbow Straws! 

Disclaimer: I've never tried either of the candy options mentioned - and I don't know the real dimensions as far as fitting onto the packaging nicely.

I used some cute Washi Tape I picked up from Office Depot while I was having these printed.
You could also use glue dots.  *complete supply list at bottom of post*

Have your kiddo write in the name of their classmate at the top and then sign their own name at the bottom. I wish I would've taken a photo of Ella making hers. Dang it!! #momfail

I hope you love it!

Stay tuned for TWO other freebies coming this afternoon - for the teacher, co-worker, friend and for your beau! *wink*

Yep! I'll be posting twice today!! 

Because I love ya!!

SUPPLY LIST

FREE Color My World Valentine Printable

Mini Shuttle Pens

Scotch Polka Dot Washi Tape

Scotch Striped Washi Tape

Scotch Diamond Washi Tape

Optional:

Corner Rounder Tool - I used something similar to this.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Got to run back to the printer - I forgot to have some printed for Ella's gymnastics team. 

But hey! That means I can actually take a photo of her writing them out this time! *wink* 

FREE | It's Officially Pie Season Art Print :: The Cake Blog

Oh yes it is, friends!!
Pie Season is officially upon us.
You can celebrate with me by downloading this FREE ART PRINT I designed for The Cake Blog this month.

I'm dreaming of the fabulous Pumpkin Pie and the amazing Apple Crumb Top Pie I made last year!
They were both ridiculously amazing and I have to admit I'm feeling a little guilty for never having posted either of the recipes here when I promised that I would.

So...that means I'll be making these pies EARLY just so I can post them here in plenty of time for you to make them for your own Thanksgiving Dinners if you'd like. Be prepared to knock some socks off!

In the meantime, print out this fabulous art print to get you geared up.
Shoot! Why not print and frame this for a pie-loving friend too? *wink*
Or just download the wallpapers for your digital devices if you prefer!!
Download the 8x10 Pie Season Art Print + Digital Wallpapers now!!

Hope you love it PNPF Friends!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm hesitant to make the pies.
I'm going to want to eat every little crumb from each of them! *blushing*

Also, it's been very busy around here.
It was my birthday last week - and I was spoiled. Thank you family!!
Ella's 7th birthday is THIS Saturday - and there's not a big party planned...again...this year. *grrrr*
She's chosen to invite a couple of friends to a bounce house facility, do pizza and then take them all out for a special birthday dessert of her choice. Her birthday decision doesn't feed into my creativity and love for party planning at all BUT...it's not my choice - it's her big day!! And I love that she's grown up enough to decide and create a day she's excited about.

BUT, I DO get to be creative with her when we make some special treats for her gymnastics teammates and I've already ordered mini cupcakes from her favorite cupcakery for her class on Friday. I'm also excited to make her a special birthday dessert when we celebrate on Sunday with family. I'm just waiting on her final decision - she's leaning towards chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and dolphin accents. Hmmmm??? *giggling*

FREE | Curiosity Crumbs Art Print

As we head into the weekend I wanted to share something with you for those of you who didn't see this on my Instagram feed. (by the way...would love to have you follow me since I post pretty regularly over there).

This art print was inspired by a podcast I listened to on the Jess C. Lively Show with writer, Elizabeth Gilbert. One of the very last things Elizabeth Gilbert said in the podcast was this:

"The curiosity channel is where God sprinkles the breadcrumbs on the great trail to find ourselves."

I loved it so much I decided to create a hand-lettered reminder.
And now I'm sharing it with all of you!!
You can download it for FREE right here!!

I hope you love it!!
Stay curious, friends...and enjoy your weekend!!

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Don't laugh...but when I originally posted this on Instagram I spelled curiosity wrong!
I fixed it for you but honestly would have never realized it if a follower had not requested this as an art print!! Which is how it ended up here on the blog! Oops!! *blushing*

FREE | Witch Shoes Cupcake Topper Template

I just LOVE these adorable witch legs + shoes cupcake toppers I shared a couple of years ago.
Looking back at the Easy No-Bake Hi Hat Cupcakes post it occurred to me I never provided you with a template for the witch shoes so that you could easily recreate these yourself.

Well I just HAD to fix that dilemma for you and I'm posting the FREE Witch Shoes printable cut-outs today. Cut them out with scissors or use your handy dandy electronic cutting machine!!

All you need now is a cute pack of Halloween party straws to attach the shoes to and some cupcakes!! You're welcome! *wink*

Want a mini witch broom to go with your witch shoes?

Here's a DIY for witch broom cupcake toppers I've shared previously.
And here's the No-Bake Hi-Hat Cupcakes tutorial too...just in case.

Download the FREE Witch Shoes Cut-Outs .pdf file 

I hope you love sprucing up your Halloween cupcakes and treats using these cute witch shoes!!
If you use the free printable and make some of your own I'd LOVE to see them!!
Tag me on Instagram using @pnpflowers or you can find me on Facebook and Twitter too!

Looking for MORE Halloween Inspiration?
I've got lots of ideas on my SPOOKY Pinterest Board, which is actually anything but spooky. It's filled with ideas for Halloween crafts, costumes, treats, and DIY's....including this hilarious "Witch Better Have My Candy" t-shirt, these cool Spiderweb Cupcakes, this adorable Cereal Bowl Costume, my Mini Monster Milkshakes and more!!

See you soon friends and as always...thanks for being here!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Still no progress on cleaning up my studio.
It MIGHT happen today - but no promises.

FREE | Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Art Print :: The Cake Blog

It's that time of year...

and it's that time of month for another FREE art print over on The Cake Blog.

There really was no other option but to do something related to Pumpkin Spice this month, was there? I'm one of the few mortals on planet Earth who isn't the Starbucks-coffee-drinking-pumpkin-latte-kind-of-girl but I AM a huge fan of anything pumpkin-scented; pumpkin candles, pumpkin wax melts, pumpkin spice air fresheners and of course...a fresh baked pumpkin pie.

As always, the artwork is available as a 5x7 printable art print OR can be downloaded for use as digital wallpaper to spice up all of your digital devices. GRAB it for FREE over on The Cake Blog.

Speaking of pumpkin spice, I'm convinced you will want to check out these delicious recipes for your Fall baking:

Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting and Pumpkin-Seed Brittle
Rustic Pumpkin Bundt Cake filled with Chocolate Ganache

See you back here soon, my pumpkin spice friends!! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
It's been busy over here in my world - with fun stuff, life stuff, kid stuff and just plain ole "stuff".
Looking forward to sharing more with you.

FREE | Living the Sweet Life Art Print :: The Cake Blog

The FREE art print for September is up on The Cake blog!!
There's the colorful version you see up above as well as the option below with the wording all in black!!

Pick your favorite and download it to print...

OR...save it to your desktop, iPhone or iPad by downloading the digital wallpaper.

It's a cute reminder...for me especially...

that although there are struggles, disappointments, failures, roadblocks, down days or just what I call the "blech" we encounter...we really are living "the sweet life". 

Hope you love it, download it, use it and SHARE it!!!

Pass it on to a friend who could use the reminder too!

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I can't lie...

I'm ready for the "blech" my family and I seem to have been plagued with over the last few months to be gone! Poof! Just like that. "Believe and it will be"....right?

INSPIRE | Worry pretends to be necessary

I couldn't have said it better myself, Eckhart Tolle, and I couldn't agree with this more.
However, I've also learned it's much easier to roll in the worry and soften it a bit when you aren't in a situation that is worrisome.

My such situation was last week when I had a routine checkup on Tuesday that ended up sending me for an unexpected ultrasound. (this was the same week as the Christmas Brunch that almost didn't happen). Yeah. Crazy week for sure.

Well today...I'm celebrating.
A phone call today confirming negative test results have brought me much relief + gratitude to say the least.

For those of you who were already aware of the situation when I posted a little something about it on my Instagram feed and have been sending cyber hugs, love, support + prayers...THANK YOU!!

If you are going through a similar situation or know someone who is...
I thought you might enjoy this reminder.

Here's a link to the FREE "Worry Pretends to Be Necessary" Art Print...
formatted to print onto an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper or card stock.

And here's a fun creative idea!
Run it through your Heidi Swapp MINC machine and gold foil it for an extra "wow" factor!!
I've already got my eyes on the MINC mini for smaller projects...SO cute!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
J was never worried...not even for a second.
And that's why he's my rock.
And how did I celebrate today?
I stopped and treated myself to cupcakes.
...which J would highly disapprove of. *wink*

SHARE | Believe And It Will Be

I shared this on my Instagram feed last week and had someone ask where she could purchase the art so she could print it out and maybe even use the Heidi Swapp Minc machine to turn it into a gold foil art print. (If you don't have one - let me just say it's pretty amazing)!! There's a mini Minc too!!

Anyway - I thought I'd post it here on the blog as a free printable for anyone else who would love to print it out, frame it, color it, etc.

Download the 6x6 file HERE.

Here's the thought inspiration behind this artwork and what I shared on Instagram:

"I think when it comes to ideas + dreams, your relationship with "belief" is all that may be standing in the way. If you BELIEVE then it will be. (Belief fuels passion, hard work, determination + dedication). On the other hand, if you DOUBT...then "it"...(your idea, your dream) will disappear."

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm thinking I should start posting a free black and white printable like this on a regular basis. I may include it as a freebie for newsletter subscribers...so if you aren't subscribed yet SIGN UP HERE!
If you love the idea, let me know by leaving a comment that says "Yes, do it!" *wink*

Last Monday before the new school year starts.
Last week before Summer ends. *insert tears*

FREE | Sugar Is My Sidekick Art Print :: The Cake Blog

What started out as a simple sketch is now the FREE art print over on The Cake Blog this month...
This might be my favorite one yet since it includes all of my favorite sugary treats...popsicles, cupcakes, macarons, chocolate chip cookies, cotton candy and of course...a pretty cake!!

Enjoy it as a FREE printable file for framing or grab the wallpaper downloads to sweeten up your desktop as well as any of your other digital devices.

Find the DOWNLOADS HERE and enjoy your weekend everyone!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Summer is coming to an end for us as we approach the first day of school on Monday, August 24th.
I say this every year but as much as I look forward to the routine of things the school year brings, Summer, for me, marks the end of another chapter with my kids I never want to stop reading!!

FREE | i Sugar Coat Everything Art Print :: The Cake Blog

It's up...

and it's live...

and it's ready for printing...

Grab July's FREE "I Sugarcoat Everything" Art Print over on The Cake Blog today!!

It's a sugary sweet play-on-words for all of the bakers out there!! I think the watercolor cupcake added just the right touch too!!

Not only is it available as a free printable, you can grab the files to turn it into digital wallpaper too!

Head on over to The Cake Blog to download the FREE files!!
I hope you are enjoying the free monthly goodies as much as I enjoy creating them!!

As always, while you are over there, be sure to check out all of the amazing cakes!
My favorites this time include this beautiful naked Strawberry Thyme Cake, this delicious looking  4th of July-festive Stars + Stripes cake and these adorable Roasted Blueberry Breakfast Parfaits!

Love you all to pieces!!
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I hope to get back to sugarcoating everything ASAP!
Our oven is out of service after our house was struck by lightning a week or so ago.
The gas burners work on top but my oven is shot.
I've had some feedback from Instagram friends about suggestions for a new dual range
and I have to say these Big Chill appliances have caught my eye!!
Shhh...don't tell J yet though. I haven't even looked at pricing...I've only gotten lost in their
retro appreal!!

FREE | It's Always Spring with Buttercream Art Print :: The Cake Blog

You guys...."It's always Spring with Buttercream"!
Or...you could say "It's Blooming Spring with Buttercream"

Whichever way you say it, these brand new whimsical kitchen art prints I designed for The Cake Blog this month are posted and ready for you to download for FREE!! 

And so what if you aren't a baker.
I'm sure your baking friends or your favorite bake shop would LOVE for you to share this with them!
Head on over to get your FREE ART PRINTS today
and then be sure to check out these other posts on The Cake Blog that have me very intrigued and are must-trys for Spring...and beyond.

Edible Moss Cake
Lemon Meringue Cake

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Those frosted cupcakes were supposed to be a cinch.
Store-bought cupcakes. Easy.
Pre-made store-bought buttercream. Easy.
One working piping bag. NOT easy.
So just keep focusing on the art prints....
while I run out for more piping bags. *wink*

FREE | Spread Joy In Life with An Icing Knife :: The Cake Blog

I just love this "sweet" reminder to "Spread joy in life with an icing knife" I designed for The Cake Blog this month! It's soooo perfect for all you "Bakeristas" out there!! *wink*

It's a FREE DOWNLOAD so pop on over there and get yours today!!

While you are over there...be inspired by my all-time-favorite Spring cake ever: Speckled Easter Cake - designed and created by Carrie from The Cake Blog!

It's sooooo incredibly adorable! I LOVE it!! And I think I should totally make it!! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I think this "Spread Joy" art print is my favorite so far, since I started designing kitchen art prints for The Cake Blog last Fall. Do I say that every month with each new design I make?!  I guess that's a good thing! *wink*

FREE | Love Is Like Butter Art Print :: The Cake Blog

"Love is Like Butter...there are no substitutes for the REAL thing..."

Can I get an "amen" to that, baking friends?
I hope you love the FREE 5x7 art print I designed as an exclusive download for The Cake Blog this month. If you LOVE it...go download, print and frame it. (or skip the frame and just pin it to your corkboard, secure it with a magnet to your fridge or use some cute washi tape to hang it on a mirror or window).

It's PERFECT for displaying this month - don't you think?
Shoot - print a few out and gift them to your girlfriends as part of the "GALentine" dinner or festivities you may be planning this month with your best girl friends!!

It comes in three different background color options too so go...now. *wink*

Wondering about those adorable candy hearts shown in these photos?
They are called Heart "Sweet Shapes" by Sweetworks  - and I LOVE how they taste.
They are like sweettarts but without the tart. *wink*
And they come in lots of different fun shapes and color options so you are sure to find something perfect for whatever celebration/dessert table you are putting together.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I never did get to host the "Friendsgiving" I was hoping to have in November due to the devastating family circumstances that took place a couple of weeks prior.

So now...I'm re-thinking things.
It's always so crazy-busy in November with three birthdays and Thanksgiving, (not to mention the approaching Christmas season), so as much as I've been dreaming about a Friendsgiving for over 3 years now...it just doesn't seem to ever come together. If it did ever miraculously happen - I just don't foresee it staying a strong, consistent tradition. (too many variables out of my control).

I've been talking to J about the idea of hosting a "Friendship Dinner" in February.
What do YOU think? There's not a whole lot going on in February - at least not for us.
I could shoot for the end of the month. Gives me a little more time for planning and preparations and doesn't interfere with all of those surprise romantic getaway plans I'm sure J has up his sleeve for us. *wink*
I'll keep you posted.