It's time to celebrate a day I thought might never happen…

and yet here we are!!!

I'm am so thrilled to announce pre-sales for The Pastry Pedestal Platforms!!

The PP Platform is a clear, lucite stand for displaying The Pastry Pedestal in an upright manner. 

This versatile platform is a fun way to showcase your petite pastries on dessert tables, at parties and

CELEBRATIONS | Annual Neighborhood Patriotic Parade

I love celebrations with a small town/nostalgic feel...
which is why I absolutely love our...

Annual Neighborhood Patriotic (Bike) Parade

 (click the "READ MORE" button below)

HOLIDAY | Easy Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs 

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!
In celebration, I used the NEW Pretty Party Skewers to create some patriotic fruit kabobs!

I'll also be making some Whipped Coconut Cream today...
to bring to a family celebration this afternoon!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day...
celebrating and honoring our service men and women...
along with their families...
who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.

I am grateful for those who have served...
and those who are currently serving!!
THANK YOU!!

RECiPE RADAR | Infused Water

Spa Water...

Herbal Water...

Citrus Water...

Fruit Water...

Botanical Water...

Whatever you choose to call it...

I've been toying with the idea for some time now...
to get out one of my pretty drink dispensers...
fill it up with some water...
and infuse the water with some citrus, herbs and/or fruit.

With Summer approaching...
the idea sounds more and more appealing everyday.

Not only will it look pretty on my countertop...
it'll be a great way to encourage myself and my family to drink more water!

I decided to do a little search on Pinterest to see what I could find...
and I thought you might be inspired to create your own in your favorite flavor combos.
There really are no rules!

Here are a few of my favorites...

Lemon Mint Cucumber Water

by Sweet Designs

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?

FAMiLY | Ella's 4th Birthday

It was Ella's 4th birthday on Wednesday. (November 14th!!) *sigh*

Because of scheduling conflicts...

we just kept things SUPER simple. *gasp*

Trust me.

I fretted over not having a party for her.

The theme was picked.

The invitations were done.

The planning had been underway for several months.

I was fighting a losing battle though.

Life is much busier when you have two teens and a toddler. 

(That could totally be the name of a t.v show) *wink*

BUT...

We still made her feel special...

surprised her with balloons and breakfast in bed...

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw this photo last week...

She got to choose her birthday dinner: Spaghetti

and birthday dessert: Strawberry Cupcakes

And we had dinner, cake and presents with Grandma & Grandpa A.

Here's a 1 minute video I made using Ptch to capture the evening...

http://ptch.com/ptch/50a673608d4f9835a9859021

I would embed the video but Ptch doesn't have that option yet. *frown*

By the way...

Don't judge...

Ella's hair was looking a bit crazy...

And I'm no professional Ptch videographer.

But it's definitely "keeping it real" for you.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Honestly, as I type the words...

I still can't believe I didn't have the party I'd been planning.

I may need therapy to help deal with this loss...

It truly feels like a loss...

a missed opportunity. *heavy sigh*

#momguilt

PHOTOGRAPHY | Homecoming 2012

This weekend was one of those moments in my life...
I didn't really expect to come so soon.

How did my first daughter...
my baby...
suddenly become sixteen...
ready to attend High School Homecoming?

It was just yesterday I was stuffing her backpack for pre-school...
listening to her requests for "oat-ma-meal"...
and singing all of the lyrics to "Titanic" at age two.
Where did the little girl go that used to secretly bury eggs from the refrigerator...
around our yard...
in hopes of them hatching?

There she stood on Saturday...
dressed in a beautiful pink dress...
standing in silver heels...
sparkles in her hair...
a gorgeous young woman...
in the middle of her beautiful close group of girlfriends she's known since elementary school.

Homecoming 2012

I love her.

And I love the "little girl" laughter I can still hear just by looking at these photos...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Honestly...I think I'm in denial.

I can't possibly have a Junior in High School.

I feel much too young...

except when I verbally announce I have a daughter who's a Junior in High School. *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*

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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
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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!?

FEATURE | Curious Cami's 3rd Birthday Party

I absolutely LOVE when passionate customers reach out to me with a design idea for a party they are planning...
I just KNOW the creative results they come up with are going to be good.

Such is the case with Michelle Knox, of I DO Invitations by Michelle.
She approached me about designing an exclusive "Girly Monkey" graphic...
for her daughter's Curious George themed birthday party.
I can't begin to tell you how amazing the party details turned out...
and here's my small contribution...

The exclusively designed "Girly Monkey" I created for Michelle...

You may have even already seen the party featured on HWTM...

or perhaps you were one of the people who voted it a "Reader's Favorite" on Project Nursery?

It's even been featured on Catch My Party...

and has been a favorite "Pin" on Pinterest.

I'm honored to have worked with Michelle...

and I'm thrilled to finally feature it here on Pen N' Paperflowers...

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Party Host: Michelle Knox of I DO Invitations

Celebration Type: 3rd Birthday Party
Party Theme: Girly Curious George
Inspiration: Her daughter's love of Curious George
Color Palette: Red, Pink, Yellow, Green and Blue
Party Style: Fun, Whimsical
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PARTY iNViTATiON

Michelle took the graphic I created for her and whipped up an adorable invitation

PARTY DETAiLS

I'm certain you are going bananas over the vibrant color palette...

and the super cute details in every nook and cranny!!

MY FAVORiTE PARTY DETAiLS

• The trendy chevron pattern used throughout all of the party details

• Those amazing "girly monkey" cake pops

• The use of the fireplace as a backdrop and focal point for the fabulous dessert table

• The adorable DiY cake topper

• The super cute custom cookies

• The incredible "Curious Cami" wooden sign Michelle's husband made. Wow!!

Michelle went above and beyond...

There couldn't have been one detail that was overlooked...seriously!

I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Michelle.

Her sweet little Cami is one lucky girl to have such a talented mom.

VENDOR CREDITS:

• Exclusive "Girly Monkey" graphic: Pen N' Paperflowers

• All Paper Designs + Styling: I DO invitations by Michelle

• Photography: Photos by Vitella

• Custom Monkey Shirt + Curious Name Tees: golden shop

• Cami’s Headband/Clippie: AMK’s Boutique

• Cami’s Necklace: Miss CoCo Designs

• Cupcakes/Cake Pops/Desserts: Lillycakes & Desserts

• Curious Cami/Yellow Hat/Banana/Chevron Cookies: The Cookie Jar

• Monkey Cookies: Allyson Jane

• Cake: Polka Dot Bakery

• Billboard Cake Topper: The Purple Pug

• Chevron Pennant Banner: Paisley Handmade

• Painted Chevron Name Plate: Aedriel Originals

• Red Chevron Table Runner: A to Zebra Celebrations

• Wooden Chevron Spoons/Balloons/Chevron Treat Bags: Shop Sweet Lulu

• Gumballs/Tubes: Polka Dot Market

• Flowers: Town & Country Gardens

• Boxes (stuffed with Tissue Poms): Blumebox

• Large Frame with Cami’s Photo: Poppy Tree Frames

• Monkey Signs/Tree/DIY Ribbon Wreath/Fabric Garland: I DO invitations by michelle

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I would've liked to have posted this right after Michelle sent me all of the photos...

which would've been a few months back. *sigh*

Nonetheless, it's never too late to share the details of an amazing party...