One of the greatest gifts I've been given from having started this blog years + years ago has been the opportunity to discover, find, meet and even befriend some incredibly talented, creative + kind people.

Pam of August + May Design Co. is one of those people.
We actually met on Instagram but this blog is ultimately the crux of how my IG account was started, thus allowing Pam and I to discover each other on that platform.

Earlier this week I received this surprise box of beautiful things she created and I am just so grateful for her friendship and her creative gifts.

Pam creates beautiful things. Among her many talents, she teaches watercolor classes and if she didn't live all the way in Austin, Texas I would attend on a regular basis. I love these simple, gorgeous botanicals she created and can't wait to have them framed and hanging in my home.

Speaking of Texas, those of you who've been following me on Instagram know I was able to meet Pam in real life when my cousin and I travelled to Waco, Texas last December. Pam drove from Austin to Waco to meet up with us and she was wonderful. She took us to her favorite little shoppes and a delicious Taco spot for lunch in Waco. And you may also remember I purchased some of her pretty things at the Linen + Cake shoppe in Waco too ...including some of her pretty tassels. (see my "Magnolia" highlights bubble on IG).

I was so excited to see she included two more of her beautiful tassels in the surprise box she sent. I just love the combination of the raw wood beads and the different yarn selections she uses.

So yes...I've been crushing on her pretty things for some time and now these sweet + simple gift tags she sent may be a new obsession for me. I'm not sure how I'll ever be able to use them...they're just so pretty.

These two pretties absolutely stole my heart. The fact that Pam hand-lettered Ella's name on one and then signed the back of the other with a sweet note makes these both so super special. In fact, when Ella saw the one with her name on it she's been begging to have it - and I keep putting her off. *wink*

Everything is just so lovesome...I'm smitten with it all!
Thank you for your generosity Pam...and for the sweet friendship I now cherish.

You can find all of Pam's pretty things right here...

August + May Co. on:
Instagram 
Etsy Shoppe
Pinterest
Facebook

And while you are on Instagram...you should SO check out the video I created of when I opened the surprise box Pam sent!! CLICK HERE - and if you don't hear any music using this link, just go straight to my Instagram to watch it. *wink*

Love you friends!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I had Pam's box for almost 5 days before I could open it because I knew I wanted to create
THIS VIDEO to document and share everything and my summer schedule didn't allow for it right away. It was driving me nuts because I had no idea as to what was inside but I just knew I'd love everything! And I did.

GIFT IDEA | Valentine's Day Lindt Bar Wrappers

A few weeks ago I took a poll in my Instagram stories asking for feedback on some custom Valentine's Day candy bar labels for Lindt's footlong candy bar I recently came across.

I loved the feedback I received...there were so many fun responses.
I ended up combining similar answers and the majority of responses that came through to create 11 different FREE WRAPPERS/LABELS for you to print and use as gifts + treats for Valentine's Day!

The selections include candy bar wrappers for teachers, principals, besties, coaches, friends, and more.

I found these GIANT FOOT-LONG Lindt Bars in my local grocery store for $5.99 - just happened to pass by them one day!! 

They really make a statement and the custom labels help to make them extra special + personalized to gift to the people you love!

I'm taking things a step further and gifting the chocolate bars to all three of my girls along with one of these ADORABLE + super soft stuffed animals that are filled with organic french lavender.

Have you seen these?  These cuties are so snuggly and weigh about 2-3 pounds and can also be heated up in the microwave for some added warmth for cuddle time.

This sweet puppy is for Ella but Ema is getting this adorable Koala Bear and Clara's puppy is sold out but here is one that's similar. 


Friends...as a mama who has struggled with anxiety issues my entire life and having two daughters that struggle as well...these are SUCH a perfect gift. The lavender creates calm, the heaviness of the animal creates security and the softness gives comfort. 

I love them so much I want to get one for myself. *wink*

So, whether you decide to just stick with the chocolate bars...
or add in a plush stuffed animal...
I really hope you're inspired to try at least one of these options.

You could even save the stuffed animal idea for EASTER!!!

Here's all you need to make the Customized Candy Bars Labels...

SUPPLIES
1 - Valentine's Day Lindt Bar Candy Bar Wrapper
1 - sheet of 8.5x11" white card stock
1 - 10.6 oz. Lindt Chocolate Bar <--- this link is from Amazon but I found mine for $5.99 at Publix
Clear Tape to secure wrapper on back
Ribbon (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Print Candy Bar Wrapper onto 8.5x11" white card stock.
2. Wrap around candy bar and secure with tape.
3. Crease edges for a nice finish.
4. Add a ribbon if you'd like to jazz it up a bit.

TIP: If you don't like the gold outer packaging unwrap it to find a plain silver foil wrapped candy bar inside.

Love you friends!!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
There are soooo many different adorable plush stuffed animals to choose from I really don't know which one to pick for myself. Ha!! It took me forever to pick out the ones for the girls.

And honestly, Clara picked out a pink elephant at first and then traded it for the puppy because the elephant nose was a little awkward to snuggle with. (I didn't tell her what i was getting, I just gave her a few "stuffed animal" options to choose from and then when she realized what it was for she chose something she could really get cozied up to). *wink*

GIFT IDEA | Mother's Day 2016

Hello friends!
Looking for a simple gift idea for Mother's Day?
The "Thank You, Mom" book by M.H. Clark from Compendium is a great way to really tell your mom how much you appreciate all that she's done for you through the years. It's filled with quotes and statements that touch on the care she's given, how she's really defined what family means and the love she shares. The book manages to wrap up all the "feels" a simple card can't possibly do.

Besides that, it's a pretty book she can leave on her nightstand and read over and over for years to come. (AND...you can order it on Amazon and it'll arrive in plenty of time - especially if you are an Amazon Prime member). *wink*

This is one of my favorite quotes in the book!
I'm actually considering personalizing the book I'm giving my mom by going through and adding any little extra sentiments or even memories I want to share.

I'm thinking this book would be perfect for pairing with this Wild Honeysuckle Candle from Anthropologie and a pretty bouquet of her favorite blooms. I'll be including this charming Mother's Day Flowers Card too! And I'll probably have to throw in a bag of her favorite candy...just because.

What ideas have you come up with for the moms in your life?
I'd love to be inspired so please share! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm typically a last-minute planner when it comes to gift-giving so I feel pretty proud of myself for being on top of things. Now all I have to do is figure out where we should go for brunch this year.

P.S. Want to know what I asked for? A gift card to Stitch Fix. *laughing*
I told you I was addicted already! 

COMING SOON | Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

Oh yes!! Just in time for Valentine's Day!!
These charming labels are on the way...stay tuned for the FREE PRINTABLES!!

While you are waiting, go pick up some Ghirardelli chocolate bars at your local CVS! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'd keep working the post but I'm thinking my kids would be really upset with me if I didn't pick them up from school. Ha! Gotta run!!

I should have the links available for everyone in a few hours - but just couldn't wait to share!!

GiFT iDEA | Teachers Who Love Teaching

We can't forget about sharing the love with our teachers for Valentine's Day!
Print, frame and tie it up with a pretty ribbon. Done!

I created this for a friend of mine who asked me to design something pretty using this ever popular quote by Robert J. Meehan! Download it for FREE TODAY ONLY and make that teacher in your life feel extra loved!

xoxo sweet friends!!
Jessica

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Shhhh. The roses in the photo are nearly two weeks old.
Blurring them out and cropping out the wilted and browned ones still makes for a pretty picture..dont' you think!?  You'd have never known!!*wink*

iNSPiRE | Our Story is My Favorite Love Story Art Print

a Pen + Paper Flowers original quote - please do not copy!

Good morning friends!!
Valentine's Day is on our heels and I'm way behind in my preparations, how about you?
If you are scrambling to come up with something, and you missed me mentioning the "Our Story is my Favorite Love Story" art print, it might just be the missing detail for your special day. You can print + frame this to give to the love(s) of your life - including your kiddos. 
Toss in some candy or flowers and I'd say you are good to go!!

DOWNLOAD THE ART PRINT HERE - comes in three sizes!

I pinky promise to share with you the cute Valentine's Day ideas I have TOMORROW!!
(one of which is a FREE printable I'm using for Ella's 1st grade Valentine Exchange on Friday).

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Pretty sure I'll be "MINC-ing" this art print and using it as part of my master bedroom makeover.
P.S. I think the meds are starting to kick in but I completely lost ALL steam after yesterday's post!!
P.P.S. I answered your questions about Pens and Gold Foiling...just in case you missed it! *wink*

GIFT IDEAS | Stocking Stuffers

Barr-Co. Hand Cream

image source Anthropologie

We are days away from Christmas and if you are like me...
you are trying to find time to wrap all of the presents and frantically wrapping up any loose ends between today and tomorrow.

I typically leave stocking stuffers until the last minute, however, this year, I was on top of things!
I started hoarding finding things at the very beginning of November so I am all up on my stocking stuffer game this year!! *wink*

I do have to admit, I personally do not have a stocking for myself.
I only have three stockings actually...one for each of the girls.
And honestly, I don't even like the stockings I have - they are super old and I have outgrown them - like 10 years ago. I keep saying I'm going to buy new ones and it never happens. (next year). *wink*

BUT...I was dreaming of stocking stuffers for myself the other day and found these pretty little things from Anthropologie.

I thought you might like some of these too and perhaps you'll be inspired to add them to your own last-minute stocking stuffer wish list too!

Illume Holiday Hand Cream 

image source Anthropologie

 MOR Lip Macaron Tin

image source Anthropologie

Pumpkin Soufflé Candle 

image source Anthropologie

Raised Bloom Kitchen Whisks 

image source Anthropologie

Tocca Rollerball Perfume

image source Anthropologie

Come to think of it, maybe I should add "new stocking" to my stocking stuffer wishlist?
What do you all have on your wish lists? I'd love to know.

And do any of you have any recommendations or suggestions for a great place to find some pretty, creamy white stockings? Heirloom quality?

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I did almost 100% of my shopping online this year.
Lights are on the house - and we added two new lighted wreaths this season! They look so pretty!
Christmas tree is up and almost completely decorated. (need to add the angel and a few more bows)!
I've wrapped six presents. Yay me!!
Still waiting on Office Depot to finish printing my NEW Hot Cocoa Bar sign I ordered 5 days ago. *grrrr*
I've baked lots of cookies, (including these oreo reindeer cookies) and admit I've eaten way too many of them all. Which is why I'm totally doing THIS! and THIS! 
Still need to bottle up the homemade vanilla extract I've been letting sit all year long in preparation for gifting.
And...drumroll please....
I ordered my New Year's Cards TODAY...because it's too late for Christmas.
(There's a camera/photo shoot story that plays into the late cards - I'll have to post about it!) *wink*

RECIPE | Cranberry Orange Christmas Bread

 Looking for a delicious sweet bread recipe this holiday season?
This Cranberry Orange Bread may be just what you've been searching for.
The fresh citrus zest in the glaze is soooo yummy and fresh cranberries are in season right now so you may as well put them to good use. *wink*

Not only is it a delicious bread, it's pretty + festive making this the perfect treat to make for your family for Christmas morning or as a food gift idea for teachers, neighbors, friends + co-workers or even your mail delivery person.

I made mini loaves for the Christmas Brunch table I created for the current issue of Romantic Homes Magazine. I wrapped each mini loaf in plastic wrap after the glaze dried and then "hugged" each loaf with a white paper doily by tying a piece of ivory lace around the loaf to secure. Add some faux holly berries as a cute accent. Done + Darling! 

This idea doubles as a cute place setting as well as a take-home treat if you happen to be hosting a Christmas Brunch this year.

I also made a medium sized Cranberry Orange Loaf for the brunch table to allow guests to sample the bread yet save their mini loaf at their place setting to enjoy at home later.

It's such a pretty and festive sweet bread with the contrast of the cranberries baked inside! Don't you agree? You've got to try this!!

CRANBERRY-ORANGE CHRISTMAS BREAD

Makes 1 medium loaf or 9 petite loaves

INGREDIENTS
Bread Loaf
1+1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 large orange (save 1 tsp for glaze)
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 TBSP fresh orange juice (from tested orange)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh, chopped cranberries (or 1/2 cup of dried cranberries)

Orange Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1+1/2 TBSP fresh orange juice (from tested orange)
1 tsp fresh orange zest

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray loaf pan(s) with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.

3. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and fresh orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the two together until the sugar becomes fragrant and turns a very pale shade of orange. (this is my favorite part! It's so fragrant and smells soooo good!) Whisk the sugar mixture into the flour mixture. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, add the wet ingredients. Whisk together until combined thoroughly.

5. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the cranberries using a spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s).

6. Bake according to the pan size you've selected (see below) or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. If necessary, loosely drape a piece of tin foil over the loaf pan to prevent over-browning during the last 10 minutes of baking.

7. Remove the bread from the the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan. Loosen the bread from the sides of the cavity using a knife or small spatula. Carefully lift and remove the loaf from the pan. Cool it completely on the wire rack.

8. Prepare the orange glaze while the loaf cools. Combine the powdered sugar, orange juice and orange zest in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. Add more orange juice if necessary until an icing consistency is reached. Use a spoon or small whisk to drizzle the glaze onto the cooled bread. Slice and serve.

If packaging for food gifts, allow the glaze to dry and harden (20-30 minutes) before wrapping in plastic wrap.

Bread can be stored for two to three days in an airtight container or in plastic wrap.

Makes
(A) 1 - 8 1/2 x 4 1/2" loaf pan (I used something similar to this Wilton Medium Loaf Pan)
(B) or 1 - 9 cavity 2 1/2" x 3 3/8" petite loaf pan (I used this Wilton 9-cavity petite loaf pan)

Baking Times (may vary depending on finish of loaf pans)
(A) - 70-75 minutes
(B) - 20-30 minute

Looking for other holiday recipes?
You might want to try these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls from a few years ago?
Or these Mason Jar Lid Cookies!

Speaking of cookies...remember this Cookie Exchange Party Idea?
If you are prepping to host your own Cookie Exchange, I've been pinning some fun ideas to my Cookie Exchange Pinterest Board.

KEEPING IT REAL
With the busyness of life, I did a terrible job at spreading the word about the fact that I was in two back-to-back issues of Romantic Homes Magazine. My Hot Chocolate Bar was featured in the November issue of Romantic Homes and then I styled a Christmas Brunch for their December issue which is currently on newsstands. I'll be sharing the entire brunch here on the blog this week so stay tuned!

GIFT IDEA | I Love You Mom Book by M.H. Clark + Giveaway

If you are fortunate enough to still have your mom here on this earth with you, you are going to want to add this "I Love You Mom" book to your gift list for her.  Although it's perfect for Mother's Day coming up, it's also equally perfect for her birthday, Christmas or even just as a surprise for no reason at all...except with the intention to show her how much you love her.

This sweet question + answer book is filled with space and opportunity to for you truly express gratitude for the things she has done and continues to do, as well as gives you a place to write down the memories and the little things you love about her.

The sweet prompts on the left side of the pages, ("When people tell me I'm so much like you, it's usually because... OR "Even though I sometimes disagree with you, when I look back now, I'm so grateful that you... AND "Looking back, I don't know how you found the energy, but you always managed to...and so many more), make it easy to then share your feelings, thoughts or memories as it relates to the prompt. I just LOVE this whole concept and idea.

In addition to the blank pages provided for you to write your thoughts + answers, there are wonderful quotes within the pages as well.

My own mom will be receiveing a copy of this book along with a pretty kitchen dishtowel + a set of dish cloths from The Vintage Home Studio.  I'm certain we'll also be doing a combined Mother's Day Brunch or something along those lines.

The generous people at Compendium would like to send out a copy of "I Love You Mom" to three different readers. If you'd like to get your name in the pot simply stay tuned to my Instagram feed for a giveaway coming later this afternoon/evening!

If you'd rather skip the giveaway you can just order the I Love You Mom book by M.H. Clark.

LOVE all of the inspiring gifts + books from Compendium. They've gotten a lot of new products in recently and I'll be sharing some more with you soon!

Speaking of books...don't forget we started The Secret Language of Flowers on May 1st.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
My mom just recently had to say goodbye to her other Jack Russell, Skippy.  He's been with her (and as part of our family) for 17 years and she's been devastated. Skippy + Maggie were her children and having lost Maggie about 8 months ago, losing Skippy 2 weeks ago was even more difficult. I think she and I should skip the Mother's Day brunch and have a spa day together. We both could use a day of relaxation!

BAKING | Streuseldoodles :: Cookie Recipe

So, this past Sunday, I hosted our annual family Cookie Baking party.
I spent the afternoon with my mom, daughters, aunt, and cousins covered in flour and all of us up to our eyeballs in sugar, butter and frosting. I had my happy Holiday Baking Playlist going in the background while we baked…and baked…and baked the afternoon away.

This year, my oldest daughter, Clara, and I decided to get a little crazy and come up with a signature holiday cookie. Since she LOVES Snickerdoodles and is a professional at whipping them out with perfection, we decided to start with our favorite Snickerdoodle recipe as our cookie base. To make them a little more special and "signature worthy" we added a streusel topping for some extra crunch and fun holiday flair! *wink*

We call these STREUSELDOODLES!!
Clara came up with the clever catchy name too - she's nothing short of brilliant!

I thought you might like the recipe so here it is…
just in case you are looking for something a little fun and different to make for your neighbors, mail carriers, teachers, office staff, etc.

STRUESELDOODLES
Makes 4-5 dozen

Struesel Topping
1 TBSP. Sugar
2/3 cups pecans, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 TBSP. unsalted butter, melted

Mix sugar, pecans and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in bowl.
Stir in melted butter. Set aside.

Cookies
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 TBSP. sugar + 2 tsp. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350º.
Beat sugar and butter together in large bowl until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla and eggs - mix until well blended.
Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt, mixing well.

In small bowl, combine 2 TBSP. of sugar + 2 tsp. cinnamon, stirring until completely blended.

Shape cookie dough into 1" balls.
Roll in cinnamon/sugar mixture and place on ungreased cookie sheet.
Using your thumb, press down in the center of each cookie ball to create a well.
Spoon in about 1 tsp. of the Streusel topping and press down lightly.
Bake at 350º for 10 - 14 minutes - or until a light golden brown finish.
Remove immediately from oven and cool on wire racks.

TIP:
These cookies are meant to be eaten when they are soft so I recommend baking and gifting them the same day for best results!!  OR…you can try adding a couple of slices of bread to the airtight container or ziploc bag you are storing them in so as to maintain moisture.

And here we all are!!
I love the flour on Clara's sleeve with all of us crazies in the background!
We had a total of 8 bakers in the kitchen this year and I just
LOVE the selfie group shot Clara got of all of us.

Thanks for the photo AND the Strueseldoodle cookie idea Clara!!
And thanks to all of my family for actually showing up every year!! *wink*

And would you look at all of the cookies we made!!

A very successful and fun afternoon hosting my Holiday Cookie Baking Day with family! #cookiesfordays #familyfirst #holidaycookiebaking

A photo posted by Jessica Kirkland (@pnpflowers) on Dec 12, 2014 at 4:25pm PST

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Clara and I had much grander plans for these cookies originally.
Not only were we going to add the streusel to the top…
we were also going to make a cinnamon cream cheese frosting and create sandwich cookies out of these. The top cookies would've had the streusel and then we were going to add a small drizzle of white royal icing for presentation. (and packaging)
BUT…after sampling the cookies with just the streusel we knixed the frosting idea altogether.
It would've been too much. The simplicity of the snickerdoodle + streusel topping was perfect all on its own. Simple is always better. Right?

Also…it HAS to be mentioned that our first batch of Snickerdoodles we attempted to make the night before were a #cookiefail - Clara We put double the amount of butter so we had Snickerdoodle pancakes - not cookies. Ha!!

THEN Kalie and Clara we had a #royalicingfail on baking day for the sugar cookies too. Despite having to dump 3 pounds of icing down the sink, we all found ourselves laughing about my one sentence response to the disaster: "It cannot be saved!" (said with a British accent) - I just may end up having the statement printed onto t-shirts in hashtag format for our party next year: #ItCannotBeSaved

LIFE | Happy Birthday to Me :: Demdaco Art Heart

Today is my birthday and J surprised me with a small, thoughtful gift this morning: An Art Heart by Demdaco

It's so darling - I hadn't seen them before and he pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one...
I love keys.
I love hearts.
I love tassels.
I love scripted lettering.
I love chalkboard backgrounds.
I love unique.
I love limited edition.
I love Demdaco products.
I love Hallmark - which is where he got this.

What's so cool about this is that you can either hang it from the tasseled cord OR you can insert the adorable key into the keyhole on the back of the heart and it acts as a stand to display it upright. Too cute!!

"Art Hearts is a curated collection of limited edition sculpted hearts. Each unique design was created by one of many contributing artists. Look on the back of each limited edition heart to find the name of the artist whose work is featured."

Of course the "Love You More" sentiment is something J says to me all of the time…
so it really is perfect.

I'll be celebrating my birthday this week on the blog by sharing the "About" page that I keep writing and re-writing and editing and second-guessing and changing!!
I figured my birthday week couldn't be better timing to tell you a little bit more about myself…
so watch for it to post!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
The funeral Friday was emotionally draining…and healing at the same time.
There were so many people that attended to honor and remember my cousin Holly - I was so touched.
I was able to help with a couple of the personal touches for the service and will share more about that and what I've learned and what I've taken away from this family tragedy. I really want to share more about all of that next week because I think it's important…not just for myself but because I feel there are some of you out there who may benefit from hearing about my experience through all of this. Love you all so much!

CRAFT | Make Pretty Things :: Heidi Swapp

Remember me mentioning my desire to dive back into scrapbooking? To rekindle that love affair for it when I was a design team member for an online scrapbooking site. To revisit the passion I shared with so many others...back when attending scrapbooking conferences was cool and I met this superstar.

Scrapbooking conferences and retreats have been replaced with blogging-focused events over the last five or so years as a direct result of scrapbooking having taken a backseat to creative pursuits. I've watched so many of my favorite scrapbooking stores close down over the years and have sadly watched the scrapbooking aisles in my favorites craft stores shrink from 3 to 4 full aisles down to only one - maybe two.  

But change is coming friends!  I'm seeing a clear shift and it's been

SHARE | FUN Gift Ideas from Uncommon Goods

You guys!!! Have you ever checked out the Uncommon Goods website?

I am in LOVE with all of the unique products and gift items they have available.
I have put together a collage of some of my favorite things from their Personalized Gifts section (see above) but they are all just too cute not to give you

LOVE iT | Pretty Flower Cookies

Mother's Day is coming up quick…
and I bet you are thinking that's a cupcake packaged up all pretty in the box above…aren't you?
I was fooled a little bit too…but it's actually a gorgeous flower COOKIE!

Today I want to share some super pretty cookies from Kelly Barkhurst…
owner of Oh Kelly's, Specialty Cakes and Cookies.

Kelly reached out to me asking for permission to use the FREE Mother's Day tags I recently shared here on the blog. She wanted to use them as part of her packaging for her pretty cookies! I said "sure!" and then asked for her to send some pictures so I could see how it turned out.  I LOVE them!! (oh! and the tags too!) Ha!!

It looks like Oh Kelly's is prepping for the launch of an Etsy store!
I'm excited for Kelly and her new, upcoming adventure and wish her all the luck in the world with her
darling pastries. Thank you so much for reaching out to me Kelly! Your photos turned out wonderful and I am so happy to share them here on the blog! I love what you did with the Mother's Day tags - they look beautiful next to your pretty pastries! 

Aside from Mother's Day, I think these cookies would be perfect for Teacher Appreciation as well as baby and bridal showers!


KEEPiNG iT REAL
How the heck is it already May, people?
I'm freaking out just a little bit because May is a month of milestones…
My oldest turns eighteen and she also graduates from high school!
Noooo!!

Last week was exceptionally busy.
I finally received the new shipment of The Pastry Pedestal and Platforms
that have been backordered for what seems like FOREVER and guess what? We were sold out by Saturday! Eeeks!! New order has already been placed - fingers crossed it doesn't take nearly as long to receive.

On top of that, I sent J and Ella off on Friday to Illinois for 5 days to visit with J's parents and family.
I also spent most of my weekend helping Clara prep for her Senior Prom on Saturday night!
Looking forward to sharing pictures from that…when I actually have time to edit photos! Ha!!

COOKIES | Rainbow Unicorn Birthday Party :: Paint-by-Party Sugar Cookies

You guys…I'm totally gushing today about one of the cutest parts of Ella's Rainbow Unicorn Party. It's not only adorable but it's brilliant because it is a party "activity" that becomes an edible party favor.

I had the privilege to work with Lisa from Flourish Sweet Shop again while planning Ella's birthday party. (remember the "Love You to the Moon" cookies she made)? When I mentioned to her Ella's request to be able to color rainbows as one of the party activities, Lisa mentioned a new cookie concept she'd been playing around with and I knew it was exactly what I needed for Ella's party.

Rainbow Unicorn "Paint-by-Party" Sugar Cookies

These 100% edible “Paint-by-Party Cookies” by Flourish Sweet Shop (FSS) were designed for