HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy Holidays from Memorable Milestones, may it be blessed and filled with cheer!  We can't wait to see you back in 2012!

Country Living

Homemade Gift Ideas: No Sew Fleece Blankets

Like the Mesh Holiday Wreaths, this too is a project I have on my bucket list to one day complete.  Being from a family of sports lovers I think this is the perfect gift to represent the favorite teams, colors, patterns and/or hobbies of my family members. 

Take a look at the step by step instructions on the Instrucatbles website.

Picture from the Instructables website

Picture from Mudd Puddles and Daisies Blogspot

Peppermint Fudge Sandwhich Cookies

Chocolate & peppermint is my favorite dessert combination.  What's better than that combo in a cookie!  Take a look at this recipe.

¾ cup semisweet chocolate morsels

¼ cup butter

½ cup sugar

1 egg

¾ cup all purpose flour

¼ cup candy canes or peppermints

¼ cup white or semisweet chocolate morsels

Chocolate covered peppermint patties

Picture & Recipe from the Pampered Chef

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line pan with parchment paper.  Combine chocolate morsels and butter and microwave until smooth, stirring every 20 seconds.  Blend in sugar and egg.  Add flour; mix just until flour is incorporated.  Drop spoonfuls, 1 inch apart, onto a pan.  Bake 9-11 minutes or until edges are set.  Meanwhile, crush candy canes or peppermints in plastic bag and set aside.  Microwave white chocolate morsels 30-60 seconds or until melted  and smooth.   Set aside. When cookies are baked, immediately turn over half or the cookies; top with peppermint patties and remaining cookies to form sandwiches.  Drizzle white chocolate over cookies and sprinkle with crushed candies.  Transfer cookies to cooling rack.

Homemade Gift Ideas: Hot Chocolate Cones

It's finally getting cooler here in North Carolina.  I can't remember a time when I've been more excited to wear snow boots and drink hot chocolate. 

Everyone loves a nice cup of hot chocolate with all the fixin's when snow starts to fall.  Consider this super cute DIY gift idea to hand out to your loved ones.  For the instructions to the adorable Hot Chocolate Cone pictured below here and don't forget to make one for yourself!

DIY Hot Chocolate Gift Idea

Nearly ‘Nog Truffles

In honor of the holiday's, this month's recipes will be dedicated to candy and cookie making goodness!  Today we have Nearly 'Nog Truffles that are not only easy to make, but scrumptious as well.  Enjoy making these for yourself or give them as gifts!

If you are not the candy making type, buy these treats here.

8 ounces white chocolate (Bakers Premium White Chocolate baking squares)

¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

¼ cup butter, softened

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

¼ cup toasted finely chopped hazelnuts

Confectioners’ sugar

In a small bowl, microwave chocolate on High, stirring at 30-second intervals, until melted and smooth (about 1 minute total).  Add sugar, butter, and cream, stirring until smooth.  Stir in vanilla, nutmeg, and nuts.

Cover and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.  Let mixture stand at room temperature to soften, about 5 minutes.  Using the larger end of a melon baler, shape mixture into balls.  Store in freezer until serving.  Roll into confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Mesh Holiday Wreaths

We are all busy putting up out holiday decorations and getting in the spirit.  For the past few years I always say I am going to attempt to make a white Mesh Wreath filled with brightly colored mini ornaments.  Again, I told myself the same thing but have yet to embark on that adventure.  While strolling the asiles of AC Moore I found the instructions and picked them up for inspiration, hopefully they will inspire your creative side too!

Picture from Wreath Supplies

Supplies

FloraCraft® Wreath:

16” Straw Wreath, FCASW12C5

Offray® Ribbon:

2-¾” x 10-yds. Red Satin Ribbon, 104552526 (1 Spool)

Nicole™ Crafts Mesh & Mesh Ribbon:

21” x 10-yds. Red Mesh, 104538660 (1 Roll)

2-½” Green Mesh Ribbon, 104573327 (4-yds.)

4” Wood Candy Canes, WOD 5742 (5)

50-pk. Greening Pins, WIR 480

White Cloth-Covered Wire, 104455937

1” Foam Brush, LOW7551

½” Flat Paintbrush

White & Red Acrylic Paint

Assorted Holiday Berries

Hot Glue & Glue Gun

Scissors

Instructions

1. Pin end of satin ribbon to wreath. Wrap ribbon around wreath to cover straw. Secure ribbon

ends with greening pins.

2. Using mesh while on the roll, gather one width end & pin to ribbon-covered wreath.

Slide your hand down the roll of mesh 12”. At 12” bring mesh forward to the starting point

to create your first loop. Secure loop with greening pins. Carry mesh away from wreath

12” more & bring back to wreath for second loop. Secure with greening pins. Continue

in same manner until wreath is filled with mesh loops.

3. Make a multi-looped bow using green mesh ribbon. Secure bow with cloth-covered wire.

Wire bow to bottom of wreath.

4. Paint candy canes white using a foam brush. Let dry. Paint red stripes every ½” to candy

canes. Glue candy canes to wreath.

5. Embellish wreath with berries as shown. Use hot glue to secure berries.

Buffalo Wings

This beautiful plate was waiting for me one night when I got off work.  No we didn't order them!  My awesome boyfriend made them from scratch and they were super scrumptious if I do say so myself.  They certainly made me think twice about the next time I decide to run out and get some wings!

COLOR INSPIRATION: Silver & Gold

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving and is anticipating the upcoming holiday season as much as I am!  In the spirit of the holidays, here is a little color inspiration for you all about a metallic's.  Enjoy!

Invitations set the tone for any event.  Find these on the Wedding Channel Website.

Don't we love a man in a Silver/Gray Suit, its all the rage lately!  Find it at Men's Warehouse.

This beautiful table scape was created by none other than Martha Stewart.

This alternating color scheme is gorgeous!  See more beautiful work from Cupcake Sisters.

This would be a beautiful gift for your ladies, metallic's + monogram, what's not to love.  Shop.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday giving thanks with thier loved ones!

Photo Credit: Country Living

Holiday Wedding - Planning

Thanksgiving through New Years is the most festive time of year, so why not add a wedding to the mix!  I have been working with a bride and her mother planning her December nuptials, and boy has it been a blast.  We spent a day touring her venue, meeting with the caterer and picking out linens and decor for her big day.

We started the day at Greensboro College where the ceremony and reception will take place.  This adorable chapel is definitely a hidden gem in Greensboro.

Next we headed to the Lea Center where the reception will be held. The antiques in the space are so beautiful and have the perfect color pallet for the wedding decor the bride picked out.

To end our day we took a trip to Happy Rentz to talk linens and place settings. After playing with a few ideas, here's a look at what the bride chose.

Stay tuned to see it all come together on the wedding day!

Turkey Tetrazzini

For those of you who want to switch up your typical casserole, this is the recipe for you!  I had this dish at an event, and then saw it in Rachael Ray's October 2011 Magazine.  It was so delicious I had to try it myself and share with you!  I did have to make some substitutions due to preference and not being able to find turkey breast in my local grocery store.  You can find the recipe here, dress it up any way you like! 

Cake Inspiration

I came across this cake and could not take my eyes off of it!  It is one of the most beautiful modern cakes I have seen and I just had to share it.  What do you think??? 

You can find more impeccable work by the talented Amanda Oakleaf on her website, ENJOY!

Lula's Chili

Fall and winter is the best time for comfort foods.  As soon as the weather got cool I could not wait to make this recipe that was given to me by my grandmother.  It is my ABSOLUTE favorite thing to make as soon as summer is over.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

YUMMY!

Don't forget the cornbread!

CHILI

1lb of ground beef

1 can of light red kidney beans (15.5oz)

1 can of pinto beans (15.5 oz)

1 can of tomato soup

2 cans of diced tomatoes with green peppers & onions

1 can of tomato sauce

1 teaspoon of diced garlic

¼ cup of chili powder

1 tablespoon of Onion Salt

1 tablespoon of garlic powder

Salt & Pepper

Season ground beef with salt & pepper.  Brown and drain, and put in a large pot.  Drain cans of beans and one can of diced tomatoes.  Add all three cans, plus un-drained can of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and soup to large pot.  Season with onion salt, garlic powder, chili powder and diced garlic to chili.  Let simmer, covered, until chili is completely warmed through.  Add sour cream and cheese for additional toppings. 

Intimate Military Wedding

This wedding was for a sweet sweet young couple that came together beautifully.  The groom is a soldier who is about to get deployed so the engagement and wedding happened in about a months time.  This beautiful couple celebrated with their closest friends and family, with the most spiritual and emotional wedding I have witnessed in a while. 

Their color pallet was shades of green, in honor of the grooms military service and accented with yellow.  All of the details were carefully selected and designed by the couple.  I wish them the best of luck and thank them for their families sacrifice for our country!

Berry Cakes with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

This recipe came from one of Rachael Ray's fourth of July issues a few years ago. Ever since I baked my first batch of these muffins I can't get enough of them. They are very simple, just the right among of sweetness and can be baked with 1 kind of berry or multiple berries. Take a look at my latest batch of blueberry muffins!

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tablespoons plus 1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup flour

1 cup mixed fresh berries, plus more for garnish

2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly grease a muffin pan. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the eggs and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons cream, the vanilla and the salt and mix until combined, scraping as necessary. Beat in the flour until incorporated. Using a spatula, gently stir in the berries.

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, about three-quarters full. Top each cake with a few berries and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar over the cakes. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few crumbs, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in the pan, then run a knife around the edges and remove.

In a small bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup cream with the confectioners' sugar and cinnamon until soft peaks form. Serve with the cakes.

Adventures in a Pumpkin Patch

This weekend my friends and I took the little ones to the pumpking patch/hay ride at Tanglewood Park.  It was quite an adventure I must say and everyone had so much fun!

Pumpkin Dip

Around this time of year I really enjoy cooking with Pumpkin.  One of my favorite recipes is Pumpkin Dip with Gingersnaps.  It is great for parties served in a hollowed out pumpkin or festive bowl, or great for a lazy day full of relaxing.  Try it out and tell me what you think!

PUMPKIN DIP

2 cups Confectioners’ Sugar

1 (8 oz) package Cream Cheese

1 (15 oz) can Pumpkin

½ tsp Ginger

1 tsp Cinnamon

1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice 

Cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Add pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, mix well.  Place in an air tight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Makes approximately 3 ½ cups.

Serve with ginger snaps, apple slices or graham crackers.

Beautiful Display

V4 Launch!

As you know by now I am borderline obsessed with Southern Weddings Magazine!  If you ask me its practically the best thing since sliced bread.  Like many other readers I've been anxiously awaiting the next issue coming out and get excited everyday as the countdown on their website gets lower and lower.  Imagine my surprise when on a trip to Target, my other obsession, I was able to purchase Volume 4 earlier than expected!

Today is the official release day!  So if you haven't already, head on over to their website and purchase a copy or take a trip to your favorite store and see if you can pick up a copy today.

So excited to open the magazine in the car!

Another Southern Weddings fan!

Chocolate Melting Cake

This is another fabulous dessert I had during dinner on the cruise.  Being the choco-holic that I am, I couldn't resist ordering it twice!

CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE

7 ounces semisweet chocolate

7 ounces butter

6 eggs

3 ounces sugar

4 ounces flour

Melt chocolate and butter together.   Mix half of eggs and sugar and whisk for a few minutes. Add flour. Then add rest of the eggs.  Add egg mix to the melted chocolate mix.  Pour mixture in individual ramekin cups.

Bake in oven at 390 degrees (200 celsius) for 15-20 minutes.

To serve, sprinkle top with powdered sugar and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Rob Smith's 50th Birthday Celebration

A month ago I had the pleasure of attending a 50th Birthday celebration that had been in the planning works for quite some time. 
The party was held in a ballroom at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington Virginia. The staff there was friendly, helpful and awesomely accomodating. The hotel was set in a beautiful location over looking the potomac river and Georgetown University.

Rob was surpised by all the guests that attended. The party lasted into the night, the guest had a great time full of lively dancing music, curtesy of DJ Wiggs, tons of food to try at the many different stations, provided by the marriott, and a beautiful cake provided by Tiffany's Bakery.

Thanks Smith Family for allowing us to take part in this Memorable Milestone!

Strawberry Bisque Soup

This was a fabulous starter that was served on the Carnival Imagination cruise.  I decided to try in on a whim because it sounded so interesting a cold strawberry soup, needless to say I absolutely fell in love.  Soon after I got home I googled it and was overjoyed to find this recipe!  Not only was the soup delicious, but the presentation was beautiful too.  This is a delicious starter that anyone is sure to love!

STRAWBERRY BISQUE SOUP

2 cups frozen strawberries

1 cup milk

1/2 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons sugar

Fresh mint, for flavor and garnish

Puree strawberries, milk, cream and sour cream in blender or food processor until smooth.  Stir in sugar.  Chill 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator before serving

Carnival Imagination

I am very blessed to have experienced an awesome vacation with a very wonderful boyfriend and our very close friends on a Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas.  We opted for a beginning of fall 3 day trip to Nassau for our very first trip together.  It was truly perfect filled with tons of rest, relaxation, eating, laughing, shopping and exploring!

Ocean View Room

A wait staff that also entertains during dinner!

Me and Kimili, my boyfriend, just docked in Nassau 

View from the ship

Entire ship from the dock

Banana Boats!

Group photo