livin' la vida brooke

If I were a celebrity, I, too, would hire Amy Atlas to design a desert table for my little ones. I don't see that happening anytime soon, so alas, I'll live vicariously through Brooke Shields (table above for her daughter, Grier). Cute. Photo by Allan Zepeda.

cloud cookies

Heavenly cookies (plus a how-to!) from Nikole at Forty Sixth at Grace.

cupcake birthday

This 8th birthday party is adorable! The girls became 'cupcake chefs' for a couple of hours. First, they went nuts decorating their own apron with fabric markers. Once they were finished, they headed over to a cupcake decorating station. Each girl had their own gigantic cupcake to polish off however they wished. For the full rundown and sources, head over to Amanda's Violet Hours.

in need of sesame street inspiration

Mom Jenilee is looking for inspiration for a Sesame Street-themed birthday party... specifically for food, decorations or games. I found these great cake pops from Bakerella that fit the bill. Other thoughts?

cakes for the older set

I'm in love with these cakes from Melissa! Check out the Wii remote, iphone, and man cake (made to resemble his Mii character). Wouldn't some of these make great groom cakes at a wedding? So much more at Cake Hero.

i spy: amy atlas-inspired tables!

Imitation is the best form of flattery, right?

Amy Atlas' name has become synonymous with highly-styled, fabulous, dessert-laden tables. The look has been copied around the globe. Did she 'invent' the look? What do you think? Martha Stewart Weddings has done brilliant 'dessert buffets' for years, but Amy has created so many gorgeous tables in this style that there is no doubt the look has become her own.

*If you guessed the top photo was Martha Stewart and the all-pink bottom photo was Amy's, you were right!

Tables above from: martha stewart weddings; scissors.paper.cake; sharnel/cupcake company; shauna young; baby lifestyles; amy atlas

sweet things

Some sweet things to kick off the week from Scissors Paper Cake.

j'adore...

...these cupcake holders from Australia's details, details. If only I could find these in the States! Anyone know of a source?

update: readers saved the day (as usual!) and located these exact cups at Bake it Pretty (see comments section) here in the US. Thanks, everyone!

donut snowmen

Snow is in the forecast for tomorrow- yet again. I'm just glad it's not a school day for us (last time it was cancelled)! To get in the spirit I'm lusting after these donut snowmen from Matthew Mead. Or maybe it's just because I'm on my post-baby diet. Either way, I think they're super cute!

little boy blue (and green)

Love, love, love this party from Sharnel. What a sophisticated twist for a little boy's birthday!

(via Chelsea)

heart macarons

Smitten with these heart macarons (from williams sonoma).

sweet paul

While I won't go so far as to declare this paper straw week, I seem to be finding beautiful paper straw inspiration everywhere. Some loveliness from sweet paul. The photo feels reminiscent of last week's ice cream social.

bake sale

I still love this story from MS Kids Back to School issue- makes me want to have a bake sale!

neviepiecakes

I am definitely smitten with the latest creations from neviepiecakes. Sadly for me, the uber-talented mum, Natasha, is from Britain - but I am definitely admiring (and being inspired) from afar.

in case you missed it...

This adorable DIY ice cream sundae bar has been making its way around the blogosphere, but I couldn't resist sharing just a few snippets. For more of this beauty, check out the original post at Eat Drink Chic!

birthday candle round-up

I've just starting brainstorming ideas for my son's November birthday, and have come across some very fun birthday candles. 

My favorites, above: Tag animal candles via lmnop; skinny candles (also available in sparkler version) from layer cake shop; birthday girl and animal toothpick candles from hey yo yo; number, taper and candelabra candle from plum party.