housewarming party

Cute yellow + white themed housewarming party from everyday obsession.

cloud cookies

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

kid-sized buffet

I'm still planning to one day replicate the kid-sized buffet in this back issue of Blueprint (pictured in the bottom far right). The 'buffet' appears to be composed of three LACK tables from IKEA (cheap enough to buy just for a party at $8/table) scooted together. How fun would it be to have a kid-sized 'favor buffet' or have small snacks set out their level? Or perhaps an Amy Atlas-inspired mini treat table? It would definitely have to be for the 3+ year old crowd (I can't imagine my almost two year old being able to control himself with a small table of treats), but perhaps something I will contemplate for his next birthday.

preppy birthday

Check out this cute party setup for Winnie's 5th birthday!

the splendid table

I stumbled upon a program this weekend from NPR called The Splendid Table. Apparently I've been in the dark for a long time- the radio show has been around for almost 10 years. The host, Lynne Kasper, explores various aspects of food. One segment I heard was a caller trying to make a dish they had tasted at a restaurant, and asking Lynne's advice for what might be in it. She and her guests also travel the nation looking for the best taste-based adventures, among many other things! The best part? The show is available FREE as a podcast, and can be downloaded directly into iTunes right here.

image via domino

kitschy = fun

Many times kitsch is tacky, but sometimes kitsch can be fun! Particularly for parties. I pulled some of my favorite old school cupcake toppers from Etsy. Curious George, stork, record players, beer cans, boom boxes and bowling toppers from ThePeach; vintage Santa cupcake picks from GrowHome; ballerinas and strawberries from sweetpoppy; and white birds from theCandyShoppe.

bulk candy sources

Hostess With The Mostess posted these great sources for bulk candy and containers on Simply Stated earlier this week. For the full article, click here.

bulk candy:

www.sweetfactory.com

www.candywarehouse.com

www.candyfavorites.com

www.blaircandy.com

www.groovycandles.com

www.oldtimecandy.com

containers and candy scoops:

www.amazon.com

www.save-on-crafts.com

www.target.com

www.jamaligarden.com

www.ablekitchen.com

www.acemart.com

photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

naomi stalker

Hello Naomi! (via Flickr) must think I am stalking her. I am obsessed with all of her gorgeous cupcakes! I only wish she lived close enough for me to taste the goods (she's an Australian). Above are some photos from her first wedding cake creation. Bravo, Naomi!

mmm...IZZE!

I discovered IZZE drinks through a friend of mine, who is OBSESSED with them! She talks about her beloved Pomegranate with such reverence, and seeks out IZZE anywhere she goes. I soon saw why she had such a fixation.

IZZE drinks not only look good, but taste good, too. I can see these cans gracing a well-stocked cooler at a party, or even set out on the counter.

When the same friend of mine (a shop-owner) tried to stock IZZE in her store a couple of years back, they were told that the drink company had an exclusive contract with Starbucks. Happily enough, it looks like IZZE has since wised up and are now offering their beverages through several other outlets, including World Market (currently on SALE!) and Amazon.

Some other interesting facts from their website: IZZE was founded in 2002 by two friends who set out to create a distinctive natural beverage while contributing to a higher purpose. IZZE sparkling juice, an all-natural blend of pure fruit juice and sparkling water, is free of caffeine, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. It is naturally sweetened with fruit juice only. IZZE's philanthropic focus is to improve people's lives through education and to encourage literacy by providing books and educational opportunities to those in need. IZZE brings this focus to life through a partnership with Global Education Fund.

brilliant!

I actually started drooling when I saw the amazing creations of 'hello naomi' on flikr. Not only are the cupcakes and cookies little works of art in and of themselves, the backgrounds elevate them to a higher level of brilliance! I think she has a future as a food stylist. Unfortunately, Naomi hails from Austrailia, so those of us in the States will just have to admire them from afar. Next week, I promise to move on from my cupcake obsession, but these photos seemed the perfect way to send you off for the weekend. For more photos of Naomi's amazing delights, go to www.flickr.com/photos/hello_naomi/collections/72157602788113356

yum

One big giant cupcake...how yummy. This enormous cupcake measures 6 inches high and 7 inches across. Of course, you have to buy a specialty pan to make it, but I'm sure creative types could improvise! Available at Williams-Sonoma for $35. (image courtesy of www.williamssonoma.com)