Leaving...on a Jet Plane...

Last week I posted about our Europe trip here.  The day has finally arrived!  I have mixed emotions; some anxiety, stress, but mostly...pure excitement!  One of my biggest concerns...how am I going to get everything I need for three weeks into this?

We are in for an adventure, to say the least!  Prayers for safe travel would be appreciated.  We feel so blessed and we couldn't be more thankful for the chance to go on this trip.  I hope to soak it all in and come back with lots of inspiration! Life is sweet, isn't it?

Bon Voyage,

Ashley

Currently Lusting Over...

This amazing 3-Tier Stand from Pottery Barn!  It seems as if there is no limit to what it can do! OK, I'm getting a little too excited here, but really, what functionality! 

The bummer is...it's $69.00 (yes, sixty-nine dollars!).   Although I am quite smitten over this little gem, I cannot bring myself to spend that much money on it.  Maybe I'll get creative and figure out a way to make one...or better yet, come across a (cheaper) replica!

Until then, I will continue having sweet dreams of someday owning this piece...

 Ashley

Cornflower Blue & Lemon Yellow

Yesterday I had the pleasure of cohosting a Bridal Shower for a coworker and friend.  The bride met her groom at our wedding  two years ago (he was my husband's best man) - how cool is that? It was a great evening spent with wonderful ladies!

Also, check out this beautiful cornflower blue & lemon yellow inspiration board from Snippet & Ink!  I'm sort of loving the cholor scheme.  

 

Wedding Season is upon us!

Ashley

Frosting Essentials!

I am a big fan of all things homemade, but let's face it, baking isn't always a "quick" task.  I've found these four items to be very helpful when whipping up any kind of cake.

1.  Creamy White Decorator Icing:  Comes in a 4.5lb tub (which will yield about 9 cups of frosting).  Great for piping or decorating.  Keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks after use.

2.  Clear Vanilla Extract:  Adds a touch of vanilla flavor to premade icing and doesn't change the color of the icing at all.  (love it!)

3.  White-White Icing Color:  Homemade buttercream frosting tends to have a slight yellow color to it.  This magic little potion somehow turns the frosting bright white with just a few drops! 

4.  Icing Colors:  These are my go-to icing colors.  Much better than the bottles you can buy at the grocery store.  These allow you to achieve the perfect hue by adding however much color you need.  They also come in a wide variety of shades.

All of the above items are available on the Wilton website or at your local Michael's. 

Happy Baking!

Ashley

  

Nine Days & Counting

Until my hubby and I hop on a plane to go here...

And then get on a train to go here...

And finally end here!

We have had our Europe trip planned for quite some time and as the day approaches, we can hardly contain our excitement!  We will be backpacking and staying everywhere on the cheap so it will definitely be an adventure.

You can also believe that I will definitely be enjoying quite a bit of this...

I hope to come back with many sweet ideas and inspiration!

Ashley

Lingerie Shower {Inspiration}

Working on the invitations for my best friend's Lingerie Shower and doing a little dreaming of what it's going to turn out like!

Do you have any Lingerie Shower throwing tips?

Garden Party Menus

My husband's "Papa" celebrated his 80th birthday in April.  We wanted to do something special to celebrate him.  My mother-in-law sure knows how to plan a great party.  The celebration took place in her lovely backyard. The decor was elegant, but colorful and fun, just like the man of honor.  I created the menus to add a touch of elegance to the tablescape.

We had a great time celebrating a wonderful man who's had one sweet life!

Ashley

{Hand-Painted} Summer Sign

So I hear Summer officially begins on June 21.  However, our last day of school is this Wednesday and we spent today taking our 5th, 6th, and 7th graders on a field trip to the Beach.  The sun is out in Orange County.  It's officially Summer in my book!

Life Really is Sweet,

Ashley

Go Lakers!

In the spirit of  the play-offs I decided to make this sign to publically display our love for the Lakers.    I must say, that I now have one happy hubby.  I think it's the single piece of decor that he's most proud of in our home.   He'll be even happier if the Lakers can pull off the championship!

Go Lakers!

Ready for Summer?

Every year we have a staff celebration at the end of the school year.  I made these cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.  I think it's safe to say that teachers {everywhere} are ready for the summer!

Happy Summer,

Ashley

"Happy" Friday to Me

Sad, sad day.  My poor little 1M Wilton frosting tip somehow managed to get into the garbage disposal today!  I'll need a replacement soon - it's my favorite!  On a brighter note, this happened after I had frosted the cupcakes I was making. = )

All of the staff at my school get together at the end of the year to have a little "we're done" celebration.  Here's a sneak-peak of the cupcake toppers I made for the occasion.  Post to come soon!

Happy Friday!

Ashley