Sweeties for your Sweetie

I mentioned the other day that I’d soon be posting about yummy Valentine’s Day treats.

Here are a few I’ve come across this week that I plan on trying (not all at once, though!)

Enjoy!

One of my favorite blogs to read is Cupcakes & Cashmere. I really admire her photography style and of course, all her fashion posts.

You can find the recipe for the Sugar Cookie Hearts here.

These are just TOO sweet. I like to call them Crazy in Love Sugar Monsters. YUMMY!

Recipe and image here at Buttercream Blondie Blog

A Sweetheart for your Sweetheart. These take a little extra work, but the results sure are nice to look at.

Recipe here from Glorious Treats

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.

Jello Hearts!

From the Hungry Housewife. Recipe here.

But for today, I’m sticking with classic cupcakes. Plus, I’ll be attempting the I am Baker Heart Cake this Sunday. Wish me luck!

I’ll post pictures soon.

xoxo,

Ari

Hello, Darlings!

Bonjour!

It’s been a while. This is my FIRST post of the NEW YEAR and we are already in the second month of 2012.  I always get wrapped up in all the holiday hoop-lah and my blog takes a back seat. Anywho, I’ve come across some amazing photos, good times and happenings since my last post, but I’m going to focus on what’s coming up soon for now.

Valentine’s Day!

I know I know, some people cringe at the thought of a “holiday” that markets off of one day to show your true love to another when really, every day you should. But  I can’t help but fall for all the cutesy, lovey-dovey and friendly cards, treats, songs, and colors that go along with it. I mean, c’mon, I’m a girl in love. Even when I was single I enjoyed the holiday.

This year I’m celebrating early with some of my girlfriends in our first “Galentine’s Day” (thanks Parks and Rec!). We are having the ultimate “Girls Night In” packed with girly movies, makeovers, nail polish, treats, gal talk and everything else cheesy-girl-tastic into one night. Oh, there will be plenty of fruity drinks served in plastic glasses decorated with pink and red hearts. On sale for $1 at my local HEB!

Recipe here

Then, February 14 ( just like any other day) the GUY and I will be happily snacking on gourmet pizza, wine and cake while watching GLEE. Yes, I think that’s romantic. It is. Actually, I may switch it up and ask for champagne instead of wine.

Anyhizzle, here are some findings for you to enjoy! I’ll have another one dedicated to sweets and crafts soon!

xoxo, Ari.

1. Paper Straws – Hearts

2. BALLOOOONS

3. Heart Drop Earrings

4. Kiss Clutch

5. Kiss Me Cardigan (I own this one. I LOVE it!)

sparkle and shine

The dress is purchased! I hope it fits.

Because the dress is flirty, fun and sparkly I decided to make this post all about the glitz! Whether it is a dress, table setting, hair accessory or cookie shoe, you’ll find all that sparkles and shines in today’s post. ENJOY!

1. Embellished Party Dress

2. HGTV Garland

3. YUMMY Display

4. Jimmy Choo iPad Case

5. Mirror Garland

6. HGTV Glitter Letters

7. Gemstone Magnets (LOVE!)

8. Sparkle Heels

9. Miu Miu Cookie

10. Glitter Flower Clip

11. Love Always display

xoxo, Ari

clothes for foodies. Yes, please.

I love these gift ideas from the HuffingtonPost.com. Too cute!

Click here for the full list.

 

xoxo, Ari

Mini Crostata: Apple

My parents love it when I make Ina Garten’s Summer Fruit Crostata (I love making it too!).

They’ve been asking me to make one for the past month. Since peaches aren’t in season, I decided to try something fit for the fall:  Ina’s Apple Crostata BUT in Mini form!

Check out the step by step below. Errr uhh…my QUICK step by step.

ENJOY!

xoxo, Ari

Prep for the Pastry: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Butter and Ice Water

Pulse until it looks like this

Form into a disc, wrap and chill for at least 1 hour

While it’s chilling…

Slice and dice Apples and coat with Orange Zest

Prep the topping: Cinnamon, All Spice, Salt, Flour, Sugar and BUTTER! (1/2 stick)

Mix and form a crumble with your hands. Mmmm delicious…

Roll out dough and cut out into small discs

(Almost done!)

Fill and top

(I think I added a little too much filling…)

Pinch ‘n bake!

(450 degrees F)

Tah-dah!

Warm Mini Apple Crostata’s

Enjoy!

What a week! I’m so thankful

This week has been stressful. My dad was rushed to the hospital and was finally released last night. He is doing OK, but there are more follow-ups to come.

I’m relieved he is home, though.

I apologize for missing blog posts this week, but I’m sure you can understand. My brain and heart have calmed down and I’m looking forward to the beautiful weekend ahead of me.

Plans:

Bake THESE delicious-looking Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Icing from my go-t0 baking blog, Brown Eyed Baker. I’ll post my own “How-To” Sunday. Can’t wait.

Photo from Brown Eyed Baker

On another note, I’ve been reading a lot of posts about how companies and brands are decorating too early for the holidays. I LOVE  the early decor! Christmas comes and goes too quickly in my opinion. So the earlier the better for me.

Second on my list: Maybe  squeeze in some DIY time and make my Personal Holiday Greeting Cards for 2011!

Well because it is Friday and Lovely out, here are a few of my favorite things this week:

For the foodies: Salt + Magic Shaker Wands.

Make your meal MAGICAL!

Caroline Bootie from Target.

Because it is getting a bit chilly out.

Gold and Silver Wrapping Paper

via LonnyMag.

Jonathan Adler’s Needlepoint Zodiac Pillows

AND Martha Stewart’s crafty Button Ornaments!

xoxo, Ari

Pinks, and purples, and cupcakes! Oh, my!

This weekend I had the privilege of creating birthday cupcakes for one of my colleagues. Her daughter turned three and she decided to have a Princess-inspired birthday party.

I used my favorite go-to Vanilla Buttercream recipe  from Brown Eyed Baker for the pink and lavender frostings. Plus, I added edible sparkle dust to make them shine!

Check out the photos below. She said they were a hit!

xoxo, Ari

Viernes!

This has turned out to be a great birthday week. Oh! And I still have a few more days to go.

Looking forward to my Make-Your-Own Pizza Party + Dance Central Battles this weekend. We rock!

I received so many beautiful birthday messages. Thanks!

Here are a few things that made me happy this week.

Prettiest Colander. EVER.

Anthro Apron. Too cute.

Strapless Apron? Yes, please!

My future wedding dress. GORGEOUS.

One of the many gifts from David. Ralph Lauren beanie. What a great guy!

PLUS my new favorite perfume. Thanks, babe!

xoxo. Ari!

AHHH! It’s Halloween Wednesday

Ok. Most of the Halloween cupcakes I’ve seen this year have been on the “cute” side. Well, except for maybe the brain cupcakes. But Epicurious took Halloween cupcake decorating to a whole new tummy-turning level. I could stomach the first two, but the rest are a bit much for me. What do you think? I give them props for creativity, though. Check out the last one! EEEK!

Which are your favorites?

Yeah. That last one…eeek!

kinda xoxo…Ari.

Lovely Little Things Lovely Little Friday

Hola.

Aren’t you glad it is FINALLY Friday? I sure am. I’m looking forward to a weekend of lounging around, reading and maybe watching a movie or two. Have a good one!

Here are a few of my favorite things I found this week:

Skeleton Ring here

miu miu Booties here

Cupcake Ferris Wheel here

Party Dress here

Anthropologie Top here

xoxo Ari