April Showers

Sometimes April in Michigan means sunshine and blue sky. Other times, it means dreary days of rain. A lot like today actually. And on these cold, dreary days, there is nothing I like better than sitting curled up with a warm bowl of soup and a good book.

Fresh Tomato, Lentil and Onion Soup
Serves 4-6

Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
¼ cup split red lentils
2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
3 ¾ cups vegetable stock
2 tsp oregano
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Freshly chopped parsley to garnish

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and celery and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the lentils and cook for 1 minute.
2. Stir in the tomatoes, vegetable stock, dried herbs, salt and pepper. Cover, bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. When the lentils are cooked and tender, set the soup aside to cool slightly.
4. Puree in a blender or food processor until it is almost smooth. Return to the saucepan and reheat.

Fabulous Fondant

No, I do not have a new talent. I just have a new appreciation for cake decorators, especially those that work with fondant.

I began my endeavor this afternoon and for 3 hours I kneaded, molded and formed my way to a two tier fondant cake. The main purpose for this endeavour was because after reading an article on why you shouldn't make your own wedding {fondant especially} cake, I decided to see prove the article wrong. Just so you know, I have no training in cake decorating nor have I taken any classes (although, now I am hooked and am eager to take classes).

Now, let me say that in no way is the cake perfect. The one thing about fondant is that it will show every imperfection (bump, thumbprint, etc) so getting it perfectly smooth is a challenge. Then there is the draping over the cake and getting the size right... So, the verdict? Yes, it is hard and takes some patience, but is it impossible, no. And if a bride really wants to make her own cake, she should sign up for classes at her local craft store and see how she does.

Kirstin's Baby Shower: All Aboard!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

I am always so honored and excited to help plan an event. This time, I was even more honored and excited since it was for my sister. Two of my mother’s friends were planning a small intimate baby shower for my older sister, who flew in from out of town, and they asked if I would help them. They had the theme picked out (trains) in baby blue and green, so I simply went and played it up. I dug through the toy bin and found wooden train tracks, then I bought some cute Chinese takeout boxes in blue and green, glued some buttons on the bottom to make wheels and voilà, railroad cars. PS: Those takeout boxes also worked as my favors for the guests. I also made a cross roads sign that I hung on the front door, a banner that said Schuyler, and then found my baby blue luggage and my mom’s green luggage and set it out as more décor. Then I added some wooden train whistles, some train engineer hats and some white flowers to the mix, and the decorations were done. Add some punch, coffee, desserts and fruit, and you have a lovely baby shower. The fact that my nephew was there to charm all those women was the cherry on top.

Pony Party

I think my sister in law could give me a run for my money when it comes to planning a party. Let it be known that this is something I never say about anyone. But she is the rare person that really can plan a party. And when I am able to get the time, I fly out and help her.

This time I flew out to Colorado to attend my niece’s 5th birthday. I have actually flown out numerous times for my nieces’ birthdays and each one is pretty awesome. Last year I couldn’t make it out for my niece’s 4th birthday, but it was a little girl’s dream come true: a Pony Party. This year, she wanted another pony party and when you put two women (who go over the top) together, all sanity goes out the window. Thankfully we had a lot of help to get everything done and Amy is a rock star.

A little eye candy for the weekend. These Christian Louboutin shoes, called Tsarouchi, are beautiful. With a pretty penny, sitting in at a mere $995, they could be the perfect wedding splurge. Love them!

1st Come love, Then Comes Marriage, Then comes baby in the baby carriage

I was approached by my mother for some help. She and 2 of her church friends were throwing a shower for their friend's daughters... and she needed my help. The shower was for 3 sisters, 2 of which were pregnant and 1 of which was getting married. My job was to basically make a way that each girl felt honored and special, but to also make the shower cohesive. Once I figured all that out, I had to make the invitations and decorations.

Let me just say I was honored to be able to help my mom and her friends. Her friends are so kind and I've known then all since I was a baby. So, when my mom asked, I gladly accepted.

However, I had no idea how I was going to go about planning the shower when I couldn't even figure out how to get baby and marriage to mesh. I was sitting by my computer, looking at my past events, and all of a sudden it clicked. You know that old kissing song from kindergarten, "Suzie and Bobbie sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. 1st Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes Baby in a Baby Carriage." Perfect. The invites and decor played up this theme with hearts, diamond rings, and baby carriages, all in white and silver. I had a lot of fun making the decorations (although, there was a lot of paper scrunching and gluing): there were hanging mobiles, white topiaries, lots of scattered gems and rings, and white flowers.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the actual shower, but I heard it was a lot of fun. Yay. Congrats Lindesy, Kimberly and Stephanie!

The Groom's Gift

The tradition of giving gifts between the bride and groom is a longstanding tradition. However, just like any other tradition, you can choose to follow it or ignore it. If you decide to give each other gifts, remember, it is the thought that counts.

While you could get your groom cufflinks, a tie, or a money clip, my favorite groom gift is cologne. It can be one of his timeless favorites, a new one that when he wears it, it will remind you both of your wedding day, it can be a vintage one that you found in a cute boutique, or one that goes with your wedding.

Plus, it's the gift that gives back to you: a great smelling husband to be.