A Music Room for Kiddo and Sugar Cookie Popcorn for You!

We'll start with the music room...


And, we'll end with some rockin' Sugar Cookie Popcorn!


So, our little family lives in a little 3-bedroom house.  Mr. E and I share one bedroom (That would be awkward, otherwise.) Kiddo has one bedroom, and we call the extra bedroom "the guest room."  I always feel weird saying that...it makes it sound like we have a library, gift wrap room, salon, parlor, etc. etc.
"Jeeves, please attend to the guest room."

Anyway...the "guest room" was just an average ol' room that saw guests maybe once a year. Otherwise, the bed served as a holding area for cookie cutters that needed to be put away. Meanwhile, the walls of kiddo's room were closing in on him as he accumulated multiple keyboards, guitars, and the like.


Over the summer, I had the idea to convert our extra room to a music room. Kiddo would have more space, and he could actually invite friends over to play music. (I almost typed "jam" there, but I felt like I my 1980s was showing.) ;)

As with most of my ideas, I did not follow through. UNTIL, I got an email from team Novogratz. I've been a fan of the Novogratz designs ever since they did a makeover of the Ree's girls' room.  SO cute!


The 9 by Novogratz is a line of home furnishings and bedding...it's fun, it's colorful, it's bright, it's happy. You will never believe what store carries it. (WALMART!) No way! Way!


So, the fun tomato red metal bed  (the cutest bed and biggest bargain!) and bedding was our jumping off point for the music room. It was exactly what I wanted. It makes a perfect day bed and extra seating for friends. A colorful, happy place for music.
(Most of the pillows on the bed are Novogratz...8 ball pillow is from Ikea and green runway pillow is from 08 Left.)

Find the full line of Novogratz home furnishings here.

Now...we also needed a sweet treat to celebrate our music room and Sugar Cookie Popcorn it is.
So easy, so sweet, so fun!

Those dishes?  Yep...they're Novogratz, too.  These are from Macy's. I love them. I have a thing for COLOR if you haven't noticed. ;)


Sugar Cookie Popcorn

1 batch popped popcorn (how to make perfect popcorn here)
2 TBSP salted butter, melted
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
kosher salt
1.5 bags Sugar Cookie Candy Melts (on sale at Michaels!)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
sprinkles (I used two kinds)
sparkling sugar

Divide the popped popcorn onto two large cookie sheets.  Fish out any unpopped kernels.

Stir extracts into the melted butter. Drizzle the butter mixture over the popcorn and toss. Sprinkle with a few pinches of kosher salt and toss again.


Melt the candy melts on 50% power in the microwave. Start melting for 1 minute, stir, then at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted. Pour over the popcorn and toss. Toss in the slivered almonds.

Add the sprinkles and sanding sugar over the top. Toss lightly. Let sit for an hour or so until completely set.

From our little family to yours...we wish you a colorful and sweet 2015!

*This post was sponsored by The Novogratz. All opinions are my own. I tried to make all of the popcorn my own, but Mr. E ate most of it.*

Christmas Gift Ideas for Cookie Decorators

{vintage image source}

Do you have a cookie decorator in your life?  Someone who has the basics (piping bags, cookie cutters, food coloring, etc.) already?

Here are some Christmas gift ideas that they just might LOVE to see under the tree this year (click the links to go to the products):

1. KitchenAid Stand Mixer.  Let's start out with a biggie.  If the baker in your life doesn't have one, I can pretty much guarantee she's drooled on one at Williams-Sonoma.  I happen to love my glass bowl version, but any will do!

2. DoStix. These plastic, washable sticks ensure perfectly even dough.  Forget eyeballing (like I used to do), forget wooden dowels from the home improvement store, buy these.  Your cookie decorator may not even know she needs them.

3. Books. I'm kind of partial to these two. ;)  As someone who has been decorating cookies for years, I still love to look at decorating books, even just as a jumping off point for my own ideas.  Each of these books contains not only royal icing and several cut-out cookie recipes, each has tutorials, and how-to's for over 50 cookie designs. Decorating Cookies and (new) Decorating Cookies Party

4. Tieks. Shoes? Yes.  Cookie decorators and bakers of every kind spend A LOT of time on their feet.  I originally splurged on a pair of Tieks before a vacation this summer. I knew I'd be doing a lot of walking and still wanted my feet to look cute while doing so.  Ha!  Now, I never want to take them off. Yes, they are pricey.  Yes, this is the most I've ever spent on a pair of shoes.  Yes, they are worth every penny.  (They also come in a darling little gift box...no wrapping required.)

4. A pretty apron.  I have a gazillion (give or take a million or so) aprons.  They're smeared with royal icing, dusted with powdered sugar, in and out of the laundry over and over again.  Heavenly Hostess aprons are not one of those aprons.  Heavenly Hostess aprons are fancy.  They're for wearing when you host a cookie exchange in your home, or for serving wine and cheese.  It's a gift your favorite baker probably won't buy for herself, but will gasp with delight when she opens it.  Just ask Mr. E who treated me to one last Christmas. ♥

5. Spatulas, spatulas, spatulas.  I speak for all cookie decorators here...we can't have too many spatulas.  All sizes, all colors, all patterns; we'll use them.  Looking for stocking stuffers?  This is it.

6. PME tips.  So, this looks like your average, everyday icing tip...not Christmas gift material.  Well, PME tips are special.  Icing flows out more smoothly, the openings are more consistent, they're my favorite.  PME's are also a little more expensive that the icing tips you'll find at the craft store, so they're a welcome treat for any decorator.  (My suggestion: tips #1, #1.5 & #2.)

7. Pretty kitchenware.  Sure, we have bowls, whisks, and rolling pins already, but most bakers I know are suckers for pretty and unique versions.  Anthropologie is your go-to place for all kinds of beautiful kitchenware.  Gentlemen, don't be overwhelmed if you actually go in one of their retail locations.  Go to the kitchen area and buy...anything.

Now, I'm in the mood to go shopping...and eat cookies! 

Washi Tape Christmas

I know it's not quite Thanksgiving, yet, but I had to get this book on your radar for Christmas:
Washi Tape Christmas: Easy Holiday Craft Ideas with Washi Tape by my friend Kami Bigler of the blog, No Biggie.


I have to start by saying that Kami is one of my very favorite bloggers...and people...on the planet.  She's just lovely, joyful, faith-filled, beautiful, and I'm so happy to have her darling book in my home.

Second, I don't craft.  It's embarrassing, really.  Mr. E has seen so many craft fails from me that every time I tell him about a new craft project, he gives me this sad little smile and says, "are you sure?"
Don't ask him about the gumball wreath.  


Anyhoo...all of the women in my family craft in some way: quilters, painters, seamstresses, crocheters (is that a word?), artists.  They would make Martha proud.  Me, not so much.  BUT...here's where I love Washi Tape Christmas.
You guys!  I can DO this!!! 

Look at this adorable Christmas wreath cookie box I decorated with instructions from the book:

I'm so proud.  I mean, it's so cute on its own, you almost don't even need to put a cookie in there.

The book has inspired me to invest in some actual crafting materials, like cardstock, so I don't have to go around punching holes in folders like I did here.  Oh, and I might have to dedicate a drawer to Washi tape.

Plus, I really like saying "Washi tape."

Here are some Washi tape crafting ideas you'll find in the book...paper ornaments, patchwork wreath, homemade gifts, holiday cards, and all kinds of cute packaging ideas for dressing up your boxes and bags.  Each craft project is complete with detailed and simple instructions, that even a craft-impaired girl (*ahem*) can follow. :)


Washi Tape Christmas.  Let's craft this year!!!

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That one time we met Tyler Florence...

A little background...one of the private schools in our area has a big fundraiser every year called the Signatures Author Series.  They invite a well-known author to headline the event and do a book signing.  A handful of local authors are invited to sign their books as well.

I attended the event two years ago with Decorating Cookies and went back this year with Decorating Cookies Party.  This year's headliner: TYLER FLORENCE!  Woot!

Tyler has been on Food Network forever (19 years!) and has penned 12 books, including books for children.  Maybe you've seen Sprout organic baby food?  That's Tyler.  I was invited to sit in on a press conference with him.  He's really passionate about kids eating well...as a matter of fact, he said his family only has dessert on special occasions. 
(Aaaaand, that was the moment I decided not to ask him what his favorite cookie is. After that, the only thing I could think of to say was, "I like your glasses." I chickened out.) ;) 

One of his goals is to encourage people to be more intuitive cooks...not to be slaves to recipes.

{This pic is from the press conference.  No, he's not checking Twitter; he was looking for a picture of a turkey to show us.}

I was impressed...not just because of his accomplishments, but his demeanor.  Before the event, he signed a chair for a silent auction.  My book table was directly across from it, so of course, I was taking in every detail.  He was personable and friendly with all of the volunteers.  Afterward, he stopped by every local author book table and introduced himself, taking pictures, etc.  His keynote presentation was fun and informative...definitely a hit with the 800 people in attendance!


That morning when Mr. E and I were getting out of the car, I spied his San Francisco Giants cap in the back window.  Knowing Tyler is a fan (yes, I stalk him on Instagram), I told Mr. E to bring it. Well, the two bonded and talked baseball for a while.  I watched the World Series, but I'm not exactly well-versed in baseball.  I can tell you where the best food is at Minute Maid Park and how much I miss Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman...that's about it, so I stood there smiling and nodding like an idiot. ;)



Tyler's new book is called Inside the Test Kitchen: 120 New Recipes, Perfected. 
It's a cool book.  Tyler explained that every recipe in the book was inspired by problems and questions people posed to him on Instagram and Twitter.  These recipes and techniques are tested and tested and re-tested...and I love Tyler's handwritten notes in the margins.  His book is about taking those notions we have of the "right" way to cook things and asking why. 


For example, wouldn't we enjoy risotto more if we weren't standing over the hot stove ladling in scoops of stock and stirring continuously for 45 minutes?  As Tyler put it, "45 minutes for cheesy rice?"  He turned the method on its head and has a much simpler version that takes 20 minutes...with out the ladling and stirring.  Thanksgiving turkey (with stuffing!) in 1.5 hours instead of 4 hours?  I cannot wait to try that!

I haven't had a chance to make any of the recipes at home, but I feel sure they are all winners...we can trust Tyler, can't we?!?

Speaking of book events (why does this always feel so awkward to write about???), this Saturday (Nov. 15th), I'll be signing books at Barnes & Noble in The Woodlands from 1-3pm.  So, Tyler Florence won't be there, but I will be bringing cookies! ;)  I'd love to meet you! 

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Quebec City...pack your bags, people.

It's not easy to surprise your husband with a 50th birthday trip. 
Heck, I could barely click "purchase now" for the airline tickets without asking his opinion on the prices and flight times.

Quebec City has been on our "maybe someday" list of places to visit every since my cousin and her husband (remember their engagement cookies?) honeymooned there.
(Also, they just had a baby girl yesterday...named Bridget. I cried. Hi, baby Bridget!!!)
I remember seeing the pictures and thinking that Quebec City looked magical.  It is.

So many people have asked, "why Quebec City?"  Since I was sold on it through pictures, that's what I'll share with you, too.  Mainly pictures and a few tidbits.  (No, this is not a sponsored post.  Yes, Quebec City...consider this an open letter.  We're available for relocation. ;))

I could talk all day about these yellow shutters...

Utterly charming.


{Yes, that is a water fountain for horses. I TOLD you...QC is SO cute!!!}

Quebec City likes its statues...


The food. Oh my gosh. This is from a bakery called Le Croquembouche. Mr. E ordered an ice cream. Kiddo ordered a sandwich. My order is below:
That little pastry with the heart is chocolate mousse with a praline crust covered in dark chocolate.  I'll remember that forever.

Before the trip, I tried to learn a little French on the sly. My French app really seemed to understand me.
Also, every time I spoke French to someone, they answered me in English.  Hey, I tried.


No trip out of the country is complete without a parking ticket.  Just ask my dad who has a 20-year-old outstanding parking ticket in Ireland.  (PS: we paid this one.)


There are lots of cool things to see outside of the city, too.  Like Montmorency Falls.  Not as wide as Niagara Falls, but taller.


Y'all.  We rode a cable car to the top...walked across a bridge over the top of the falls, and walked down about a million steps to get back down.  It was cool.

The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.  Beautiful.



Let me tell you about the hotel where we stayed:
Le Chateau Frontenac.
It's easy to see why it's the most photographed hotel in the world.  I could NOT stop taking pictures of it...from every angle. (It's in the first picture of this post and a few of the collages, too.)

{Again, this is not a sponsored post...but if you visit, think about staying here, or at least have a drink in the bar.}


Lobby.


Gorgeous bar.


I knew we had breakfast included with our stay, but let's be honest, hotel breakfast are usually a let down, right? Not this one. I contemplated staying there all day. Four (4) kinds of croissants, fresh crepes, eggs, CHOCOLATES (!!!), and a million other goodies, PLUS juice in the cutest glass bottles. There was even a big bowl of Nutella! It was dreamy. 
{Yes, the longest paragraph of this post is about a breakfast buffet.}

We were totally smitten with Le Chateau Frontenac...and so glad that my cousin & her husband recommended it.


There are SO many things to see, and do, and EAT.  The museums, Ile d'Orleans, etc., etc. If you go, will you take me with you?


PS...Mr. E was totally surprised with the trip! Maybe we'll go back for his 51st. ;)

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Seriously Delish Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

This post is making me so happy...and I'm only on the first sentence. ;)  Today, we're talking about a fantastic new cookbook, we're talking about chocolate chip cookies...and well, we might even see a fluffy kitty.  See?  So much to be happy about.

Seriously Delish: 150 Recipes for People Who Totally Love Food is the first cookbook (I predict of many) from Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats.  I've been a fan of Jessica's for...forever.  I love her recipes, many from her blog have become staples in our house.  I love her fun style of writing.  I love that Jessica LOVES FOOD.


I've already made 4 recipes from her book...we have loved each of them.  Last week, kiddo had a friend over for dinner and I made the Green Chili Turkey & White Bean Enchiladas. I think we demolished the entire pan in 5 minutes.  So good.
We'll be talking about those Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies more in a minute.

Here's a little peek inside:

When I read it, I really felt like Jessica was hanging out with me in my kitchen.  Such an engaging and personable read...I love that in a cookbook.


The photography is beautiful.  Not only did Jessica develop the recipes, she did her own photography.  Multi-talented, that one.

Jessica has this knack for creating recipes that are unique and modern and fresh, but still keeping them simple enough to make every day.  Next on my list:  Amaretto-Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Toast Croutons (!!!), Parmesan-Pistachio Kale Chips, and the Fleur de Sel Caramel Bourbon Brownie Milkshakes (oh. MY. gosh.).


Spike was very interested in the Buffalo Chicken Pizza.


He REALLY likes this book. 


The cookies.  In my option, there is nothing better than a chocolate chip cookie.  Nothing.  Well, maybe the dough before it's baked, but basically nothing.  A cookie that is made with whole wheat and oat flour, though?  That might even be better than the original.

I felt so good about eating all that whole wheat that I ate a few extras purely for the health benefits.
You say multi-vitamin, I say cookie.  Tomato, to-mah-to.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

{reprinted with permission from Seriously Delish}

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 cup white whole wheat flour
1/3 cup oat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 TBSP (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup loosely packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli Bittersweet)

Preheat oven to 350.  In a bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the butter on medium until smooth and creamy.  Add both sugars and beat on high speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.  Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and beat until combined, another 2 to 3 minutes.  Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients.  Mix until just combined.  Use a large spoon to stir in the chocolate chips.

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the dough (I used a cookie scoop) and roll it into a ball.  Place the dough balls on nonstick baking sheets 2 inches apart.  Bake until cookies are set around the edges and slightly golden, 10-12 minutes.  Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then remove them with a spatula and place on a cooling rack.


Yeah, they ARE delish!


So, Seriously Delish?  You want it.  Oh!  And, check to see if Jessica is coming to your town on her book tour.  I went to the one in Houston, and not only is Jessica a doll, but the entire crowd was just so delightful.  I feel sure it's the same in every city...Jessica brings the fun with her.


Seriously Delish.  Mom tested, kitty approved. 

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