Homemade: Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Hey there darlings!  How's your morning going so far?  Mine...medium ;-)  However, it would be a whole lot better if I had some of these...

I heart cinnamon rolls!  But cinnamon roll cookies - just genius, I say!  And someone please tell me why do cinnamon rolls always remind me of Fall and Winter?  And why do I CRAVE them at this time...never in Spring or Summer...just Fall and Winter.  I think they are a cozy food, and I always like being cozy in Fall and Winter -so I guess that would be it, no?  But I LOVE the fact that these are cookies...so much easier to serve up...even though I would love to see a cinnamon roll bar at a wedding...maybe mine if  when I ever get married again ;-) 

Anyhoo...wouldn't these make a great midnight snack at a wedding?  I would serve them up (ooh warm would be VERY GOOD) with some coffee or hot chocolate and your guests will be smiling from ear to ear.  Okay, well that might be the alcohol, but still, they would at least be smacking their lips from the deliciousness. 

And if you didn't want to serve them up at the wedding itself, they would still make great favors packaged up all cute.  Just look how lovely they looked stacked...

Packaged up all pretty...because really everything is SO MUCH BETTER when packaged up all pretty...and your guests would be happy, happy, happy to take these home I'm sure!

Well darlings, if you would like to make your own...the always FABULOUS Bakers Royale is the place to go....but you can click right HERE to get to the recipe quick! 

Happy baking.  Let me know when they are done, and I will be right over ;-)

P.S. - I am LOVING 'Fall Week'...hope you are too!

~ Ciao

...images via bakers royale

Tuesday Thought: Caramel Apples

Happy Tuesdays my dears!  So I am finally starting to feel like myself again ;-)  Still feel like I need lots of sleep, but another day or two and I'll be back to 100%!

Okay, I know that caramel apples are nothing knew, but check these out...

Talk about dipped in something fun...these caramel apples have a little something extra special with a double chocolate drizzle or a dip into dried fruit, toffee bits, nuts, and/or cocoa nibs!

So here is your simply (as that's about all I can muster up today) 'Tuesday Thought' my dears:  I would LOVE to see a caramel apple station at a wedding!  Not one where the guests do it...but one where they go up and place their order, and choose their dipping ins ;-)  They can be made, with the guests names attached, and then the guests can pick them up later on in the evening after the caramel has cooled.  Or you can have each guest fill out a tag that has been at each seat with their name on it,and what they want...and then at the end of the night they can pick it up!  Plus, it would be fun for your guests to watch they make them if they wanted too!  Goodness with choices like chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and nuts like macadamia's, pecans, almonds, and lots of other creative choices...your guests are sure to find something they like!  I think I want a caramel apple dipped in chocolate and then topped (or bottomed, depending on how you look at it) in macadamia nuts please - YUMMY!

Ooh and there would be so many cute ways to package them if you are giving them as favors!  Or if you just want to make your own...these are pretty easy to make, as you use wrapped caramels and chocolate pieces ;-)  You can get the recipe right HERE my dears.

Happy dipping my dears!
~ Ciao

...image via country home

A Fabulous Fall Favor Follow Up: Table Talk Pies

Good Thursday morning darlings!  Hooray for Thursday ;-)  I have a little follow up for you.  Remember last Friday I shared with you a post titled A Fabulous Fall Favor - which had these mini pies as favors...

Well guess what darlings?  I just happened to see these mini pies at Safeway, on Saturday, when I was in Monterey with my brother and his wife!  No lie.  Exact same packaging and everything.  I even pulled the post up on my phone to show my brother and his wife.  Gotta love technology, no? 

Anyhoo, the mini pies are made by a company called Table Talk Pies out of Massachusetts.  They have been making pies since 1924.  Now when I saw them in Safeway, they had the exact same boxes as in the post, but on their website the boxes look different...but it's still Table Talk Pies!

And have a look-see at all the flavor choices:

• Apple • Chocolate Eclair • Blueberry • Pumpkin • Lemon • Cherry • Pineapple • Peach
• Pecan • Brownie  • Chocolate Creme • Coconut Creme • Banana Creme • Pumpkin (seasonal) • No Sugar Added Blueberry • No Sugar Added Apple • No Sugar Added Cherry • No Sugar Added Peach

Yummy!  Now the only thing left is to decide which flavor you want. Good luck ;-)

~ Ciao

...image via style me pretty ???

Who Says

...you can't have avocados as favors?

And anyone that knows me, and knows how I feel about avocados - knows that I am OVER THE MOON about this! Love the display too with those drawstring sacks, and those vintage tin tubs and canisters!

~ Ciao

...image via smitten magazine

A Fabulous Fall Favor

Happy Friday darlings!  Sorry for getting this post up later than usual - things are busy, busy around here these day ;-)

Anyhoo, do you think there is a more perfect Fall favor than these...

Really - who wouldn't LOVE to take home a mini peach, lemon, apple pie!?!  And the simple twine wrapped around the boxes with a handcrafted tag is just the perfect personal touch...

Why give them a slice, when you can give them the pie?  I think this is gonna be my new motto!  Hmmm, I wonder if I should TM that quote...if it's not already...hehe ;-)  And if you feel adventurous enough, then here is a DIY courtesy of Style Me Pretty for you!

On another note - can you believe that tomorrow we are going to be saying "Hello October?"  Before we know it Halloween will be here.  And I haven't even given one thought to it so far - I think I best get going, no?

Alrighty darlings - I hope you have a fabulous weekend! I will see you back here on Sunday for some sweetness ;-)  Now I'm off to make pom poms for an order and lots of sparkle for the Grand Opening of the Inspired Collective...so if any of you live in Northern California - I hope you can come onThursday night...would LOVE to meet you!

~ Ciao

...images via ???  eeks I am researching it

Guest Posting on The Loveliest Day

Hi darlings.  I wanted to let you know that I am guest posting for the fabulous Melissa on The Loveliest Day today...

Come see my easy DIY I craftedI  Here's a sneak peek for you...

Hope to see you there ;-)

~ Ciao

...images via the loveliest day & over the moon vintage rentals

Two: Sweet Lavender Details

A sweet treat to help your guests stay cool...

Doesn't that popsicle look delicious?  I would love one right now ;-)  And here's a sweet treat for your guests to take home...

I am adoring the 'White Sugar' soap in the lavender paper, aren't you?  They would make fabulous favors at a bridal shower, or gifts at a bridesmaids luncheon!

~ Ciao

...images via the inspired bride & the society inc

Tuesday Thought: Life Is Beautiful

Happy Tuesday loves!  I am excited it's Tuesday today, as I am loving my thought for today.  To be honest, I had a couple of different thoughts for this week, but I decided on this one...so I hope you like it as much as me ;-)  Have a look-see at my inspiration...

I ran across this quote/print and it just brightened my day!  As Life Is Beautiful, no?  And what's more beautiful than a wedding?  So, of course, it got my brain spinning...as lots of thinks do ;-)

So here is your Tuesday Thought for today:  How fabulously fun would it be to give a small print of an inspiration quote/thought as a favor at your wedding!?!  Or even a picture of something that inspires you.

Your guests could take it home, frame it (or put it on the fridge, or desk...) and will always be inspired and remember what a special day it was.  Now, I am not saying to use the print above...it is just what inspired my thought, so I thought I should share it with you.  And as I just typed that...it made me think that the image above would make darling notecards...and notecards would definitely be a darling gift as well!  A great bridesmaids gift.  Okay, sorry...gotta a little sidetracked...just how my brain works ;-)

Anyhoo, what I love about this idea, is it is something that you could create on your own.  A DIY.  Granted, you could always find one too, but a homemade one would be wonderful.  Then you can take it to the printer, have them print it up and cut to size.  All you would have to do is roll them up, tie them with a ribbon/twine and add a small note for your guests and voila!  A very personal gift to your guests that just might inspire them on a day when they need it most!

~ Ciao

...image via vintage rose garden

Tuesday Thought: Painted Pots & Lots of Thoughts

So sorry my dears ~ I thought I had scheduled this for earlier today...and just realized I didn't!  Eeks...it's late, but here it is...

Hello loves!  How is your Tuesday going so far?  Fabulous, I hope.  Mine is busy, a good busy!  And can you believe it - we are supposed to get some rain today!  Rain in Northern California, in June - doesn't happen all that often...so will see if it actually does ;-)

So I have a super simple 'Tuesday Thought' for you today.  Have a look-see at my inspiration...

It's funny how things hit me sometimes.  And I know that we have all seen painted pots before, so I know this idea is nothing new.  But  I think they are a great idea to use at a wedding - easy and inexpensive.

So here are your 'Tuesday Thoughts'...yes, Thoughts - as you know I have a couple of them! 

First 'Thought': I think painting terra cotta pots in your wedding colors and then using them as centerpieces is a fabulous idea.  You can use a glossy paint, or a matte one - your choice as either would work, and you can paint them any color you want - either a variety of colors, or all one color for a more dramatic look.  Just have a bigger pot in the middle with some smaller pots around planted with flowers, herbs or plants.  You could always use the tiny ones to hold candles if you'd like.  Also, the tiny ones would look darling planted and use as place cards.  Plus, I like the idea of having a couple of the small pots stacked upside down (as they are above) on the table - they would be perfect to hold a table number that has been attached to a branch/stick...just stick the stick in the hole.  Or you could even stick a flag with the table number on it - just some extra fun, cute ideas.  And you know how much I LOVE moss!  I would love to see them filled with moss with pinwheels in the as a fun and whimsy centerpiece.  Granted you don't want painted pot overload so use care, but I do think they could be quite lovely. 

Second 'Thought':  I think the smaller pots would looking darling in your wedding colors, stacked upside down on your dessert table to have your guests fill with sweets and take home!  As for the hole in the bottom (if there is one), well I would just use a piece of paper in a coordinating color, punch using a circle punch and with a glue dot or two adhere to the bottom of the pot.

Third 'Thought':  They are always darling planted with flowers, herbs or plants and used as escort cards!

Fourth and final 'Thought' for today:  I would LOVE to see the small painted pots hanging as decor - they'd be a fabulous pop of color from above.  And for all the tall people, like me, just make sure to hang them high enough so people don't hit their heads!

There are lots of other darling ways these pots can be incorporated into weddings - like planted with flowers, herbs or a plant for a favor, filled with a pretty bag of dirt and some seeds for your guests to plant their own...  Get creative loves and see what 'thoughts' pop into your pretty little head!  Ooh, I'd love to hear about them too ;-)

~ Ciao

...photography by gabriella imperatori-penn

Tuesday Thought: Bakers Twine & Shears

I am over the moon about these shears and spools I spotted on Design Love Fest...

So darling, no?  And while these were included in goodie bags at Blogshop hosted by Bri of Design Love Fest, I couldn't help but think they would be perfect for a bridal shower.

So here is your Tuesday Thought:  Use these shears and spools as not only favors, but attach a little flag that has your guests name and table number they are to sit at!  I am over the moon about this idea.  Really, you can play off the bakers twine and pretty shears to really create a darling shower.  And while there was no reference as to where the shears or spools of bakers twine were from...I figured I knew just the places to look to find them.  And find them I did!

These Okubo Shears are the exact shears above...well I'm almost positive they are! 

These darling shears are just 7 inches in length, slice through small twigs and all types of flower stems and are $38 a pair.  Something we all need, right?  And the bakers twine, well I went to my favorite Etsy shop for this, Inspire Lovely.

I found 50 yards of soft green and white bakers twine hand wound on a wooden spool for $7 each.  And of course, there are other colors available.  So for $45 you have a wonderful favor idea.  Granted, this is an expensive favor idea, but I still love it.  Yet, if this is out of your budget, I am sure you could find less expensive shears to use instead.  Also, another option would be to use it for bridesmaids gifts.  Just a thought ;-)

~ Ciao

...images via design love fest, shop terrain, and inspire lovely (edited)

Homemade: S'mores Cupcakes

Happy Homemade Thursday my loves!  Good golly are you in for a little bit of heaven today ;-)  I don't know what has gotten into me lately, but I keep finding all these fabulous homemade goodies that I just have to share with you.  And today's S'mores Cupcakes are over the moon! 

I found this yummyness (is that even a word? ) on a new blog I stumbled upon, and fell in love with, called 6 Bittersweets written by Xiaolu.  Maybe you have heard of the blog before?  I have a vague recollection I have been there before, but when I ran across it the other day I looked at page after page of deliciousness (now I know that is a word).   Not only do the recipes sound delicious, but the styling (LOVE the inverted cake tin) and photography is fabulous!  Alright enough talking out of me.  Just have a look-see for yourself...

And here is how Xiaolu describes them:  "moist chocolate cake sandwiched between flavorful graham cracker crust layers and even more chocolate chunks. The best part, though, is the toasted marshmallow frosting that becomes delightfully gooey at first bite."  Tell me that doesn't sound yummy!  Here is what they look like without the marshmallow frosting...

And of course like most things - they definitely look better dressed up a bit ;-)  The torched marshmallow frosting with the small piece of chocolate on top is just perfection...

A fabulous addition to a Fall dessert table!

You can find the recipe for S'mores Cupcakes right here.  I also adore the cuteness of the Oreo Owl Cupcakes,  and the Strawberry N' Cream Cupcakes would be perfect for a Summer soiree.  However, there are other delicious recipes that aren't sweets...so be sure to have a look-see as there is lots of goodness to see.

~ Ciao

...images via 6 bittersweets

Homemade: Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

So last week's 'Homemade' post was Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts - yum!  However, when I happened to run across this drool worthy (yep, I said it) Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread, I couldn't help but think that this too would be a fabulous late night snack... 

And if that isn't torture enough...here's a little close-up for you...

Okay, I have to tell you that I just happened upon these pictures and recipe, and of course I had to share with you what now I am craving.  You can find the recipe for this deliciousness right here, on Joy the Baker's blog.  And with 670 comments (no that isn't a typo),  I guess I am not the only one over the moon about this recipe.  So I am pretty sure that your guests would LOVE this as a late night snack!

P.S. - It would be so CUTE to give jars of cinnamon sugar as favors with this recipe attached, no?

~ Ciao

...images via joy the baker, last image edited by me

Tuesday Thought: Flower Stand

Since the very first time I saw this flower stand I was completely smitten...

And I am still smitten with it!  So here is your simple Tuesday Thought for today:  Why not have a flower stand at your wedding/reception?  Eeks, it would be so over the moon, no?

You could use the flower stand as just pretty decoration (because we all love a little pretty don't we?), or you could even have it just like it is filled with flowers as favors for the guests where they can either pick their own bunch of flowers or you could have a person handing them out (so sweet)! 

And I can't even begin to tell you how cute it would be as a photo booth...

Oh yes, I L-O-V-E this thought ;-)

~ Ciao

...photography by elizabeth messina via kiss the groom & style me pretty

Tuesday Thought: Egg Cups

With Easter this weekend, I thought it would be fun to post an Easter inspired "Tuesday Thought" today.  How sweet are these dyed eggshells filled with petite blooms in simple egg cups?

So sweet!  And just perfect for use at a Springtime wedding.  So here is your Tuesday Thought for today:  How about using egg cups at your reception? 

As usual, there are so many ways in which to use!  Here is a really quick list I came up with :

*  You could use them as decor at your reception - just as they are on tables.

*  You could use them as escort cards - just add a flag with your guests name and/or table number.

*  You could use them as escort cards with your guests name written on either the eggshell or cups, and no table number as the table would be the flowers that are in them.

*  You could give the flower filled cups as favors.

*  You could also use them at each place setting for your guests to know where to sit...with a place card.

*  You could use them without the egg shell, and just fill them with blooms and tie a small ribbon around the cup.

*  You could use them as favors filled with just about any small sized candy.

*  You could plant a petite plant/herb/cactus/flower/succulent in them as well and give them as favors.

Of course, they are perfect to use at brunch/breakfast reception any time of the year!  Just a couple of thoughts for you this Tuesday.  Hope you enjoyed this post ;-)  And tell me my dears, how would you use these at a reception?

~ Ciao

...image via simple blueprint

Perfectly Presented: Favors

Sometimes brown paper kraft bags, white ribbon and pretty calligraphy are all that is needed to present your favors perfectly!  Doesn't sound THAT gorgeous, does it?  Well have a look-see at this...

Simply gorgeous, no?  And if you are wondering what 'Gateau' means it is a rich or fancy cake.  Yet, not only are the favors perfectly present, but the cookies as well...

Eeks - I love the simplicity of this! I adore the white and clear cake plates too!  The whole palette is so crisp, clean and inviting.  Plus, I can't help but mention these are my all time favorite cookies...as long as they are snickerdoodles...which I am pretty sure they are...but please let me know if I am wrong.  Anyhow, whether in or out of favor bags, both are perfectly presented in my book.

P.S. - A special, long but special, post is coming up before noon!  So be sure to check back for it...as it's filled with lots of goodness!

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via style me pretty

Goodness Grapeness

How fabulous are these simple favors...

I love the natural, easy, good for me feeling of them.  I actually said outloud:  "I want one."  Yum, fresh fruit in a cute little bag...all for me.  However, if you wanted some I would most certainly share with you.

A pefectly simple DIY favor that I am adoring right now.  And while you mainly see grapes; the bags are filled with other fruits as well.  What I really love about this idea is that it really would work with any wedding style!  Just change the bag and how it's presented and viloa!

P.S. - And you know I love that they are lined up on a vintage bookcase.  Hmmm, I think I need to get me one of those soon...simply over the moon! 

~ Ciao

...image via ruffled

Tuesday Thought: Twist Ties

Okay, I know what you are thinking...twist ties?  Really?  Yes, really!  I would have never thought that I could actually like twist ties, but I do.  Well let me clarify - I like romanticPINK's on Etsy twist ties.  The twist ties come in pastel... 

and gingham...

Plus there are more styles such as polka dots and raffia ribbon twist ties too.

So your Tuesday Thought for today is:  Use twist ties as an alternative to ribbon or twine!  Don't they look cute in a small cup?  Just add some cellophane bags and have your guests fill them up and tie them off.  There are really so many ways in which you could use - on favors or as favors, on gifts, wrapped around napkins, etc...so get creative. 

P.S. - There are lots of other fabulous finds too such as lace tape, lace doily stickers (would be darling on favors), air mail supplies and more!  So head on over and have a look-see...you just might find what you were looking for...and more.

~ Ciao

...images via romanticpink, found via oh joy

Homemade: Guest Posting on A Realistic Wedding

Happy Homemade Thursday darlings!  I am guest posting my homemade project today on my lovely friend Claire's fabulous blog, A Realistic Wedding, while she is getting ready for her big day this weekend.  (Yippee! I so very excited for her, and can't wait to see her wedding pictures!) Come see me right here...

To see more of this...

See you there!

~ Ciao

...images via a realistic wedding & luna and chloe weddings

Perfectly Presented: Jam Favors

You all know how I am about details!  Well I feel the same way about presentation as well.  Really presentation in and of itself is a detail is it not?  Sometimes simple is best.  And to me, these small jars of jam favors are perfectly presented...

I adore the brown craft paper tops with the stamp, all tied with a simple knotted piece of twine makes for a perfect, rustic presentation.

~ Ciao

...photography by tanja lippert via style me pretty

Homemade: Sneak Peek

I am beyond tickled (and a little nervous) that not only do I get to show you a sneak peek of one of the things I have been working on, but that this will be the FIRST item in my ETSY store!!!

These would be DARLING one of a kind bridesmaids gifts, special favors for your bridesmaids who are throwing you a bridal shower, to say thank you, or just a gift to give.  I was originally going to make these as magnets, however I have decided that I will leave the option up to the buyer...you know me, I like options!  I am sure you do too ;-)  Anyway, here is your sneak peek...

A variety of vintage finds grouped together to make sets!  First let me say that I have only 4 sets (6 pieces including the salt shaker lid in each) of the above...two with the same flowers, and two others with different!  But the rest of the pieces are the same.  Each set will be sold individually.  And not only do I love the vintage salt shaker to hold a flower or two...but it is the PERFECT size to hold a pen or pencil!  And made into a magnet for the fridge...how cute would that be...to find a pen when needed...or hold a bloom to brighten your day.  The lambs are made out of wax, but they are not candles...and these little fellows run a tad on the pricey side (but still within reason).  However, with Spring coming I just couldn't resist!  I hope to have these listed in my Etsy store by Monday, February 28th.

Since every piece in this small collection is vintage, it only allows me to make as many as I can find.  I was so lucky to find four of each of these, as I love each piece.  But fear not, I am working on another collection of sets in red, with 6, that I should have ready to go by next week, and I will make sure I share those with you too! 

If you are interested in something in particular, or a larger numbers of sets - please do not hesitate to contact me.  I can do custom orders by the number needed, style/theme and colors too.  Granted it might take me some time to find them...but I most likely will find something that works perfectly!

Other items will be added to my Etsy store at random.  I will be listing these Luna and Chloe original design, stitched key tags by Monday as well...

Along with more in a variety of colors, one letter, one number, a variety of shapes, etc... all which will be listed soon. I have a couple of other things that will be listed soon including some non-vintage items, and  I am also working on grab bag favors for use at a wedding - so cute!

Prices will start at a couple of dollars and go up from there.  So hopefully there will be a little something for everyone.  I hope you all enjoyed this sneak peek of my Etsy store!

~ Ciao

...concept, design, styling and photography all by luna and chloe weddings