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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Five Things

This week I'm loving.....

 
promise of pink peonies (assuming they actually grow)
newest J.Crew Factory necklace (which Z picked out all by himself!)
my husband's hard workin' boots by the back door
first....okay, okay, second...Easter candy splurge
Have you tried Sweetart Jelly Beans? They are heaven in a bag. Seriously, you gotta make a Walgreens run.
a gorgeous rose blooming in our backyard
We are enjoying warm temperatures in Houston this week, teasing us that spring is right around the corner. Bring on the blooms, bonnets, and bacon; we're ready!
Disclaimer: I realize that bacon is in no way related to the spring season. I'm just really hungry right now and it was the only good 'b' word I could think of.

Happy Hump Day, lovelies!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Easy Easter Cupcakes

I saw the idea for this here on Pinterest a few days ago and immediately knew these needed to be made in our kitchen. Yes, I'm aware that it's still February and Easter is in April. Let me share with you a little conversation Z and I had on Sunday that might help this premature baking session make a little more sense:

Z: "Why don't you ever make cupcakes? Like, just one or two?"
B: "Ummm...do you know how hard that would be to just make one or two cupcakes? Why not just make a whole batch?"
Z: "'Cause we only need one or two".

I suppose he's right, but he came home to two dozen red velvet cupcakes yesterday. Oopsie.
Oh, and I probably should also mention that I am a HUGE sucker for Easter candy. Like, we're talking addiction that probably needs to be medically treated. Have you ever eaten a Cadbury Creme Egg? If so, you understand.
I could've really challenged myself and attempted a homemade version, but instead I opted for Duncan Hines red velvet cake mix. Why get all technical when the box version is really, really good?

I baked the cupcakes as directed and let them cool. I took a Hershey's chocolate bar and put it in the freezer for ten minutes (while the cupcakes were baking) and then shaved the bar as the cupcakes were cooling. It worked out perfectly. Whenever shaving your chocolate bar, use a vegetable peeler and make sure the chocolate is nice and firm. Cut long pieces, as to resemble twigs.
Pop a couple mini Cadbury Eggs on top and you're done! A cute, tasty treat, perfect for Easter celebrations.
Happy baking, friends!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Rehearsal Dinner Decorating: A Taste of Texas

Hi, y'all! Last week I talked about my brother's wedding here and the amazing weekend we all had. There are no words to sum up what a fabulous wedding it was; Zach and I were so grateful to be part of such a special event. Thanks, Scarlett and Shane!

We spent several weeks before the wedding preparing for the rehearsal dinner, which was "A Taste of Texas" themed. The wedding was in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and with Shane and Scarlett moving to Hawaii (this week!), we thought it would be a fun way to celebrate their roots. The dinner was held at Highpoint Manor in Wimberley and catered by Miss Mae's Barbeque.


Zach designed these tags, which we attached to favors.
 sacks for the "Cowboy Candy Bar"
Our friends Brittney, Ann, and (of course) Zach all worked so hard. Couldn't have done it without them. In fact, Ann and Brittney hauled 95% of this stuff all the way from Sweetwater. Hard workers indeed!
 Even Nana came and helped! Remember her famous Fudge Cake?
my Beanie! (nickname since college days)
Ann and Brittney went to town on the head table...didn't they do great? It looked so pretty that night with soft lighting and the candles flickering. Ann wrapped each mason jar in gingham ribbon and placed candles inside. We put carnations, daisies, and baby's breath in larger mason jars for a laid-back, country feel.
A bag of chocolate covered pretzels (in the shape of Texas' and boots) sat at each place setting.
 my little brother and Ann stirring up staying out of trouble
The banners were made using burlap from Hobby Lobby and a paint pen. We printed large letters off our computer, then traced them onto the burlap. We hot glued each triangle onto twine and tied ribbons for a little added flair. It was a messy job, but we were pleased with the end result.
(chicken, compliments of Ann and Allen's Fried Chicken!)
We stamped letters (from Michaels) onto cardstock and put it in a frame...simple sign!
Most of the jars, scale, and baskets belong to Ann, and my Mom bought the tin pails from Hobby Lobby. Once again, we wanted a very Southern feel.
 The sucker stand was made by using a small cake stand with a floral foam ring hidden under burlap, which was secured with twine. The suckers slid right in the holes of the burlap and into the foam.
I'll be back soon with a recap of the Rehearsal Dinner itself, once we were all able to sit back, relax, and celebrate our sweet Shane and Scarlett.

Also, a huge thank you to our dear friends Ann Allen and Brittney Granger. None of this would've happened without the hard work and creativity of you two. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Love you both.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Polka Dots & Lace

Hi, y'all! I'm back with another fashion post, as promised. I'm no model by any stretch, but my silly husband sure knows how to make me giggle.
dress: Forever21, tights: Forever21, necklace: J.Crew, bracelet: J.Crew, sunnies: Charlotte Russe, booties: Sears
Wanna know the funny part? We were actually trying to find a new church this morning. We got lost. Apparently our GPS thought the church should be where a Walmart stands.

So instead we hit up a nature preserve (which we stumbled upon by accident) in our "Sunday best",  then beat the lunch crowd to Outback for some coconut shrimp and ribs. And yes, we prayed before our meal. We felt bad.
Hope your weekend has been wonderful!
xoxo

Friday, February 24, 2012

Blog Brag: Imperfectly Inspired

Hi friends!

Last week, I opened up our mailbox to find this adorable set of handmade coasters, packaged up all pretty with the sweetest card:

My friend Shannon over at Imperfectly Inspired sent us this awesome package. Yes, she made these. Thank you, Shannon! If you guys haven't stopped by her blog, you definitely should. She has some great cleaning tips, recipes, and craft projects to share. This chocolate granola seriously changed my life, and I am dying to try this saltine cracker toffee.

I love this last part of her About Me section:
"I'm no expert on being 'domestic'. But I'm having fun learning. In the last year I've learned a little about cooking, and little about painting, a little about DIY stuff and a lot about myself and what I'm capable of."
Totally sums up the kind of girl she is. So glad to call you a friend, Shannon!

p.s. I also sent some goodies back her way (I can't reveal just what yet 'cause she hasn't gotten the package); hope you enjoy yours as much as we are loving our cute new coasters, Shannon! If any of you ladies would like to join in the "package trading" fun, shoot me an email at:
bmercer5642@gmail.com

and I'll brag on your blog, too :)
Happy Friday!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Wedding Cake Link-Up

Hi friends! Today I am linking up with Britt from The Magnolia Pair to share our wedding cakes with you all!
Zach and I were married on June 25, 2011 in our West Texas hometown. It was also my grandparent's 56th wedding anniversary, making the day all the more special for Zach and me. It was a perfect day, in our eyes, and we will always cherish our wedding memories. Zach is a little weary about retrying these cakes on our first anniversary come June; something about year old cake gives him the heebie jeebies. For those of you that have honored that tradition....was it worth it? How can I coax my hubby? :)

Bride's Cake
My cake was a five-tiered alternating mix of lemon and strawberry cake with fillings to match. Our wedding had a vintage theme with pearls galore, and we wanted the cake to represent that as well. Our florist added fresh flowers for a pretty pop of purple (say that three times fast!).

Groom's Cake
Zach's cake was a delicious red velvet with cream cheese frosting, his all-time favorite. He wanted something simple replicating the Texas "Come and Take It" flag.
Bride's Cake- Misty's Cakes in Abilene, TX
Groom's Cake- Linda Freeman in Sweetwater, TX
Photography- In Bloom Photography, Sweetwater, TX
Florist- Debby Bankhead, Sweetwater, TX


 Thanks for reading about our sweet day, y'all!