Things I love: being creative with what I have and not having to buy things I don't need. So of course, using fresh pine for the winter / holidays is THE BEST way to decorate. Not only is it simple, but it's free (wink wink)...just go outside and do a lil snippy snippy and you're well on your way.

I chose to make potted arrangements but you can also make bundles to hang. Using various greenery is also a plus. I was able to find several different types, including Boxwood, Pine, Arborvitae and Spruce. All the different textures and slight color variants create interest and makes your arrangement more unique.

Now about some added color...Pom poms! You already know I was going there. These babies have been my easy-peasy go-to for pops of color for yeeeeears. They never fail me. They're quick to make, inexpensive and won't shatter like ornaments. There are many ways to make these guys...I have the plastic craft store pom pom makers in many sizes and they serve me well.

You might be wondering what to put everything in. I like to reuse my summer flower pots. I have them in red and chartreuse which is perfect for Christmas decor as well. If you don't have any flowers pots available, you can grab a plain terra-cotta pot for a few bucks and spray paint it. A vase you have sitting around is a great option too. Hint: mini versions would make great holiday party/ Christmas dinner table toppers.

For assembly, I arranged the greenery in layers and packed it in full so nothing would fall out. The longer stems are in the back and shorter in the front. I kept each kind of greens together so they formed their own layer. Other elements you can add in are pinecones (you can glitter these, you can spray paint these - go nuts) or some of your tree decor. I used some sparkly snowflakes and sparkly accent stems.

Christmas is quickly approaching but this is so quick and easy you can still make it happen. It looks beautiful as indoor decor or outdoors on a porch. What a lovely holiday gift it would make as well!
Enjoy & Happy Holidays, everyone!

Rustic Boho Layer Cake with Fresh Flowers

If you know me personally, you're well aware I'm like an little old lady who loves tending to her summer flowers. Unfortunately living in my loft, I'm unable to have flower beds anymore but I'm still finding ways to incorporate pretty greenery and lovely live flowers into my life.

This was my first experience designing a cake with real, fresh flowers. It was great & it was nerve-racking...but I highly recommend doing it. 

The layer cake is white cake with vanilla buttercream. I frosted only in-between layers and the top of the cake. Keeping the sides unfrosted provides the rustic boho look. It gives off an unperfect vibe, which I love. Decorating with buttercream (instead of fondant) and embracing it's messier quality, is my absolute favorite.

DESIGN TIPS

Pick a variety of flowers

I chose some vibrant peachy orange/pink roses as a main focal. As supporting cast, I wanted greenery. I used killer lime green mums and leafy eucalyptus stems. All 3 plants have a very different look which gives variety to your creation. The varying visual texture makes it more interesting to look at.

Layer and Pile it On!

Don't be shy here. Why not heap on the flowers? Go for it and make a statement. I started with a blanket of rose petals and then placed a group of flowers on top as discussed below.

Create a Focal Point

I grouped a large rose, some sprigs of eucalyptus and a few mums on the top of the cake. This arrangement grabs your attention and creates visual interest. In one spot lower on the plate, I also gathered a few blooms to make it look like a cascading effect. 

Dealing with the natural & fresh aspect was challenging. The eucalyptus and mums are quite resilient while the Roses are quite delicate and will wilt a little more quickly. I had a couple of back up roses for a quick replacement after I arrived to my destination. It's good to keep all the flowers in water and then place them on the cake at the absolute last minute.

All in all, it was a fun experience. I just had to go with the flow and learn as I went along. The flowers were gorgeous and made for a lovely presentation. I can't wait to give it another try and experiment with different flowers.

Here's another easy and delish Christmas cookie recipe! My love for gingerbread is extreme and this recipe makes the perfect soft cookie...topping it off with a creamy frosting almost takes it over the edge. Sweetness overdose!...but that's ok since it's the holidays, right?

Gingerbread Cookies

3 1/4 cups flour                             1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda                          2 sticks butter
2 tsp ginger                                   3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon                             1/2 molasses
1/4 tsp nutmeg                              1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degress.
Combine all dry ingredients & mix well.
Combine butter, sugar, molasses & egg - mix well. - I added in a tsp of vanilla bean ; )
Gradually combine dry ingredients into butter/sugar mix.
Place drops on cookie sheet (they don't speed out much while baking). Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 mins. (I made larger cookies and baked them for 15-16 mins)

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 box powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Cream sugar and cream cheese together. Add in vanilla and gradually add in powdered sugar. Mix well. Just to note, I eyeball this recipe. I usually do equal parts of butter & cream cheese. Then I add powdered sugar till it gets to the consistency I want.

Ya know those expensive stainless steel letter magnets from Pottery Barn? I've been wanting them for years...but c'mon, not paying that high price for magnets. Silly. 

I found and purchased a big bag of vintage colorful kids magnets from Bombshelter, I figured these would look awesome spray painted with some metallic Krylon Chrome paint. I know, I know, these magnets were already cute in their original state when I bought them but the colors and look doesn't go with my house...had to give it a punch of glam. This is seriously the most easy project and the results are high style. 

Lately, I can't seem to get enough gingerbread. The rich flavor of the molasses and spices keep me coming back for more. I struck gold when my first gingerbread making experience was a huge success. I used a cookie recipe from Cake Girls. Try it! (mouth watering right now....WANT!) To top off all my gingerbread makings, I've been using just a basic cream cheese frosting. Use a stick of butter, equal amount of cream cheese, about a teaspoon of vanilla, powdered sugar until it gets to the consistency you want....simple. My new fav sweet treat.

This year I got a new white Christmas tree. It's gorgeous with all the colorful ornaments! All the bright colors pop! I wanted some more big pieces for my tree in the colors of my living room so I made a bunch of Poms to place on it. Best idea ever. It's Inexpensive while adding texture...makes a statement, that's for sure!

Exclusive and official Cake Party for 2! We graffitied the top of this cake together. Presh.

Cup cake gig for a friends brewing company. What did I get myself into? Cupcakes take up some time!

My newly created leopard felt stocking and a very toasty fireplace

Mmmmm Sugar Cookie Love

At my last job, I spent many hours editing how-to videos for Duplicolor car paint. Now the nerdy designer in me has to spray paint EVERYTHING. From flower pots, jewelry, furniture…and now vegetables. I just have two pumpkins cleaned, primed, and painted right now…but will probably keep adding more as fall progresses. I’m hooked.

Life is better with peanut butter & chocolate

My creation of brownie cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.