Yesterday we got a glimpse at Stella’s Hello Kitty dessert table in my “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood” episode 8 recap post, but I also wanted to share some extra images of the sweet set-up done by my friend Jenny Cookies.




I love the way this turned out- feminine and chic, but still youthful enough for a three-year-old’s celebration. 



Every detail here was adorable, from the Hello Kitty cake pops, to the petite macaroons and cake-topper bow. The birthday girl was also excited about her spread for those few moments that she took her eyes off her boyfriend Malloy.

Next up: Stella and Malloy’s wedding cake?!

What do you think of Stella’s dessert table? Let me know in the comments below. 

P.S. To see more images check out my album here! 

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Those of you with iPhones know that autocorrect can come up with some unexpected words from time to time. I’ve definitely texted a few phrases that were not what I meant to say – so when I saw this post on BuzzFeed, I totally laughed out loud! Here are a few examples:




You can read the rest here!

What’s the funniest typo you’ve sent or received in a text message? Share in the comments below!

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The 4th of July is the ultimate all ages, all-day outdoor party featuring a smorgasbord of all things red, white, and blue. Here are some fun drinks for kids and grown-ups to enjoy throughout the day.
 
Red Velvet Cupshakes

I love me some red velvet cake, and of course it’s the perfect color for a 4th of July treat. Since we’re right in the middle of summer, I came up with a twist on the traditional red velvet routine that will cool off any crowd and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

This recipe makes twelve mini-shakes.
 
Ingredients
 
For the cupcakes:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 ½ Tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 oz red food coloring
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp baking soda

For the shakes:

• 12 cupcakes (see above)
• 1 gallon vanilla ice cream
• 1 quart cream cheese
• ½ gallon milk
• 2 oz  vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Light rum (optional)

 For garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Red velvet cupcake crumbs
• Blueberries

Instructions
 
For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Grease twelve cupcake cups or line with paper liners
3. Cream softened butter and sugar together until fluffy
4. Add eggs and blend well
5. In a separate small bowl, combine cocoa powder and food coloring and stir - once you have a thick paste, add to mixture
6. Sift flour and salt together into mixture
7. Add buttermilk to mixture
8. In a separate small bowl combine vinegar and baking soda - fold into cake mixture
9. Pour batter into cupcake cups
10. Bake fifteen to twenty minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean
11. Let cool for ten minutes, then turn out onto wrack and cool completely

Timesaver: buy your fave red velvet mix and knock these out in a few minutes!
 
For each shake:

1. Reserve a few cupcake crumbs for garnish
2. Blend one cupcake in a blender with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, three tablespoons of cream cheese, half a cup of milk, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one to two drops of food coloring (if desired)
3. To adulterize these babies (new word!), add a shot or two of light rum to your mixture in the blender
4. Blend more or less, depending on whether you want to see cake pieces in your shake or prefer the cake totally blended in
5. Pour the blended mixture into small glasses or shot glasses, and top with a dollop of whipped cream, a few crumbles of red velvet cupcake, and a bluberry
6. If you have cute, striped paper straws in red and white or blue and white stripes, cut them in half, and place in your mini-milkshakes.

Rosé Berry Sangria
 
Sangria is my favorite summer adult beverage. It’s so refreshing. And, my favorite summer wine is a chilled rosé. So why not combine the two to make a 4th of July, summer fresh Rosé Berry Sangria?

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup crème de cassis
• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
• 1 (750-ml) bottle chilled rose wine
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 bottle club soda
• Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients (except mint leaves and club soda) and let soak in the fridge for a couple of hours
2. Right before you serve, add 1/2 cup club soda
3. Pour over ice, garnish with a mint leaf, and enjoy!

Berry Ice Cubes
 
This is an easy way to fancy up any drink from club soda to sprite!
 
Ingredients

• Berries
• Water
• Sprite, club soda, or sparkling water

Instructions

1. Fill up an ice cube tray with water
2. Drop a berry into each compartment in the tray
3. Freeze and add berry cubes to water or sprite

Kool-Aid Cubes

These are a simple and sweet treat for the kiddies. Just fill an ice tray with different flavors of Kool-Aid, like cherry or tropical punch, freeze overnight, and add the Kool-Aid cubes to sprite or sparkling water. Your kids will love these even more if you use novelty ice trays with fun shapes like stars or circus animals.

Voilà ....red, white, and blue beverages for all!
 
Tomorrow I’ll share some ideas for 4th of July food, so stay tuned! What kind of drinks do you plan to serve this weekend?

Nothing’s worse than forgetting or “forgetting” (whoops!) to invite someone to a party and then finding out how hurt/angry/devastated they are.

Guest lists can be where rivalries and enemies are made. So, with that in mind, let’s talk about how to avoid offending your A- and B-list friends and anyone else in their social networks.

Start by picking the size of your party. General guidelines are:

• Get together – under 15 guests
• Party – 15-30 guests
• Major bash – over 30 guests

Make the call: kids welcome or adults only. Keep in mind, kid-friendly parties need to start early and feature goodies like mac ‘n cheese cups or an ice cream sundae station. Be sure that everyone you invite knows at least one other person at the party. As host, you won’t be able to babysit singleton guests, so make sure they have one other person at the party who can be their “home base.”

Check your list twice. Or five times. Seriously, you don’t want to leave anyone out or they will harbor resentment toward you and may retaliate by “forgetting” to invite you to their next shindig. Once your list is done, stick to it! You don’t want the cost of that party skyrocketing because you can’t say no. 


How do you handle guest lists for get-togethers and major occasions?

In my view, planning a party is at least as fun as attending one. For me entertaining is a passion – it’s in my blood! Whether it’s in a ballroom, your own living room, or your neighbor’s backyard, this section is all about wowing your guests, while making sure they’re comfortable, and left inspired! From chic soirees to spa parties with the girls, I’ll be sharing all my best tips in ENTERTAIN, and I can’t wait to hear your ideas!