Tutorial Tuesday: Gumdrop Flower Petal Cupcake Garnish

A couple weeks ago, when I shared my Flowers~N~Flutters dessert table, I promised you a tutorial on the "flower petal" cupcakes.  So here it is.

What you'll need:
Gumdrops
Granulated Sugar
Mint Leaves
{and cupcakes, of course}

Directions {Adapted from Southern Living's 101 Essential Southern Recipes}:

1) Using your fingers, flatten gumdrops to about 1/8 inch thickness, gently lengthening & widening to form desired shape.


2) Dredge lightly in sugar. 
{Tip: I found that if I gently rubbed a dampened papertowel on both sides of the gumdrop, the sugar stuck much better!}

3) Place on wire rack & let stand for about 24 hours.

4) Gently press the lower center of the petal inward, cupping the petal & curl the outer edges backward if desired.

5) Place the "point" of the mint leaf  in the icing to hold it in place.
(I cut the leaves down to the desired size, making a sharp point on one end.)

6) Add petal to cupcake.



I'll be linking to the following parties:
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed with Grace

Cupcake Tuesday at Hoosier Homemade

Rednesday at It’s a Very Cherry World
Hoo’s Got Talent at Night Owl Crafting
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

Food on Fridays at Ann Kroeker

Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum

Sweet Tooth Friday at Alli-N-Son

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Sweets for a Saturday at Sweet as Sugar Cookies
Savory Sunday at The Sweet Details
Craftomaniac Monday at Craftomaniac

Cupcake Sunday @ My Cozy Corner

Sunday Scripture: Working for Our Good

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe - the richly ornamented robe he was wearing - and they took him and threw him into the cistern........they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming form Gilead.....Judah said to his brothers, "What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? Come, let's sell him to the Ishmaelites"......So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. 

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt.  Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.  The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.  When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.  Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 

Genesis 37: 23-28; 39: 1-4 (NIV)

The story of Joseph, which I'll be sharing a little more of in the coming weeks, goes on to tell us how Joseph, who continued to face trials, trusted God & in return, God blessed him & made him a ruler!

But right now I want to focus on this one point:

God had a plan for Joseph.  While being hated by his own brothers & being sold into slavery probably made Joseph feel very abandoned, not only by his own family, but possibly even by God, he continued to honor God.  He trusted that God had a plan.  And guess what?  God did!  God used the horrible circumstances {hated by brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly accused, forgotten in prison, etc.}, to get Joseph to where he wanted him to be!  Romans 8:28 tells us that in all things, God is working for the good of those who love Him.  And Psalms 37: 23 reminds us that the steps of a righteous person are ordered by God.  In other words, no matter what trials you may be facing, no matter how difficult life may seem at the moment, no matter how abandoned you may feel, God has a plan for you!  He simply asks that we continue to trust, love, and honor him.......He will do the rest!

Friday Favorites: Shoe Love

Other than dishes, there is probably nothing I love more than SHOES......heels, flats, flip flops, boots.....you name it.  I guess you could say I'm head over heels for shoes.

There's just something about slipping on a great pair of shoes that makes you feel better, that touches your sole soul......something magical about it.  After all, it was Dorothy's ruby red slippers that got her where she wanted to go & Cinderella's glass slipper that helped her to move up in life & be united with her prince charming. 

Okay, so maybe shoes don't have quite that much power in real life, but I do think that sometimes the right shoes can just help you feel better......prettier, more feminine, more comfortable.

Since this week is "National Shoe Week," I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite shoes with all of you shoe-lovers out there.  I have to admit, there is no tiptoeing around it......I have a lot of shoes!  Come on now, don't be a goody two-shoes..... I know I'm not the only one! 
{You wouldn't want me to give you the boot, would you?}

So whether you share the same shoe-love & have "walked in my shoes" or whether "the shoe's on the other foot" for you, I hope you take a couple minutes to put up your feet & enjoy the show.
{I promise I'm done with the puns now!}

I love a great pair of heels for church or those special occasions.....

 This pair by LifeStride is one of my FAVORITE pairs for spring & summer! 
Don't you just love the cute beaded dragonfly?

And these heels by Liz Claiborne {seen in my recent Pink Queen of Sole tablescape} are great just about any time of the year
{well, maybe not if it's below 50*, but anytime other than that!}

 

So what about those days that are below 50*?  Well, there's always boots!
These ankle boots by Antonio Melani are so much fun.

But I have to be honest, as much as I love the look of heels & boots, they are not always the most comfortable.  So I also have a large collection of flats that I wear to work quite often.....

I love the tone-on-tone sequins of these Steve Madden flats.....

And these zebra print flats by Yellow Box are to die for!  As if they wouldn't be cute just with the zebra print, one large clear rhinestone adorns the top!

These leopard print flats by Gianni Bini are not only adorable, but they are some of my most comfortable shoes! {The buckle is what sold me on them!}

Of course, why pay for an expensive pedi if you're just gonna hide your toes?
Sometimes, you just gotta show 'em off......

These fun flats by Naught Monkey are adorned with multiple colored rhinestones, making them easily paired with a variety of outfits.

What?  Not enough toe showing? 

Well, check out these sparkly sandals from the B2 by Bernardo collection.

Still too much shoe?  Well how about these CL by Laundry sandals? 
Wouldn't they be so much fun for a garden party?

And these cute leopard print sandals with the red rhinestone buckle {by Vaneli} are great for Spring, Summer, or Fall!

 I love the color combo of the brown leather & turquoise rhinestones on this Yellow Box pair!

{Guess by now you're learning that I love me some animal print & a little bling!}

But I have to say, if I had my choice, I'd wear flip flops ALL the time.

A little bling dresses up this pair by New York & Co.....

.....while these flip flops by SO are great for a more casual look.

But then there's these {again by Yellow Box}.....my most comfortable pair of shoes EVER!

But what about those rainy days?

I love a great pair of rainboots......I have to admit, even though I already have 2 pairs, I'm always seeing cute rainboots that I'd love to have!

And then there's those snow days {which, although only a handful of days each year, can be pretty crazy in Oklahoma}......gotta have a great pair of snow boots!
The band of fur on the top of these Coach snow boots definitely helps keep you warm!

Okay, just one more......a great pair of houseshoes {yet another pair by Yellow Box} are not only soothing on a tired feet, but their bright pink color & bling just put a smile on your face!

Believe it or not, this is just a small sampling of my shoes!  {I plan to do a post on shoe storage in the near future, so you'll get to see a few more!}  But I have to admit, while it might look like I spend a lot of money on shoes, I love a good bargain & the majority of these (with the obvious exception of the Coach boots) were less than $30 a pair! 

In case you're wondering, here'a a quick run down of where I got 'em:

{Keep in mind, I purchased most of these at least a year ago & some as much as 5 or 6 years ago!}

Dragonfly Heels - Famous Footwear on sale

Leopard Heels - Steinmart on sale plus a coupon

Leopard Boots - Dillards on the clearance rack

Steve Madden Flats - Ross (enough said)

Zebra Flats - 1/2 off at a little shoe store in Marlow, OK

Leopard flats - Dillards on sale

Naughty Monkey Peep Toe Flats - Ebay (about 1/2 the regular cost, but still new)

Green Sandal by Bernardo - Westies on sale

Rose Sandal - Ross

Leopard Sandal with Red Buckle - 1/2 off at The Webb (a little store in Norman, OK)

Brown/Turquoise Sandal - on sale at Shoetopia (another little store in Norman)

Pink Flip Flops - New York & Co on sale & with coupon

Animal Print Flip Flips - Steinmart (likely on sale or coupon)

Yellow Box Flip Flops - Shoe Warehouse on sale

Rainboots - Steinmart on sale

Coach Snow Boots - Ebay (about 1/2 the regular price, but still brand new)

House shoes - Hallmark!

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope to see you again soon!

I'm joining How Sweet The Sound for Pink Saturday!

Tablescape Thursday: Pink Queen of Sole

As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10:15 (NIV)


And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)

I struggled a bit with this week's tablescape {and not just with the lighting, as you can tell in some of the pics!}.  Since Tuesday was "Tiara Day" and this week is "National Shoe Week," I had planned on combining the 2 & doing a "Queen of Sole" tablescape.  Get it, queen because of the tiara?  Sole because of shoes?
 

Anyway, I had a little different color scheme in mind, but then I heard that this Saturday is a very special day......it's Pink Saturday's 3rd birthday!  So now I was in a dilemna......what to do?  I considered sharing a tablescape {"Pink Picnic in the Park"} I did on my birthday a couple weeks ago since it's filled to the brim with pink, but I had planned on saving it 'til June {because Natl. Pink Day & Picnic Day are both the 3rd week of June}.  So then I began trying to figure out how I could incorporate pink into my original plan & share in the birthday celebrations.

So I went throughout my normal work week with this in the back of my mind {Am I the only one that does that?  Work & carry on with my normal routines, but all the while, thinking about the next tablescape or the next project?}......and then it happened.  As I sat my keys down on my desk at work, I noticed the little flashlight that is on my key ring.  The pale pink background covered with shoes....some red, some leopard print......was the perfect color combo to pull this table together.......
{It didn't photograph well, but you get the idea.}......High heels, a little bit of leopard print, a pop of red, and a LOT of pink!  Throw in a couple tiaras & I would have all of the ingredients for a very girly, Pink Saturday celebration!

First, I looked through my dishes with shoes (believe it or not, I have more than one set that has shoes on them!) to find one that would go with my color scheme. 

For my table covering, I used a tan tablecloth, topped with a layer of pink tulle to add a little bit of sheen & more PINK.  {I've been challenging myself lately to NOT buy new stuff, but to be creative with what I have; since I didn't have the right shade of pink tablecloth, I used the tulle I had leftover from a previous baby shower.  I think in the end, I liked it's subtle color better than I would have liked a solid tablecloth!}

Cream-colored chargers with a rhinestone border add some depth & sparkle.  Turning them diagonally added a little interest & worked better spatially for the table.

Each place setting receives a slightly different plate.

A bright red salad plate peeks out from underneath for an unexpected pop of color!

I originally had four place settings, but then I decided since it's Pink Satuday's 3rd birthday, it might be fun to just do 3 place settings.

A pale pink napkin, layered over a cream eyelet napkin is held together with a tiara napkin ring.


Only a fork is needed for this simple lunch.

A clear goblet with subtle polka dots adds to the fun.

For the centerpiece, a silver cupcake holder is topped with a pair of leopard print heels, a sparkly tiara, & a little pink rose from our garden. 

{Shhh.....don't tell Mr. Dishaholic.  I think he's tired of me cutting all of our flowers for my tablescapes.}

As soon is lunch is over, three red velvet cupcakes....one for each guest....with white icing & pale pink "pearls" are waiting to be eaten.  After all, this is a birthday party!

{For another touch of leopard print, I used leopard cupcake liners.  Unfortunately, the red of the cupcakes bled through a little.}

Alternating with the cupcakes are little pink tumblers, ready for some ice cold milk.

So where is the milk, you ask? 

It's right over here, in this sweet pitcher, which is resting on a stack of pink saucers, just the perfect size for a cupcake!

A stack of leopard print plates add a little interest.

Oops!  I almost forgot the candles!  What's a pink birthday party without pink candles?

So who is each place for?  Well, one for me, one for sweet Beverly {the host of Pink Saturday}, and one for you, of course!

Happy Birthday, Pink Saturday!

Make a wish!

Salad Plates - Vintage Boutique by Stoneware/Steinmart (years ago)

Red Salad Plates - Crimson by Sonoma/Kohls (years ago)

Chargers & Pitcher- Ross

Acrylic Flatware - Walmart (years ago)

Tiara Napkin Rings - Hobby Lobby

Pink Napkins, Pink Saucers & Tumblers - Tuesday Morning

Eyelet Napkins - Pier 1

Goblets - Target (years ago)

Cupcake Holder & Tiara- TJ Maxx

Leopard Plates - handpainted by my mother-in-law! (Lolita has similar ones)

{To see previous tablescapes using the above items, click on the item link.}

I'll be joining the following blog parties:

Tablescape Thursday at BNOTP

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/05/farm-house-stoool-and-wow-us-wednesdays.html
Friday Favorites at Simply Sweet Home

....And of course, PINK SATURDAY at HOW SWEET THE SOUND!