Amy Atlas Book Signing!

I had the pleasure of attending Amy Atlas' book tour stop at my local Williams-Sonoma in Highland Village on Friday. As soon as you entered the store, you were greeted by this adorable display taken straight from the pages of her new book Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft It, Style It. Each page reads like an adorable how-to manual with "switch it" suggestions for ways to make certain items more adult or family friendly. 

Amy then wowed the crowd with an explanation on how to accomplish this lovely display, while giving helpful, time and sanity-saving tips along the way. She then took questions from the crowd and signed every copy of her book with a personal message. She was so incredibly sweet and took the time to have a personal conversation with every lady that went up to her. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet her and can't wait to dive into her book for new entertaining, crafting, and baking ideas!

For the remainder of her book tour dates, click on this post. 

Wordless Wednesday #2: Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day!

Wordless Wednesday: Turtle Time aka Ramona from RHONY!

                                          

                                        

Event Finds!

Planning a wedding or large corporate event? Event Finds is this neat little website that allows you to book event related necessities, such as a venue, band, catering, etc. for a fraction of the price. Karla Amador and Mary “Lou” Lomibao founded Event Finds after they noticed there was no place they could advertise un-booked or last minute specials to the masses. Amador and Lomibao, have also been “savvy savers” themselves and understood that both parties could benefit from a website like Event Finds.
  

As they describe on their website: " What makes us unique is we can help you no matter what kind of event you're planning: wedding, anniversary, baby shower, sweet sixteen, graduation, birthday, corporate or any other event you can think of. The site allows you to browse local vendors through "listings." Once you find what you are looking for, or something new you didn't know existed, all you have to do is contact them, mention our site and you'll be on your way to creating an unforgettable event!" 

Their current list of cities is small but growing: Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, Northern & Southern California. It's too bad only our sister to the north is listed, but if you are an event related vendor in the Houston area, then please contact Lou Lomibao, Event Finds co-founder, at lou@eventfinds.com to get started. I'd love to see them expand in my fair city! 




*I was not paid to write this post*

Nothin' but a Good Time!

Last night I was able to see an advance screening of Rock Ages thanks to Gofobo! See last post to read more about their awesomeness. Based on the musical, it's your typical boy meets girl story while both are trying to make it in the big city. Although a little fluffier than I typically like my movies, the singing and dancing to rad 80s rock made it a fun ride. Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Tom Cruise also provided excellent comic relief from the sometimes hokey dialogue. If you want a fun summer movie that will have you tapping your feet to my beloved Journey, among other bands, then Rock of Ages is a solid pick. 

Freebie Friday: Gofobo!

I love going to the movies, but the price of tickets seems to be continuously on the rise. Want to feel like a quasi-celebrity and see movies for free in a private screening before they open to the public? Of course you do! All you have to do is sign up for free at Gofobo. They regularly send out invites to free screenings of top movies at your local theaters. For example, this morning I scored passes to see Rock of Ages on Monday. Sweet, right? 


Just be sure to reserve your passes close to when you receive their email, since they tend to go fast. You can also check their site for local screenings and, if it's "open", all you have to do is sign up. The only caveat is try to get their early because seats aren't guaranteed but, since you can reserve 2 tickets at a time, you can always kill time by hanging out with a friend or significant other. 


*I was not paid to write this*

Pinkberry is Coming!

While I'm surprised it's taken this long to hit Houston, I just found out Pinkberry will be opening inside the loop in late July! Sign up to be a Pinkberry Groupie, for your invite to their grand opening in Highland Village. That is all. 

Pink Champagne Cupcake Recipe!

I made these cupcakes for my friend's Stella & Dot launch party and they were a hit! I would recommend these for a bachelorette party, bridal shower, or girls-only launch party. In the kitchen I typically experiment with novice to advanced baking, so this recipe should be friendly for even the least experienced baker!

*Adapted from Betty Crocker 

Champagne Cupcakes:

1       Box moist white cake mix
1¼    Cups champagne (I added in about 1/4 more)
3       Egg whites
1/3    Cups oil
4 to 5 Drops of red food coloring

Champagne Frosting:

1/2

Cup butter or margarine, softened

4

Cups powdered sugar

1/4

Cup champagne (I used closer to a cup)

1

Teaspoon vanilla

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

• 2. In large bowl, mix dry cake mix and champagne. Add oil, egg whites and food color. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
• 3. Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 4. In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Frost cupcakes. 

Freebie Friday: Sprinkles Cupcakes!

I'll admit it...I love the finer things, but never want to pay full price. If you keep your eye out, there are lots of ways to save or enjoy little luxuries for free. As a result, I bring you my first Freebie Friday! Today's subject: Sprinkles Cupcakes.

It's hard to find a person who would ever say no to a cupcake (if they exist, I don't want to meet them), especially considering cupcakes shops seem to be on every corner nowadays. Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world's first cupcake bakery, has taken the US by storm. My lovely city of Houston is lucky to have one centrally located in Highland Village. Did you know you can get Sprinkles for free? Every day they post a secret phrase on their social media nationally, as well as a phrase for the local regions. All you have to do is walk in to your shop, say it, and, voilà, free cupcake! 

Be sure to fan Sprinkles and Sprinkles Houston (or whichever is closest to you) on Facebook and follow @sprinkles and @sprinkleshoustn on Twitter to catch the phrase of the day. If you have a droid or iPhone, you can also download their free app. 

*I was not paid to write this*