From the Kitchen: Spicy Caramel Popcorn
When I was little, one of my favorite mommy and me excursions was shopping at Nordstrom’s…but it wasn’t because I’d get new clothes, or my favorite Capezio dance shoes, or because I was spending time with my mom (although all of those we’re awesome) – no, I loved going to Nordstrom’s with my mom because she’d always buy me caramel popcorn at the cafe. It was like a ritual for me, and she was happy to oblige.
Today, caramel popcorn is still a really special treat for me, and just recently, I started making it at home… which is really dangerous!! But It’s so much better than any store-bought version.
A dash of cayenne pepper gives this classic sweet treat a swift kick to the taste buds that leaves you wanting more. This is caramel popcorn, all grown up. Pairs well with ice cold beers and an evening of good conversation on the front porch. Enjoy!! -xo
Greetings from Peru!
If you follow me on Instagram, you might already know that I’ve been traveling in Peru for the past few days. This was a trip that I’ve had on my bucket list for a very long time and I feel so incredibly blessed to be here, realizing a dream. We’ve been to small cobblestoned pueblos, large bustling cities and just today, Machu Picchu (our main reason for visiting) – and I am continuously in awe of the beauty of this country and its people. And don’t even get me started on the food! My belly has been very happy!
I’ll be here for a few more days if you want to follow along on Instagram (@loveandcupcakesblog or find the link on the right nav bar). In the meantime, here are a few pics from my iPhone I’ve shared so far.
I’ll be sharing more photos once I’m back home so stay tuned! -xo
From the Kitchen: Strawberry Rhubarb Pop Tarts
I grew up in a 1980′s frozen dinner, margarine on toast, American cheese, powdered Country Time Lemonade kinda family. Organic? Never heard of it. Locally grown? What’s that? My mom bought me Lunchables,Pringles and Great White Shark fruit snacks. We were quite the packaged goods family. And while I think I turned out okay, I would never in a million years feed my kids the way I was allowed to eat. Never!! So sadly, my little ones will never know the goodness that is a Kellog’s Pop Tart…but they will most likely get a homemade version every so often as a special treat.
When rhubarb’s in season, I can’t help but buy it whenever I find it, and what better upgrade to the classic strawberry toaster treat!! These mini tarts are the perfect single serving of nostalgia (and they’re excellent with milk!) Enjoy!! -xo
Homemade Beauty/04: Mother’s Day Edition
Happy Friday! Today I’m sharing an easy, last minute gift for mom. Body scrubs are some of my favorite homemade beauty products to make. They’re fast and inexpensive but super effective, and they can take on all sorts of scents and looks. I prefer sugar scrubs over salt scrubs because I find the sugar to be a lot more gentle on my skin. Salt is way harsh on cuts and freshly shaved legs (I know that one from experience. OUCH!), so sweet sugar is always my go to. I usually forego the essential oils in my personal sugar scrubs (out of laziness mostly), but because this is for mom, I suggest adding a little lemon essential oil for extra fragrance. Put your scrub in a cute jar and attach a small wood spoon with twine and a note to make this gift extra special. I have two friends celebrating mother’s day for the first time this year so a very special Happy Mother’s Day to Melinda and Ashley! Love you guys (and your littles) to pieces.
Have a nice weekend everyone! -xo
Today we’re taking artistic cues from the kindergarten me and making crayon art – wax resist art if you’re fancy (or over the age of 7). Most of us did this project in some capacity growing up. Crayon goes on paper, paint goes over crayon, and then like magic, the paint reveals whatever was drawn. It’s simple batik on paper. But oh so pretty! A light ombré watercolor wash adds a pretty touch of femininity that takes this project from grade school to fabulous – and worthy of mom (and maybe even her fridge).
Sucré Mother’s Day Giveaway!
In honor of sweet mommas everywhere, New Orleans confectionary, Sucré, is giving one lucky Love+Cupcakes reader a box of their famously delicious macaroons to share with mom (or to keep all to yourself!…don’t worry, I won’t tell!). Visit Sucré’s online macaroon shop here, and leave a comment below telling us something sweet about your momma – how you’re honoring her this Mother’s Day, a favorite memory, the sweetest thing she’s ever done for you… ANYTHING! Just make sure it gives us a toothache! One of you will be chosen at random on Wednesday, May 8th.
BONUS! If you like Love+Cupcakes on Facebook or follow me on Twitter you’ll be entered for a second chance to win! Good luck!
{Contest is open to U.S. residents only (sorry international friends!!!). Comments will close on Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 at 12pm (PST). Winner will be notified by email shortly after.}
UPDATE: VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.
Thank you SO MUCH to all who entered and shared so many touching stories– some fun, some inspiring, and some tear jerking. I really appreciate you playing along and sharing your mommy stories. Have a Happy Mother’s day with your momma, your kiddos, or both! AND NOW FOR THE WINNER………. Read more…
Happy Monday, I hope you had a nice weekend! Today I’m so excited to share a beautiful Mother’s Day Brunch shoot collaboration with Joy the Baker and Honestly Yum that I helped style a few weeks ago. Pretty pastels inspired a delicious menu that included berry scones, a fizzy pink cocktail, baked egg tarts, and the most incredible rose petal cake you’ll ever see. Visit Joy the Baker and Honestly YUM all week for the recipes and the step-by-step DIY for the adorable vintage plate cake tier you see.
Concept & recipes: Joy the Baker & Honestly YUM // Photos above & mood board: Paola Parsons // Floral design: Heather Williams of Twig &Twine // Dish & linen rentals: DishWish LA
