Calendars

Hey there friends!  After a long break, I'm back refreshed and inspired and I hope you feel the same.  I'm starting off with calendars.  I heart calendars, because calendars are a symbol of time and for me - organization.  I can plot out events and schedules from play dates to the weeks' menu. Although I use a digital calendar, I still use a paper calendar too.  I like to write things down I guess and I like searching for a fun calendar.  Here's some great ones I found.  Get some international inspiration with Houses of the World .  Infographics are everywhere right now and calendars have not escaped the trend.  If you need a little bit of comic relief this Noosed Kitty calendar will keep you smiling.  I'm really into this artful calendar.  Is the Unravel Knitted Calendar from Anthropologie cool or what?  A bit pricey yes, but I would love to see how the year "unravels".  As we ring in the New Year, I wish you all the very best. 

 

Gingerbread Pancakes

My family would be happy to eat pancakes morning, noon or night.  To keep things interesting, I make different pancake flavors during different seasons.  This recipe for gingerbread pancakes infuses the tastes of the holidays into one delightful breakfast treat.  I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does.

 

 

I will be taking some time off from blogging so that I can enjoy the holidays with my family and friends. I wish all of you a peaceful and joyous holiday.  I'll see you in January! xx

 

 

Gold + Copper Holiday Table

Like many of us, I have been busy trying to get all of the details for the holidays taken care of, which has left me little time to blog.  I just wanted to write this post to share with you this gold and copper holiday table I'm planning for a Christmas day brunch I'm hosting.  I'm in love with metallic colors right now, which is perfect for holidays.  I filled cylinders with faux snow and put some fresh greenery inside them for centerpieces along with some gold and copper colored votive candle holders.  The gilded burlap runner and ornaments are from Target.  You got to love Target.  The ornaments also act as place cards for everyone.  I wrapped each place setting in gold glittery ribbon so that each one is like an individual present.  Simple, but it's always the little touches that make a difference. 

Snow

Initially I wanted to post a beautiful image without words, because this weekend has been full of sadness, but then I felt the need to write.  I've been finding beauty in snow lately.  I miss it right now.  Last winter there was very little snow, which is unusual around here.  I miss being inside and watching the snow fall silently to the ground.  I miss shoveling snow and then coming in to drink a warm cup of hot chocolate that's topped off with mountain of whipped cream.  I miss seeing rows of snow covered trees and the life that the snow can bring can bring to the barren landscape. 

via

 

Celebrating This Weekend - My Husband

I'm starting a sort of new series here on Cupcakes & Confetti titled "Celebrating This Weekend".  I've written weekend posts in the past, but now I'm giving it a little bit of a party twist.  My husband's birthday was yesterday and we really end up celebrating it the entire weekend.  This week I've made Star Wars cookies and cupcakes for him and my Mother-in-law will be making him a long time family recipe of angel food cake with pink frosting.  It has to have pink frosting or it just doesn't taste the same.  His birthday isn't complete without this particular cake.  Do you have to have a dessert or food or a tradition that you must have for your birthday every year?  Have a lovely weekend friends! xx

 

 

 

 

Modern Christmas

My taste is all over the map.  I would describe it as traditional, modern, vintage.  The items below reflect my love of modern design.  Clean, simple and fresh.  The collection of modern shaped Christmas trees in the classic cloche from Dwell Studios reflects two mixes of styles that I like.  I was drawn to the simplicity of the shadow figures painted on the white background by Modern Inspired Design.  I love these metallic colors on these ornaments from Totem Color Blocks.  Aren't these nesting dolls  from Mokkasin just the cutest?  One of these little fellas reminds me of my husband.  Where ever your taste lies, I hope you have a wonderful holiday.  

Emerald

I'm sure you've heard by now that emerald is the Pantone color of the year.  I have to say I absolutely adore shades of green.  It's a color that's both familiar and full of life.  It can remind you of Christmas or of spring. There is green sprinkled through my house and I used the color in my wedding many years ago.  So, you know what I think of the color green.  What do you think?

1.The Decoist 2.We Love Citrus 3.Uncommon Goods
4.Mod Cloth 5. Sweet Paper Shop 6.Green Wedding Shoes

6 Months and Counting

 

Cupcakes & Confetti is 6 months old today!  I can't believe I made it this far.  This time last year, I had no idea that I would have a blog.  Since the launch of Cupcakes & Confetti in June, a lot has changed here already.  I (Naree) do most of the blogging, tweeting, posts and pins.  Dara's life has become very busy and she just hasn't been able to devote the time that she would like to.  Maybe she'll pop in again, but until then it's just me.  But, I would like to thank my sister for getting me started.  Dara is the one who pushed me into the idea of starting this whole adventure.  I was intimidated and she, without fear, told me to just go for it and I couldn't be happier. 

Cupcakes & Confetti has become a creative platform for me, a grown up place for me.  If you read the "about" page, you would know that I background is in art.  I'm not an artist, but I appreciate and admire those who can create and inspire others with their work.  I not only like beautiful things, but I also like things that evoke emotion and thought.  I surrounded myself with art in my twenties and then my life evolved into being a devoted mother and my focus became my children.  This blog has brought time to think about myself and the things that I enjoy.  It has been a way for me to collect and share things that I love.  I thank anyone who has stopped by the blog for a glance, or who has followed on Pinterest or Twitter or who has "liked" our FB page.  By the way I could use some more likes, so hop on over there and hit the like button.  Anyway, back to the subject.  I thank you because you have been a part of reenergizing my creative spirit. 

I'd also like to thank Kate at 17th Avenue Designs for bringing our vision of the blog to life.  The design and colors are exactly what we wanted, it's like she read our minds.  If you need a blog makeover or are looking to start of a blog of your own, I highly suggest that you check out 17th Avenue Designs.  Kate is super relaxed and patient and absolutely wonderful to work with. 

I hope you've enjoyed Cupcakes & Confetti so far and I hope to bring more things that inspire great celebrations and that inspire life in the months (years?!) to come.  Thank you friends, I hope you continue to follow along with me on this journey.  XX 

Holiday Card Ideas

I love receiving holiday cards, but it seems as though it's becoming a lost art.  That seems pretty sad to me.  I found four fun holiday cards that may make you reconsider sending your family and friends a little bit of cheer.  Rifle Paper Co. never disappoints and this map of the North Pole is no exception.  I'm loving this modern deer set upon a wood background by Bonjour Pony.  Be sure to check out all of Jenny's designs on her site, they're fabulous.  Now, how can an ugly holiday sweater, not make you smile?  This simple and sweet stated card speaks to me and the stripped envelope is an adorable touch.  Send a card, send some love!   

{Sweet of the Week} Winter Cardinal Cookie

I came across this cardinal cookie on Sweetopia and immediately thought about my husband's grandmother.  She loved cardinals and collected them, sadly she is no longer with us and only by oldest daughter was able to meet her.  Every time we see a cardinal fly by, I always tell my daughters that their great-grandmother is with them.  Maybe I'll attempt to make this cookie for my husband, he would love that.  To find out how to make your own gingerbread cardinal cookie hop over to Sweetopia for the step by step directions. 

Hello December!

Well hello there December!  This is what I'm looking forward to this December: snow, birthdays, Christmas, smiles and magic.  We had very, very little snow last winter here in Michigan.  It was really weird, it didn't seem like winter at all.  To tell you the truth, I would much rather have warm weather than cold, but the snow and the cold make me appreciate the warm weather when it does come.  Snow is good when I don't need to leave the comfort of my home and I can just stay in and turn on the fireplace. 

Our family has two birthdays in December, my husband and my sister-in-law.  That allows for two birthday celebrations two weekends in a row.  Double cake and double fun!  Of course, I can't mention December without saying a little something about Christmas.  Christmas to me means so much more since I've had my children.  Children + Christmas = magic.  There is nothing better than to see the smiles on my girls' faces on Christmas morning in the glow of the lights on the tree.  What do you love about December?

 

{This Weekend} Sip Coffee

This weekend my in-laws are taking both of my girls for an overnight!  What does that mean?  That means sleeping in, being able to slowly sip my coffee and reading the paper at my leisure.  Ahh...I can't wait.  Of course while the girls are gone, I will miss them terribly and give them big bear hugs when they walk through the door.  How is your weekend shaping up?

Holiday Gifting: Something to Wear

Kids are constantly growing, so when it comes to gift giving, clothes are always a go to idea for us.  We are especially in love with the dapper little man look below.  The pattern on the bow tie from Simple Hands gives the look a modern feel with a pop of color.  We couldn't resist including the "mini professor jacket", yep that's what it's called.  How stinking cute is that?  Be sure to top off your dapper little guy with a driver cap.  The look will be sure to melt any grandmother's hearts. 

1. Eva Hand Made 2. J.Crew 3.Modern Moppet
4.Simple Hands  5. CWD Kids 6.Modern Moppet

Toys for Kids

 

Going off the "four gift rule", today we're covering what kids want for the holidays.  This wooden and magnetic car by Tegu allows for boys to race a car and build it too.  Miss Kittie and her little kitten reminds us of own childhood.  We're kind of thinking about buying these two cuties for ourselves.  The felt mosaic game will get kids playing and thinking at same time.  These squirrels may simply be the sweetest finger puppets ever.  Pair these mother goose spectacles with a mother goose book.  Perfect. Right?  Get a wood rocket ship baby rattle for the new baby boy in your life.  

 

 

 

The Four Gift Rule

 

I found this little gift rule on Pinterest that I thought was perfect and I couldn't wait to share it.  In a world of excess, this rule just makes sense in my household.  I know my girls get more than enough from family and friends, so I'm going to try to stick to this rule.  This four gift rule also has inspired some upcoming posts.  Would you be able to stick to this rule?



 



Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is tomorrow!  Are you ready?  Thankfully, I don't do too much cooking, just a couple appetizers. Everyone else does the cooking.  I start off the day with watching the Detroit Thanksgiving parade, then I will head to my parents house for brunch.  My husband and I will then head home to put the girls down for naps and then it's off to my in-laws for dinner.  The calorie count for the day?  I don't even want to know.  I will head home for snuggle and story time with the kids and my husband and I will fall exhausted on the couch for a few precious moments of alone time with our stomachs full from a day of thanks.  Tell me, how do you spend your Thanksgiving? 

(Source)

Stylish Thanksgiving Tables

Are you still trying to figure out how to set the table for Thanksgiving?  Here are some super stylish tables we found.  We love how a few simple but well put together details can change a setting, in addition to some unexpected colors like orange and blue.  Hope you find this as inspiring as we do.

1.Centsational Girl 2.The Decoist via The Studio Blog
3. Camillie Styles

Accents for the Thanksgiving Table

We're not sure what happened, but all of the sudden we looked up and suddenly it's almost Thanksgiving.  Here are some fun accents we found to dress up your tabletop.

West Elm//One King's Lane
Jayson Home//Pottery Barn//Wisteria

Designers Care

You know that we have an obsession for paper, well Designers Care combines our love of paper with supporting a great cause.  Started by Jackie Mangiolino to helps support those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy, Designers Care is a collection of stamped cards by some talented artists.  So if you should be in need for a greeting card, hop on over to the shop and stock up and support a worthy cause. 

"Left My Heart"

 

 

"Kinder"

 

 

"Love Rises Above"

 

 

 

 

 



Baptism + First Communion Party Decor Ideas

Here are some ideas to style religious celebrations and to make the occasion even more special than it already is.  Isn't the little saying with the date and the name of the child a nice personal touch to the day.  Don't forget to add a beautiful cake like this one.  We are loving the dove garland.  A great way to commemorate the day and to get guests involved is to have guests write down a prayer for the guest of honor.  Whatever way you decide to celebrate, we are sure the day will be well remembered by all who attend.

ModHMary

Say "hello" to my friend Elise.  Say "hello" to her shop ModHMary, Modern Holy Mary that is.  As I was brainstorming ideas for this weeks' posts filled with ways to celebrate baptisms and first communions in style, I knew right away that I wanted to feature her shop.  I met Elise several years ago when we worked together at a local art center.  She's a super fun person, who also happens to also be a talented artist.  Elise creates one of a kind handmade jewelry, rosaries, chaplets, prayer cards, and religious art, which are perfect gifts for baptisms or first communions.  Do you like what you see?  Well then, hop over to ModHMary to see all that Elise has to offer.   

Handmade Olive Wood Boho Bracelet //Guardian Angel Print

Handmade Rosary in Brown Tones and Gold //Noah's Ark Fine Art Print

 

 

Baptism Announcements and First Communion Invitations

This week here at Cupcakes & Confetti we are focusing on some religious celebrations.  Why you ask?  As I mentioned here, my nephew was recently baptised and also this coming spring, my daughter Ellie will be having her first communion.  Today, we are going to cover stationery that can be used for either baptism announcements or as first communion invitations. 

 

1.Brown Paper Goods  2.Tiny Prints  3.Pear Tree
4. Biplane Press 5.Ana de Roux

Bridal Shower Gift Wrapping Idea

This weekend my girls and I are having a girls' day.  All three of us are going to a bridal shower of a dear friend and it just so happens that my daughters are going to be flower girls on the wedding day.  We're all super excited because it's so wonderful to share these amazing occasions with friends.  I wanted to share with you the special way I wrapped the gift.  I can't take credit for this idea that I got from my sister-in-law.  Since the tradition for a bridal shower is to collect bows from the party and create a bouquet that the bride uses during the rehearsal, my sister-in-law started to put some artificial flowers atop bridal shower gifts so that the bride would have more than just bows in her practice bouquet.  So, taking off with her idea, I wrapped this gift with some special embellishments for my dear friend. 

{Sweet of the Week} Feather Cake

We have to admit that we're not fans of feathers on cake.  It makes us think that somehow we might ingest one of the feathers and that doesn't sound very tantalizing.  Anyway, enough about us and on with the cake.  For some reason this cake by Lael Cakes is the exception to our way of thinking.  We love the feathers dipped in gold and you know we're loving geometric details right now too.  We also adore the slight ruffles on the cake.  So we guess you can say that we are more than ok with this feather cake.

 

 Lael Cakes via Half Baked - The Cake Blog
Photography by Our Labor of Love and Samm Blake

Autumn Dinner

Taste the warm and rich flavors of fall with these delicious finds.  Start your meal with a harvest salad with a warm maple bacon vinaigrette.  This harvest pasta e fagiole soup with parmesan crisps will ward off any cold chill.  Of course a lovely cocktail like this pear cinnamon spiced martini makes any evening better.  Finish off your autumnal meal with a spiced apple pie seen here from Chelsea's Culinary Indulgence.  Happy eating friends!

1. Simply Scratch/2.Yummy Mummy Kitchen
3. Inside the Lovely/ 4.Chelsea's Culinary Indulgence

Wizard of Oz Birthday Party

My oldest daughter Ellie wanted a Wizard of Oz themed party this year for her 7th birthday.  I think that sometimes you can go a little overboard with the Wizard of Oz theme because there are so many design elements that you could incorporate.  I wanted a simplified version of the Wizard of Oz, so I stuck with a palette of red, blue and yellow.  Here's how it turned out.

 

 

I happened to have a painting of poppies that my father-in-law painted, and I thought the art work would give that little touch of the field of poppies from the film.  I included on the dessert table a yellow runner, that Dara and I made to remind guests of the yellow brick road.  The mini hay bales of course are an ode to Dorothy's farm in Kansas.  Dara and I made ruby red slipper cookies and simple round cookies in the colors of Dorothy's dress.

 

We made another runner in some material that looked liked Dorothy's dress, then we added simple red ribbons to each end.  My daughter Ellie had a little Toto look alike in her toy collection and Dara found the perfect sized basket to put him in.

 

 

I asked my talented friend Bridgette to make a simple round white cake with just the yellow brick road running across it.  When I went to pick up the cake, much to my surprise she made this amazing confection.  She added to the top of the cake the Emerald City and the yellow brick road wrapped around the entire cake.  She completed that cake with the iconic images of the characters including; the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and of course dear Dorothy, who are all fast asleep in a field of poppies.  Bridgette also add elements of the Wicked Witch of the West including her hat, broom and the feet of the Wicked Witch of the East.  How could anyone not love this cake?    

 

 

 

 

 

Weekend Notes - Family Time

Is it Friday already?!  Halloween really made the week fly by.  I was busy all week doing last minute Halloween prep and in the middle of it all, I nearly forgot to carve the pumpkins.  And suddenly I find myself in November and still on a sugar rush from October. 

With November we celebrate Thanksgiving.  We stop to give thanks, well all this week I have been thankful.  I am thankful to have power and an undamaged home and that my family is safe and sound.  My heart breaks for everyone who is affected by super storm Sandy.  She left much devastation in her wake and I pray that the lives of everyone who was affected by her wrath will quickly get back to normal.

This weekend will be a time for family.  My oldest daughter has a big social studies project that needs some attention, which really means homework for Mom and Dad.  My nephew will be baptized this weekend and my husband and I have been given the honor of being God parents to this little person.  I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and I hope you take some time to be thankful and take some time to hug someone you love.  Hugs to all of you!

Outdoor Halloween Decor

There is a local street that goes out all for Halloween.  We mean all out.  The displays are certainly not your average pumpkin and scarecrow in your front yard.  Here are some fun and inspiring images from their website.  Happy Halloween friends!

Spooky royalty.

 

Yep, that's a "ghost ship" in someone's front yard.

 A scary soiree.

 

{Party Decor} Geometric Details

If you are looking to add a modern feel to a party, add some geometric details. We are in love with them.  Be sure to check out the details on how to make your own geometric runner from Hank & Hunt.

1.Love vs. Design 2.Hank & Hunt
3.Melangerie Inc. 4. Little Sooti

{Weekend Notes} More Halloween Fun

This weekend we will be enjoying some more Halloween festivities.  There is a street in our hometown that is amazingly decorated for Halloween.  We along with many many others will gawk at the creations that the proud homeowners have worked so hard on.  There will also be a little Halloween parade that we will be attending.  Yep, lots and lots more spooky fun to be had.  Maybe we'll fit in another doughnut or two.  Have a fun filled weekend!

{Party Palette} Fall Foliage

Who doesn't love the colors of fall leaves?  It's Mother Nature's last hooray before winter takes over. 

Vintage Buttercup//Mod Cloth//Terrain
Elizabeth Anne Designs//roncm3

Halloween Treat Bag DIY

My daughter's class will soon be having their Halloween party.  I usually put together a little treat bag for all of her classmates, but I didn't want to get the usual printed store bought treat bag.  Inspired by my daughter's witch costume, here's what I made with the everyday paper lunch bag.

Paper-Sparrow by Andrea Lauren

Right now woodland creatures are all the rage and we especially love little  foxes.  We recently stumbled across these fun and creative designs from Paper-Sparrow by Andrea Lauren that incorporate this adorable trend.  Andrea Lauren is a muscian and artist who works primarily in watercolor, gouache and pen.  Please hop over to her shop to check out more of her fabulous work. 



"Sweet Dreams Fox"

 

This poster would be super adorable in a child's room.

 

"Fantastic Foxes" poster

 

Wedding Foxes Card