Shiny new toys and salted flowers...

Two weekends ago, I visited Oklahoma. It was a super short trip, I left for Tulsa on Friday and flew back on Sunday. I decided since I would only be there for a day (basically) I would devote all my time to my family. I saw my Mother who I had not seen in a year and spent time with my younger sisters and my Father. I also got to visit my lovely aunts, uncle, and my amazing Grandparents. The trip was mostly to surprise my youngest sister, Emma, who was turning six! During her birthday dinner they brought out her cake and a second one followed, I was terribly confused. They placed the cake in front of me, it read "Congratulations, Jessica!" I was surprised to say the least! It turned out to be a double party: birthday & graduation. At this party my family gave me very generous gifts: one of which got shipped to me in Nashville this week. It arrived on Thursday, check it out!

My shiny new toy:

I had the day off today and ventured up near Gaylord Opry Hotel to a little bakers' supply store called Sweet Wise. I acquired all sorts of new goodies: petal & luster dusts, new gel-based colors, and gum paste. It is a great store and the employees are very friendly and helpful!

Since, I had this new mixer I decided I wanted to make a batch of Italian butter cream (a meringue-type butter cream) it is my absolute favorite. I made a salted vanilla butter cream. I love the combination of salty & sweet. I made some chocolate almond cupcakes to go along with the butter cream.

After everything was cooled I decorated. A special, little, dainty flower atop each cupcake!

It made for a lovely garden of desserts!

They tasted great, too.

After a day filled with all things that I love, I will rest blissful.

Until next time...

Eat sweet things & rest happy!

It's June: Herbs and new additions

Remember my post about my sprouting herbs?

Well, much to my surprise they have been growing like crazy.

I have been watering them everyday and keeping them in partial shade on my porch. I tried with all my might to revive my rosemary from winter but I do not think it's going to make it. I will have to re-plant and grow that one. As for the others, they are all doing lovely. I cannot wait to start cooking with all of them!

Basil:

Sage & Thyme:

I have some fresh flowers from work to brighten up my apartment!

We really have a great selection of flowers at work and they last forever.

A few years ago I started saving all my glass bottles for recycling and keeping some for myself for other things. One of my favorite things to do is use them as a vase.

Eventually, I would love to use some for that purpose in my future bakery and also for light fixtures.

This weekend, I was going through some boxes and came across a key holder that I made. It is now hanging above a light switch by the front door. I love those cute little wooden figures, you can use them for so much. I bought a ton of them at Michael's.

My not-so-secret anymore for my place always smelling great (i.e. like cupcakes):

I am not sure how I feel about Tennessee summers, just yet.

It has only just begun and it is humid and hot!

I am definitely looking forward to fall weather, that is my favorite.

Until next time..

Eat sweet things & stay hydrated!