Petticoat Junction

I am so in love with this Hologram petticoat dress by Proenza Schouler.

The retro silhouette, the subtle sparkle, the fabulous tailoring - it's the perfect holiday party dress for someone with long legs and an x-mas bonus to burn through! (if they felt so inclined)

I met Jack and Laz at a fundraiser last year and they were so amazingly sweet and gracious. That doesn't change the fact that their line is a little out of my spending league, but if you're in the market for a new winter frock, the dress is on sale for $1,290! (originally $2,150)

Birthday Snapshots

A partial surprise party, decadent meals, great company and overly generous yet thoughtful gifts made this year’s birthday one of the best. Later this week I’ll share some of the highlights of my birthday spoils with you.

All I can say is I’m one lucky gal!

Recuperating…

‘Twas my birthday this past weekend.

It was fun.

Weekend Cocktail #31: Spiced Sweet and Sour Cider

Nothing says winter like mulled apple cider!  I love the delicious scent of Williams-Sonoma's mulling spices, which infuses your cider with warm cinnamon, orange zest, clove and allspice.  Pop the mulled cider in the fridge, add some lime juice for extra zest and spike it with rum for a cold winter cocktail that zings your taste buds!

Spiced Sweet and Sour Cider

(serves 6-8)

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 quart (4 cups) chilled mulled apple cider
• 1 1/2 cups appleton estate rum
• cinnamon sticks
• optional: brown sugar

1. Infuse cider with desired mulling spices in a saucepan and chill in the fridge (follow directions on the mulling spices label)
2. Combine chilled mulled cider with rum and lime juice in a pitcher
3. Taste mixture: if too sour sprinkle in some brown sugar
4. Garnish individual glasses with a cinnamon stick

Baking Mecca at McCaul's

In the past I've  posted about some of my sugar cookie creations and about my belief that there is a cookie design for almost every occasion (there so is), so I was long overdue to visit the GTA's mecca of baking: McCall's.

Encountering the largest selection of cookie cutters I have ever seen, I enthusiastically scanned the wall and plucked obscure shapes and themes to tuck away for future events. Now I will have a martini glass for predrinks, champagne flutes and rings for bridal showers, and tea pots and saucers for tea parties!

The great wall of cookie cutters!

Sugar decoration gallore!

Baking pans in novelty shapes!

Cake pans in every size!

Specialty cook books for baking and decorating!

Plus there's a school at the back of the store that offers classes on cake decorating and more!

 

Stay tuned for photos of all my holiday baking and check out the McCall's online store and website for more info on their speciality items and classes!