Green Apples

Renewed Inspiration

2011-11-10T09:43:00.005-07:00

I can't let a few bad apples get me down....

And I got my cape back from the dry cleaners. So, I made a few changes, posted 2012's pricing {will honor 2011 pricing until 12.31.11}, and have decided to get back on the boat... with a few stipulations for myself. I had such wonderful October events that have renewed my certainty of why I do this job. Not only do I get to work with lovely people and make new friends, but I love being in this happy business! Also, no one likes a quitter.

So, there you have it. I can conquer the world, one wedding at a time.

Good Ol' Arizona Weather

2011-11-09T10:55:00.003-07:00

This is EXACTLY why a day-of coordinator is a brilliant idea. Not only does h/she make sure you are well taken care of behind the scenes, but we watch the weather like a hawk for a week before your big outdoor wedding day, we track the times dust storms are known to strike, and we can be completely prepared with a Plan B the morning of if necessary. Don't let this happen to you!

Three Cheers for Mom!

2011-11-07T11:59:00.002-07:00

Trying to keep up with school x4, work x2, and kids x3 is tough. The last thing I need to worry about is dinner...

Which is why I love winter. Soup, chowder, and chili ~ oh my! Guess what you get when you cross chicken noodle soup with corn chowder?! Click here for the answer :)

Prescribed Humor... or Shock & Awe

2011-10-02T20:03:00.002-07:00

For those of you interested in sharing the humor that is my World Class Balancing Act, please get your prescriptions to A Project in Ridiculousness today! Yes, I meant to say prescriptions.

Life is Complicated

2011-09-07T10:22:00.004-07:00

Life is complicated and needless to say, I have a full plate. So full, in fact, I recently upgraded it to a cafeteria tray so everything would fit without flopping over the sides. I am a full time business owner working 60 hours a week, a full time college student plugging away 12 credits each semester, a part time event stylist, a mother of three kiddos under age 9, in the middle of a home purchase, and an awesome sidekick and girlfriend. Now before I get an ulcer or chronic heartburn or wind up needing bucket loads of Prozac AND Xanax mixed into my lattes, I've made the extremely difficult and emotional decision to close Green Apple Design.

The fact is, I'm damn good at what I do. I'm a strong type A, I'm OCD organized, I'm delightful, I listen and care about YOU, and I tote more creativity in my head than a craft store on steroids. I just don't like being yelled at by irrational people who (albeit sometimes only temporarily) think the world revolves around them. I don't like being yelled at for things that are beyond my control. I don't like people who lack the ability to show compassion and understanding for emergency situations. I don't like dealing with people who lack communication skills, integrity, and honesty. I don't like being responsible for everything that could potentially go wrong on someone else's big day (not that I've experienced this, but the thought is always looming). I don't like giving up my weekends between 60 hour work weeks to work and I certainly don't like the additional stress. I simply wasn't cut out for the event world. My children, BF, and grades thank me for making this decision.

I'm sure by now, some of you reading this are concerned for your previously scheduled events. I fully intend to finish what I've already started. Those events already on my calendar will remain on my calendar. Come rain or shine, I will be there ~ happy, eager, and willing to make every second of your beautiful day an event to remember and build a future upon. I honestly love what I do, but I've decided that my health, my family, and my grades need to start coming first. It is with sadness and slight hesitation that I announce my last event will be held on October 29, 2011 and Green Apple Design will close its doors on November 1st.

I'd like to thank all my fans, cheerleaders, assistants, vendors, associates, and the Academy for all the understanding, love, and support you've been so gracious to show me. It may have been a brief love affair, but it is better to have loved and closed than to have missed experiences and friendships that would have otherwise never been. Sparkle and shine, friends.

To those of you solely concerned for your sweet tooth, cupcakes will NEVER go away. In fact, they've only just begun. Stay tuned for sweet news!

A Penny for Your Thoughts and a Wedding Dress!

2011-08-12T09:59:00.004-07:00

Listen up Brides to Be! Dating blogger Yue Xu was wandering around Nordstroms Rack the other day when she spotted a Jessica McClintock wedding gown generously marked down to A PENNY from $275. As Nordstrom employees gathered around watching the manager scan the price tag over and over again (with the same result), they finally honored the mark down and Yue bought the wedding dress for $0.01!! However, Yue Xu is not engaged and has no plans of walking down the aisle any time soon, so instead, she's giving it away. How awesome is she?!

This is what Yue says,

"Listen, I’m a single gal and though I see a wedding in my future, it’s not in the near future. I have no use for this beautiful dress. Not to mention that it’s taking up room in my tiny studio. And hello, how scary would it be to bring a guy over with a wedding gown hanging outside my closet?! So, I would love to give it to someone more deserving. Maybe you have a wedding coming up and haven’t budgeted enough for a dress, or you want to dye it and turn it into your dream prom dress, I want to hear about it. "

The dress is a size 4 and you can tell Yue all about your wedding dress blues on her blog Singlefied. Good luck ladies!

We're Back!

2011-07-29T11:12:00.005-07:00

I'm so excited July is over and I can jump back into the world of wonderful events on Monday, August 1st! To celebrate, I'm hosting a giving away for FREE {bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette pary, or engagement celebration} CUPCAKES! To enter, simply share your adorable proposal story on our Facebook page or leave a comment here. Winner will be chosen next Friday, August 5th, by Random.org.

Celebrate it!

Julie + Dustin

2011-06-08T10:12:00.005-07:00

Julie + Dustin
May 21, 2011
Sedona, Arizona

{all you need is love}

© Tonhya Kae Photography

Sadly, I Am Not Wonder Woman

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Without going into great detail....
Green Apple Design will be closed July 1 through July 22nd, 2011.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-05-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

This week, it's All About the Bride....

*Each week on Etsy, I create a wedding themed treasury to inspire weddings of all kinds. Clicking on the above image will redirect you to the original treasury for shop and price information.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-05-10T21:02:00.005-07:00

Better than anything I'll ever find on Etsy....

My newest treasure...

Miss Morgan Mae
May 10, 2011 at 8:31am
7lbs 11oz, 20 inches

I love you to sprinkles,
Aunt Cupcake

Oh Summer!

2011-05-09T10:54:00.004-07:00

In conjunction with Summer I Session at school starting in a few weeks {and my sanity being dragged with it}, I thought I'd toss a little glimmer of shimmer to all of my summer college bound brides because your big day should be special NOT stressful!

15% OFF
Day-Of Coordination AND DIY Detail Packages

Click on the "Package" link above for details.
Use secret code "I Do" and book before June 30th.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-05-03T10:40:00.002-07:00

*Each week on Etsy, I create a treasury to inspire themed weddings. Clicking on the above image will redirect you to the original treasury for shop and price information.

Happy Birthday!

2011-04-27T08:22:00.001-07:00

Green Apple Design is turning the big ONE!

In honor of such a milestone birthday,
for ONE week only take...

50% OFF ANY BRIDAL PACKAGE

To claim, please use secret code: BDAY and book before May 4th.

Happy Birthday and many more....

Treasury Tuesday

2011-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Each week on Etsy, I create a treasury to inspire themed weddings. Clicking on the above image will redirect you to the treasury on Etsy for shop and price information.

Treasury Tuesday

2011-04-19T09:40:00.004-07:00

Each week on Etsy, I create a treasury list to inspire themed weddings. This week, in honor of the upcoming Royal Wedding....

a royal affair

Yes, I included a royal wedding band for him even though Kate will not be putting a ring on it {which has sparked a lot of media controversy}. What can I say? I like tradition. What do you think of Kate & William's choice? Does your husband wear his wedding band? Does he at least have one?

*Clicking on the image will redirect you to the treasury on Etsy for shop and price information.

Loves

2011-04-12T10:34:00.004-07:00

Every week on Etsy, I create a treasury to inspire themed weddings. From carnival to vintage, if there's a theme that you want to see, please comment below. Here's my first treasury of loves...

i do love vintage

Click on the mosaic above for a direct link to the treasury on Etsy for pricing and shop information.

Music Note

2011-04-08T10:40:00.004-07:00

I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted. Last night, I passed the late-late hours with...

Garrett Dutton aka G. Love.

G. Love & Special Sauce are always worth the extra pot of coffee. I've never seen an audience so alive. There wasn't a single person in the whole building who didn't have happy feet during 2 point 5 hours of the Philedelphonic sound. What a great end to Thursday! Did you notice that G. Love looks a lot like my favorite obsession...

Duncan Sheik <3

ZING! It's highly possible that I have a thing for 6' 3" dark haired men with blue eyes and guitars. If you don't know who G. Love is, jam out to these videos ::

Baby's Got Sauce [1997]

Peace, Love, & Happiness [2008]

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend of good food, sunshine, and surprises!

Say, "Cheese!"

2011-04-04T07:30:00.009-07:00

At the beginning of March, I had the pleasure of smiling for talented photographer, Krista Campbell....

Who knew Arizona could be so beautifully green?! This was, by far, the most fun I've ever had at a bus stop. Seriously.

Currently, Krista Campbell Photography is hosting a Spring Giveaway from now until Sunday, April 10th at 8pm MST. Two lucky recipients will receive generous prize packages sponsored by several vendors, including Green Apple Design.

Also, from now until April 10th, Krista is offering Carnival Photo Shoots and through April 17th, mini Spring Photo Sessions.

Whether it be fun or formal, Green Apple Design is proud to endorse Krista Campbell Photography.

March also brought Green Apple Design a little "I Do" fun with the wedding of Allie + AJ, who wed on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Chandler....

And here we are, it's April.... again. Can you believe that Green Apple Design will celebrate their first year anniversary this month?! For all you brides-to-be, stay tuned for a spectacular anniversary special. In the meantime, don't forget our April special, good until the 17th ::

$75 OFF
"Apple Pie"
{day-of coordination service + rehearsal dinner coordination}

A wedding can be stressful enough without having to worry about those unpredictable, last minute details. When you hire Green Apple Design as your day-of coordinator, you are guaranteeing that a wedding professional is there with you, making sure everything goes exactly as planned so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your special day.

See your wedding sparkle & shine with Green Apple Design!

Wishing everyone a fabulous week!

6 Wedding Write-Offs

2011-03-28T09:48:00.005-07:00

Weddings are expensive, it's too bad you can't write them off on your taxes. Or wait.... can you? With careful planning, you can say "I do" to these six wedding write-offs.

1. The church. If you are paying a ceremony fee, it may be tax deductible. If not, ask whether or not the church waives fees for members who donate at a certain level. It may be worth upping your donations for the year to get a triple benefit: a fee waiver, a tax write off, and good karma.

2. The venue. If you are having your reception or getting married at a historical garden, museum, or national or state park, the fee you are paying may be deductible as a donation. Check with the site for more details.

3. Flowers and food. Once your wedding is over, have a friend take the leftover food and flowers to a homeless shelter, women's center, or similar non-profit organization. Not only will you have done a good deed, with a receipt, but you'll be able to take a deduction for the value of the items donated.

4. The gown. Donate your wedding gown to a non-profit organization like Making Memories or the I Do Foundation and you'll help others enjoy their day in style. The same goes for the flower girl and bridesmaid dresses, as well as candles and other decorations that won't spoil.

5. Wedding favors. Instead of soon-forgotten trinkets, make a donation to a charity on behalf of everyone in your wedding and your guests, and you'll be helping others while garnering yourself a tax deduction. You might even let your wedding party choose the charities they treasure.

6. Gift registry. Create a wedding gift registry through the IDFoundation.org and 10% of gift purchases will be donated to your favorite charity. You can harvest charitable rebates with wedding purchases through the foundation, and even create a charity registry where guests can donate to commemorate your special day.

Be sure to document these wedding write-offs with receipts and contracts, so you'll have the back up available at tax time. Then you can claim your deduction, boost your tax refund, and have extra funds to toast your wedded bliss.

*Turbo Tax notes these wedding write-offs on their blog.

It's a Love Story...

2011-03-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to...

Megan + Nick!

This adorable couple sent in their love story and were chosen as the winners of our Glitter Contest and I am so excited to be a part of their journey to the aisle!

Thank you to everyone who sent in their stories, we had a great time reading them and will be sending you a special offer this week. Keep an eye on your inbox!

The Proposal

2011-03-20T11:45:00.005-07:00

March 20th is Proposal Day! According to The Knot, one out of four women surveyed were not happy with how their S.O. proposed to them. Complaints about their proposals included that it wasn't romantic enough, wasn't original enough, that it was too over the top, or that the dude came to the party sans ring. I would guess the woman pictured {with the petrified face} here would include herself as part of that 25 percent.

A proposal is just a moment and some moments don't go as planned. The point is the lifelong commitment you're choosing to make. The only proposal I've ever gotten involved a toilet, which should have been an indicator of how the rest of that relationship would go. How about you? Were you satisfied with how your proposal went?

Special Reminder

2011-03-17T13:50:00.003-07:00

Don't forget!

Today is the last day to submit your dream wedding wishes for the opportunity
to win a full style package valued at $1800.
A winner will be chosen and announced on Monday.

It's also the last day to take advantage of our spectacular 20% off any package special! Book today!

DIY: Bridal Bouquet

2011-03-16T07:57:00.002-07:00

Bride, Allie, is currently working on her Masters in Victorian Literature and these bouquets had her name all over them. Aren't these book page flowers awesome?!

The 'How To', if you'd like to create your own...

Supplies:
*book pages
*paint
*sponge brush
*file folder
*scissors
*glue
*wooden skewer
*pipe cleaner
*hot glue gun
*rhinestone
*pipe cleaner
*floral tape
After you tear out your book pages {you'll need 3 pages per flower}, mix your paint color with water to make a "wash". Using a sponge brush, wash the book pages and allow to dry completely.

While your pages are drying, create a 6 petal stencil {shown here in orange} out of a file folder {or cardboard, cardstock, cereal box, etc}. Trace onto the back of your washed pages and cut out.

Next, fold each flower three times making creases between the petals.
Flower 1: Leave whole. Flower 2: Cut out one petal. Flower 3: Cut out two petals {as shown above}.
DO NOT DISCARD EXTRA PETALS!

Glue the pages with removed petals back together, one petal on top of the other, as shown above.

Using a wooden skewer, curl the each petal on all three pages.

Stack and glue the pages in size order from biggest to smallest.
TIP: it may help to snip the bottom point off the two smaller flowers.

I hope you remembered to save those snipped petals!

Loosely curl one side of the largest snipped petal. Fold and glue two sides together, leaving the curl on the outside. It should resemble a funnel shape. Cut off the bottom tip and glue into the center of your flower.
Curl both sides of the remaining snipped petal, snip the bottom off and glue to the center of the funnel, which should already be glued to the center of your flower.

Using a wooden skewer, going from top to bottom, pierce through the flower's center. Now flower is complete without a stem!
Make a spiral on the top of a pipe cleaner {shown above} and then squish the spiral together to make a "knot". Using your hot glue gun, adhere a rhinestone to the top.

Thread the pipe cleaner through the flower's center where you pierced it.

Almost done!
Using floral tape, cover the pipe cleaner completely and VOILA! A paper flower.

If you'd like to add leaves, as I have here, repeat steps 1 and 2 using green paint and a leaf stencil. Glue paint side up to the underside of your flower and allow to dry.

Don't forget to make a tossing bouquet!

This project was adapted from the tutorial found here.

Recipe by Request

2011-03-15T07:55:00.003-07:00

For the last 4 years, I've maintained a vegetarian-friendly diet, but recently made the switch back and I have no clue what chicken quarters are {~~still don't~~}. I do know that none of the supermarket labels said anything about quarters or other pocket change and I was forced to buy a whole chicken instead. I have NEVER cut up a whole chicken before and found myself with no one to call for help, so I turned to YouTube. It was a very Julie & Julia moment. If you have a weak stomach, please find the chicken quarters. I also used baby red potatoes and forgot to add the scallions, but dinner, nonetheless was AWESOME. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did...

Roast Chicken with Spring Vegetables
Total Time: 60 minutes
Serves: 4

photo courtesy of my celly telly
3 1/2 lb skin-on, bone-in chicken quarters
Salt & pepper
1 lemon, halved
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound fingerling or other small potatoes
2 bunches radishes
1 bunch scallions {aka green onions}
1 bunch baby carrots {or 3/4 of a bag}
1/4 c chopped fresh dill

1. Preheat oven to 500. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper then place skin-side up on a large baking sheet. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the chicken and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, halve the potatoes and radishes and cut the scallions into thirds. Toss the potatoes, radishes, carrots, and remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a bowl; season with salt & pepper.

3. Remove the chicken from the oven and scatter the veggies around it. Continue to roast until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 20 more minutes. Squeeze the remaining 1/2 lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Top with dill and season with salt.

You CAN prep the chicken for this recipe ahead of time, I did. Everyone lived. I just took the chill off while pre-heating the oven. I prepared the veggies as directed, while roasting the first 20 min. Enjoy!

Invite!

2011-03-14T12:02:00.006-07:00

Long before guests enter your wedding wonderland, a glimpse of your special day has already been revealed behind a tiny postage stamp. Invitations set the mood, and often, the guest attire for every event. Whether you intend to host a formal affair, destination, or chic casual wedding, remember that invitations should tie into all your other plans. Here are a few of my favorite invitations ~ click the photo for link!

All invitations shown here are courtesy of Etsy.

Refreshing Recipe

2011-03-09T12:36:00.009-07:00

Ah, spring has sprung and what better way to welcome sunshiny weather than with a refreshing beverage, a bridal magazine, and a porch swing?

During an impromptu trip to World Market last week, VIP and I picked up three bottles of Torani flavored syrup and I dusted off my stellar barista skills {yup, I was a barista for 2 years back in the day, appropriate isn't it?}. Because VIP and the kids had never had Italian sodas before, I was excited to shake and serve and they were excited to sip. It's been an ongoing {and super easy} 5 star trend after dinner all week and it comes highly recommended.

In a large cup {by large, I mean the refillable Harkin's cup kind of large}, fill 3/4 with ice. Add any flavor Torani syrup or combination of syrup flavors {we bought the pump for the bottles too.} Fill cup with club soda, add a dash of cream/milk/half & half/etc {optional} and stir. 1 pump is equal to 1 tbsp syrup and the original recipe calls for 2 tbsps per 1 cup of club soda.

A few of our favorite combinations are...

Suicide Soda {kids favorite}
6 total tbsp of whatever flavors you have

Strawberry Lemonade
2 tbsp Lemon
3 tbsp Strawberry

Tropical Sunset
3 tbsp Coconut
3 tbsp Mango

Chocolate Cream Soda
2 tbsp Vanilla
3 tbsp Chocolate
cream

Applegranate
3 tbsp Pomegranate
2 tbsp Apple

Apple Razz
2 tbsp Pineapple
3 tbsp Raspberry

VIP
2 tbsp Pomegranate
2 tbsp Vanilla

These would be fun drinks to serve at any wedding reception, just add silver rum or vodka to get the party started! Cost Plus World Market, Smart & Final, and BevMo carry large selections of flavored syrups for just under $7/bottle. BevMo offers online ordering with in-store pick up in 60 minutes.

Bridal Reminder

2011-03-08T12:19:00.003-07:00

The clock is ticking on the March Special!

Love & Glitter
20% off any style package
Expires March 17, 2011
Use secret code: GLITTER when booking

The DIY Bride

2011-03-07T07:59:00.003-07:00

What can I say? If I were getting married, I'd probably be a DIY Bride. I'd make my own save the dates, invitations, veil, bouquets, boutineers, centerpieces, decorations, and who knows what else. But when you're planning a real wedding there's so much to do and so little time. So, for all the DIY Brides out there, here are my three biggest sanity saving
tips ~

*COMPILE a list of all the DIY projects you'll create. Be realistic. Ask yourself when planning your crafting if it's really a project you can do yourself. In some cases, like that 8-tiered wedding cake you're eyeballing, it's smarter to hire help. For each craft project, compile a list of all the supplies you'll need too.

*COMPLETE a detailed schedule of tasks to save your sanity {and possibly your relationship with your MOH}. Be sure to include when each project needs to be finished and schedule larger, non-perishable projects first. The sooner you get things done, the more relaxed you'll be closer to your big day.

*CREATE. Helping hands will get the larger projects done quickly, get a wedding crew together and host a few crafting parties.

For those of you who want assistance or need ideas for creating custom details for your big day, please contact me and inquire about my DIY package: A La Mode. Custom details for every bride and groom with custom pricing to match!

The Ring

2011-03-04T05:46:00.003-07:00

No not this kind...

This kind.... !

An engagement ring should be as unique as the woman who wears it. Keeping in mind that it's also the most important piece of jewelry that a woman will ever wear and she will wear it every. single. day. It should be a reflection of who she is.

I have often wondered the origin of traditions and since my birthstone is the diamond, I have often wondered why we often associate diamonds with engagement {and not my birthday}. So, I did some research. If you Google the history of the diamond engagement ring, you'll read that the first recorded case was when Archduke Maximillan of Hamburg gave Mary of Burgandy a diamond engagement ring in 1477, but they were hardly the trend setters.

Max and Mary aside, before the 20th century women were offered other gifts of betrothal, like sewing thimbles. Nothing says I love you like, "I want you to be the only woman who darns my socks. Will you marry me?" Totally romantic, right? It's no wonder the diamond engagement ring didn't catch on until the 1930's!

Now, the way my creative brain works this discovery lead to one thing, which lead to another and another, and it finally brought me here... What do diamonds mean? *insert double rainbow sobs here*

We all know that yellow roses mean friendship and red roses mean true love, but have you ever given thought to the symbolic meaning of gemstones? Surely they mean something, otherwise, the most popular engagement stone would be rubies, which are red ~ the color of true love. Eh? So, I did some more research and discovered the following...

Amethyst :: deep love and sincerity.
Aquamarine :: continual happiness and consistency in love.
Emerald :: hope, peace, and tranquility.
Ruby :: beauty and passion.
Diamond :: wisdom and clarity.
White Sapphire :: loyalty and fidelity.
White Topaz :: love and success.

And after all that darn research, I have concluded that there is no really good reason why diamonds are the most popular, except they fit into every wardrobe.

Like I always say, "break the rules and eff tradition!" Bravo to the following girls who are {or, in J-Lo's case have} sported out of the ordinary rings ~

Unique Wedding Favors

2011-03-03T14:07:00.012-07:00

So, I was browsing online for offbeat wedding favors and came across these awesome and awesomely priced ideas. A few of my favorites, click on the photo for link ~

Hugs & Kisses from the Mr & Mrs!

X & O Soap

The Perfect Blend

Gourmet Coffee + Heart Shaped Scoop

The Perfect PairSalt & Pepper Shakers

Olive You!Olive Dish & Spreader Set

Spread the LovePersonalized Jars of Jam

Wedding Guest Complaints Diverted

2011-02-16T09:05:00.008-07:00

It's your big day and you want celebrate in a big and fabulous way that has your guests gossiping for months to come, but you don't want them to gossip about all the good gone wrong. It's a day to impress and to make sure that happens, please avoid these top wedding guest complaints...

Bad Date: I'm sure Christmas holds sentiment for a lot of couples, but you can't expect your guests to toss out their own traditions to spend the day celebrating you. Other holidays to avoid New Year's, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Thanksgiving.

Bad Timing: Make sure your wedding flows well. If you're planning on photographs between ceremony and reception, make sure there's entertainment for your crowd. Fill the time gap with a cocktail hour, hors d'oeuvres, or musical guest.

Boredom: To hold even the shortest attention spans, keep your ceremony short and sweet as guests will be ready to launch the after party. Keep speeches to a minimum and spend a short time, sans mic, individually thanking your guests for being there. My favorite receiving line includes cake.

Seating Arrangements: Some people should never be allowed to sit together, like exes or trouble makers. On the same token, don't sit anyone next to the speakers that can't tolerate loud music all night. Just pay close attention to who you are seating with whom and where and you should be just fine.

Bad Food: My biggest fear. Just make sure it tastes good and there's plenty of it. Ranking right next to bad food is no food.

A Cash Bar: Let's face it, no one wants to pay for their drinks, especially at your wedding. However, in the economy now, it can be hard to come by a couple thousand dollars to sufficiently liquor up your crowd. My remedy is to have an open bar for X amount of hours only {estimate with two drinks per person/per hour}, after time's up it becomes a cash bar. If guests want to wake up with a hangover, you aren't going to stop them, you're just not going to foot the bill.

No Direction: "Where is the.... ?" If your venue is spread out, it's easy for guests to get lost. Use sign posts to clarify where the good stuff can be found like the dance floor, booze, and bathroom.

Invitation Confusion: It's likely that single guests will question whether or not they can bring a guest. Please address envelopes to Ms. Smith & Guest. The same goes for children; Mr & Mrs. Smith and Family. It's also likely that if your wedding is going to encompass a meal time, that some will wonder if they can expect dinner. On your invite, please make some identifiable note, ie: "champagne reception and dancing to follow" or "dinner to be served at 7pm followed by dancing".

Putting Guests to Work: There will be some things that only a guest can do like greet others, take gifts, etc, but you should want your guests to enjoy your day with you. Why else did you spend all that money but to have a good time with the people you love most? Hire a day-of coordinator to tend to the details of your day that makes it all run smoothly without enlisting the help of guests.

No Thanks: Some will tell you it's okay to skip the favors, but I think each guest should take a little something as a thank you. A hug and a five minute conversation at your reception just isn't enough if they flew a million miles to party with you. I like to suggest that newlyweds host "morning-after brunches" for out of town guests.

You cannot please all of the people all of the time. Plan in advance the needs of your guests and allow yourself to enjoy your day. Shrug off the little things that didn't go according to plan and show off how happy you are!

Reminder: BHLDN is now OPEN!

2011-02-15T07:47:00.004-07:00

As a frequent Anthropologie flier, I'm happy to announce that their wedding line {with sister company, Urban Outfitters} was officially opened for business yesterday. Which should make my newly engaged cousin, Karen, over-the-moon happy {congrats, girl!}. Check out dresses, accessories, shoes, and more at BHLDN.com now, Now, NOW!

TGIF, At Last!

2011-02-11T07:57:00.009-07:00

After the week I just endured, I am beyond thankful today is Friday.

It seems to me that mothers, like the forces of nature they are, should be immune to illness. I've been in bed all week, which isn't as glamorous as it sounds. Thankfully I happen to love {and be loved by} a very important person who went from understudy to starring role in the hit musical, 'Single Parent of a Three Ring Circus' with very little stage instruction. No one died of starvation, no one missed school, and no one burned the house down. Yay! Of course, men will never be mom's and I have about four days of make-up house things to tend to and I'm out of clean pajama pants {quite a feat in my case}, so it's about time to wrap this shiz up. Big things lie ahead...

Tomorrow kicks off Valentine's Weekend. Yay! I think my favorite part of the my least favorite holiday is the mascot. A fat baby with a weapon representin' L to the O-V-E. Bravo! to whoever came up with that ghetto fab idea. We celebrate VD as a family {of course that was intentional}. We get pizza, eat a box of gamble chocolates, watch my favorite Valentine's Day movie, Happily N'Ever After and no one complains {I particularly like that last part}. I don't know when this tradition started, but I absolutely lurve it. In my opinion, little tokens of appreciation should be given when they're least expected and love should be celebrated every day it's received.

However, if you want an over-the-top huge Cupid production of a Valentine's Day, but haven't made any plans yet, you're an idiot ~ VD is 2 days away, cowboy, get on it! Check out this big list of Valentine's Day events for what's hot around the Valley.

May you get the good in every gamble this weekend. Be sweet!

*Side Note: Have you ever eaten a chocolate out of those heart shaped boxes with any confidence? You know going in that the contents hidden inside are going to be really good or really, really nasty and that's why, my friends, we fondly refer to them as "gamble chocolate".

An Anthropologie Wedding

2011-02-10T14:43:00.007-07:00

Anthropologie, in a mashup with their sister company, Urban Outfitters, is set to unveil their very own bridal collection on ~ wait for it ~ Valentine's Day! Check out their new website BHLDN.com and browse dresses ranging in price from $1000 to $4000. Just be careful, the website could suck a good four hours out of your day. A sneak preview...

I LOVE those gold shoes! What do you think of the new bridal line? I'm a huge fan of Anthropologie to begin with, so for me, this is like a dream come true!

TGIF, Folks!

2011-02-04T07:59:00.005-07:00

The longest week in history is finally {almost} over. THANK GOD. If I haven't mentioned it yet, February is my most favorite month. There's always so much glittery goodness packed into 28 days and I can't wait to see what this month has in store for me. In the meantime, here's a glimpse of what it has in store for Green Apple Design...

600 envelopes. No, I am not sending out wedding invites on behalf of Prince William and Kate. I would though! Instead, I'll be hand addressing and stuffing more envelopes than one person should as a promotional 'pick-it-up' that will be received by beautiful brides-to-be all over the lovely {and currently chilly} state of Arizona. I am hoping this will generate a lot of loves of labor ~ doing something I love for people who are in love. Does it get much better? Probably not. My friends had better watch out though, I'll be calling in Team Missi for an "enveloparty" when my order arrives via FedEx this Monday {fingers crossed!}.

I have a month packed full of meetings with vendors and brides and grooms ~ oh my! From wedding professionals to those taking the plunge, thank you so much for giving me the amazing opportunity to work with YOU! Let's make this year ROCK.

Also on the calendar, professional head shots with Krista Campbell Photography! I'm so excited. Not only does it give me a great excuse to go shopping for myself, but also a reason to scour my secret antique store for an apple bushel basket. Wahoo!

So that's February for GrApple'D, as for me, I'm looking forward to eating a box of gamble chocolates with my kids on Valentine's Day, celebrating two special birthdays, an anniversary, and my heritage at the Annual Matsuri downtown. I may not look Japanese, but I assure you that my Ninja skills are inherited and impressive.

What's on your calendar? Happiest Friday, be sweet!

Secret Code: GLITTER

2011-01-26T14:43:00.004-07:00

After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to change up the packages that Green Apple Design offers. I'm more than just an event planner, I'm an event STYLIST {insert hair flip here} and I had better bring it to the table. So, I've eliminated the stuff no one wants anyway and added complete DIY assistance ~ I'll even bring a bottle of red. I'm a creative gal who prides herself on turning Craig's List junk to Coco Chanel gold and really, I'd marry my glue gun if I could.... oh wait! I can! I'm now licensed to wed in the United States of America so technically, I can unite any two crazy love birds in holy matrimony! {Shameless plug for the power invested in me...}

Check out the new packages and book now because the new pricing will be in effect FEBRUARY 1st. If you miss the cut off for 2010's pricing, contact me and use secret code GLITTER and receive 20% off anything Green Apple offers OR send me a love note describing your dream day and what I can do to help and be entered to win a complete style package for FREE! Trust me, my creative ideas are worth millions... ask my sisterpants!

Is anyone else stoked?!

A Year in Review

2010-12-30T07:53:00.024-07:00

Dear 2010,

Two years ago, I started calling you 'The Best Year of My Life' and if anything, I was short in my expectations. I feel as if I've just gotten to know you and here we are, about to part ways to welcome a new go-around the sun. The past 365 days have been nothing short of amazing...

The year started out with the best New Years Eve celebration EVER and I wasn't lacking party invitations when I chose to throw a pajama party with two of my favorite boys, Dr. Pepper and Ryan Seacrest. Complete with Chinese take out, it was definitely Webster's definition of single girl on NYE, but it was the best NYE I've had to date. In early January, I added in extra measure to ensure your fabulousness, 2010, and threw a Plate Smashing Bash. Whatever the source or cause, it worked and 2009's bad juju was warded off just in time for all the sparkle.

February is my most favorite month of the year and this year, every weekend held a new adventure: a Super Bowl Party, the World's Greatest Sitter, a 3-Day Drink-a-Thon in Seattle, a visit from relatives, Twinkie turned 4, the best first date EVER, and when the Matsuri Festival was rained out, I found a happy $1000 surprise hanging out in my dryer. Seriously. All of these good February fortunes, I accredit to the February Fairy who visits me every year and sprinkles all 28 days with extra glitter {and when that runs out, apparently, cash}.

Once March rolled around and Twinkie's staples had been removed from her noggin, an experience I do not recommend, I was getting slightly uncomfortable with an upcoming birthday and decided something needed to change my perspective. Enter: 30 Before 30 and on March 17, exactly one month before my birthday, I set out on my 30 day journey to do 30 awesome things for myself before I turned 30. Some big, some little, but all for me; I even talked the best first date ever, VIP, into some tasks. I can honestly say that by the time April arrived, I was happier than ever and birthday number 30 took the blue ribbon award in being the best ever.

May brought GLEE Live to the valley, a fantastic voyage through Planet Orange with a Spurs sweep, the end of Captain Red's kindergarten year, a visit from B, new ink, and the beginning of summer.

In June, my little man turned 6, my main man turned 31, Songstress learned to ride without training wheels, we went fishing up north with N & S, and Green Apple Design was officially launched. I may have missed the wedding of a century in July {I don't want to talk about it}, but I enjoyed an impromptu weekend up north with my kids, a surprise 4th of July firework show on the side of the road, we celebrated 90 with Grams, and I baked over 400 cupcakes. Seriously.

With the start of August, came the start of the school. Songstress in the 2nd grade, Captain Red in the 1st, and Twinkie at home for one last year {BTW, I already loathe the baby stealing August 2011}. For the first time ever, VIP and I spent an entire weekend on the cabin couch with the fireplace, rain, 10 movies and pizza delivery and not long after that, September arrived with a three-day Labor Day weekend in Vegas ~ I finally made it to VEGAS, people! And after a very long 4 days in Sin City, I was soooo over it. However, it was one of the best weekends of the year. September also brought the news of my second round of Auntiness; happy to announce that Baby Girl M is due this Spring.

One of my top favorite 2010 highlights was our first family vacation to DISNEYLAND ~ welcome October! Nothing brought greater joy this fall than seeing my kids faces light up as we entered the Happiest Place on Earth. Shortly after our return home, Songstress turned 8 and before we knew it, it was November. GAD threw the most successful Alzheimer's fundraiser, VIP and I adopted a new black lab baby girl, Holliday, and we enjoyed football and food on our first Thanksgiving together. Six hours later, bestie J and I shopped our way into the holiday spirit with our traditional 3:30am mall-iday date on Black Friday and before we knew it, we were here: December 2010 welcoming old traditions and creating new ones.

According to our t-sharts {no, that's not a typo}
B: Mimi, VIP, Me, Papa
F: Songstress, Twinkie, Captain Red

Oh 2010, I have dreaded blogging my most favorite post of every year {this one, in case you were confused} because I knew it meant your end was very near, as in tomorrow, and it is with the heaviest of hearts that I bid you adieu for parting is such sweet sorrow. I can only cross my fingers and hope that your awesomeness will carry far into the decade. 2011 certainly has big moments to fill, we should all wish it luck.

Thanks for the glitter,
~ Missi

12 Days After Christmas

2010-12-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

The first day after Christmas, my true love and I had a fight
So I chopped the pear tree down and burned it just for spite
Then with a single cartridge, I shot that blasted partridge
My true love, my true love, my true love gave to me

The second day after Christmas, I pulled on old rubber gloves
And very gently wrung the necks of both turtle doves
My true love, my true love, my true love gave to me

The third day after Christmas, my mother caught the croup
I had to use the three French hens to make some chicken soup
The four calling birds were a big mistake for their language was obscene
The five golden rings were completely fake and they turned my fingers green

The sixth day after Christmas, the six laying geese wouldn't lay
I gave the whole darn gaggle to the ASPCA
On the seventh day, what a mess I found
All seven of the swimming swans had drowned
My true love, my true love, my true love gave to me

The eighth day after Christmas, before they could suspect
I bundled up the eight maids a'milking, nine pipers piping, ten ladies dancing, eleven lords a'leaping, twelve drummers drumming {well, actually I kept one of the drummers} and sent them back collect
I wrote my true love, "We are through, love!"
And I said in so many words,
"Furthermore your Christmas gifts were for the birds!"

~ Frederick Silver

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming.You could pick up a box of these drumsticks...

Or just watch this a few times for the same effect....

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-23T06:09:00.001-07:00

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping... Personally, I think these are better than regular pipes ~ except maybe bagpipes. That would be cool too...

Vintage Bubble Pipes, Esty seller CoveTableCurosities $5.99

In a small bowl, combine the following to make your own homemade bubble solution ~

1 c distilled water
2 T dawn dish soap
1 T glycerin

10 Minute Tomato Soup

2010-12-22T12:03:00.003-07:00

Best tomato soup recipe ever. Nom, nom, nom...

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 c canned diced tomatoes, with juice
1 c water
2/3 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste

In a large sauce pan, melt butter and evoo. Add onion and garlic, saute until translucent. Add tomatoes, water, cream, spices, sugar, and season to taste. Bring to a boil. Transfer to a blender and on low, combine until smooth and creamy. Transfer back to pot and simmer on low for 5 minutes. Combine it with a grilled cheese sandwich and top it with cheesy croutons. DELISH!

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-22T12:01:00.002-07:00

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ten lords a leaping...

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing. Just what I need. I have a better idea. Curl up with one of these dancing ladies...

And don't forget a can of these pirouette cookies to snack on!

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eight maids a milking...

This season, treat your friends to one of these delicious homemade treats using Brach's Milk Maid Caramels. I'm so clever.

~ Caramel Apples ~
Courtesy of Brach's

14 oz package Brach's Milk Maid Caramels
Wooden sticks
5 -6 medium apples {I like green!}
2 tbsp water

Microwave {I like shortcuts!}: Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Unwrap and place the caramels and water in a microwavable bowl and melt on high for 3 minutes, stirring once or twice, or until the mixture is smooth. Place each apple into the bowl, spooning mixture over the apples coating as desired. Insert a wooden stick into the stem end and remove from bowl.

Roll around in toppings like crushed nuts, candies, or chocolate. Place on wax paper and refrigerate until set.

~ Turtle Brownies ~
Courtesy of Brach's

1 double fudge brownie mix
14 oz bag Brach's Milk Maid Caramels
1 tbsp heavy cream, half and half, or milk

Prepare brownie mix as directed. Spread half of the batter in a greased 9 x 9" pan. Slice half of the caramels into 1/4" thick pieces. and spread evenly over the brownie batter. Cover with remaining brownie batter and bake as directed. Remove from oven. Melt remaining caramels with cream in the microwave on high power, 40-45 seconds, stir well. Microwave an additional 20 seconds or until caramel is smooth. Drizzle over warm brownies and let cool completely on wire rack.

~ Caramel Bars ~
Courtesy of Brach's

1 c all purpose flour
1 1/4 c quick cooking oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c butter
3/4 c sugar
14 oz Brach's Milk Maid Caramels
small can evaporated milk
1/2 c chopped pecans

For the cookie crust, combine flour, oats, soda and salt. In a mixing bowl, beat butter 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in oat mixture until crumbly. Do not over mix.

Reserve 1 c of crust and press the rest into a 9 x 13 x 2" baking dish. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

In saucepan, cook unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk over low heat until the caramels melt and mixture is smooth. Spread over pre-baked cookie crust. Sprinkle the nuts, reserved crust on top, and chocolate chips {optional}. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until crumbs are golden. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, seven swans a'swimming. With this How-To video, you can make seven, seventeen, or seven hundred swans! Use it to hold a gift certificate this Christmas {a much more practical gift than seven birds}.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six geese a'laying. The problem with geese is that they're noisy. After they fly away, I suggest you should lay down with these geese:

Goose Down Comforter by Calvin Klein, Macy's $349

And then perhaps cover it with one of these...

Eternally Duvet, Jennifer Adams Home $210

Jaipur Duvet, Echo Design $130

Willow White Duvet, DKNY $149

Antique Floral Duvet, Urban Outfitters $78

Matine Toile Duvet Cover, Pottery Barn $169

The Proposal

2010-12-17T07:55:00.003-07:00

As if I needed more adorable in my life...

This short film was shown in a real movie theater on 12.12.10. The couple's dearest friends and family snuck in after the lights went down and after more than a decade of togetherness and this adorable film, she said yes. Yay! Visit the groom's blog for the whole romantic story. I just love the song, "Yours Alone" by Nicholas Kirk and William Wilkerson. You can listen to more of their tunes here.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five gold rings! I thought we could all appreciate these fabulous rings and with this recipe, you get more than five ~ win, win! Enjoy!

~ Cornmeal Fried Onion Rings ~
Courtesy of The Barefoot Contessa and The Food Network

2 large Spanish onions (or 3 yellow onions)

2 c buttermilk
salt and fresh ground black pepper
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/4 c yellow cornmeal
1 qt vegetable oil

Peel the onions and slice them to 1/4 - 1/2" thick and separate them into rings. Combine buttermilk, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper in a medium bowl. Add the onion rings, toss well, and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes (they can sit in the buttermilk for a few hours if need be). In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Set aside.

When you're ready to start frying, preheat the oven to 200 and line a baking sheet with paper towels.

Heat the oil to 350 degrees in a deep pan or dutch oven. Working in batches, lift some onions from the buttermilk and dredge them through the flour mixture. Drop into the hot oil and fry for approx 2 minutes, until golden, turning them once with tongs. Don't crowd them! Place the finished onion rings on the paper towels, sprinkle liberally with salt, and keep them warm in the oven while you finish frying the rest. They will remain crisp in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds; they left a message. A few of my favorite calling bird accessories...

Hamburger Phone, Fred Flare $26

Plunger iPhone Stand, Perpetual Kid $5.99

Useless Info Sticky Pad, Knock Knock $3.25
Smens Gourmet Scented Pens ~ Holiday Edition, Everything Smells $14.95

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three French hens! Except, the three French hens weren't available, so how about some chicken noodle soup courtesy of the three French hens?

~ The Lady's Chicken Noodle Soup ~
Courtesy of Paula Deen and The Food Network

Stock:
1 fryer chicken, about 2-3 pounds, cut up
3 1/2 quarts water
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 1/2 - 2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 bay leaves
3 chicken bouillon cubes
kosher salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste

Soup:
2 c sliced carrots
2 c sliced celery, with leafy green tops
2 1/2 c uncooked egg noodles
1 c sliced mushrooms
3 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
1/3 c cooking sherry
2 tsp chopped rosemary leaves
1 c grated parmesan cheese, optional
3/4 c heavy cream, optional
seasoning salt
fresh ground pepper
crusty French bread for dipping

For the stock:
Add all ingredients to the stock pot. Cook until the chicken is tender, about 35 - 45 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Remove and discard bay leaves and onion. You should have approx 3 quarts of stock. When the chicken is cool enough to touch, pick bones clean, discarding bones, skin, and cartilage. Set chicken aside.

For the soup:
Bring the stock back up to a boil and add carrots. Cook for 3 minutes and add celery. Continue to cook for 5 - 10 minutes. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions. When noodles are done, add chicken, mushrooms, parsley, sherry, and rosemary. Add parmesan and heavy cream, if using. Cook for another 2 minutes and adjust seasoning. Enjoy along with a nice hot crusty loaf of French bread.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

On the 2nd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves...

~ Chocolate Turtles ~
Courtesy of Dove Chocolate Discoveries

Dove Chocolate Discoveries Chef Series dark or milk chocolates - liquid tempered
Pecan halves
Caramel candy squares
Sea salt

Preheat oven to 350.

Place pecan halves in clusters on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each cluster with a caramel candy and a few grains of salt.

Bake for 5 minutes or until caramels are soft. Using the back of a buttered spoon, press down on each caramel to squish it into the pecans. Let cool completely.

Drizzle tempered chocolate over the cooled pecans and let cool before storing.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the 10th day of Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree! Traditionally, the 12 days of Christmas starts on December 26th, but the traditional holiday song is of French origin and well, I'm not French. So my 12 days of Christmas starts now with this delicious treat...

~ Apple and Pear Crisp ~
Courtesy of The Barefoot Contessa & The Food Network

Filling:
2 lbs ripe Bosc pears (about 4)
2 lbs firm honeycrisp apples (about 6)
1 tsp grated orange zest
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Topping:
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 tsp salt
1 c old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 lb (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced

Preheat oven to 350.

Peel, core, and cut the apples and pears into large chunks. Place the fruit in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a 9 x 12 x 2 inch oval baking dish.

For the topping:

Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed 1 minute, until the mixture is in large crumbles. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering completely.

Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm.

This is fantastic with ice cream, by the way. Come back tomorrow for the 11th day of Christmas!

We Need Popcorn

2010-12-08T07:14:00.002-07:00

Last night we watched 1960's classic holiday film, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with Burl Ives...

And it made me think of all the other holiday films I absolutely adore that I must watch this season. What are your holiday favorites? This is my list of To See's this holiday season, in no particular order...

{kleenex NOT optional}

Better to Give Than to Receive

2010-12-07T10:31:00.001-07:00

I'm a big supporter of the phrase, "it's better to give than to receive" and since it's the season for giving, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Esty finds. Happy Mall-idays!

You can't go wrong with this Personalized Ornament $14 from Chi Cerca Trova. In fact, a few of my friends will unwrap one this year. Christine, shop owner, is top notch when it comes to customer service.

I think I may have to snatch up one of these Cupcake Beanies from CMU55, $30

This Christmas Bunting, $25 from Bekah Jennings, should hang on every mantle.

I'm wearing mine. Get yours from Brag About It, $40

Eat, drink, and be merry with this Holiday Flask, $18 from Kryan2Designs

I may not be able to figure out my iPod {even after 4 years}, but I certainly can figure this out. iPood Onsie Iron-On Transfer, $5 from The Design Vine

For the rock n' roller, a Personalized Guitar Pick $18 from Jessie McCann

Protect those Kindles, Nooks, eReaders, iPads, Notebooks, and iPhones with a handmade case like this one, $21.99 from Tha Meow Designs

Couldn't Resist

2010-12-06T15:28:00.004-07:00

I love The Gap, but I haven't been in love with anything on their website for quite some time until....

$29.50

And it arrived just in time ~ I've been looking for a new wallet for weeks. Wahoo! Nothing spells awesome quite like g-l-i-t-t-e-r. It also comes in hot pink, gold, and silver. Get yours before they're gone!

Hi, My Name is Missi and I...

2010-12-06T09:19:00.012-07:00

The first step in receiving help is admitting you have a problem. If that's the case, I'd like to admit that I have an addiction too.

This morning, I read Yahoo article, 9 Limited-Edition Foods with Cult Followings and while I was surprised with a few of their featured foods {the McRib is gross people!}, I was puzzled why somethings weren't mentioned at all {who left the Peeps off?!} Whether they're seasonal or available all year round, I decided to come up with my own list of foods that I attack like a hungry hippo...

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Hi, my name is Missi and I'm addicted to Fourbucks PSL's. I had the first one of the season just before Labor Day this year and started a rapid trend in my hometown by posting the early release on Facebook. It was awesome.

Peeps

Many of you would argue with me over the awesomeness of Marshmallow Peeps, but once a year, I go against all animal-free dietary habits for 5 bites {and to stop my 4 year old who screams at the thought of biting the heads off}.

PEZ

I know several PEZ collectors {old and young}. They can't all be wrong.

Girl Scout Cookies

Samoa, Tagalong, Shortbread, and Thin Mint. I spent $60 on GSC's this past season and at $4/box, I think I can rightfully claim a happy addiction.

Sam Adams Summer Ale

Is it May yet?

Papago Orange Blossom
Brewed locally, available year round. Hooray!

Peppermint Bark

Only found during Christmas season, unless you're digging through my freezer....

Sonic Cherry Limeade & ICEE's

Two of my favorite summertime treats, especially in this Arizona heat!

Chick-Fil-A Waffle Fries
The Chick-Fil-A's in this town are few and far between, but given the right neighborhood, you know I'm chomping on these delicious golden fried potatoes without regard to time, place, or company.

Crystal Pepsi

It just needs to make a comeback already!

Duncan Sheik
Okay, so he's not exactly food, but he's definitely on my list of eye candy and concert tickets to attack upon release and should we ever meet, I promise I would only nibble on his ear.

Are you hungry? I am! Which goodies do you attack?

Cue the Music...

2010-12-03T10:10:00.003-07:00

In the spirit of Christmas and because you probably won't hear these on any holiday radio stations this year, a video list of my Top 6 Favorite Non-Traditional Holiday Tunes. Happy listening!

Fairy Tale in New York, The Pogues

Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses

Christmas Song, Dave Matthews Band

Father Christmas, The Kinks

That's What I Want for Christmas, SheDaisy

I Want a Hippopotamous for Christmas, Gayla Peevey

TGIF

2010-12-03T08:35:00.009-07:00

Holiday season is upon us and Christmas is a few short weeks away followed by the start of a new year. I predicted in 2008 that 2010 was going to be my year of awesomeness and it was so much so that I'm having trouble swallowing that "my year" is rapidly coming to a close. I'm definitely savoring this last month and now I spend time trying to think of all the ways 2011 could possibly trump 2010. So far, meeting Duncan Sheik and buying a house are tops on that list. Of course, meeting Duncan Sheik is tops on that list every year and every year, I am sorely disappointed. *sigh*...

Yesterday, Wedding Wire accepted my vendor listing and I created my "store front", which also automatically posted GAD to Wedding Bee, Celebrations, Project Wedding, and a few others, which are all linked to the right. My favorite? Martha Stewart Weddings! I'm a part of Marta Stewart Weddings!?! Sure, it's a small part, but I'm there. It's like my own little fantasy come to virtual life. Missi n' Martha. We'd make a good match.

After the Martha excitement wore off, I spoke with future bride, Julie, who welcomed Green Apple Design on board her team of wedding stylists and the excitement rose again! It was a good Thursday afternoon. The nuptials are to take place this spring in lovely Sedona, Arizona and I can't think of a better reason to take a road trip to the red rocks. Much gratitude and many congratulations to the happy couple!This weekend is sure to be relaxing and a bit chilly. We have plans of s'mores, tree decorating, and spiked eggnog. Maybe I'll sneak in my favorite holiday movie too.

"We've been given our parts in the nativity play and I'm the first lobster!" Be sweet and don't park under any pear trees!

I Have Found It

2010-12-01T20:46:00.009-07:00

My obsession with all things wedded bliss wasn't recently acquired, it's been a 25 year obsession in the works; 6 minutes in the making {big sigh of relief from the BF}. It all started with the highly media-sized royal wedding of Sarah and Andrew in 1986.

Seventeen FOOT train.

Who knew I'd venture to make a living styling weddings? My life is so awesome.

Somewhere between planning weddings for clients, scouring the internet looking for inspiration, and making project/idea boards, I managed to find it. The dress. Not just "the dress", "thee dress". The end all, be all, dress of all fancy, white, lacy, awesome fancy back dressy dresses. The one.

Of course, I can't share with you a photo of "thee dress" {I'm superstitious like that, no matter how far away bells are}, but I can show you a few other dresses I fancy.... and share the websites where you can find them too. Yay you!

Ellana Couture, Art Fire $395

WeddingDress.com, $289

Charlies Bridal, $297

Anne Bridal, $238

I can't vouch for the websites where I found these, but the prices are nothing short of a.maz.ing. Just remember to do your research before buying anything online. What do you think? What did you wear at your wedding OR what's your dream dress? Post a photo or link in the comments!

Black Friday Tips, Deals, and Steals

2010-11-24T10:31:00.005-07:00

For those of you who know me personally, you know that Black Friday is the one day of the ENTIRE year that I look forward to the most. Birthday? Christmas? 4 of July? All awesome, but stores don't open at 3am for frenzied fun! Of course, I'm already done Christmas shopping this year, scanning ads for the best prices possible and finding that some items on our list had better prices pre-November, but that's not going to stop me from getting up at 2:30 am, hitting Starbucks and the Target line by 3:15!

~ My biggest tip for this year is to download the Foursquare application on your phone and use it! Check in at EVERY store you enter for secret deals. Places like The Gap, Starbucks, Toys R Us, American Eagle, Sports Authority, and JC Penny will have specials up to 40% off for the tech savvy. For a national complete list of Foursquare BF deals, click here. Also, start following major retailers on Twitter and Facebook for exclusive "fan" deals.

~ Shop early. The Gap is having 50% off until 10am, Banana Republic is offering 40% off until noon, Old Navy has $5, $10, and $15 deals for the whole family starting at midnight. Other stores offering doorbuster deals: Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Kohl's, Target, and Lowe's. For a more extensive list, click here. Most online stores will host the same specials.

~ It's too late for most of us to scout stores, make maps, and take photos of items/prices/and aisle numbers {yup, I'm *that* kind of crazy}, but it's not too late to make a list. Grab the newspaper ads and start circling! Shop in teams and split up lists by department and help each other out. You can be done with holiday shopping by 7 am if you're organized enough! No time to stop for a newspaper? Make a list online and print at home.

~ One item on my wish list is a Kindle. Amazon will be selling a limited few {2nd gen} for $89 starting at 9am on Friday. It regularly retails for $140.

Don't forget when the Black Friday magic ends, Small Business Saturday begins followed by Cyber Monday. Of course, there's always the night before Christmas mad dash. However you shop, be safe and have many happy mall-idays!

Chris + Rachelle

2010-11-24T08:22:00.009-07:00

Now this is love, folks.

Duff Forever

2010-11-24T07:56:00.004-07:00

Someone at the Food Network acted on a sugar high crash and canceled Ace of Cakes!! I'm stunned. Of course I don't agree with Chef Duff's dislike for cupcakes {who doesn't like cupcakes?!}, but for 10 years I've been dazzled by his fondant covered creations. Although, Duff will live forever in Charm City {that bakery has a four year wait list people!}, the rest of us will have to watch for the DVD box sets.

In related news, EEEE! I just read that Duff Goldman's real name is Jeffrey Adam. I wonder if the same name equals same fondant talent. I'll have the BF test this theory out later; maybe we can be the next Food Network stars.

The ladies at The Frisky have put together a little pictorial of Duff's most impressive sweets. Enjoy!

Cue the Music...

2010-11-19T10:04:00.008-07:00

Introducing new website, Wedzu! Like Etsy, it's all handcrafted, custom, affordable, and adorable, BUT it's all wedding, all the time. I only wish this was my brain child. Here are a few of my favorite finds...

Married Last Name Personalized Sign, $40 by Andrea

Custom invitations, $4.00 template by Merrymint Designs

Custom honeymoon luggage tags, $37.50 by C'est Superbe

Bermuda hair pin set, $60 by Vatne Designs
Petite rose gold white diamond band, $1,060 by ila&i

What do you think? Are you lovin' Wedzu?

We Adopted!

2010-11-19T07:58:00.008-07:00

Kiwi was feeling outnumbered and blue

So we found her a friend of a different hue
She's happy again
Now that she has a friend
And we want you to help name her too!

Stepping away from all things bridal, wedding, or special event related...

We adopted a puppy last night! A sweet six month old Springer Spaniel/Black Lab mix who came to us from Yuma, but we picked her up in New River. How does that make sense? It doesn't, but the 3 hour round-trip car ride was worth every mile. We weren't even really looking for a pet, but the second I saw her, it was instant love and I had to bring her home. Why? She's the spitting image of the first {and best!} dog I ever had, Sammie Jo {1990-2005}.

Puppy: 1 {Bonus point in honor of Sam}, Human: 1
The object of the game is to keep an even score or let the puppy win.

Knowing she had never even seen a kennel before, I dreaded putting her to bed last night and walking away. Thankfully, she did a splendid job of sleeping. All night. Without a peep. Us too. Yay!

Puppy: 2, Human: 2

She figured out that her footing on tile flooring automatically results in acrobatics, so she has confined herself to a 6' x 8' carpet in my family room. Seeing this behavior, I think if I can manage to keep toys and shoes off of her select carpeted area, there's nothing for her to teethe on. Awesomesauce.

Puppy: 3, Human: 3
Let's keep this up, Puppy!

Also, being on a small carpeted area surrounded by furniture and NOT jumping on it, even when prompted, earns her another point.

Puppy: 4, Human: 3
I misjudged her, sorry Puppy!

Way to go, Puppy! That's another thing, we need a name for her. After exploring a bajillion name options, we've narrowed it down to a mere 15. I was reminded last night that we spent three days trying to name Sam and ended up drawing out of a hat. I suppose, this is the 2010 version of drawing out of a hat. We stayed away from names that had R's in them {my son, River, can't pronounce his R's very well. Oh the irony} and names of family members and their dogs {ie: Daysi}. Help us out and cast your vote or suggest your own in the comment section!

Looks like our weekend will be filled with puppyliciousness. Happy new friend Friday!

Hug A Vet Today

2010-11-11T11:28:00.003-07:00

Land of the free because of the brave.
Thank you to all who have served, are serving, and will serve our country and continue to protect, honor, and fight for our freedom.
Happy Veteran's Day!

To my brave friends who have selflessly fought for our freedom ~ Becky J, Lonnie J, Joel N, Joel M, John N, Kevin W, Pat V, Kacia V, Paul V, Gary T, Jim S, and for my grandfathers ~ James M {USAF} and Robert H {US Army} ~ a mountain of respect and lots of love, thank you!

A Mad Missi Makes

2010-11-04T09:07:00.009-07:00

I've posted it a million times on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and any other social networking sites I belong to. It's NOVEMBER: Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Yay!

Alzheimer's Facts:
{courtesy of Alzheimer's Association}

~ Currently 5.3 Americans are affected. That's 1 in every 6 people in the United States. Practically a guarantee that every household will have an Alzheimer's patient under their care at some point.

~ African-Americans and Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease.

~ $172 billion dollars are spent each year in treating Alzheimer's patients.

~ Alzheimer's is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.

~ While other select causes of death decreased between 2000 - 2006, Alzheimer's deaths increased by 46.1%.

~ An estimated 10.9 million caregivers go unpaid and unrecognized each year.

I look forward to November every year. I look forward to the Thanksgiving Day parade and shopping at 3 am, but I especially look forward to dying my hair purple because nothing says Alzheimer's advocate quite like this:

Person {always at Starbucks too}: I love your purple!

Me: Thanks, I do it every November in support of my grandmother.

Person: {puzzled look}

Me: She's an Alzheimer's patient and every November is Alz Awareness Month; purple is their color.

Person: Really? I have a {grandparent/aunt/parent} with Alzheimer's....

Having purple hair automatically leads to attention, which 90% of the time leads to questions and a conversation. If I raise awareness just one time, I've made a difference.

This week, GAD has been busy planning and preparing an Alzheimer's fundraiser {this year's theme: Answers for Alzheimer's: Trivia Night} to be held this weekend, but I have a hard time planning without mad tears.

For years, we've slowly watched the lights get dim at Gram's "house" and eventually noticed she stopped answering the door all together, but nothing has been more heartbreaking than watching my mom deal with the "loss" of her mother without death. It must be so strange. Just being aware of all the possibilities - physical, financial, and emotional strain that takes toll - I'm grateful for my little brother. This is not just a patient or person affecting disease. It effects the whole family.

So while Grams, a Stage 7 Alzheimer's patient, played a huge role in how my family got involved with the Arizona Alzheimer's Association, it's that first fact that keeps my interest. 1 in 6 is a scary percentage of the population. Virtually, everyone knows someone who has been or is affected by Alzheimer's. EVERYONE. So why doesn't this disease get the media's attention more often? I've seen two PSA's for Alzheimer's on national television {one featured a very yummy Bradley Cooper}. That's it. TWO. I understand that there's no media-drawing drama involved with Alzheimer's; no sudden exits, no painful suffering, no surgeries, no 60-mile walks or band aid concerts and I'm not trying to take away or down play other incredibly significant battles that the medical world faces, I'm just trying to find an understanding why we don't raise awareness for Alzheimer's on a grander scale. With Alzheimer's, there's NO recovery, there are NO survivors, there is NO winning, and there's seemingly NO attention and that makes for a mad Missi.

Join me and Bradley Cooper. Remember for those who forget and MOVE to end Alzheimer's. For more information on Alzheimer's, visit www.Alz.org. To donate to the Phoenix Memory Walk, click here.

Playing Catch Up

2010-10-28T08:56:00.006-07:00

We've all done the same song and dance ~ put off things because life got in the way. There's something better to do, something else to clean up, someone else to call or see, the To Do list has grown a thousand miles long and "overwhelmed" doesn't quite cut it anymore. Of course this is how the blog got stuck at the bottom of the priority pile, but also, it's been a lack of sleep and a lack of drive.

I have days where I feel like a freight train; unstoppable, unbeatable, and unforgivable and then I have days where I feel like I've been hit by the freight train. Ever since vacation ended, I've had a lot of head-on collisions with that freight train, resulting in "train wreck" days. I haven't caught up on sleep, the house never seems clean enough, errands are endless, laundry is breeding, and I feel like all of our "stuff" is slowly suffocating my space and there isn't any time to make a date with Goodwill. In simpler terms, having three jobs is REALLY hard.

Growing up, I was at peace and content sitting amid disaster quietly reading books or sketching, but now, I can't stand it and not being at home has quickly become my "go-to" resolution. If I don't have the time {or motivation} to do something right the first time ~ thoroughly, perfectly, exactly ~ then I just don't do it. Eventually, I'll get around to it, but in the meantime, I'm left in an Overwhelemed Me vs. My OCD battle. Looking at the bright side, I'm a winner either way!

To catch you up to speed ~

Two weeks ago, we had a fabulous California vacation with my parents complete with a pirate show, real live sea dragons, and the kids first trip to Disneyland! School resumed with parent/teacher conference week, followed by a birthday.

There's eight year old in my house now. Eight years ago today, I had a newborn in the NICU and I was sleeping on the floor of the hospital lobby, not really sleeping at all, but instead worrying about my brand new baby girl and watching terrible late night television on one of 14 channels the hospital offered. We've come a long way since then. I worry about different stuff, she rides her bike without training wheels, and we all sleep through the night.

To my sweet baby E,

You necessarily flipped my world upside down creating new perspectives, new desires, and new love along the way. You are the sole reason I purchase headbands by the thousands and fear the year 2018. I love your snaggletooth smile and the freckles that dance across your nose. May you always sing loudly, read with animation, and listen to your mother; whose middle name ain't Awesome for no reason! You're the reason I perfected cajun shrimp and get presents on Mother's Day {both are completely necessary to happy sustainability}.
Happy Birthday, my darling.
I love you,
Mama

This weekend is sure to be filled with costumes, friends, laughter, and pillaging my kids candy bags. May you all have a sweet, autumny weekend. Happy Halloweenies!

TGIF

2010-10-08T08:11:00.005-07:00

Britney Spears. Does it get any better? Yes...

Michael's Arts and Craft stores released their loyalty rewards cards this week and our Disneyland countdown begins today with T-7 days! I haven't been to the happiest place on Earth in a few years and my kids have never been, so to take them for the first time AND have VIP AND my parents with us AND to see the park all decked out for Halloween?? I'm surprised I'm not packed and sitting in the airport parking lot just waiting!

This will be our first Halloween experience at Disneyland. Wahoo!

I spent the majority of the week preparing to orchestrate a wedding to take place on Sunday, 10.10.10. There's a lot to take place in the next 72 hours from set up to strike and I can't wait to see it all take shape ~ and then nap.

With all the activities happening this weekend, I'd better hop to ~ Have a fabulous weekend and be sweet!

Sneak Preview

2010-10-06T10:36:00.007-07:00

A sneak preview of all the Green Apple events this month ~

10.09: SAS Reunion
10.09: Bridal Shower
10.10: Birthday Party
10.10: P & J Get Married
10.13 - 10.17: VACATION
10.24: Birthday Party
10.25: E is Eight
10.29: Halloween Party
10.31: Trick or Treat

The month is sprinkled with several event meetings and birthdays. Yay! Also, through the suggestion of a friend who works for Serendipit Consulting, I've joined forces with Arizona Spa Girls for a bridal giveaway ~ details coming soon. If you are planning an event, please keep Green Apple Design in mind for all of your event planning needs, including sweets, and check out our Event Packages, which can be customized to suit YOU!

TGIF

2010-10-01T07:30:00.005-07:00

Holy butter! It's been a whirlwind week ~ like seriously, where did it go? Somewhere in the midst of all the chaos, I found time to make myself some of these little gems....

L to R: Vietnamese Coffee, Chocholate Chai, Green Tea Latte, Irish Cream

Jealous? You should be! I'll post the recipes for these soon. As for the remainder of the week, Green Apple is taking a break long enough to participate in a marathon of a different color tomorrow. Twilight Town Trek, which has NOTHING to do with Edward Cullen, takes place tomorrow night in DT Tempe ~ Yay! Wish our team luck. Although with Super Sleuth B behind the scenes, you may want to with the OTHER teams luck! Other than running around this town in the dark solving riddles at rapid rates, the weekend will be quiet...

To beautiful weather and beautiful friends ~ Cheers!

One Lovely Blog Award

2010-09-29T08:02:00.004-07:00

I was given the "One Lovely Blog" Award by Becky at Golden Acorn Homeschool. Thanks a latte, Becky. I feel so honored.

As noted on her blog, there are a three rules to accepting this prestigious award:

~ Post a thank you to the person who awarded you and include their blog link.
~ Pay it forward to 10 - 15 other bloggers.
~ Comment the blog owners and award them.

Sadly, I don't know a lot of bloggers who regularly post, so I chose the loveliest of the ones who have posted within the last month. I wish I could award Becky in return, but the rules clearly state to "pay it forward," so without further ado here are several lovely blogs, in no particular order...

A Word from Kaiden's Mom

Designs by Kassie

Life's Simple Pleasures

Lilac & Ivy

Amanda in Shanghai

Cookies and Cupcakes and Pies, Oh My!

Krista Campbell Photography

All of these blogs are part of my Google Reader family and are a simple pleasure to read. Pass on the lovelies!

Case of the Moondays

2010-09-27T08:19:00.004-07:00

Oh Monday, you've ruined a perfectly good weekend ~ again. C'est la vie, eh?

My little cupcakes and I spent the majority of the weekend in Queen Creek. Do you know how far Queen Creek is? My cell phone barely had service! We somehow managed to, despite being able to connect to the outside world, sneak in a few errands and a party. There were also wedding meetings and discussions, creative brainstorming, and deep thinking Jack Handey-style.

October is going to be the busiest Green Apple Design month to date and I can't wait! I have a marathon, a baby shower, a wedding, a reunion, charity event planning, three birthdays, a Mom, a vacation, a Halloween party, and an evening of tricks and treats all crammed into five weekends with work and play in between. I have four days to find my game face, but it's ON!

For starters, though, I'll focus on training for the Twilight Town Trek marathon this Saturday night. Wish me luck!

Cheers to the last weekend in September ~ may it be sweet!

Case of the Moondays

2010-09-20T10:06:00.005-07:00

Not much happened in GrAppleDville over the weekend, which I spent the majority of sick and on the couch. Not so awesome.

This week will be spent working on important details for the October wedding, two March weddings, a November engagement party, and counting down the days until our Disney family vacation. Very awesome.

Stay tuned for details, but I hope to enter the state fair cupcake contest taste testing details. The citrus combinations to be tested are: grapefruit/orange, clementine/lemon, and orange/kumquat. Fingers crossed that one of them is a winner!

Cheers to a flavorful week!

new, New, NEW!

2010-09-16T14:04:00.004-07:00

If you're wondering what happened to our Case of the Moonday post, our site has been under a slight bit of construction. I'd like to thank Designs by Kassie for all the wonderful magic she's put into this site!

I'm so pleased to debut Green Apple Design Event PACKAGES! Check out the added link above and tell me I'm cheap, which in this case, is a good thing.

The rest of this week, I'll be working on some final details surrounding my 10/10/10 wedding and on Saturday I have my second mock bridal shoot with photographer Jen Hoffman of A Thousand Words Photography. I can't wait to include some photos of the shoot in the next few weeks.

Green Apple life couldn't get any sweeter ~ thank you for being here! Cheers!

TGIF

2010-09-10T08:21:00.004-07:00

Whew! For a short week, it sure was long! On a personal note, I hate Monday holidays; between custody schedules and school hours, I only had my two oldest kids for SIX hours this week. Blech. If I wasn't counting down to our family vacation already, I certainly am now ~ an entire two weeks spent with my babies!

Green Apple extends huge congratulations to Allie & AJ on their engagement! Another March wedding is on our files and I couldn't be more excited. Having known Allie since our junior high days, I don't think I've ever seen her happier.

Bravo à votre belle vie!

Cheers to a fabulous sunshiny weekend with sweet aromas! Be sweet!

Case of the Moondays

2010-09-07T07:23:00.008-07:00

Sure, it's "technically" Tuesday, but for most of us the work week is just beginning and today is Moonday, complete with case of. Thanks Labor Day!

Over the weekend, which was extended by Friday too, VIP and I headed to Sin City. Having only seen Las Vegas on television or in the movies, I was in awe. From the people to the extravagant architecture, everything was so big and over done! I couldn't imagine living there; no quiet, no structure, no grown up behavior... I dubbed Vegas "Disneyland for Sinners" and "Perfect for the ADHD'd" It's certainly something to be taken in small doses only and four days was a bit much, I was ready to be home with my babies by Sunday night.

When we arrived, we had planned on making a stop at the Neon Sign Museum. By definition, a museum is a place where people pay money to walk around a facility and look at cool stuff. By Vegas definition, a museum is a place where reservations are required and you aren't even getting an address if you don't already have one. So, albeit disappointed, my first impression of Vegas was spot on: ridiculous. We spent the remainder of the afternoon at The World's Largest Gift Shop {truly the world's largest, it was a three hour adventure} followed by napping. {PS: Best Thai food ever over at Jasmine's in Summerlin. Good call, A!} When the night life began, we went over to the Freemont Street Experience and enjoyed drinks along the former strip and ended the night at Nu.

A trip to Vegas is not complete without a photo taken with "show girls".

According to my itinerary {complete with pre-planned outfit; I have a major case of Traveling OCD}, Saturday was designated to eating breakfast at Blueberry Hill {voted Best Breakfast of Vegas, 2010} and Strutting the Strip and that we did. From the gardens at the Bellagio to screaming "tigers love pepper!" at Caesar's Palace, I'm pretty sure we covered it all and walked about 35 miles in the process. Saturday ended with a rockin' three hour and 35 minute show at the House of Blues. Unfortunately, they didn't allow cameras, but I can tell all of you RCPM fans, you missed a hell of a good time!

Two words: Yard and Drink.

Above photo is courtesy of Abby Dabby Super Jo Photography and her iPhone

Now, this is where my trip goes a little awry, but ends well. Sunday was scheduled to be pool recovery day, but there were no hangovers and we never did locate the pool, so instead we made reservations at Joe's Stone Crab for lunch {Best. Lunch. EVER!} and caught what little strip we previously missed {like The Beatles!}. By mid afternoon, we were headed back to our hotel because my Steve Madden's were not kind and we had collected a complete set of hooker trading cards, so the fun was over anyway.

About hooker trading cards: In Arizona, day laborers gather in groups on street corners and quietly wait to be picked up for work. In Las Vegas, day laborers gather on street corners to aggressively pass out prostitute business cards and brochure's to innocent tourists.

Fab Five at The Mirage

Sunday night, before we saw Vegas from atop the Eiffel Tower, we met with my dear friend, B for dinner at Mon Ami Gabi in our hotel lobby and afterward, we walked across the street to take in the Bellagio fountain show, all of us for the first time. The combination of the three was a fabulous way to end a fabulously glittery weekend.

B & Me

Bellagio Fountains

From atop the Eiffel

The fun was over Monday at 8:15 when we said goodbye to our hotel, goodbye to a pretty deserted strip, and hello to Phoenix. First stop: pedi.

Now, we're back to a somewhat normal schedule and it's Tuesday, so the week is already off to a great start. Work, school, homework, dinners, meetings, cupcakes, birthday parties, and coffee... here's to normalcy. Cheers!

Viva Las Vegas!

Vegas, Not Just a City

2010-08-31T14:45:00.005-07:00

My 4.5 year old sees me packing for the weekend and the following conversation ensues....

A: Where are you going?
Me: Las Vegas.
A: You lost Vegas? {looks under the bed}
M: No Las Vegas.
A: Lost Vegas?
M: Laaaasss Vegas, it's a city in Nevada.
A {very concerned look}: Vegas is going to Nebada?
M: No, mommy is. The cat is going to stay home.
A: Huh?
M: This conversation is getting us nowhere. Want some grapes?
A: Yeah!

Vegas
vs.
Vegas

Case of the Moondays

2010-08-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

Having survived last Friday with 100 cupcakes out the door, I set in to survive Part Dos of the cupcake chaos Saturday morning...

These little guys were my arch nemesis. 18 of them were looking good when we left the house, but had completely melted by the time we arrived to the birthday party... in Deer Valley. DEER VALLEY! If you don't live in Arizona, driving to DV is kind of like driving to Egypt from your house. I hadn't realized that my home state went so far west without turning into California somewhere along the way. Crazy.

The rest of the cupcakes, however, made it beautifully; two dozen each of vanilla vanilla, red velvet, and lemon blueberry. I was most excited for the lemon blueberry because after dabbling with it for an afternoon, I perfected the most beautiful blueberry curd; to accompany, a light lemon frosting made with real lemon juice and zest. It was perfection!

I want one right now.

Dear Mr. Monday,
You are now just a day.
A day without lemon blueberry cake
and that, my friend, is not awesome at all.
xo

This week, in the life of GAD, I'm baking up some sweet treats and shipping them to Las Vegas via the BACK SEAT! This week, in the life of Missi, I'm going to Las Vegas for the FIRST TIME! I can't wait! I have an agenda, the suitcase is ready, the GPS in place, and we've confirmed our reservations at The Paris. I'm so afraid I'm going to forget my concert tickets for Saturday night. House of Blues, anyone? Guess who's playing....

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers!

There has never been a better time for me to visit Las Vegas ~ my friend, Miss A, just moved there, my friend Mrs. B, who moved to LV not too long ago, is celebrating a birthday very soon, RCPM is playing, and it's a holiday weekend. Time to put the '30 year old Vegas Virgin' bit to rest. If you've been to Vegas, answer this: What's the ONE thing I should NOT miss while in Sin City?

Until Thursday, my little cupcakes, cheers to a beautiful week full of anticipation and rock n' roll!

TGIF

2010-08-27T08:43:00.004-07:00

I big pink puffy sparkly heart LOVE Friday this week for a two reasons:
1. I'm exhausted. I stayed up way to late playing Music Challenge with VIP on Facebook last night.
2. Having made over 100 cupcakes yesterday, I'm actually running ahead of schedule with weekend orders, which means Friday night is BACK! Not that I had anything exciting planned, but it's nice to know that I can go out and have a good time, should I choose.

Not much excitement this week, in either the life of Miss Green or Miss Green Apple. I worked, I played, I cupcaked. Not much excitement planned for the weekend either. Just happy days, partly cloudy skies, and scattered thunderstorms until Monday. It's a good kind of week's end.

The second Sweet Sampler was a huge success and I've been commissioned to sweeten up two parties over the weekend. THANK YOU to everyone who ordered cupcakes this week! Hopefully, you enjoy them as much as I enjoy baking them.

L to R: Apple Spice Donut, Jelly Donut, Boston Cream Pie Donut, Glazed Donut
Donuts & cupcakes, the perfect marriage of sweet sin

Cheers to Monsoon, cheers to YOU!

Extended P.S.
I was looking at the calendar yesterday and can you believe it's almost September?! My how time flies when you're having fun! I have OWNED 2010 and while I'm kind of sad that the year is rapidly coming to a close, I'm really excited to write my end of year post and reflect on all the good that has come my way. As predicted, 2010 has been awesome, but I never would have thought it would have ROCKED. For the first time in all my 30 years, February has lasted ALL YEAR! Do you have any idea how happy that makes me!? Words have not yet been invented {Backstory: I love February}.

Case of the Moondays

2010-08-23T12:29:00.007-07:00

Over the weekend VIP and I escaped to his cabin up North where we stayed in, ordered out, and watched the rain. In between all that laziness, we managed to watch a bagillion movies and make it back home in time to pick up the kids for dinner.

Our movie selections were:

(500) Days of Summer
American President
Anchorman
El Orfanato
Father of the Bride
Hangover
Into the Wild
Love Actually
Slumdog Millionaire
Some Like it Hot
West Side Story

Goodbye Pinetop, Hello Phoenix

If you know me, even in the slightest, you should be shocked! Fact is, I don't sit down long enough to tie my shoes, let alone watch an entire film, so sitting on the couch for 12+ hours watching film after film with a blanket, a fire, a boyfriend, and a pot of coffee was quite the accomplishment for me. It felt dirty and I liked it. Of course, coming home I was a maniacal train wreck thinking of all the things I should have been doing WHILE watching those movies: making lists, returning phone calls, emailing, networking, baking, laundry, saving the world, cleaning, making a menu, grocery shopping, etc. It all came down hard and fast while driving back and ended with an abrupt halt when we entered the house.

When we got home, it was a scorching {and humid} 104 degrees outside and a gross 98 degrees inside. For the third time this summer, the A/C was out and there's not much you can do about broken appliances at 9:30p on a Sunday night. Talk about a welcoming! It is entirely possible that the Universe was punishing me for sitting on my caboose for two days. Thankfully, I know a brilliant dude with A/C repair on his resume who came over this morning and we were cooling down by 9:45a. On the scale of crappy things to happen while on vacation, having the A/C out for 12 hours is pretty trivial.

Back to Moonday and looking forward to a Bake-a-licious week at Green Apple with the sale of Sweet Samplers and a ton of birthday orders. My oven cringes, but I'm stoked ~ cheers to a cuppycake kind of week!

Cupcake Winner

2010-08-23T07:28:00.003-07:00

It's kinda hard to think when you're sitting in the heat. With the A/C back on and running, I present to you vlog #2: Cupcake Winner...

Congratulations Eric B. on winning the a Sweet Sampler Dozen: Donut Collection.

TGIF

2010-08-20T05:14:00.002-07:00

Yay Friday!

Monday night was the first highlight of my week. The sixth season of Weeds premiered ~ WHOA! If you've been eating fondant from under a rock, I suggest you get out, get a Netflix account and watch the first season online now, Now, NOW!

I have a love/hate relationship with the supermarket. I love making our weekly menus, I love making lists, and I love shopping. I hate running errands {essentially the supermarket is an errand} and I hate toting my kids around in the heat. Because we ran out of time to get our weekly shopping done in person, I had my groceries delivered on Tuesday from Safeway.com. When the delivery came, I had completely forgotten that I had even ordered groceries in the first place! AWESOME. My only challenge is getting over the feeling that I forgot to do something this week.

Our first date. Sadly, there was no coffee involved.

My Friday Eve {aka Thursday} started out with a surprise in-home Starbucks date with VIP. Any man who drives 45 minutes to show up at my door at 6:45 am on Thursday morning with a Starbucks and a smile wins the Missi Lotto. Who has the best boyfriend ever? ME! My Friday Eve {aka Thursday} ended with a pedi and much needed dishing ~ sans the sink. Love me some Mrs. T! And in case she forgot, I'm talking about you, H!

And now we can party like it's Friday at Green Apple Design! In 24 hours, I've baked a two layer red velvet cake and a small cupcake order ~ both for birthday parties this weekend and both will have photos posted AFTER the celebrating has ended. Happy 30th Birthday, JL and Happy 6th Birthday, AP ~ may you have your cake and eat it too!

This weekend, I have planned two days of reclaiming my former Potato Queen title from my former teenage years spent on the couch. Before next week's big storm o'cake, I'm in for an entire weekend of cabin, movies, and VIP, who was already informed that anything beyond getting up off the couch to shower was a stretch. Here's hoping the coffee fairy visits Pinetop!

May you all have a beautiful weekend with something to celebrate!

Case of the Moondays

2010-08-16T07:38:00.005-07:00

Monday always comes around too soon...

I spent a lovely Sunday Funday with VIP lounging around all morning and later taking the kids to visit his family for a bite to eat and a swim. Before all the fun started, I had a very productive meeting with adorable pair, J & P, in regards to their October wedding. Like always, I'm excited to see the final result of the planning process and their smiling faces at the beginning of their new journey together. Before October arrives though, I must survive the rest of this month!

There was a calm before the storm this past weekend and with nothing to bake or prep, I wasn't sure what to do with myself. I'm pretty sure the oven felt neglected as well. This week, I have two parties to sweeten up; a prelude to next week when I will be baking up a storm to fulfill eight cake orders on time. I knew someday I'd be able to explain the cupcake n' crossbones tattoo very clearly: I'm a Bonny with batter. Watch it, Sailor....

Nothing exciting this week that I know of. So, may your week be filled with all the things that make you happy. Cheers!

TGIF

2010-08-13T08:02:00.007-07:00

If there's one thing you can count on in this world, it's smiles on Friday. It's been a fairly quiet week for Green Apple, but a pretty busy week for me {which would explain the smiles on Friday}.

On Monday morning, I taught my son a very important life skill, which he picked up rather quickly and now every five minutes, he's tying and untying and retying his sneakers. I'm such a proud mama! Later that day, my babies, VIP and I enjoyed an evening of Meet the Teacher and pizza...

On Tuesday, I filled a Red Velvet order and did a little shopping. E decided she wanted Converse like mom & VIP for the first day of school because they matched her "first day outfit better", so we picked up some black ones that she is currently working off by doing chores.

Random note: Did you know Costco has the best swirl froyo in all the land?! It's better than Ikea. File that away for future reference.

Wednesday brought the first day of school for my big kids and a day at the zoo for my youngest, who insisted she needed a new lunchbox too...

On Thursday, I had migraine number five since activating my Droid Incredible two weeks ago. I have since put myself back on my preventative migraine vitamin regimen as prescribed by the neuro doc and have an eye appointment this month to make sure that's not the problem. If you have Droidaches, I highly suggest downloading the Headache Journal app to keep track. My neuro doc always suggests keeping track of headaches now for a better evaluation later and I love this app!

All of this brings us to today. Oh Friday, how I missed you. I keep feeling like there's something I need to be baking, but I don't have any orders written down for this week. Next week, I do. The week after that, I do. The week after that, I do and so on and so forth. I guess this is just the calm before the storm, eh? I'm looking forward to tomorrow's Missi & VIP's Day of Fun, after I get home from a massage and facial at the spa {I knew Day 16 of 30 Before 30 was going to spoil me!}...

Cheers to a beautiful weekend!

Project Update

2010-08-12T11:44:00.009-07:00

For those of you that have been following me, you know I was going to attempt a little project with Martha Stewart. I gave in to the idea of cooking and tasting meat, I compiled, I scheduled, I researched, I made lists, I double checked them, I remade them, I exhausted myself reading the Martha Stewart Collection of Everyday Recipes and I concluded this project was Mission Impossible. Seriously, Martha, who considers five tier wedding cakes or hor d'eourves for 200 as everyday recipes?! Bitch is crazy. I hereby forfeit the Missi n' Martha Project and welcome...

NEW PROJECT!

Back story {aka Why I Love This Project}: Eight years ago, my daughter E was born a little early and enjoyed an extended stay in the NICU. When we finally brought her home, she came with her own home hospital set up and was on a strict schedule of biliruben lights, temperature gauging, and feedings. This routine ultimately turned me into the "Queen of the Clock" and we lived on Post-It Notes, calendars, white boards, alarms, and charts. My heart was worried, my OCD was completely satisfied. It was during this time that I discovered the convenience of the crock pot and I started making dinner at a time that was convenient for me, but a year of crock pot eating {YEAR!} will eventually drive your taste buds insane. That, my friends, is a lot of chicken and dumplin's. So, when we moved to a cable ready house, I spent a lot of down time watching the Food Network and falling in love with Rachael Ray's conception: the 30 minute meal. You can make an entire, healthy meal in 30 minutes?! I have 30 minutes!

Before I had a family to feed, I had never really cooked before {tossing in a pot and turning it on low for 8 hours is NOT my idea of cooking} and the first time I tried a RR recipe, it exceeded my slotted 30 minutes and E missed her bath time. Disgruntled and way off schedule, I began to rethink this genius idea and I ended up convinced that RR recipes were for the experienced home chef or just the product of wishful thinking and a staff of food prep elves.

Seven years later, with a little more experience in my apron pockets, I think I have a pretty good handle on cooking. I've answered some of my own questions, made up some of my own recipes, and taught E a few kitchen basics to survival. However, since that fateful day of disaster in which I turned a 30 minute meal into a 130 minute meal, my success with RR recipes have been hit and miss and I've always wondered which ones really only took 30 minutes. Here's my chance...

In 2009, RR published Book of 10: More than 300 Recipes to Cook Everyday and I'm taking it on in my new project, Racing Rachael: Testing The 30 Minute Theory and it's coming soon! Anyone want to place bets?

Case of the Moondays

2010-08-09T15:14:00.006-07:00

Oh Monday, why do you always have to ruin a perfectly good weekend? Although, with the start of another week, I'm one week closer to living out my kind of paradise.... More on that later.

Over the weekend eGAD cupcakeried a baby shower in Mesa. It was my first order from a stranger {stranger danger, kids} and in exchange for actual dollars. I think Mrs. McE was as excited as I was. I hope they were as delicious as they looked....

State Fair cake on top {apple cake, cream cheese filling and frosting with a caramel drizzle}, and 2 dozen each of Life's Lemons {lemon cake, raspberry frost}, GS Cookie Samoa {chocolate cake, caramel center, with a coconut, chocolate, and caramel topping}, and Vanilla Raspberry {vanilla cake, seedless raspberry curd, and light whipped vanilla frost with fresh raspberry}. A huge thank you is extended to Mrs. McE for supporting Green Apple Design!

This was my only cupcakery event over the weekend, but I did some networking, some eating, some shopping, some catching up with friends, and some wedding planing. I'm also working on a mock bridal shoot for A Thousand Words Photography. I can't wait!

New kicks. Green Apple Style.

J, Me, H, and N at Postino's

In other news, there are big things a'brewin' in the Howard-Green Chateau, for which I suppose you'll have to stay tuned for an announcement at a later date. You want clues? I'm not getting married, I'm not having a baby, and I didn't win the lottery. Do your own deductions.

Also, big hugs {sympathetic and congratulatory simultaneously} to my kids who are supposedly anxiously awaiting the arrival of yet another sibling {if you read the above, you already know it's not mine}. YAHOO! *This news has yet to be confirmed by the parents-to-be, but my kids have yet to make something big up. Although, it would be nice to hear it straight from the donkey's mouth.

Cheers to a fabulous, sparkly week!

So You Think You Can Survive Cupcake Idol

2010-08-05T15:48:00.006-07:00

"You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." Buzzz! Thanks for playin', Abe, but I believe you can please all of the people all of the time ~ it just takes research! That being said, I'm doing mine...

If you ordered The Fancy Sweet Sampler box, I'm asking that you vote for your favorite. The favorites will eventually be featured in an uber special way ~ perhaps just in time for the holidays. If you shared your sweet little treasures, have your friends vote too or vote as many times as you like. This is my cupcake version of reality contest television ~ the winner will be put into special limelight, possibly signed a million dollar recording deal and the losers could be voted off the show....

Weekend Update

2010-08-03T13:19:00.010-07:00

Case of the Moondays has lapsed over into Toosday. Please forgive the late weekend update posting.

Green Apple styled and catered a birthday dinner party this past Friday night to the theme of Dr. Seuss' Thing 1 & Thing 2 for best friends {since 1963} Dee and Colleen...

Flower arrangement

Place setting

Menu:

Hors D'eouvres
Pink Ink for the Yink {Cosmos}
Deviled Green Eggs & Ham

Entree:
Muddle Puddle Poodle Noodles {Penne Pasta with Vodka Cream Sauce}
Hunches of Green Bunches {Hearts of Romaine Salad}
Bread & Butter Battle

Dessert:
Thing 1 & Thing 2 Tiramisu

Matching tiramisu cupcakes by Green Apple Bakery

Full table setting, complete with Cat in the Hat hat

The hostess, the birthday girl, and I were all pleased with the outcome of the event. Thank you both for allowing Green Apple Design to turn your dining room into Whoville and for sharing the fun with us!

On Saturday, after putting stellar organizational skills to good use, Green Apple Design teamed up with Krista Campbell Photography for a mock bridal shoot. First of all, Krista is so much fun and so easy to work with. She has such a creative eye and is willing work with whatever you can throw her way {trust me on this... I climbed in a tree, jumped in a fountain, and sat in a giant letter E all in a wedding dress with bridal bouquet!}. You'd be incredibly lucky if she were available for your event ~ contact her to reserve your photo session today!

Secondly, we had SO MUCH FUN! Below are just a few photos from the whole day. You can view the whole shoot on her website and find her on Facebook.

A huge thank you to our models who willingly climbed mountains and trees, danced through fountains, and got their heels muddy for the sake of art. Much appreciation and love for you all!

I was so exhausted by the time I got home, I pretty much slept all day on Sunday. Thankfully, I had nothing else better to do....

Cheers to a super successful week!

TGIF

2010-07-30T07:56:00.006-07:00

Ah Friday, how I missed you. Is it just me or did this week seem really long; not slow, but long. Maybe it's because I'm up late, up early, and really busy in between...

This morning, I finished up a bunny cake for the sweetest Lil' O that I know. A chocolate cake with strawberry bits and a vanilla butter cream frosting, which I put on with my hands to make the rabbit appear fluffy. I used white chocolate for the ears and nose, a marshmallow for the tail, coconut dyed green for grass, and 2 lollipop sticks cut to size for the whiskers. This cake is 99% edible and not to shabby for my first rabbit.

This week, I managed to get out all my Sweet Sampler orders ~ THANK YOU to everyone who participated and made it a smashing success. I hope you all are enjoying! My favorites are the White Russian and the Birthday Cake ii {that chocolate frosting is wicked, isn't it?}

L to R: Strawberries n' Cream, Champagne Toast, White Russian, Birthday Cake ii

I also announced that on August 28th, the Donut Collection Sweet Sampler will be on sale for 20% off, so be sure to place your orders now! $20 per equally assorted 1 dozen cupcakes: Boston Cream Pie, Apple Spice, Jelly Donut, and Glazed. I look forward to it!

Tomorrow, I've teamed up with Krista Campbell Photography for a mock bridal shoot to get her bridal portfolio going. I'm so excited to spend time with some amazing ladies. Six brides, five hours, two locations, and one fountain. With my mother's permission {she bought the dress!}, you can bet I'll be jumping in that fountain in my divorced wedding attire! I can't wait!

Thankfully, Sunday is a day to go bowling with the kids and eat some overpriced bowling alley food.

At the end of next week, it'll be another baking frenzy at my house as I reconstruct the cupcake tree and prepare dozens of cupcakes in several different flavors and a small cake for a baby shower. This just so happens to be my first official job that ends in smiles AND dollars. My dream of doing something I love so much is starting to become a reality and it's a train I don't want to stop! The orderer was not only excited for her cupcakes, but excited for me too, which was so great. You know what else is great? You! I love how you all have been a part of this journey from day one. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Cheers to another weekend, another week, and another cup o'cake!

Obsession

2010-07-27T07:37:00.005-07:00

I'm obsessed with recreating centerpieces. Just a few of my favorites...

Case of the Moondays

2010-07-26T09:39:00.004-07:00

A serious case of the Moondays has hit. It's hot, it's humid, there's a leak in my ceiling, I didn't sleep well last night, and having worked my tush off all weekend, I'm in no mood to be working today too. Thank goodness I'm surrounded by sweet smiles at my day job, which has a PJ's permitted dress code and I can drink coffee until the cows come home.

Over the weekend, I made a two-tiered wedding cake; white russian on the bottom, champagne toast on the top {Note to Mrs. T ~ Do not eat that top tier if you're pregnant this time next year! Just sayin'}, 160 cupcakes in three different flavors, and a custom display tree. 17 baking hours later...

BAM! Wedding Reception Success!

Must say I'm a little impressed with myself; it turned out even better than I had pictured in my head, which to me says, I should up the ante. The tres leche coconut cupcakes with dulce de leche buttercream takes home the first place prize for the evening. I really should have quadrupled those! Like all things new, I learned, I filed away for later, and then I screamed, in my best Ringo voice, "I've got blisters on my fingers!"

Many a thank you to my two lovely assistants ~ you kept me sane, you kept me moving, and you did the dishes! I'm incredibly thankful for my VIP who did most of those hundreds dishes, played Tetris with my refrigerator, spray painted, brought home lunch, and said he was proud of me; sometimes that's all you need to hear to fall asleep happy.

Upcoming this week: A Dr. Seuss cake, a bunny cake, 3 sweet sampler boxes, and a mock bridal photo shoot. Cheers to a busy, creative week!

TGIF

2010-07-22T15:06:00.005-07:00

I get TWO Fridays this week. Today is my Friday at work and tomorrow is Friday for the rest of the world. That rocks.

Over the past couple of days, I've been working on Sweet Sampler collections for the next four months, wedding planning, florist portfolios, expanding the cupcakery, taking orders, adding vendors to the list, and keeping up with three kids, my day job, organizing my house, and a multitude of schedules. Thankfully, I bought my very first label maker this past Tuesday and have been going insane with it ever since. We're to the point where my kids run and hide when they see me coming because in just 4 short hours, I had to replace the paper cartridge. People were labeled, things were labeled, appliances were labeled, even Vegas was labeled "CAT", but she didn't appreciate nearly as much as I did. My CDO {which is like OCD, but in alphabetical order, the way it should be} is thoroughly satisfied.

As many of you have already read, one of my very best friends got married this month in Cancun and to celebrate here in the states, her parents are hosting a Mr. and Mrs. Open House this weekend. I'm so honored to be creating her wedding cake and cupcake display that I can hardly stand the excitement! Here's the math on that one: 150 cupcakes, 15 hours, 5 flavors, 4 tiered stand, 3 different fillings, 2 tiered cake, and 1 Kitchenaid. It's no wonder that the good Lord rested on Sunday. I'm just making cakes; I can't imagine making an entire universe in seven days. Over achiever agree that THAT seems a bit ridiculous.

Don't forget Green Apple Design is hosting a 20% off sale ~ the Sweet Sampler Box #1: "The Fancy". 1 dozen equally assorted cupcakes in Champagne Toast, Strawberries n'Cream, White Russian, and Birthday Cake ii for $20/box. Place your orders by RSVP'ing on Facebook or by sending an email to GreenAppleDesign@live.com. We ship throughout the contiguous United States, S & H charges apply. Look for Sweet Sampler #2: "The Donut Collection" in August!

As for the remaining time I have before Monday morning, you'll find me sleeping. Cheers to a weekend of delightful aromas, sweet cakes, and good friends!

Weekend Brunch

2010-07-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

In an effort to save time during the week, I bake muffins on Sunday. A quick, easy weekday breakfast solution so that no one dies before Mommy has had her coffee. These, in particular, have taken quite the popular vote at my house. From my kitchen to yours....

Banana Crumb Muffins

1-1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 c white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 c butter, melted
1/3 c brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp flour
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp butter

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line muffin pan with papers or lightly grease.

2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 c flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg, and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin.

3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour and cinnamon. Cut 1 tbsp of butter in until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle over top of muffins.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 min, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

This recipe can be found on All Recipes.

Case of the Moondays

2010-07-19T06:09:00.002-07:00

Hi ho, hi ho it's off to work we go... Happy Monday to everyone! After a whirlwind weekend like that, I'm uber happy to have a short work week.

If you viewed the cupcake giveaway vlog {posted below}, you see that I was happily baking away in the background. The finished product ~ Hooray for Hollywood!

Not too shabby, eh? While this lovely two-tiered french vanilla cake with cream cheese filling, vanilla butter cream and fondant decor was an incredible tasty blast to make, it was the face of the lovely eleventeen year old that completed it's true beauty. Thank you Amazing Alexis for turning 11!

This cake was definitely a live and learn experience. Notes were made and will be put into good use next time. Improvement, improvement, improvement! Many, many thank you kisses were planted on my super cute sous chef, VIP, who helped roll, color, and cut fondant, kept me on task, made the coffee, high five'd me several times, AND cleaned up the kitchen. I must have done something really good to deserve him.

In other news, I received my business cards in the mail yesterday; not a moment too soon since I already passed out a few at Johnny Rocket's where my Hooray for Hollywood cake made it's debut. eGAD! Although, I'd like to remind y'all that it's not just cupcakes around here ~ it's the whole shebang!

Up this week: 200 cupcakes, a 2 tiered wedding cake, a giant custom cupcake tree, and a wedding reception. I'm so thrilled and completely surprised that I don't weigh 1000 pounds with all the batter I eat! Ahhhh cake. Wishing you a week just as sweet ~ Cheers!

Cupcake Giveaway Winner

2010-07-19T05:41:00.002-07:00

First off, let me start by saying that I was in the middle of a cake when this was filmed and I had completely lost track of time. The mess that is me and the mess behind me serve as proof! Also, while my Academy Award acceptance speech is top notch in my vanity mirror, my on camera skills are completely lacking. That being said, I give you my very first vlog... with hopes of improvement over time!

Congratulations Shelly! Shelly was notified last Friday of her winnings and she couldn't decide which cupcakes to choose, so she inspired "The Fancy" Sweet Sampler {on sale now at a special introductory price!}. It includes: Champagne Toast, Strawberries and Cream, White Russian, and Birthday Cake II. Also, thank you to my camerawoman, Elisa for the drum roll!

In other tasty good eGAD news, I've decided to host a cupcake drawing every month from now until holiday season, which in my head officially starts when Santa crosses the finish line in the Macy's Day Parade. Translation: the last cupcake drawing will be held in November. So make sure to pass it on to your friends and increase your chance of {at least shared} cupcake winnings!

Sweet Sampler Sale

2010-07-18T15:21:00.002-07:00

Here ye! Here ye! GAD is now offering Sweet Samplers! A new flavor combination every month will go on sale. Each box will contain 12 cupcakes in 4 different flavors for one low price. Place your orders now through August 1st for the First Sweet Sampler Sale!

This month " The Fancy" Sweet Sampler Box {$20/box} contains:

Champagne Toast
Strawberries and Cream
White Russian
Birthday Cake II

For a complete list of flavors and pricing, click here.

Arizona orders will be available for pick up on Saturday, August 7th. Complimentary delivery within 10 miles. Out of state orders will be post marked by Saturday, August 7th. Shipping and handling charges apply.

TGIF

2010-07-16T07:06:00.005-07:00

There is nothing like a spot of coffee and some Roger Clyne to kick start a Friday morning! I was converted to the iLife when I received an iPod for Christmas in 2006 and haven't really turned on a radio since. However, if Mix 96 is gonna play The Refreshments in the early hours of the morning, I may change my mind....

FYI: There are very few things in this world that I love more than shoes. RCPM is one of them. Know them, love them, join the religion.It's Friday, folks! YAY! Green Apple Design has taken on a life of its own. I've been busy this week with ads, promotional cupcakes, marketing material, and sowing seeds. If you haven't already checked out the links at the top of this bloggity blog, please do so. My ever-growing list of vendors is finally up, as well as a compliments from a few "good seeds". Also, the cupcake contest ends TODAY, make sure to get your entry in before 5pm MST.

In the meantime, my head is having fun reeling itself around this much fun! It's strange to think that I've been doing this my entire life, but I only just now started GAD. Seriously, from tea parties to wine tastings ~ what have I been doing for the last 30 years!? A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has showed up and showed support ~ not only does it make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but it keeps this train moving. I'm a huge people pleaser, so if there's anything you want to see from GAD, I am always open to suggestion!

I live a pretty green lifestyle {in more ways than one} and it's become good habit to do my earth friendly part everyday; I carry reusable shopping bags, I rarely drive, I recycle, I use non-toxic cleaners, I buy organic and local, I don't eat meat, and about six months ago, in a continuous effort save the world, I decided to quit using my appliances on certain days: Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. Fortunately for us, some good things must come to an end and I'm preheating my oven right now. I happily declare Friday as bake day! Not to worry, I'll rearrange my "no appliance" days over the weekend.

Today's cake is for my favorite redheaded lil' lady in the entire Universe, who is celebrating her 11th birthday! With this comes the idea to post a "Cake of the Day" segment later, so that's all I'm going to mention about the cake... for now.

So, we're happy it's Friday, right? What are your weekend plans? For me, tomorrow is the beginning of a happy, quiet weekend with friends and family. Cheers!

What's In a Name?

2010-07-15T07:04:00.003-07:00

I don't know about you, but often times I wonder where companies get their names. For instance, Fuddruckers, has always hit a sour note with me; I find it to be more of a misspelled swear word than a burger joint. I'm also having a hard time comprehending the company name Giant GSM, which is not what you're thinking right now, they're actually a cell phone repair service in Mesa. Exactly. So, if you haven't noticed, Green Apple Design actually has nothing to do with granny smith's.

There are several reasons behind why I chose the name. The biggest influence come from my three children; they are the 'apples of my eye' and they share their name with the color {for clarification: the tattoo came before the company}. Upon further thought, I realized that my events would be the 'fruits of my labor' and more importantly, 'fruitful' for all parties involved. I also like to compare networking to planting seeds and making a personal 'little orchard of reference' from which my clients can pick resources that suit their 'taste'. I chose the term 'design' instead of going with the standard 'event' because anything I 'produce' is considered a custom design as each special day is tailored to represent the host and/or hostess.

So, take from that what you will and let there be no confusion: I do not plant trees, live in an orchard, or drink apple juice. Nor can you find me in the supermarket's produce department.... unless I'm shopping.

Happy Friday Eve!

FREE Cupcakes!

2010-07-14T08:02:00.005-07:00

Green Apple Design hit 100 fans on Facebook yesterday! WAHOO! To commemorate the occasion, I am hosting a random drawing for TWO dozen cupcakes! If you haven't checked out my extensive list of flavors and fillings, I suggest you do here and get in on the action! I will ship anywhere in the contiguous United States.

So many ways to enter:

Leave a comment on a status or photo, share my link, or post something to the GAD wall on Facebook before Friday, July 16th, 5pm MST to be automatically entered. I will randomly draw from a hat on video and post the winner on Monday, July 19th. "Like" does not qualify for an entry and your name can only be entered once.

Congratulations to Kaitlin Lansford, who introduced my 100th fan, Jamal Lansford to GAD, you both have been automatically entered. Yay!