Thursday, October 31, 2019

Cotton Candy Spider Web Hot Chocolate Donuts

Halloween is officially here! But if you're like us and planning to celebrate all week and weekend long, then you'll surely love this sweet treat recipe by Lauren Conrad. Check it out!

Cotton Candy Spider Web Hot Chocolate Donuts

How to make the cutest spiderweb donuts for Halloween

Ingredients: Makes 8 regular size donuts 

For the donut batter:
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 packet hot chocolate mix
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup + 2 tbsp. buttermilk
2 tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 egg
½ cup sugar

For the glaze and toppings:
¼ cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/3 cup marshmallow fluff
3 cup powdered sugar
small plastic black spiders
white cotton candy

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a regular size donut pan with nonstick spray and set aside until ready to use.

2. To make the batter, whisk the buttermilk, coconut oil, vanilla, egg, and sugar in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Add in the flour, cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix, baking soda and salt. With a spatula, combine all ingredients until there are no more white streaks. Try not to over mix the batter.

3. Put your batter into a large piping bag and cut a little part of the bottom off. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities until each are ¾ of the way full. If you don’t have a piping bag, just spoon the batter into the cavities.

4. Bake in your preheated oven for about 6-8 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

5. Immediately flip your donut pan upside down and tap it against your work surface until the donuts come out of the pan. Then let your donuts cool and make the glaze...

6. To make the glaze, combine all ingredients together in a small bowl and whisk until there are no more lumps of sugar. Make sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap if you’re not using the glaze right away.

7. When the donuts are completely cooled, dip one side into the glaze and flip right side up onto a piece of parchment paper and let the glaze harden a bit.

8. Now for topping your donuts: Simply tear off thin, wispy pieces of your cotton candy and layer them on your donut. You will have to work quickly because as soon as cotton candy touches the glaze (or even your hands), it will begin to “melt.” If you are serving these to guests, I would recommend adding the cotton candy at the very last minute so that it stays fluffy.

9. Last but not least, place one of your small plastic spiders on top of each cotton candy pouf for a spooky touch!

Get the recipe for these spooky spiderweb donuts

We can't wait to indulge this Halloween! Join us in devouring the details of this sweet treat and celebrating spooky season with these delicious spider web donuts!

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Wedding Wednesdays: How to Change Your Middle Name After Marriage

An old tradition is making a comeback based on some recent data. According to HitchSwitch and The Knot, an increasing number of newlyweds are using their original surname (or maiden name) as their middle name postwedding.

Image result for changing last name after marriage

There are certainly benefits to using your original or maiden name as your middle name postwedding. Maybe you're marrying later in life, and you've established a professional identity you want to remain associated with. Or maybe, you'd like to keep your original family name close for more sentimental reasons. Whatever the case, legally changing your middle name after marriage can be tricky. The Knot is here to walk you through the process.

How to Change Your Middle Name After Marriage
Wondering how to change your middle name? In some states, you can use your marriage certificate to make your original surname your middle name; in others you can't. It all starts with your marriage license—the document you complete prewedding, submit in order to be legally married, and use to obtain a certificate postwedding. Wolff says, in general, there are three types of marriage licenses:

Category 1
This marriage license asks for just you and your partner's current names. After tying the knot, you can use your certificate to make any name change based on you and your spouse's previous surnames. That includes making your original last name your new middle name.

Category 2
This marriage license asks you to write your desired married names down. If you indicate a middle name change then, you can use your certificate to officially make the switch. If you don't, you'll have to change your middle name through the court system. (Unfortunately, that costs extra time, energy and money, thanks to the paperwork, fees, hearings and even newspaper announcements—yep—that could be required.)

Note that even if you jot down a new name, it won't automatically take effect postwedding. Instead, writing a new name down gives you the option to use it later on. You'll have to take legal steps, like notifying the Social Security Administration, to actually set the change in motion.

Category 3 
This marriage license lets you write down a new surname and only a new surname. You can't use it to change your middle name—for that, you'll have to petition the court.

Because changing your middle name after marriage may get complicated depending on where you live, it's best to investigate your state's laws ASAP (read: well before you tie the knot). When possible, use your marriage certificate to make the swap. If you can't, don't stress—there's always the court route.

Don't sweat the surname process! Take The Knot's advice and devour the details of changing your name after saying 'I Do'.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

This is Sure to be A Real Hoot

According to Boston.com, Everett-based Night Shift Brewing is has thrown its hat into the carbonated category with Hoot, a new line of hard seltzers which debuted on Oct. 21.

Image result for night shift brewing hoot

Hoot launched at Night Shift’s Everett and Lovejoy Wharf breweries (as well as its wholesale partners) with three flavors — raspberry lime, black cherry lemon, and pomegranate tangerine — though it isn’t the first time the brewery’s fans have been exposed to the product. Limited-edition experimental batches were released at both taprooms earlier this year, starting with mango and evolving with lime and lemon-lime iterations.

Despite hard seltzer’s rapid rise in popularity, getting into the category wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision for Night Shift. Owners Rob Burns, Mike O’Mara, and Michael Oxton began experimenting with the beverage in early 2018. But for a year, they couldn’t land on something that they were proud of.

Batch after batch went down the drain, recalls Oxton, until in early 2019, the brewery started producing hard seltzer that they could get behind. One of the biggest breakthroughs came when Night Shift started using wine yeast in the fermentation process instead of a more traditional distillers yeast. Despite being a slower, more expensive tactic, Oxton said that using wine yeast resulted in a seltzer that was crisp instead of cloying — and, coming in at 4% ABV and 90 calories, was slightly less alcoholic and caloric than some of the other big seltzers at the market, which generally fall around 5% ABV and 100 calories. Hoot seltzers are also gluten-free, a bonus that Oxton said helps solve the problem of previously not being able to accommodate gluten-free customers.

Image result for night shift brewing hoot

Sold in four-packs of 16-ounce cans to start, the hard seltzers are packaged in a spray painted, two-tone design that reflects each seltzer’s fruit combinations, like deep purple and yellow for black cherry lemon. (Oxton said that they intentionally tried to stay away from packaging that skewed masculine or feminine.) In 2020, the brewery will likely start selling Hoot in other formats: 12-ounce cans, six-packs, 12-packs, etc.

Hoot is just the latest addition to Night Shift’s growing portfolio. In 2019 alone, the company opened an innovation brewery at Lovejoy Wharf, launched Night Shift Coffee, and announced the addition of a Night Shift brewery in Philadelphia, which is set to debut in late 2020.

We're looking forward to all 2020 has in store for Night Shift and can't wait to devour the details of a Hoot or two! Cheers!

Monday, October 28, 2019

Monday Mashups: What's More South Shore than an Ocean Spray & Vineyard Vines Collab?

According to BizBash, Ocean Spray and Vineyard Vines recently teamed up to host a whale of a time in a cranberry bog, as part of the brands’ joint effort to support Bright Pink, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.

The Vineyard Vines' whale is filled with 15.5 million pink cranberries.

To announce the new partnership, the brands invited media and influencers to Beacon’s Bog in Rochester, Massachusetts. Attendees strapped on waders and learned about the cranberry harvesting process, alongside a giant whale outline filled with about 15.5 million pink cranberries. (To our surprise, many cranberries, depending on the amount of sun exposure and temperature, remain a blushing pink color, not red.)

Inspired by the classic Vineyard Vines logo, the whale was constructed by four farmers, plus six Ocean Spray team helpers, who corralled the berries into the shape. Ocean Spray’s work with Vineyard Vines is a new kind of collaboration for the cranberry brand, which, under the leadership of recently appointed C.E.O. and president Bobby Chacko, is aiming to forge “partnerships that make an impact for a better world,” explained Christina Ferzli, director of global corporate affairs for Ocean Spray.

As part of the partnership, Vineyard Vines plans to create items incorporating the Ocean Spray logo, while Ocean Spray will add the Vineyard Vines logo on some of the brand’s cans and bottles.

Attendees learned about the cranberry harvesting process from one of Ocean Spray's farmers.

In addition to the products, the brands are also launching a women’s health program, in conjunction with Bright Pink, across college campuses and community centers to encourage young women to be proactive about their health through pop-up events and educational programming.

We love when brands can come together to support an important cause! Take action and devour the details of raising awareness for breast and ovarian cancer by supporting both Ocean Spray and Vineyard Vines!

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Where My Basic Witches At? City Tap Has Done It Again!

This Saturday, October 26th, City Tap House is getting into the spirit of being "basic" by hosting the Basic Witches Halloween Brunch. No costumes necessary!


As a prelude to another season of a never-ending Halloween, proudly embrace your most predictable behaviors while sporting Uggs and holding one of City Tap's Starbucks-laced cocktails. While DJ T-Rex spins pop nightmares from 12-4pm and 'ween favorites like Hocus Pocus & Halloweentown are screened on the HDTVs, dive into "pumpkin everything" like Brooklyn Brewery's Post Road Pumpkin Ale on draught. The kitchen also will be dishing out brunch specials using quintessential ingredients like Caprese Avocado with beefsteak tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil with a balsamic drizzle with an egg of choice ($16); Morning Toast with maple bacon, sunny-side up eggs, cotija cheese and scallions ($13); and, Avocado & Lox with warm wilted spinach, smoked salmon and two poached eggs ($18).

The midday celebration of all things tempting is rounded out by a Polaroid station with the season's "hottest" accessories and if you bring an old scarf to donate to Together She Can, you could win a brunch for-two. (It's time to part with one of the many, many scarves, friends.)

Grab your gal pals, get to brunch and devour the details of basic all fall long starting with City Tap's Basic Witches Halloween Brunch!

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Wedding Wednesdays: The Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Your Engagement Ring

You’ll be wearing this accessory every day for years to come. Here’s how to keep it safe and looking brand new!


Do: Have It Insured
This is your number one must-do item. While nothing can replace the sentimental value of your engagement ring, if you have it properly appraised and insured for its full replacement value, you'll at least be covered if it's ever lost, stolen or damaged. Some insurance companies offer more coverage than others, so it's worth doing your homework.

Don't: Neglect It
Daily wear and tear can take its toll, even on fine jewelry. Think of it this way: Your ring needs a yearly visit like you need your annual physical or your car needs a tune-up. The last thing you want is to look down and notice your diamond has fallen out of its setting because of a bent prong. Minor preventive repairs now can save you a lot of heartache later—trust us.

Do: Take It Off Sometimes
While you might feel like you never want to take off that rock, there are times you should. Working out at the gym, washing dishes, laundry and other household tasks will put stress on your ring, from stretching the band to loosening the delicate settings.

Don't: Let It Get Too Dirty
There are a lot of home cleaning remedies out there, but be careful: Solutions that are fine for diamonds may not be safe for other gemstones or metals. It's recommended to use a mixture of a few drops of mild dish soap in warm—not hot—water. Let your ring soak in the solution for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a new, soft bristle toothbrush. To rinse, place it in a new dish of lukewarm water and then dry it with a soft cloth, being careful not to snag the prongs. While this is the best home cleaning solution, it's still a good idea to have your ring professionally cleaned regularly. Drop it off at any reputable jewelry store and they can take care of the job. And remember: Never clean your jewelry over a sink or other open drain!

Do: Store It Properly
Find a safe place to store your ring when you're not wearing it. Keep it in a clean, dry place such as a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers to prevent pieces from scratching each other. And it's smart to have a dedicated spot for safekeeping while you're cooking.

Keep your bling looking as sparkly and new as the day you got it by devouring the details of The Knot's dos and don'ts of engagement ring care and shine on for years to come!

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The Best Breakfast Since Sliced Bread

Or made with sliced bread for that matter! We're talking French Toast. And not just ANY French Toast - the kind of the coconut variety. Yes, that's right! Lauren Conrad is bringing you the best breakfast since sliced bread - Coconut Brioche French Toast. Check out the full recipe below!

Coconut Brioche French Toast

Image result for coconut brioche french toast

Ingredients:
8 slices of brioche
4 eggs
a splash of coconut milk
3-4 Tbsp coconut oil
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 Tbsp cinnamon
real maple syrup, as desired

Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a medium mixing bowl with a wide enough mouth to dip a slice of bread into. Add a splash of coconut milk and the cinnamon. Beat the egg mixture well and set aside.
2. Pour the coconut flakes onto a plate or platter and set aside.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp of coconut oil in a sauté pan over low-medium heat.
4. Dip your first slice of brioche in the egg mixture, coating it well on both sides.
5. Then, dip the eggy bread onto the plate of coconut flakes. Flip it over so that both sides of the bread are coated in coconut flakes.
6. Transfer the slice of bread into the hot pan and cook for a minute or until golden brown. Flip over and repeat.
7. Transfer the slice of bread to a plate and repeat steps 4-6 for the remaining slices, adding more coconut oil to the pan as needed.
8. Plate two slices of French toast per person, topping each serving with maple syrup and another smattering of coconut flakes.

Yum! We just can't get enough. Try this delicious recipe today and devour the details of the best breakfast since sliced bread!

Monday, October 21, 2019

Monday Mashups: Taking It to the Streets

Whether it’s for an experiential tour, daylong marketing stunt, or an activation at a major convention or festival, according to BizBash, brands are using actual vehicles to grab attendees' and passersby attention. And in many cases, these promotional vehicles also double as a venue or an essential part of the event or activation. Here are some of the most recent and innovative uses of buses, planes, boats, and more across the United States and Canada, from brands including the N.B.A., Landshark Lager, HBO, Amazon, and Stella Artois. Check it out!

Landshark Lager Mobile Hot Tub

Anheuser Busch-owned Landshark Lager promoted its beer on September 14 with a mobile hot tub, which invited the public to sit inside and enjoy a tour of Key West, Florida. Derek Mauk, senior brand director at Anheuser-Busch, said the idea was a way for LandShark to bring its “laid-back lifestyle to the spiritual home of the brand.” The activation was produced by the Experiential Group and creative agency Lucky Generals, and Lime Media Group handled the build.

Anheuser Busch-owned Landshark Lager promoted its beer on September 14 with a mobile hot tub, which invited the public to sit inside and enjoy a tour of Key West, Florida.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Airbnb

Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile, the brand’s hot dog-shape promotional vehicle that has popped up at events for years, recently doubled as an Airbnb through a partnership with the home-sharing company in August. Three pairs of fans were able to book one night each in the 27-foot vehicle, which was located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of the brand’s home base of Chicago. See more: Checking In: See How Three Brands Have Launched Innovative Hotel Experiences

Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile, the brand’s hot dog-shape promotional vehicle that has popped up at events for years, recently doubled as an Airbnb through a partnership with the home-sharing company in August. Three pairs of fans were able to book one night each in the 27-foot vehicle, which was located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of the brand’s home base of Chicago.

TWA Connie Promotion

To promote the opening of the TWA Hotel, which opened at John F. Kennedy International Airport in May, a restored aircraft traveled 300 miles on the highway from Maine to J.F.K. in November 2018. The aircraft, a 116-foot-long Lockheed Constellation (nicknamed 'Connie'), was commissioned in 1939 by TWA owner Howard Hughes. See more: Why Was This Plane Riding Down the Highway?

To promote the opening of the TWA Hotel, which opened at John F. Kennedy International Airport in May, a restored aircraft traveled 300 miles on the highway from Maine to J.F.K. in November 2018. The aircraft, a 116-foot-long Lockheed Constellation (nicknamed "Connie"), was commissioned in 1939 by TWA owner Howard Hughes.

Juno Express Powered by VIA Rail

For the 2017 Juno Awards, sponsor Virgin Mobile partnered with Canadian rail company VIA Rail to host a train ride that took hundreds of music-industry members, Juno nominees, and Virgin Mobile contest winners from Toronto to Ottawa, where the ceremony was held. The train offered riders culinary experiences and live music performances. See more: 15 Sponsor Activation Highlights From Canada's Biggest Music Event

For the 2017 Juno Awards, sponsor Virgin Mobile partnered with Canadian rail company VIA Rail to host a train ride that took hundreds of music-industry members, Juno nominees, and Virgin Mobile contest winners from Toronto to Ottawa, where the ceremony was held. The train offered riders culinary experiences and live music performances.

For more eye-catching promotional vehicle inspiration, check out BizBash's full list here. Get inspired and devour the details of taking your brand to the streets with any of these unique marketing ideas!

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Autumn Apple Booze Bash...Just the Celebration You've Been Waiting For!

As if we didn't love Short Path Distillery already...they're really tugging at our heart strings with this upcoming autumn-inspired event. Apples and booze. Seriously, one of our favorite duos. Short Path - we're coming for you this Saturday! And don't worry - we'll be wearing our BEST flannel.


Here's what's going down:
  • Apple Brandy, Autumn Amaro, & Pommeau Spirit Releases: All three spirits are made using locally sourced apples)
  • Donut Flight: Pairings courtesy of Speakeasy Donuts
  • Outdoor Spiked Cider Bar: Choose a spirit, they'll handle the rest
  • Basic Stitch Contest (not to be confused with Sitch contest): Wear your best flannel and upload a photo of you and your cocktail during the event for a chance to win a $50 gift card and swag pack
Short Path Distillery is located at 71 Kelvin Street in Everett, MA. The event will take place from noon-11PM. For more information visit the Short Path website.

We can't wait to enjoy all of our favorite fall things this Saturday at Short Path Distillery. Get your flannel ready and join us in devouring the details of an awesome Apple Booze Bash!

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Wedding Wednesdays: How To Personalize Your Wedding Reception Playlist

Once your wedding ceremony is over, it's time to celebrate—at the reception, that is. While there are a number of ways to personalize your party (mini cannoli escort cards included); one concrete way to set the tone of the evening is through your wedding reception music. We're currently in this phase of planning and have gotten all the help we can from The Knot - including these tips for personalizing your reception playlist.

Whether you decide to hire a DJ or live band (or both), the entertainment will keep the party going from your first newlywed entrance to the moment your beloved guests see you off. And while they will do most of the work by selecting all the songs for the evening, you and your spouse should guide them by providing a collection of music you definitely want to hear.

If you're stuck figuring out good music for the party, you're in luck! Here are The Knot's tip for the perfect playlist.

Image result for wedding djs

Select Music Meaningful to You and Your Spouse
Personalizing your wedding reception music begins with choosing songs that bear special meaning to you and your partner. More than anything, your guests will love to hear songs that illustrate your relationship. Not only will these personalized tunes fuel the nostalgia, your guests will love hearing these songs too as a throwback memory.

Incorporate DJs' Most Requested Wedding Songs 
If you need inspiration, consult the experts. DJs and bands know exactly what songs get crowds excited and they also know which tunes to avoid if you don't want the dance floor to thin out.

Consult this list of DJ's most requested wedding songs to discover tunes you might not have initially thought to include on your playlist. No matter your taste in music, you might opt to include favorites like Neil Diamond’s "Sweet Caroline" or Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance With Somebody".

While you want your music selections to reflect you and your spouse, your guests will appreciate hearing those comforting, classic songs that are known to get (and keep) the party going.

Create Your Own Music "Rules" 
If there's one thing to remember about your reception, it's that there are no rules to follow. While weddings often follow tradition, that doesn't mean you have to do what you think you should do—and that includes choosing your reception music. If you don't like the "The Chicken Dance," don't feel like you have to play it just because it's one of the most popular traditional wedding songs.

Ask for Suggestions From Your Guests
To truly personalize your wedding reception music, get your guests involved. Your guest list is unique to your wedding, and those who'll be attending likely have a few songs they'd love to hear during the reception. To give your playlist a twist, take song requests from your friends and family.

If you're open to incorporating their suggestions, use your wedding website to gather their opinions. Include a link to a Google Form that asks your guests to submit song requests they'd like to hear. Not only will this get them excited for your reception, it'll take some of the planning out of your hands. Plus, it's a creative use of your wedding website that your guests will enjoy.

Make Your Playlist Shareable 
Once you create your wedding reception music playlist, there's a chance your guests will want to listen to some songs on repeat (or steal a few of your ideas for their own wedding). Instead of answering their questions individually, you can instantly share your playlist through Spotify.

Whether you have a DJ or live band at your wedding, you can still compile your song list on the app. Once it's complete, tap the three dots next to the playlist title and a curated image with a customized Spotify code will appear. Print this out before your wedding and place it on the tables (or put it in your wedding welcome bag). Your guests can use the camera in the search bar of their Spotify app to scan the image and instantly access your wedding playlist. They'll be jamming out to your curated music for years to come.

Image result for wedding djs

Get ready to dance and devour the details of your personalized reception playlist thanks to these helpful tips from The Knot!

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

A Fall Favorite: Grain-Free Gingerbread Crumb Pumpkin Caramel Cake

We love gingerbread on its own...and we certainly love all these pumpkin spice (especially when fall hits)...so it's a no brainer that we fell in love with this Lauren Conrad recipe. Grain-free, caramel-y, and everything you need to cure that sweet tooth. Get the ingredients to bake this Gingerbread Crumb Pumpkin Caramel Cake today. Enjoy!

Grain-Free Gingerbread Crumb Pumpkin Caramel Cake


For the cake:

Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup maple syrup
3 Tbsp coconut oil, melted, plus more for greasing
2 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups almond flour
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
2 cups coconut whipped cream, chai variation (recipe below)

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds, then grease with coconut oil.

2. Whisk together the pumpkin, maple syrup, oil, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. A little at a time, add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a batter forms.

3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the pans, and allow to cool completely on a rack.

4. Place one cake on a cake plate and top with 1/2 cup of whipped cream, smoothing it evenly over the entire surface. Add the second cake layer and top with another 1/2 cup of whipped cream and smooth. One tablespoon at a time, add whipped cream to the sides, smoothing with an offset spatula. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the chai coconut whipped cream:

Ingredients
two 13.5-oz cans full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions
1. Remove the solid coconut cream that has risen to the top of the can, and spoon it into a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. While processing, add ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.

2. Beat the coconut cream on high speed until it begins to thicken and peaks form. The remaining coconut water can be added, a teaspoon at a time, if the whipped cream is too thick. Otherwise, discard it.

3. Using a rubber spatula, slowly fold in the maple syrup and vanilla. Transfer the whipped cream to a metal or glass bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the gingerbread decorations:

Ingredients
3/4 cups almond flour
1 Tbsp arrowroot powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
¾ Tbsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together the flour, arrowroot powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In a separate medium bowl, combine the ginger, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. A little at a time, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough comes together. Gently shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, then cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool completely.

4. Crush a few cookies by hand, or place in a food processor, for crumb coating. Place 2-3 whole cookies on top as decoration.


Nothing beats a sweet treat! Get ready for fall and devour the details of gingerbread, pumpkin spice and everything nice with this delicious grain-free recipe!

Monday, October 7, 2019

Monday Mashups: Eye-catching Logo Display Ideas You'll Love

Doubling as event decor and creative photo ops, putting your brand out there in a big way is a trend we're seeing in top industry events right now. Brands and event professionals around the country have constructed eye-catching logos from sand, greenery, products, and even plastic straws and bottle caps. BizBash put together a list of 18 from recent events. Here are our top 5!

HGTV

HGTV Magazine’s sixth annual Block Park, held in New York in August, featured an HGTV logo made from sand. Rubik Marketing designed and produced the event.

HGTV Magazine’s sixth annual Block Park, held in New York in August, featured an HGTV logo made from sand.

Snapchat

For its V.I.P. lounge at VidCon in June 2018, Snapchat created a swing in the shape of its logo. See more: VidCon 2018: 26 Colorful Ways Brands Targeted Generation Z

For its V.I.P. lounge at VidCon in June 2018, Snapchat created a swing in the shape of its logo.

Republic Records

At Republic Records’ annual Coachella party in April, a step-and-repeat included the brand’s logo made from greenery, florals, and wood. See more: Coachella 2019: See Inside the Biggest Parties and Brand Activations

At Republic Records’ annual Coachella party in April, a step-and-repeat included the brand’s logo made from greenery, florals, and wood.

The CW

At a CW event in Los Angeles in 2009, a white seating cluster took the form of a CW logo. See more: Prime Real Estate

At a CW event in Los Angeles in 2009, a white seating cluster took the form of a CW logo.

Target

At the Adam Lippes for Target preview event, held in August 2015 in New York, David Stark Design & Production brought the designer's buffalo plaid-inspired collection to life with a fall-inspired event. Two Target bulls-eye topiaries decorated the pool area. See more: Get Inspired for Fall: How to Throw a Plaid Picnic

At the Adam Lippes for Target preview event, held in August 2015 in New York, David Stark Design & Production brought the designer's buffalo plaid-inspired collection to life with a fall-inspired event. Two Target bulls-eye topiaries decorated the pool area.

We love when two worlds collide - like logos and event decor! Get inspired and devour the details of your brand in a big way with these eye-catching ideas!

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Boston Food Truck Festival

Get ready to feast! Boston Food Truck Festival is here with everything you're going to want to eat right in the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

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The event kicks off at 11AM and goes until 5PM. Admission is free! So be sure to bring your friends, family and your appetite.

Boston Food Truck Festival will feature 30+ food trucks, a beer garden. local artisan market, live music, kids activities, and much more! Take the day and enjoy all the Greenway has to offer. Your stomach will be happy you did! Participating food trucks include:
  • Shishkaberrys
  • Ellie’s Treats
  • The Grub Guru
  • Chicken and Rice Guys
  • Shuck Food Truck 
  • Indulge India
  • Momogoose
  • Moyzilla
  • Bon Me
  • Clydes Cupcakes
  • Papi's Stuffed Sopapillas
  • Riceburg
  • The Dining Car
  • The Whoopie Wagon
  • Oath Pizza
  • Eloti Mexican Street Cirn
  • Tandoor and Curry on Wheels
  • Pollard's Texas Que
  • Zaaki Food Truck
  • Frozen Hoagies
  • Roxy's Grilled Cheese
  • Bibim Box
  • Tea Station
  • Chik Chak
  • Hometown Poké
  • Wing Gawdz
  • Mediterranea Home Cooking
  • The Cooling Rack
  • Marias Taqueria
  • Pomaire Food Truck
  • Street 55 boston
  • Jackson Effie Coffee Cabin
  • The Cookie Monstah
  • The Spaht Food Truck
  • Tandoor and Curry on Wheels
For more information on the event, visit www.newenglandopenmarkets.com. We can't wait to feast! Join us this Saturday as we devour the details of an epic Boston Food Truck Festival!

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Wedding Wednesdays: Average Cost of a Bridesmaid Dress

Wondering what the average bridesmaid dress costs? The Knot 2018 Real Weddings Study has the answer. They surveyed over 14,000 brides and grooms to gain insight into US weddings, including how much couples (and their guests) spend on popular wedding elements. And this feature focuses on how much bridesmaid dress can cost - something we're all wondering!

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According to The Knot's data, $142 each. Keep in mind that prices vary based on location, designer and more. But also note that even for higher-spend 2018 weddings (ones that cost upwards of $60,000), the national average cost of bridesmaid dresses only increased to $197 per dress.

This information is useful for both brides and bridesmaids, as it may inform which outfits are chosen, not to mention wedding budgets. Oftentimes, brides select their bridesmaids' ensembles, while each attendant pays for their own outfit.

Another interesting study finding? Many groomsmen may be spending more than bridesmaids for their wedding day looks. The national average cost of groomsmen attire was $187 per person (and $230 for higher-spend weddings).

Want more insight into what bridesmaid dresses will cost you? Shop around your area using The Knot's list of local vendors. You can also browse online. Check out classic bridesmaid dress retailers like David's Bridal and The Dessy Group, but don't forget that stores like ASOS and Nordstrom also sell bridesmaid dresses. And if you'd rather cut costs with borrowed gowns, there's always Rent the Runway.

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What great insight! We're feeling better already knowing a dress won't be a huge expense for our bridesmaids. Take The Knot's advice and devour the details of their vendor list to find exactly what you're looking for in a price range that works for everyone!

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Your Dreams Come True (On Wheels): The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck

According to Boston.com, Hello Kitty will soon return to Somerville with a truckload of sweet treats in tow. Sounds purr-fect for us!

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The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will visit the area on Saturday, Oct. 5 to serve up exclusive goodies and limited-edition collectibles. The bubblegum-hued wheels first visited the Boston area in 2016, and will be parked in the same place — Assembly Row, across from the AMC Theater.

Between 10 a.m and 8 p.m., you’ll be able to score new items including two enamel pin sets, Hello Kitty Cafe canvas totes, Hello Kitty Cafe cushions, and madeleine cookie sets. Other best-selling products, including a cafe lunchbox with confetti popcorn, five-piece macaron box sets, sprinkle t-shirts, and stainless steel thermal bottles, will also be available.

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As an added promotion, each guest who spends a minimum of $25 on food will get a free Hello Kitty Cafe pink mini-tote while supplies last. You know what they say - if it's pink and free it's for me!

Stop by Assembly Row this Saturday and devour the details of the Hello Kitty Cafe!