A Strawberry Summer

If you grew up in the 90's like me, then you must remember Kelly Kapowski from Saved By the Bell. She was the popular girl on the show, very beautiful and the love interest of many of the male characters. Well what you might not realize is that Tiffani Thiessen aka Kelly is all grown up now and is planning adorable birthday bashes for her beautiful 4-year-old, Harper.

With one of the best summer fruits as the theme, you bet Thiessen's display was on point and the dessert table was loaded with strawberry sweets, from shortcake to pie, a great way to catch your eye!

 

http://greatideas.people.com/2014/06/24/tiffani-thiessen-strawberry-shortcake-recipe/

 

On the menu: red velvet cake pops and sugar cookies in the shape of strawberries, strawberry jam jars decorated with the number 4, mini strawberry shortcakes in mason jars, mini strawberry pies, red velvet cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes and a “naked” white cake adorned with fresh flowers.

Thiessen flew in Seattle baker, Jenny Keller, who has worked on Harper's previous birthdays. Keller prepared all the desserts and shared in the beautiful day with the Thiessens. One dessert the party featured is easy enough for a home cook to whip up. Keller gives step by step instructions in her new book Eat More Dessert on how to create these adorable strawberry shortcakes in a jar. We are lucky enough to have the recipe here as well!

Strawberry Shortcakes in a Jar
Makes 12-14

6 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced
⅔ cup plus 6 tbsp. sugar
4⅔ cup baking mix (like Bisquick)
1 cup whole milk
6 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
12-14 canning jars
16-oz. container whipped topping or whipped cream, for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the strawberries in a large bowl and mix with ⅔ cup of the sugar. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, combine the baking mix, milk, melted butter, and remaining sugar until a soft dough forms. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire cooling rack until completely cool.
5. When ready to serve, place one shortcake biscuit in the bottom of each canning jar. Top with sliced strawberries, and garnish with whipped cream.

Enjoy this and all strawberry sweet treats all summer long! And as always, be sure to devour the details and this time eat more desserts!

31 Last-Minute Fourth Of July Entertaining Hacks Provided By BuzzFeed

The month of June just flew by and the 4th of July is rapidly approaching. One of the nicest work holidays all year, we get to enjoy the sun and our freedom! During this holiday, patriotism comes to life in just about everything; food, décor, and clothing. BuzzFeed has thrown together some great ideas if you plan on celebrating this glorious day with the red, white, and blue.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Decorate a cake with raspberries, blueberries, and white chocolate chips.

9. Make Patriotic Punch.

 

1/3 fruit punch, 1/3 blue Gatorade, and 1/3 lemon-lime soda. Add an extra 1/3 of vodka if you’re so inclined.

11. These champagne-soaked white chocolate-dipped strawberries taste as good as they look.

Ingredients:

• 1 pacakge of fresh strawberries
• 1 bottle of champagne
• 1 canning jar
• 1 bag of white melting chocolate
• Bottle of blue sugar sprinkles

Directions:

• Fill your canning jar with strawberries and fill with champagne. Allow to set for at least 24 hours. If you are in a pinch for time, you can poke small holes in the strawberries with a tooth pick to allow the champagne to penetrate faster.
• Pat dry the strawberries
• Melt your white chocolate in a small pan.
• Dip your strawberries into the chocolate. Place down and let the chocolate set a bit (30-45 seconds). If you dip it immediately into the sprinkles your chocolate will bunch up.
• Enjoy! These do not hold very well. About 2-3 days in the fridge tops, so only make as much as you need.

http://ministryofalcohol.com/2012/champagne-soaked-4th-of-july-strawberries/

13. These pop rocks-filled firecracker cakelettes will give an explosive surprise at first bite.

 

22. Use masking tape to create a super cute tie tank top.

 

24. Turn plain dip into patriotic dip with food coloring-dyed cracker crumbs.

 



I hope these ideas have inspired you to devour the details and celebrate America this 4th of July!

Dreams Of Disney

These high school sweethearts from Oregon had dreams of a magical wedding until they were put on hold by a drunk driver in 2010. Kelcie Yeoman's fiancé Larry Ragsdale was in a serious car accident that left him with brain damage and having to spend much of the last four years in a rehabilitation facility. But by last August he was well enough to propose at the same rehabilitation facility where Yeoman got a job so she could be by his side through his recovery.

What's special about this story is not only the love Kelcie and Larry share but also the support from their family, friends, and complete strangers. McKenzie Yeoman, Kelcie's sister, set up a fundraising site so Kelcie could have her dream Disney wedding to Larry. She met her goal of raising $20,000 in just 11 days. However, it turns out getting the full Disney wedding experience costs much more than that. So, a group of former Disney brides who befriended Kelcie after her story went viral, have also set up another fundraiser to make sure she gets the full Cinderella experience.

Kelcie couldn't be more appreciative of the outpouring of love from people. She is absolutely thrilled to finally be marrying the man of her dreams at the most magical place on earth. They have set a September wedding date (though Disney told them not to reveal the exact date) with about 100 guests in attendance. And in even better news, Larry has recently moved out of the rehabilitation facility and in with Kelcie, who now works as his full-time caretaker.

I want to wish Kelcie and Larry all the best and know their wedding will be one of the greatest days of their lives thus far. Disney is definitely going to devour the details to make their wedding day just like a dream come true!

Emy Lyn Photography

 

http://www.people.com/article/kelcie-yeoman-larry-ragsland-dream-wedding-disney-fundraiser-car-accident

If You Love Tim Riggins..

Then you will love this BuzzFeed Community Post. We've all sat around watching Friday Night Lights, practically drooling every time Riggins came on the screen. And I'm sure we all wanted to be Lyla Garrity at one point or another. Well, now you can relive some of the best FNL moments featuring Riggins in GIFs with this awesome post, "25 Times Tim Riggins From “Friday Night Lights” Made You Wish You Were An Everyday Object". Happy Hump Day!

Or Am I Origami? Fold It Up And Just Pretend

What's an inexpensive way to create an unbelievably visually appealing aspect to a wedding or event? Paper. That's right, paper; and your two bare hands of course!

Imagine a room full of flowers, cranes, boats, lanterns, and much more. You can create it all on a very limited budget. I suggest going to your local crafts store and picking up paper that matches your theme or color scheme. If you're interested in hanging your creations, some twine and/or string lights would also be a good purchase to make.

The origami pieces you decide to make should also fit your theme. Consider where you want your creation to be featured during the event; centerpieces, hanging backdrop, etc., before you get to folding. Check out these great examples below for some inspiration.

www.etsy.com

http://www.frenchweddingstyle.com/french-spanish-garden-wedding-western-france/

http://masweetcases.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html

http://www.pinterest.com/deCurator/

 

http://masweetcases.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html

http://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/2011/07/a-humanist-castle-wedding-a-thousand-paper-cranes-1.html

http://ideasviajando.tumblr.com/post/52500641146

http://ruffledblog.com/ruffled_galleries/mod-valentines-day-wedding-ideas/?nggpage=2&pid=92688

http://www.theprettyblog.com/wedding/greyton-farm-marketwedding/

www.etsy.com

I like the idea of these next origami pieces being scattered throughout the event. My favorite is the use of the crane as a display card holder. It could be used to tell what kind of food is being served at the buffet or as a place card to find your table.

 

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/09/02/austin-wedding-by-q-weddings-2/

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/origami-flowers-1/

www.etsy.com

www.etsy.com

 

http://www.artisbellus.com/2013/09/origami-decorations-crane-place-card.html

My advice when taking on a project like this is to give yourself a good amount of time to do it. Patience and focus is required to make sure every fold is done exceptionally well. Details are everything and you'll surely devour them with your unique origami creations!

Canines & Cocktails

Yes, you read that right. On Wednesday June 25th (which happens to be my dog's 10th birthday), TAMO Terrace at the Seaport Hotel, will be hosting the first Canines & Cocktails night of summer. This event supports the Animal Rescue League of Boston, donating $10 for every guest who attends.

"Dogs need to unwind with their buddies, too, so don’t miss this opportunity to bring your pooch to mingle with some four legged friends while you enjoy the scene of TAMO’s terrace and outdoor bar."

Well count us in!

Seaport’s Executive Chef Richard Rayment has created organic homemade dog treats, as well as special “doggie bags” with extra treats to take home and plenty of water will be provided throughout the night for your pup. The human companions also have a great night in store, with a chance to relax and socialize over a cocktail with fellow dog lovers. Plus, the whole night surrounds a wonderful cause.

Canines & Cocktails will run all summer on Wednesday evenings. Dogs of all sizes are welcome and the event is weather dependent. Be sure to devour the details and raise awareness with TAMO and the Animal Rescue League of Boston all summer long!

New Wedding Trend

Boy do we love weddings here on Devour the Details, but do you know what else we love? Food! And what do we love more than food? Weddings and food combined, especially when it involves a new trend! What might this new trend be? Naked cakes.

You're probably thinking, what the heck is a naked cake? Well, we'll show you.

http://aisleperfect.com/2013/12/now-trending-naked-wedding-cakes.html

Brides are finding that these exposed wedding cakes are much fresher as they need to prepared closer to the actual wedding than most other cakes. Not only does freshness play a role, but with the wave of health consciousness, naked cakes seems like the way to go in avoiding a large sugar consumption. And of course their unique look is a bonus and very appealing to every bride on their wedding day.

TheKnot.Com gives some great tips on 'naked cakes' and how to make sure they reach their full potential on your special day.

1. Stick to natural elements like fruit, fresh flowers and edible garnishes for styling.
2. You have to choose your flavors and fillings carefully.
3. If you’re thinking something simple, you can totally DIY!
4. Naked cakes shouldn’t be stacked too far ahead of time.
5. Smooth lines make the cake.

Check out some of their favorite cakes and think about devouring the naked details on your big day!

Get Ready For A Summer Of Concerts With A Country Tailgate

I will be attending Luke Bryan and Zac Brown Band this summer and plan on doing some tailgating beforehand. This is a great time to enjoy the weather and hang with friends while getting excited to see some of your favorite country artists perform. I've gone to Pinterest for some inspiration and put together different ideas for a perfect tailgate.

Let's start with the beverages. I think this SUV-owner knows what they're doing when it comes to tailgating. This awesome setup works perfectly for a pre-concert good time.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/emofly/tailgating-hacks-that-are-borderline-genius?sub=2580416_1598520

If this doesn't work for you car, check out this unbelievable cooler. It folds-out into a table and comes with a stool. I've never seen anything as perfect as this for a tailgate.

http://www.partycart.com/

To prevent spilling and anything getting into your drink, these personalized plastic mason jars come in handy and show your enthusiasm for the concert.

www.etsy.com

Onto the food, here are some great bites to help keep you a little sober before the show. Easy to make and a delicious snack, these BLT bites won't last very long amongst tailgaters.

http://www.thecountrycook.net/2011/10/blt-bites-and-prairie-home-cooking.html#_a5y_p=1440430

Cheddar sausage biscuits, a southern recipe, complete the country tailgate and taste incredible. A perfect summer snack.

http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2013/03/05/sausage-cheddar-biscuits/

Potato Salad is a super easy side to make that will fill everyone up. It's also very inexpensive so you can make a lot of it for just a little bit of money.

http://www.countrycleaver.com/2011/07/loaded-baked-potato-salad.html

Jack Daniel's BBQ smothered ribs. Need I say more?

http://houseandhome.com/food/recipes/baby-back-ribs-chipotle-barbecue-sauce-recipe

Looking for some fun and games besides ruit and flip-cup? How about breaking out corn-hole to shake things up!

http://tailgate-ideas.blogspot.com/2012/08/tailgate-games.html#.U6Gj3vldWk0

And lastly, when you don't want the party to end and the drinks are too expensive at the concert venue, these disposable flasks might be just what you need.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/giftsunder10/ec0d/

I hope these country tailgate ideas give you inspiration to devour the details all summer long!

Levo League: What's Your Side Hustle?

My friend told me about this awesome networking site for professional women called Levo League. It is a growing online community where advice, inspiration, and the tools needed to succeed can be shared by others in the professional world. It provides the career resources needed to achieve personal and professional success. They have found that Levo League's positive impact is a direct reflection of the dedicated members who have joined their online community.

Their website shares job postings, success stories, articles on workplace experiences, job etiquette, and ideas on how to help achieve career goals. Levo League also offers the ability to speak with mentors, women whom have done well for themselves in industry, as well as "office hours", an online interview/story of different successful women. What I like most about Levo League is that they offer different chapters to be a part of that hold networking events throughout the area.

Levo League Boston has an event coming up on June 25th. They are inviting young professional women in Boston who have a unique side hustle, or support creative and innovative women, to their Young Women in Digital Presents: What's Your Side Hustle? event at Communispace on Congress Street in Boston. This is a unique networking event because the main focus is the opportunity to obtain a scholarship by applying, becoming a top contender, and participating in pitching your "side hustle" -- whether it's a creative consulting business, a freelance venture, or a passion project. For me, it would probably be this blog!

You'll also get to ask questions and hear tips from female professionals in top roles at companies like Communispace, The Paint Bar and The Grommet. They'll share stories about what it's like to start a business, or to be a part of a company's rapid growth, and give advice that will inspire the entrepreneur in all of us. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other likeminded and entrepreneurial young women in marketing, tech and creative industries.

There are eight tickets left at $18 a piece. Be sure to get yours today before someone else devours the networking details! For more information check out the event website and join Levo League today!

Renew Your Vows Like TLC's The Little Couple

If you're a fan of TLC shows then you must know about The Little Couple. Bill Klein and Jen Arnold, just the cutest, most genuine couple on television, have made huge strides in the past year alone. The couple have adopted two children from different countries whom also share dwarfism traits. They were overjoyed to have completed their family with these two beautiful children. Jen fell on tough times during her battle with cancer and overcame losing her hair in the presence of cameras; showing just how strong she is. She is on her way to a full recovery and you just can't help but feel extremely relieved and happy for this lovely family.

As an ode to Jen and everything the couple has gone through, Bill planned a surprise vow renewal and it couldn't have been more perfect. He worked hard on making it the best it could be for Jen, having every last detail special and memorable. Bill incorporated Jen's love of starfish into the cake and signature cocktail and the beach setting couldn't have been more romantic. Here's a sneak peek of what is planned for the renewal and be sure to catch this all unfold in the finale Tuesday, June 17th at 10PM EST.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2621779/Six-wonderful-years-beginning-The-Little-Couples-Jen-Arnold-Bill-Klein-renew-wedding-vows-season-finale.html

 

http://greatideas.people.com/2014/06/10/little-couple-vow-renewal-cake-cocktail-recipe/

Galvez StarfishMakes 6 servings

2–3 fresh starfruit, deveined, plus more for garnish
½ cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
½ cup white rum
3 cups ice cubes
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1. Juice starfruit in a juicer or blender. Combine starfruit juice, orange liqueur, and rum in a pitcher and stir. (If making individual cocktails, use a cocktail shaker.)
2. Pour over ice into rocks glasses and top each cocktail with orange juice. Garnish with additional starfruit.

http://greatideas.people.com/2014/06/10/little-couple-vow-renewal-cake-cocktail-recipe/

Thanks to Bill for showing us all how to devour the details in the most romantic vow renewal, I can't wait to watch!

Mystery Proposal

I came across a story today of a news reporter who had no idea the lead she was following was actually her now-fiancé's way of proposing. Maryanne Firth launched an investigation into a series of ambiguous heart signs popping up all over Welland, Ontario. What could they mean? Some believed it was a way to spread love through the city, others questioned whether it was a business or election ploy.

 

http://www.boston.com/life/relationships/2014/06/11/unsuspecting-reporter-reports-own-surprise-wedding-proposal/emEn4QlwuR5A6GBPorcWrI/story.html?p1=Topopage:Carousel_sub_image

Firth interviewed locals who guessed that the hearts may be part of a public art installation, but she concluded, regardless of their intent, that they seemed to be deliver a positive message. She created a hashtag for them so anyone could tweet new sightings #Wellandhearts.

The signs continued to pop up around town and were later joined by new signs announcing a happening at a local park that Sunday at 3 p.m. Note: these signs had been popping up since early May. When Firth arrived to continue reporting on the mysterious heart signs, there was a man in a suit with a heart-painted box over his head and engagement ring in hand. It turns out it was her boyfriend of eight years and the whole mystery heart signs were his way of proposing.

Ryan St. Denis (Firth's now-fiancé) says he had been working on the proposal for two years unbeknownst to Firth. A wonderful display of true love. Congrats to this beautiful couple!

St. Denis devoured the details in his surprise proposal to Firth. Maybe this will inspire all significant others to do the same!

 

http://www.boston.com/life/relationships/2014/06/11/unsuspecting-reporter-reports-own-surprise-wedding-proposal/emEn4QlwuR5A6GBPorcWrI/story.html?p1=Topopage:Carousel_sub_image

Fiery Love

Even though there is some tragedy within this story, it is still beautiful. An Oregon couple was disrupted on their special day by a wildfire that spread pretty rapidly in the area of their wedding venue. In the midst of the ceremony, a fire truck rolled up at Rock Spring Ranch near Bend with sirens blaring and the wedding party was told to evacuate.

Before the bride and groom got on their way to sharing newlywed bliss far from the blaze, their wedding photographer snapped some photos of them, These turned out to be some of the most beautiful images any wedding photographer could've taken; symbolic of a fiery love.

 

Credit: AP Photo/Josh Newton

 

Credit: Josh Newton

Lucky for this couple, photographer Josh Newton knew how to devour the details and continue to make this a special day for the newlyweds. Be sure to check out this photo gallery as well as his other featured work at joshnewton.com.

One Thousand and One Nights

Now don't quote me here because I'm getting my information from various sources. One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of West and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. It is often known in English as the Arabian Nights, from the first English language edition, printed in 1706. The tales vary widely as they include historical tales, love stories, tragedies, comedies, and poems.

A common theme in many Arabian Nights tales is fate and destiny. I think this is a great theme to tie into a birthday. Each birthday I feel it is important to reflect on where fate and destiny have taken you thus far in your life. Recognizing that there is this greater route for you is a celebration within itself and the fact that you can tie it in to your birthday makes the experience that much more special. Therefore, an Arabian Nights themed party is in order.

I would definitely consider having the party outside, on a warm night, under a canopy. This way you can utilize the space and create a dramatic look with color and drapery.

http://greenweddingshoes.com/wedding-inspiration-from-the-movies-sex-and-the-city-2/

Consider using a lot of candles and lanterns to set the mood. Various glass jars, colors, patterns and designs can create a similar feeling that these stories evoke in their readers.

http://www.pinterest.com/jenbroderick16/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zoharproductions/8507238427/in/set-72157632858683562/

Take a look at these awesome food and beverage display tables. The use of different heights and serving platters creates an amazing and elegant look that ties into the royal aspects of the Arabian Nights tales.

http://catchmyparty.com/photos/1387266

 

http://littlebigco.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/marissas-birthday-arabian-nights-themed.html

http://ohsugareventplanning.blogspot.com/2012/02/arabian-nights-birthday-bash.html

To add to the party, set up a Hookah area (if this is something you would like to have). You might even want to consider hiring a Henna Tattoo artists, belly dancers, or fortune-tellers as entertainment.

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/c5/10/f3/c510f310b01746559345ad57c7e87ffc.jpg

 

http://jaynie2000.hubpages.com/hub/moroccan_party_planning

 

http://zoeteho.tumblr.com/post/19786870239/in-blue

http://www.flickr.com/photos/picture-perfect-designs-jewelry/3820718735/in/faves-doubledown11721/

And lastly, have your guest leave feeling a little bit richer. Send them home with some gold coins to enjoy!

 

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5c/d7/ff/5cd7ff3b37caeb10a29a749c9dd0ec5f.jpg

I think it's your destiny to devour the details. Now get to planning!