Taking a (cake) stand!

Taking a cake stand by nsaich featuring a NYX lipstick

      Nothing can dress up a cake better than a pretty pedestal to place it on. Even cakes made from a box of ingredients look professional with the addition of a cake stand! I've already been collecting vintage glass stands from my local antique fair but I'd love to get my hands on any one of these! 

Yours,

Nico

Alice's adventure's in.....her bedroom?!!

Alice's adventure's in.....her bedroom?!! by nsaich featuring platform high heels

      I logged into my polyvore account today not really knowing what I was going to piece together and this is what developed, a room fit for Queen Alice (in Wonderland). Thru out my life Alice's Adventure's in Wonderland has continually remained my favorite book and I always imagined what treasures Alice's bedroom would hold. I think she'd maintain a sense of regal class mixed with utter chaos in her living space. Singing flowers would linger in every corner, cookies that would make any person grow to uncanny heights would stay hidden under her bed, and sky high heels (perfect for tripping into another rabbit hole) would litter the floor. One clock wouldn't be enough for Alice, (who simply cannot show up on time to any of her important Friday night dates) she would require at least three time pieces in her room. And finally, Alice would need a full length mirror to fall Through the Looking Glass all over again and to check for scuffs on her patent leather mary janes! 

      After decorating Alice's hypothetical bedroom I started peeking thru several of my various copies of Alice in Wonderland. I loved the image shown above, for its obvious comical appeal. But one of my all time favorite versions of Alice is actually a Disney book made to teach young girls how to throw a tea party. The manners quiz may just be my favorite section:

My answers were both (a) and (b)!    ....Needless to say I failed the exam.

Yours,

Nico

Converse Wheel of Color

Converse Wheel of Color by nsaich featuring converse shoes

      With the temperatures increasing so is my desire to get outside and run around. Converse sneakers are perfect with casual denim or a spring time dress. Now the only problem is deciding on a color... What's your favorite?

Yours,

Nico

Food (Collage) Coma:

      For a girl who daily updates a blog, I know surprisingly little about technology. My friend Chelly just introduced me to photobucket.com where I can create my own photo collages! Old news to most, but brand new knowledge to me. Here's a tic-tac-toe board of some of my favorite eats and recipes!

1: Strawberry Celebration Tart- I made this for a friend's birthday party but it's perfect anytime! 

2: Dark Chocolate Covered Apricots- You literally cannot eat just one, I know from personal experience.

3: Asparagus and Gruyere Tart- Easiest thing to make and looks impressive to dinner guests. Great vegetarian dinner!

4: Parmesan Crackers- Dare I say.... better than goldfish crackers? I think so!

5: Breakfast- The most important meal of the day and also the meal where it's perfectly acceptable to be a total pig.

6: Candied Apple Cocktail- Tastes just like it's name!

7: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries- It's pretty obvious that I love just about any fruit covered in rich chocolate. 

8: Hugs & Quiches- Do you ever associate certain recipes with certain events? I made this dish for my boyfriend while we were first dating and brought it to him during a lunch break as a surprise!

9: Mini Blackberry Cupcakes- The miniature size meant that I could eat these delectable cupcakes in portions of six at a time.

Yours,

Nico 

Cake Pops:

      I have fond childhood memories of savoring cherry lollipops on the front steps of my parents house and whoever decided to merge that traditional treat with luscious cake  to create "cake pops" was a total visionary in my eyes. I used my favorite earl grey tea batter for the cake and coated the pops with chocolate and lots of sprinkles for extra flair. Use a special cake-pop-pan and candy melts to complete this project with simplicity and ease. Oh and be sure to follow a couple of my helpful tips:

Get your cake-pop-pan here.

When using a cake pop pan bake at a lower temperature.
(325 degrees was perfect for my oven)

Coat the cake pops in candy melts (they are microwaveable, how simple is that?)

To ensure that the lollipop stick stays in the cake, dip it in melted chocolate
and press it into the cake. Let the chocolate solidify in the fridge. 

Dip/coat the cake pops in the candy melts, add sprinkles, and let 
harden in the fridge until you are ready to serve them up!

Add ribbons to make these cake pops look like "rattles."
Perfect for a baby shower!

The best part about cake pops? 

No dirty plates or forks to wash!

Yours,

Nico