{Patriotic Sweets}

Whether you are celebrating an Americana themed wedding or a simple backyard get together with family and friends, it's always fun to get into the spirit of 4th of July by creating red, white, and blue sweets for your party. These are some of my summer favorites below...I especially love how many of them incorporate berries into the recipe..so fresh and sweet..perfect for a warm summer evening. Just add a fruity and sweet blush wine and you are ready for some fireworks!

I absolutely love these Patriotic Parfaits made with red currant and panna cotta topped with currants and blueberries. They are fun way for your guests to cool off during the summer and make any dessert bar look amazing. Try this recipe from Martha Stewart...you'll be tempted to make them every day.

Nothing says summer has arrived more than big, sweet strawberries in your local markets...surprise your party guests with an amazing plate of chocolate dipped strawberries in colorful 4th of July designs by Jackie's Baskets. Best of all they can be delivered right to your front door.

Between planning a party and entertaining your guests, there isn't always lot of time to spend in the kitchen baking...here is a fun and easy way to create something fast and delicious that will please everyone...doesn't everyone love cupcakes...especially when they have cream cheese frosting and fruit toppings...all I have left to say is yum! Bake your own with this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.

Maybe you are having your wedding 4th of July weekend, but you are pretty sure you don't want your reception theme to be red, white, and blue stars and stripes. Here is a perfect way to incorporate your love for the holiday in a very classic and beautiful way...the wedding cake above is just the right amount of festive with cute red dots and flowers that are simple yet elegant. Picture courtesy of Jonathan Canlas Photography.

What's more All-American than pie? This Berry Truffle pie features a mixture of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries as well as creamy chocolate. What an explosion of flavor! Find the recipe at Better Homes and Gardens.

I love and support the idea behind these Cake Pops by Bakerella. They are dedicated to all the soldiers, marines, and troops out there who serve our country every day and don't always get to spend Independence Day with their loved ones. GC says thank you to you too.....happy 4th of July everyone :)

{Royal Wedding Cakes}

The Royal wedding is only a few days away and everyone is anticipating what every detail of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding day is going to be like. Although I can't wait to see the beautiful dress Kate wears, I'm equally excited to see what the wedding cake is going to look like. It has already been announced that the royal couple has chosen to feature two cakes. The main cake will be a multi-tiered traditional fruit cake with white icing created by designer Fiona Cairns. There will also be a special chocolate biscuit cake for Prince William reminiscent of his favorite childhood dessert.

What we don't know just yet is what the main cake will look like. Undoubtedly, it will be amazingly beautiful looking at Fiona Cairn's past work. Although the design remains a secret, we've heard that Kate has asked Fiona to incorporate popular English styling such as piping and scrollwork on the cake. She has also asked Cairn's to represent different blooms and foilage in her design that was very popular in the Victorian era.

In the spirit of this Royal wedding that is upon us and celebrating Mother nature's beauty that inspires brides everywhere, I thought it would be fun to feature beautiful flower and foilage inspired cake designs.

Which one is your favorite....

Courtesy of Elegant Cheese Cakes

Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Courtesy of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes

Courtesy Party Flavors Custom Cakes

Courtesy of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes

Courtesy of Mishelle Handy Cakes

{Dylan's Candy Bar}

I was in New York City last week and I got to check out Dylan’s Candy Bar!  I have always wanted to go to the world’s largest candy store and I was so lucky to be there on my birthday!

A couple of reasons why I needed to see this specialty retailer in person, which to me is a Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory attraction in itself 1/ the CANDY and 2/ I am so inspired by the founder, Dylan Lauren, who is the daughter of legendary fashion designer, Ralph Lauren. 

Having a background in the fashion industry and in starting my own candy event planning company, I love when fashion and candy mix, so naturally, this becomes one of my favorite places EVER! 

Why do I find Dylan so amazing? When Dylan turned 5, they played Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory at her birthday party.  Dylan was so inspired by the movie that she dreamed one day she would open a candy store. 

While studying art history in London and Rome her junior year in college, she would set out to explore new candies and collect artful candy wrappers and packaging from her travels (some would accuse me of the same). 

After graduating from Duke University, Dylan set up an event planning company, but always found herself coming back to her love for candy. She was finally able to realize her childhood dream in 2001, with the opening of the flagship store in New York City, Dylan’s Candy Bar.

Since the opening of the first specialty candy store in 2001, Dylan has open 4 more locations and has renovated the New York City location to include a 3^rd floor, which houses all parties and events, a café and a sweet treats bakery.  

Customers can treat themselves to classic soda fountain favorites, ice cream, frozen yogurt, old fashioned, novelty and nostalgic candies, fine Belgium chocolates, sweet treats and desserts, fashion apparel and accessories, beauty products, gifts and souvenirs.

Enjoy some of the pictures I took while I was in candy heaven and please excuse the quality (I am not an expert photographer)!  I can only dream of opening a candy store like this one day here in Los Angeles :)

Your favorite Celebs love Dylan's Candy Bar too!

  

Me with the Easter Bunny!

  

  

I got to fill up my container with my favorite sweets!

They filled a tub with gumballs!

 

Select Dylan's Candy Bar products can also be found at Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, Urban Outfitters and at Juicy Couture stores or at Dylan’s Candy Bar Online Store. 

{Glitz and Glamour}

The annual Academy Awards are always a great inspiration to fashionistas every where, but this year I found it to be a perfect way to get glamorous ideas for any type of wedding. The red carpet was full of nude, blush and white gowns that shined with sequins and sparkle. I also loved seeing the different textures from feathers to lace ruffles that made each gown come to life with every movement.

The Old Hollywood Glamour......Mandy Moore looked immaculate in a very simple and chic Monique Lluillier gown. She also kept her accessories minimal giving her a sophisticated and classic look.

The Romantic Garden....Mila Kunis looked ethereal in her light lavender Elie Saab dress. It reminded me of warm summer evenings and blushing pink wines....one of my favorite gowns of the evening.

The Intimate Destination.....I loved the casual yet refined look of Michelle Williams' understated Chanel gown. I think it would be a perfect choice for a small wedding with friends and family at a place far, far away. Just the right amount of subtle shimmer to focus all eyes on you.

The Celebrity.....there is no better way to make a statement on your big day than by having an amazing dress that shows you have a flare for the dramatic. Hilary Swank looked divine in her Gucci Premiere feathered dress. I thought it was key that the dress was in a muted grey allowing her to shine without letting the ostrich feathers take over.

The Fairy-tale Bridesmaid.....every girl deserves to feel like a princess on your wedding day, right? Let's not forget about younger bridesmaids who would love to feel just as beautiful. Hailee Steinfeld looked perfect in this pale pink Marchesa gown with tulle skirt. Her glittering headband and metallic clutch added just the right amount of charm to her ensemble.

All images courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America

{Happy Valentine's Day}

Today, we are sharing a virtual

ruffled raspberry cupcake with all of you! 

Happy Valentine's Day friends!

image © Gladys Gem Photography     

ruffled raspberry cupcakes baked with 100% LOVE
by Lovely Little Details for our Valentine's Day feature.

We wish you a sweet-filled day!

        
         xoxo,

        
         Miriam & Linda

{Charming Little Details}

I am constantly surprised how one simple accessory can add so much glamour and polish to any outfit…how one simple piece of jewelry has the power to evoke feelings from years past or give hope for a new beginning. Jewelry is often the gift of choice for Valentine’s Day…below are some of my favorite pieces to celebrate this day of love and friendship. Give them as gifts to your wedding party or wear them to an engagement party…you’ll be cherishing these pieces for years to come….

The above flutter heart ring from Gorjana is a beautiful rose gold ring cuff...it actually makes my heart skip a beat.

These Flora Gold Daisy Petal earrings from Alexis Bittar would add a whimsical touch to any garden wedding this Spring.

Juicy Couture offers the most amazing selection of clever charms for every girl who wants to wear her heart on her wrist...this limited edition bow and arrow charm is a dream.

Sweeten up your day with this long tiered chain necklace from Juliet & Company. It features an enameled chain and floral-crocheted silk strands. A sunny piece you will be wearing all the way through summer!

Another one of my favorites from Juliet & Company is this baby pearl knot bracelet that mixes just the right amount of class and edge to create a statement piece that would make any outfit standout.

There are so many sweet pieces to choose from that you may just have to buy them all....

{A Little Piece of My Heart}

With Valentine's Day around the corner why not take the time to add a little extra love to your life...plan a dinner party with your best girl friends and celebrate long lasting friendships...buy a fun new accessory for a romantic night on the town...or better yet...treat yourself to a fancy sweet dessert...you deserve it...don't be afraid to indulge just this once...it'll be our little secret...

I especially love all the unique decoration ideas you can incorporate into your home and parties. I love this piece above from PrinceDesignUK. A clay heart imprinted with a vintage lace design.

If you are looking to add a little bit of spice to a V-day outfit try one of Jennifer Behr's rosette hair barrettes. Effortless chic...adds just the right amount of romance and sophistication.

Nothing says i love you like rich chocolate cupcakes...these handwritten chocolate glaze cupcakes can help you get your message across and are surprisingly easy to make. They remind me of a grown up version of the Sweethearts Candies you used to get in grade school...be mine? :) Find the recipe on the Martha Stewart website.

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