A Three Tier Cake and A Bucket...List

Yesterday while I was doing my most hated and detested chore.....sorting miscellaneous paper, somewhere in the chaos I found an old version of my bucket list.  I mean really old....like seventeen years ago.   Everything on it was familiar to me except one thing.  I wanted to bake a three tier professional wedding cake by myself and decorate it.  Say what now?....   For a novice like me, I might as well be building the Taj Mahal.   Wedding cakes are no joke.

Almost immediately I understood exactly why I had dropped it from my list.  I also understood exactly why I had to put it back.  I am not going to let a little old cake get the best of me.  And to show you how serious I am, I will post this cake in whatever state it comes out when am done with it.  I think my birthday on the first of July this year would be a great day for my cake's debut.  Ha ha, lord help me.   I do love to bake though so one thing I am not lacking is the passion to do this.  Whatever the outcome, it will be exciting, educational......and possibly hilarious. Either way, it's on like donkey kong!

So lovelies, as I venture into the world of butter cream and fondant, I would love to hear any feed back from you talented bakers out there. I want my cake to be beautiful and tasty.....non leaning and more than anything else, topple free.
Pretty please.

Here are a few inspiration cakes am in love with at the moment....lol, if I can do something similar to one of these, I would need to have my head deflated.  Seriously, I would be pretty proud of me. You would be too!

Cherio!
All pictures in this
post are courtesy of
www.marthastewart.com

Vive La Toile!

If I knew the French national anthem or could actually speak French, I would salute the French people every time I see a piece of Toile.  But, since I cant, on behalf of myself and Toile lovers world wide, I say a heartfelt, merci beaucoup!

Even if you are not familiar with the word "Toile", chances are, you have seen it before.  And, having seen it, you will not easily forget it. Yes, Toile is that memorable.  Now, I realize that my opinion may be a tad biased since Toile and I enjoy such a long and exciting relationship, but trust me, this fabric is simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

  

What Is Toile Exactly....

Toile, (pronounced twall) is short for Toile de Jouy, and is a fabric used in home decor.  The pattern on the fabric is repeated and traditionally depicts a fairly complex French Provincial scene that visually tells a story.  Toile is usually one-color, most often greens, brown, black, dark red, blue and sometimes magenta on a creme or white background.  Toile de juoy originated in France in the 18th century and is revered and loved for its romanticism and classic beauty. 

Today, its possible to find Toile with many different pastel backgrounds which makes it even more popular in home decor.  So, whether you prefer the traditional Toile like I do or the newer versions of this fabulous fabric, try it, Toile never disappoints.  

There is something about this fabric that is so charismatic that it gives a space a whole new personality.  It has just the right impact without being a show off.  I like that.



Toile is a very romantic fabric. The patterns exudes a certain nostalgia that just warms the heart.  With Valentine's day approaching, a touch of Toile for a table setting or perhaps your boudoir is a very cozy and refreshing look.

One of the things I love most about this fabric is its classic beauty.  And we all know that classic only gets better with time.

Because of its one-color palette and vast array of themes, Toile is a very versatile fabric.  Whether its a throw pillow, wall paper, curtain or bedspread, adding a bit of Toile to your decor will invigorate your space.  Try Toile with gingham or a check fabric for maximum drama.

I hope this post inspires you to put a little Toile in your life.   

Bonne journée!

Pictures are courtesy of:

http://cdn.decorpad.com

http://www.potterybarn.com

http://www.timorousbeasties.com

http://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com

http://handstampedbylacey.typepad.com

http://eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

No Fear Holiday Glamour

Christmas hands down is my favorite holiday! How could it not be? Once a year I get a free pass to:

• Decorate my home like a palace or mini toy land, no questions asked
• Eat all my favorite foods in ridiculously large portions of course since its Christmas
• Have fun with family and friends......tell off said family and friends, no worries since its the wine! 
• Get days off from work
• Have people shower me with gifts while looking exceptionally fierce in my new outfit.  

As you probably can tell, I totally enjoy just about every aspect of this season, even the crazed panic shopping that occurs when we forget a gift a day or two before Christmas.  As you know, if you've ever braved the "stampede" at your local mall on Christmas eve, this is not for the faint of heart. 

One of the reasons we all shop so much is to buy the items we need to create the look and feel we want for our home or residence.   This look and feeling or AMBIENCE is vitally important.  From the front door to the back you want your guest to feel welcome and full of holiday cheer!  One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to think of the 5 senses.  Hearing, Tasting, Touch, Smell, Sight. This is what stimulates the average human being and enables us to enjoy an experience.  

SMELL:  Vanilla candles, fresh flowers, cinnamon sticks, and fresh apple pies are all distinct aromas that foster a sense of well being and welcome in a home.

TASTE:  Freshly baked cookies, wine, turkey, ham and all the trimmings are definitely a favorite on this special occasion.

SIGHT:  From a wreath on the front door to the Christmas tree and other festive decoration inside your home, nothing says Christmas better than lights, sparkle and fresh pine!

HEARING:  Classic Christmas  music, I personally love anything by Nat King Cole

TOUCH:  There is nothing better than a good welcome hug!

Holiday decorating does not have to be complicated, it could be as simple as arranging a few candles on a table with some holly leaves or fresh pine.  Now how easy is that, in the end its all about the ambience.

Here are a few links to inspire your holiday decorating:

http://hellobeautiful.com/special-features/holidays-2009/deborah-bennett/how-to-decorate-your-bedroom-this-christmas/

http://curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/7596-fresh-christmas-decorating-ideas

http://www.marthastewart.com/