Holiday Cravings

What do you crave around the holidays?  For me, one of my favorites is Peppermint Hot Chocolate and today is the perfect, cold, rainy day to have one!  Below is one of the recipes that I enjoy (Martha Stewart):

Ingredients:             Serves 4

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 quart milk

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (3 ounces)

7 peppermint sticks; 3 crushed (1/4 cup), 4 left whole

pinch of salt

Directions:

1.     Place cocoa in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until cocoa has dissolved. Add chocolate chips and crushed peppermint; simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate and peppermint have melted, 8 to 10 minutes.

2.      Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat.  Add salt.  Ladle into mugs; serve each with a peppermint stick.

Another treat that makes me think of the holidays is Peppermint Bark.  We had a meeting yesterday and it was passed around the table.  Let’s just say, there wasn’t much left over.  YUM!

Where have I been?!

Yes, I have been MIA!  There has been so much going on since July.  I coordinate events for a foundation so this month, I’ve been busy with their company holiday party.   

I’ve also been busy with babies, babies and more babies!  I have several friends that have all delivered within the past few months and I’m so excited for them!  It’s so refreshing to see a new life come into the world.  Puts a new perspective on things. 

I’ve been MIA because I’ve been focusing on my own family.  There have been a lot of new, exciting and life changing events happening in my own home. 

I’m hoping to sit down very soon and catch up on everything else that is important to me! 

I wish everyone a very happy holiday! 

- Misty

Hoot for Harlow!

I had the pleasure of planning a FIRST birthday party.  We decided on an Owl theme ~ “Hoot for Harlow”!  The colors throughout were pink & green.  I contacted Lori from Paper and Thread for the candy bar labels.  She also made the months of the year for the timeline that was hung on the patio. Megan Ann Photography captured all of the special moments!  I love the pictures she put together (below)!  Planning parties for kids is so much fun.  I have another one coming up and I can't wait!

{ the owl cake was made by Sweet Cheeks }

Summer Favorite | Plumeria

One of my favorite things of summer... Plumeria!  I have a few of them growing in my backyard and they just bloomed.  What timing to get us in the mood for our upcoming vacation.  It's intersting to read where they are common and the meaning of the flower depending on the culture.  To read more, click here.

{ photos taken by me in my backyard }

Changes | MCW&E

So many changes have been happening in my life.  Many for the better but I'm sad and happy to report that my amazingly talented Assistants, Sarah and Alba also have big changes happening, thus leaving me in the dust (sniff, sniff).


Sarah has moved out of San Diego in pursuit of a career in marketing.  She recently graduated from UCSD.  With her talent and determination, I know it won't take her long to find her dream job.  Success is right around the corner for Sarah!

Alba has started her very own baking biz, "Sweet Creations by Alba".  One of my lovely couples, Noah & April hired her for their wedding cake and cupcakes!  It was soooo delicious.  Yes, I had a piece.  Hello!  I couldn't resist.  YUM.  I wish her the best of luck to her on her new adventure.

{ photos/ logo by: Misty Connelly }

Steam Powered Giraffe | Noah & April

During one of my meetings with Noah, I asked him what kind of entertainment he'd like to have during his cocktail reception.  He said he found this group of performers called Steam Powered Giraffe.  Huh?  Noah & April are the most outgoing, fun-loving people I know.  I knew this was going to be good!  So "who or what is Steam Powered Giraffe?" you ask??

"The short answer: A Musical Pantomime Troupe featuring robot imitation with song.

If you're thinking to yourself, "Mimes can't talk!" You're in for a surprise.
 
Imagine you're visiting the World's Fair circa 1939. You are surrounded by art deco styled buildings, and everything is splashed with retro-metropolistic themes. A wondrous exhibition of odd technologies for a brighter future!" ... for more information, please check out their website!

It's so Sweet...Cheeks!

I hosted a birthday party for a one year old over the weekend.  I sent Sweet Cheeks Baking Company a photo to use for inspiration and they came up with the most beautiful owl cake.  Not only was it aesthetically pleasing, but the taste... A-Mazing!  I will post pictures as soon as I get them but for now, check out some of their other work!