popcorn with ‘everything’

July 21, 2017

I often eat popcorn. Using plain kernels and popping them in the microwave makes for a great snack with lots of fiber and no trans fats. I add my own seasonings, usually parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary, for a savory combination.

For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing my newest popcorn seasoning discovery.

Have you heard of Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend? This tasty blend makes any toasted bread with cream cheese taste like an everything bagel. And, I discovered, it also makes for a great popcorn seasoning!

Here’s how to make it: After making plain popcorn in the microwave, spray it with sunflower oil. A spray bottle is the best because it distributes a small amount of the oil evenly over the popcorn. If you don’t have a spray bottle, drizzle the oil over the popcorn and toss lightly. Something is needed to make the seasoning ‘stick’ and sunflower oil is perfect since it has very little taste – plus, it is a healthful alternative to butter. Trader Joe’s has recently started selling sunflower oil, so both the seasoning and the oil can be purchased there. Next, just sprinkle the Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning over the prepared popcorn and toss.

Even if you don’t like popcorn, I suggest you buy the seasoning – for under $2. there is plenty of experimentation that can be done with this yummy spice mix!

Popcorn is ready…movie on the beach, anyone?

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like enjoying popcorn while watching an outdoor movie! xo Jackie

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botanical wedding details

July 11, 2017

For a botanical themed wedding held in the woods by a lake, I had a blast coming up with some fun little details to carry the vibe! Here are a few you may want to incorporate into your own event!

Beautiful paper products are always a must for any event I plan, and this wedding was no exception! I think a “hashtag card” should be a standard these days with social media having such a strong presence at a wedding. Creating something similar to a business card, but using the couple’s hashtag is a beautiful way to spread the word!

For this wedding, I created two different cards using illustrations on the front and the hashtag on the back. A fashion illustrator created two different designs for me at a very reasonable price. (You can use her too, by emailing inquiries to AlexaMackDesigns@gmail.com). One depicted the couple from behind and the other was an illustration of the gazebo where the couple was married. I used them to create square, heavyweight cards with rounded corners that I ordered online using Moo.

Another great paper product for a wedding is the recipe for the couple’s signature drink. In this case, the recipe cards were added to the couple’s hotel welcome boxes (Kraft paper boxes were used in place of bags) as well as provided at the bar (near the birch bark straws). This idea can also be incorporated into thank you cards if the drink proves a big hit at the wedding!

Personalized napkins are not new for weddings, but including ‘factoids’ about the couple is so much more personal than just printing them with initials. I created 6 different designs that included how the couple met and other interesting personal stories about them. These are simple to create online on Wedding Paper Divas. (I waited for a big sale and personalized to my liking.)

Doing away with a typical centerpiece by a florist opens up a whole new way of thinking for bridal tables! Why not create your own! Using a beautiful potted planting or designing a terrarium is fun to create and adds a personal touch to a celebration.

For this event, I got together with a few special friends (who happen to have huge green thumbs!) to build my terrarium vision…perfect for a botanical theme! The table numbers were written on rocks inside the terrariums and fairy lights were also added. Lanterns I purchased from HomeGoods were used for the vessels and plants were purchased from local nurseries, as well as Trader Joe’s. Event planners, take note: If you need reasonably priced plants for centerpieces, think of your local Trader Joe’s as a source…the flower department at the store could not be more helpful when ordering in bulk, and the pricing can’t be beat!

Plenty of moss, rocks, and organic materials added to the botanical vibe at the venue. Rocks ordered at Home Depot were used as escort cards. Table numbers were written on the underside of the rocks so the guests could reuse the beautifully lettered rocks as paperweights or decorative objects after the wedding. (If you want someone to do lettering for you, check out Sam Epstein Design on Etsy!) Fresh plantings in pretty containers joined the table arrangement of ‘escort rocks’ as well as tiny fairy lights, pretty votives (Jamali Garden), and a lighted moss wreath on a beautiful gray silk ribbon (Silk & Willow). A lantern was used for gifts of cards.

The favors. arranged on the salad plates. were small tin camp cups filled with gray-toned candy beach stones ordered from Stonewall Kitchen. A gray grosgrain ribbon, in keeping with the wedding accent color, (The bridesmaids wore gray Vera Wang dresses.) adorned the cup handles.

I hope you found some of the details at this botanical themed wedding inspiring…I will share photos at the venue in an upcoming post! If you need any ideas for your own celebration, shoot me an email – I’d be happy to help you brainstorm some ideas to personalize your own celebration!

mens bathroom basket at botanical wedding

The women’s room wasn’t the only bathroom to get attention – the men’s room had a necessity basket on-theme as well!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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dominique ansel bakery

June 2, 2017

A trip to a bakery seems an appropriate Friday field trip today on National Donut Day!

We are not visiting just any bakery, but the bakery of James Beard award-winning pastry chef, Dominique Ansel.

Dominique Ansel blossoming hot chocolate

Blossoming Hot Chocolate at Dominique Ansel Bakery.

Chef Dominique took New York City by storm when he launched his, now signature pastry, the Cronut! New Yorkers waited (and still do) in long lines for the opportunity to taste one!

The tasty croissant-doughnut Chef Dominique created was named one of the ‘Best Inventions of 2013’ by Time magazine in the year it was introduced.

May’s special Cronut flavor at Dominique Ansel Bakery – Raspberry Earl Grey with Earl Grey Sugar.

Chef Dominique’s unique, delectable treats have earned him international recognition with bakeries in Tokyo and London, as well as New York City. Consistently creating innovative desserts, while maintaining an incredible level of deliciousness, is the Ansel standard.

On my most recent visit to the New York bakery, the new, flavorful kiwi sorbet bar instantly became my favorite Ansel creation of the moment. This refreshing treat is made up of a kiwi flavored sorbet paired with Tahitian vanilla ice-cream.

A new, refreshing kiwi sorbet creation by Dominique Ansel.

With some added poppy seeds and a ‘fuzzy’ chocolate exterior, the confection closely resembles an actual kiwi fruit. Magnificent in both aesthetics and taste!

I hope you enjoyed today’s visit to the Dominique Ansel Bakery for Friday field trip.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things – like tasting a fabulous donut on National Donut Day! xo Jackie

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pink & gold nautical bridal shower

May 23, 2017

Pink and gold may not seem the typical color choice for a nautical themed party, but who said anything about typical? And, I certainly have no problem arranging a nautical party in any color scheme! :)

Since no décor can beat a coastal view, this bridal shower needed to take place at a yacht club!

The gals in the bridal party, serving as hostesses for the event, dressed in the theme colors and all looked beautiful! Of course, it helps when all the gals are gorgeous! ;)

Soft pink and gold appeared in all the details of the day.

The tables were set with gold chargers and cream linens. Table names were displayed in a brushed gold finish pedestal frame and displayed the names of bodies of water that held significance for the bride-to-be. Examples include the name of a lake from a campground she frequented as a child and the name of a river from college crew. Working with a florist, subtle and romantic blush and white free-form arrangements were created in gold compotes. (A smaller version for the powder room!)

A small (personalized) brushed gold compass and gold dipped feather adorned each place setting.

Individually wrapped sea glass candy on the tables also added to the nautical vibe. (Oddly enough, I make sea glass candy every Christmas, but rarely at any other time of year!) The bride’s favorite flavors were represented in the white (pear), pink (cotton candy), and brown (root beer) pieces of candy wrapped with raffia and adorned with a mini sand dollar.

Standard cocktail napkins and water glasses were replaced with some on-theme choices and festive gold straws were added to the water station.

Wedding photos of the bride-to-be’s mother, future mother-in-law, grandmother, and grandmother-to-be were displayed in the entry way in glass and gold frames to add a personal touch.

Themed prize baskets were given to winners of the games organized by the maid-of-honor, as well as the guest with the closest birthday, the guest that drove the farthest to attend the shower, etc.

The golden bracelets for the ‘bracelet bonanza’ game had everyone wearing a shiny gold bangle (right on theme) and provided some added interaction between guests. The ‘he said, she said’ game was fun and added a glimpse into the personalities of the soon-to-be wed couple.

For the refreshments – a selection of assorted breads, coffee and mimosas were available when the guests arrived. A fruit course, served in martini glasses, was followed by a plated brunch and later with cake and sorbet.

Adding to the theme of the day, the cake (vanilla with salted caramel filling) was created with an outside of soft pink ‘waves’ and garnished with fondant starfish dipped in gold. The sorbet was provided by a friend of the bride’s mom, created specifically for the shower in coconut lemongrass from a local gourmet food store and served in take-home stemless wine glasses. (The bridal party gals were each gifted a set of four.)

Now, who said pink and gold wasn’t nautical?

I hope you are inspired to host a pink and gold coastal party of your own!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sources are available upon request – I’m happy to share!

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making old school ice cream sandwiches

April 25, 2017

Not since Alton Brown made his candy corn recipe public, have I been so excited about trying out an old school recipe! And, even more important than the recipe, I found a pan that bakes the cookie layers with the appropriate design of imprinted holes! (It is just not the same without the holes!)

The recipe and the baking pan (a genius 3 piece creation) come together in a set. The set makes baking the cookie pieces, as well as assembling the sandwiches, super easy.

Since I wanted to make some special ice-cream sandwiches for my daughter’s birthday as my first use of the set, I chose to use her favorite ice-cream – Halo Top. My plan was to use birthday cake ice-cream and garnish the sides of the sandwiches with multi-colored sprinkles! Adorable, right?

When I got to the grocery store, I couldn’t find Halo Top in birthday cake flavor, so I purchased two alternate flavors, and decided to make two ice-cream sandwiches in each flavor. The ice cream sandwiches might look old school, but I have replaced the standard vanilla ice cream with mint chip and peanut butter cup – I don’t ever remember these flavors as options back in the day. ;)

The instructions provided with the pan were very easy to follow. The only part of the process that took a little time was smoothing out the batter for the cookies in the pan, but even that was pretty painless. Measuring out an exact 1 tablespoon of batter for each mold created a perfect result!

I was happy with the ice cream sandwiches I made on my first attempt! I can’t wait to try making some using home churned ice-cream this summer!

If you are interested in making your own, I found the ice cream sandwich making set at Sur La Table. You can purchase one through their website. Currently, the set to make 4 sandwiches is on sale for under $10!

A word of advice: The set makes 4 ice cream sandwiches. If you choose to make only four, do not make the entire recipe of cookie batter. You will only use 8 tablespoons of batter to create the cookies for 4 sandwiches and the batter from the recipe provided probably makes enough for 50! Cut the recipe way down if you only plan to make four! Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things – like enjoying an old school ice-cream sandwich on a warm afternoon!
xo Jackie

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congrats sift bakery!

April 11, 2017

Sunday night was the finale of Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship and today’s post is dedicated to finalist Chef Adam from Connecticut’s own Sift Bakery in Mystic!

Finalist Adam Young from Sift Bakery and his answer to the whoopie pie ‘creature’ challenge on Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship competition.

It was so exciting to cheer on a contestant from my home state – particularly from a bakery I so admire. Creating everything about Sift – not just the baked products he sells, but the bakery space as well, Adam is a true artisan.

A pastry case at Sift Bakery in Mystic, Connecticut.

His unbelievable attention to detail is a turn-on for me! This detail extends from the bakery products to the thoughtfully arranged display cases, beautiful packaging & display cards, and the shop’s impeccable cleanliness.

Trying to limit an order to one French pastry is a challenge – there are so many seductive choices!

A custom cake created at Sift Bakery in Mystic, Connecticut.

If sweets are not your thing, don’t despair! Sift creates breads, quiches, and sandwiches as well. In fact, you need not even eat a thing to enjoy Sift…you can enjoy a specialty latte that is sure to rival anything offered at your local coffee shop!

Rosemary ginger latte served at Sift Bakery in Mystic, Connecticut.

My favorite latte at Sift was the rosemary ginger…until, I tried the spring special! Unbelievable!

If you find yourself in or around Mystic, be sure to stop and visit Chef Adam Young’s labor of love called Sift Bakery. It is worth the trip!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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april book giveaway!

March 31, 2017

Spring has sprung! And, even though here in Connecticut we still have plenty of snow on the ground, everyone is starting to think about spending more time outdoors.

This month’s giveaway book, Fire Pit Cooking by Vanessa Bante, embraces this outdoor time by providing plenty of family-fun recipes to make over an outdoor fire pit or campground fire.

Bante demonstrates that cooking over a fire is not just for s’mores! With one or a few fun-to-use tools―pie irons, foil, or simply a dowel―you can make family-friendly dishes over your backyard fire pit. With 75 scrumptious recipes like Apple & Cheese Quesadillas, Spaghetti Pie Iron Sandwiches, Maple Chicken with Sweet Potatoes in foil, Pretzel Sticks with Beer Cheese Sauce, Blueberry and Chocolate Iron Sandwich, and Lemon Mousse in Phyllo Cups, every appetite can by satisfied!

Just leave a comment on this post to be entered to win Fire Pit Cooking! Congrats go out to Donna, winner of last month’s giveaway Jar Salads by Alexander Hart. Click here to read more about the selection. Donna, enjoy this great recipe book! Thank you to everyone who participated.

Instagram users, please read on for the April challenge! In keeping with the theme of our giveaway book, let’s share all food cooked outdoors! Did you create a cool meal on your fire pit? A new variety of s’more? Please share photos on Instagram this month using hashtag #pleasuregram. (If you need some s’more ideas, click here.)

Thank you for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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50 shades of gray eggs

March 28, 2017

Easter eggs don’t have to be in bright rainbow colors! This year, I have a gray theme going on. I think I picked gray because I really want to redo a bathroom in gray and gold, but don’t have the funds needed to do a great job! So, for now, my Easter eggs will have to satisfy my bathroom vision!

I started by prepping the eggs. I remove the insides first. This way, if I want to keep the eggs, they are good for as long as I want them!

I use a pin to put a hole in each side – starting with the smaller side of the egg. After I get one pin prick, I add a few more to make the hole a tad bigger. It helps to hold the needle with a dish cloth to get a good grip on it. Gripping the needle near the end and moving slowly, I pierce the egg using a controlled motion.

After both holes are made, I use an opened paper clip to pierce the insides of the egg. Pushing the paper clip in, out, and around many times…the more the insides are broken up, the easier it flows out!

gray and gold easter eggs pleasure in simple things blog

On some of the eggs I added gold with gold metallic paint – sometimes using a toothbrush to splatter the paint onto the egg.

Then, I gently blow on the smaller of the 2 holes to completely remove the inside of the egg. This is a good project during television watching! (Not during This Is Us though – no distractions needed during that show!)

initial easter egg pleasure in simple things blog

Here I used gold leaf to create an initial on one of the dyed eggs.

For the coloring part, I make my own dye using food coloring. I simply mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 cup hot water, and food coloring in a cup – one for each color – making sure the container can fit an egg. I use paste food dye because the colors are more intense, but the drops that most people have in their kitchen work as well. The liquid food coloring requires at least 20 drops to the mixture to make a good egg color.

Now for the fun part…decorating!

I hope I have inspired you to create some dyed eggs of your own. If you need some decorating ideas, click here to see a few of my egg decorating ideas from the past, or click here for picnic themed Easter eggs.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out some of this year’s egg creations. Remember to take pleasure in simple things…like dyeing an Easter egg! xo Jackie

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diy easter bird nests

March 21, 2017

In the spirit of spring, today I am sharing an easy DIY for one of the many nests I make out of edible materials. This one is simply shredded wheat and chocolate chips.

The shredded wheat is the original unsweetened variety that comes in the big ‘logs’…I think you must know what I am referring to. For the chips, I have used butterscotch flavored chips – chosen because of the color. You can use the chocolate ones if you prefer a dark brown color for your nests. White chips are also an option and can be used as white or can be tinted with food coloring in any color you choose.

To make: For 4 small nests, you will need 2 shredded wheat ‘logs’ and about 6 ounces of butterscotch pieces. First, separate the wheat logs as shown below and set aside.

Melt the butterscotch pieces slowly over a double boiler just until melted. Remove from heat and gently fold in the prepared shredded wheat until coated. Form four nests on waxed paper and leave to harden. Use jellybeans or small candy eggs to decorate.

These nests make great table decor and are perfect on an Easter table.

I hope I have inspired you to create some of your own nests!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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tommy bahama’s

March 10, 2017

You know I love posting warm weather photos on snowy days! Well, today we have snow here in Connecticut, so for Friday field trip I am posting photos from a recent business trip to Florida!

These photos are from a lunch at the original Tommy Bahamas! Where is the original Tommy Bahamas? In Naples, Florida.

Located on charming, historic Third Street South and a short walk from the Naples Pier, the original Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar has been a part of the Naples scene of over 20 years.