Monday, December 29, 2008

Ring in the New Year



In Spain, revelers mark the new year by quickly eating a dozen grapes at midnight. The fruit is said to be a predictor of the year ahead: Each sweet grape represents a good month, each sour grape a less-than-lucky one.

I am adopting this tradition for New Years Eve. I found this idea in the December issue of Martha Stewart Living.





New Year's Eve dessert ~ Creamiest Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup evaporated fat-free milk
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60 to 70 percent cocoa), finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Preparation
Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium, heavy saucepan; stir with a whisk. Gradually add low-fat milk and evaporated milk, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a whisk. Reduce heat, and simmer 1 minute or until thick. Remove from heat; add chocolate, stirring until melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour about 2/3 cup pudding into each of 6 (8-ounce) ramekins; cover surface of each serving with plastic wrap. Chill at least 4 hours. Remove plastic wrap; serve. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if desired.


Nutritional Information
Calories:194 (21% from fat)
Fat:4.6g (sat 2.7g,mono 0.9g,poly 0.1g)
Protein:5.9g
Carbohydrate:35g
Fiber:1.4g
Cholesterol:6mg
Iron:0.9mg
Sodium:175mg
Calcium:191mg

Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, Chocolate Therapy: Indulgent Recipes to Lift Your Spirits, Cooking Light, DECEMBER 2007

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas Cards



I finally completed my Christmas Cards on Saturday and wanted to share them. They went out a bit late this year, it has been a busy month!

They were created and made by my mom, Kari Snyder. She has been selling her incredible cards in boutiques in Tacoma for almost 2 years now.

I am off to enjoy more snow, Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Garnish



I love packaging and usually buy products based on the packaging! I was so excited when I found Garnish. I can picture so many different unique opportunities for the great Bits & Pieces that you can buy from their site.
Garnish is a must for your entertaining resource list www.thinkgarnish.com

Happy packaging!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Puppy Love



Meet Chloe,my golden retriever puppy!

One of my next events that I am planning is her puppy shower! I thought this would be a fun party for all the animal lovers out there. For some people their pets are their family and what better way to celebrate than a shower!

I am working on the invitation design this weekend and also picking up the pup party hats for all the puppy and dog guests. I will post the invitation design once it is complete.

Do you have a favorite puppy product? I would love to know, I will be giving away a bottle of wine to the best idea!
A must have!



Oh-La-La! Hand poured soy wax from the Whidbey Island Chocolate Flower Farm - amazing Essence of Chocolate or Coco Havana scent in an aged Victorian terracotta pot. Exquisite!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Dame Lola opens in new location

My favorite boutique re-opened on Saturday, hosting a party from 4-8pm. Dame Lola has opened her doors on Tacoma Avenue across the street from Calla Lily and by Tully's.
The clothes, appetizers, themed cocktails and music were amazing. I bought my favorite perfume oil & lotion - Kai and tried on some incredible pieces by Rebecca Taylor.
Pictures to come!
check it out at www.damelola.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Changing Lives Breakfast

Our hosts: Jill Kenley & Ruth Ann



This morning,Lisa Patterson, editor of 425 and South Sound magazine and I were guests at the Eighth Annual Changing Lives Breakfast. This breakfast raises funds for Habitat for Humanity's projects around the South Sound. It was incredible to hear the testimony of 2 families that have had their lives changed because of Habitat for Humanity. Lisa and I left there wanting to go to a job site and help a team builld a dream for a South Sound family.
http://www.tpc-habitat.org/