Sunshine & Sprinkles

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month so we wanted to take the time, time to reflect on the families and children touched by this illness, time to put sprinkles on marshmallows and polk-a-dots on balloons, and time to spend the day running in the shining sun.

Yesterday we made some pretty snacks and ran until the sun went down!  
We hope you enjoy!

These are simple ways to spruce up your day and can be done pretty quickly.
(In honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, gold was our color inspiration.)

Jumbo Dipped Marshmallows
What you'll need:

• The largest marshmallows in the store - Jumbo ones (that I didn't even know existed) come in a big ol' blue bag at my store
• Long lollipop sticks - your local grocery store and craft store will have them
• Wilton white chocolate melts 
• Sprinkles of your choice

How to dip 'em:

1. Melt your chocolate - I microwave for 30 seconds and stir in between until completely melted
2. Dip the tip of the lollipop stick in white chocolate and stick into the marshmallow
3. Set aside to dry
4. Once dry, dip the marshmallow into the chocolate as you desire - 1/4 way up, 1/2 way up or the whole thing...just make sure your bowl is deep enough to achieve it in one swift dip
5. Directly dip the marshmallow into your sprinkles
6. Set on parchment paper lined plate or foam to let them dry 

DIY Polka Dot Balloons

What you'll need: 

• Balloons
• Construction paper
• Tape 
• Hole punches

How to dot 'em:

1. Punch out different sized holes of the construction paper
2. Tape the back of them 
3. Stick onto balloon for your desired look 

Enjoy! 

Collaboration with Tickle Me Sweet, happy Thursday everyone! 

In the Kitchen: Blackberry Skewers & Peach Wine Spritzer

Ever throw a little soiree and have no time to put together appetizers? 

Ever want to make a refreshing cocktail for you and the girls to sip on 

while you are tanning by the pool? 

Even better...with your kids going back to school (of course if you don't have any, just borrow your baby cousins for a day), and Summer coming to an end, needing to treat yourself to a cocktail and snacks? 

Beautiful drinks and apps anyone can make!  Of course, Pinterest inspired, I hope you enjoy!

Blackberry Skewers

1. Wash your blackberries and pull your mint leaves
2. Gently push mint onto skewer - I broke multiple leaves and cried a little, kidding, but be easy with them
3. Slice your brie, cut off the rind, fold over and push onto skewer
4. Top with blackberry

You can arrange them any way you'd like, add more to them...get creative! I liked the simple one bite skewer.

Shortbread Brie Bites

1. Buy your favorite shortbread cookies
2. Spread brie on top of the cookie
3. Smack with mint - yes it actually does make a difference and it's fun
4. Muddle blackberries and put your desired amount on top 
5. Sprinkle with brown sugar 

Peach Wine Spritzer

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups seltzer
• 1 cup peach juice
• 3 cups dry white wine
• 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
• Garnish: peach slices

1. Fill pitcher with ice to the top
2. Add all ingredients
3. If you don't have a proper juicer, you can always do a make shift move like I did, ha! 
4. Slice your peaches and drop them in your wine glass before served

All of this is easy, quick and delicious...not to mention the colors are gorgeous and the cocktail is the perfect touch for the blackberry appetizers.

Rachel Metz is cupcake/cake pop enthusiast, foodie, and dessert table designer in Westlake Village, California.