lately lily's first book

It’s no secret that we love Lately Lily, so we were thrilled to find out about Lily’s first book, Lately Lily: Adventures of a Travelling Girl by Micah Player.  Micah’s brilliant artistry and thick brushstrokes bring a lovely vintage feel to Lily’s bright and sunny world.  This book is a great introduction to “The Traveling Girl” and her curiosity and enthusiasm about the big world around her.  Lily travels near and far on an endless quest for discovery and new experiences.  We agree with Lily: “There is so much to SEE!  So much to EXPERIENCE!  So much to EXPLORE!”  You can follow Lily’s apparel line to find out “Where has Lily been, lately?"

toddler ways

I don't know if it's because Nate likes to copy what Avery does or if it's something toddlers like to do in general, but Nate is really into carrying things around in containers--buckets, shopping bags, boxes, you name it.  It is adorable!

kiki and coco in paris

Remember that time you took your favorite doll or stuffed animal with you on a trip to a faraway city?  The charming story of Kiki and Coco in Paris will remind you of those jovial times.  One of the protagonists in the story is a lovely handmade doll named Coco, made by artist Jess Brown, and the adventures (and misadventures) she and her girl Kiki have together on a trip to Paris.  Avery’s favorite part is when a dog takes Coco and breaks her arm, which is later fixed.  We loved seeing all the sights and sounds of Paris through Kiki’s eyes.  This story would be the perfect theme for a party or play date!  Fill a pretty plate with some brioche and macarons and call it an afternoon.  Extra points if you whip up a cup of Parisian chocolat chaud!

Kiki and Coco in Paris was authored by Nina Gruener, photographed by Stephanie Rausser and the doll in the story was made by Jess Brown.

candy clay cupcakes

Today I'm featuring an interview with my friend Jennifer Kim of Candy Clay Cupcakes.  She makes gorgeous custom fondant cupcakes that range from whimsical to chic.  You can find more of her work on her website and follow her on her Facebook page, Pinterest and Instagram feed.

How did you start your business?  

I started by biz by happenstance.  I wanted fondant cupcakes for my son's birthday party.  I was going to ask my friend to do them but didn't want to overwhelm her since my son's birthday is December 26th and it was smack in the middle of all the holiday frenzy.  I decided to try them myself and HAD SO MUCH FUN!  I kept making them for friends, and potlucks, as gifts, etc.  Everyone kept encouraging me to start a business, so with a final push from some good childhood friends, and much help from totally awesome, wonderfully supportive girlfriends, I launched Candy Clay Cupcakes at the beginning of 2014.

How long have you been baking?

I've been baking most of my life, since I was 6-years-old.  I really got into it after taking Home Ec in junior high.  I even got the Home Ec award when I graduated junior high, lol.

What are your favorite combinations of frosting and cake?

I love all things chocolate!  Devil's food chocolate cake with a rich chocolate ganache frosting...yum!!

Why do you think cupcakes are so popular?

I think because of their convenience.  At parties, you don't have to trouble yourself with cutting the cake, putting them on a plate, grabbing a fork for each plate, yadi-yadi-ya.  Cupcakes are quick and easy.  And pretty cupcakes definitely add to your party decor!

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere!  Everywhere I go, I always see things that can be translated into a fondant cupcake design!

What’s your favorite baking or cooking memory?

In college, I used to study sitting in front of the oven.  I would be baking cookies while digging out the themes in A Midsummer Night's Dream. :)

What else do you like to bake or cook besides cupcakes?

I love baking all kinds of DESSERTS--triple chocolate brownies, crinkle cookies, cheesecakes, peach cobblers...anything sweet and scrumptious. :)

Photos by Jennifer of Candy Clay Cupcakes, edited by Michelle Sterling.  

journey

I love all the wordless story books coming out these days.  Journey, a 2014 Caldecott Honor picture book, is about a girl who, with her red marker, draws a door to a secret world.  An incredible adventure unfolds throughout the story and she traverses many a land.  Avery’s favorite part: "Then it was a magical forest with lights and lanterns...”  Where do the girl and her companion red marker end up?  You’ll have to pick up Aaron Becker’s Journey and find out. :)