Thursday, October 15, 2009

Cookie Cookie.


Sugar Cookies.

Oatmeal Raisin.

merci.

Aurovoir!


So I had some suggestions and requests to do mail order cookie catering. I thought about it but figured if it comes to me then I will see how it goes... Well thanks to my PR Rep Lucia Rapisarda I got to test this out! Thanks to our friend Melissa at FGX Global (international shipping at great rates people!) today I shipped out my first cookie order. The thing I have realized about working this business outside of NYC is the ability to be competitive. Baking Hype is out of control in NYC and if you are going to charge $45 for a yellow 1985 style birthday cake in the east village, atleast make it neat. Don't insult your customers. Anyways, as far as shippable goods, being out here works so..... Maybe I don't have to be there to BE there.

As I digress... Melissa's company does "Cookie Friday's" and thought of me. Love it and am so thankful. Now is the waiting period of these thoughts...

"what if the fed ex guy gets hijacked by an (insert your rogue nation of choice here) terrorist and he has a peanut allergy? He most likely won't be able to read the labels, will die from the cookies and as a result I will end up in some international prision!"

or....

"what if when I wasn't looking a black widow (did I mention we have them? LOL) jumped into the batter, was never noticed, baked perfectly into the cookie only to be revealed when.....AHHH!"


This is how my mind works until I hear from the customer, confirm things arrive in once piece and all tummies are satisfied. Isn't my husband lucky? A definite Saint for sure. Saint Stavros.


Thank you Melissa and I hope you and your team enjoy every morsel..


This Order Included:

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Traditional Sugar Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies (I would love to say "I die" but well... I don't think she does cookies and I say that with every ounce of envy.)

Packaging:

Custom thank you tags made by me.... and yes that is hemp rope (puke, but it looks good), all natural cotton yarn and good old "green" bakery boxes made here in the USA.

All of our cookies are made with local products when available, no preservatives (we only use natural peanut butters, dark chocolates, etc) being a big gluten free advocate I never go near items that don't have all natural ingredients. It's bad for your belly.

Feel free to contact me with any inquiries about last minute Halloween Cookies....or anything your little heart desires...

xo
d

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Beauty of leaving Fashion to love it all over again.


There is nothing to rant about here. There is cycle I believe all of us in the Fashion Business can relate to: Wanting nothing to do with Fashion. We get burnt out, all of your peers are trying too hard and if you blink they will throw your ass under the bus. You better be driving the bus is all I can say for you girls out there. Being around people who act like they are curing cancer or running the Pentagon when they are actually making $3 underwear for a Wal-Mart customer who will be purchasing their creative design in a size XXXXL really really takes it's toll.

You forget what you are doing there and what it was that you loved?

For all of you that aren't industry related, even the glamour of the fashion industry isn't glamorous after the first year and there are days that you simply want to punch people back into reality. Yes, like any other job... just add the needlessness of what we do and the life or death urgency that runs through these executives veins day after day which will make you want to jump off your desk.

Maybe it is just me and my short attention span... I don't know... but I think most of us lose touch with our love for the art of fashion at some point. In my experience, it's usually the deeper you get into your career and the more successful you become. Isn't that how it goes?

Having that said... taking time off always gives you the opportunity to rediscover your love of clothes, textures and the ever so draining current "trends".

Ok .. there is my rant... and maybe I am late in the game but some old and new loves....

Cri-de-Couer Shoes:

My very good friends company which I love and I love her, she deserves all of the success in the world! Go Gina!

http://www.cri-de-coeur.com/





Mars and Valentine:

Gorgeous vintage inspired accessories. I discovered them on Nordstrom.com... Obsessed with it all.

buy it here:

www.shop.nordstrom.com/SR?KeyWord=mars%20and%20valentine&CatID=&searchorigin=KeywordSearch


their site:

www.marsandvalentine.com




This Bag?


Really UES? It's over ladies... really. But apparently Barney's has to keep it in stock just for you and your obstetrician's wife so you can compare colors when bumping into each other at the un-original eatery of the month. puke.

www.barneys.com/Handbags/HANDB01,default,sc.html?prefn1=designer&prefv1=Balenciaga&specialCategoryID=DESIG1




The power of a watch is so underrated.

Like I need another watch. I am all about the gold and silver blend... it's always my issue and love when it's done right. watch that makes you want to jump off of something= timeless resolution to needing no other accessories.

www.shopbop.com/aquamarina-watch-freelook/vp/v=1/845524441852009.htm?folderID=2534374302055823&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall


Just Cavalli= the best resource for the designer version of Flatbush Avenue jewels. ;)

http://couture.zappos.com/n/p/dp/60293780/c/385.html



Vanessa Bruno

I love her and definitely don't see enough of her.

www.vanessabruno.com/en/




Cows and Boots.

And finally... a trend that I usually fight to the death and would if I was in NYC... but I am in motherfucking Oklahoma girls... I can rock this... you still look dumb on the subway. I have cattle out my window...suck it.

http://www.shopbop.com/shoes-trend-motorcycle-boots/br/v=1/2534374302164854.htm





Ok.. that's all... bye.





Non- New Yorkers U.E.S. = Upper East Side

Friday, September 18, 2009

I should really change my name to Adriana.


You know you married the right man (not that I ever questioned it!) when he asks to have a plate of Antipasto ready for him when he gets home. He asked for Antipasto, not Meze'. Antipasto. My job is done here ladies. LOL



Meze'= is not defined as the Greek word for appetizer from what I've read, but in Steve's family it is basically the equivalent meal-wise of "our" Antipasto.

I still love you Greeks..... but a point for the Florio's!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

If you know what SAHM means, I will give you $5 bucks.


OK... so I promised myself I would keep it real on here and truly document my move, transition and goings on. As time has gone on and I have become embedded in Army wife life, moving into a "sub-division" and trying to meet other moms for play dates (shut up all of you bitches, and you know who you are), I find myself holding back. I noticed it today when I went to post on here and thought, well... what if I come across too harsh and then I meet new friends out here and they read it?...... WHAT?! WHO!? Exactly Kat. I know.

So... here is the dish. Love the house, love having my husband doing what he loves and not ducking live bullets in 130 degree heat and love watching Sofie grow. I don't miss the rude hustle and bustle or stoop peeing illegal aliens at all. Moving on. Don't love the MONSTER bugs. There are black widows and brown recluse spiders where we live. FUCKING BLACK WIDOWS. I THOUGHT THESE THINGS ONLY EXISTED IN BOOKS OR AS A CHEESY TATTOO ON THE WRIST OF A B RATED GOTH CHICK! Now I have to make sure they don't eat my kid! I also have to accept the fact that I am not an Army Wife. The few girls I have met have been nice, but Steve's an Officer, and it's some real serious stuff. I know, again... shut up. So the vibe I get is that every one is really really busy with trivial shit that you and I consider recreational. Get togethers, food shopping, birthday party invitations... yeah... this is their job and the race is to see who can do it better. Sorry, I am a mess of a mom and housewife. I am EXTREMELY proud of that. My kid is awesome, my house is clean and my cooking would make you want to wish you burnt down your kitchen along time ago... nothing is calculated and it is fly by the seat of your pants every day. I do not plan on wearing a blouse to Army events nor am I going to lie about the fact that YES, my stroller looks like it is from Europe because IT IS. Oh and guess what, people have been to Europe that haven't been sent by the Army.... could you believe it?

OK... I am going to stop because the few contacts I have made officially hate me or love me now.... in time we shall see....but basically you get what I am saying. This is the vibe and it's time for a reality check.

I am a sarcastic no BS Italian girl from NY who doesn't expect national recognition for changing diapers or organizing a bake sale. Being a mom to me is nature and not a god damn competitive job. I had a job, it paid me good money and had really evil aspects as well as fancy perks that took me around the world.... Raising my daughter is a gift and I don't feel like I have to wear a "hello my name is" sticker to get through it.

What I am getting at is... the people here are nice.. super nice...a nice I needed... but as for the army lifestyle- they can smell me from a mile away and are NOT having it. Here's where I have decided to become myself and to say... guess what... my husband is a handsome brilliant man, father, soldier and partner. He happens to be in the Army and I support him as well as live life by his side. I am not an acronym nor am I going to tone myself down to make everyone else feel comfortable, and this is what I was having the urge to do!!!

I was fortunate to be born in a place that is always light years ahead, I can't help that and I won't be crucified for it. I kicked ass in the city that runs sh** in this world,. I sure as hell can survive Fort Sill. Besides, who needs to meet people for 6 months when you have your girls STILL running it in NYC and keeping my seat warm. Go Yankees.

ACRONYM OF THE DAY: SAHM= STAY AT HOME MOM.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

ooey gooey in St. Louis...


So I am DYING to make this recipe since having it in St. Louis last week. However, my current residence at the Holiday Inn Express doesn't allow for me to baking my little heart out....... so for now, I must be content with sharing the recipe in hopes that one of you will try it.

Now I am not big on cake mix and instantly thought "I will use my own yellow cake recipe" but unless I dehydrate my batter which I will not be doing, it will not work. So please follow the recipe as I found it and enjoy an amazing American treat.

St. Louis Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
  • 1 Yellow Cake Mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    1. Mix Cake mix, one egg, and 1/2 cup butter till crumbly
    1. Press inot a 10x13 cake pan
    2. Beat two eggs, cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla
    3. Mix well and pour over crust layer
    4. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
    5. Don't overbake, it will be gooey and will set up some as it cools.
recipe care of grouprecipes.com

xoxo,
d

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

BROOKLYN TO ST. LOUIS













We are well on our way and on the last day of our trip through the mid west. It has gone something like this, Brooklyn, Jersey, Pa (Pennsyltuckey), Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Let me tell you that there really is not much to see through PA and OH. The Westin in Columbus is where we stayed the first night and it was a beautiful hotel in a historic building. Danelle somehow unpacked the packed diapers before we left so at 11pm on a Monday night, Steve is combing Downtown Columbus for Huggies. He ended up in a "beautiful" neighbor where they carried a brand called "huggybunnys" or something of the sort which were basically a plastic bag with scotch tape on the sides. They worked, so I am not complaining.

Yesterday we drove through Indianapolis and on to St. Louis, MO. Now I knew I was going to like St. Louis because it is a city notorious for having a vibe of it's own and great culture. Well, I will go as far as saying I am going to plan a trip back here so I can actually see the city. Our hotel is in the landmark Union Station and right next to the Cardinals baseball stadium. Our meal last night was slammin'. So much for not eating meat.... can you say smoked bacon wrapped meatloaf dipped in the most unbelievable BBQ sauce you have EVER had. And as much as I wanted to forfeit dessert, I couldn't resist what the folks down here call "ewwy gooey cake"... it is basically a pound cake that has a hard crust with a smooth middle that tastes almost like cheese. I really almost died and went to heaven. I promised myself I will learn to make and perfect this cake so that people everywhere can melt into their chair as I did last night. I am attaching the Marriot's photo of this hotel because it is in the Station... ugh it is just gorgeous.

The photos above are backwards, St. Louis to Brooklyn.... I have no idea how to label and edit these bloggies yet so please bear with me.

We miss everyone and are really enjoying the trip!

As of tonight, I will officially be a real Army Wife. Hilarious.... they have no idea what they are in for over there in Oklahoma.


xoxo
Danelle

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Perfect Final Project for New York.....







This cake was ordered by a really thoughtful husband wanting to inspire his wife. What a sweet surprise to come home to on a Tuesday night... This is a 6" 2 layer cake, golden yellow sponge filled with vanilla custard and fresh raspberry preserves. Thanks Shaun, I loved collaborating on this cake to design exactly what you wanted. I really enjoyed working on this project.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Homeless in Oklahoma....


So army housing didn't feel it would be necessary to let us know the odds of us moving up the wait list before Sept 2ND when we arrive are about 0 of 0! The area we are moving to is really desolate from what we are accustomed to. By no means am I expecting malls with Nordstrom or a Yelp reviewed restaurant. The issue is the nothingness and the housing options. MOST military posts have tons of new off post housing developments conducive to families and not just single 19 year old Army privates. Definitely not what I am signing up for.

So... the options are.... pay a ton of money to live in a high rise in Oklahoma city, feel somewhat normal and make Steve drive 1.5hrs each way. Not a good option for him given he will be in school and that isn't really fair. Option 2 is for Sofie and I to live in Dallas where I am comfortable, familiar and well.... we really love it there. Option 3 is to pray that on the 22nd when he brings the car out to OK one of the 2... YES 2 houses i would consider living in by the Army post ARE really what they look like in pictures and are still available. If not... well... like I said... Homeless in Oklahoma. At least we know they have good steak. Ugh..

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake


I had no idea they completely updated Strawberry Shortcakes look!? This cake was fondant icing, golden vanilla sponge cake and an amazing strawberry filling made with fresh strawberries, jam and condensed milk. It was yummmmmmy if I do say so myself. Normally I am not an advocate of anything inedible on baked goods- but the fun of getting a toy off of the top of your cake superseded. Happy 4th Birthday little Kate!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Babies and Cupcakes....Mission Accomplished.




I would like to give thanks to coffee, my husband for watching toothy and Hot 97's Old Skool at noon.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Babies and Cupcakes....







Here is a sneak peak at an order I am working on for tomorrow.... nothing earth shattering but really cute. Well atleast I think so. These are some of the cupcake toppers I am making along with a sample red velvet cupcake that they will eventually rest on.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Opening the doors......


I would love to give credit to the creator of this cupcake but the site says it doesn't exist anymore. I by no means plan to bite their creativity. But I do want to thank them for paving the way and reminding me to feel comfortable creating politically inspired cupcakes.... I can see it now....

ideas for cupcake toppers:

a fondant teddy Kennedy, cocktail in hand, wind in hair, stop sign blown.
gumpaste gitmo detainees at the local McDonald's drive thru, enjoying the American dream

no no no... I am JUST KIDDING. My point is, baking is for fun.... imagination... it isn't real life.... EVEN I wouldn't poison something as sweet and innocent as a cupcake with a political message. But it really did get my creative juices flowing.... Anyone working on the Palin 2012 campaign? LOL

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Own it & Embrace it.



My husband often says that when he is 90 he is going to come back to Brooklyn, drive around in his car and just not give a ****. You know, cruise at 3 miles an hour down 18th Avenue, triple park and blast WFAN while cursing in disagreement with whom ever is doing the play by play for whatever sport is being broadcast.

I think lately I have been living his dream, but I am 30 and doing it in traffic on the Belt Parkway. I am a true New Yorker. A product of the 80's and adolescent of the 90's who had truly good hip hop to revel in and can be so brutally honest it may one day get me killed. Having that said, since being exposed to the military and real middle/ southern American culture, my life has changed. The norm for them is new and fresh to me. Things I used to make fun of is actually really unique to me now and enlightening. I love it.

Things like Hello Kitty AK-47's just blow my mind. I thought about ordering one just to see for myself that it was a real gun and that there really is a market for this out there. (http://www.glamguns.com/hk47.html)


So what I have been doing lately as my "New York you have burnt me out and here is my going away present" you ask?

I drive in traffic at rush hour on the Belt Parkway BLASTING country music. I actually really like it and think it really changes up atmosphere. Do the Jamaican cab drivers or Russian mob rings appreciate it? You'd have to ask them.....but do I enjoy their antics? Nope, so karma is a bitch in Brooklyn these days.

Look for me out there, and try it sometime...it's liberating and hysterical.




Happy Sunday Gravy......

Friday, July 31, 2009

My Long Lost sister that I never knew I had.



My childhood friend Alicia saw my blog and linked me up with her friend who is a Bakie like me, Fashion Institute Alum and makes these unbelievable treats and cupcakes. She said we were very alike and would get along... after playing on her site, www.cupcakerehab.com I stumbled upon something that qualifies her for her own post.

"Military Mondays". Enough said. Why can't more people get a clue like she has?

In dedication to you Miss. Cupcake, please enjoy MY American Pride Fondant covered cakes which were dubbed by a crew of 65 yr old Greek men as "A REPUBLICAN CAKE". I prefer conservative, but if my cake triggers you think I have pride in America and it screams don't F*** with us... well then, mission accomplished. Amen.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

My food is better than Rachel Ray's, and again I apologize if it does not send you into cardiac arrest.



















So ok... baking is my business.... but I am an awesome cook. My husband is pretty amazing too... but hell I am flying by the seat of my pants here...so if I'm going to do this wife/mom thing...why not document it right? Plus, you may get some pretty good meals out of it as well....

One thing... you can make my yum yums but if you reprint my recipes I will rip your (inset male or female jewels here) off.

Oh and I am not going to write the little inventory of what you need for the recipe, just read the directions and figure it out.

Fancy Italian Egg Dinner over mixed greens from heaven.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and Pam or butter a glass pie plate to avoid sticking.

  • Start with 8 eggs in a medium glass mixing bowl. This is good for 2 people but you can easily manipulate and add for a bigger baking pan.
  • Whisk the eggs together as you would for an omelet, add 2 teaspoons of water and whisk again.
  • we do things buy eye, but for you "measurers" out there add a teaspoon of Kosher salt, then go do your cross.
  • add 2 teaspoons of chopped basil
  • a splash of hot red pepper flakes. I do not know why, but these will go in just about every recipe I ever post here. It's an Nana's "just because".
  • garlic powder to taste (a dash for you white people)
  • Pepper to taste
Now whisk that all together and set it aside.
  • slice about 6 cherry tomatoes in half
  • a handful of kalamata olives pitted and sliced
  • a handful of sun dried tomato's sliced
set aside the olives and tomatoes in a bowl.
Pour the egg mixture into your greased pie plate and place the sliced cherry tomatoes to your liking. Put in the oven for 20 minutes.

Greens:

  • Use whatever greens you like for your salad, wash the amount you need and spin a salad spinner to dry. Set aside.
  • Pour slightly under 1/4 of a cup of olive oil
  • add 1/8 of a cup of balsamic GLAZE, not vinegar, GLAZE to the oil.
  • a pinch of mustard powder (this is potent, do not use alot)
  • a pinch of garlic powder
whisk all of these ingredients together. once well blended add 3 drops of honey and whisk together and set aside.

Place your dried greens in a large bowl and pour your vinaigrette over the salad. I like to follow the lead of my English language experts at the Pax salad bars in mid-town Manhattan and use tongs to mix my greens. It certainly does get the job done, and quick I must say.

Add your sun dried tomatoes and olives and toss evenly.

*DING*

  • take the baby off the kitchen table
  • set your place settings and serve your man. YEAH RIGHT. LOL

Your eggs should be fully cooked, poke to make sure they are. Plate your greens, cut a beautiful slice of your eggs and place wherever you like. I like to add some Pecorino Romano for some kick but you don't have to.

I am no Jacques Pepin, and sometimes I think my husband may love me a tad more if I said "Oleave Oieeeellllllll" they way he does.....

Enjoy......