Photography By Arina Lanis
Big thanks to our Test Kitchen testers — Lena and Kristi 

Ahhh, Mother’s Day… I love this holiday!  When I was younger and without children, I have to admit, I didn’t pay much attention to this day.  I’m ashamed to say that I would send my mom some flowers and call it a day!  But after the birth of my children and experiencing the role of a “mom”, I realized that this day is so much more special than I could have ever imagined.  I feel blessed to have an incredible mom and privileged to experience the most important role in my life, motherhood!  Without a doubt, I have grown to honor and love this holiday.

This year, I decided to come up with some great and easy (of course) recipes that are perfect to enjoy on Mother’s Day (for those of you cooking for your moms) or to all the moms out there looking for recipes which can be enjoyed year round.  Our delicious “EASY LEMON CHEESECAKE” is absolutely unforgettable!  The “HEART BISCUITS” are super simple and will be a hit at your table.  They are great for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to show a little love at the table.  The “MINTY PEACH BELLINIS” will be a hit… I promise.  This drink is sweet, light, and refreshing!  The “HAIL CAESAR APPETIZERS” are always a favorite.  Last but not least, the “LAYERED YOGURT CHICKEN SALAD” is a meal in itself!  Your guests will love you for feeding them something healthy, filling, and unforgettable.  Enjoy!!

Photography By Arina Lanis
Styling by Sandra Meyer of Petals Galore 

Spring is here and I just love it!  I was going through my old photos from past photo shoots and found this collage which I created after I photographed a Citrus Themed Wedding created by my wonderful friend and floral diva, Sandra Fulton from Petals Galore!  This woman is incredible.  I asked her if she could create a fun wreath and centerpiece with a citrus theme.  Not only did she hit the mark, but she absolutely went above and beyond… plus threw in a bouquet as well!  I can stare at this collage forever and not get tired of it!  Wouldn’t this design theme be perfect for a wedding, Easter, or Mother’s Day? LOVE!!!!

I just love this Sangria recipe from The Porch in Soulard, a wine and gift boutique. I am planning on trying this ASAP!!!

Photography by Arina Lanis

Easter is tomorrow and I decided to get my boys and one of their friends together to make some fun Easter eggs and decorate cupcakes.  I checked out Pinterest to get ideas for decorating and we decided to use rubber bands and paper hole punch protectors.  We may not have been very successful with creating perfect eggs and cupcakes but we were successful in having a fun time and creating wonderful memories.

We were very lucky to have been invited to Channel 4′s Great Day St. Louis to showcase our two delicious recipes for St. Patrick’s Day.  We featured the very healthy and green Luck of the Irish – Emerald Salad and delicious Dublin Deviled Eggs.

Below is a link to our segment, in case you want to see the recipes.  They are great for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime of the year. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO or click on the image below.

The crew on Great Day St. Louis, as always, made us feel at home and relaxed.  I was interviewed by Matt Chambers, one of the hosts on Great Day, and he had me laughing throughout my interview.  Many people have asked me before if Matt is as funny in person as he is on camera and the answer is YES!!!  Matt is one of the nicest people I have ever worked with.  And the segments I did with Carol have always been fun… if you’ve ever been on Great Day, you know that Carol has this incredible ability to make you feel relaxed.  Although I have never worked with Virginia and Kent, they also seem to be very nice and funny.

Big kudos goes out to Karen Hohlen, our Partytipz.com sous chef and assistant for the day.  Karen made sure everything was set-up properly and looked beautiful… she did a great job!

We’ve received e-mails with questions in regards to where we got some of our items for our set-up.  Here is a list of retailers who helped us make our segment look great.

Thanks to Mary Tuttle’s for the plates, silverwear, topiary trees, and jute rug (we used for a placemat).  They also provided the beaded Mariposa tray for the cookies. The dragonfly napkin ring actually had wings which moved!

Colleen’s Cookies provided the St. Patrick’s Day themed cookies.  They didn’t make it on camera, but were winners nevertheless!

Petals Galore provided the adorable three leaf clover arrangement in a silver mint julep cup (in front of the topiary trees).  I have never seen a three leaf clover plant, so it was incredible to see the flowers they produced and how gorgeous it can be as a centerpiece on St. Patrick’s day.  I believe they are only about $3.50 a plant, so they are cost effective as well!

St. Louis is a very lucky city to be home to Amelia’s Fine Linen.  In the hustle and bustle of Chesterfield Commons, there is a quiet and serene store which will envelope you in relaxation and zen.  Amelia’s Fine Linen is like no other store.  Filled with beautiful items for bed and bath, Amelia’s will take your breath away.  The next time you are shopping in Chesterfield, make sure to stop by this bedding oasis!

Visit Amelia’s Fine Linen on the web:   www.ameliaslinens.com
Stop by the store:  17401 Baxter Rd.  Chesterfield, MO
Call her:  (636) 728-0455
Find them on Facebook and Twitter

1. Nothing says spring more than Amberly Dress $228

2. Leave it to Ralph Lauren to make us turn green with envy! A must have this spring! Ralph Lauren
   Suede Wrap Bracelet, Green – $195

3. If you had the Luck of the Irish, you would certainly smile finding this Isola Oasis Wedge Sandals at the end of the rainbow. Available at Macy’s $149

4. Gorgeous invitation from The Aerialist Press

5. Get your sweet tooth ready for these Pastel Petits Fours- $38

6. Kate Spade New York ‘daycation’ coated canvas bon shopper- $148

Driving down Forsyth you’ll see many businesses, but none with as cute of an awning as Colleen’s Cookies!  The black with white polka-dot awning isn’t the only creative element which draws people to this cookie mecca.  Her warm  atmosphere, both inside and out, invite customers to stop in, peek inside, and indulge their palates with a delicious treat from Colleen’s vast array of sweet selections.

Colleen has baked custom cookies for 10 years in her production kitchen and just over a year ago opened up her own store-front and a large production kitchen in Clayton.  Although her shop is a must-see, her cookies are by far a must-taste!  Colleen’s creations can be described as  tasty self-expressions.  However, creating something that is reflective of her customer’s personality is definitely her speciality.  Her clients can literally unleash their imaginations.  From designing cookies that look like Malibu Rum bottles, happy faces, daisies, to creating her own whoopie pies, ice-cream sandwiches, and her latest addition, decorated cookie cakes.  Colleen can tackle just about any vision and transform it into something sweet and delicious.  Stop by her web site and don’t forget to subscribe to her monthly e-blast filled with great stories, tips, and recipes.

Visit Colleen’s Cookies on the web:   www.colleenscookies.com
Stop by the shop:  7337 Forsyth Boulevard  St. Louis, MO 63105
Call her:  (314) 727-8427

Happy February! It’s true, the color red gets a lot of attention. First, we decorate and envelope our houses with reds during the Christmas season. Then, comes Valentine’s Day and yet again, we find ourselves experiencing this color. But we can’t complain. Red is a powerful color that brings out so many beautiful emotions… love, courage, passion! Why not enjoy it month after month in one way or another. Here are 9 of our most favorite red things this February!

1. We all have dreams…including us! Shailene Dress Lanvin
   Feather – Applique Halter Gown – $17,050

2. One word…WOW!!! Yves Saint Laurent ‘Palais’ Platform Pump – $795

3. What would you pay for adorable? What about as low as .36 per card! Available at Lace Photography

4. Call Mary Tuttle’s for this arrangement…perfect to send to someone you love or order as a centerpiece for your Valentine’s table. Teleflora’s Sweet Thoughts Bouquet with Red Roses- $50

5. Wedding bells don’t have to ring in order for you to enjoy this Essie ‘The Wedding Collection’ Nail Polish- $8

6. Stop traffic wearing this M·A·C ‘Pro Longwear’ Lip Pencil- $26

7. Gorgeous Etsy 14k Valentines Day Earrings- $235

8. MMMMM… perfect for Valentine’s Day indulgence Chocolate Raspberry Cake – $65

9. Perfect for a cold February night “High Road” Bed Linens

There are many reasons to celebrate the new year, including the assignment of a new PMS color of the year… Tangerine Tango!  The folks at Pantone, the color authorities have chosen Tangerine Tango as the color for 2012.   It’s a happy, vibrant color that will put a smile on your face and lift your spirits… no matter if you are wearing it, decorating your home with it, or inspired by it for your next special event.  We chose some beautiful items that bring a touch of Tangerine Tango to your life.

1. Looking glamorous is easy in this gorgeous Shailene Dress from Lilly Pulitzer – $298

2. Feeling exotic with these gorgeous TopShop LOVE Colour Block Suede Sandal – $99

3. You can’t go wrong with Trish McEvoy Beauty Emergency Card for Lips Be Prepared Pink- $32

4. Everyone will attend your soirée when you send them these gorgeous Modern Playbill Wedding Invitations

5. I’m in love with this Marc by Marc Jacobs Exploded Katie Bracelet- $128

6. CHANEL ORANGE FIZZ LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR- $26

7. Stunning coral ring from Overstock.com

8. Beautiful tablescape by Southern Accents

9. Orange Pillows

10. Delicious custom cookies which can be designed in any PMS color from Colleen’s Cookies