I &hearts Chi-Town

Chicago was a blast.  Despite having only been there for 48 hours, I got to take in a good bit of the city, but I can't wait to go back really explore the city.  Wednesday night we dined at Gibsons Steakhouse in downtown Chicago and at the end of the meal the wait staff brings out desserts that were, so kindly, on the house.  That's me holding the biggest slice of Chocolate Turtle Cake I've ever seen!!  It was absolutely delicious and absolutely massive!  Gibson's makes all of their desserts in house and they are extremely popular with the guests.  It seemed like every 5 minutes I would see another amazingly huge yet gorgeous dessert going by.  It was great.

A true Chicago tradition I was lucky enough to experience was Garrett's Popcorn.  Fortunately, a few Chicago natives told me I had to try it when I got to O'Hare Airport.  As I was sitting at my gate, waiting for my delayed flight to board, I looked over and there it was...a Garrett's Popcorn stand.  I felt as thought it was fate that it was literally 100 feet away from me.  The other bonus was that the popcorn is made fresh right in the terminal.  Big plus!  I purchased a small bag of Cashew Caramel Crisp.  I refused to taste it before I got home, but once Curtis and I broke into it after dinner...game over.  15 minutes max, the entire thing was demolished.  Ahh, sweet sugary bliss.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  I'll be working on gathering items for my next Sweets Table photo shoot at the end of January.  More to come on that later.  

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

{Sweet On + Hampton Paper Designs}

Sweet On has teamed up with Hampton Paper Designs Boutique for an exciting event in February.  I can't give away too many of the details now, but you will see some sneak peeks of the project along the way.

Hampton Paper Design was started by a dear friend of mine, Kristin Lombardo Mika.  HPD was created to fill a void that Kristin noticed while shopping for birth announcements for her youngest son.  She was in search of something that offered a perfect balance of style and simplicity with images that were classic.

She called upon her close family friend and talented artist, Lucy Borge.  The two teamed up and on Memorial Day Weekend 2007, their partnership was born (in the Hampton's of course!)

 Now, with over 200 images, Hampton Paper Design offers something for everyone in your life.  Create custom correspondence cards, invitations, journals, notepads, labels, stickers and so much more!  Check out her online store HERE.

Hampton Paper Design has made into the hands and homes of some of the top celebrities!

And 2011 brings even more new exquisite products.  My favorite...Hampton Paper Design wrapping paper!

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Since it is Alzheimer's awareness month, Canadians should take time to reflect how much they really know about Alzheimer's and how they can take steps to prevent the disease. This year, the first wave of baby boomers turns 65 in Canada and the risk of dementia doubles every five years after that. To spread awareness, Alzheimer's Canada has created a test of knowledge for Canadians that we should all try at some point this month. If you want to participate in Alzheimer's awareness month in other ways you can wear purple or purchase any purple paraphrenalia such as ribbons and wristbands.

See Alzheimer Society of Canada

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Home Care Assistance offers the highest quality 24/7 live-in home care in the Region of Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton), Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon) and Hamilton.

Windy City, Here I Come!

I'm Chicago bound today.  Despite it being work related, I'm really looking forward to the trip.  

Check back later today as I have big news about Sweet On's next event!!

Wishing you a fabulous day today.  

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Oh Mister Milk Man....

So, these little guys have to be the cutest thing I've seen in a long time.  And what makes them so over-the-top cute is how SIMPLE they are to make!!  

These Snowman Milk Glasses are the perfect mix of winter and whimsey.

Chances are you may have already seen them on The Today Show when Amy Atlas was featured for a Holiday Dessert Table bit.  Amy was inspired by Chris of Celebrations at Home, who was inspired by THESE from Better Homes and Gardens.  The trend is making it's way around the table decorating scene and being used by the best of them.  I can't wait to make very own little snowy milk men.



All you need is...
Small Milk Glasses (These from Target would work)
Powdered Donut Holes
Straws
Milk, of course

To decorate...
Use chocolate jimmies to press into the doughnuts for the eyes and mouth.  The noses are orange coated sunflower seed pressed into the doughnut and attached with a bit of frosting.

And to make it super duper cute, coordinate the felt scarves with the same color striped straws.  And to finish them off, glue a few buttons to the glass.

So wonderful!


{Photos courtesy of Bakerella}


 I can't wait to make very own little snowy milk men.

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

ICE!

I hope everyone is off to a great 2011!  As most of you rang in the new year on December 31st, we did things a bit differently this year.   My husband had to be up for work at 4am New Year's Day so we decided to celebrate ours on December 30th.  We headed down to the Gaylord National Hotel at the National Harbor to see ICE!  If you live in the DC Metro area and can make it over to the Harbor prior to January 9th,  I highly recommend you do.  The Dr. Suess, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, themed ice sculptures are unlike anything I've ever seen before.  

As we walked around the Harbor, I made sure we visited the Peeps & Company store.  That's right... a Peeps Store.  It's a retail store with every kind of Peep imaginable.  Aaaannd....they have a full on Mike and Ike candy bar on one side of the store and a Hot Tamale candy bar on the opposite side.  Totally awesome!

The show not only included fabulous and super ginormous ice sculptures, it also included a history lesson on Dr. Suess himself and featured some of his original artwork.  Above are a few of my favorites displayed. 

(P.S. - I got in trouble for picking up that little corn on the cob and pretending to eat it.  Ha!)

And, if you are familiar with my new Sweet On Facebook page, you may have seen the mystery picture I posted.  Well, the answer to the puzzle is a giant Peeps Christmas tree!  It stood probably 15 feet tall and made of Peep Christmas trees.  Delish!

And finally, I spotted the Grinch behind the scenes and requested to have my picture taken with him.  Denied!

He said he wouldn't take personal pictures.  How very grinchy of him.

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Moments of 2010

2010 had to be the best year of my life.  This year will be one that I will always remember.  It was full of new beginnings and sad endings, much laughter and joy... and more tears than I care for.  I wouldn't trade it for the world though.  I have learned over time that with the good and the bad in life, there is joy in every moment.  It's just up to you to recognize it. 

The moments captured below are some of my fondest memories from 2010.  

Here's to an amazing 2011.  May this year be the best year yet.  

In loving memory of

Kenneth Charles Bedell

 April 2, 1917 - September 25, 2010

Grandpa, I think of you everyday and miss you with all of my heart.  Thank you for watching over me from the heavens above.

My fireman tillering DCFD's Truck 16.

The Blizzard of 2010 brought 40 inches of snow to Washington, D.C.

And a 30th birthday (hooray for Melissa!) took me and my best friends to Las Vegas!!

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

March 1, 2010, my best friend proposed to me.  I was finally engaged to the man of my dreams.

In late March, my mom flew out from California to help me find my wedding dress, plan for the wedding and with the help of my great friends, threw me a surprise bridal shower.

My nephews, Brady and Charlie visit Curtis at Kentland 33.

Curtis is awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor for saving the life of a fellow fireman.  That evening, he ran another fire with a report of trapped occupants and again made multiple rescues.

Four months were spent planning our wedding.  Curtis and I did a majority of the design, building, and preparation on our own.  So much hard work went into everything, but in the end, our sweat and tears paid off in a big way.

My bachelorette party was such a wonderful night.  I am blessed to have such amazing friends.  I love you all!!

The 4th of July was spent watching our nation's fireworks display at the Iwo Jima Memorial.

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

July 10th ... Our WEDDING DAY!!

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

Married...at last.

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

Our wedding reception brought forth my idea for a Sweets Table, later inspiring my very own blog, Sweet On.  2011 will be full of new designs ... I can't wait to share them with you.  

After our wedding, we went on a "mini-moon".   Curtis surprised me with a long weekend stay an amazing bed and breakfast in Williamsburg, VA: A Williamsburg White House Inn.  I highly recommend this B&B to anyone looking for a weekend getaway.

While we were away on our "mini-moon", Brady not yet 5, competed in his first swim meet.  I am so proud of him.  And watch out folks, the Begin/Tucker aquatic genes are here to dominate.

In August, my sister-in-law, Brittany (15) was invited to compete in Virginia's National American Miss pageant.  She did a fantastic job, certainly better than I could have done at that age.  She is destined for great things...I'm so excited for her.

The weekend of September 25th brought the greatest weekend and one of the worst phone calls of my life.  Curtis surprised me (he is full of surprises!) and took me to Cedar Point, the number one rated amusement park on the plant.  (It also meant I got to have breakfast in a weirdly lit breakfast joint decorated in spider webs and bats.  Totally odd yet still amazing.)  At the end of the weekend I received a phone call from my Mom letting me know that my Grandpa had passed away.  It made for a bittersweet memory.

Brady turned 5 and Carrie threw a great Cowboy themed party with mustaches, bandanas and all!

In October, Curtis and I traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica for our honeymoon.  What an amazing week.  My advice for all of you soon-to-be brides, postpone your honeymoon until a few weeks or months after your wedding.  I know, it sounds crazy, but I promise you will be much more relaxed and able to truly enjoy your honeymoon versus departing the day after your wedding when you are exhausted and delirious.  It was the best decision we could have made.

In November the entire family traveled to Carmel, CA to remember and celebrate my Grandfather's life.  I am so thankful we could all be together to support my Mom during this difficult time and comfort my Grandmother.  Times like this prove that without family, you have nothing.

December brought new traditions, lots of baking, decorating and a decent fire or two.

Thank you to my family and friends for your constant love and support.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Be Sweet.

-Kristy