Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Red Velvet Cupcakes

I brag about my sweet tooth all the time, but I rarely get a chance to tout my stove top victories. Yesterday, I baked Pinch My Salt's red velvet cupcake recipe for my loved ones OK, for myself. These suckers were moist with the right amount of cocoa. I added more powdered sugar, vanilla extract and food coloring where I saw fit. Surprisingly, wasn't as messy as I thought. I tried to prep prior to baking (that's a stretch for me)!

I have yet to meet one person that doesn't like red velvet, but its great for birthdays and Valentine's Day.
Read on for the recipe for the cupcakes and frosting:

Friday, July 30, 2010

Get Wiggy With It!

Yea... I know that was a complete cheesy post title, but that's how I roll :-D ::combing bangs over my forehead to hide the big "DORK" stamp::  Anyways, I was watching the ever-quirky Wendy "How You Doin?!" Williams Show and she was talking about throwing parties for weaves and wigs and that got me thinking about how fun that could be! 


This is a fun theme for an over-the-top birthday or bachelorette party. I'm one for dramatics, I think it would be cool to debut a new haircut! 

Wrightfully Certified Bakery & Themed Baby Shower

I am blogging about cake for selfish reason, 1) because I have a  hankering for some and 2) I wanted to share my BFF's baby shower cake! When I designed it, I never thought it would come to fruition, let alone taste so yummy if constructed so beautifully. 





Friday, July 23, 2010

Wrightfully Social is Down...

Hi all, 

I am trying to do this whole HTML configuration/web design stuff all by my lonesome. So naturally, there's gonna be some glitches. The site is down as I'm trying to switch it to the blog format. Anyways. I'll give you all the heads up when I'm up and running. Thanks for your continued support and patience!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Birds of a Feather Know How to Party!

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Peacock feathers can add a bold, elegant statement to any party. In different cultures, peacocks are revered and represent luck, beauty, fortune and courtship, which makes the incorporation of their feathers perfect for just about every celebration!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

A Luvabull Party: Wishing for Chicago to Sign Lebron

Surely, every basketball lover's eyes will be glued to ESPN tonight when Lebron James announces what team he'll sign with. Of course, I'm rooting for the Second City's franchise,  the Chicago Bulls to get the prized player. When he DOES sign, you can celebrate with these Chicago Bulls themed party inspirations.
 Photo Credit: IGN

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Pearls of Wisdom Party: Part II

Earlier this week I shared my granny's birthday party, you can check out Part I for all the decoration details. Now for the yummy part....

Monday, July 5, 2010

Pearls of Wisdom Party: Part I

My grandmother turned 81 years old young last week. To celebrate, I planned a pearl themed party to honor  the pearls of wisdom she has provided our family and showcase her love for pearls (which also happens to be her birthstone)!

This party also marks the first time our small family has been together in more than a decade, so I hired a photographer to take family portraits while I snapped candids.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

More Than Stars & Stripes

As you begin prepping your 4th of July celebration think beyond stars and stripes.

Guests can cool down with Baskin-Robbins' seasonal treat America's Birthday Cake ice cream cake. It's my favorite indulgence next to Snickerdoodles. (I also have a soft spot for BR since it was my first job).

Party City is having an AMAZING sale on summer party items. You can get 24 plastic forks and knives for $0.99 or coordinating napkins like these polka dot napkins (also available in baby blue).


Saturday, June 26, 2010

Candy Coated Celebrations

Want to throw a super shindig for your sweetie? Celebrate a candy lover? Try some of these party inspirations to make your party a Wrightful celebration! 

You can definitely make your guests feel like they are walking into a candy store with this colorful wreath made out of balloons!

HowDoesShe.com has instructions for creating this crafty and affordable accessory. You can use it as a door accessory or a wall decoration.
Hang a colorful Pier 1 paper lantern with matching lanterns in various colors to transform an ordinary room into Willy Wonka's candy (or was it a chocolate) factory.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Celebrate Michael Jackson's Life

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since Michael Jackson's passing. If you have you want to pay homage to the King of Pop check out some of these party-starting ideas below.
Photo Credit: Vintage Blue

IT"S ALL ABOUT THE GLOVE! 
This was a signature part of Jackson's look and persona. Instead of wearing it, incorporate it into party decor. Use it in a centerpiece along with a fedora, sunglasses and black dancing shoes alongside a framed picture of Michael Jackson.

FILLERS  & THRILLERS
Shake up your party by hosting a Thriller dance contest. Play the music and see who can recreate the choreography from the legendary video best. Party goers can serve as judges.Whoever wins gets crowned as the "King (or Queen) of Party"! Use the same concept to see who's the best moonwalker!

MJ JAMS:
Any tribute to the music icon would not be complete without playing some of his hits. His music spans decades and transcends generations. You should have no problem finding "Best of...", "#1s", and covers of his greatest hits. Here's some of my fave MJ songs:

  • "Man in the Mirror"
  • "Music & Me"
  • "Butterflies"
  • "P.Y.T."
  • "Will You Be There"
  • "Heaven Can Wait"
  • "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough"
  • (and of course) "Thriller"

What are your favorite MJ tunes? 

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Dear Recipe Girl...You ROCK For This!

I have many indulgences, but Snickerdoodle cookies are the bee's knees for me. So when I found a divine blogger by the name of Recipe Girl's recipe for Snickerdoodle CUPCAKES, I fainted!
Photo Credit: Recipe Girl

These looks absolutely delish! I think this will be a perfect desert for my granny's upcoming birthday celebration that I'll feature in the coming weeks. I'm a little scared since my last kitchen endeavor started off rocky. 

You can check out the recipe and more pics here and here.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Aloha to Summer Celebrations

Luaus are popular for summer partying. You can use this theme to celebrate birthdays, summer holidays, family reunions and much more! Additionally, you can find many decorations at party stores on sale! Check out some of my suggestions below for creating your own party paradise!

True Blood Watch Party


You might remember my post from last year on hosting a True Blood themed party. Well I hosted one for the June 13th premiere! The party easy to pull together since there were only eight guests. 

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Too cute for words

I come across this super adorable party on the "Party Dress" blog and had to share. Perf for celebrating your little special guy's birthday.
little man birthday party ideas
See the deetz to this party here.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Trying to Conquer a Fear

One of the things I love about Spring is all of the colorful party ideas, themes, and celebrations. However, if there is one thing that I hate fear most, its bugs! Unfortunately,  the Spring brings Butterfly birthday parties and Ladybug Luncheons. Things that I could never participate in because I have a HUGE phobia of all creepy crawlers (and fliers). 

I see all the gorgeous decorations and ideas, but hate to see these supposedly graceful winged insects and cringe. I hope to get over this fear someday, but for now its paralyzing. 
Despite this fear, I found these gorgeous party ideas and decorations.



This hanging butterfly (also available in orange, pictured above) comes from Save On Crafts. Its perfect for a fun eye-catching hanging decoration. 

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Karate Kid Bash

Earlier this week, Victoria Beckham was on "The View" discussing possible birthday party ideas for her son. She mentioned a martial arts theme and that got my gears working! This would be an awesome theme for kids enrolled in martial arts classes or celebrating the various degrees of belts.
Create an Asian inspired tablescape with a red tablecover. Buy black plates, cups, and cutlery for contrast. Check out this beautiful cake (pictured above) by Paula Surrette. You can find Asian-inspired tea votive holders just about anywhere.

Restaurant Week is here!

The 3rd Annual Restaurant Week starts tomorrow! From February 19th to the 28th, you can eat at some of Chicago's top restaurants without worrying about sky high bills! Have lunch for $22 or dinner for $32. Participating restaurants can be found here. I came across this event on Chicago RSVP, Big City Bridal's blog.
Whether its a girls night out, date night, or trial run make it a go of Chicago's Restaurant Week. It is a MUST DO for the sophisticated foodie and those who want variety and value.  You can find restaurants from all over, but mostly River North and Northside.

I have listed my favorite restaurants below:

  • Hard Rock Cafe - a great variety
  • N9ne - for a hearty but gourmet steak
  • Rockit Bar & Grill - some of the best burgers in town
  • Carnivale - fabulous empanadas
  • Zapatista - fajitas to die for
What's your recommendation?

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Some gems I came across while I was away!

Since my Winter Wonderland event, TWO of my laptops have failed me. One has a virus and the other is just broken! That said, I have to thank my readers for your patience despite my absence.

Just because I've been away doesn't mean I haven't had you all in mind. I found some really cool sites to check out until my return later this month.

For those of you that don't want to dedicate a huge portion of your event's budget to flowers, try to make them yourself with these whimsical ideas (and instructions). Did I mention they were paper? Try using patterned paper for a funky bouquet:

For those of you hosting celebrations for the Super Bowl, click here for some tasty cupcake recipes.

My godson will be celebrating his 1st birthday and I will be hosting a super cute intimate Cookie monster party for him. Also, I will be planning a birthday party later this Spring and hope to have preparation pictures up soon.

Again, thanks for baring with Wrightfully Social! See you soon!