(1120,3,'2014-05-06 13:27:34','2014-05-06 13:27:34','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9258-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1115\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9258-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When I found out that Ben\'s cousin\'s wife was having a gender reveal party, I practically begged her to let me make the cake.  I have been dying to make one of this ever since I saw one on Facebook a couple of years back.  I don\'t know why, but it just seems like a fun idea.  And, I do love any excuse for a party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9247-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1114\" alt=\"buttercream ruffle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9247-2.jpg\" width=\"385\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Since the outside of the cake is supposed to be all white, and the inside is colored pink or blue to reveal the gender of the baby, I decided to try a new buttercream icing technique: the ruffle.  I can\'t find the tutorial I watched, but it was similar to <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP9rnWMYYUU\">this one</a>.  (I wish I would have watched the one I linked to because I like how she did the top better than the way I did.)  The buttercream ruffle requires a pastry bag, a petal tip and patience.  It is surprisingly easy to pipe the ruffles onto the cake in an even, symmetrical way.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9330-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1116\" alt=\"it\'s a boy!\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9330-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose to make a cake filled with candies similar to the one I saw on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/kgboehm/gender-reveal-cake/\">Pinterest </a>from the <a href=\"http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/surprise-on-the-inside-gender-reveal-cake/cbda6a71-5169-4cf0-8e21-fb01c86160ba\">Betty Crocker</a> site.  This way seemed so much more dramatic than simply revealing cake dyed pink or blue.  And, it was!  Most guests at the party were confused when a little bit of white cake appeared and even more shocked when the blue candies spilled out everywhere.  It\'s a boy!!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9338-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1118\" alt=\"betty crocker gender reveal cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9338-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I found that the best place to buy colored candies for this type of event is <a href=\"http://www.partycity.com/\">Party City</a>.  They have a wide selection of both colors and candies for a more reasonable price than your local sweets shop.  I bought several bags of different shapes and colors of blue so that I can use the extras for a baby sprinkle I am helping to host.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9334-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1117\" alt=\"gender reveal party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9334-2.jpg\" width=\"309\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose to make a pink and blue banner with paper cutouts of onesies.  It was too cute (if I don\'t say so myself!) and matched the mom-to-be\'s decor perfectly.  Notice how the little banner mirrors the big one hanging in the background.   (The cake stand with pink ribbon was leftover from O\'s birthday party and matched the color theme, but we did have to tell everybody that it wasn\'t necessarily an indicator of the gender!)  This is one of my favorite shots from the party since the cake banner is centered directly in front of her newly sprouted bump, drawing our eyes right to it.  Congratulations, Chris and Ashley!  Can\'t wait to meet your bouncing baby boy later this year!</p>','Gender Reveal: It\'s a BOY!','','inherit','open','closed','','1113-revision-v1','','','2014-05-06 13:27:34','2014-05-06 13:27:34','',1113,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1120-1113-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1119,3,'2014-05-06 13:26:57','2014-05-06 13:26:57','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9258-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1115\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9258-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When I found out that Ben\'s cousin\'s wife was having a gender reveal party, I practically begged her to let me make the cake.  I have been dying to make one of this ever since I saw one on Facebook a couple of years back.  I don\'t know why, but it just seems like a fun idea.  And, I do love any excuse for a party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9247-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1114\" alt=\"buttercream ruffle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9247-2.jpg\" width=\"385\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Since the outside of the cake is supposed to be all white, and the inside is colored pink or blue to reveal the gender of the baby, I decided to try a new buttercream icing technique: the ruffle.  I can\'t find the tutorial I watched, but it was similar to <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP9rnWMYYUU\">this one</a>.  (I wish I would have watched the one I linked to because I like how she did the top better than the way I did.)  The buttercream ruffle requires a pastry bag, a petal tip and patience.  It is surprisingly easy to pipe the ruffles onto the cake in an even, symmetrical way.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9330-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1116\" alt=\"it\'s a boy!\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9330-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose to make a cake filled with candies similar to the one I saw on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/kgboehm/gender-reveal-cake/\">Pinterest </a>from the <a href=\"http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/surprise-on-the-inside-gender-reveal-cake/cbda6a71-5169-4cf0-8e21-fb01c86160ba\">Betty Crocker</a> site.  This way seemed so much more dramatic than simply revealing cake dyed pink or blue.  And, it was!  Most guests at the party were confused when a little bit of white cake appeared and even more shocked when the blue candies spilled out everywhere.  It\'s a boy!!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9338-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1118\" alt=\"betty crocker gender reveal cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9338-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I found that the best place to buy colored candies for this type of event is <a href=\"http://www.partycity.com/\">Party City</a>.  They have a wide selection of both colors and candies for a more reasonable price than your local sweets shop.  I bought several bags of different shapes and colors of blue so that I can use the extras for a baby sprinkle I am helping to host.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9334-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1117\" alt=\"gender reveal party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMGP9334-2.jpg\" width=\"309\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose to make a pink and blue banner with paper cutouts of onesies.  It was too cute (if I don\'t say so myself!) and matched the mom-to-be\'s decor perfectly.  Notice how the little banner mirrors the big one hanging in the background.   (The cake stand with pink ribbon was leftover from O\'s birthday party and matched the color theme, but we did have to tell everybody that it wasn\'t necessarily an indicator of the gender!)  This is one of my favorite shots from the party since the cake banner is centered directly in front of her newly sprouted bump, drawing our eyes right to it.  Congratulations, Chris and Ashley!  Can\'t wait to meet your bouncing baby boy later this year!</p>','Gender Reveal: It\'s a BOY!','','inherit','open','closed','','1113-revision-v1','','','2014-05-06 13:26:57','2014-05-06 13:26:57','',1113,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1119-1113-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1404,3,'2015-02-08 04:38:29','2015-02-08 04:38:29','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1405\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-1.jpg\" alt=\"pink cupcakes for baby girl sprinkle shower\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>My very excellent mother, with the help of a dear friend of mine, threw me the most fabulous little sprinkle of a shower to celebrate and welcome our 2nd baby girl.  The woman is amazing.  She can throw a perfect party without even a glance at Pinterest.  Mom indulged my request to finally just \"show up as a guest without doing all the work.\"  Still, I insisted that I bring the sweets.  It\'s amazing how much pleasure can be derived from making a simple batch of cupcakes when you only have to make a couple dozen.  I special ordered a mix of pink, brown and white sprinkles to match our nursery decor and top off these chocolate cupcakes with pink vanilla buttercream.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-8.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1406\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-8.jpg\" alt=\"sprinkle  shower\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It felt a little excessive and indulgent to throw a mini baby shower for our 2nd girl, but the truth is that when you had to work as hard as we did to get here, you want to celebrate each and every moment.  An enormous thank you to all that came to be with us and sprinkled me with such generosity.  I am overwhelmed and feel so very loved...just like this precious baby whom I CANNOT wait to meet.</p>','A sprinkle shower of my very own','','publish','open','closed','','a-sprinkle-shower-of-my-very-own','','','2015-02-08 04:38:29','2015-02-08 04:38:29','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1404',0,'post','',0),(1123,3,'2014-06-11 11:29:31','2014-06-11 11:29:31','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1129\" alt=\"strawberry romanoff\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It has been quite some time since I posted.  Thankfully, the weather has improved greatly in the last few weeks, giving us reason to step away from our electronic devices.  May flew by in the blink of an eye.  We started the month out with a gender reveal party in Springfield and cruised right into garage sale weekend.  What an event that was!  So much work for a modest payoff.  But, despite the winter precip IN MAY!!, we did bank quite a few dollars for our upcoming IVF cycle.  We are eternally grateful to all of those who helped.  By the way, due to the large amount of leftover garage sale inventory, we are trying again this Friday, June 13.  Stop by and see us!  (Message me for details.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1127\" alt=\"magic kingdom at dusk\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We closed out the month in a magical way: a week in Florida, complete with one crazy 14-hour day at Disney.  Needless to say, my princess-loving little girl was over the moon with joy.  We are so thankful to my in-laws who made the whole trip possible for us at a time when we truly needed some relaxation but wouldn\'t have been able to go without their financial support.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1128\" alt=\"leeks with vinaigrette\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Post-vacation days are always hectic, filled with lots of catch-up work and a return to normalcy.  I\'ve been shooting countless photos per week (and happy to be doing so).  This little beauty, leeks with vinaigrette, makes a light summer side but would really be great any time of year.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1124\" alt=\"summer pudding\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It\'s not often that I make something totally unfamiliar to me, but this was my very first experience with the British classic, <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-summer-pudding/mdVvHeR8DE3BSPulg1yskJ/story.html\">summer pudding.  </a>  I must say that I was surprised how delicious bread soaked with berry juices and topped with whipped cream could be.  I suppose there is good reason it is a classic.  This is a great option for UPick berries, but I wouldn\'t attempt it with pale supermarket fruit.  You just won\'t get that striking dyed effect.  All that said, I do think I prefer the <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-shortcake-romanoff/E8vu0pQ6Q9iOBR0wd9AjVP/story.html\">strawberry shortcake Romanoff</a> (pictured above).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1125\" alt=\"poppies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Another first for us was visiting <a href=\"http://www.cantigny.org/\">Cantigny </a>and their formal gardens.  Wow.  The place is incredible.  For only a $5 parking fee, you can spend the whole day wandering the grounds and enjoying the views.  There are hundreds of picnic tables as well as a small cafe and several museums.  I can\'t believe we have never been, but I will surely go again.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1126\" alt=\"cantigny\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We have so much more planned for this summer.  I\'ll be blogging periodically to keep track of the big stuff.  But, mostly, we plan to enjoy ourselves and the decent weather.  Oh, and we\'ll be working on that small but mighty task of making another baby: we\'ve been approved for a late June IVF start date.  Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.  This is it.</p>','Summer weather','','publish','open','closed','','summer-weather','','','2014-06-19 21:13:24','2014-06-19 21:13:24','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1123',0,'post','',1),(1124,3,'2014-06-11 11:08:31','2014-06-11 11:08:31','','summer pudding','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0031-2','','','2014-06-11 11:08:31','2014-06-11 11:08:31','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1125,3,'2014-06-11 11:08:32','2014-06-11 11:08:32','','poppies','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0093-2','','','2014-06-11 11:08:32','2014-06-11 11:08:32','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1126,3,'2014-06-11 11:08:33','2014-06-11 11:08:33','','cantigny','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0097-2','','','2014-06-11 11:08:33','2014-06-11 11:08:33','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1127,3,'2014-06-11 11:08:33','2014-06-11 11:08:33','','magic kingdom at dusk','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0107-2','','','2014-06-11 11:08:33','2014-06-11 11:08:33','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1128,3,'2014-06-11 11:08:34','2014-06-11 11:08:34','','leeks with vinaigrette','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0167-2','','','2014-06-11 11:08:34','2014-06-11 11:08:34','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1129,3,'2014-06-11 11:08:35','2014-06-11 11:08:35','','strawberry romanoff','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0283-2','','','2014-06-11 11:08:35','2014-06-11 11:08:35','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1131,3,'2014-06-11 11:30:09','2014-06-11 11:30:09','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1129\" alt=\"strawberry romanoff\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It has been quite some time since I posted.  Thankfully, the weather has improved greatly in the last few weeks, giving us reason to step away from our electronic devices.  May flew by in the blink of an eye.  We started the month out with a gender reveal party in Springfield and cruised right into garage sale weekend.  What an event that was!  So much work for a modest payoff.  But, despite the winter precip IN MAY!!, we did bank quite a few dollars for our upcoming IVF cycle.  We are eternally grateful to all of those who helped.  By the way, due to the large amount of leftover garage sale inventory, we are trying again this Friday, June 13.  Stop by and see us!  (Message me for details.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1127\" alt=\"magic kingdom at dusk\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We closed out the month in a magical way: a week in Florida, complete with one crazy 14-hour day at Disney.  Needless to say, my princess-loving little girl was over the moon with joy.  We are so thankful to my in-laws who made the whole trip possible for us at a time when we truly needed some relaxation but wouldn\'t have been able to go without their financial support.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1128\" alt=\"leeks with vinaigrette\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Post-vacation days are always hectic, filled with lots of catch-up work and a return to normalcy.  I\'ve been shooting countless photos per week (and happy to be doing so).  This little beauty, leeks with vinaigrette, makes a light summer side but would really be great any time of year.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1124\" alt=\"summer pudding\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It\'s not often that I make something totally unfamiliar to me, but this was my very first experience with the British classic, <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-summer-pudding/mdVvHeR8DE3BSPulg1yskJ/story.html\">summer pudding.  </a>  I must say that I was surprised how delicious bread soaked with berry juices and topped with whipped cream could be.  I suppose there is good reason it is a classic.  This is a great option for UPick berries, but I wouldn\'t attempt it with pale supermarket fruit.  You just won\'t get that striking dyed effect.  All that said, I do think I prefer the <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-shortcake-romanoff/E8vu0pQ6Q9iOBR0wd9AjVP/story.html\">strawberry shortcake Romanoff</a> (pictured above).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1125\" alt=\"poppies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Another first for us was visiting <a href=\"http://www.cantigny.org/\">Cantigny </a>and their formal gardens.  Wow.  The place is incredible.  For only a $5 parking fee, you can spend the whole day wandering the grounds and enjoying the views.  There are hundreds of picnic tables as well as a small cafe and several museums.  I can\'t believe we have never been, but I will surely go again.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1126\" alt=\"cantigny\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We have so much more planned for this summer.  I\'ll be blogging periodically to keep track of the big stuff.  But, mostly, we plan to enjoy ourselves and the decent weather.  Oh, and we\'ll be working on that small but mighty task of making another baby: we\'ve been approved for a late June IVF start date.  Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.  This is it.</p>','Summer weather','','inherit','open','closed','','1123-revision-v1','','','2014-06-11 11:30:09','2014-06-11 11:30:09','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1131-1123-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1130,3,'2014-06-11 11:29:31','2014-06-11 11:29:31','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1129\" alt=\"strawberry romanoff\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0283-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It has been quite some time since I posted.  Thankfully, the weather has improved greatly in the last few weeks, giving us reason to step away from our electronic devices.  May flew by in the blink of an eye.  We started the month out with a gender reveal party in Springfield and cruised right into garage sale weekend.  What an event that was!  So much work for a modest payoff.  But, despite the winter precip IN MAY!!, we did bank quite a few dollars for our upcoming IVF cycle.  We are eternally grateful to all of those who helped.  By the way, due to the large amount of leftover garage sale inventory, we are trying again this Friday, June 13.  Stop by and see us!  (Message me for details.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1127\" alt=\"magic kingdom at dusk\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0107-2.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We closed out the month in a magical way: a week in Florida, complete with one crazy 14-hour day at Disney.  Needless to say, my princess-loving little girl was over the moon with joy.  We are so thankful to my in-laws who made the whole trip possible for us at a time when we truly needed some relaxation but wouldn\'t have been able to go without their financial support.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1128\" alt=\"leeks with vinaigrette\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0167-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Post-vacation days are always hectic, filled with lots of catch-up work and a return to normalcy.  I\'ve been shooting countless photos per week (and happy to be doing so).  This little beauty, leeks with vinaigrette, makes a light summer side but would really be great any time of year.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1124\" alt=\"summer pudding\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0031-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It\'s not often that I make something totally unfamiliar to me, but this was my very first experience with the British classic, <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-summer-pudding/mdVvHeR8DE3BSPulg1yskJ/story.html\">summer pudding.  </a>  I must say that I was surprised how delicious bread soaked with berry juices and topped with whipped cream could be.  I suppose there is good reason it is a classic.  This is a great option for UPick berries, but I wouldn\'t attempt it with pale supermarket fruit.  You just won\'t get that striking dyed effect.  All that said, I do think I prefer the <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/10/recipe-for-strawberry-shortcake-romanoff/E8vu0pQ6Q9iOBR0wd9AjVP/story.html\">strawberry shortcake Romanoff</a> (pictured above).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1125\" alt=\"poppies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0093-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Another first for us was visiting <a href=\"http://www.cantigny.org/\">Cantigny </a>and their formal gardens.  Wow.  The place is incredible.  For only a $5 parking fee, you can spend the whole day wandering the grounds and enjoying the views.  There are hundreds of picnic tables as well as a small cafe and several museums.  I can\'t believe we have never been, but I will surely go again.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1126\" alt=\"cantigny\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0097-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We have so much more planned for this summer.  I\'ll be blogging periodically to keep track of the big stuff.  But, mostly, we plan to enjoy ourselves and the decent weather.  Oh, and we\'ll be working on that small but mighty task of making another baby: we\'ve been approved for a late June IVF start date.  Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.  This is it.</p>','Summer weather','','inherit','open','closed','','1123-revision-v1','','','2014-06-11 11:29:31','2014-06-11 11:29:31','',1123,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1130-1123-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1134,3,'2014-06-18 20:52:23','2014-06-18 20:52:23','','icing smiles','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0457-2','','','2014-06-18 20:52:23','2014-06-18 20:52:23','',1133,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0457-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1135,3,'2014-06-18 20:52:24','2014-06-18 20:52:24','','my little pony cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0458-2','','','2014-06-18 20:52:24','2014-06-18 20:52:24','',1133,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0458-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1136,3,'2014-06-18 20:52:24','2014-06-18 20:52:24','','my little pony cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0464-2','','','2014-06-18 20:52:24','2014-06-18 20:52:24','',1133,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0464-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1138,3,'2014-06-18 20:58:25','2014-06-18 20:58:25','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0457-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1134\" alt=\"icing smiles\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0457-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is the 3rd cake that I made for <a href=\"http://www.icingsmiles.org/\">Icing Smiles</a>.  I absolutely love being involved with their organization.  The commitment is minimal, I get to volunteer to help out some very deserving kids, and I can practice my skills.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0458-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1135\" alt=\"my little pony cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0458-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">6 year old Joleena requested a My Little Pony Cake.  Since sculpting is not my thing, I added a few real My Little Ponies to the cake for her to keep once the celebration was over.  The cake is my specialty: chocolate with raspberry filling and vanilla buttercream.  I hope she and her friends really enjoyed it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0464-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"my little pony cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0464-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>','Icing Smiles','','inherit','open','closed','','1133-revision-v1','','','2014-06-18 20:58:25','2014-06-18 20:58:25','',1133,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1138-1133-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1137,3,'2014-06-18 20:57:56','2014-06-18 20:57:56','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0457-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1134\" alt=\"icing smiles\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0457-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was the 3rd cake that I made for <a href=\"http://www.icingsmiles.org/\">Icing Smiles</a>.  I absolutely love being involved with their organization.  The commitment is minimal, I get to volunteer to help out some very deserving kids, and I can practice my skills.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0458-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1135\" alt=\"my little pony cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0458-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">6 year old Joleena requested a My Little Pony Cake.  Since sculpting is not my thing, I added a few real My Little Ponies to the cake for her to keep once the celebration was over.  The cake is my specialty: chocolate with raspberry filling and vanilla buttercream.  I hope she and her friends really enjoyed it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0464-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1136\" alt=\"my little pony cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0464-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>','Icing Smiles','','inherit','open','closed','','1133-revision-v1','','','2014-06-18 20:57:56','2014-06-18 20:57:56','',1133,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1137-1133-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1139,3,'2014-06-19 20:51:06','2014-06-19 20:51:06','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0435-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1140\" alt=\"blueberry betty\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0435-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Baking old school desserts chock full of summer berries or other fresh fruits is my jam.  Pardon the pun.  These types of desserts are the reason I wanted to be a baker and the things I like to whip up when I am in my kitchen.  Don\'t get me wrong: there is nothing like the elation on a little kid\'s face when you bring out their elaborate, brightly colored birthday cake.  But, there is something inherently comforting about making and enjoying these classics.   They are simple, fruit forward, and stress-free.  This blueberry betty is made from breadcrumbs and blueberries layered together with coconut and walnut.  It was the perfect way to end an evening enjoyed on the patio with friends.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP9556-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"pound cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP9556-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Pound cake reminds of my Grandma Esther.  Of course, her pound cakes came from Entenmann\'s, but we\'ll keep that secret between us.  Topped with toasted almonds and a few fresh raspberries, <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/03/recipe-for-toasted-almond-pound-cake/HLmEDc3GztyHNDGWeePRdP/story.html\">this cake </a>is the perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea.  Imagine how impressed your friends would be if you offered them a slice the next time they popped by with the kids.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0519-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1141\" alt=\"strawberry pie\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0519-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Believe it or not, pie used to terrify me.  My crusts drooped and shrank.  The filling was never quite right: too goopy or too firm.  I hated making pie, and I couldn\'t figure out what I was doing wrong.  Well, after a few thousand pies made at <a href=\"http://missionpie.com/\">Mission Pie</a>, I can now whip out beauties like this with my hands tied behind my back.  This little number was loaded with fresh, local berries and oozed all over the plate when I cut it: just like Krystin and Karen taught me.</p>','Summer Berries','','publish','open','closed','','summer-berries','','','2014-06-19 20:51:06','2014-06-19 20:51:06','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1139',0,'post','',0),(1140,3,'2014-06-19 20:31:51','2014-06-19 20:31:51','','blueberry betty','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0435-2','','','2014-06-19 20:31:51','2014-06-19 20:31:51','',1139,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0435-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1141,3,'2014-06-19 20:32:18','2014-06-19 20:32:18','','strawberry pie','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0519-2','','','2014-06-19 20:32:18','2014-06-19 20:32:18','',1139,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0519-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1142,3,'2014-06-19 20:33:56','2014-06-19 20:33:56','','pound cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp9556-2','','','2014-06-19 20:33:56','2014-06-19 20:33:56','',1139,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP9556-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1143,3,'2014-06-19 20:51:06','2014-06-19 20:51:06','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0435-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1140\" alt=\"blueberry betty\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0435-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Baking old school desserts chock full of summer berries or other fresh fruits is my jam.  Pardon the pun.  These types of desserts are the reason I wanted to be a baker and the things I like to whip up when I am in my kitchen.  Don\'t get me wrong: there is nothing like the elation on a little kid\'s face when you bring out their elaborate, brightly colored birthday cake.  But, there is something inherently comforting about making and enjoying these classics.   They are simple, fruit forward, and stress-free.  This blueberry betty is made from breadcrumbs and blueberries layered together with coconut and walnut.  It was the perfect way to end an evening enjoyed on the patio with friends.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP9556-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1142\" alt=\"pound cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP9556-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Pound cake reminds of my Grandma Esther.  Of course, her pound cakes came from Entenmann\'s, but we\'ll keep that secret between us.  Topped with toasted almonds and a few fresh raspberries, <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/06/03/recipe-for-toasted-almond-pound-cake/HLmEDc3GztyHNDGWeePRdP/story.html\">this cake </a>is the perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea.  Imagine how impressed your friends would be if you offered them a slice the next time they popped by with the kids.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0519-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1141\" alt=\"strawberry pie\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/IMGP0519-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Believe it or not, pie used to terrify me.  My crusts drooped and shrank.  The filling was never quite right: too goopy or too firm.  I hated making pie, and I couldn\'t figure out what I was doing wrong.  Well, after a few thousand pies made at <a href=\"http://missionpie.com/\">Mission Pie</a>, I can now whip out beauties like this with my hands tied behind my back.  This little number was loaded with fresh, local berries and oozed all over the plate when I cut it: just like Krystin and Karen taught me.</p>','Summer Berries','','inherit','open','closed','','1139-revision-v1','','','2014-06-19 20:51:06','2014-06-19 20:51:06','',1139,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1143-1139-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1144,3,'2013-06-05 18:45:13','2013-06-05 18:45:13','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-031.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-717\" alt=\"strawberry shortcake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-031.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"347\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSince Olive\'s discovery of strawberries, we just can\'t keep enough in the house.  The kid could eat her own body weight in berries, and who could blame her?  My mother-in-law brought up a flat of organic, locally grown IL strawberries on her last visit.  We plowed through them, and when we were finished eating them plain, I whipped up a couple of simple desserts for the Boston Globe.  Not to be boastful, but every now and then, I love my photos that I do for the Globe so much that I just can\'t help but share them on this site.  Hope these pics inspire you to put together your own strawberry creation...or eat them straight out of the pint.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-076.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-718\" alt=\"fresh strawberry pie\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-076.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"322\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-100.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-719\" alt=\"fresh strawberry pie\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-100.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"335\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat better place to enjoy a fresh strawberry pie than on our gorgeous patio?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-107.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-720\" alt=\"easy strawberry dessert\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/strawberries-107.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>','Strawberry Fest','','inherit','open','closed','','716-revision-v1','','','2013-06-05 18:45:13','2013-06-05 18:45:13','',716,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1144-716-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1145,3,'2012-11-17 20:07:52','2012-11-17 20:07:52','It has been a busy week.  I got notice that I would have to shoot next week\'s cover of the G food section since my piece on vegetarian tailgating was moving up to the featured slot.  Thankfully, abuela was on vacation.  Some vacation - we worked our butts off!  There\'s a special place in heaven for grandmas...saints, all of them.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/veg-tailgate.png\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-496 aligncenter\" title=\"vegetarian tailgate\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/veg-tailgate-259x300.png\" alt=\"boston globe, g section\" width=\"259\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n<p class=\"wp-caption-dd\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Preview: Have to wait \'till Wednesday to see the real thing!</p>\r\nAfter we finished testing the recipes and shooting the photos, we moved on to cake baking and decorating.  Shannon asked me to make a cake for her mom\'s 60th birthday celebration.  She found her inspiration <a href=\"http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1478089/purple-and-green-birthday-cake#order=124133&amp;albumId=8&amp;nextId=false&amp;prevId=false&amp;imageId=1478089&amp;imageESOId=859826&amp;fullUrl=%2Fg%2Fi%2F1478089%2F%2F&amp;fullSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cakecentral.com%2Fb%2Fb9%2F900x900px-LL-b96632ae_gallery6900561254536667.jpeg&amp;thumbSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cakecentral.com%2Fb%2Fb9%2F50x50px-ZC-b96632ae_gallery6900561254536667.jpeg&amp;description=Chocolate+cake+covered+with+fondant.++Fondant+daisies+and+gelatin+butterfly.++Thanks+for+looking.&amp;original=http%3A%2F%2Fcakecentral.com%2Fimage%2Fid%2F859826&amp;setName=Purple+and+Green+Birthday+Cake\">here</a>.  Since I don\'t have a lot of experience working with fondant, I made vanilla cake with strawberry filling and decorated the cake with buttercream and fresh flowers.  Shannon\'s biggest accomplishment of the day might have been keeping the party a surprise, but mine was getting the cake to the location in one piece.  I didn\'t exhale until I set it down on the table!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-004.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-493\" title=\"tiered cake with fresh flowers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-004.jpg\" alt=\"buttercream frosting, tiered cake, fresh flowers\" width=\"365\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\nEmi is also celebrating today, but there are a few less candles on her cake.  One, to be exact.   Emi\'s mom asked me to make a smash cake with a pink elephant to match her invitations.  Can\'t wait to see how messy she got eating/ smashing it!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/pink-elephant-001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-502\" title=\"pink elephant 001\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/pink-elephant-001-117x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"117\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-024.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-494\" title=\"pink elephant smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-024.jpg\" alt=\"first birthday cake\" width=\"500\" height=\"474\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNow, I think it\'s time to kick up my feet and have a drink.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1278.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-510\" title=\"pink elephant cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1278.jpg\" alt=\"smash cake\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1281.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-511\" title=\"pink elephant smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1281.jpg\" alt=\"first birthday cake\" width=\"500\" height=\"342\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThanks to Emi\'s mom for sharing these pics with us from their special day!','Covers and cakes','','inherit','open','closed','','492-revision-v1','','','2012-11-17 20:07:52','2012-11-17 20:07:52','',492,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1145-492-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1146,3,'2014-06-19 21:23:42','2014-06-19 21:23:42','It has been a busy week.  I got notice that I would have to shoot next week\'s cover of the G food section since my piece on vegetarian tailgating was moving up to the featured slot.  Thankfully, abuela was on vacation.  Some vacation - we worked our butts off!  There\'s a special place in heaven for grandmas...saints, all of them.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/veg-tailgate.png\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-496 aligncenter\" title=\"vegetarian tailgate\" alt=\"boston globe, g section\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/veg-tailgate-259x300.png\" width=\"259\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n<p class=\"wp-caption-dd\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Preview: Have to wait \'till Wednesday to see the real thing!</p>\r\nAfter we finished testing the recipes and shooting the photos, we moved on to cake baking and decorating.  Shannon asked me to make a cake for her mom\'s 60th birthday celebration.  She found her inspiration <a href=\"http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1478089/purple-and-green-birthday-cake#order=124133&amp;albumId=8&amp;nextId=false&amp;prevId=false&amp;imageId=1478089&amp;imageESOId=859826&amp;fullUrl=%2Fg%2Fi%2F1478089%2F%2F&amp;fullSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cakecentral.com%2Fb%2Fb9%2F900x900px-LL-b96632ae_gallery6900561254536667.jpeg&amp;thumbSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cakecentral.com%2Fb%2Fb9%2F50x50px-ZC-b96632ae_gallery6900561254536667.jpeg&amp;description=Chocolate+cake+covered+with+fondant.++Fondant+daisies+and+gelatin+butterfly.++Thanks+for+looking.&amp;original=http%3A%2F%2Fcakecentral.com%2Fimage%2Fid%2F859826&amp;setName=Purple+and+Green+Birthday+Cake\">here</a>.  Since I don\'t have a lot of experience working with fondant, I made vanilla cake with strawberry filling and decorated the cake with buttercream and fresh flowers.  Shannon\'s biggest accomplishment of the day might have been keeping the party a surprise, but mine was getting the cake to the location in one piece.  I didn\'t exhale until I set it down on the table!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-004.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-493\" title=\"tiered cake with fresh flowers\" alt=\"buttercream frosting, tiered cake, fresh flowers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-004.jpg\" width=\"365\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\nEmi is also celebrating today, but there are a few less candles on her cake.  One, to be exact.   Emi\'s mom asked me to make a smash cake with a pink elephant to match her invitations.  Can\'t wait to see how messy she got eating/ smashing it!\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/pink-elephant-001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-502\" title=\"pink elephant 001\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/pink-elephant-001-117x300.jpg\" width=\"117\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-024.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-494\" title=\"pink elephant smash cake\" alt=\"first birthday cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cakes-024.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"474\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNow, I think it\'s time to kick up my feet and have a drink.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1278.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-510\" title=\"pink elephant cake\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1278.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1281.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-511\" title=\"pink elephant smash cake\" alt=\"first birthday cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSCN1281.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"342\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThanks to Emi\'s mom for sharing these pics with us from their special day!','Covers and cakes','','inherit','open','closed','','492-revision-v1','','','2014-06-19 21:23:42','2014-06-19 21:23:42','',492,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1146-492-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1148,3,'2014-06-29 15:36:18','2014-06-29 15:36:18','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1153\" alt=\"carnival cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A while back, I wrote about how <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1020-a-different-kind-of-loss\">bummed I was to have missed the destination wedding </a>of a dear friend of mine in the Dominican Republic.  Thankfully, she hosted a giant block party/ carnival for all of their friends and loved ones who couldn\'t make it to the D.R.  I\'m happy to say that we were able to attend, even though it was touch and go for a little bit since my egg retrieval was almost scheduled for the day of the wedding.  EEP!  ( I attended the reception extremely bloated, with 20! eggs cooking and stone cold sober, but I\'m hoping it will all be worth it.  Stay tuned for more news on that front.  Retrieval is for sure happening Monday morning.  So, keep us in your thoughts.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1152\" alt=\"circus cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\" width=\"379\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I offered to bring the cupcakes (the usual vanilla and chocolate cakes with vanilla buttercream).  They were perfect, and held up in spite of the heat and the rain.  I ordered these adorable printables from <a href=\"http://strawberrymommycakes.com/\">Strawberry Mommycakes</a> through her Etsy store.  She was super patient with me &amp; worked to get the graphics just the way I wanted them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1155\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\" width=\"386\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It was great to catch up with old college friends (and their wives), whom we just don\'t see often enough.  The caterer provided us with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, kale and potato salads, and a variety of condiments displayed in adorable mason jars with rustic labels.  Love those whimsical checkerboard trays!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1154\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The bride and groom rented loads of bouncy houses for kids and adults alike, decorated the street with gorgeous white lanterns, and provided plenty of booze for the grownups and carnival candy for the kids.  There was a fun photo booth, but the best part of the party was the very cheesy and very awesome 80s cover band.  It\'s too bad the downpour pushed back their start time because they were great!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1156\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"319\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This picture turned out FAR better than any of the photo booth pix.  I swear that booth was like a fun house, accentuating everyone\'s worst features!  haha.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1149\" alt=\"newlyweds\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sadly, I didn\'t get a great shot of the newlyweds, but this will have to do.  Absolutely loved Meg\'s 40s-style dress and hair do.  What a beautiful bride (and a good looking groom, too!)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Thanks for letting us be a part of your fun celebration.  A lifetime of love and happiness to you, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Madel!</p>','Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Madel','','publish','open','closed','','congratulations-mr-mrs-madel','','','2014-06-29 15:42:05','2014-06-29 15:42:05','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1148',0,'post','',0),(1149,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:27','2014-06-29 15:13:27','','newlyweds','','inherit','open','closed','','1-img_3946','','','2014-06-29 15:13:27','2014-06-29 15:13:27','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1150,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:31','2014-06-29 15:13:31','','wedding cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','1-imgp0722','','','2014-06-29 15:13:31','2014-06-29 15:13:31','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1151,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:35','2014-06-29 15:13:35','','1-IMGP0724','','inherit','open','closed','','1-imgp0724','','','2014-06-29 15:13:35','2014-06-29 15:13:35','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0724.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1152,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:39','2014-06-29 15:13:39','','circus cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','1-imgp0725','','','2014-06-29 15:13:39','2014-06-29 15:13:39','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1153,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:45','2014-06-29 15:13:45','','carnival cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','1-imgp0731','','','2014-06-29 15:13:45','2014-06-29 15:13:45','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1154,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:50','2014-06-29 15:13:50','','block party','','inherit','open','closed','','1-imgp0735','','','2014-06-29 15:13:50','2014-06-29 15:13:50','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1155,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:54','2014-06-29 15:13:54','','block party','','inherit','open','closed','','1-imgp0736','','','2014-06-29 15:13:54','2014-06-29 15:13:54','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1156,3,'2014-06-29 15:13:56','2014-06-29 15:13:56','','block party','','inherit','open','closed','','1-imgp0737','','','2014-06-29 15:13:56','2014-06-29 15:13:56','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1159,3,'2014-06-29 15:38:49','2014-06-29 15:38:49','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1153\" alt=\"carnival cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A while back, I wrote about how bummed I was to have missed the destination wedding of a dear friend of mine in the Dominican Republic.  Thankfully, she hosted a giant block party/ carnival for all of their friends and loved ones who couldn\'t make it to the D.R.  I\'m happy to say that we were able to attend, even though it was touch and go for a little bit since my egg retrieval was almost scheduled for the day of the wedding.  EEP!  ( I attended the reception extremely bloated, with 20! eggs cooking and stone cold sober, but I\'m hoping it will all be worth it.  Stay tuned for more news on that front.  Retrieval is for sure happening Monday morning.  So, keep us in your thoughts.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1152\" alt=\"circus cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\" width=\"379\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I offered to bring the cupcakes (the usual vanilla and chocolate cakes with vanilla buttercream).  They were perfect, and held up in spite of the heat and the rain.  I ordered these adorable printables from Strawberry Mommycakes through her Etsy store.  She was super patient with me &amp; worked to get the graphics just the way I wanted them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1155\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\" width=\"386\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It was great to catch up with old college friends (and their wives), whom we just don\'t see often enough.  The caterer provided us with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, kale and potato salads, and a variety of condiments displayed in adorable mason jars with rustic labels.  Love those whimsical checkerboard trays!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1154\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The bride and groom rented loads of bouncy houses for kids and adults alike, decorated the street with gorgeous white lanterns, and provided plenty of booze for the grownups and carnival candy for the kids.  There was a fun photo booth, but the best part of the party was the very cheesy and very awesome 80s cover band.  It\'s too bad the downpour pushed back their start time because they were great!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1156\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"319\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This picture turned out FAR better than any of the photo booth pix.  I swear that booth was like a fun house, accentuating everyone\'s worst features!  haha.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1149\" alt=\"newlyweds\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sadly, I didn\'t get a great shot of the newlyweds, but this will have to do.  Absolutely loved Meg\'s 40s-style dress and hair do.  What a beautiful bride (and a good looking groom, too!)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Thanks for letting us be a part of your fun celebration.  A lifetime of love and happiness to you, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Madel!</p>','Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Madel','','inherit','open','closed','','1148-revision-v1','','','2014-06-29 15:38:49','2014-06-29 15:38:49','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1159-1148-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1157,3,'2014-06-29 15:36:18','2014-06-29 15:36:18','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1153\" alt=\"carnival cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A while back, I wrote about how bummed I was to have missed the destination wedding of a dear friend of mine in the Dominican Republic.  Thankfully, she hosted a giant block party/ carnival for all of their friends and loved ones who couldn\'t make it to the D.R.  I\'m happy to say that we were able to attend, even though it was touch and go for a little bit since my egg retrieval was almost scheduled for the day of the wedding.  EEP!  ( I attended the reception extremely bloated, with 20! eggs cooking and stone cold sober, but I\'m hoping it will all be worth it.  Stay tuned for more news on that front.  Retrieval is for sure happening Monday morning.  So, keep us in your thoughts.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1152\" alt=\"circus cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\" width=\"379\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I offered to bring the cupcakes (the usual vanilla and chocolate cakes with vanilla buttercream).  They were perfect, and held up in spite of the heat and the rain.  I ordered these adorable printables from Strawberry Mommycakes through her Etsy store.  She was super patient with me &amp; worked to get the graphics just the way I wanted them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1155\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\" width=\"386\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It was great to catch up with old college friends,whom we just don\'t see often enough.  The caterer provided us with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, kale and potato salads, and a variety of condiments displayed in adorable mason jars with rustic labels.  Love those whimsical checkerboard trays!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1154\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The bride and groom rented loads of bouncy houses for kids and adults alike, decorated the street with gorgeous white lanterns, and provided plenty of booze for the grownups and carnival candy for the kids.  There was a fun photo booth, but the best part of the party was the very cheesy and very awesome 80s cover band.  It\'s too bad the downpour pushed back their start time because they were great!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1156\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"319\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This picture turned out FAR better than any of the photo booth pix.  I swear that booth was like a fun house, accentuating everyone\'s worst features!  haha.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1149\" alt=\"newlyweds\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sadly, I didn\'t get a great shot of the newlyweds, but this will have to do.  Absolutely loved Meg\'s 40s-style dress and hair do.  What a beautiful bride (and a good looking groom, too!)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Thanks for letting us be a part of your fun celebration.  A lifetime of love and happiness to you, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Madel!</p>','Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Madel','','inherit','open','closed','','1148-revision-v1','','','2014-06-29 15:36:18','2014-06-29 15:36:18','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1157-1148-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1158,3,'2014-06-29 15:40:24','2014-06-29 15:40:24','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1153\" alt=\"carnival cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A while back, I wrote about how <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1020-a-different-kind-of-loss\">bummed I was to have missed the destination wedding </a>of a dear friend of mine in the Dominican Republic.  Thankfully, she hosted a giant block party/ carnival for all of their friends and loved ones who couldn\'t make it to the D.R.  I\'m happy to say that we were able to attend, even though it was touch and go for a little bit since my egg retrieval was almost scheduled for the day of the wedding.  EEP!  ( I attended the reception extremely bloated, with 20! eggs cooking and stone cold sober, but I\'m hoping it will all be worth it.  Stay tuned for more news on that front.  Retrieval is for sure happening Monday morning.  So, keep us in your thoughts.)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1152\" alt=\"circus cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\" width=\"379\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I offered to bring the cupcakes (the usual vanilla and chocolate cakes with vanilla buttercream).  They were perfect, and held up in spite of the heat and the rain.  I ordered these adorable printables from <a href=\"http://strawberrymommycakes.com/\">Strawberry Mommycakes</a> through her Etsy store.  She was super patient with me &amp; worked to get the graphics just the way I wanted them.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1155\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\" width=\"386\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It was great to catch up with old college friends (and their wives), whom we just don\'t see often enough.  The caterer provided us with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, kale and potato salads, and a variety of condiments displayed in adorable mason jars with rustic labels.  Love those whimsical checkerboard trays!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1154\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The bride and groom rented loads of bouncy houses for kids and adults alike, decorated the street with gorgeous white lanterns, and provided plenty of booze for the grownups and carnival candy for the kids.  There was a fun photo booth, but the best part of the party was the very cheesy and very awesome 80s cover band.  It\'s too bad the downpour pushed back their start time because they were great!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1156\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"319\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This picture turned out FAR better than any of the photo booth pix.  I swear that booth was like a fun house, accentuating everyone\'s worst features!  haha.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1149\" alt=\"newlyweds\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sadly, I didn\'t get a great shot of the newlyweds, but this will have to do.  Absolutely loved Meg\'s 40s-style dress and hair do.  What a beautiful bride (and a good looking groom, too!)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Thanks for letting us be a part of your fun celebration.  A lifetime of love and happiness to you, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Madel!</p>','Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Madel','','inherit','open','closed','','1148-autosave-v1','','','2014-06-29 15:40:24','2014-06-29 15:40:24','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1158-1148-autosave-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1160,3,'2014-06-29 15:42:05','2014-06-29 15:42:05','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1153\" alt=\"carnival cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A while back, I wrote about how <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1020-a-different-kind-of-loss\">bummed I was to have missed the destination wedding </a>of a dear friend of mine in the Dominican Republic.  Thankfully, she hosted a giant block party/ carnival for all of their friends and loved ones who couldn\'t make it to the D.R.  I\'m happy to say that we were able to attend, even though it was touch and go for a little bit since my egg retrieval was almost scheduled for the day of the wedding.  EEP!  ( I attended the reception extremely bloated, with 20! eggs cooking and stone cold sober, but I\'m hoping it will all be worth it.  Stay tuned for more news on that front.  Retrieval is for sure happening Monday morning.  So, keep us in your thoughts.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1152\" alt=\"circus cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg\" width=\"379\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I offered to bring the cupcakes (the usual vanilla and chocolate cakes with vanilla buttercream).  They were perfect, and held up in spite of the heat and the rain.  I ordered these adorable printables from <a href=\"http://strawberrymommycakes.com/\">Strawberry Mommycakes</a> through her Etsy store.  She was super patient with me &amp; worked to get the graphics just the way I wanted them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1155\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg\" width=\"386\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It was great to catch up with old college friends (and their wives), whom we just don\'t see often enough.  The caterer provided us with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, kale and potato salads, and a variety of condiments displayed in adorable mason jars with rustic labels.  Love those whimsical checkerboard trays!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1154\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The bride and groom rented loads of bouncy houses for kids and adults alike, decorated the street with gorgeous white lanterns, and provided plenty of booze for the grownups and carnival candy for the kids.  There was a fun photo booth, but the best part of the party was the very cheesy and very awesome 80s cover band.  It\'s too bad the downpour pushed back their start time because they were great!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1156\" alt=\"block party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"319\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This picture turned out FAR better than any of the photo booth pix.  I swear that booth was like a fun house, accentuating everyone\'s worst features!  haha.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1149\" alt=\"newlyweds\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sadly, I didn\'t get a great shot of the newlyweds, but this will have to do.  Absolutely loved Meg\'s 40s-style dress and hair do.  What a beautiful bride (and a good looking groom, too!)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1150\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Thanks for letting us be a part of your fun celebration.  A lifetime of love and happiness to you, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Madel!</p>','Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Madel','','inherit','open','closed','','1148-revision-v1','','','2014-06-29 15:42:05','2014-06-29 15:42:05','',1148,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1160-1148-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1161,3,'2014-07-04 20:30:42','2014-07-04 20:30:42','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4th-stars.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"4th of July decorated star cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4th-stars.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"326\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My dad wasn\'t exactly a firecracker baby, but with a July 5th birthday, we consider it close enough.  Since his birthday celebration tends to fall on the 4th itself, I like to make a patriotic dessert like this <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/356-flag-cake\">flag cake</a> or this <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/744-berry-trifle\">berry trifle</a>.  This year, O and I decided to make simple iced star cookies with \"frinkles\".  While I must admit that O is an expert frinkle applier, she does eat more frinkles than actually make it onto the cookies.  (I used my favorite <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/824-shortbread-cookies\">shortbread recipe</a> with <a href=\"http://www.marthastewart.com/857635/royal-icing\">royal icing</a>.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/abo-4th.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1165\" alt=\"cookies with grandpa\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/abo-4th.jpg\" width=\"299\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, the best part about making cookies for your abuelo is eating them with him.  He also received a handmade birthday card, crafted from cardstock, alphabet stamps and star cookie cutters dipped in red and blue finger paint.  He was pleased, and so was O.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">May your 4th of July be safe as well as fun!</p>','Born on the FIFTH of July','','publish','open','closed','','born-on-the-fifth-of-july','','','2014-07-04 20:31:17','2014-07-04 20:31:17','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1161',0,'post','',0),(1164,3,'2014-07-04 20:20:47','2014-07-04 20:20:47','','4th of July decorated star cookies','','inherit','open','closed','','4th-stars','','','2014-07-04 20:20:47','2014-07-04 20:20:47','',1161,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4th-stars.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1165,3,'2014-07-04 20:20:47','2014-07-04 20:20:47','','cookies with grandpa','','inherit','open','closed','','abo-4th','','','2014-07-04 20:20:47','2014-07-04 20:20:47','',1161,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/abo-4th.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1167,3,'2014-07-04 20:31:17','2014-07-04 20:31:17','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4th-stars.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"4th of July decorated star cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4th-stars.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"326\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My dad wasn\'t exactly a firecracker baby, but with a July 5th birthday, we consider it close enough.  Since his birthday celebration tends to fall on the 4th itself, I like to make a patriotic dessert like this <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/356-flag-cake\">flag cake</a> or this <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/744-berry-trifle\">berry trifle</a>.  This year, O and I decided to make simple iced star cookies with \"frinkles\".  While I must admit that O is an expert frinkle applier, she does eat more frinkles than actually make it onto the cookies.  (I used my favorite <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/824-shortbread-cookies\">shortbread recipe</a> with <a href=\"http://www.marthastewart.com/857635/royal-icing\">royal icing</a>.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/abo-4th.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1165\" alt=\"cookies with grandpa\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/abo-4th.jpg\" width=\"299\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, the best part about making cookies for your abuelo is eating them with him.  He also received a handmade birthday card, crafted from cardstock, alphabet stamps and star cookie cutters dipped in red and blue finger paint.  He was pleased, and so was O.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">May your 4th of July be safe as well as fun!</p>','Born on the FIFTH of July','','inherit','open','closed','','1161-revision-v1','','','2014-07-04 20:31:17','2014-07-04 20:31:17','',1161,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1167-1161-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1166,3,'2014-07-04 20:30:42','2014-07-04 20:30:42','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4th-stars.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1164\" alt=\"4th of July decorated star cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/4th-stars.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"326\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My dad isn\'t exactly a firecracker baby, but with a July 5th birthday, we consider it close enough.  Since his birthday celebration tends to fall on the 4th itself, I like to make a patriotic dessert like this <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/356-flag-cake\">flag cake</a> or this <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/744-berry-trifle\">berry trifle</a>.  This year, O and I decided to make simple iced star cookies with \"frinkles\".  While I must admit that O is an expert frinkle applier, she does eat more frinkles than actually make it onto the cookies.  (I used my favorite <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/824-shortbread-cookies\">shortbread recipe</a> with <a href=\"http://www.marthastewart.com/857635/royal-icing\">royal icing</a>.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/abo-4th.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1165\" alt=\"cookies with grandpa\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/abo-4th.jpg\" width=\"299\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, the best part about making cookies for your abuelo is eating them with him.  He also received a handmade birthday card, crafted from cardstock, alphabet stamps and star cookie cutters dipped in red and blue finger paint.  He was pleased, and so was O.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">May your 4th of July be safe as well as fun!</p>','Born on the FIFTH of July','','inherit','open','closed','','1161-revision-v1','','','2014-07-04 20:30:42','2014-07-04 20:30:42','',1161,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1166-1161-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1169,3,'2014-07-12 22:48:22','2014-07-12 22:48:22','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1189\" alt=\"sprinkle invite\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"476\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The sprinkle shower is a new concept to me, something I had never heard of until I saw it pop up on moms\' sites and Pinterest.  At first, I thought, \"Who hosts a sprinkle?\" Then, later, \"I do.  That\'s who.  What a fun excuse for a party!\"  In case you still have no idea what I\'m referring to, a sprinkle is a small shower thrown in honor of someone who is pregnant with their second child.  Typically, the party is given when the gender of the second child is different than the gender of the first -- when new clothes are a must.  Kelsea, one of my dearest friends from high school, and I have a longstanding tradition of celebrating together.  I catered her college graduation party (before I kept e-records of such things), made her 30th birthday cake, her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">wedding cake </a> (and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/125-gratification\">here</a>) and the cake for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/347-hello-kitty\">first baby shower</a>.  It was so much fun to put together this sprinkle with her mom.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1177\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\" width=\"328\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve amassed quite the collection of party ware over the last couple of years, and I was happy to be able to reuse mason jars, table cloths, vases, cake stands, and parasols.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1182\" alt=\"sprinkle, it\'s a boy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"336\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it is pretty obvious what flavor bun is in the oven this time around.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1174\" alt=\"balloon wreath - boy baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"466\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Can\'t wait to reuse this balloon wreath for O\'s 3rd birthday party.  She has requested a Cookie Monster theme, and I figure all I need to do is replace the bows with Cookies!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1173\" alt=\"rain boot vase, baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We saw this cute idea for a flower vase on Pinterest and instantly fell in love with it.  Not only are the rain boots great for the sprinkle, but the mom-to-be can take them home &amp; use them for her little one....eventually.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1181\" alt=\"blue candy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O helped me fill these vases :)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1175\" alt=\"cloth diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve made a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/771-diaper-cake\">diaper cake</a> before, but I used disposable diapers.  Cloth diaper cakes are a little different but still pretty easy.  <a href=\"http://www.diaperjungle.com/make-a-cloth-diaper-cake.html\">You can put one together with only 12 inserts</a>, keeping the cost reasonable.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1179\" alt=\"7 layer salad\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">You can never go wrong with the old-school classic <a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/layered-salad/\">7-layer salad</a>.  The best part is that you assemble the whole thing the night before the party and are free to tend to last-minute items the morning of your event.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1180\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, don\'t be afraid to cheat a little.  Since things have been a little crazy for us (in the 2 week wait of our first IVF cycle), my co-host and I decided to purchase pre-made sandwiches from <a href=\"http://caseysfoods.com/\">Casey\'s</a> -- excellent decision on our part.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1178\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Simply remove purchased items from the tacky plastic trays and place them on a fancy cake stand, and Voila!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1171\" alt=\"duck cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For dessert, we had chocolate cupcakes with blue buttercream.  This was my first time sculpting fondant.  While the ducks do look a little bit like they were born in Chernobyl, I think the overall effect was pretty cute.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1170\" alt=\"sprinkle cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, of course, they tasted incredible.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1188\" alt=\"frosting face\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sign of a good cupcake, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1184\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Mom, dad, and big sister opened all of their gifts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1185\" alt=\"big sister\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Big sister clearly has mixed emotions on the subject.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1186\" alt=\"baby sprinkle shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1183\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">But, she sure did love sitting in mommy\'s (shrinking) lap to open all of the cards.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1176\" alt=\"sprinkled with love\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Party guests took home a tiny mason jar of sprinkles as a thank you.  (The themed labels came from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/simplysweetness\">Simply Sweetness</a>.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Congratulations, Kelsea &amp; Ryan...can\'t wait to meet your little guy!</p>','Sprinkle','','publish','open','closed','','sprinkle','','','2014-07-12 22:56:21','2014-07-12 22:56:21','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1169',0,'post','',0),(1170,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:53','2014-07-12 22:00:53','','sprinkle cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0970-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:53','2014-07-12 22:00:53','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1171,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:54','2014-07-12 22:00:54','','duck cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0975-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:54','2014-07-12 22:00:54','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1172,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:55','2014-07-12 22:00:55','','sprinkle invite','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0981-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:55','2014-07-12 22:00:55','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1173,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:55','2014-07-12 22:00:55','','rain boot vase, baby shower','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0990-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:55','2014-07-12 22:00:55','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1174,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:56','2014-07-12 22:00:56','','balloon wreath - boy baby shower','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1002-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:56','2014-07-12 22:00:56','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1175,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:56','2014-07-12 22:00:56','','cloth diaper cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1006-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:56','2014-07-12 22:00:56','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1176,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:57','2014-07-12 22:00:57','','sprinkled with love','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1024-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:57','2014-07-12 22:00:57','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1177,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:58','2014-07-12 22:00:58','','sprinkle','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1028-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:58','2014-07-12 22:00:58','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1178,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:58','2014-07-12 22:00:58','','sandwiches','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1031-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:58','2014-07-12 22:00:58','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1179,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:59','2014-07-12 22:00:59','','7 layer salad','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1032-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:59','2014-07-12 22:00:59','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1180,3,'2014-07-12 22:00:59','2014-07-12 22:00:59','','sandwiches','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1034-2','','','2014-07-12 22:00:59','2014-07-12 22:00:59','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1181,3,'2014-07-12 22:01:00','2014-07-12 22:01:00','','blue candy','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1036-2','','','2014-07-12 22:01:00','2014-07-12 22:01:00','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1182,3,'2014-07-12 22:01:01','2014-07-12 22:01:01','','sprinkle, it\'s a boy','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1040-2','','','2014-07-12 22:01:01','2014-07-12 22:01:01','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1183,3,'2014-07-12 22:01:01','2014-07-12 22:01:01','','sprinkle','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1053-2','','','2014-07-12 22:01:01','2014-07-12 22:01:01','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1184,3,'2014-07-12 22:01:02','2014-07-12 22:01:02','','sprinkle','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1071-2','','','2014-07-12 22:01:02','2014-07-12 22:01:02','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1185,3,'2014-07-12 22:01:03','2014-07-12 22:01:03','','big sister','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1074-2','','','2014-07-12 22:01:03','2014-07-12 22:01:03','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1186,3,'2014-07-12 22:01:03','2014-07-12 22:01:03','','baby sprinkle shower','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1076-2','','','2014-07-12 22:01:03','2014-07-12 22:01:03','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1187,3,'2014-07-12 22:01:04','2014-07-12 22:01:04','','IMGP1082 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1082-2','','','2014-07-12 22:01:04','2014-07-12 22:01:04','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1082-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1188,3,'2014-07-12 22:28:47','2014-07-12 22:28:47','','frosting face','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1083-2','','','2014-07-12 22:28:47','2014-07-12 22:28:47','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1189,3,'2014-07-12 22:33:35','2014-07-12 22:33:35','','sprinkle invite','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0981-2-2','','','2014-07-12 22:33:35','2014-07-12 22:33:35','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1191,3,'2014-07-12 22:49:36','2014-07-12 22:49:36','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1189\" alt=\"sprinkle invite\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"476\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The sprinkle shower is a new concept to me, something I had never heard of until I saw it pop up on moms\' sites and Pinterest.  At first, I thought, \"Who hosts a sprinkle?\" Then, later, \"I do.  That\'s who.  What a fun excuse for a party!\"  In case you still have no idea what I\'m referring to, a sprinkle is a small shower thrown in honor of someone who is pregnant with their second child.  Typically, the party is given when the gender of the second child is different than the gender of the first -- when new clothes are a must.  Kelsea, one of my dearest friends from high school, and I have a longstanding tradition of celebrating together.  I catered her college graduation party (before I kept e-records of such things), made her 30th birthday cake, her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">wedding cake </a> (and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/125-gratification\">here</a>) and the cake for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/347-hello-kitty\">first baby shower</a>.  It was so much fun to put together this sprinkle with her mom.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1177\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\" width=\"328\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve amassed quite the collection of party ware over the last couple of years, and I was happy to be able to reuse mason jars, table cloths, vases, cake stands, and parasols.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1182\" alt=\"sprinkle, it\'s a boy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"336\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it is pretty obvious what flavor bun is in the oven this time around.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1174\" alt=\"balloon wreath - boy baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"466\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Can\'t wait to reuse this balloon wreath for O\'s 3rd birthday party.  She has requested a Cookie Monster theme, and I figure all I need to do is replace the bows with Cookies!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1173\" alt=\"rain boot vase, baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We saw this cute idea for a flower vase on Pinterest and instantly fell in love with it.  Not only are the rain boots great for the sprinkle, but the mom-to-be can take them home &amp; use them for her little one....eventually.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1181\" alt=\"blue candy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O helped me fill these vases :)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1175\" alt=\"cloth diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve made a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/771-diaper-cake\">diaper cake</a> before, but I used disposable diapers.  Cloth diaper cakes are a little different but still pretty easy.  <a href=\"http://www.diaperjungle.com/make-a-cloth-diaper-cake.html\">You can put one together with only 12 inserts</a>, keeping the cost reasonable.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1179\" alt=\"7 layer salad\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">You can never go wrong with the old-school classic <a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/layered-salad/\">7-layer salad</a>.  The best part is that you assemble the whole thing the night before the party and are free to tend to last-minute items the morning of your event.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1180\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, don\'t be afraid to cheat a little.  Since things have been a little crazy for us (in the 2 week wait of our first IVF cycle), my co-hots and I decided to purchase pre-made sandwiches from <a href=\"http://caseysfoods.com/\">Casey\'s</a> -- excellent decision on our part.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1178\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Simply remove purchased items from the tacky plastic trays and place them on a fancy cake stand, and Voila!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1171\" alt=\"duck cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For dessert, we had chocolate cupcakes with blue buttercream.  This was my first time sculpting fondant.  While the ducks do look a little bit like they were born in Chernobyl, I think the overall effect was pretty cute.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1170\" alt=\"sprinkle cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, of course, they tasted incredible.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1188\" alt=\"frosting face\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sign of a good cupcake, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1184\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Mom, dad, and big sister opened all of their gifts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1185\" alt=\"big sister\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Big sister clearly has mixed emotions on the subject.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1186\" alt=\"baby sprinkle shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1183\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">But, she sure did love sitting in mommy\'s (shrinking) lap to open all of the cards.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1176\" alt=\"sprinkled with love\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Party guests took home a tiny mason jar of sprinkles as a thank you.  (The themed labels came from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/simplysweetness\">Simply Sweetness</a>.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Congratulations, Kelsea &amp; Ryan...can\'t wait to meet your little guy!</p>','Sprinkle','','inherit','open','closed','','1169-revision-v1','','','2014-07-12 22:49:36','2014-07-12 22:49:36','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1191-1169-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (1190,3,'2014-07-12 22:48:22','2014-07-12 22:48:22','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1189\" alt=\"sprinkle invite\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"476\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The sprinkle shower is a new concept to me, something I had never heard of until I saw it pop up on moms\' sites and Pinterest.  At first, I thought, \"Who hosts a sprinkle?\" Then, later, \"I do.  That\'s who.  What a fun excuse for a party!\"  In case you still have no idea what I\'m referring to, a sprinkle is a small shower thrown in honor of someone who is pregnant with their second child.  Typically, the party is given when the gender of the second child is different than the gender of the first -- when new clothes are a must.  Kelsea, one of my dearest friends from high school, and I have a longstanding tradition of celebrating together.  I catered her college graduation party (before I kept e-records of such things), made her 30th birthday cake, her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">wedding cake </a> (and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/125-gratification\">here</a>) and the cake for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/347-hello-kitty\">first baby shower</a>.  It was so much fun to put together this sprinkle with her mom.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1177\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\" width=\"328\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve amassed quite the collection of party ware over the last couple of years, and I was happy to be able to reuse mason jars, table cloths, vases, cake stands, and parasols.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1182\" alt=\"sprinkle, it\'s a boy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"336\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it is pretty obvious what flavor bun is in the oven this time around.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1174\" alt=\"balloon wreath - boy baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"466\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Can\'t wait to reuse this balloon wreath for O\'s 3rd birthday party.  She has requested a Cookie Monster theme, and I figure all I need to do is replace the bows with Cookies!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1173\" alt=\"rain boot vase, baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We saw this cute idea for a flower vase on Pinterest and instantly fell in love with it.  Not only are the rain boots great for the sprinkle, but the mom-to-be can take them home &amp; use them for her little one....eventually.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1181\" alt=\"blue candy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O helped me fill these vases :)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1175\" alt=\"cloth diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve made a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/771-diaper-cake\">diaper cake</a> before, but I used disposable diapers.  Cloth diaper cakes are a little different but still pretty easy.  <a href=\"http://www.diaperjungle.com/make-a-cloth-diaper-cake.html\">You can put one together with only 12 inserts</a>, keeping the cost reasonable.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1179\" alt=\"7 layer salad\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">You can never go wrong with the old-school classic <a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/layered-salad/\">7-layer salad</a>.  The best part is that you assemble the whole thing the night before the party and are free to tend to last-minute items the morning of your event.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1180\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, don\'t be afraid to cheat a little.  Since things have been a little crazy for us (in the 2 week wait of our first IVF cycle), my co-hots and I decided to purchase pre-made sandwiches from <a href=\"http://caseysfoods.com/\">Casey\'s</a> -- excellent decision on our part.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1178\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Simply remove purchased items from the tacky plastic trays and place them on a fancy cake stand, and Voila!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1171\" alt=\"duck cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For dessert, we had chocolate cupcakes with blue buttercream.  This was my first time sculpting fondant.  While the ducks do look a little bit like they were born in Chernobyl, I think the overall effect was pretty cute.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1170\" alt=\"sprinkle cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, of course, they tasted incredible.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1188\" alt=\"frosting face\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sign of a good cupcake, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1184\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Mom, dad, and big sister opened all of their gifts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1185\" alt=\"big sister\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Big sister clearly has mixed emotions on the subject.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1186\" alt=\"baby sprinkle shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1183\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">But, she sure did love sitting in mommy\'s (shrinking) lap to open all of the cards.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1176\" alt=\"sprinkled with love\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Party guests took home a tiny mason jar of sprinkles as a thank you.  (The themed labels came from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/simplysweetness\">Simply Sweetness</a>.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Congratulations, Kelsea &amp; Ryan...can\'t wait to meet your little guy!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>','Sprinkle','','inherit','open','closed','','1169-revision-v1','','','2014-07-12 22:48:22','2014-07-12 22:48:22','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1190-1169-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1192,3,'2014-07-12 22:56:21','2014-07-12 22:56:21','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1189\" alt=\"sprinkle invite\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0981-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"476\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The sprinkle shower is a new concept to me, something I had never heard of until I saw it pop up on moms\' sites and Pinterest.  At first, I thought, \"Who hosts a sprinkle?\" Then, later, \"I do.  That\'s who.  What a fun excuse for a party!\"  In case you still have no idea what I\'m referring to, a sprinkle is a small shower thrown in honor of someone who is pregnant with their second child.  Typically, the party is given when the gender of the second child is different than the gender of the first -- when new clothes are a must.  Kelsea, one of my dearest friends from high school, and I have a longstanding tradition of celebrating together.  I catered her college graduation party (before I kept e-records of such things), made her 30th birthday cake, her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">wedding cake </a> (and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/125-gratification\">here</a>) and the cake for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/347-hello-kitty\">first baby shower</a>.  It was so much fun to put together this sprinkle with her mom.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1177\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1028-2.jpg\" width=\"328\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve amassed quite the collection of party ware over the last couple of years, and I was happy to be able to reuse mason jars, table cloths, vases, cake stands, and parasols.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1182\" alt=\"sprinkle, it\'s a boy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1040-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"336\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it is pretty obvious what flavor bun is in the oven this time around.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1174\" alt=\"balloon wreath - boy baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1002-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"466\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Can\'t wait to reuse this balloon wreath for O\'s 3rd birthday party.  She has requested a Cookie Monster theme, and I figure all I need to do is replace the bows with Cookies!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1173\" alt=\"rain boot vase, baby shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0990-2.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We saw this cute idea for a flower vase on Pinterest and instantly fell in love with it.  Not only are the rain boots great for the sprinkle, but the mom-to-be can take them home &amp; use them for her little one....eventually.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1181\" alt=\"blue candy\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1036-2.jpg\" width=\"372\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O helped me fill these vases :)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1175\" alt=\"cloth diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1006-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'ve made a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/771-diaper-cake\">diaper cake</a> before, but I used disposable diapers.  Cloth diaper cakes are a little different but still pretty easy.  <a href=\"http://www.diaperjungle.com/make-a-cloth-diaper-cake.html\">You can put one together with only 12 inserts</a>, keeping the cost reasonable.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1179\" alt=\"7 layer salad\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1032-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">You can never go wrong with the old-school classic <a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/08/layered-salad/\">7-layer salad</a>.  The best part is that you assemble the whole thing the night before the party and are free to tend to last-minute items the morning of your event.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1180\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1034-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, don\'t be afraid to cheat a little.  Since things have been a little crazy for us (in the 2 week wait of our first IVF cycle), my co-host and I decided to purchase pre-made sandwiches from <a href=\"http://caseysfoods.com/\">Casey\'s</a> -- excellent decision on our part.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1178\" alt=\"sandwiches\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1031-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Simply remove purchased items from the tacky plastic trays and place them on a fancy cake stand, and Voila!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1171\" alt=\"duck cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0975-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For dessert, we had chocolate cupcakes with blue buttercream.  This was my first time sculpting fondant.  While the ducks do look a little bit like they were born in Chernobyl, I think the overall effect was pretty cute.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1170\" alt=\"sprinkle cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP0970-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, of course, they tasted incredible.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1188\" alt=\"frosting face\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1083-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sign of a good cupcake, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1184\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1071-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Mom, dad, and big sister opened all of their gifts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1185\" alt=\"big sister\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1074-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Big sister clearly has mixed emotions on the subject.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1186\" alt=\"baby sprinkle shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1076-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1183\" alt=\"sprinkle\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1053-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">But, she sure did love sitting in mommy\'s (shrinking) lap to open all of the cards.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1176\" alt=\"sprinkled with love\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1024-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Party guests took home a tiny mason jar of sprinkles as a thank you.  (The themed labels came from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/simplysweetness\">Simply Sweetness</a>.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Congratulations, Kelsea &amp; Ryan...can\'t wait to meet your little guy!</p>','Sprinkle','','inherit','open','closed','','1169-revision-v1','','','2014-07-12 22:56:21','2014-07-12 22:56:21','',1169,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1192-1169-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1193,3,'2014-07-20 15:17:51','2014-07-20 15:17:51','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1194\" alt=\"painted bookshelf\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I love reading my friend, Brandy\'s <a href=\"http://windywilsons.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-real-diy-project-ikea-jokkmokk-chairs.html\">site</a>, and she is always posting about the fun furniture and decorating projects she does.  She inspired me to post a few of the pix of projects that I have worked on for O\'s room.  Let\'s be honest, I really enjoy making crafts WITH O, but there is something to be said for good, old-fashioned, grown-ups only projects FOR your little ones.  We purchased this bookshelf eons ago while living in Boston.  It remained unfinished for ages.  Suddenly, I found myself with a garage and space for projects.  I decided to put this shelf in O\'s room and paint it white to match the trim.  It was quite the success for one of my first attempts at painting ANYTHING, but it should be noted that I first tried to stain it with an all-in-one varnish, and that was a complete disaster!  I\'ll stick to painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1196\" alt=\"name letters, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">These super cute O-L-I-V-I-A letters were from my baby shower for O.  Man, that feels like ages ago!  My dad spray painted them all brown, and then my friends and I all got a letter of her name &amp; decorated them to match the color scheme of the nursery.  The lady in the photo is O\'s namesake: her great-great-grandma Olivia.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1197\" alt=\"painted dresser, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"329\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I can\'t take any of the creative credit for this one, I did come up with the idea.  The dresser was my sister-in-law\'s when she was a child.  A basic, pine dresser, it was sturdily constructed and built to last another 30 years, but it was quite old fashioned.  I hired Barb Erwin to add her unique touch &amp; modernize the piece.  She did a wonderful job and was able to add many more details than I would have been able to.  (I can\'t seem to find her contact info right now, but if you have a project in mind for her, let me know &amp; I will find it.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1195\" alt=\"ikea hack, spice racks\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I saw this adorable idea on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/67554063134372323/\">Pinterest</a>.  Of course, we have SO MANY books in O\'s room that they are forever piling up and tumbling on the floor.  I bought these spice racks for very cheap at Ikea and spray painted them pink.  Once hung on the wall, they make great shelves for kid\'s books, making the books easily accessible from our big, comfy reading chair but also organized for mommy\'s peace of mind.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1198\" alt=\"bow organizer\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Saw this idea on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628674731807/\">Pinterest</a>, too when I was looking for a way to organize the many hair bows that we have recently accumulated.  I wanted to make something that only utilized things already in my house without spending any money on it.  I had the frame lying around, and the paper was from O\'s 2nd birthday banner.  Buttons and ribbons were from my baby shower.  Voila: cute, organized and cheap.  O loves picking out her hair bow every morning from the cluster on the wall.</p>','Working on O\'s Room','','publish','open','closed','','working-on-os-room','','','2014-07-20 15:20:56','2014-07-20 15:20:56','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1193',0,'post','',4),(1194,3,'2014-07-20 14:56:51','2014-07-20 14:56:51','','painted bookshelf','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1415-2','','','2014-07-20 14:56:51','2014-07-20 14:56:51','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1195,3,'2014-07-20 14:56:52','2014-07-20 14:56:52','','ikea hack, spice racks','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1417-2','','','2014-07-20 14:56:52','2014-07-20 14:56:52','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1196,3,'2014-07-20 14:56:52','2014-07-20 14:56:52','','name letters, nursery','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1422-2','','','2014-07-20 14:56:52','2014-07-20 14:56:52','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1197,3,'2014-07-20 14:56:53','2014-07-20 14:56:53','','painted dresser, nursery','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1424-2','','','2014-07-20 14:56:53','2014-07-20 14:56:53','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1198,3,'2014-07-20 14:56:54','2014-07-20 14:56:54','','bow organizer','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1425-2','','','2014-07-20 14:56:54','2014-07-20 14:56:54','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1199,3,'2014-07-20 15:17:51','2014-07-20 15:17:51','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1194\" alt=\"painted bookshelf\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I love reading my friend, Brandy\'s site, and she is always posting about the fun furniture and decorating projects she does.  She inspired me to post a few of the pix of projects that I have worked on for O\'s room.  Let\'s be honest, I really enjoy making crafts WITH O, but there is something to be said for good, old-fashioned, grown-ups only projects FOR your little ones.  We purchased this bookshelf eons ago while living in Boston.  It remained unfinished for ages.  Suddenly, I found myself with a garage and space for projects.  I decided to put this shelf in O\'s room and paint it white to match the trim.  It was quite the success for one of my first attempts at painting ANYTHING, but it should be noted that I first tried to stain it with an all-in-one varnish, and that was a complete disaster!  I\'ll stick to painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1196\" alt=\"name letters, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">These super cute O-L-I-V-I-A letters were from my baby shower for O.  Man, that feels like ages ago!  My dad spray painted them all brown, and then my friends and I all got a letter of her name &amp; decorated them to match the color scheme of the nursery.  The lady in the photo is O\'s namesake: her great-great-grandma Olivia.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1197\" alt=\"painted dresser, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"329\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I can\'t take any of the creative credit for this one, I did come up with the idea.  The dresser was my sister-in-law\'s when she was a child.  A basic, pine dresser, it was sturdily constructed and built to last another 30 years, but it was quite old fashioned.  I hired Barb Erwin to add her unique touch &amp; modernize the piece.  She did a wonderful job and was able to add many more details than I would have been able to.  (I can\'t seem to find her contact info right now, but if you have a project in mind for her, let me know &amp; I will find it.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1195\" alt=\"ikea hack, spice racks\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I saw this adorable idea on Pinterest.  Of course, we have SO MANY books in O\'s room that they are forever piling up and tumbling on the floor.  I bought these spice racks for very cheap at Ikea and spray painted them pink.  Once hung on the wall, they make great shelves for kid\'s books, making the books easily accessible from our big, comfy reading chair but also organized for mommy\'s peace of mind.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1198\" alt=\"bow organizer\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Saw this idea on Pinterest, too when I was looking for a way to organize the many hair bows that we have recently accumulated.  I wanted to make something that only utilized things already in my house without spending any money on it.  I had the frame lying around, and the paper was from O\'s 2nd birthday banner.  Buttons and ribbons were from my baby shower.  Voila: cute, organized and cheap.  O loves picking out her hair bow every morning from the cluster on the wall.</p>','Working on O\'s Room','','inherit','open','closed','','1193-revision-v1','','','2014-07-20 15:17:51','2014-07-20 15:17:51','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1199-1193-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1200,3,'2014-07-20 15:20:54','2014-07-20 15:20:54','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1194\" alt=\"painted bookshelf\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I love reading my friend, Brandy\'s <a href=\"http://windywilsons.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-real-diy-project-ikea-jokkmokk-chairs.html\">site</a>, and she is always posting about the fun furniture and decorating projects she does.  She inspired me to post a few of the pix of projects that I have worked on for O\'s room.  Let\'s be honest, I really enjoy making crafts WITH O, but there is something to be said for good, old-fashioned, grown-ups only projects FOR your little ones.  We purchased this bookshelf eons ago while living in Boston.  It remained unfinished for ages.  Suddenly, I found myself with a garage and space for projects.  I decided to put this shelf in O\'s room and paint it white to match the trim.  It was quite the success for one of my first attempts at painting ANYTHING, but it should be noted that I first tried to stain it with an all-in-one varnish, and that was a complete disaster!  I\'ll stick to painting.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1196\" alt=\"name letters, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">These super cute O-L-I-V-I-A letters were from my baby shower for O.  Man, that feels like ages ago!  My dad spray painted them all brown, and then my friends and I all got a letter of her name &amp; decorated them to match the color scheme of the nursery.  The lady in the photo is O\'s namesake: her great-great-grandma Olivia.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1197\" alt=\"painted dresser, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"329\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I can\'t take any of the creative credit for this one, I did come up with the idea.  The dresser was my sister-in-law\'s when she was a child.  A basic, pine dresser, it was sturdily constructed and built to last another 30 years, but it was quite old fashioned.  I hired Barb Erwin to add her unique touch &amp; modernize the piece.  She did a wonderful job and was able to add many more details than I would have been able to.  (I can\'t seem to find her contact info right now, but if you have a project in mind for her, let me know &amp; I will find it.)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1195\" alt=\"ikea hack, spice racks\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I saw this adorable idea on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/67554063134372323/\">Pinterest</a>.  Of course, we have SO MANY books in O\'s room that they are forever piling up and tumbling on the floor.  I bought these spice racks for very cheap at Ikea and spray painted them pink.  Once hung on the wall, they make great shelves for kid\'s books, making the books easily accessible from our big, comfy reading chair but also organized for mommy\'s peace of mind.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1198\" alt=\"bow organizer\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Saw this idea on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628674731807/\">Pinterest</a>, too when I was looking for a way to organize the many hair bows that we have recently accumulated.  I wanted to make something that only utilized things already in my house without spending any money on it.  I had the frame lying around, and the paper was from O\'s 2nd birthday banner.  Buttons and ribbons were from my baby shower.  Voila: cute, organized and cheap.  O loves picking out her hair bow every morning from the cluster on the wall.</p>','Working on O\'s Room','','inherit','open','closed','','1193-autosave-v1','','','2014-07-20 15:20:54','2014-07-20 15:20:54','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1200-1193-autosave-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1201,3,'2014-07-20 15:20:56','2014-07-20 15:20:56','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1194\" alt=\"painted bookshelf\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1415-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I love reading my friend, Brandy\'s <a href=\"http://windywilsons.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-real-diy-project-ikea-jokkmokk-chairs.html\">site</a>, and she is always posting about the fun furniture and decorating projects she does.  She inspired me to post a few of the pix of projects that I have worked on for O\'s room.  Let\'s be honest, I really enjoy making crafts WITH O, but there is something to be said for good, old-fashioned, grown-ups only projects FOR your little ones.  We purchased this bookshelf eons ago while living in Boston.  It remained unfinished for ages.  Suddenly, I found myself with a garage and space for projects.  I decided to put this shelf in O\'s room and paint it white to match the trim.  It was quite the success for one of my first attempts at painting ANYTHING, but it should be noted that I first tried to stain it with an all-in-one varnish, and that was a complete disaster!  I\'ll stick to painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1196\" alt=\"name letters, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1422-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">These super cute O-L-I-V-I-A letters were from my baby shower for O.  Man, that feels like ages ago!  My dad spray painted them all brown, and then my friends and I all got a letter of her name &amp; decorated them to match the color scheme of the nursery.  The lady in the photo is O\'s namesake: her great-great-grandma Olivia.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1197\" alt=\"painted dresser, nursery\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1424-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"329\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I can\'t take any of the creative credit for this one, I did come up with the idea.  The dresser was my sister-in-law\'s when she was a child.  A basic, pine dresser, it was sturdily constructed and built to last another 30 years, but it was quite old fashioned.  I hired Barb Erwin to add her unique touch &amp; modernize the piece.  She did a wonderful job and was able to add many more details than I would have been able to.  (I can\'t seem to find her contact info right now, but if you have a project in mind for her, let me know &amp; I will find it.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1195\" alt=\"ikea hack, spice racks\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1417-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I saw this adorable idea on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/67554063134372323/\">Pinterest</a>.  Of course, we have SO MANY books in O\'s room that they are forever piling up and tumbling on the floor.  I bought these spice racks for very cheap at Ikea and spray painted them pink.  Once hung on the wall, they make great shelves for kid\'s books, making the books easily accessible from our big, comfy reading chair but also organized for mommy\'s peace of mind.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1198\" alt=\"bow organizer\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1425-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Saw this idea on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628674731807/\">Pinterest</a>, too when I was looking for a way to organize the many hair bows that we have recently accumulated.  I wanted to make something that only utilized things already in my house without spending any money on it.  I had the frame lying around, and the paper was from O\'s 2nd birthday banner.  Buttons and ribbons were from my baby shower.  Voila: cute, organized and cheap.  O loves picking out her hair bow every morning from the cluster on the wall.</p>','Working on O\'s Room','','inherit','open','closed','','1193-revision-v1','','','2014-07-20 15:20:56','2014-07-20 15:20:56','',1193,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1201-1193-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1203,3,'2014-07-29 21:24:13','2014-07-29 21:24:13','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1210\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\" width=\"339\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hubby\'s cousin is having a baby - and we already know <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1113-gender-reveal-its-a-boy\">it\'s a BOY</a> - so when I got the adorable <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> invite, I jumped at the chance to make the cupcakes for the shower, too.<em>\r\n</em></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1205\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcake toppers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For half of the cupcakes, I used printables from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPeaPaperie\">Pea Pink Paperie</a> and <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/kidspartydiy\">Kids Party DIY</a>.  I love the colors!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1206\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"322\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O insisted they have pale green sprinkles.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1204\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose these toppers because of their ability to tell the story itself.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1208\" alt=\"caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"271\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For the other half of the cupcakes, I put together one of these super simple caterpillar cupcake cakes.  It requires about 20 cupcakes and one 4-inch cake for the head.  I used about one single batch of cupcake batter.  After making a few fondant facial features and legs, you simply pipe on the green frosting swirls, making sure to overlap the gaps in between the cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1207\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The theme is so cute I almost want to have a <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> party just for the fun of it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1209\" alt=\"diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I can\'t take credit for this diaper cake, but it\'s just one of the great decorations created by the party hostess.  I absolutely adore it</p>','A very hungry caterpillar','','publish','open','closed','','a-very-hungry-caterpillar','','','2014-07-29 21:25:53','2014-07-29 21:25:53','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1203',0,'post','',2),(1204,3,'2014-07-29 21:07:53','2014-07-29 21:07:53','','very hungry caterpillar','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1516-2','','','2014-07-29 21:07:53','2014-07-29 21:07:53','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1205,3,'2014-07-29 21:07:54','2014-07-29 21:07:54','','very hungry caterpillar cupcake toppers','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1517-2','','','2014-07-29 21:07:54','2014-07-29 21:07:54','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1206,3,'2014-07-29 21:07:55','2014-07-29 21:07:55','','very hungry caterpillar','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1520-2','','','2014-07-29 21:07:55','2014-07-29 21:07:55','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1207,3,'2014-07-29 21:07:55','2014-07-29 21:07:55','','very hungry caterpillar cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1532-2','','','2014-07-29 21:07:55','2014-07-29 21:07:55','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1208,3,'2014-07-29 21:07:56','2014-07-29 21:07:56','','caterpillar cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1535-2','','','2014-07-29 21:07:56','2014-07-29 21:07:56','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1209,3,'2014-07-29 21:07:56','2014-07-29 21:07:56','','diaper cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1547-2','','','2014-07-29 21:07:56','2014-07-29 21:07:56','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1210,3,'2014-07-29 21:11:22','2014-07-29 21:11:22','','very hungry caterpillar cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1526-2','','','2014-07-29 21:11:22','2014-07-29 21:11:22','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1211,3,'2014-07-29 21:24:13','2014-07-29 21:24:13','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1210\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\" width=\"339\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hubby\'s cousin is having a baby - and we already know it\'s a BOY - so when I got the adorable <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> invite, I jumped at the chance to make the cupcakes for the shower, too.<em>\r\n</em></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1205\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcake toppers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For half of the cupcakes, I used printables from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPeaPaperie\">Pea Pink Paperie</a> and <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/kidspartydiy\">Kids Party DIY</a>.  I love the colors!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1206\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"322\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O insisted they have pale green sprinkles.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1204\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose these toppers because of their ability to tell the story itself.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1208\" alt=\"caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"271\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For the other half of the cupcakes, I put together one of these super simple caterpillar cupcake cakes.  It requires about 20 cupcakes and one 4-inch cake for the head.  I used about one single batch of cupcake batter.  After making a few fondant facial features and legs, you simply pipe on the green frosting swirls, making sure to overlap the gaps in between the cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1207\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The theme is so cute I almost want to have a <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> party just for the fun of it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1209\" alt=\"diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I can\'t take credit for this diaper cake, but it\'s just one of the great decorations created by the party hostess.  I absolutely adore it</p>','A very hungry caterpillar','','inherit','open','closed','','1203-revision-v1','','','2014-07-29 21:24:13','2014-07-29 21:24:13','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1211-1203-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1212,3,'2014-07-29 21:25:28','2014-07-29 21:25:28','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1210\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\" width=\"339\" height=\"500\" /></a>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hubby\'s cousin is having a baby - and we already know <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1113-gender-reveal-its-a-boy\">it\'s a BOY</a> - so when I got the adorable <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> invite, I jumped at the chance to make the cupcakes for the shower, too.<em>\n</em></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1205\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcake toppers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For half of the cupcakes, I used printables from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPeaPaperie\">Pea Pink Paperie</a> and <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/kidspartydiy\">Kids Party DIY</a>.  I love the colors!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1206\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"322\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O insisted they have pale green sprinkles.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1204\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose these toppers because of their ability to tell the story itself.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1208\" alt=\"caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"271\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For the other half of the cupcakes, I put together one of these super simple caterpillar cupcake cakes.  It requires about 20 cupcakes and one 4-inch cake for the head.  I used about one single batch of cupcake batter.  After making a few fondant facial features and legs, you simply pipe on the green frosting swirls, making sure to overlap the gaps in between the cupcakes.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1207\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The theme is so cute I almost want to have a <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> party just for the fun of it.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1209\" alt=\"diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I can\'t take credit for this diaper cake, but it\'s just one of the great decorations created by the party hostess.  I absolutely adore it</p>','A very hungry caterpillar','','inherit','open','closed','','1203-autosave-v1','','','2014-07-29 21:25:28','2014-07-29 21:25:28','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1212-1203-autosave-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1213,3,'2014-07-29 21:25:53','2014-07-29 21:25:53','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1210\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1526-2.jpg\" width=\"339\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hubby\'s cousin is having a baby - and we already know <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1113-gender-reveal-its-a-boy\">it\'s a BOY</a> - so when I got the adorable <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> invite, I jumped at the chance to make the cupcakes for the shower, too.<em>\r\n</em></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1205\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cupcake toppers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1517-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For half of the cupcakes, I used printables from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPeaPaperie\">Pea Pink Paperie</a> and <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/shop/kidspartydiy\">Kids Party DIY</a>.  I love the colors!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1206\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1520-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"322\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O insisted they have pale green sprinkles.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1204\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1516-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I chose these toppers because of their ability to tell the story itself.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1208\" alt=\"caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1535-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"271\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For the other half of the cupcakes, I put together one of these super simple caterpillar cupcake cakes.  It requires about 20 cupcakes and one 4-inch cake for the head.  I used about one single batch of cupcake batter.  After making a few fondant facial features and legs, you simply pipe on the green frosting swirls, making sure to overlap the gaps in between the cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1207\" alt=\"very hungry caterpillar cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1532-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The theme is so cute I almost want to have a <em>Very Hungry Caterpillar </em> party just for the fun of it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1209\" alt=\"diaper cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMGP1547-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I can\'t take credit for this diaper cake, but it\'s just one of the great decorations created by the party hostess.  I absolutely adore it</p>','A very hungry caterpillar','','inherit','open','closed','','1203-revision-v1','','','2014-07-29 21:25:53','2014-07-29 21:25:53','',1203,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1213-1203-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1215,3,'2014-08-03 12:47:51','2014-08-03 12:47:51','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1756-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1216\" alt=\"gluten free smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1756-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A friend of mine\'s son is on a gluten, egg, and dairy free diet.  So, when it came time for his first birthday, she attempted to make his cake herself.  The baking of the cake was a big success, but she didn\'t have so much luck working with the vegan buttercream.  Since O and I were planning to attend the celebration, she enlisted my help with decorating the cake.  I can\'t take any credit for the baking of the cake, but I did manage to make it look respectable.  I used a recipe for vegan buttercream from <em><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Allergen-Free-Bakers-Handbook-Cybele-Pascal/dp/1587613484/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1407069471&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=allergen-free+baker%27s+handbook\">The Allergen-Free Baker\'s Handbook</a>, </em>and while it was a good starting place, I ended up using way more powdered sugar than the recipe called for.  The frosting was just too soft to work with.  After messing with the frosting and pulling the cake in and out of the freezer several times, I was finally satisfied with the results.  I even used a special allergen-free chocolate to make the inscription on the cake.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIOgCgjcT0Q/UOL3nzHZ7OI/AAAAAAAAEwc/jmgUP5fvbDI/s280/balloon+cake+with+type.jpg\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was the <a href=\"http://www.designmegillah.com/2013/01/one-cake-three-ways.html?m=1\">inspiration</a> for her cake.  She wanted a simple, white iced cake with inscription and a few real balloons.  Sadly, our balloons didn\'t look quite like this, but I think we came pretty close.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1784-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1217\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1784-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Marty, who is quite possibly one of the happiest kids I have ever met, loved every minute of his smash cake session.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1806-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1219\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1806-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"372\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yuck!  He really did a number on it!  I left the cake in the fridge until about an hour before we served it.  I was concerned that if it stayed refrigerated, it would be too cold and hard for him to enjoy.  With the August heat and the nature of the vegan buttercream, it was pretty soft by the time he got around to it. But, Marty loved the feeling of the frosting between his fingers, massaging the cake, spreading it around, and even beating on it like a drum!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1789-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1218\" alt=\"cucpcake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1789-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, it wouldn\'t be a party unless O got messy eating cupcakes!</p>','Gluten-free/ vegan smash cake','','publish','open','closed','','gluten-free-vegan-smash-cake','','','2014-08-03 12:48:18','2014-08-03 12:48:18','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1215',0,'post','',0),(1216,3,'2014-08-03 12:29:20','2014-08-03 12:29:20','','gluten free smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1756-2','','','2014-08-03 12:29:20','2014-08-03 12:29:20','',1215,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1756-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1217,3,'2014-08-03 12:29:21','2014-08-03 12:29:21','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1784-2','','','2014-08-03 12:29:21','2014-08-03 12:29:21','',1215,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1784-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1218,3,'2014-08-03 12:29:22','2014-08-03 12:29:22','','cucpcake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1789-2','','','2014-08-03 12:29:22','2014-08-03 12:29:22','',1215,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1789-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1219,3,'2014-08-03 12:29:22','2014-08-03 12:29:22','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1806-2','','','2014-08-03 12:29:22','2014-08-03 12:29:22','',1215,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1806-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1222,3,'2014-08-03 12:48:18','2014-08-03 12:48:18','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1756-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1216\" alt=\"gluten free smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1756-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A friend of mine\'s son is on a gluten, egg, and dairy free diet.  So, when it came time for his first birthday, she attempted to make his cake herself.  The baking of the cake was a big success, but she didn\'t have so much luck working with the vegan buttercream.  Since O and I were planning to attend the celebration, she enlisted my help with decorating the cake.  I can\'t take any credit for the baking of the cake, but I did manage to make it look respectable.  I used a recipe for vegan buttercream from <em><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Allergen-Free-Bakers-Handbook-Cybele-Pascal/dp/1587613484/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1407069471&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=allergen-free+baker%27s+handbook\">The Allergen-Free Baker\'s Handbook</a>, </em>and while it was a good starting place, I ended up using way more powdered sugar than the recipe called for.  The frosting was just too soft to work with.  After messing with the frosting and pulling the cake in and out of the freezer several times, I was finally satisfied with the results.  I even used a special allergen-free chocolate to make the inscription on the cake.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIOgCgjcT0Q/UOL3nzHZ7OI/AAAAAAAAEwc/jmgUP5fvbDI/s280/balloon+cake+with+type.jpg\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was the <a href=\"http://www.designmegillah.com/2013/01/one-cake-three-ways.html?m=1\">inspiration</a> for her cake.  She wanted a simple, white iced cake with inscription and a few real balloons.  Sadly, our balloons didn\'t look quite like this, but I think we came pretty close.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1784-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1217\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1784-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Marty, who is quite possibly one of the happiest kids I have ever met, loved every minute of his smash cake session.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1806-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1219\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1806-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"372\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yuck!  He really did a number on it!  I left the cake in the fridge until about an hour before we served it.  I was concerned that if it stayed refrigerated, it would be too cold and hard for him to enjoy.  With the August heat and the nature of the vegan buttercream, it was pretty soft by the time he got around to it. But, Marty loved the feeling of the frosting between his fingers, massaging the cake, spreading it around, and even beating on it like a drum!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1789-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1218\" alt=\"cucpcake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1789-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, it wouldn\'t be a party unless O got messy eating cupcakes!</p>','Gluten-free/ vegan smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','1215-revision-v1','','','2014-08-03 12:48:18','2014-08-03 12:48:18','',1215,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1222-1215-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1220,3,'2014-08-03 12:47:51','2014-08-03 12:47:51','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1756-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1216\" alt=\"gluten free smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1756-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A friend of mine\'s son is on a gluten, egg, and dairy free diet.  So, when it came time for his first birthday, she attempted to make his cake herself.  The baking of the cake was a big success, but she didn\'t have so much luck working with the vegan buttercream.  Since O and I were planning to attend the celebration, she enlisted my help with decorating the cake.  I can\'t take any credit for the baking of the cake, but I did manage to make it look respectable.  I used a recipe for vegan buttercream from <em><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Allergen-Free-Bakers-Handbook-Cybele-Pascal/dp/1587613484/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1407069471&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=allergen-free+baker%27s+handbook\">The Allergen-Free Baker\'s Handbook</a>, </em>and while it was a good starting place, I ended up using way more powdered sugar than the recipe called for.  The frosting was just too soft to work with.  After messing with the frosting and pulling the cake in and out of the freezer several times, I was finally satisfied with the results.  I even used a special allergen-free chocolate to make the inscription on the cake.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIOgCgjcT0Q/UOL3nzHZ7OI/AAAAAAAAEwc/jmgUP5fvbDI/s280/balloon+cake+with+type.jpg\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was the <a href=\"http://www.designmegillah.com/2013/01/one-cake-three-ways.html?m=1\">inspiration</a> for her cake.  She wanted a simple, white iced cake with inscription and a few real balloons.  Sadly, our balloons didn\'t look quite like this, but I think we came pretty close.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1784-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1217\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1784-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Marty, who is quite possibly one of the happiest kids I have ever met, loved every minute of his smash cake session.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1806-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1219\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1806-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"372\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yuck!  He really did a number on it!  I left the cake in the fridge until about an hour before we served it.  I was concerned that if it stayed refrigerated, it would be too cold and hard for him to enjoy.  With the August heat and the nature of the vegan buttercream, it was pretty soft by the time he got around to it. But, Marty loved the feeling of the frosting between his fingers, massaging the cake, spreading it around, and even beating on it like a drum!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1789-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1218\" alt=\"cucpcake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1789-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, it wouldn\'t be a party unless O got messy eating cupcakes!</p>','Gluten-free/ vegan smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','1215-revision-v1','','','2014-08-03 12:47:51','2014-08-03 12:47:51','',1215,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1220-1215-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1224,3,'2014-08-11 14:31:44','2014-08-11 14:31:44','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2002-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1226\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2002-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hubby\'s cousin is getting married later this year, and O is going to be the flower girl.  I am BEYOND ecstatic.  This is just one of the many reasons I LOVE having a daughter - wait till you see the princess dress we bought for the event.  WOW!  This past weekend was the wedding shower for the bride, Melissa.  O and I made the trip down to Edwardsville/ St. Louis area.  Melissa and Kevin were at our housewarming party last year, and she really enjoyed the chocolate coconut cupcakes I made for B\'s birthday.  So, that\'s what I made!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1998-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1225\" alt=\"bridal shower cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1998-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I saw these <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/98424791/wedding-cupcake-topper-weddings-bridal?ref=favs_view_13\">cute cupcake toppers </a>on Etsy, but they were very expensive, and I waited too long to think about ordering them so I was having a hard time finding someone who could get them to me without a rush charge.  Instead, I made my own.  Not quite as cute, but made from things I had around the house (read: FREE!) and matching the color of the bridesmaid dresses perfectly.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2009-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1227\" alt=\"sprinkle cupcake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2009-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As I mentioned, I used a <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\">coconut cream cheese frosting </a>for this batch, but I didn\'t stir in the coconut -- I pressed it into the frosting like a Snowball.  God, was it good!  O, however, was pretty turned off by the shaved coconut that I was pressing onto the other cupcakes.  She asked for a \"pwain one\" and added her own special touch.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2018-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1228\" alt=\"cupcakes and toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2018-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She was pretty pleased with her work.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2021-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1229\" alt=\"wedding shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2021-2.jpg\" width=\"326\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Somehow, I forgot to take any other pix at the party.  I guess that\'s what happens when there is a lot of family catching up to do.  This is the ONLY picture I took of the beautiful bride...OOPS!  Can\'t wait for the real deal in November!  Congrats, Kevin &amp; Melissa!</p>','\"I Do\"','','publish','open','closed','','i-do','','','2014-08-11 14:32:11','2014-08-11 14:32:11','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1224',0,'post','',0),(1225,3,'2014-08-11 14:19:26','2014-08-11 14:19:26','','bridal shower cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp1998-2','','','2014-08-11 14:19:26','2014-08-11 14:19:26','',1224,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1998-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1226,3,'2014-08-11 14:19:31','2014-08-11 14:19:31','','chocolate coconut cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2002-2','','','2014-08-11 14:19:31','2014-08-11 14:19:31','',1224,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2002-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1227,3,'2014-08-11 14:19:32','2014-08-11 14:19:32','','sprinkle cupcake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2009-2','','','2014-08-11 14:19:32','2014-08-11 14:19:32','',1224,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2009-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1228,3,'2014-08-11 14:19:33','2014-08-11 14:19:33','','cupcakes and toddlers','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2018-2','','','2014-08-11 14:19:33','2014-08-11 14:19:33','',1224,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2018-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1229,3,'2014-08-11 14:19:33','2014-08-11 14:19:33','','wedding shower','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2021-2','','','2014-08-11 14:19:33','2014-08-11 14:19:33','',1224,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2021-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1231,3,'2014-08-11 14:32:11','2014-08-11 14:32:11','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2002-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1226\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2002-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hubby\'s cousin is getting married later this year, and O is going to be the flower girl.  I am BEYOND ecstatic.  This is just one of the many reasons I LOVE having a daughter - wait till you see the princess dress we bought for the event.  WOW!  This past weekend was the wedding shower for the bride, Melissa.  O and I made the trip down to Edwardsville/ St. Louis area.  Melissa and Kevin were at our housewarming party last year, and she really enjoyed the chocolate coconut cupcakes I made for B\'s birthday.  So, that\'s what I made!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1998-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1225\" alt=\"bridal shower cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1998-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I saw these <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/98424791/wedding-cupcake-topper-weddings-bridal?ref=favs_view_13\">cute cupcake toppers </a>on Etsy, but they were very expensive, and I waited too long to think about ordering them so I was having a hard time finding someone who could get them to me without a rush charge.  Instead, I made my own.  Not quite as cute, but made from things I had around the house (read: FREE!) and matching the color of the bridesmaid dresses perfectly.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2009-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1227\" alt=\"sprinkle cupcake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2009-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As I mentioned, I used a <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\">coconut cream cheese frosting </a>for this batch, but I didn\'t stir in the coconut -- I pressed it into the frosting like a Snowball.  God, was it good!  O, however, was pretty turned off by the shaved coconut that I was pressing onto the other cupcakes.  She asked for a \"pwain one\" and added her own special touch.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2018-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1228\" alt=\"cupcakes and toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2018-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She was pretty pleased with her work.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2021-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1229\" alt=\"wedding shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2021-2.jpg\" width=\"326\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Somehow, I forgot to take any other pix at the party.  I guess that\'s what happens when there is a lot of family catching up to do.  This is the ONLY picture I took of the beautiful bride...OOPS!  Can\'t wait for the real deal in November!  Congrats, Kevin &amp; Melissa!</p>','\"I Do\"','','inherit','open','closed','','1224-revision-v1','','','2014-08-11 14:32:11','2014-08-11 14:32:11','',1224,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1231-1224-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1230,3,'2014-08-11 14:31:44','2014-08-11 14:31:44','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2002-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1226\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2002-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hubby\'s cousin is getting married later this year, and O is going to be the flower girl.  I am BEYOND ecstatic.  This is just one of the many reasons I LOVE having a daughter - wait till you see the princess dress we bought for the event.  WOW!  This past weekend was the wedding shower for the bride, Melissa.  O and I made the trip down to Edwardsville/ St. Louis area.  Melissa and Kevin were at our housewarming party last year, and she really enjoyed the chocolate coconut cupcakes I made for B\'s birthday.  So, that\'s what I made!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1998-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1225\" alt=\"bridal shower cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP1998-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I saw these <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/98424791/wedding-cupcake-topper-weddings-bridal?ref=favs_view_13\">cute cupcake toppers </a>on Etsy, but they were very expensive, and I waited too long to think about ordering them so I was having a hard time finding someone who could get them to me without a rush charge.  Instead, I made my own.  Not quite as cute, but made from things I had around the house (read: FREE!) and matching the color of the bridesmaid dresses perfectly.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2009-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1227\" alt=\"sprinkle cupcake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2009-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As I mentioned, I used a <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\">coconut cream cheese frosting </a>for this batch, but I didn\'t stir in the coconut -- I pressed it into the frosting like a Snowball.  God, was it good!  O, however, was pretty turned off by the shaved coconut that I was pressing onto the other cupcakes.  She asked for a \"pwain one\" and added her own special touch.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2018-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1228\" alt=\"cupcakes and toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2018-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She was pretty pleased with her work.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2021-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1229\" alt=\"wedding shower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2021-2.jpg\" width=\"326\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Somehow, I forgot to take any other pix at the party.  I guess that\'s what happens when there is a lot of family catching up to do.  This is the ONLY picture I took of the beautiful bride...OOPS!  Can\'t wait for the real deal in November!  Congrats, Kevin &amp; Melissa!</p>','\"I Do\"','','inherit','open','closed','','1224-revision-v1','','','2014-08-11 14:31:44','2014-08-11 14:31:44','',1224,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1230-1224-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1232,3,'2014-08-18 20:01:49','2014-08-18 20:01:49','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1240\" alt=\"katie and phil\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" /></a>This past weekend, my second cousin, Katie, married her sweetheart, Phil.  Wasn\'t she a stunning bride??  Wow!  (You gotta love Facebook...since I was setting up the desserts, I missed the ceremony.  I found these really awesome pix online, taken by one of the bride\'s friends.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Back up a little bit...more than a year ago, there were rumors about their pending nuptials.  With cake baking on the mind, I shot off a quick email asking her if she would like me to do the cake.  Who would turn down an offer for a free wedding cake?  Of course, she said yes.  And, here we are.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1239\" alt=\"wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\" width=\"404\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Katie was the easiest bride in the world to work with.  She took the \"you know best\" approach to things and gave me very few guidelines.  This seemed to work out well since I knew exactly what I could do and how things would work best.  And, I\'m pretty sure she didn\'t worry about much.  We chose a simple buttercream-iced cake just for the bride and groom to cut.  Katie\'s florist provided a few flowers, and she picked out the adorable motorcycle topper.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1238\" alt=\"motorcycle wedding cake topper\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Too cute, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1237\" alt=\"simple wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it\'s best to keep things clean and simple when it comes to wedding cakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1236\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The guests at the <a href=\"http://www.patrickhaleymansion.com/\">Patrick Haley Mansion</a> (a gorgeous venue) enjoyed a choice of chocolate or vanilla cupcakes.  I was able to order the gigantic, 200 cupcake-holding tower on <a href=\"http://cupcake-stand.com/\">Cupcakestand.com</a> and received a huge discount for my work with <a href=\"http://www.icingsmiles.org/\">Icing Smiles</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1235\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yum.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1234\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\" width=\"406\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">They were such a hit that every single cupcake was gone by 11 pm!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1233\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Again, I chose to keep the decorations simple: white buttercream swirl, white/ pearl dragees, and a white fondant heart cutout.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I have done small contributions to weddings before (<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">here</a> and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1148-congratulations-mr-mrs-madel\">here</a>), this was the first one where I did the whole thing.  It turned out great, and I was so happy Katie let me play this role in her big day.  Wishing the newlyweds many happy years together.  Cheers!</p>','Katie & Phil tie the knot','','publish','open','closed','','katie-phil-tie-the-knot','','','2014-08-18 21:17:39','2014-08-18 21:17:39','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1232',0,'post','',1),(1233,3,'2014-08-18 19:44:58','2014-08-18 19:44:58','','wedding cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2210-2','','','2014-08-18 19:44:58','2014-08-18 19:44:58','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1234,3,'2014-08-18 19:44:59','2014-08-18 19:44:59','','wedding cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2215-2','','','2014-08-18 19:44:59','2014-08-18 19:44:59','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1235,3,'2014-08-18 19:45:00','2014-08-18 19:45:00','','wedding cupcake tower','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2220-2','','','2014-08-18 19:45:00','2014-08-18 19:45:00','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1236,3,'2014-08-18 19:45:00','2014-08-18 19:45:00','','wedding cupcake tower','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2222-2','','','2014-08-18 19:45:00','2014-08-18 19:45:00','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1237,3,'2014-08-18 19:45:01','2014-08-18 19:45:01','','simple wedding cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2234-2','','','2014-08-18 19:45:01','2014-08-18 19:45:01','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1238,3,'2014-08-18 19:45:02','2014-08-18 19:45:02','','motorcycle wedding cake topper','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2243-2','','','2014-08-18 19:45:02','2014-08-18 19:45:02','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1239,3,'2014-08-18 19:45:03','2014-08-18 19:45:03','','wedding cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2244-2','','','2014-08-18 19:45:03','2014-08-18 19:45:03','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1240,3,'2014-08-18 19:47:07','2014-08-18 19:47:07','','katie and phil','','inherit','open','closed','','katie-and-phil','','','2014-08-18 19:47:07','2014-08-18 19:47:07','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1242,3,'2014-08-18 21:05:58','2014-08-18 21:05:58','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1240\" alt=\"katie and phil\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" /></a>This past weekend, my second cousin, Katie, married her sweetheart, Phil.  Wasn\'t she a stunning bride??  Wow!  (You gotta love Facebook...since I was setting up the desserts, I missed the ceremony.  I found these really awesome pix online, taken by one of the bride\'s friends.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Back up a little bit...more than a year ago, there were rumors about their pending nuptials.  With cake baking on the mind, I shot off a quick email asking her if she would like me to do the cake.  Who would turn down an offer for a free wedding cake?  Of course, she said yes.  And, here we are.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1239\" alt=\"wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\" width=\"404\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Katie was the easiest bride in the world to work with.  She took the \"you know best\" approach to things and gave me very few guidelines.  This seemed to work out well since I knew exactly what I could do and how things would work best.  And, I\'m pretty sure she didn\'t worry about much.  We chose a simple buttercream-iced cake just for the bride and groom to cut.  Katie\'s florist provided a few flowers, and she picked out the adorable motorcycle topper.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1238\" alt=\"motorcycle wedding cake topper\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Too cute, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1237\" alt=\"simple wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it\'s best to keep things clean and simple when it comes to wedding cakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1236\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The guests at the <a href=\"http://www.patrickhaleymansion.com/\">Patrick Haley Mansion</a> (a stunning venue) enjoyed a choice of chocolate or vanilla cupcakes.  I was able to order the gigantic, 200 cupcake-holding tower on <a href=\"http://cupcake-stand.com/\">Cupcakestand.com</a> and received a huge discount for my work with <a href=\"http://www.icingsmiles.org/\">Icing Smiles</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1235\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yum.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1234\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\" width=\"406\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">They were such a hit that every single cupcake was gone by 11 pm!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1233\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Again, I chose to keep the decorations simple: white buttercream swirl, white/ pearl dragees, and a white fondant heart cutout.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I have done small contributions to weddings before (<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">here</a> and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1148-congratulations-mr-mrs-madel\">here</a>), this was the first one where I did the whole thing.  It turned out great, and I was so happy Katie let me play this role in her big day.  Wishing the newlyweds many happy years together.  Cheers!</p>','Katie & Phil tie the knot','','inherit','open','closed','','1232-revision-v1','','','2014-08-18 21:05:58','2014-08-18 21:05:58','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1242-1232-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1241,3,'2014-08-18 20:01:49','2014-08-18 20:01:49','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1240\" alt=\"katie and phil\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" /></a>This past weekend, my second cousin, Katie, married her sweetheart, Phil.  Wasn\'t she a stunning bride??  Wow!  (You gotta love Facebook...since I was setting up the desserts, I missed the ceremony.  I found these really awesome pix online, taken by one of the bride\'s friends.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Back up a little bit...more than a year ago, there were rumors about their pending nuptials.  With cake baking on the mind, I shot off a quick email asking her if she would like me to do the cake.  Who would turn down an offer for a free wedding cake?  Of course, she said yes.  And, here we are.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1239\" alt=\"wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\" width=\"404\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Katie was the easiest bride in the world to work with.  She took the \"you know best\" approach to things and gave me very few guidelines.  This seemed to work out well since I knew exactly what I could do and how things would work best.  And, I\'m pretty sure she didn\'t worry about much.  We chose a simple buttercream-iced cake just for the bride and groom to cut.  Katie\'s florist provided a few flowers, and she picked out the adorable motorcycle topper.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1238\" alt=\"motorcycle wedding cake topper\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Too cute, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1237\" alt=\"simple wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it\'s best to keep things clean and simple when it comes to wedding cakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1236\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The guests at the <a href=\"http://www.patrickhaleymansion.com/\">Patrick Haley Mansion</a> (a stunning venue) enjoyed a choice of chocolate or vanilla cupcakes.  I was able to order the gigantic, 200 cupcake-holding tower on <a href=\"http://cupcake-stand.com/\">Cupcakestand.com</a> and received a huge discount for my work with Icing Smiles.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1235\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yum.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1234\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\" width=\"406\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">They were such a hit that every single cupcake was gone by 11 pm!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1233\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Again, I chose to keep the decorations simple: white buttercream swirl, white/ pearl dragees, and a white fondant heart cutout.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I have done small contributions to weddings before (<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">here</a> and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1148-congratulations-mr-mrs-madel\">here</a>), this was the first one where I did the whole thing.  It turned out great, and I was so happy Katie let me play this role in her big day.  Wishing the newlyweds many happy years together.  Cheers!</p>','Katie & Phil tie the knot','','inherit','open','closed','','1232-revision-v1','','','2014-08-18 20:01:49','2014-08-18 20:01:49','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1241-1232-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1243,3,'2014-08-18 21:17:39','2014-08-18 21:17:39','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1240\" alt=\"katie and phil\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/katie-and-phil.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" /></a>This past weekend, my second cousin, Katie, married her sweetheart, Phil.  Wasn\'t she a stunning bride??  Wow!  (You gotta love Facebook...since I was setting up the desserts, I missed the ceremony.  I found these really awesome pix online, taken by one of the bride\'s friends.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Back up a little bit...more than a year ago, there were rumors about their pending nuptials.  With cake baking on the mind, I shot off a quick email asking her if she would like me to do the cake.  Who would turn down an offer for a free wedding cake?  Of course, she said yes.  And, here we are.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1239\" alt=\"wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2244-2.jpg\" width=\"404\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Katie was the easiest bride in the world to work with.  She took the \"you know best\" approach to things and gave me very few guidelines.  This seemed to work out well since I knew exactly what I could do and how things would work best.  And, I\'m pretty sure she didn\'t worry about much.  We chose a simple buttercream-iced cake just for the bride and groom to cut.  Katie\'s florist provided a few flowers, and she picked out the adorable motorcycle topper.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1238\" alt=\"motorcycle wedding cake topper\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2243-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Too cute, right?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1237\" alt=\"simple wedding cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2234-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I think it\'s best to keep things clean and simple when it comes to wedding cakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1236\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2222-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"327\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The guests at the <a href=\"http://www.patrickhaleymansion.com/\">Patrick Haley Mansion</a> (a gorgeous venue) enjoyed a choice of chocolate or vanilla cupcakes.  I was able to order the gigantic, 200 cupcake-holding tower on <a href=\"http://cupcake-stand.com/\">Cupcakestand.com</a> and received a huge discount for my work with <a href=\"http://www.icingsmiles.org/\">Icing Smiles</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1235\" alt=\"wedding cupcake tower\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2220-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Yum.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1234\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2215-2.jpg\" width=\"406\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">They were such a hit that every single cupcake was gone by 11 pm!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1233\" alt=\"wedding cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMGP2210-2.jpg\" width=\"318\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Again, I chose to keep the decorations simple: white buttercream swirl, white/ pearl dragees, and a white fondant heart cutout.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">While I have done small contributions to weddings before (<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/113-wedding-bells\">here</a> and <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1148-congratulations-mr-mrs-madel\">here</a>), this was the first one where I did the whole thing.  It turned out great, and I was so happy Katie let me play this role in her big day.  Wishing the newlyweds many happy years together.  Cheers!</p>','Katie & Phil tie the knot','','inherit','open','closed','','1232-revision-v1','','','2014-08-18 21:17:39','2014-08-18 21:17:39','',1232,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1243-1232-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1245,3,'2014-09-07 00:18:22','2014-09-07 00:18:22','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2879-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1247\" alt=\"willy wonka cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2879-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O and I were invited to her friend, Sylvia\'s, 2nd birthday.  When I heard the theme was Willy Wonka, I jumped at the chance to make some fanciful cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2882-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1248\" alt=\"candy shop cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2882-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes were topped with pastel buttercream and either sixlets or giant gumballs.  They could definitely work for a Candyland party or a general candy store themed party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2875-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1246\" alt=\"willy wonka party decorations\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2875-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I had a few extra sixlets, and I couldn\'t resist buying these giant lollipops.  So, I threw them in a vase as an added eye-catcher for the sweets table.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2894-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1250\" alt=\"candy store cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2894-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The cupcake wrappers were again from Etsy...this time from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/175815120/instant-download-rainbow-cupcake?ref=favs_view_2\">Pomeline Studio</a>.  Since they weren\'t customized, they were available via instant download -- making them a nice choice since I sort of waited until the last minute to order them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2915-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1253\" alt=\"willy wonka birthday party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2915-2.jpg\" width=\"437\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The adorable birthday girl and her mama</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2906-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1251\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2906-2.jpg\" width=\"399\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, as always, a pic of my little one sampling mama\'s goodies...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2907-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1252\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2907-2.jpg\" width=\"329\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She really gets into her food!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2884-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1249\" alt=\"custom willy wonka candy bars\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2884-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"262\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Loved this party detail made by the birthday girl\'s mom...favors for all the guests.  Happy birthday, Sylvie!  Thanks for inviting us to celebrate with you!</p>','Silly Sylvie and the Chocolate Factory','','publish','open','closed','','silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory','','','2014-09-07 00:18:48','2014-09-07 00:18:48','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1245',0,'post','',0),(1246,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:53','2014-09-07 00:06:53','','willy wonka party decorations','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2875-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:53','2014-09-07 00:06:53','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2875-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1247,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:54','2014-09-07 00:06:54','','willy wonka cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2879-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:54','2014-09-07 00:06:54','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2879-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1248,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:55','2014-09-07 00:06:55','','candy shop cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2882-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:55','2014-09-07 00:06:55','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2882-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1249,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:55','2014-09-07 00:06:55','','custom willy wonka candy bars','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2884-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:55','2014-09-07 00:06:55','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2884-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1250,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:56','2014-09-07 00:06:56','','candy store cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2894-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:56','2014-09-07 00:06:56','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2894-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1251,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:56','2014-09-07 00:06:56','','toddler eating cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2906-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:56','2014-09-07 00:06:56','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2906-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1252,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:57','2014-09-07 00:06:57','','toddler eating cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2907-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:57','2014-09-07 00:06:57','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2907-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1253,3,'2014-09-07 00:06:58','2014-09-07 00:06:58','','willy wonka birthday party','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2915-2','','','2014-09-07 00:06:58','2014-09-07 00:06:58','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2915-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1255,3,'2014-09-07 00:18:48','2014-09-07 00:18:48','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2879-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1247\" alt=\"willy wonka cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2879-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O and I were invited to her friend, Sylvia\'s, 2nd birthday.  When I heard the theme was Willy Wonka, I jumped at the chance to make some fanciful cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2882-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1248\" alt=\"candy shop cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2882-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes were topped with pastel buttercream and either sixlets or giant gumballs.  They could definitely work for a Candyland party or a general candy store themed party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2875-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1246\" alt=\"willy wonka party decorations\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2875-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I had a few extra sixlets, and I couldn\'t resist buying these giant lollipops.  So, I threw them in a vase as an added eye-catcher for the sweets table.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2894-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1250\" alt=\"candy store cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2894-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The cupcake wrappers were again from Etsy...this time from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/175815120/instant-download-rainbow-cupcake?ref=favs_view_2\">Pomeline Studio</a>.  Since they weren\'t customized, they were available via instant download -- making them a nice choice since I sort of waited until the last minute to order them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2915-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1253\" alt=\"willy wonka birthday party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2915-2.jpg\" width=\"437\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The adorable birthday girl and her mama</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2906-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1251\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2906-2.jpg\" width=\"399\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, as always, a pic of my little one sampling mama\'s goodies...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2907-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1252\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2907-2.jpg\" width=\"329\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She really gets into her food!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2884-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1249\" alt=\"custom willy wonka candy bars\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2884-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"262\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Loved this party detail made by the birthday girl\'s mom...favors for all the guests.  Happy birthday, Sylvie!  Thanks for inviting us to celebrate with you!</p>','Silly Sylvie and the Chocolate Factory','','inherit','open','closed','','1245-revision-v1','','','2014-09-07 00:18:48','2014-09-07 00:18:48','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1255-1245-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1254,3,'2014-09-07 00:18:22','2014-09-07 00:18:22','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2879-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1247\" alt=\"willy wonka cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2879-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O and I were invited to her friend, Sylvia\'s, 2nd birthday.  When I heard the theme was Willy Wonka, I jumped at the chance to make some fanciful cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2882-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1248\" alt=\"candy shop cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2882-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes were topped with pastel buttercream and either sixlets or giant gumballs.  They could definitely work for a Candyland party or a general candy store themed party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2875-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1246\" alt=\"willy wonka party decorations\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2875-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I had a few extra sixlets, and I couldn\'t resist buying these giant lollipops.  So, I threw them in a vase as an added eye-catcher for the sweets table.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2894-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1250\" alt=\"candy store cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2894-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The cupcake wrappers were again from Etsy...this time from <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/175815120/instant-download-rainbow-cupcake?ref=favs_view_2\">Pomeline Studio</a>.  Since they weren\'t customized, they were available via instant download -- making them a nice choice since I sort of waited until the last minute to order them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2915-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1253\" alt=\"willy wonka birthday party\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2915-2.jpg\" width=\"437\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The adorable birthday girl and her mama</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2906-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1251\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2906-2.jpg\" width=\"399\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">And, as always, a pic of my little one sampling mama\'s goodies...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2907-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1252\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2907-2.jpg\" width=\"329\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She really gets into her food!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2884-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1249\" alt=\"custom willy wonka candy bars\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2884-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"262\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Loved this party detail made by the birthday girl\'s mom...favors for all the guests.  Happy birthday, Sylvie!  Thanks for inviting us to celebrate with you!</p>','Silly Sylvie and the Chocolate Factory','','inherit','open','closed','','1245-revision-v1','','','2014-09-07 00:18:22','2014-09-07 00:18:22','',1245,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1254-1245-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1256,3,'2014-09-07 17:25:38','2014-09-07 17:25:38','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/coming-soon-text.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1257\" alt=\"pregnancy announcement\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/coming-soon-text.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a>2 years trying to conceive, 1 miscarriage, 2 D&amp;Cs, 2 hysteroscopies, 1 failed IUI, and 1 very successful round of IVF...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It seems as if we have finally arrived!  Continued prayers and positive thoughts for a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.</p>','Coming Soon...','','publish','open','closed','','coming-soon','','','2014-09-07 17:25:38','2014-09-07 17:25:38','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1256',0,'post','',0),(1257,3,'2014-09-07 17:22:26','2014-09-07 17:22:26','','pregnancy announcement','','inherit','open','closed','','coming-soon-text','','','2014-09-07 17:22:26','2014-09-07 17:22:26','',1256,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/coming-soon-text.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1258,3,'2014-09-07 17:25:38','2014-09-07 17:25:38','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/coming-soon-text.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1257\" alt=\"pregnancy announcement\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/coming-soon-text.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a>2 years trying to conceive, 1 miscarriage, 2 D&amp;Cs, 2 hysteroscopies, 1 failed IUI, and 1 very successful round of IVF...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It seems as if we have finally arrived!  Continued prayers and positive thoughts for a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.</p>','Coming Soon...','','inherit','open','closed','','1256-revision-v1','','','2014-09-07 17:25:38','2014-09-07 17:25:38','',1256,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1258-1256-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1259,3,'2014-09-08 19:46:40','2014-09-08 19:46:40','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1261\" alt=\"window seat for kids\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat1.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>A while back, when we were scrounging for items to sell at our garage sale, a friend found this piece on the curb.  I wish I had a \"before\" shot, but I don\'t ;(  It was hideous.  It was a cheap, very abused coffee table.  It was faded, stained, and splintering, and somebody\'s kid had painted all over it.  Nobody at the garage sale saw the potential.  So, we were stuck with it.  My mom came up with the brilliant idea to turn it into a window seat for o\'s room.  I hired Ginger Kreitz of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/twiceasnicebygingerkreitz\">Twice as Nice</a> to fix it up.  She cleaned, sanded and primed and then painted the whole thing white.  After that she found this perfect green polka-dot fabric and created as simple cushion.  The pink ruffle ribbon finished the edges and gave O a touch of her favorite.  She ADORES it and has already spent quite some time reading in her window seat.  Love it!  Thanks, Ginger!</p>','Window seat','','publish','open','closed','','window-seat','','','2014-09-08 19:48:07','2014-09-08 19:48:07','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1259',0,'post','',0),(1260,3,'2014-09-08 19:40:51','2014-09-08 19:40:51','','window seat for kids','','inherit','open','closed','','window-seat','','','2014-09-08 19:40:51','2014-09-08 19:40:51','',1259,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1261,3,'2014-09-08 19:41:46','2014-09-08 19:41:46','','window seat for kids','','inherit','open','closed','','window-seat-2','','','2014-09-08 19:41:46','2014-09-08 19:41:46','',1259,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1262,3,'2014-09-08 19:46:40','2014-09-08 19:46:40','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1261\" alt=\"window seat for kids\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat1.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>A while back, when we were scrounging for items to sell at our garage sale, a friend found this piece on the curb.  I wish I had a \"before\" shot, but I don\'t ;(  It was hideous.  It was a cheap, very abused coffee table.  It was faded, stained, and splintering, and somebody\'s kid had painted all over it.  Nobody at the garage sale saw the potential.  So, we were stuck with it.  My mom came up with the brilliant idea to turn it into a window seat for o\'s room.  I hired Ginger Kreitz of Twice as Nice to fix it up.  She cleaned, sanded and primed and then painted the whole thing white.  After that she found this perfect green polka-dot fabric and created as simple cushion.  The pink ruffle ribbon finished the edges and gave O a touch of her favorite.  She ADORES it and has already spent quite some time reading in her window seat.  Love it!  Thanks, Ginger!</p>','Window seat','','inherit','open','closed','','1259-revision-v1','','','2014-09-08 19:46:40','2014-09-08 19:46:40','',1259,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1262-1259-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1263,3,'2014-09-08 19:48:07','2014-09-08 19:48:07','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1261\" alt=\"window seat for kids\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/window-seat1.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>A while back, when we were scrounging for items to sell at our garage sale, a friend found this piece on the curb.  I wish I had a \"before\" shot, but I don\'t ;(  It was hideous.  It was a cheap, very abused coffee table.  It was faded, stained, and splintering, and somebody\'s kid had painted all over it.  Nobody at the garage sale saw the potential.  So, we were stuck with it.  My mom came up with the brilliant idea to turn it into a window seat for o\'s room.  I hired Ginger Kreitz of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/twiceasnicebygingerkreitz\">Twice as Nice</a> to fix it up.  She cleaned, sanded and primed and then painted the whole thing white.  After that she found this perfect green polka-dot fabric and created as simple cushion.  The pink ruffle ribbon finished the edges and gave O a touch of her favorite.  She ADORES it and has already spent quite some time reading in her window seat.  Love it!  Thanks, Ginger!</p>','Window seat','','inherit','open','closed','','1259-revision-v1','','','2014-09-08 19:48:07','2014-09-08 19:48:07','',1259,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1263-1259-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1264,3,'2014-09-08 22:54:10','2014-09-08 22:54:10','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2951-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1265\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2951-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a>Our 2.5 year old daughter is absolutely gaga over little girl babies.  Suffice it to say, she doesn\'t carry quite the same affection for boy babies.  Prior to 12 weeks, we had not wanted to tell her I was pregnant for fear that we would have to explain it if something went wrong.  Hopefully, we are now in the relatively safe zone, and we\'ll be ok having told her now.  We had shared with many folks, and already, our doctor and neighbor and various other folks had almost spilled the beans.  Now seemed to be the time.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After a short conversation, she was CONVINCED that the baby in mommy\'s tummy was a girl.  We sent her over to the mystery box to reveal the answer, and this is what happened...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2958-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1266\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2958-2.jpg\" width=\"306\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">What do you think?  Is she excited??</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2964-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1267\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2964-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When we came inside, she gave me a hug and said, \"I yuv you, mommy.\"  Then she put her arms around my already growing belly, gave me a kiss, and said, \"I yuv mine girl baby.\"  Of course, this mama started crying.  Who says 2.5 year olds don\'t get it?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2977-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1268\" alt=\"it\'s a girl cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2977-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I had leftover batter from <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvie\'s cupcakes</a>.  I popped the last of them in the oven and whipped up a quick batch of PINK cream cheese frosting.  Every celebration deserves cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2989-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1269\" alt=\"it\'s a girl cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2989-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Future baker and cupcake connoisseur...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1270\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-2.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Frosting lover.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3030-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1272\" alt=\"big sister\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3030-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She couldn\'t be happier.  Now to get her to understand why her girl baby can\'t come out yet...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Special thanks to Christy Delaney, who brought over the cutest package of big sister books and T-shirt at the very last minute!!</p>','Girl Baby!','','publish','open','closed','','girl-baby','','','2014-09-08 22:55:39','2014-09-08 22:55:39','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1264',0,'post','',0),(1265,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:31','2014-09-08 22:38:31','','gender reveal','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2951-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:31','2014-09-08 22:38:31','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2951-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1266,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:31','2014-09-08 22:38:31','','gender reveal','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2958-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:31','2014-09-08 22:38:31','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2958-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1267,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:32','2014-09-08 22:38:32','','gender reveal','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2964-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:32','2014-09-08 22:38:32','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2964-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1268,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:32','2014-09-08 22:38:32','','it\'s a girl cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2977-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:32','2014-09-08 22:38:32','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2977-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1269,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:33','2014-09-08 22:38:33','','it\'s a girl cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2989-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:33','2014-09-08 22:38:33','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2989-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1270,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:34','2014-09-08 22:38:34','','toddler eating cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2996-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:34','2014-09-08 22:38:34','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1271,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:34','2014-09-08 22:38:34','','IMGP3011 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3011-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:34','2014-09-08 22:38:34','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3011-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1272,3,'2014-09-08 22:38:35','2014-09-08 22:38:35','','big sister','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3030-2','','','2014-09-08 22:38:35','2014-09-08 22:38:35','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3030-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1274,3,'2014-09-08 22:55:39','2014-09-08 22:55:39','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2951-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1265\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2951-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a>Our 2.5 year old daughter is absolutely gaga over little girl babies.  Suffice it to say, she doesn\'t carry quite the same affection for boy babies.  Prior to 12 weeks, we had not wanted to tell her I was pregnant for fear that we would have to explain it if something went wrong.  Hopefully, we are now in the relatively safe zone, and we\'ll be ok having told her now.  We had shared with many folks, and already, our doctor and neighbor and various other folks had almost spilled the beans.  Now seemed to be the time.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After a short conversation, she was CONVINCED that the baby in mommy\'s tummy was a girl.  We sent her over to the mystery box to reveal the answer, and this is what happened...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2958-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1266\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2958-2.jpg\" width=\"306\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">What do you think?  Is she excited??</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2964-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1267\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2964-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When we came inside, she gave me a hug and said, \"I yuv you, mommy.\"  Then she put her arms around my already growing belly, gave me a kiss, and said, \"I yuv mine girl baby.\"  Of course, this mama started crying.  Who says 2.5 year olds don\'t get it?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2977-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1268\" alt=\"it\'s a girl cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2977-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I had leftover batter from <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvie\'s cupcakes</a>.  I popped the last of them in the oven and whipped up a quick batch of PINK cream cheese frosting.  Every celebration deserves cupcakes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2989-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1269\" alt=\"it\'s a girl cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2989-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Future baker and cupcake connoisseur...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1270\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-2.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Frosting lover.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3030-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1272\" alt=\"big sister\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3030-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She couldn\'t be happier.  Now to get her to understand why her girl baby can\'t come out yet...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Special thanks to Christy Delaney, who brought over the cutest package of big sister books and T-shirt at the very last minute!!</p>','Girl Baby!','','inherit','open','closed','','1264-revision-v1','','','2014-09-08 22:55:39','2014-09-08 22:55:39','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1274-1264-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1273,3,'2014-09-08 22:54:10','2014-09-08 22:54:10','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2951-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1265\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2951-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a>Our 2.5 year old daughter is absolutely gaga over little girl babies.  Suffice it to say, she doesn\'t carry quite the same affection for boy babies.  Prior to 12 weeks, we had not wanted to tell her I was pregnant for fear that we would have to explain it if something went wrong.  Hopefully, we are now in the relatively safe zone, and we\'ll be ok having told her now.  We had shared with many folks, and already, our doctor and neighbor and various other folks had almost spilled the beans.  Now seemed to be the time.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After a short conversation, she was CONVINCED that the baby in mommy\'s tummy was a girl.  We sent her over to the mystery box to reveal the answer, and this is what happened...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2958-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1266\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2958-2.jpg\" width=\"306\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">What do you think?  Is she excited??</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2964-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1267\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2964-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When we came inside, she gave me a hug and said, \"I yuv you, mommy.\"  Then she put her arms around my already growing belly, gave me a kiss, and said, \"I yuv mine girl baby.\"  Of course, this mama started crying.  Who says 2.5 year olds don\'t get it?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2977-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1268\" alt=\"it\'s a girl cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2977-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"328\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I had leftover batter from <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvie\'s cupcakes</a>.  I popped the last of them in the oven and whipped up a quick batch of PINK cream cheese frosting.  The kid loves frosting...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2989-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1269\" alt=\"it\'s a girl cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2989-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Future baker and cupcake connoisseur...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1270\" alt=\"toddler eating cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-2.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3030-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1272\" alt=\"big sister\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3030-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She couldn\'t be happier.  Now to get her to understand why her girl baby can\'t come out yet...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Special thanks to Christy Delaney, who brought over the cutest package of big sister books and T-shirt at the very last minute!!</p>','Girl Baby!','','inherit','open','closed','','1264-revision-v1','','','2014-09-08 22:54:10','2014-09-08 22:54:10','',1264,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1273-1264-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1276,3,'2014-09-18 19:57:58','2014-09-18 19:57:58','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1287\" alt=\"infant portrait, lakeside\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\" width=\"483\" height=\"500\" /></a>I spent the morning searching for a professional photographer who A. is available on apparently short notice (2 months) and B. is a more skilled photographer than I am who can give me a series of artsy, creative family maternity photos.  After hours of research and MANY phone calls, I finally found <a href=\"http://www.brighteyephotography.com/\">Bright Eye Photography</a>, and I am SO very excited for our November shoot.  In doing all this research, I started thinking about what I really want from our photo shoot.  Now, I am not a PRO, but I have taken some seriously gorgeous photos of my little one.  I typically don\'t hire photographers to do our photos since I think I do an adequate job of capturing the memories myself.  So, when I hire a photog, I want their work to be better than mine.  I want them to use techniques that an amateur like myself hasn\'t figured out and have a more creative eye with an artsy flair for composition and prop use.  I think Stephanie will be able to do that for me and capture the emotions behind that ethereal phase of life known as pregnancy, one that we had to work REALLY hard for.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">All that aside, thinking about portraits made me want to gather up all of my favorite shots of O that I have taken since she was born.  The first was taken in late July/ early August 2012 at Nevins Lake in Michigan.  God, I love that smile and that little bald head.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1286\" alt=\"lake geneva, infant portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This one was shot lakeside in Lake Geneva, WI in August, 2012.  The girl couldn\'t keep her fingers out of her mouth.  Love how she seems bashful or a little bit shy, hiding behind those chubby little hands.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1288\" alt=\"pumpkin patch photo\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2o12, we traveled to WI again for pumpkin picking and fall festivities.  We had a hard time getting her to look at the camera since she was SO distracted by everything else.  A watch?  OOH! SHINY!  I love this background, how the tree frames the edge and how it almost looks like she\'s sitting in front of a painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1291\" alt=\"baby\'s first christmas\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"386\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Those wonky front teeth had really come in by December 2012.  Nothing captures joy more than the look on a child\'s face at Christmas time.  The lighting is super flat here, though.  I really have to work on my indoor skills.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1290\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">First birthdays are for smashing cakes, and in January 2013, that\'s exactly what we did.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1289\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of my first forays into attempting to set up a scene for a photo.  It is WAY harder than most PROS make it look.  Still, we got a couple of real keepers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1283\" alt=\"daffodil glade, morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Morton Arboretum has been one of our favorite places for photos.  In May 2013, we really took advantage of the daffodil glade in full bloom.  Love the wonder and perplexity on her face, all from one little, yellow petal.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1277\" alt=\"kohl childrens museum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\" width=\"279\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still not a lot of hair by May 2013, but she did have a full set of mismatched teeth, gorgeous blue eyes, and a real zest for water play.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1279\" alt=\"morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There is a huge gap here from May of 2013 to May 2014.  The reason behind that is that from about 18 months until 27 months or so, I found it really hard to get a great photo of O.  She was not willing to sit for the camera, and she was CONSTANTLY on the move.  We have a lot of blurred memories!  After her 2nd birthday, she began to calm down a little and would actually cooperate when I wanted to take her picture (occasionally).  I think newborns and infants are way easier than toddlers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1284\" alt=\"michigan city, IN\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"404\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Here is the rare shot involving more than just 1 adorable munchkin.  I took this photo in Michigan City, IN in July 2014.  O is with 2 of her grandparents at the beach.  I really liked the shot at first glance, but I love it even more now that a family member was able to Photoshop out a few distracting people in the water.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1281\" alt=\"eckerts\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">How large a tomato looks in the hands of a little tot...Eckerts near St. Louis was the spot for some gorgeous shots in August 2o14.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1282\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My cupcake connoisseur in September 2014, overjoyed with the new found knowledge that she is going to be a big sister.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1280\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Like I said earlier, there are times when I want to be on the other side of the lens.  For that, you must trust a skilled professional.  I included a few of the highlights of our professional portraits.  This is one of my all-time favorite photos.  It was shot by <a href=\"http://patriciaandersonphotography.com/about-patricia/\">Patricia Anderson</a> in February 2012, and it is by far the best photo ever taken of us.  I find it particularly hard to compose photos with 3 or more people.  This is so natural, so perfectly cropped and really captures all of the wonder and excitement of having your first baby. (You can\'t even tell I was hemorrhaging and headed to the hospital for an emergency D&amp;C.  But that\'s a story for another day...LOL)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1278\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2013, we hired <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/Portraits-by-Tami/131957863484818\">Tami</a> to do our holiday card photos.  Here\'s when I really learned how hard it is to pose 3 people who are not natural \"posers\".  (Plus, this was before I discovered Pinterest, where you can steal the creative ideas of others when you don\'t have any of your own!)  We really struggled to get a great shot, but in the end, I decided I liked how much FUN this picture showed &amp; it was last year\'s Christmas card.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1285\" alt=\"mother and daughter\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is the last shot Tami took at that session, and she really knocked it out of the park.  I asked her to find a way to capture how much I ADORE my little girl (and vice versa).  This photo shows all of the wonderful things about motherhood and leaves you thinking there must never be a bad moment between us.  I will forever cherish this image.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I absolutely cannot wait to take our next family photos.  Nothing makes me happier than to be able to look back on all these good times and know that we really do have a wonderful life.</p>','A look back through portraits','','publish','open','closed','','1276','','','2014-09-18 20:17:54','2014-09-18 20:17:54','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1276',0,'post','',0),(1277,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:11','2014-09-18 19:18:11','','kohl childrens museum','','inherit','open','closed','','asparagus-prosciutto-054','','','2014-09-18 19:18:11','2014-09-18 19:18:11','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1278,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:12','2014-09-18 19:18:12','','family portrait','','inherit','open','closed','','dsc_0021bw','','','2014-09-18 19:18:12','2014-09-18 19:18:12','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1279,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:12','2014-09-18 19:18:12','','morton arboretum','','inherit','open','closed','','easter-at-arb-221-2','','','2014-09-18 19:18:12','2014-09-18 19:18:12','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1280,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:13','2014-09-18 19:18:13','','family portrait','','inherit','open','closed','','fam-bw','','','2014-09-18 19:18:13','2014-09-18 19:18:13','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1281,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:13','2014-09-18 19:18:13','','eckerts','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2053-2','','','2014-09-18 19:18:13','2014-09-18 19:18:13','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1282,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:14','2014-09-18 19:18:14','','gender reveal','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2996-2-2','','','2014-09-18 19:18:14','2014-09-18 19:18:14','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1283,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:15','2014-09-18 19:18:15','','daffodil glade, morton arboretum','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp8323-2-2','','','2014-09-18 19:18:15','2014-09-18 19:18:15','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1284,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:15','2014-09-18 19:18:15','','michigan city, IN','','inherit','open','closed','','karoline2','','','2014-09-18 19:18:15','2014-09-18 19:18:15','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1285,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:16','2014-09-18 19:18:16','','mother and daughter','','inherit','open','closed','','o-mom-2','','','2014-09-18 19:18:16','2014-09-18 19:18:16','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1286,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:17','2014-09-18 19:18:17','','lake geneva, infant portrait','','inherit','open','closed','','o-at-7-mos-045','','','2014-09-18 19:18:17','2014-09-18 19:18:17','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1287,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:17','2014-09-18 19:18:17','','infant portrait, lakeside','','inherit','open','closed','','o-goes-to-mi-021','','','2014-09-18 19:18:17','2014-09-18 19:18:17','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1288,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:18','2014-09-18 19:18:18','','pumpkin patch photo','','inherit','open','closed','','pumpkin-patch-038','','','2014-09-18 19:18:18','2014-09-18 19:18:18','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1289,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:19','2014-09-18 19:18:19','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','ry4001-4','','','2014-09-18 19:18:19','2014-09-18 19:18:19','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1290,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:19','2014-09-18 19:18:19','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','ry4002-4-2','','','2014-09-18 19:18:19','2014-09-18 19:18:19','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1291,3,'2014-09-18 19:18:20','2014-09-18 19:18:20','','baby\'s first christmas','','inherit','open','closed','','xmas-2012-061','','','2014-09-18 19:18:20','2014-09-18 19:18:20','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1293,3,'2014-09-18 19:58:20','2014-09-18 19:58:20','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1287\" alt=\"infant portrait, lakeside\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\" width=\"483\" height=\"500\" /></a>I spent the morning searching for a professional photographer who A. is available on apparently short notice (2 months) and B. is a more skilled photographer than I am who can give me a series of artsy, creative family maternity photos.  After hours of research and MANY phone calls, I finally found <a href=\"http://www.brighteyephotography.com/\">Bright Eye Photography</a>, and I am SO very excited for our November shoot.  In doing all this research, I started thinking about what I really want from our photo shoot.  Now, I am not a PRO, but I have taken some seriously gorgeous photos of my little one.  I typically don\'t hire photographers to do our photos since I think I do an adequate job of capturing the memories myself.  So, when I hire a photog, I want their work to be better than mine.  I want them to use techniques that an amateur like myself hasn\'t figured out.  I think Stephanie will be able to do that for me and capture the emotions behind that ethereal phase of life known as pregnancy, one that we had to work REALLY hard for.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">All that aside, thinking about portraits made me want to gather up all of my favorite shots of O that I have taken since she was born.  The first was taken in late July/ early August 2012 at Nevins Lake in Michigan.  God, I love that smile and that little bald head.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1286\" alt=\"lake geneva, infant portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This one was shot lakeside in Lake Geneva, WI in August, 2012.  The girl couldn\'t keep her fingers out of her mouth.  Love how she seems bashful or a little bit shy, hiding behind those chubby little hands.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1288\" alt=\"pumpkin patch photo\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2o12, we traveled to WI again for pumpkin picking and fall festivities.  We had a hard time getting her to look at the camera since she was SO distracted by everything else.  A watch?  OOH! SHINY!  I love this background, how the tree frames the edge and how it almost looks like she\'s sitting in front of a painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1291\" alt=\"baby\'s first christmas\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"386\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Those wonky front teeth had really come in by December 2012.  Nothing captures joy more than the look on a child\'s face at Christmas time.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1290\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">First birthdays are for smashing cakes, and in January 2013, that\'s exactly what we did.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1289\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of my first forays into attempting to set up a scene for a photo.  It is WAY harder than most PROS make it look.  Still, we got a couple of real keepers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1283\" alt=\"daffodil glade, morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Morton Arboretum has been one of our favorite places for photos.  In May 2013, we really took advantage of the daffodil glade in full bloom.  Love the wonder and perplexity on her face, all from one little, yellow petal.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1277\" alt=\"kohl childrens museum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\" width=\"279\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still not a lot of hair by May 2013, but she did have a full set of mismatched teeth, gorgeous blue eyes, and a real zest for water play.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1279\" alt=\"morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There is a huge gap here from May of 2013 to May 2014.  The reason behind that is that from about 18 months until 27 months or so, I found it really hard to get a great photo of O.  She was not willing to sit for the camera, and she was CONSTANTLY on the move.  We have a lot of blurred memories!  After her 2nd birthday, she began to calm down a little and would actually cooperate when I wanted to take her picture (occasionally).  I think newborns and infants are way easier than toddlers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1284\" alt=\"michigan city, IN\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"404\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Here is the rare shot involving more than just 1 adorable munchkin.  I took this photo in Michigan City, IN in July 2014.  O is with 2 of her grandparents at the beach.  I really liked the shot at first glance, but I love it even more now that a family member was able to Photoshop out a few distracting people in the water.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1281\" alt=\"eckerts\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">How large a tomato looks in the hands of a little tot...Eckerts near St. Louis was the spot for some gorgeous shots in August 2o14.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1282\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My cupcake connoisseur in September 2014, overjoyed with the new found knowledge that she is going to be a big sister.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1280\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Like I said earlier, there are times when I want to be on the other side of the lens.  For that, you must trust a skilled professional.  I included a few of the highlights of our professional portraits.  This is one of my all-time favorite photos.  It was shot by <a href=\"http://patriciaandersonphotography.com/about-patricia/\">Patricia Anderson</a> in February 2012, and it is by far the best photo ever taken of us.  I find it particularly hard to compose photos with 3 or more people.  This is so natural, so perfectly cropped and really captures all of the wonder and excitement of having your first baby. (You can\'t even tell I was hemorrhaging and headed to the hospital for an emergency D&amp;C.  But that\'s a story for another day...LOL)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1278\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2013, we hired <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/Portraits-by-Tami/131957863484818\">Tami</a> to do our holiday card photos.  Here\'s when I really learned how hard it is to pose 3 people who are not natural \"posers\".  (Plus, this was before I discovered Pinterest, where you can steal the creative ideas of others when you don\'t have any of your own!)  We really struggled to get a great shot, but in the end, I decided I liked how much FUN this picture showed &amp; it was last year\'s Christmas card.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1285\" alt=\"mother and daughter\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is the last shot Tami took at that session, and she really knocked it out of the park.  I asked her to find a way to capture how much I ADORE my little girl (and vice versa).  This photo shows all of the wonderful things about motherhood and leaves you thinking there must never be a bad moment between us.  I will forever cherish this image.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I absolutely cannot wait to take our next family photos.  Nothing makes me happier than to be able to look back on all these good times and know that we really do have a wonderful life.</p>','A look back through portraits','','inherit','open','closed','','1276-revision-v1','','','2014-09-18 19:58:20','2014-09-18 19:58:20','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1293-1276-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1292,3,'2014-09-18 19:57:58','2014-09-18 19:57:58','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1287\" alt=\"infant portrait, lakeside\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\" width=\"483\" height=\"500\" /></a>I spent the morning searching for a professional photographer who A. is available on apparently short notice (2 months) and B. is a more skilled photographer than I am who can give me a series of artsy, creative family maternity photos.  After hours of research and MANY phone calls, I finally found <a href=\"http://www.brighteyephotography.com/\">Bright Eye Photography</a>, and I am SO very excited for our November shoot.  In doing all this research, I started thinking about what I really want from our photo shoot.  Now, I am not a PRO, but I have taken some seriously gorgeous photos of my little one.  I typically don\'t hire photographers to do our photos since I think I do an adequate job of capturing the memories myself.  So, when I hire a photog, I want their work to be better than mine.  I want them to use techniques that an amateur like myself hasn\'t figured out.  I think Stephanie will be able to do that for me and capture the emotions behind that ethereal phase of life known as pregnancy, one that we had to work REALLY hard for.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">All that aside, thinking about portraits made me want to gather up all of my favorite shots of O that I have taken since she was born.  The first was taken in late July/ early August 2012 at Nevins Lake in Michigan.  God, I love that smile and that little bald head.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1286\" alt=\"lake geneva, infant portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This one was shot lakeside in Lake Geneva, WI in August, 2012.  The girl couldn\'t keep her fingers out of her mouth.  Love how she seems bashful or a little bit shy, hiding behind those chubby little hands.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1288\" alt=\"pumpkin patch photo\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2o12, we traveled to WI again for pumpkin picking and fall festivities.  We had a hard time getting her to look at the camera since she was SO distracted by everything else.  A watch?  OOH! SHINY!  I love this background, how the tree frames the edge and how it almost looks like she\'s sitting in front of a painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1291\" alt=\"baby\'s first christmas\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"386\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Those wonky front teeth had really come in by December 2012.  Nothing captures joy more than the look on a child\'s face at Christmas time.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1290\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">First birthdays are for smashing cakes, and in January 2013, that\'s exactly what we did.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1289\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of my first forays into attempting to set up a scene for a photo.  It is WAY harder than most PROS make it look.  Still, we got a couple of real keepers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1283\" alt=\"daffodil glade, morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Morton Arboretum has been one of our favorite places for photos.  In May 2013, we really took advantage of the daffodil glade in full bloom.  Love the wonder and perplexity on her face, all from one little, yellow petal.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1277\" alt=\"kohl childrens museum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\" width=\"279\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still not a lot of hair by May 2013, but she did have a full set of mismatched teeth, gorgeous blue eyes, and a real zest for water play.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1279\" alt=\"morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There is a huge gap here from May of 2013 to May 2014.  The reason behind that is that from about 18 months until 27 months or so, I found it really hard to get a great photo of O.  She was not willing to sit for the camera, and she was CONSTANTLY on the move.  We have a lot of blurred memories!  After her 2nd birthday, she began to calm down a little and would actually cooperate when I wanted to take her picture (occasionally).  I think newborns and infants are way easier than toddlers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1284\" alt=\"michigan city, IN\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"404\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Here is the rare shot involving more than just 1 adorable munchkin.  I took this photo in Michigan City, IN in July 2014.  O is with 2 of her grandparents at the beach.  I really liked the shot at first glance, but I love it even more now that a family member was able to Photoshop out a few distracting people in the water.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1281\" alt=\"eckerts\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">How large a tomato looks in the hands of a little tot...Eckerts near St. Louis was the spot for some gorgeous shots in August 2o14.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1282\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My cupcake connoisseur in September 2014, overjoyed with the new found knowledge that she is going to be a big sister.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1280\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Like I said earlier, there are times when I want to be on the other side of the lens.  For that, you must trust a skilled professional.  I included a few of the highlights of our professional portraits.  This is one of my all-time favorite photos.  It was shot by <a href=\"http://patriciaandersonphotography.com/about-patricia/\">Patricia Anderson</a> in February 2012, and it is by far the best photo ever taken of us.  I find it particularly hard to compose photos with 3 or more people.  This is so natural, so perfectly cropped and really captures all of the wonder and excitement of having your first baby. (You can\'t even tell I was hemorrhaging and headed to the hospital for an emergency D&amp;C.  But that\'s a story for another day...LOL)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1278\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2013, we hired <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/Portraits-by-Tami/131957863484818\">Tami</a> to do our holiday card photos.  Here\'s when I really learned how hard it is to pose 3 people who are not natural \"posers\".  (Plus, this was before I discovered Pinterest, where you can steal the creative ideas of others when you don\'t have any of your own!)  We really struggled to get a great shot, but in the end, I decided I liked how much FUN this picture showed &amp; it was last year\'s Christmas card.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1285\" alt=\"mother and daughter\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is the last shot Tami took at that session, and she really knocked it out of the park.  I asked her to find a way to capture how much I ADORE my little girl (and vice versa).  This photo shows all of the wonderful things about motherhood and leaves you thinking there must never be a bad moment between us.  I will forever cherish this image.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I absolutely cannot wait to take our next family photos.  Nothing makes me happier than to be able to look back on all these good times and know that we really do have a wonderful life.</p>','','','inherit','open','closed','','1276-revision-v1','','','2014-09-18 19:57:58','2014-09-18 19:57:58','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1292-1276-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1294,3,'2014-09-18 20:16:07','2014-09-18 20:16:07','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1287\" alt=\"infant portrait, lakeside\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\" width=\"483\" height=\"500\" /></a>I spent the morning searching for a professional photographer who A. is available on apparently short notice (2 months) and B. is a more skilled photographer than I am who can give me a series of artsy, creative family maternity photos.  After hours of research and MANY phone calls, I finally found <a href=\"http://www.brighteyephotography.com/\">Bright Eye Photography</a>, and I am SO very excited for our November shoot.  In doing all this research, I started thinking about what I really want from our photo shoot.  Now, I am not a PRO, but I have taken some seriously gorgeous photos of my little one.  I typically don\'t hire photographers to do our photos since I think I do an adequate job of capturing the memories myself.  So, when I hire a photog, I want their work to be better than mine.  I want them to use techniques that an amateur like myself hasn\'t figured out.  I think Stephanie will be able to do that for me and capture the emotions behind that ethereal phase of life known as pregnancy, one that we had to work REALLY hard for.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">All that aside, thinking about portraits made me want to gather up all of my favorite shots of O that I have taken since she was born.  The first was taken in late July/ early August 2012 at Nevins Lake in Michigan.  God, I love that smile and that little bald head.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1286\" alt=\"lake geneva, infant portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This one was shot lakeside in Lake Geneva, WI in August, 2012.  The girl couldn\'t keep her fingers out of her mouth.  Love how she seems bashful or a little bit shy, hiding behind those chubby little hands.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1288\" alt=\"pumpkin patch photo\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2o12, we traveled to WI again for pumpkin picking and fall festivities.  We had a hard time getting her to look at the camera since she was SO distracted by everything else.  A watch?  OOH! SHINY!  I love this background, how the tree frames the edge and how it almost looks like she\'s sitting in front of a painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1291\" alt=\"baby\'s first christmas\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"386\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Those wonky front teeth had really come in by December 2012.  Nothing captures joy more than the look on a child\'s face at Christmas time.  The lighting is super flat here, though.  I really have to work on my indoor skills.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1290\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">First birthdays are for smashing cakes, and in January 2013, that\'s exactly what we did.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1289\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of my first forays into attempting to set up a scene for a photo.  It is WAY harder than most PROS make it look.  Still, we got a couple of real keepers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1283\" alt=\"daffodil glade, morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Morton Arboretum has been one of our favorite places for photos.  In May 2013, we really took advantage of the daffodil glade in full bloom.  Love the wonder and perplexity on her face, all from one little, yellow petal.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1277\" alt=\"kohl childrens museum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\" width=\"279\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still not a lot of hair by May 2013, but she did have a full set of mismatched teeth, gorgeous blue eyes, and a real zest for water play.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1279\" alt=\"morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There is a huge gap here from May of 2013 to May 2014.  The reason behind that is that from about 18 months until 27 months or so, I found it really hard to get a great photo of O.  She was not willing to sit for the camera, and she was CONSTANTLY on the move.  We have a lot of blurred memories!  After her 2nd birthday, she began to calm down a little and would actually cooperate when I wanted to take her picture (occasionally).  I think newborns and infants are way easier than toddlers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1284\" alt=\"michigan city, IN\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"404\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Here is the rare shot involving more than just 1 adorable munchkin.  I took this photo in Michigan City, IN in July 2014.  O is with 2 of her grandparents at the beach.  I really liked the shot at first glance, but I love it even more now that a family member was able to Photoshop out a few distracting people in the water.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1281\" alt=\"eckerts\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">How large a tomato looks in the hands of a little tot...Eckerts near St. Louis was the spot for some gorgeous shots in August 2o14.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1282\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My cupcake connoisseur in September 2014, overjoyed with the new found knowledge that she is going to be a big sister.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1280\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Like I said earlier, there are times when I want to be on the other side of the lens.  For that, you must trust a skilled professional.  I included a few of the highlights of our professional portraits.  This is one of my all-time favorite photos.  It was shot by <a href=\"http://patriciaandersonphotography.com/about-patricia/\">Patricia Anderson</a> in February 2012, and it is by far the best photo ever taken of us.  I find it particularly hard to compose photos with 3 or more people.  This is so natural, so perfectly cropped and really captures all of the wonder and excitement of having your first baby. (You can\'t even tell I was hemorrhaging and headed to the hospital for an emergency D&amp;C.  But that\'s a story for another day...LOL)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1278\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2013, we hired <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/Portraits-by-Tami/131957863484818\">Tami</a> to do our holiday card photos.  Here\'s when I really learned how hard it is to pose 3 people who are not natural \"posers\".  (Plus, this was before I discovered Pinterest, where you can steal the creative ideas of others when you don\'t have any of your own!)  We really struggled to get a great shot, but in the end, I decided I liked how much FUN this picture showed &amp; it was last year\'s Christmas card.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1285\" alt=\"mother and daughter\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is the last shot Tami took at that session, and she really knocked it out of the park.  I asked her to find a way to capture how much I ADORE my little girl (and vice versa).  This photo shows all of the wonderful things about motherhood and leaves you thinking there must never be a bad moment between us.  I will forever cherish this image.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I absolutely cannot wait to take our next family photos.  Nothing makes me happier than to be able to look back on all these good times and know that we really do have a wonderful life.</p>','A look back through portraits','','inherit','open','closed','','1276-revision-v1','','','2014-09-18 20:16:07','2014-09-18 20:16:07','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1294-1276-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1295,3,'2014-09-18 20:17:54','2014-09-18 20:17:54','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1287\" alt=\"infant portrait, lakeside\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-goes-to-mi-021.jpg\" width=\"483\" height=\"500\" /></a>I spent the morning searching for a professional photographer who A. is available on apparently short notice (2 months) and B. is a more skilled photographer than I am who can give me a series of artsy, creative family maternity photos.  After hours of research and MANY phone calls, I finally found <a href=\"http://www.brighteyephotography.com/\">Bright Eye Photography</a>, and I am SO very excited for our November shoot.  In doing all this research, I started thinking about what I really want from our photo shoot.  Now, I am not a PRO, but I have taken some seriously gorgeous photos of my little one.  I typically don\'t hire photographers to do our photos since I think I do an adequate job of capturing the memories myself.  So, when I hire a photog, I want their work to be better than mine.  I want them to use techniques that an amateur like myself hasn\'t figured out and have a more creative eye with an artsy flair for composition and prop use.  I think Stephanie will be able to do that for me and capture the emotions behind that ethereal phase of life known as pregnancy, one that we had to work REALLY hard for.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">All that aside, thinking about portraits made me want to gather up all of my favorite shots of O that I have taken since she was born.  The first was taken in late July/ early August 2012 at Nevins Lake in Michigan.  God, I love that smile and that little bald head.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1286\" alt=\"lake geneva, infant portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-at-7-mos-045.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This one was shot lakeside in Lake Geneva, WI in August, 2012.  The girl couldn\'t keep her fingers out of her mouth.  Love how she seems bashful or a little bit shy, hiding behind those chubby little hands.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1288\" alt=\"pumpkin patch photo\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pumpkin-patch-038.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2o12, we traveled to WI again for pumpkin picking and fall festivities.  We had a hard time getting her to look at the camera since she was SO distracted by everything else.  A watch?  OOH! SHINY!  I love this background, how the tree frames the edge and how it almost looks like she\'s sitting in front of a painting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1291\" alt=\"baby\'s first christmas\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/xmas-2012-061.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"386\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Those wonky front teeth had really come in by December 2012.  Nothing captures joy more than the look on a child\'s face at Christmas time.  The lighting is super flat here, though.  I really have to work on my indoor skills.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1290\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4002-4.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">First birthdays are for smashing cakes, and in January 2013, that\'s exactly what we did.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1289\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ry4001.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"364\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of my first forays into attempting to set up a scene for a photo.  It is WAY harder than most PROS make it look.  Still, we got a couple of real keepers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1283\" alt=\"daffodil glade, morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP8323-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The Morton Arboretum has been one of our favorite places for photos.  In May 2013, we really took advantage of the daffodil glade in full bloom.  Love the wonder and perplexity on her face, all from one little, yellow petal.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1277\" alt=\"kohl childrens museum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/asparagus-prosciutto-054.jpg\" width=\"279\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still not a lot of hair by May 2013, but she did have a full set of mismatched teeth, gorgeous blue eyes, and a real zest for water play.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1279\" alt=\"morton arboretum\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/easter-at-arb-221.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There is a huge gap here from May of 2013 to May 2014.  The reason behind that is that from about 18 months until 27 months or so, I found it really hard to get a great photo of O.  She was not willing to sit for the camera, and she was CONSTANTLY on the move.  We have a lot of blurred memories!  After her 2nd birthday, she began to calm down a little and would actually cooperate when I wanted to take her picture (occasionally).  I think newborns and infants are way easier than toddlers.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1284\" alt=\"michigan city, IN\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Karoline2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"404\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Here is the rare shot involving more than just 1 adorable munchkin.  I took this photo in Michigan City, IN in July 2014.  O is with 2 of her grandparents at the beach.  I really liked the shot at first glance, but I love it even more now that a family member was able to Photoshop out a few distracting people in the water.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1281\" alt=\"eckerts\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2053-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">How large a tomato looks in the hands of a little tot...Eckerts near St. Louis was the spot for some gorgeous shots in August 2o14.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1282\" alt=\"gender reveal\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP2996-21.jpg\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My cupcake connoisseur in September 2014, overjoyed with the new found knowledge that she is going to be a big sister.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1280\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fam-bw.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Like I said earlier, there are times when I want to be on the other side of the lens.  For that, you must trust a skilled professional.  I included a few of the highlights of our professional portraits.  This is one of my all-time favorite photos.  It was shot by <a href=\"http://patriciaandersonphotography.com/about-patricia/\">Patricia Anderson</a> in February 2012, and it is by far the best photo ever taken of us.  I find it particularly hard to compose photos with 3 or more people.  This is so natural, so perfectly cropped and really captures all of the wonder and excitement of having your first baby. (You can\'t even tell I was hemorrhaging and headed to the hospital for an emergency D&amp;C.  But that\'s a story for another day...LOL)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1278\" alt=\"family portrait\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0021bw.jpg\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In October 2013, we hired <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/Portraits-by-Tami/131957863484818\">Tami</a> to do our holiday card photos.  Here\'s when I really learned how hard it is to pose 3 people who are not natural \"posers\".  (Plus, this was before I discovered Pinterest, where you can steal the creative ideas of others when you don\'t have any of your own!)  We really struggled to get a great shot, but in the end, I decided I liked how much FUN this picture showed &amp; it was last year\'s Christmas card.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1285\" alt=\"mother and daughter\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/o-mom.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is the last shot Tami took at that session, and she really knocked it out of the park.  I asked her to find a way to capture how much I ADORE my little girl (and vice versa).  This photo shows all of the wonderful things about motherhood and leaves you thinking there must never be a bad moment between us.  I will forever cherish this image.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I absolutely cannot wait to take our next family photos.  Nothing makes me happier than to be able to look back on all these good times and know that we really do have a wonderful life.</p>','A look back through portraits','','inherit','open','closed','','1276-revision-v1','','','2014-09-18 20:17:54','2014-09-18 20:17:54','',1276,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1295-1276-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1296,3,'2014-09-22 14:04:19','2014-09-22 14:04:19','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1301\" alt=\"beach ball cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"317\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our good friend, E, turned 2 this week and had a fabulous party at <a href=\"http://www.parkfun.com/facilities/pools/the-water-works\">The Water Works</a> indoor water park in Schaumburg.  Since pizza, cake and ice cream were included with the party, I offered to bring some beach ball cookies as party favors.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1302\" alt=\"beach ball cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"316\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I thought these would be easy peasy, but it turned out that drawing the curved lines freehand was kind of tricky.  It is much easier to follow the outline of whatever shape you choose and then fill the cookie with one solid color and add details once that base layer has dried.  Overall, though, they were quite adorable and well received once packaged.  One thing that I learned right away was to pipe and flood all of the white spaces first before adding any color.  Then, by the time I was ready to fill in the sides, the white had dried sufficiently enough to form a crisp barrier.  If you attempt to add the colors before the white dries, you will not only be working inefficiently -- always work assembly line style -- but the color will bleed slightly into the white, and you won\'t have a well defined border between the panels.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1304\" alt=\"birthday girl\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-21.jpg\" width=\"397\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The birthday girl was really only interested in eating ice cream...but we could have guessed that from <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/763-rainbows-and-unicorns\">last year\'s cake fiasco</a>.  hahaha.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1303\" alt=\"IMGP3261 (2)\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-21.jpg\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O was happy to join the sweet eating fun as well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Happy birthday, E!  We love you!</p>','Beach ball cookies','','publish','open','closed','','beach-ball-cookies','','','2014-09-22 14:04:35','2014-09-22 14:04:35','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1296',0,'post','',1),(1297,3,'2014-09-22 13:50:13','2014-09-22 13:50:13','','IMGP3250 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3250-2','','','2014-09-22 13:50:13','2014-09-22 13:50:13','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1298,3,'2014-09-22 13:50:16','2014-09-22 13:50:16','','beach ball cookies','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3252-2','','','2014-09-22 13:50:16','2014-09-22 13:50:16','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1299,3,'2014-09-22 13:50:20','2014-09-22 13:50:20','','IMGP3261 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3261-2','','','2014-09-22 13:50:20','2014-09-22 13:50:20','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1300,3,'2014-09-22 13:50:23','2014-09-22 13:50:23','','IMGP3265 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3265-2','','','2014-09-22 13:50:23','2014-09-22 13:50:23','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1301,3,'2014-09-22 13:51:21','2014-09-22 13:51:21','','beach ball cookies','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3250-2-2','','','2014-09-22 13:51:21','2014-09-22 13:51:21','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-21.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1302,3,'2014-09-22 13:51:22','2014-09-22 13:51:22','','beach ball cookies','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3252-2-2','','','2014-09-22 13:51:22','2014-09-22 13:51:22','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-21.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1303,3,'2014-09-22 13:51:22','2014-09-22 13:51:22','','IMGP3261 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3261-2-2','','','2014-09-22 13:51:22','2014-09-22 13:51:22','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-21.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1304,3,'2014-09-22 13:51:23','2014-09-22 13:51:23','','birthday girl','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3265-2-2','','','2014-09-22 13:51:23','2014-09-22 13:51:23','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-21.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1306,3,'2014-09-22 14:04:35','2014-09-22 14:04:35','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1301\" alt=\"beach ball cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"317\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our good friend, E, turned 2 this week and had a fabulous party at <a href=\"http://www.parkfun.com/facilities/pools/the-water-works\">The Water Works</a> indoor water park in Schaumburg.  Since pizza, cake and ice cream were included with the party, I offered to bring some beach ball cookies as party favors.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1302\" alt=\"beach ball cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"316\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I thought these would be easy peasy, but it turned out that drawing the curved lines freehand was kind of tricky.  It is much easier to follow the outline of whatever shape you choose and then fill the cookie with one solid color and add details once that base layer has dried.  Overall, though, they were quite adorable and well received once packaged.  One thing that I learned right away was to pipe and flood all of the white spaces first before adding any color.  Then, by the time I was ready to fill in the sides, the white had dried sufficiently enough to form a crisp barrier.  If you attempt to add the colors before the white dries, you will not only be working inefficiently -- always work assembly line style -- but the color will bleed slightly into the white, and you won\'t have a well defined border between the panels.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1304\" alt=\"birthday girl\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-21.jpg\" width=\"397\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The birthday girl was really only interested in eating ice cream...but we could have guessed that from <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/763-rainbows-and-unicorns\">last year\'s cake fiasco</a>.  hahaha.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1303\" alt=\"IMGP3261 (2)\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-21.jpg\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O was happy to join the sweet eating fun as well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Happy birthday, E!  We love you!</p>','Beach ball cookies','','inherit','open','closed','','1296-revision-v1','','','2014-09-22 14:04:35','2014-09-22 14:04:35','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1306-1296-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1305,3,'2014-09-22 14:04:19','2014-09-22 14:04:19','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1301\" alt=\"beach ball cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3250-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"317\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our good friend, E, turned 2 this week and had a fabulous party at <a href=\"http://www.parkfun.com/facilities/pools/the-water-works\">The Water Works</a> indoor water park in Schaumburg.  Since pizza, cake and ice cream were included with the party, I offered to bring some beach ball cookies as party favors.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1302\" alt=\"beach ball cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3252-21.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"316\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I thought these would be easy peasy, but it turned out that drawing the curved lines freehand was kind of tricky.  It is much easier to follow the outline of whatever shape you choose and then fill the cookie with one solid color and add details once that base layer has dried.  Overall, though, they were quite adorable and well received once packaged.  One thing that I learned right away was to pipe and flood all of the white spaces first before adding any color.  Then, by the time I was ready to fill in the sides, the white had dried sufficiently enough to form a crisp barrier.  If you attempt to add the colors before the white dries, you will not only be working inefficiently -- always work assembly line style -- but the color will bleed slightly into the white, and you won\'t have a well defined border between the panels.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1304\" alt=\"birthday girl\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3265-21.jpg\" width=\"397\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The birthday girl was really only interested in eating ice cream...but we could have guessed that from <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/763-rainbows-and-unicorns\">last year\'s cake fiasco</a>.  hahaha.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-21.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1303\" alt=\"IMGP3261 (2)\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/IMGP3261-21.jpg\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O was happy to join the sweet eating fun as well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Happy birthday, E!  We love you!</p>','Beach ball cookies','','inherit','open','closed','','1296-revision-v1','','','2014-09-22 14:04:19','2014-09-22 14:04:19','',1296,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1305-1296-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1308,3,'2014-10-04 02:23:48','2014-10-04 02:23:48','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1313\" alt=\"cupcakes, toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>Ben made the usual request for his birthday, this year...anything with coconut.  Lately, though, he has requested chocolate along with his coconut.  A few years back, prior to the chocolate requests, I went with a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/154-happy-birthday\">simple white cake and the obligatory coconut</a>.  Then, he requested German chocolate.  I obliged, and disguised it in the form of a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/391-happy-birthday-benner-2\">White Sox cake</a>.  Last year, we had a giant housewarming party for his birthday, so I kept things simple and baked my favorite chocolate cupcakes (from <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1412389056&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=joanne+chang%2C+flour\">Joanne Chang\'s <em>Flour</em> cookbook</a>) and topped them with cream cheese-coconut frosting (try this version from <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\"><em>Southern Living</em></a>).  They were so popular that Ben\'s cousin\'s fiancee requested them for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1224-i-do\">bridal shower</a>, and Ben asked for them again this year.  The best part?  They couldn\'t be easier.  So, even when this tired and pregnant mama has her hands full, we can still find time to make Daddy happy.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1309\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\" width=\"365\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a teenager, my go-to babysitting tactic was to bring the kids into the kitchen with me.  Aside from that, I was pretty much useless with the little ones.  We went to the park and watched lots of movies, but the real fun was had when the mixer and the oven were running.  I have been waiting more than 2 years for O to be ready to help me in the kitchen, and it seems the time has come.  When she heard we were making cupcakes for Daddy, she couldn\'t get to the kitchen fast enough.  I may have mentioned it, but she was a very active participant in <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvia\'s cupcakes </a>and Eloise\'s <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1296-beach-ball-cookies\">beach ball cookies</a>.  This time, though, she was ready for the big leagues: using a piping bag to do the frosting.  Since they were just for Dad, I was happy to give her free reign.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1310\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\" width=\"315\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, if I ever caught a pro holding a pastry bag like this, I\'d cringe, but you can\'t expect much more from a toddler.  They just aren\'t strong enough to do it one-handed.  She was SO very proud of herself.  My heart just melted.  She kept asking, \"Mommy, does \'is\' one \'yook\' good?\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1312\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, no cupcake is complete without sprinkles- at least not in O\'s mind.  She probably ate more than she got on the cupcakes, and I\'ll be cleaning them off the floor for months....but, the end result was worth it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1315\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, I couldn\'t let her have all the fun.  So, I piped a few myself.  Before she went to bed, O left out one cupcake on a plate alongside a handmade card and a glass of brown liquor (poured by mom).  Pretty good, right?</p>','Happy Birthday, Daddy!','','publish','open','closed','','happy-birthday-daddy','','','2014-10-04 11:37:20','2014-10-04 11:37:20','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1308',0,'post','',0),(1309,3,'2014-10-04 02:01:42','2014-10-04 02:01:42','','baking with toddlers','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3520-2','','','2014-10-04 02:01:42','2014-10-04 02:01:42','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1310,3,'2014-10-04 02:01:43','2014-10-04 02:01:43','','baking with toddlers','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3539-2','','','2014-10-04 02:01:43','2014-10-04 02:01:43','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1311,3,'2014-10-04 02:01:44','2014-10-04 02:01:44','','IMGP3541 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3541-2','','','2014-10-04 02:01:44','2014-10-04 02:01:44','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3541-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1312,3,'2014-10-04 02:01:44','2014-10-04 02:01:44','','baking with toddlers','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3558-2','','','2014-10-04 02:01:44','2014-10-04 02:01:44','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1313,3,'2014-10-04 02:01:45','2014-10-04 02:01:45','','cupcakes, toddlers','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3563-2','','','2014-10-04 02:01:45','2014-10-04 02:01:45','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1314,3,'2014-10-04 02:01:46','2014-10-04 02:01:46','','IMGP3568 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3568-2','','','2014-10-04 02:01:46','2014-10-04 02:01:46','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3568-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1315,3,'2014-10-04 02:01:47','2014-10-04 02:01:47','','chocolate coconut cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3571-2','','','2014-10-04 02:01:47','2014-10-04 02:01:47','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1318,3,'2014-10-04 02:29:55','2014-10-04 02:29:55','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1313\" alt=\"cupcakes, toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>Ben made the usual request for his birthday, this year...anything with coconut.  Lately, though, he has requested chocolate along with his coconut.  A few years back, prior to the chocolate requests, I went with a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/154-happy-birthday\">simple white cake and the obligatory coconut</a>.  Then, he requested German chocolate.  I obliged, and disguised it in the form of a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/391-happy-birthday-benner-2\">White Sox cake</a>.  Last year, we had a giant housewarming party for his birthday, so I kept things simple and baked my favorite chocolate cupcakes (from <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1412389056&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=joanne+chang%2C+flour\">Joanne Chang\'s <em>Flour</em> cookbook</a>) and topped them with cream cheese-coconut frosting (try this version from <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\"><em>Southern Living</em></a>).  They were so popular that Ben\'s cousin\'s fiancee requested them for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1224-i-do\">bridal shower</a>, and Ben asked for them again this year.  The best part?  They couldn\'t be easier.  So, even when this tired and pregnant mama has her hands full, we can still find time to make Daddy happy.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1309\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\" width=\"365\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a teenager, my go-to babysitting tactic was to bring the kids into the kitchen with me.  Aside from that, I was pretty much useless with the little ones.  We went to the park and watched lots of movies, but the real fun was had when the mixer and the oven were running.  I have been waiting more than 2 years for O to be ready to help me in the kitchen, and it seems the time has come.  When she heard we were making cupcakes for Daddy, she couldn\'t get to the kitchen fast enough.  I may have mentioned it, but she was a very active participant in <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvia\'s cupcakes </a>and Eloise\'s <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1296-beach-ball-cookies\">beach ball cookies</a>.  This time, though, she was ready for the big leagues: using a piping bag to do the frosting.  Since they were just for Dad, I was happy to give her free reign.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1310\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\" width=\"315\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, if I ever caught a pro holding a pastry bag like this, I\'d cringe, but you can\'t expect much more from a toddler.  Their little hands just aren\'t strong enough to do it one-handed.  She was SO very proud of herself.  My heart just melted.  She kept asking, \"Mommy, does \'is\' one \'yook\' good?\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1312\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, no cupcake is complete without sprinkles- at least not in O\'s mind.  She probably ate more than she got on the cupcakes, and I\'ll be cleaning them off the floor for months....but, the end result was worth it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1315\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, I couldn\'t let her have all the fun.  So, I piped a few myself.  Before she went to bed, O left out one cupcake on a plate alongside a handmade card and a glass of brown liquor (poured by mom).  Pretty good, right?</p>','Happy Birthday, Daddy!','','inherit','open','closed','','1308-revision-v1','','','2014-10-04 02:29:55','2014-10-04 02:29:55','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1318-1308-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1316,3,'2014-10-04 02:23:48','2014-10-04 02:23:48','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1313\" alt=\"cupcakes, toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>Ben made the usual request for his birthday, this year...anything with coconut.  Lately, though, he has requested chocolate along with his coconut.  A few years back, I went with a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/154-happy-birthday\">simple white cake and the obligatory coconut</a>.  Then, he requested German chocolate.  I obliged, and disguised it in the form of a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/391-happy-birthday-benner-2\">White Sox cake</a>.  Last year, we had a giant housewarming party for his birthday, so I kept things simple and baked my favorite chocolate cupcakes (from <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1412389056&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=joanne+chang%2C+flour\">Joanne Chang\'s <em>Flour</em> cookbook</a>) and topped them with cream cheese-coconut frosting (try this version from <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\"><em>Southern Living</em></a>).  They were so popular that Ben\'s cousin\'s fiancee requested them for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1224-i-do\">bridal shower</a>, and Ben asked for them again this year.  The best part?  They couldn\'t be easier.  So, even when this tired and pregnant mama has her hands full, we can still find time to make Daddy happy.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1309\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\" width=\"365\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a teenager, my go-to babysitting tactic was to bring the kids into the kitchen with me.  Aside from that, I was pretty much useless with the little ones.  We went to the park and watched lots of movies, but the real fun was had when the mixer and the oven were running.  I have been waiting more than 2 years for O to be ready to help me in the kitchen, and it seems the time has come.  When she heard we were making cupcakes for Daddy, she absolutely could not wait to help.  I may have mentioned it, but she was a very active participant in <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvia\'s cupcakes </a>and Eloise\'s <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1296-beach-ball-cookies\">beach ball cookies</a>.  This time, though, she was ready for the big leagues: using a piping bag to do the frosting.  Since they were just for Dad, I was happy to give her free reign.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1310\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\" width=\"315\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, if I ever caught a pro holding a pastry bag like this, I\'d cringe, but you can\'t expect much more from a toddler.  Their little hands just aren\'t strong enough to do it one-handed.  She was SO very proud of herself.  My heart just melted.  She kept asking, \"Mommy, does \'is\' one \'yook\' good?\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1312\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, no cupcake is complete without sprinkles- at least not in O\'s mind.  She probably ate more than she got on the cupcakes, and I\'ll be cleaning them off the floor for months....but, the end result was worth it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1315\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, I couldn\'t let her have all the fun.  So, I piped a few myself.  Before she went to bed, O left out one cupcake on a plate alongside a handmade card and a glass of brown liquor (poured by mom).  Pretty good, right?</p>','Happy Birthday, Daddy!','','inherit','open','closed','','1308-revision-v1','','','2014-10-04 02:23:48','2014-10-04 02:23:48','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1316-1308-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1317,3,'2014-10-04 02:29:13','2014-10-04 02:29:13','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1313\" alt=\"cupcakes, toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>Ben made the usual request for his birthday, this year...anything with coconut.  Lately, though, he has requested chocolate along with his coconut.  A few years back, prior to the chocolate requests, I went with a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/154-happy-birthday\">simple white cake and the obligatory coconut</a>.  Then, he requested German chocolate.  I obliged, and disguised it in the form of a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/391-happy-birthday-benner-2\">White Sox cake</a>.  Last year, we had a giant housewarming party for his birthday, so I kept things simple and baked my favorite chocolate cupcakes (from <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1412389056&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=joanne+chang%2C+flour\">Joanne Chang\'s <em>Flour</em> cookbook</a>) and topped them with cream cheese-coconut frosting (try this version from <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\"><em>Southern Living</em></a>).  They were so popular that Ben\'s cousin\'s fiancee requested them for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1224-i-do\">bridal shower</a>, and Ben asked for them again this year.  The best part?  They couldn\'t be easier.  So, even when this tired and pregnant mama has her hands full, we can still find time to make Daddy happy.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1309\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\" width=\"365\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a teenager, my go-to babysitting tactic was to bring the kids into the kitchen with me.  Aside from that, I was pretty much useless with the little ones.  We went to the park and watched lots of movies, but the real fun was had when the mixer and the oven were running.  I have been waiting more than 2 years for O to be ready to help me in the kitchen, and it seems the time has come.  When she heard we were making cupcakes for Daddy, she couldn\'t get to the kitchen fast enough.  I may have mentioned it, but she was a very active participant in <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvia\'s cupcakes </a>and Eloise\'s <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1296-beach-ball-cookies\">beach ball cookies</a>.  This time, though, she was ready for the big leagues: using a piping bag to do the frosting.  Since they were just for Dad, I was happy to give her free reign.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1310\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\" width=\"315\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, if I ever caught a pro holding a pastry bag like this, I\'d cringe, but you can\'t expect much more from a toddler.  Their little hands just aren\'t strong enough to do it one-handed.  She was SO very proud of herself.  My heart just melted.  She kept asking, \"Mommy, does \'is\' one \'yook\' good?\"</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1312\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, no cupcake is complete without sprinkles- at least not in O\'s mind.  She probably ate more than she got on the cupcakes, and I\'ll be cleaning them off the floor for months....but, the end result was worth it.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1315\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, I couldn\'t let her have all the fun.  So, I piped a few myself.  Before she went to bed, O left out one cupcake on a plate alongside a handmade card and a glass of brown liquor (poured by mom).  Pretty good, right?</p>','Happy Birthday, Daddy!','','inherit','open','closed','','1308-autosave-v1','','','2014-10-04 02:29:13','2014-10-04 02:29:13','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1317-1308-autosave-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1319,3,'2014-10-04 03:02:43','2014-10-04 03:02:43','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2850-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1323\" alt=\"white chocolate chip cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2850-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"329\" /></a>As a food stylist who works from home, people often wonder about what it is that I do for a living.  It is easiest conceptualized in photos.  I cook and bake in my own kitchen, in the process creating an extraordinary mess, and then attempt to make it look appetizing and beautiful in a photo.   I pull from my vast collection of props (thank God for basements), and set up my photo near a window or in a shaded area outside.  I\'ve selected a few of my recent favorites for your viewing pleasure.  Easier said than done sometimes.   When I sell a photo, I no longer own the rights to it.  So, these are not the exact images that have been sold, but they are from the same photo sessions as many of my pictures that appear in the Boston Globe.  (When possible, I will included links to recipes, but several of these have not yet been published.)  This first is white chocolate chip cookies with walnuts and dried cranberries.  They were eagerly gobbled up by my hungry family just as soon as I set down the camera.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3343-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1324\" alt=\"Tandoori chicken\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3343-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"492\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This photo of tandoori chicken is a rare example of when my editor and I disagree.  Pictured here was my absolute favorite shot from the series, but it is not<a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/09/30/recipe-for-tandoori-style-chicken/Ty2bahULbZjJFQQJrWSz2L/story.html\"> the one that she chose</a>.  Ah, well, I\'ll keep the rights to it. (And, it is entirely possible that her well-trained eye is seeing something that I am not.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2619-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1322\" alt=\"plum frangipane tart\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2619-2.jpg\" width=\"459\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Is there anything more elegant than a simple, fruit tart?  This version is filled with plum and hazelnuts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP0944-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1320\" alt=\"sloppy joes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP0944-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Something about this Sloppy Joe is very, very appealing....though <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/07/15/asian-inspired-sloppy-joes-then-enchiladas/M8WgbsSnDWTaJLdivCLXVI/story.html\">the one pictured here</a> is also appetizing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2575-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1321\" alt=\"dutch baby\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2575-2.jpg\" width=\"383\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I find desserts that include fresh fruit to be the easiest dishes to photograph.  They are innately beautiful, just like this <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/09/30/recipe-for-dutch-baby-with-cherries/PQOddTKuaa1qqP9WtW14XN/story.html\">Dutch baby with fresh cherries.</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3445-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1325\" alt=\"apple crisp\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3445-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"326\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Continuing with the fresh fruit theme, I think I have made my point, though I enjoy the photo of apple crisp more from the angle she chose.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3507-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1326\" alt=\"udon noodle soup\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3507-2.jpg\" width=\"381\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Understated elegance in soup form: udon noodles with miso broth.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I do LOVE my job.</p>','What\'s cooking...','','publish','open','closed','','whats-cooking','','','2014-10-04 03:10:05','2014-10-04 03:10:05','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1319',0,'post','',0),(1320,3,'2014-10-04 02:43:15','2014-10-04 02:43:15','','sloppy joes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp0944-2','','','2014-10-04 02:43:15','2014-10-04 02:43:15','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP0944-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1321,3,'2014-10-04 02:43:16','2014-10-04 02:43:16','','dutch baby','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2575-2','','','2014-10-04 02:43:16','2014-10-04 02:43:16','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2575-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1322,3,'2014-10-04 02:43:17','2014-10-04 02:43:17','','plum frangipane tart','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2619-2','','','2014-10-04 02:43:17','2014-10-04 02:43:17','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2619-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1323,3,'2014-10-04 02:43:17','2014-10-04 02:43:17','','white chocolate chip cookies','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp2850-2','','','2014-10-04 02:43:17','2014-10-04 02:43:17','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2850-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1324,3,'2014-10-04 02:43:18','2014-10-04 02:43:18','','Tandoori chicken','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3343-2','','','2014-10-04 02:43:18','2014-10-04 02:43:18','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3343-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1325,3,'2014-10-04 02:43:19','2014-10-04 02:43:19','','apple crisp','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3445-2','','','2014-10-04 02:43:19','2014-10-04 02:43:19','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3445-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1326,3,'2014-10-04 02:43:19','2014-10-04 02:43:19','','udon noodle soup','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3507-2','','','2014-10-04 02:43:19','2014-10-04 02:43:19','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3507-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1328,3,'2014-10-04 03:10:05','2014-10-04 03:10:05','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2850-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1323\" alt=\"white chocolate chip cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2850-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"329\" /></a>As a food stylist who works from home, people often wonder about what it is that I do for a living.  It is easiest conceptualized in photos.  I cook and bake in my own kitchen, in the process creating an extraordinary mess, and then attempt to make it look appetizing and beautiful in a photo.   I pull from my vast collection of props (thank God for basements), and set up my photo near a window or in a shaded area outside.  I\'ve selected a few of my recent favorites for your viewing pleasure.  Easier said than done sometimes.   When I sell a photo, I no longer own the rights to it.  So, these are not the exact images that have been sold, but they are from the same photo sessions as many of my pictures that appear in the Boston Globe.  (When possible, I will included links to recipes, but several of these have not yet been published.)  This first is white chocolate chip cookies with walnuts and dried cranberries.  They were eagerly gobbled up by my hungry family just as soon as I set down the camera.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3343-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1324\" alt=\"Tandoori chicken\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3343-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"492\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This photo of tandoori chicken is a rare example of when my editor and I disagree.  Pictured here was my absolute favorite shot from the series, but it is not<a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/09/30/recipe-for-tandoori-style-chicken/Ty2bahULbZjJFQQJrWSz2L/story.html\"> the one that she chose</a>.  Ah, well, I\'ll keep the rights to it. (And, it is entirely possible that her well-trained eye is seeing something that I am not.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2619-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1322\" alt=\"plum frangipane tart\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2619-2.jpg\" width=\"459\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Is there anything more elegant than a simple, fruit tart?  This version is filled with plum and hazelnuts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP0944-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1320\" alt=\"sloppy joes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP0944-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Something about this Sloppy Joe is very, very appealing....though <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/07/15/asian-inspired-sloppy-joes-then-enchiladas/M8WgbsSnDWTaJLdivCLXVI/story.html\">the one pictured here</a> is also appetizing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2575-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1321\" alt=\"dutch baby\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2575-2.jpg\" width=\"383\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I find desserts that include fresh fruit to be the easiest dishes to photograph.  They are innately beautiful, just like this <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/09/30/recipe-for-dutch-baby-with-cherries/PQOddTKuaa1qqP9WtW14XN/story.html\">Dutch baby with fresh cherries.</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3445-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1325\" alt=\"apple crisp\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3445-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"326\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Continuing with the fresh fruit theme, I think I have made my point, though I enjoy the photo of apple crisp more from the angle she chose.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3507-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1326\" alt=\"udon noodle soup\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3507-2.jpg\" width=\"381\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Understated elegance in soup form: udon noodles with miso broth.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I do LOVE my job.</p>','What\'s cooking...','','inherit','open','closed','','1319-revision-v1','','','2014-10-04 03:10:05','2014-10-04 03:10:05','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1328-1319-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1327,3,'2014-10-04 03:02:43','2014-10-04 03:02:43','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2850-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1323\" alt=\"white chocolate chip cookies\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2850-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"329\" /></a>As a food stylist who works from home, people often wonder about what it is that I do for a living.  It is easiest conceptualized in photos.  I cook and bake in my own kitchen, in the process creating an extraordinary mess, and then attempt to make it look appetizing and beautiful in a photo.   I pull from my vast collection of props (thank God for basements), and set up my photo near a window or in a shaded area outside.  I\'ve selected a few of my recent favorites for your viewing pleasure.  Easier said than done sometimes.   When I sell a photo, I no longer own the rights to it.  So, these are not the exact images that have been sold, but they are from the same photo sessions as many of my pictures that appear in the Boston Globe.  (When possible, I will included links to recipes, but several of these have not yet been published.)  This first is white chocolate chip cookies with walnuts and dried cranberries.  They were eagerly gobbled up by my hungry family just as soon as I set down the camera.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3343-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1324\" alt=\"Tandoori chicken\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3343-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"492\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This photo of tandoori chicken is an example of when my editor and I disagree.  Pictured here was my absolute favorite shot from the series, but it is not<a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/09/30/recipe-for-tandoori-style-chicken/Ty2bahULbZjJFQQJrWSz2L/story.html\"> the one that she chose</a>.  Ah, well, I\'ll keep the rights to it. (And, it is entirely possible that her well-trained eye is seeing something that I am not.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2619-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1322\" alt=\"plum frangipane tart\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2619-2.jpg\" width=\"459\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Is there anything more elegant than a simple, fruit tart?  This version is filled with plum and hazelnuts.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP0944-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1320\" alt=\"sloppy joes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP0944-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Something about this Sloppy Joe is very, very appealing....though <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/07/15/asian-inspired-sloppy-joes-then-enchiladas/M8WgbsSnDWTaJLdivCLXVI/story.html\">the one pictured here</a> is also appetizing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2575-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1321\" alt=\"dutch baby\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP2575-2.jpg\" width=\"383\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I find desserts that include fresh fruit to be the easiest dishes to photograph.  They are innately beautiful, just like this <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/09/30/recipe-for-dutch-baby-with-cherries/PQOddTKuaa1qqP9WtW14XN/story.html\">Dutch baby with fresh cherries.</a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3445-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1325\" alt=\"apple crisp\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3445-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"326\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Continuing with the fresh fruit theme, I think I have made my point, though I enjoy the photo of apple crisp more from the angle she chose.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3507-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1326\" alt=\"udon noodle soup\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3507-2.jpg\" width=\"381\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Understated elegance in soup form: udon noodles with miso broth.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I do LOVE my job.</p>','What\'s cooking...','','inherit','open','closed','','1319-revision-v1','','','2014-10-04 03:02:43','2014-10-04 03:02:43','',1319,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1327-1319-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1329,3,'2014-10-04 11:37:20','2014-10-04 11:37:20','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1313\" alt=\"cupcakes, toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3563-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>Ben made the usual request for his birthday, this year...anything with coconut.  Lately, though, he has requested chocolate along with his coconut.  A few years back, prior to the chocolate requests, I went with a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/154-happy-birthday\">simple white cake and the obligatory coconut</a>.  Then, he requested German chocolate.  I obliged, and disguised it in the form of a <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/391-happy-birthday-benner-2\">White Sox cake</a>.  Last year, we had a giant housewarming party for his birthday, so I kept things simple and baked my favorite chocolate cupcakes (from <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Flour-Spectacular-Recipes-Bostons-Bakery/dp/081186944X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1412389056&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=joanne+chang%2C+flour\">Joanne Chang\'s <em>Flour</em> cookbook</a>) and topped them with cream cheese-coconut frosting (try this version from <a href=\"http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coconut-cream-cheese-frosting-50400000125265/\"><em>Southern Living</em></a>).  They were so popular that Ben\'s cousin\'s fiancee requested them for her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1224-i-do\">bridal shower</a>, and Ben asked for them again this year.  The best part?  They couldn\'t be easier.  So, even when this tired and pregnant mama has her hands full, we can still find time to make Daddy happy.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1309\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3520-2.jpg\" width=\"365\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a teenager, my go-to babysitting tactic was to bring the kids into the kitchen with me.  Aside from that, I was pretty much useless with the little ones.  We went to the park and watched lots of movies, but the real fun was had when the mixer and the oven were running.  I have been waiting more than 2 years for O to be ready to help me in the kitchen, and it seems the time has come.  When she heard we were making cupcakes for Daddy, she couldn\'t get to the kitchen fast enough.  I may have mentioned it, but she was a very active participant in <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1245-silly-sylvie-and-the-chocolate-factory\">Sylvia\'s cupcakes </a>and Eloise\'s <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1296-beach-ball-cookies\">beach ball cookies</a>.  This time, though, she was ready for the big leagues: using a piping bag to do the frosting.  Since they were just for Dad, I was happy to give her free reign.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1310\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3539-2.jpg\" width=\"315\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, if I ever caught a pro holding a pastry bag like this, I\'d cringe, but you can\'t expect much more from a toddler.  They just aren\'t strong enough to do it one-handed.  She was SO very proud of herself.  My heart just melted.  She kept asking, \"Mommy, does \'is\' one \'yook\' good?\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1312\" alt=\"baking with toddlers\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3558-2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, no cupcake is complete without sprinkles- at least not in O\'s mind.  She probably ate more than she got on the cupcakes, and I\'ll be cleaning them off the floor for months....but, the end result was worth it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1315\" alt=\"chocolate coconut cupcakes\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3571-2.jpg\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Of course, I couldn\'t let her have all the fun.  So, I piped a few myself.  Before she went to bed, O left out one cupcake on a plate alongside a handmade card and a glass of brown liquor (poured by mom).  Pretty good, right?</p>','Happy Birthday, Daddy!','','inherit','open','closed','','1308-revision-v1','','','2014-10-04 11:37:20','2014-10-04 11:37:20','',1308,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1329-1308-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1331,3,'2014-10-17 12:49:06','2014-10-17 12:49:06','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3732-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1332\" alt=\"lion smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3732-2.jpg\" width=\"421\" height=\"500\" /></a>My college roommate is still one of my favorite people in the whole world.  So, when her son turned one, I was eager to make his smash cake.  Corey\'s mom selected a jungle theme for the party, and I sent her a bunch of photos on Pinterest so she could pick out a style that she liked.  This is the one she chose:</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img alt=\"Lion Birthday Cake by cakeheaven1, via Flickr\" src=\"https://s-media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/08/9d/8c/089d8c34faae3262be135ee596e4bdde.jpg\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I came pretty close, right?  Well, we won\'t see it on \"<a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/mathomson/nailed-it/\">Nailed it</a>\" anyway.  (She also favored <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/513-first-birthdays\">this lion cake</a>, but I wanted to try out a new style.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3737-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1333\" alt=\"first birthday\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3737-2.jpg\" width=\"478\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a general rule, we should probably stop singing \"Happy Birthday\" to one year olds.  They don\'t seem to enjoy it very much.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3752-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1334\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3752-2.jpg\" width=\"306\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Corey recovered nicely and after a few minutes snuggling with his mama, he was more than ready to dig into his very own cake.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3754-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1335\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3754-2.jpg\" width=\"403\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">He REALLY got into it (not like <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/763-rainbows-and-unicorns\">this birthday girl</a>).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3763-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1337\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3763-2.jpg\" width=\"425\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Seriously, I don\'t think I have ever seen a more enthusiastic smasher (though <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1215-gluten-free-vegan-smash-cake\">this birthday boy</a> came close and my own O did a pretty destructive job at <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/593-smash-cake\">her smash cake photo session</a>).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3759-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1336\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3759-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"430\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">He was even giving out high-fives to his cousins, who wanted in on the mess!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3769-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1338\" alt=\"smash cake destruction\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3769-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">That was one enthusiastic kid!  It was worth every second of my efforts to see this little/ not-so-little guy attack that cake.  Congrats to his mommy and daddy on surviving the first year and raising such an incredible boy!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>','Corey\'s 1st birthday (lion smash cake)','','publish','open','closed','','coreys-1st-birthday-lion-smash-cake','','','2014-10-17 12:49:06','2014-10-17 12:49:06','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1331',0,'post','',0),(1332,3,'2014-10-17 12:29:43','2014-10-17 12:29:43','','lion smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3732-2','','','2014-10-17 12:29:43','2014-10-17 12:29:43','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3732-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1333,3,'2014-10-17 12:29:49','2014-10-17 12:29:49','','first birthday','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3737-2','','','2014-10-17 12:29:49','2014-10-17 12:29:49','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3737-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1334,3,'2014-10-17 12:29:52','2014-10-17 12:29:52','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3752-2','','','2014-10-17 12:29:52','2014-10-17 12:29:52','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3752-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1335,3,'2014-10-17 12:29:56','2014-10-17 12:29:56','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3754-2','','','2014-10-17 12:29:56','2014-10-17 12:29:56','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3754-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1336,3,'2014-10-17 12:30:01','2014-10-17 12:30:01','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3759-2','','','2014-10-17 12:30:01','2014-10-17 12:30:01','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3759-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1337,3,'2014-10-17 12:30:04','2014-10-17 12:30:04','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3763-2','','','2014-10-17 12:30:04','2014-10-17 12:30:04','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3763-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1338,3,'2014-10-17 12:30:06','2014-10-17 12:30:06','','smash cake destruction','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3769-2','','','2014-10-17 12:30:06','2014-10-17 12:30:06','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3769-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1339,3,'2014-10-17 12:49:06','2014-10-17 12:49:06','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3732-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1332\" alt=\"lion smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3732-2.jpg\" width=\"421\" height=\"500\" /></a>My college roommate is still one of my favorite people in the whole world.  So, when her son turned one, I was eager to make his smash cake.  Corey\'s mom selected a jungle theme for the party, and I sent her a bunch of photos on Pinterest so she could pick out a style that she liked.  This is the one she chose:</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img alt=\"Lion Birthday Cake by cakeheaven1, via Flickr\" src=\"https://s-media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/08/9d/8c/089d8c34faae3262be135ee596e4bdde.jpg\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I came pretty close, right?  Well, we won\'t see it on \"<a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/mathomson/nailed-it/\">Nailed it</a>\" anyway.  (She also favored <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/513-first-birthdays\">this lion cake</a>, but I wanted to try out a new style.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3737-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1333\" alt=\"first birthday\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3737-2.jpg\" width=\"478\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a general rule, we should probably stop singing \"Happy Birthday\" to one year olds.  They don\'t seem to enjoy it very much.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3752-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1334\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3752-2.jpg\" width=\"306\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Corey recovered nicely and after a few minutes snuggling with his mama, he was more than ready to dig into his very own cake.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3754-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1335\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3754-2.jpg\" width=\"403\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">He REALLY got into it (not like <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/763-rainbows-and-unicorns\">this birthday girl</a>).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3763-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1337\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3763-2.jpg\" width=\"425\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Seriously, I don\'t think I have ever seen a more enthusiastic smasher (though <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1215-gluten-free-vegan-smash-cake\">this birthday boy</a> came close and my own O did a pretty destructive job at <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/593-smash-cake\">her smash cake photo session</a>).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3759-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1336\" alt=\"smash cake\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3759-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"430\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">He was even giving out high-fives to his cousins, who wanted in on the mess!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3769-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1338\" alt=\"smash cake destruction\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3769-2.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">That was one enthusiastic kid!  It was worth every second of my efforts to see this little/ not-so-little guy attack that cake.  Congrats to his mommy and daddy on surviving the first year and raising such an incredible boy!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>','Corey\'s 1st birthday (lion smash cake)','','inherit','open','closed','','1331-revision-v1','','','2014-10-17 12:49:06','2014-10-17 12:49:06','',1331,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1339-1331-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1340,3,'2014-10-23 15:09:33','2014-10-23 15:09:33','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3791-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1342\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3791-2.jpg\" alt=\"60th anniversary\" width=\"468\" height=\"500\" /></a>10 years ago, I flew down to St. Louis with my then boyfriend to meet his entire family.  We had only been dating about 5 months, but things were serious already.  My first encounter with the Anschutz/ Goodnick clan would be at the 50th anniversary celebration for B\'s grandparents.  At the time, I was fresh out of culinary school and working 2 jobs: one as a baker at Julius Meinl (an Austrian coffee shop in Chicago) and the other as the fish cook at the very fancy Ambria (a Spanish/ French fusion restaurant that has sadly since been retired).  The cake for this celebration was purchased from a local shop and transported to the event -- unassembled --  in the trunk of B\'s mom\'s car.  Of course, the layers slid around and crashed together, leaving them less than desirable upon arrival.  My MIL looked to me to fix the disaster.  She handed me a rubber spatula and a can of Pillsbury frosting.  With rookie baking skills and no stores open in their tiny town, there was little I could do.  I was humiliated.  She ended up slapping some baby\'s breath in front of the damage and calling it a day, but I was scarred.  I was supposed to be a baker.  Why couldn\'t I have fixed the cake?\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3780-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1341\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3780-2.jpg\" alt=\"elegant anniversary cake\" width=\"411\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Fast forward 10 years, and B and I have been happily married for 8.5 years ourselves.  I no longer feel the need to impress the clan, who are now part of my family.  We have a crazy intense toddler and one on the way.  And, we live a 5-hour drive from the location of the 60th anniversary celebration.  But, I just couldn\'t help myself.  I had to volunteer to make the cake for the party.  10 years of embarrassment would be remedied with fancy cake for the 60th.  Well, it didn\'t quite turn out that way.  Life was crazy leading up to our trip down south &amp; I am TIRED.  I stressed big time about the cake surviving transport all the way down there.  Still, I assembled the cake, packed the car carefully, and drove like a nun with precious cargo.  We made it in one piece without even a scuff.  When I saw the flowers that were intended to dress up a very plain cake and hide the imperfections, I cringed.  The roses were huge and would have looked best on a cake 4 times the size of mine.  With no other choice, I pouted and sulked -- I\'m blaming the pregnancy hormones -- and sent B to the store to find better flowers.  Of course, we weren\'t in the teeny town of Staunton this time, and there were stores actually open, but our options were quite limited.  I did what I could with a slew of white daisies and sat down lamenting the fact that I could not have a drink to take the edge off.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3806-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1343\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3806-2.jpg\" alt=\"IMGP3806 (2)\" width=\"500\" height=\"424\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still, the cake was a hit.  Everybody loved the super smooth buttercream and the extra sweet raspberry filling.  (Few party guests opted for slices of the store bought birthday cake that accompanied mine on the dessert table.)  And, what really matters here anyway?  Two people got the chance to celebrate 60 years of life together with their family and friends.  They were surrounded by their 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.  I\'d say that\'s what counts.  How many of us will even be lucky enough to make it to 60 years together?  B\'s grandparents were young when they married (one barely 20 and the other in her teens), not like modern couples who wait till their late 20s or even 30s to tie the knot.  Just living that long -- and not killing each other -- is reason enough to celebrate.  Congratulations, Carol and Dean.  I know I am sure grateful for your time together since without it, I wouldn\'t have that sweet, sweet O or my awesome hubby.</p>','Celebrating 60 years together','','publish','open','closed','','celebrating-60-years-together','','','2014-10-23 15:09:33','2014-10-23 15:09:33','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1340',0,'post','',3),(1341,3,'2014-10-23 14:47:42','2014-10-23 14:47:42','','elegant anniversary cake','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3780-2','','','2014-10-23 14:54:23','2014-10-23 14:54:23','',1340,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3780-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1342,3,'2014-10-23 14:47:43','2014-10-23 14:47:43','','60th anniversary','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3791-2','','','2014-10-23 14:47:59','2014-10-23 14:47:59','',1340,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3791-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1343,3,'2014-10-23 14:47:43','2014-10-23 14:47:43','','IMGP3806 (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp3806-2','','','2014-10-23 14:47:43','2014-10-23 14:47:43','',1340,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3806-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1344,3,'2014-10-23 15:09:33','2014-10-23 15:09:33','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3791-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1342\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3791-2.jpg\" alt=\"60th anniversary\" width=\"468\" height=\"500\" /></a>10 years ago, I flew down to St. Louis with my then boyfriend to meet his entire family.  We had only been dating about 5 months, but things were serious already.  My first encounter with the Anschutz/ Goodnick clan would be at the 50th anniversary celebration for B\'s grandparents.  At the time, I was fresh out of culinary school and working 2 jobs: one as a baker at Julius Meinl (an Austrian coffee shop in Chicago) and the other as the fish cook at the very fancy Ambria (a Spanish/ French fusion restaurant that has sadly since been retired).  The cake for this celebration was purchased from a local shop and transported to the event -- unassembled --  in the trunk of B\'s mom\'s car.  Of course, the layers slid around and crashed together, leaving them less than desirable upon arrival.  My MIL looked to me to fix the disaster.  She handed me a rubber spatula and a can of Pillsbury frosting.  With rookie baking skills and no stores open in their tiny town, there was little I could do.  I was humiliated.  She ended up slapping some baby\'s breath in front of the damage and calling it a day, but I was scarred.  I was supposed to be a baker.  Why couldn\'t I have fixed the cake?\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3780-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1341\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3780-2.jpg\" alt=\"elegant anniversary cake\" width=\"411\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Fast forward 10 years, and B and I have been happily married for 8.5 years ourselves.  I no longer feel the need to impress the clan, who are now part of my family.  We have a crazy intense toddler and one on the way.  And, we live a 5-hour drive from the location of the 60th anniversary celebration.  But, I just couldn\'t help myself.  I had to volunteer to make the cake for the party.  10 years of embarrassment would be remedied with fancy cake for the 60th.  Well, it didn\'t quite turn out that way.  Life was crazy leading up to our trip down south &amp; I am TIRED.  I stressed big time about the cake surviving transport all the way down there.  Still, I assembled the cake, packed the car carefully, and drove like a nun with precious cargo.  We made it in one piece without even a scuff.  When I saw the flowers that were intended to dress up a very plain cake and hide the imperfections, I cringed.  The roses were huge and would have looked best on a cake 4 times the size of mine.  With no other choice, I pouted and sulked -- I\'m blaming the pregnancy hormones -- and sent B to the store to find better flowers.  Of course, we weren\'t in the teeny town of Staunton this time, and there were stores actually open, but our options were quite limited.  I did what I could with a slew of white daisies and sat down lamenting the fact that I could not have a drink to take the edge off.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3806-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1343\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP3806-2.jpg\" alt=\"IMGP3806 (2)\" width=\"500\" height=\"424\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Still, the cake was a hit.  Everybody loved the super smooth buttercream and the extra sweet raspberry filling.  (Few party guests opted for slices of the store bought birthday cake that accompanied mine on the dessert table.)  And, what really matters here anyway?  Two people got the chance to celebrate 60 years of life together with their family and friends.  They were surrounded by their 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.  I\'d say that\'s what counts.  How many of us will even be lucky enough to make it to 60 years together?  B\'s grandparents were young when they married (one barely 20 and the other in her teens), not like modern couples who wait till their late 20s or even 30s to tie the knot.  Just living that long -- and not killing each other -- is reason enough to celebrate.  Congratulations, Carol and Dean.  I know I am sure grateful for your time together since without it, I wouldn\'t have that sweet, sweet O or my awesome hubby.</p>','Celebrating 60 years together','','inherit','open','closed','','1340-revision-v1','','','2014-10-23 15:09:33','2014-10-23 15:09:33','',1340,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1344-1340-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1346,3,'2014-10-26 16:08:33','2014-10-26 16:08:33','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1347\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"388\" /></a>Along the way of our journey with infertility, I met a truly special person.  Sara, the former leader of my RESOLVE infertility support group, became an instant lifesaver for me.  We first bonded over the fact that we both were able to successfully conceive and deliver a healthy baby girl but then really struggled to give our little girls a sibling.  Sara held my hand through all of the uncertainty, answered my questions via email, text, and the occasional hysterical phone call.   She always offered a kind an encouraging word, all the while fighting her own battle.  When we at last arrived at our first IVF cycle, Sara assured me it was less scary and overwhelming than it really seemed.  She remembered each and every time I had an appointment, sending a quick text on the morning of to say \"good luck\", \"fingers crossed\" or just a \"let me know how things go.  i\'m thinking of you.\"  I was amazed that someone could find the time to be so selfless and caring as to be so truly on the ball regarding somebody else\'s cycle.  Heck, my own husband couldn\'t even keep up with all the appointments.  Every woman going through IVF should have a Sara.  And I hope to someday be able to pay it forward to one of our fellow infertility sisters.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m happy to report that Sara is only 1 month shy of delivering her second child, a BOY!  Her kids will be almost the exact same number of years apart as mine will be.  When Sara asked me if she could buy cupcakes from me for her daughter\'s birthday, I promptly told her no but offered to do them for free.  It was really the least I could do for her, given what an amazing friend she has been to me throughout the past year.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1348\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"307\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Since Sara is about ready to pop. the party was a small, casual gathering of family members.  She didn\'t really have a theme but mentioned that her daughter likes fish and that they plan to take her to the Shedd Aquarium next week.  I saw these cupcakes on Pinterest a long time ago and have been looking for a reason to make them ever since.  They are simple and silly yet cute, fun and delicious.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d0/a8/79/d0a8790ba89b3acb1ab1aaef70485f51.jpg\" alt=\"School of Fish Cupcakes\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Above is the photo from which I modeled my own cupcakes.  Pretty close, right?  (Excuse my poor photography.  We were running behind so I didn\'t have enough time to properly compose a shot.  Instead, I just snapped a few with my phone.  Either way, you get the idea.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1349\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"381\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I hear the cupcakes were a success, and the birthday girl was quite pleased.  Can\'t wait for the arrival of Sara\'s little one.  She is truly a deserving mother.</p>','Fish cupcakes','','publish','open','closed','','1346','','','2014-10-26 16:08:48','2014-10-26 16:08:48','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1346',0,'post','',0),(1347,3,'2014-10-26 15:50:19','2014-10-26 15:50:19','','fish cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','fish-cupcakes','','','2014-10-26 15:50:19','2014-10-26 15:50:19','',1346,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1348,3,'2014-10-26 15:50:20','2014-10-26 15:50:20','','fish cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','fish','','','2014-10-26 16:00:03','2014-10-26 16:00:03','',1346,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1349,3,'2014-10-26 15:50:20','2014-10-26 15:50:20','','fish cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp4277-2','','','2014-10-26 16:04:20','2014-10-26 16:04:20','',1346,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1350,3,'2014-10-26 15:50:21','2014-10-26 15:50:21','','photo (2)','','inherit','open','closed','','photo-2-2','','','2014-10-26 15:50:21','2014-10-26 15:50:21','',1346,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/photo-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1351,3,'2014-10-26 16:08:33','2014-10-26 16:08:33','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1347\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"388\" /></a>Along the way of our journey with infertility, I met a truly special person.  Sara, the former leader of my RESOLVE infertility support group, became an instant lifesaver for me.  We first bonded over the fact that we both were able to successfully conceive and deliver a healthy baby girl but then really struggled to give our little girls a sibling.  Sara held my hand through all of the uncertainty, answered my questions via email, text, and the occasional hysterical phone call.   She always offered a kind an encouraging word, all the while fighting her own battle.  When we at last arrived at our first IVF cycle, Sara assured me it was less scary and overwhelming than it really seemed.  She remembered each and every time I had an appointment, sending a quick text on the morning of to say \"good luck\", \"fingers crossed\" or just a \"let me know how things go.  i\'m thinking of you.\"  I was amazed that someone could find the time to be so selfless and caring as to be so truly on the ball regarding somebody else\'s cycle.  Heck, my own husband couldn\'t even keep up with all the appointments.  Every woman going through IVF should have a Sara.  And I hope to someday be able to pay it forward to one of our fellow infertility sisters.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m happy to report that Sara is only 1 month shy of delivering her second child, a BOY!  Her kids will be almost the exact same number of years apart as mine will be.  When Sara asked me if she could buy cupcakes from me for her daughter\'s birthday, I promptly told her no but offered to do them for free.  It was really the least I could do for her, given what an amazing friend she has been to me throughout the past year.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1348\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"307\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Since Sara is about ready to pop. the party was a small, casual gathering of family members.  She didn\'t really have a theme but mentioned that her daughter likes fish and that they plan to take her to the Shedd Aquarium next week.  I saw these cupcakes on Pinterest a long time ago and have been looking for a reason to make them ever since.  They are simple and silly yet cute, fun and delicious.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d0/a8/79/d0a8790ba89b3acb1ab1aaef70485f51.jpg\" alt=\"School of Fish Cupcakes\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Above is the photo from which I modeled my own cupcakes.  Pretty close, right?  (Excuse my poor photography.  We were running behind so I didn\'t have enough time to properly compose a shot.  Instead, I just snapped a few with my phone.  Either way, you get the idea.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1349\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"381\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I hear the cupcakes were a success, and the birthday girl was quite pleased.  Can\'t wait for the arrival of Sara\'s little one.  She is truly a deserving mother.</p>','','','inherit','open','closed','','1346-revision-v1','','','2014-10-26 16:08:33','2014-10-26 16:08:33','',1346,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1351-1346-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1352,3,'2014-10-26 16:08:48','2014-10-26 16:08:48','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1347\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish-cupcakes.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"388\" /></a>Along the way of our journey with infertility, I met a truly special person.  Sara, the former leader of my RESOLVE infertility support group, became an instant lifesaver for me.  We first bonded over the fact that we both were able to successfully conceive and deliver a healthy baby girl but then really struggled to give our little girls a sibling.  Sara held my hand through all of the uncertainty, answered my questions via email, text, and the occasional hysterical phone call.   She always offered a kind an encouraging word, all the while fighting her own battle.  When we at last arrived at our first IVF cycle, Sara assured me it was less scary and overwhelming than it really seemed.  She remembered each and every time I had an appointment, sending a quick text on the morning of to say \"good luck\", \"fingers crossed\" or just a \"let me know how things go.  i\'m thinking of you.\"  I was amazed that someone could find the time to be so selfless and caring as to be so truly on the ball regarding somebody else\'s cycle.  Heck, my own husband couldn\'t even keep up with all the appointments.  Every woman going through IVF should have a Sara.  And I hope to someday be able to pay it forward to one of our fellow infertility sisters.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m happy to report that Sara is only 1 month shy of delivering her second child, a BOY!  Her kids will be almost the exact same number of years apart as mine will be.  When Sara asked me if she could buy cupcakes from me for her daughter\'s birthday, I promptly told her no but offered to do them for free.  It was really the least I could do for her, given what an amazing friend she has been to me throughout the past year.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1348\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fish.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"307\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Since Sara is about ready to pop. the party was a small, casual gathering of family members.  She didn\'t really have a theme but mentioned that her daughter likes fish and that they plan to take her to the Shedd Aquarium next week.  I saw these cupcakes on Pinterest a long time ago and have been looking for a reason to make them ever since.  They are simple and silly yet cute, fun and delicious.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d0/a8/79/d0a8790ba89b3acb1ab1aaef70485f51.jpg\" alt=\"School of Fish Cupcakes\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Above is the photo from which I modeled my own cupcakes.  Pretty close, right?  (Excuse my poor photography.  We were running behind so I didn\'t have enough time to properly compose a shot.  Instead, I just snapped a few with my phone.  Either way, you get the idea.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1349\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMGP4277-2.jpg\" alt=\"fish cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"381\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I hear the cupcakes were a success, and the birthday girl was quite pleased.  Can\'t wait for the arrival of Sara\'s little one.  She is truly a deserving mother.</p>','Fish cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','1346-revision-v1','','','2014-10-26 16:08:48','2014-10-26 16:08:48','',1346,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1352-1346-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1354,3,'2014-12-17 20:50:57','2014-12-17 20:50:57','<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0mNacsCO8PI/Sx6HvC2TYtI/AAAAAAAAADc/3UEf6BMI56M/s1600-h/xmas+cookies+019.JPG\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412913044434150098\" style=\"display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: hand; width: 320px; height: 213px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0mNacsCO8PI/Sx6HvC2TYtI/AAAAAAAAADc/3UEf6BMI56M/s320/xmas+cookies+019.JPG\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>\nAs posted by Carlie on Girls Guide to the Galaxy -- she is much too kind!\n\nhttp://girlsguidetothegalaxy.com/2009/12/08/christmas-cookie-classics/\n\nThe holidays are a great excuse to stuff ourselves silly and not feel guilty about it because as the oft-used justification goes, “It’s a special occasion.” It is the time of year when people young and old take to their kitchens to produce baked goods with wild abandon. Probably the most beloved of all holiday treats is the one and only thing Santa himself demands in exchange for his lavish and physically demanding gift-giving efforts: the Christmas cookie.\n\nSince I’ve proven myself to be pretty useless in the kitchen on most accounts, I decided to ask Karoline Boehm-Goodnick, a San Francisco pastry chef (and in the interest of full disclosure, my husband’s cousin’s wife), for some of her favorite Christmas cookie recipes. Below is what she sent, and in my personal opinion, they all sound delicious! For more of her recipes and chronicles of her attempt to eat only unprocessed food in the year 2010 (ambitious!), check out her excellent blog, Sweet Karoline: Adventures in Food and resist the urge to lick your computer screen – she’s also a food stylist, and the photos are amazing!\n\n<strong>Grandma Esther’s Spritz Cookies </strong>\n\nNo Christmas table is complete without these miniature trees, candy canes, and rosettes. A classic recipe, my favorite are the Christmas trees, tinted green and covered with shimmering red and green sprinkles. If you want to tint the dough, it is easiest to add the food coloring with the butter. Use more drops than you think necessary; there is a lot of flour to be added later. Use ungreased baking sheets so that the cookie sticks to the pan as you are piping them—don’t worry, they won’t stick during baking. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip – it is a little more difficult, and the cookies won’t be so uniform, but the results will be just as delicious.\n\nMakes 6 to 7 dozen cookies\n\nIngredients\n\n1 pound (4 sticks) butter, at room temperature\n1 cup sugar\n2 egg yolks\n1 teaspoon vanilla\n1 teaspoon baking powder\n4 cups flour\nPinch of salt\nSprinkles for decorating\n\nDirections\n\n1. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Have on hand a cookie press and several baking sheets.\n2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes on medium high.\n3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix in egg yolks and vanilla.\n4. Sift baking powder, flour, and salt. Mix in dry ingredients, on low speed, until flour is incorporated.\n5. Using a cookie press, press onto an ungreased cookie sheet approximately one inch apart. If you would like to decorate the cookies with sprinkles, do so at this time.\n6. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to brown very slightly.\n7. Using a spatula, carefully remove cookies from the pan to cool on a rack.\n8. Store in an air-tight container for up to 1 week.\n\n(Note: both the amount of flour and yield were changed for greater accuracy o\n\n<strong>Christmas Crescents</strong>\n\nIn my family, these treats always came in the shape of a crescent moon, but many friends have told me that their families make the same recipes in ball shape. Feel free to try either one.\n\nMakes approximately 2 dozen cookies\n\nIngredients\n\n½ pound (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature\n5 tablespoons sugar\n1 tablespoon water\n2 teaspoons vanilla\n2 cups flour\n¼ teaspoon salt\n2 cups chopped pecans\nButter for greasing the pan\nPowdered sugar for rolling\n\nDirections\n\n1. Set the oven at 325 degrees. Have on hand several baking sheets.\n2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes on medium high.\n3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix in water and vanilla.\n4. Sift flour and salt. Add flour, salt, and pecans to bowl. Mix until just combined.\n5. Take 1 teaspoon of dough into your hand, and shape it into a crescent. Place onto a greased cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.\n6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to brown.\n7. Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.\n8. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat the outsides. Be careful, as the cookies are extremely delicate. Cool completely on a rack.\n9. Store in an air-tight container for up to 1 week.\n\n<strong>Mom’s Gingerbread Cookies </strong>\n\nThis recipe for gingerbread cookies is the same one that my mom used every year when I was a kid. We had 6-inch cutters to make giant gingerbread men and women, but you can use any size. The dough rolls out far easier than any I have ever worked with – no need to chill it or wait for it to relax. Decorate as you like. A piping bag, a spatula, and several colors of icing will keep the kids occupied for hours.\n\nMakes approximately 3 dozen cookies\n\nIngredients\n\nCOOKIES\n\n½ cup sugar\n½ cup molasses\n1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger\n1 teaspoon ground allspice\n1 teaspoon ground cinnamon\n1 teaspoon ground cloves\n2 teaspoons baking soda\n½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into pieces\n1 egg, beaten\n3 ½ cups flour\nFlour for the board and cutters\n\nDirections\n\n1. Set the oven at 325 degrees. Have on hand several baking sheets and cookie cutters.\n2. In a 3-quart saucepan, bring sugar, molasses, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, and cloves to a boil, stirring occasionally.\n3. Remove saucepan from heat, and stir in baking soda. Mixture will foam up and become frothy.\n4. Stir in butter until fully melted. Stir in egg.\n5. With a rubber spatula, stir in flour. When the dough has mostly come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until all is incorporated.\n6. Divide dough in half. Wrap half in plastic, and set aside.\n7. Using a rolling pin, roll out unwrapped dough to ¼ inch thick.\n8. Using a floured cookie cutter, cut out each cookie, placing them on a greased baking sheet, approximately 1 inch apart.\n9. Bake cookies for 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Remove cookies from pan, and cool on a wire rack.\n\nICING\n\nIngredients\n\n2 egg whites\n2 teaspoons lemon juice\n3 cups powdered sugar, sifted\nFood coloring (optional)\n\nDirections\n\n1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with a whisk, beat egg whites, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until stiff, about 5 minutes on high speed.\n2. Tint icing with a few drops of food coloring, if you like. Immediately transfer to an air-tight container or a piping bag, as icing will harden very quickly.\n3. Cover the unused icing with plastic wrap, pressing it to the surface to keep the icing from forming a skin.\n4. Decorate cookies. Allow them to dry for several hours before stacking or placing in a container.\n5. Store in an air-tight container for up to 1 week.\n\nCarlie is the Food and Drink Editor for Girls Guide. By day she is an educational textbook editor, and she moonlights as a foodie and barfly. You can email her at carlie [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @carbirwin.','Christmas Cookies on Girls Guide to the Galaxy','','inherit','open','closed','','21-autosave-v1','','','2014-12-17 20:50:57','2014-12-17 20:50:57','',21,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1354-21-autosave-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1356,3,'2014-12-17 21:46:22','2014-12-17 21:46:22','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/turtles-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1363\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/turtles-1.jpg\" alt=\"cashew turtles\" width=\"500\" height=\"315\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">With a bun in the oven and a high-maintenance toddler, things have been even busier this holiday season than they have in years past.  That said, next year promises to be even busier!  Instead of making proper posts on all that we have been up to, I\'ve chosen a few of the highlights and put them together.  Above, is a very inviting photo of <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/12/16/recipe-for-cashew-turtles/uSPS7Ri65fKPnncafsfX0H/story.html\">cashew turtles </a>that I shot for the Boston Globe.  Since I had so many leftover packaged caramels from apple orchard season, I decided to try the author\'s suggested method of melting them down and adding a bit of cream.  It worked like a dream and could not have been easier.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/bark-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1357\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/bark-1.jpg\" alt=\"peppermint bark\" width=\"426\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I also had the pleasure of shooting this very yummy version of <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/12/16/recipe-for-microwave-peppermint-pretzel-chocolate-bark/IdqsvC33e2Cqt3442kvUSK/story.html\">peppermint bark</a>.  The salty pretzels buried in the milk chocolate layer make them irresistible.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1362\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-2.jpg\" alt=\"homemade paint\" width=\"457\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Illness and the <a href=\"http://www.3daypottytraining.com/\">3-day potty training method</a> (SUCCESS!) left O and I trapped in the house for a whole week in November.  We made good use of our time, crafting away.  One of her favorite projects was the homemade paint.  We used this <a href=\"http://theimaginationtree.com/2011/09/easy-homemade-paint-recipe.html\">simple recipe</a> from Imagination Tree.  The only comment I\'d make is that the paint quantity was quite large, and it does not hold well for long periods of time.  So, in the interest of saving resources, I\'d cut the recipe in half.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1361\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-1.jpg\" alt=\"homemade paint\" width=\"500\" height=\"354\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We also could have used slightly less food coloring, but I wanted to guarantee that our colors would overshadow the blue tint from the dish soap.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/crayons.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1359\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/crayons.jpg\" alt=\"crayons\" width=\"450\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O has a compulsive habit of peeling crayons.  We put that habit to good use when we decided to gather up the broken ones and melt them into new fun shapes.  The only silicone molds I had on hand were for caneles, but they worked perfectly.  For tips on how to make your own, check out this<a href=\"http://sisterssuitcaseblog.com/2013/07/kids-craft-make-your-own-shaped-crayons.html\"> link</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kitty-cakes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1360\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kitty-cakes.jpg\" alt=\"hello kitty cupcakes\" width=\"374\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I have made quite a few birthday treats for O\'s friend, Rachel.  This year, she went with a Hello Kitty theme (<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/526-hello-kitty-2-0\">again</a>), but I kept it simple.  Vanilla cupcakes with my standard buttercream and a store bought decoration we all I could muster.  The end of the second trimester is hitting me hard, and this mama needs to be off her feet a little.  Still, the kids (especially O) enjoyed them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BES-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1358\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BES-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bonne et sante bars\" width=\"394\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m closing out the year with as many work projects as possible - have to earn some money to make room for baby and plan for whatever might come of a \"maternity leave\". These bonne et sante bars will run in the Globe in January, and are chock full of healthful ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, cranberries and much much more.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Happy cooking and crafting to you all during this magical season.  Stay tuned for pics of our TWO pink bedrooms.</p>\r\n&nbsp;','It\'s the most wonderful (busy) time of year','','publish','open','closed','','its-the-most-wonderful-busy-time-of-year','','\nhttp://sisterssuitcaseblog.com/2013/07/kids-craft-make-your-own-shaped-crayons.html','2014-12-17 21:46:22','2014-12-17 21:46:22','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1356',0,'post','',1),(1357,3,'2014-12-17 21:23:19','2014-12-17 21:23:19','','peppermint bark','','inherit','open','closed','','bark-1','','','2014-12-17 21:28:24','2014-12-17 21:28:24','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/bark-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1358,3,'2014-12-17 21:23:20','2014-12-17 21:23:20','','Bonne et sante bars','','inherit','open','closed','','bes-1','','','2014-12-17 21:40:43','2014-12-17 21:40:43','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BES-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1359,3,'2014-12-17 21:23:21','2014-12-17 21:23:21','','crayons','','inherit','open','closed','','crayons','','','2014-12-17 21:23:21','2014-12-17 21:23:21','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/crayons.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1360,3,'2014-12-17 21:23:22','2014-12-17 21:23:22','','hello kitty cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','kitty-cakes','','','2014-12-17 21:37:09','2014-12-17 21:37:09','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kitty-cakes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1361,3,'2014-12-17 21:23:22','2014-12-17 21:23:22','','homemade paint','','inherit','open','closed','','paint-1','','','2014-12-17 21:33:46','2014-12-17 21:33:46','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1362,3,'2014-12-17 21:23:23','2014-12-17 21:23:23','','homemade paint','','inherit','open','closed','','paint-2','','','2014-12-17 21:30:23','2014-12-17 21:30:23','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1363,3,'2014-12-17 21:23:24','2014-12-17 21:23:24','','cashew turtles','','inherit','open','closed','','turtles-1','','','2014-12-17 21:24:01','2014-12-17 21:24:01','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/turtles-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1364,3,'2014-12-17 21:46:22','2014-12-17 21:46:22','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/turtles-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1363\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/turtles-1.jpg\" alt=\"cashew turtles\" width=\"500\" height=\"315\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">With a bun in the oven and a high-maintenance toddler, things have been even busier this holiday season than they have in years past.  That said, next year promises to be even busier!  Instead of making proper posts on all that we have been up to, I\'ve chosen a few of the highlights and put them together.  Above, is a very inviting photo of <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/12/16/recipe-for-cashew-turtles/uSPS7Ri65fKPnncafsfX0H/story.html\">cashew turtles </a>that I shot for the Boston Globe.  Since I had so many leftover packaged caramels from apple orchard season, I decided to try the author\'s suggested method of melting them down and adding a bit of cream.  It worked like a dream and could not have been easier.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/bark-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1357\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/bark-1.jpg\" alt=\"peppermint bark\" width=\"426\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I also had the pleasure of shooting this very yummy version of <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2014/12/16/recipe-for-microwave-peppermint-pretzel-chocolate-bark/IdqsvC33e2Cqt3442kvUSK/story.html\">peppermint bark</a>.  The salty pretzels buried in the milk chocolate layer make them irresistible.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1362\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-2.jpg\" alt=\"homemade paint\" width=\"457\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Illness and the <a href=\"http://www.3daypottytraining.com/\">3-day potty training method</a> (SUCCESS!) left O and I trapped in the house for a whole week in November.  We made good use of our time, crafting away.  One of her favorite projects was the homemade paint.  We used this <a href=\"http://theimaginationtree.com/2011/09/easy-homemade-paint-recipe.html\">simple recipe</a> from Imagination Tree.  The only comment I\'d make is that the paint quantity was quite large, and it does not hold well for long periods of time.  So, in the interest of saving resources, I\'d cut the recipe in half.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1361\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/paint-1.jpg\" alt=\"homemade paint\" width=\"500\" height=\"354\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We also could have used slightly less food coloring, but I wanted to guarantee that our colors would overshadow the blue tint from the dish soap.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/crayons.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1359\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/crayons.jpg\" alt=\"crayons\" width=\"450\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">O has a compulsive habit of peeling crayons.  We put that habit to good use when we decided to gather up the broken ones and melt them into new fun shapes.  The only silicone molds I had on hand were for caneles, but they worked perfectly.  For tips on how to make your own, check out this<a href=\"http://sisterssuitcaseblog.com/2013/07/kids-craft-make-your-own-shaped-crayons.html\"> link</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kitty-cakes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1360\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kitty-cakes.jpg\" alt=\"hello kitty cupcakes\" width=\"374\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I have made quite a few birthday treats for O\'s friend, Rachel.  This year, she went with a Hello Kitty theme (<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/526-hello-kitty-2-0\">again</a>), but I kept it simple.  Vanilla cupcakes with my standard buttercream and a store bought decoration we all I could muster.  The end of the second trimester is hitting me hard, and this mama needs to be off her feet a little.  Still, the kids (especially O) enjoyed them.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BES-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1358\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BES-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bonne et sante bars\" width=\"394\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m closing out the year with as many work projects as possible - have to earn some money to make room for baby and plan for whatever might come of a \"maternity leave\". These bonne et sante bars will run in the Globe in January, and are chock full of healthful ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, cranberries and much much more.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Happy cooking and crafting to you all during this magical season.  Stay tuned for pics of our TWO pink bedrooms.</p>\r\n&nbsp;','It\'s the most wonderful (busy) time of year','','inherit','open','closed','','1356-revision-v1','','','2014-12-17 21:46:22','2014-12-17 21:46:22','',1356,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1364-1356-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1366,3,'2015-01-10 21:24:28','2015-01-10 21:24:28','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1367\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-1.jpg\" alt=\"first birthday cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>A little while back, I proclaimed to be done with baking until after we have settled into the chaos of being parents to 2 wild and crazy girls, but my friend Brandy (of www.windywilsons.blogspot.com) made me such a great offer that I couldn\'t refuse.  She is the ideal baking \"client\" as she made very few specific requests.  She wanted cupcakes with white frosting and sprinkles.  Done.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1368\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-2.jpg\" alt=\"rainbow cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After seeing how cute these rainbow sprinkles could be on O\'s special cupcake at Melissa\'s wedding shower, I decided they were a good starting place.  And what better to go with rainbow sprinkles than rainbow wrappers.  These were delicious, adorable and seriously one of the easiest baking projects I have done in quite a while.  It was exactly the kind of project I needed to take my mind of the drab, dreary winter but not over exert myself at this point in my pregnancy with only a week left before the big Cookie Monster Bash.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1369\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-3.jpg\" alt=\"rainbow cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This type of wrapper is the most basic: not customizable, available for instant download (thus eliminating the need to plan very far ahead), and the most affordable.  I found this one on Etsy.com as usual in the <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/111503665/the-rainbow-party-collection-cupcake?ref=favs_view_1\">FabulousPartyDesigns</a> shop.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2-001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1370\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2-001.jpg\" alt=\"birthday cupcakes\" width=\"463\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As usual, O was chomping at the bit to get at these cupcakes long before we even made it to the party.  Her current method of consumption involves licking only the frosting, as if it were an ice cream cone, and discarding the cake.  A girl after my own heart.  Who needs the cake?  (I\'ve been playing around with filters on photos that I have taken with my phone.  My iphone 4 is so outdated that the pictures rarely turn out well, especially when shot indoors in a low light situation.  Filters can save a pretty sub-par pic.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1371\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-3.jpg\" alt=\"smash cake\" width=\"500\" height=\"368\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of my favorite ways to show O that I love her is to cook or bake something just for her.  It is something intrinsically maternal, and Brandy feels the same way about motherhood.  She made this simple smash cake, and we coordinated perfectly without even discussing it!  Baby C was so delicate in the destruction of her treat, focusing only on the frosting and rainbow sprinkles.  She was uber calm, as she went about this sensory experience, so calm, in fact, that she was not at all disturbed when her big brother climbed into her chair to give her a hand.  She smeared the frosting sweetly on his face and hers until they finally decided that they had had enough.  LOVE.</p>','A rainbow celebration for a sweet girl\'s 1st birthday','','publish','open','closed','','1366','','','2015-01-10 21:25:08','2015-01-10 21:25:08','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1366',0,'post','',2),(1367,3,'2015-01-10 20:50:32','2015-01-10 20:50:32','','first birthday cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','claire-cake-1','','','2015-01-10 20:51:16','2015-01-10 20:51:16','',1366,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1368,3,'2015-01-10 20:50:34','2015-01-10 20:50:34','','rainbow cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','claire-cake-2','','','2015-01-10 21:02:40','2015-01-10 21:02:40','',1366,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1369,3,'2015-01-10 20:50:35','2015-01-10 20:50:35','','rainbow cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','claire-cake-3','','','2015-01-10 21:05:03','2015-01-10 21:05:03','',1366,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1370,3,'2015-01-10 20:50:37','2015-01-10 20:50:37','','birthday cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','photo-2-001','','','2015-01-10 21:09:25','2015-01-10 21:09:25','',1366,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2-001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1371,3,'2015-01-10 20:50:38','2015-01-10 20:50:38','','smash cake','','inherit','open','closed','','photo-3','','','2015-01-10 21:12:36','2015-01-10 21:12:36','',1366,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1372,3,'2015-01-10 21:24:28','2015-01-10 21:24:28','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1367\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-1.jpg\" alt=\"first birthday cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>A little while back, I proclaimed to be done with baking until after we have settled into the chaos of being parents to 2 wild and crazy girls, but my friend Brandy (of www.windywilsons.blogspot.com) made me such a great offer that I couldn\'t refuse.  She is the ideal baking \"client\" as she made very few specific requests.  She wanted cupcakes with white frosting and sprinkles.  Done.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1368\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-2.jpg\" alt=\"rainbow cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After seeing how cute these rainbow sprinkles could be on O\'s special cupcake at Melissa\'s wedding shower, I decided they were a good starting place.  And what better to go with rainbow sprinkles than rainbow wrappers.  These were delicious, adorable and seriously one of the easiest baking projects I have done in quite a while.  It was exactly the kind of project I needed to take my mind of the drab, dreary winter but not over exert myself at this point in my pregnancy with only a week left before the big Cookie Monster Bash.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1369\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-3.jpg\" alt=\"rainbow cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This type of wrapper is the most basic: not customizable, available for instant download (thus eliminating the need to plan very far ahead), and the most affordable.  I found this one on Etsy.com as usual in the <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/111503665/the-rainbow-party-collection-cupcake?ref=favs_view_1\">FabulousPartyDesigns</a> shop.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2-001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1370\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2-001.jpg\" alt=\"birthday cupcakes\" width=\"463\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As usual, O was chomping at the bit to get at these cupcakes long before we even made it to the party.  Her current method of consumption involves licking only the frosting, as if it were an ice cream cone, and discarding the cake.  A girl after my own heart.  Who needs the cake?  (I\'ve been playing around with filters on photos that I have taken with my phone.  My iphone 4 is so outdated that the pictures rarely turn out well, especially when shot indoors in a low light situation.  Filters can save a pretty sub-par pic.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1371\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-3.jpg\" alt=\"smash cake\" width=\"500\" height=\"368\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of my favorite ways to show O that I love her is to cook or bake something just for her.  It is something intrinsically maternal, and Brandy feels the same way about motherhood.  She made this simple smash cake, and we coordinated perfectly without even discussing it!  Baby C was so delicate in the destruction of her treat, focusing only on the frosting and rainbow sprinkles.  She was uber calm, as she went about this sensory experience, so calm, in fact, that she was not at all disturbed when her big brother climbed into her chair to give her a hand.  She smeared the frosting sweetly on his face and hers until they finally decided that they had had enough.  LOVE.</p>','','','inherit','open','closed','','1366-revision-v1','','','2015-01-10 21:24:28','2015-01-10 21:24:28','',1366,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1372-1366-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1373,3,'2015-01-10 21:25:08','2015-01-10 21:25:08','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1367\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-1.jpg\" alt=\"first birthday cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>A little while back, I proclaimed to be done with baking until after we have settled into the chaos of being parents to 2 wild and crazy girls, but my friend Brandy (of www.windywilsons.blogspot.com) made me such a great offer that I couldn\'t refuse.  She is the ideal baking \"client\" as she made very few specific requests.  She wanted cupcakes with white frosting and sprinkles.  Done.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-2.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1368\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-2.jpg\" alt=\"rainbow cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After seeing how cute these rainbow sprinkles could be on O\'s special cupcake at Melissa\'s wedding shower, I decided they were a good starting place.  And what better to go with rainbow sprinkles than rainbow wrappers.  These were delicious, adorable and seriously one of the easiest baking projects I have done in quite a while.  It was exactly the kind of project I needed to take my mind of the drab, dreary winter but not over exert myself at this point in my pregnancy with only a week left before the big Cookie Monster Bash.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1369\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/claire-cake-3.jpg\" alt=\"rainbow cupcakes\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This type of wrapper is the most basic: not customizable, available for instant download (thus eliminating the need to plan very far ahead), and the most affordable.  I found this one on Etsy.com as usual in the <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/111503665/the-rainbow-party-collection-cupcake?ref=favs_view_1\">FabulousPartyDesigns</a> shop.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2-001.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1370\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-2-001.jpg\" alt=\"birthday cupcakes\" width=\"463\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As usual, O was chomping at the bit to get at these cupcakes long before we even made it to the party.  Her current method of consumption involves licking only the frosting, as if it were an ice cream cone, and discarding the cake.  A girl after my own heart.  Who needs the cake?  (I\'ve been playing around with filters on photos that I have taken with my phone.  My iphone 4 is so outdated that the pictures rarely turn out well, especially when shot indoors in a low light situation.  Filters can save a pretty sub-par pic.)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1371\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo-3.jpg\" alt=\"smash cake\" width=\"500\" height=\"368\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of my favorite ways to show O that I love her is to cook or bake something just for her.  It is something intrinsically maternal, and Brandy feels the same way about motherhood.  She made this simple smash cake, and we coordinated perfectly without even discussing it!  Baby C was so delicate in the destruction of her treat, focusing only on the frosting and rainbow sprinkles.  She was uber calm, as she went about this sensory experience, so calm, in fact, that she was not at all disturbed when her big brother climbed into her chair to give her a hand.  She smeared the frosting sweetly on his face and hers until they finally decided that they had had enough.  LOVE.</p>','A rainbow celebration for a sweet girl\'s 1st birthday','','inherit','open','closed','','1366-revision-v1','','','2015-01-10 21:25:08','2015-01-10 21:25:08','',1366,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1373-1366-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1375,3,'2015-01-27 20:04:23','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Pink room part 1','','draft','open','closed','','','','','2015-01-27 20:04:23','2015-01-27 20:04:23','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1375',0,'post','',0),(1376,3,'2015-01-29 15:44:44','2015-01-29 15:44:44','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1382\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster cupcakes\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>I CANNOT believe my little girl is 3 already.  There is nothing like a birthday to remind you that, \"the days are long, but the years are short.\"  Last February, shortly after her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/800-tea-for-two\">Tea for Two </a>party, O decided that she wanted a cookie monster party for her 3rd birthday.  Much to the surprise of many of my friends, she adamantly stuck with her request for the whole year, and we did indeed have a very successful cookie monster party.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1377\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"pink monster cupcake\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The girl is still OBSESSED with pink.  So, when it became clear that her cookie monster party was going to be a \"blue\" party, she got a bit distressed.  Our compromise was that she could have her very own, special, PINK monster cupcake, but all of the other details were going to match our furry blue friend.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1378\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster dessert buffet\" width=\"500\" height=\"276\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In addition to cupcakes, we made a variety of cookies to send home as favors: chocolate chip cookies that were baked instead with blue M&amp;Ms, <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/21-christmas-cookies-on-girls-guide-to-the-galaxy\">spritz cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, <a href=\"http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/09/03/oatmeal_raisin_cookies/\">Aunt Carol\'s famous oatmeal raisin cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, and O\'s favorite - \"C is for Cookie\" iced <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/824-shortbread-cookies\">shortbread cookies</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster balloon wreath\" width=\"496\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of the ways I was able to tighten the budget on this party was to reuse items from past parties.  This balloon wreath was originally from my friend, Kelsea\'s, <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1169-sprinkle\">sprinkle</a>.  I simply removed the \"It\'s a Boy!\" ribbons and added cookies and monsters.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1381\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"cookie banner\" width=\"500\" height=\"242\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I already had these blue papers on hand from my mom\'s \"<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1083-when-im-64\">When I\'m 64</a>\" banner.  I was even able to use some of the pre-cut pendants.  To match the cookie theme, I found this<a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628675990811/\"> free printable cookie</a> and used it many places throughout the party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1379\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg\" alt=\"cookie guess\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of the 3 games we had.  I was shocked when my brother guessed the exact number correctly!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1384\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"cookie toss game\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Once again, I converted our bean bag game into a party game.  I jokingly called this one \"Toss your Cookies!\"  It was a blast.  2 of the partygoers had 3 shootouts to determine a winner.  In the end, we were anxious for cake, and they both ended up getting prizes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1383\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"pin the cookie\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Pin the cookie was equally as adorable, but some of the younger revelers were hesitant to put on a bandana.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1385\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"custom cookie monster stickers\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Etsy was again a part of my undoing, as I could not resist little details like these <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/177787650/set-of-20-cookie-monster-stickers-175?ref=favs_view_13\">custom stickers</a> on the favor bags.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1386\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"389\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As much as it pained me not to order the blue cookie monster tutu set, I was able to restrain myself and go with a blue party dress and <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/79394779/sesame-street-cookie-monster-loopy-hair?ref=favs_view_14\">cookie monster barrettes</a> (again from Etsy).  The birthday girl was thrilled, and she got exactly what she \"NEEDED\" to complete her collections.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m already looking forward to next year!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For more great party ideas, check out my board on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/kgboehm/cookie-monster/\">Pinterest</a>.</p>','C is for Cookie','','publish','open','closed','','c-is-for-cookie','','','2015-01-29 15:47:52','2015-01-29 15:47:52','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1376',0,'post','',0),(1377,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:45','2015-01-29 15:20:45','','pink monster cupcake','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-2-copy','','','2015-01-29 15:24:13','2015-01-29 15:24:13','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1378,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:46','2015-01-29 15:20:46','','cookie monster dessert buffet','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-3','','','2015-01-29 15:21:26','2015-01-29 15:21:26','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1379,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:47','2015-01-29 15:20:47','','cookie guess','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-5','','','2015-01-29 15:30:26','2015-01-29 15:30:26','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1380,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:49','2015-01-29 15:20:49','','cookie 6 - Copy','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-6-copy','','','2015-01-29 15:20:49','2015-01-29 15:20:49','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-6-Copy.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1381,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:50','2015-01-29 15:20:50','','cookie banner','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-9-copy','','','2015-01-29 15:29:18','2015-01-29 15:29:18','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1382,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:52','2015-01-29 15:20:52','','cookie monster cupcakes','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-10','','','2015-01-29 15:21:46','2015-01-29 15:21:46','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1383,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:53','2015-01-29 15:20:53','','pin the cookie','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-11-copy','','','2015-01-29 15:32:31','2015-01-29 15:32:31','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1384,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:55','2015-01-29 15:20:55','','cookie toss game','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-12-copy','','','2015-01-29 15:31:13','2015-01-29 15:31:13','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1385,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:56','2015-01-29 15:20:56','','custom cookie monster stickers','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-19-copy','','','2015-01-29 15:33:12','2015-01-29 15:33:12','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1386,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:57','2015-01-29 15:20:57','','','','inherit','open','closed','','cookie-thank-you-1','','','2015-01-29 15:33:59','2015-01-29 15:33:59','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1387,3,'2015-01-29 15:20:59','2015-01-29 15:20:59','','cookie monster balloon wreath','','inherit','open','closed','','photo','','','2015-01-29 15:28:12','2015-01-29 15:28:12','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1388,3,'2015-01-29 15:44:44','2015-01-29 15:44:44','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1382\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster cupcakes\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>I CANNOT believe my little girl is 3 already.  There is nothing like a birthday to remind you that, \"the days are long, but the years are short.\"  Last February, shortly after her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/800-tea-for-two\">Tea for Two </a>party, O decided that she wanted a cookie monster party for her 3rd birthday.  Much to the surprise of many of my friends, she adamantly stuck with her request for the whole year, and we did indeed have a very successful cookie monster party.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1377\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"pink monster cupcake\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The girl is still OBSESSED with pink.  So, when it became clear that her cookie monster party was going to be a \"blue\" party, she got a bit distressed.  Our compromise was that she could have her very own, special, PINK monster cupcake, but all of the other details were going to match our furry blue friend.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1378\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster dessert buffet\" width=\"500\" height=\"276\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In addition to cupcakes, we made a variety of cookies to send home as favors: chocolate chip cookies that were baked instead with blue M&amp;Ms, <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/21-christmas-cookies-on-girls-guide-to-the-galaxy\">spritz cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, <a href=\"http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/09/03/oatmeal_raisin_cookies/\">Aunt Carol\'s famous oatmeal raisin cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, and O\'s favorite - \"C is for Cookie\" iced <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/824-shortbread-cookies\">shortbread cookies</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster balloon wreath\" width=\"496\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of the ways I was able to tighten the budget on this party was to reuse items from past parties.  This balloon wreath was originally from my friend, Kelsea\'s, <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1169-sprinkle\">sprinkle</a>.  I simply removed the \"It\'s a Boy!\" ribbons and added cookies and monsters.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1381\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"cookie banner\" width=\"500\" height=\"242\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I already had these blue papers on hand from my mom\'s \"<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1083-when-im-64\">When I\'m 64</a>\" banner.  I was even able to use some of the pre-cut pendants.  To match the cookie theme, I found this<a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628675990811/\"> free printable cookie</a> and used it many places throughout the party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1379\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg\" alt=\"cookie guess\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of the 3 games we had.  I was shocked when my brother guessed the exact number correctly!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1384\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"cookie toss game\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Once again, I converted our bean bag game into a party game.  I jokingly called this one \"Toss your Cookies!\"  It was a blast.  2 of the partygoers had 3 shootouts to determine a winner.  In the end, we were anxious for cake, and they both ended up getting prizes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1383\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"pin the cookie\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Pin the cookie was equally as adorable, but some of the younger revelers were hesitant to put on a bandana.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1385\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"custom cookie monster stickers\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Once again, Etsy was a part of my undoing, as I could not resist little details like these <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/177787650/set-of-20-cookie-monster-stickers-175?ref=favs_view_13\">custom stickers</a> on the favor bags.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1386\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"389\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As much as it pained me not to order the blue cookie monster tutu set, I was able to restrain myself and go with a blue party dress and <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/79394779/sesame-street-cookie-monster-loopy-hair?ref=favs_view_14\">cookie monster barrettes</a> (again from Etsy).  The birthday girl was thrilled, and she got exactly what she \"NEEDED\" to complete her collections.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m already looking forward to next year!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For more great party ideas, check out my board on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/kgboehm/cookie-monster/\">Pinterest</a>.</p>','C is for Cookie','','inherit','open','closed','','1376-revision-v1','','','2015-01-29 15:44:44','2015-01-29 15:44:44','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1388-1376-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1389,3,'2015-01-29 15:47:52','2015-01-29 15:47:52','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1382\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster cupcakes\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>I CANNOT believe my little girl is 3 already.  There is nothing like a birthday to remind you that, \"the days are long, but the years are short.\"  Last February, shortly after her <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/800-tea-for-two\">Tea for Two </a>party, O decided that she wanted a cookie monster party for her 3rd birthday.  Much to the surprise of many of my friends, she adamantly stuck with her request for the whole year, and we did indeed have a very successful cookie monster party.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1377\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"pink monster cupcake\" width=\"431\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The girl is still OBSESSED with pink.  So, when it became clear that her cookie monster party was going to be a \"blue\" party, she got a bit distressed.  Our compromise was that she could have her very own, special, PINK monster cupcake, but all of the other details were going to match our furry blue friend.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1378\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster dessert buffet\" width=\"500\" height=\"276\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In addition to cupcakes, we made a variety of cookies to send home as favors: chocolate chip cookies that were baked instead with blue M&amp;Ms, <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/21-christmas-cookies-on-girls-guide-to-the-galaxy\">spritz cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, <a href=\"http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/09/03/oatmeal_raisin_cookies/\">Aunt Carol\'s famous oatmeal raisin cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, and O\'s favorite - \"C is for Cookie\" iced <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/824-shortbread-cookies\">shortbread cookies</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg\" alt=\"cookie monster balloon wreath\" width=\"496\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of the ways I was able to tighten the budget on this party was to reuse items from past parties.  This balloon wreath was originally from my friend, Kelsea\'s, <a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1169-sprinkle\">sprinkle</a>.  I simply removed the \"It\'s a Boy!\" ribbons and added cookies and monsters.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1381\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"cookie banner\" width=\"500\" height=\"242\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I already had these blue papers on hand from my mom\'s \"<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1083-when-im-64\">When I\'m 64</a>\" banner.  I was even able to use some of the pre-cut pendants.  To match the cookie theme, I found this<a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628675990811/\"> free printable cookie</a> and used it many places throughout the party.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1379\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg\" alt=\"cookie guess\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was one of the 3 games we had.  I was shocked when my brother guessed the exact number correctly!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1384\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"cookie toss game\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Once again, I converted our bean bag game into a party game.  I jokingly called this one \"Toss your Cookies!\"  It was a blast.  2 of the partygoers had 3 shootouts to determine a winner.  In the end, we were anxious for cake, and they both ended up getting prizes.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1383\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"pin the cookie\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Pin the cookie was equally as adorable, but some of the younger revelers were hesitant to put on a bandana.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1385\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"custom cookie monster stickers\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Etsy was again a part of my undoing, as I could not resist little details like these <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/177787650/set-of-20-cookie-monster-stickers-175?ref=favs_view_13\">custom stickers</a> on the favor bags.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1386\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"389\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As much as it pained me not to order the blue cookie monster tutu set, I was able to restrain myself and go with a blue party dress and <a href=\"https://www.etsy.com/listing/79394779/sesame-street-cookie-monster-loopy-hair?ref=favs_view_14\">cookie monster barrettes</a> (again from Etsy).  The birthday girl was thrilled, and she got exactly what she \"NEEDED\" to complete her collections.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I\'m already looking forward to next year!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For more great party ideas, check out my board on <a href=\"http://www.pinterest.com/kgboehm/cookie-monster/\">Pinterest</a>.</p>','C is for Cookie','','inherit','open','closed','','1376-revision-v1','','','2015-01-29 15:47:52','2015-01-29 15:47:52','',1376,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1389-1376-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1391,3,'2015-02-02 14:20:05','2015-02-02 14:20:05','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2286.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1394\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2286.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a>When you work as hard as we did to get pregnant, you savor every second of it.  For me, a good part of that savoring is photo-documenting the miraculous changes happening in my body.  I am not one of those women who worries that I am fat or not looking my best.  In fact, I feel more beautiful as a pregnant woman than I ever have before.  Every glance down at my ever-expanding belly puts a smile on my face, reminding me that we are the lucky ones- those folks who walked the journey of infertility and will (hopefully) emerge with a healthy baby girl in only a few short weeks.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2213.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1392\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2213.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo with ultrasound pic\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">During my first pregnancy, I was careful to also document my growth, knowing that it might be my only pregnancy.  Budgets and knowledge were different for us then.  So, I had no idea it was possible to hire a pro to take some maternity shots.  This time, we hired  Stephanie of <a href=\"http://www.brighteyephotography.com/\">Bright Eye Photography </a>to shoot my belly bump along with our annual family holiday pic.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2437.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1395\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2437.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo with big sister\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The photos were even more fun since we got to involve our daughter.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2266.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1393\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2266.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo with big sister\" width=\"334\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Her favorite game is playing doctor, which became an adorable moment to capture.  Who better to check on than her little sister?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2505.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1396\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2505.jpg\" alt=\"big sis, lil sis maternity photo\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She is SO excited about the pending arrival of her little sister.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/unnamed.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1401\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/unnamed.jpg\" alt=\"black and white maternity photo\" width=\"334\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was my favorite photo from our shoot.  It makes me chuckle every time, and I LOVE that maternity jeans and toddler jeans both have navy blue elastic waistbands!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-7.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1399\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-7.jpg\" alt=\"winter maternity photos\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Lucky for me, my bump was big enough to shoot at only 20 weeks, but as the weeks go by, there are more opportunities to take gorgeous photos.  Sometimes, you don\'t need a pro -  just need a willing mother and brother (who are both pretty big photography buffs) and a neighbor with a row of snow laden trees.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1397\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-4.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photos in the snow\" width=\"500\" height=\"354\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We braved the cold, the blowing wind, and the knee-deep snow to get a few outdoor shots during the first blizzard of 2015.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-6.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1398\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-6.jpg\" alt=\"snow maternity pictures\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We looked at lots of inspirational shots on Pinterest, and it seemed that to get the best photo, you had to shoot on location in Yosemite - or someplace else equally grandiose and pristine.  With the right framing and cropping, we were able to make it appear as if we were out in the vast wilderness, when in reality, we were just standing in my neighbor\'s back yard.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-8_edited.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1400\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-8_edited.jpg\" alt=\"belly bump photos in the snow\" width=\"359\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">With all that snow, I was thankful to be only 8 months along, instead of 9 or 10.  No blizzard babies, please!</p>','Pinterest-worth belly shots','','publish','open','closed','','pinterest-worth-belly-shots','','','2015-02-02 14:20:05','2015-02-02 14:20:05','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1391',0,'post','',0),(1392,3,'2015-02-02 13:57:59','2015-02-02 13:57:59','','maternity photo with ultrasound pic','','inherit','open','closed','','1b8a2213','','','2015-02-02 14:01:49','2015-02-02 14:01:49','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2213.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1393,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:00','2015-02-02 13:58:00','','maternity photo with big sister','','inherit','open','closed','','1b8a2266','','','2015-02-02 14:08:06','2015-02-02 14:08:06','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2266.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1394,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:00','2015-02-02 13:58:00','','maternity photo','','inherit','open','closed','','1b8a2286','','','2015-02-02 13:58:25','2015-02-02 13:58:25','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2286.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1395,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:01','2015-02-02 13:58:01','','maternity photo with big sister','','inherit','open','closed','','1b8a2437','','','2015-02-02 14:06:21','2015-02-02 14:06:21','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2437.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1396,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:02','2015-02-02 13:58:02','','big sis, lil sis maternity photo','','inherit','open','closed','','1b8a2505','','','2015-02-02 14:09:04','2015-02-02 14:09:04','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2505.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1397,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:02','2015-02-02 13:58:02','','maternity photos in the snow','','inherit','open','closed','','snow-4','','','2015-02-02 14:12:54','2015-02-02 14:12:54','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-4.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1398,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:03','2015-02-02 13:58:03','','snow maternity pictures','','inherit','open','closed','','snow-6','','','2015-02-02 14:14:13','2015-02-02 14:14:13','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-6.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1399,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:04','2015-02-02 13:58:04','','winter maternity photos','','inherit','open','closed','','snow-7','','','2015-02-02 14:10:37','2015-02-02 14:10:37','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-7.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1400,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:04','2015-02-02 13:58:04','','belly bump photos in the snow','','inherit','open','closed','','snow-8_edited','','','2015-02-02 14:16:20','2015-02-02 14:16:20','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-8_edited.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1401,3,'2015-02-02 13:58:05','2015-02-02 13:58:05','','black and white maternity photo','','inherit','open','closed','','unnamed','','','2015-02-02 14:09:31','2015-02-02 14:09:31','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/unnamed.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1402,3,'2015-02-02 14:20:05','2015-02-02 14:20:05','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2286.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1394\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2286.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a>When you work as hard as we did to get pregnant, you savor every second of it.  For me, a good part of that savoring is photo-documenting the miraculous changes happening in my body.  I am not one of those women who worries that I am fat or not looking my best.  In fact, I feel more beautiful as a pregnant woman than I ever have before.  Every glance down at my ever-expanding belly puts a smile on my face, reminding me that we are the lucky ones- those folks who walked the journey of infertility and will (hopefully) emerge with a healthy baby girl in only a few short weeks.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2213.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1392\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2213.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo with ultrasound pic\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">During my first pregnancy, I was careful to also document my growth, knowing that it might be my only pregnancy.  Budgets and knowledge were different for us then.  So, I had no idea it was possible to hire a pro to take some maternity shots.  This time, we hired  Stephanie of <a href=\"http://www.brighteyephotography.com/\">Bright Eye Photography </a>to shoot my belly bump along with our annual family holiday pic.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2437.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1395\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2437.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo with big sister\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The photos were even more fun since we got to involve our daughter.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2266.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1393\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2266.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photo with big sister\" width=\"334\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Her favorite game is playing doctor, which became an adorable moment to capture.  Who better to check on than her little sister?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2505.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1396\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1B8A2505.jpg\" alt=\"big sis, lil sis maternity photo\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">She is SO excited about the pending arrival of her little sister.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/unnamed.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1401\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/unnamed.jpg\" alt=\"black and white maternity photo\" width=\"334\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This was my favorite photo from our shoot.  It makes me chuckle every time, and I LOVE that maternity jeans and toddler jeans both have navy blue elastic waistbands!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-7.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1399\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-7.jpg\" alt=\"winter maternity photos\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Lucky for me, my bump was big enough to shoot at only 20 weeks, but as the weeks go by, there are more opportunities to take gorgeous photos.  Sometimes, you don\'t need a pro -  just need a willing mother and brother (who are both pretty big photography buffs) and a neighbor with a row of snow laden trees.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1397\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-4.jpg\" alt=\"maternity photos in the snow\" width=\"500\" height=\"354\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We braved the cold, the blowing wind, and the knee-deep snow to get a few outdoor shots during the first blizzard of 2015.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-6.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1398\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-6.jpg\" alt=\"snow maternity pictures\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We looked at lots of inspirational shots on Pinterest, and it seemed that to get the best photo, you had to shoot on location in Yosemite - or someplace else equally grandiose and pristine.  With the right framing and cropping, we were able to make it appear as if we were out in the vast wilderness, when in reality, we were just standing in my neighbor\'s back yard.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-8_edited.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1400\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/snow-8_edited.jpg\" alt=\"belly bump photos in the snow\" width=\"359\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">With all that snow, I was thankful to be only 8 months along, instead of 9 or 10.  No blizzard babies, please!</p>','Pinterest-worth belly shots','','inherit','open','closed','','1391-revision-v1','','','2015-02-02 14:20:05','2015-02-02 14:20:05','',1391,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1402-1391-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1405,3,'2015-02-08 04:27:50','2015-02-08 04:27:50','','pink cupcakes for baby girl sprinkle shower','','inherit','open','closed','','sprinkle-1','','','2015-02-08 04:28:28','2015-02-08 04:28:28','',1404,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1406,3,'2015-02-08 04:28:05','2015-02-08 04:28:05','','sprinkle  shower','','inherit','open','closed','','sprinkle-8','','','2015-02-08 04:34:04','2015-02-08 04:34:04','',1404,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-8.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1407,3,'2015-02-08 04:38:29','2015-02-08 04:38:29','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-1.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1405\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-1.jpg\" alt=\"pink cupcakes for baby girl sprinkle shower\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>My very excellent mother, with the help of a dear friend of mine, threw me the most fabulous little sprinkle of a shower to celebrate and welcome our 2nd baby girl.  The woman is amazing.  She can throw a perfect party without even a glance at Pinterest.  Mom indulged my request to finally just \"show up as a guest without doing all the work.\"  Still, I insisted that I bring the sweets.  It\'s amazing how much pleasure can be derived from making a simple batch of cupcakes when you only have to make a couple dozen.  I special ordered a mix of pink, brown and white sprinkles to match our nursery decor and top off these chocolate cupcakes with pink vanilla buttercream.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-8.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1406\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sprinkle-8.jpg\" alt=\"sprinkle  shower\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">It felt a little excessive and indulgent to throw a mini baby shower for our 2nd girl, but the truth is that when you had to work as hard as we did to get here, you want to celebrate each and every moment.  An enormous thank you to all that came to be with us and sprinkled me with such generosity.  I am overwhelmed and feel so very loved...just like this precious baby whom I CANNOT wait to meet.</p>','A sprinkle shower of my very own','','inherit','open','closed','','1404-revision-v1','','','2015-02-08 04:38:29','2015-02-08 04:38:29','',1404,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1407-1404-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1409,3,'2015-02-22 21:55:23','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-10.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1419\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-10.jpg\" alt=\"nursery 10\" width=\"3264\" height=\"4928\" /></a>','','','draft','open','closed','','','','','2015-02-22 21:55:23','2015-02-22 21:55:23','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1409',0,'post','',0),(1410,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:22','2015-02-22 21:54:22','','nursery 1','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-1','','','2015-02-22 21:54:22','2015-02-22 21:54:22','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1411,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:26','2015-02-22 21:54:26','','nursery 2','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-2','','','2015-02-22 21:54:26','2015-02-22 21:54:26','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1412,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:31','2015-02-22 21:54:31','','nursery 3','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-3','','','2015-02-22 21:54:31','2015-02-22 21:54:31','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1413,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:37','2015-02-22 21:54:37','','nursery 4','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-4','','','2015-02-22 21:54:37','2015-02-22 21:54:37','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-4.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1414,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:42','2015-02-22 21:54:42','','nursery 5','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-5','','','2015-02-22 21:54:42','2015-02-22 21:54:42','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-5.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1415,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:46','2015-02-22 21:54:46','','nursery 6','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-6','','','2015-02-22 21:54:46','2015-02-22 21:54:46','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-6.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1416,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:51','2015-02-22 21:54:51','','nursery 7','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-7','','','2015-02-22 21:54:51','2015-02-22 21:54:51','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-7.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1417,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:55','2015-02-22 21:54:55','','nursery 8','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-8','','','2015-02-22 21:54:55','2015-02-22 21:54:55','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-8.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1418,3,'2015-02-22 21:54:59','2015-02-22 21:54:59','','nursery 9','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-9','','','2015-02-22 21:54:59','2015-02-22 21:54:59','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-9.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1419,3,'2015-02-22 21:55:04','2015-02-22 21:55:04','','nursery 10','','inherit','open','closed','','nursery-10','','','2015-02-22 21:55:04','2015-02-22 21:55:04','',1409,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nursery-10.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1420,3,'2015-03-02 14:35:24','2015-03-02 14:35:24','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1424\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg\" alt=\"pear poundcake\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>As I write this, I am 15 days shy of delivering my miracle baby.  I\'ve completed all of my work assignments, packed my bags, washed the clothes, finished the nursery, etc, etc.  We are ready.  So, I took a moment to look back on a few of the projects that I finished before signing off for my unofficial maternity leave.  This <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/17/recipe-for-caramelized-pear-and-currant-pound-cake/G6ZinvqUZCBi1HyCVZ3boM/story.html\">pear pound cake</a> was not only moist but rich and decadent with swirls of caramel throughout and juicy pears interspersed.  But, it is the photo I love the most.  It reminds me of a Renaissance still life, and I think I just might print a copy for my dining room.  Through the light, you can tell it is winter, yet the picture gives off warm and comforting vibes: all the great feelings of winter without the dreariness and the dread of the never-ending snow and cold.  It\'s why we should all bake more often -- to soothe our souls and our minds.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1422\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg\" alt=\"apricot glazed chicken drumettes\" width=\"476\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This photo was part of a spread on <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-sticky-apricot-barbecue-drumettes/Q7HUjc5hYyqFYyZuAtAXwN/story.html\">snacks for Superbowl Sunday </a>(go Patriots!).  I love the convergence of the turquoise plate and the orange glaze.  I don\'t really eat wings, but this looks oh-so-inviting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1425\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg\" alt=\"pear ginger crisp\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/24/recipe-for-ginger-pear-crisp-with-cardamom/2yMUSAqXGByZdYRukBH4TI/story.html\">pear crisp</a> reminded me why sweets are my favorite type of foods to shoot.  There is something inevitably beautiful about even the most simple of baked goods that just isn\'t present in a photo of a savory dish.  That said, summer\'s finest tomatoes do make for a stunning shot.  Oh, summer, please come soon.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1423\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg\" alt=\"pavlova with figs\" width=\"472\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This<a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/10/recipe-for-valentine-pavlova-with-mission-figs-ginger-and-port/u8virvnFBwTdoBWmyxnreM/story.html\"> pavlova</a> gave me hell during recipe testing, but the end result was gorgeous.  I would prefer a fresh fruit option for its aesthetic appeal, but I completely understand the choice of dried figs given the season.  They do make for a more mature dessert, perfect for you and a loved one.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1421\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg\" alt=\"seven layer dip\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is a modern take on the old-school <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-layer-dip/WidAiJukDNYVkb8RHQOSGO/story.html\">7 layer dip</a>.  We subbed out refried beans and zipped up sauces with fresh guacamole and cumin-scented yogurt.  The results are decadent.  Feel free to double, triple and quadruple dip when using individual glasses for serving.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Signing off for now to finish baking this bun in my oven, but I will be back with more fun projects in no time.  I\'ve already been sneaking peaks at Pinterest for newborn photography as well as rainbow smash cakes for a potential St. Patty\'s Day first birthday party...I just can\'t help myself!</p>','Winter styling','','publish','open','closed','','winter-styling','','','2015-03-02 14:37:54','2015-03-02 14:37:54','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1420',0,'post','',0),(1421,3,'2015-03-02 13:55:01','2015-03-02 13:55:01','','seven layer dip','','inherit','open','closed','','7-layer-3','','','2015-03-02 14:14:22','2015-03-02 14:14:22','',1420,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1422,3,'2015-03-02 13:55:02','2015-03-02 13:55:02','','apricot glazed chicken drumettes','','inherit','open','closed','','apricot-wings-5','','','2015-03-02 14:01:20','2015-03-02 14:01:20','',1420,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1423,3,'2015-03-02 13:55:02','2015-03-02 13:55:02','','pavlova with figs','','inherit','open','closed','','pavlova-22','','','2015-03-02 14:06:28','2015-03-02 14:06:28','',1420,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1424,3,'2015-03-02 13:55:03','2015-03-02 13:55:03','','pear poundcake','','inherit','open','closed','','pear-cake-4','','','2015-03-02 13:55:22','2015-03-02 13:55:22','',1420,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1425,3,'2015-03-02 13:55:04','2015-03-02 13:55:04','','pear ginger crisp','','inherit','open','closed','','pear-crisp-3','','','2015-03-02 14:03:09','2015-03-02 14:03:09','',1420,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1427,3,'2015-03-02 14:37:54','2015-03-02 14:37:54','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1424\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg\" alt=\"pear poundcake\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>As I write this, I am 15 days shy of delivering my miracle baby.  I\'ve completed all of my work assignments, packed my bags, washed the clothes, finished the nursery, etc, etc.  We are ready.  So, I took a moment to look back on a few of the projects that I finished before signing off for my unofficial maternity leave.  This <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/17/recipe-for-caramelized-pear-and-currant-pound-cake/G6ZinvqUZCBi1HyCVZ3boM/story.html\">pear pound cake</a> was not only moist but rich and decadent with swirls of caramel throughout and juicy pears interspersed.  But, it is the photo I love the most.  It reminds me of a Renaissance still life, and I think I just might print a copy for my dining room.  Through the light, you can tell it is winter, yet the picture gives off warm and comforting vibes: all the great feelings of winter without the dreariness and the dread of the never-ending snow and cold.  It\'s why we should all bake more often -- to soothe our souls and our minds.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1422\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg\" alt=\"apricot glazed chicken drumettes\" width=\"476\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This photo was part of a spread on <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-sticky-apricot-barbecue-drumettes/Q7HUjc5hYyqFYyZuAtAXwN/story.html\">snacks for Superbowl Sunday </a>(go Patriots!).  I love the convergence of the turquoise plate and the orange glaze.  I don\'t really eat wings, but this looks oh-so-inviting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1425\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg\" alt=\"pear ginger crisp\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/24/recipe-for-ginger-pear-crisp-with-cardamom/2yMUSAqXGByZdYRukBH4TI/story.html\">pear crisp</a> reminded me why sweets are my favorite type of foods to shoot.  There is something inevitably beautiful about even the most simple of baked goods that just isn\'t present in a photo of a savory dish.  That said, summer\'s finest tomatoes do make for a stunning shot.  Oh, summer, please come soon.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1423\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg\" alt=\"pavlova with figs\" width=\"472\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This<a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/10/recipe-for-valentine-pavlova-with-mission-figs-ginger-and-port/u8virvnFBwTdoBWmyxnreM/story.html\"> pavlova</a> gave me hell during recipe testing, but the end result was gorgeous.  I would prefer a fresh fruit option for its aesthetic appeal, but I completely understand the choice of dried figs given the season.  They do make for a more mature dessert, perfect for you and a loved one.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1421\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg\" alt=\"seven layer dip\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is a modern take on the old-school <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-layer-dip/WidAiJukDNYVkb8RHQOSGO/story.html\">7 layer dip</a>.  We subbed out refried beans and zipped up sauces with fresh guacamole and cumin-scented yogurt.  The results are decadent.  Feel free to double, triple and quadruple dip when using individual glasses for serving.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Signing off for now to finish baking this bun in my oven, but I will be back with more fun projects in no time.  I\'ve already been sneaking peaks at Pinterest for newborn photography as well as rainbow smash cakes for a potential St. Patty\'s Day first birthday party...I just can\'t help myself!</p>','Winter styling','','inherit','open','closed','','1420-revision-v1','','','2015-03-02 14:37:54','2015-03-02 14:37:54','',1420,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1427-1420-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1426,3,'2015-03-02 14:35:24','2015-03-02 14:35:24','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1424\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg\" alt=\"pear poundcake\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a>As I write this, I am 15 days shy of delivering my miracle baby.  I\'ve completed all of my work assignments, packed my bags, washed the clothes, finished the nursery, etc, etc.  We are ready.  So, I took a moment to look back on a few of the projects that I finished before signing off for my unofficial maternity leave.  This <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/17/recipe-for-caramelized-pear-and-currant-pound-cake/G6ZinvqUZCBi1HyCVZ3boM/story.html\">pear pound cake</a> was not only moist but rich and decadent with swirls of caramel throughout and juicy pears interspersed.  But, it is the photo I love the most.  It reminds me of a Renaissance still life, and I think I just might print a copy for my dining room.  Through the light, you can tell it is winter, yet the picture gives off warm and comforting vibes: all the great feelings of winter without the dreariness and the dread of the never-ending snow and cold.  It\'s why we should all bake more often -- to soothe our souls and our minds.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg\">\r\n</a><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1422\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg\" alt=\"apricot glazed chicken drumettes\" width=\"476\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This photo was part of a spread on <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-sticky-apricot-barbecue-drumettes/Q7HUjc5hYyqFYyZuAtAXwN/story.html\">snacks for Superbowl Sunday </a>(go Patriots!).  I love the convergence of the turquoise plate and the orange glaze.  I don\'t really eat wings, but this looks oh-so-inviting.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1425\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg\" alt=\"pear ginger crisp\" width=\"393\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/24/recipe-for-ginger-pear-crisp-with-cardamom/2yMUSAqXGByZdYRukBH4TI/story.html\">pear crisp</a> reminded me why sweets are my favorite type of foods to shoot.  There is something inevitably beautiful about even the most simple of baked goods that just isn\'t present in a photo of a savory dish.  That said, summer\'s finest tomatoes do make for a stunning shot.  Oh, summer, please come soon.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1423\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg\" alt=\"pavlova with figs\" width=\"472\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This<a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/10/recipe-for-valentine-pavlova-with-mission-figs-ginger-and-port/u8virvnFBwTdoBWmyxnreM/story.html\"> pavlova</a> gave me hell during recipe testing, but the end result was gorgeous.  I would prefer a fresh fruit option for its aesthetic appeal, but I completely understand the choice of dried figs given the season.  They do make for a more mature dessert, perfect for you and a loved one.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1421\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg\" alt=\"seven layer dip\" width=\"331\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is a modern take on the old-school <a href=\"http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-layer-dip/WidAiJukDNYVkb8RHQOSGO/story.html\">7 layer dip</a>.  We subbed out refried beans and zipped up sauces with fresh guacamole and cumin-scented yogurt.  The results are decadent.  Feel free to double, triple and quadruple dip when using individual glasses for serving.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Signing off for now to finish baking this bun in my oven, but I will be back with more fun projects in no time.  I\'ve already been sneaking peaks at Pinterest for newborn photography as well as rainbow smash cakes for a potential St. Patty\'s Day first birthday party...I just can\'t help myself!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>','Winter styling','','inherit','open','closed','','1420-revision-v1','','','2015-03-02 14:35:24','2015-03-02 14:35:24','',1420,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1426-1420-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),(1429,3,'2015-03-04 02:17:33','2015-03-04 02:17:33','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMGP6647_bw.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1430 aligncenter\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMGP6647_bw.jpg\" alt=\"bare belly maternity photo\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of the perks of living with my brother is that he was once a photography student, and he is always at the ready when I get some cockamamie idea for a photo shoot.  Nearing the end of this (read: my last) pregnancy, I am eager to document every moment.  Someone once told me to be sure to take pictures of your bare belly so that you can remember just how enlarged you really were.  I took this to the extreme when I was pregnant with our first and did a nude maternity shoot with a professional who was looking to expand her portfolio and therefore offering a free session for willing nude models.  Boy, was that ever an experience.  This time, given that my brother was the photog and I don\'t really feel the need to relive that naked modeling experience, I chose something more simple but equally as striking.  A quick Pinterest search brought up photos of bare bellies on dark backgrounds shot in black &amp; white with only the color of the bow illuminated.  I found a black outfit, dug up a pink ribbon that was thankfully long enough to make it all the way around my enormous girth, and taped a large sheet of black paper to the wall.  Using only the natural light from our bay window, my brother was able to capture this moment perfectly.  He is a whiz with Photoshop and provided me with this image in only a few minutes.  It is, by far, my favorite belly shot.  And fitting as my little girl will be born just in time for my birthday.  She is the best gift I have ever and will ever receive.</p>','Bare belly shot','','publish','open','closed','','bare-belly-shot','','','2015-03-04 02:17:33','2015-03-04 02:17:33','',0,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/?p=1429',0,'post','',0),(1430,3,'2015-03-04 02:07:13','2015-03-04 02:07:13','','bare belly maternity photo','','inherit','open','closed','','imgp6647_bw','','','2015-03-04 02:07:24','2015-03-04 02:07:24','',1429,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMGP6647_bw.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1431,3,'2015-03-04 02:17:33','2015-03-04 02:17:33','<a href=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMGP6647_bw.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1430 aligncenter\" src=\"http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/IMGP6647_bw.jpg\" alt=\"bare belly maternity photo\" width=\"500\" height=\"331\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">One of the perks of living with my brother is that he was once a photography student, and he is always at the ready when I get some cockamamie idea for a photo shoot.  Nearing the end of this (read: my last) pregnancy, I am eager to document every moment.  Someone once told me to be sure to take pictures of your bare belly so that you can remember just how enlarged you really were.  I took this to the extreme when I was pregnant with our first and did a nude maternity shoot with a professional who was looking to expand her portfolio and therefore offering a free session for willing nude models.  Boy, was that ever an experience.  This time, given that my brother was the photog and I don\'t really feel the need to relive that naked modeling experience, I chose something more simple but equally as striking.  A quick Pinterest search brought up photos of bare bellies on dark backgrounds shot in black &amp; white with only the color of the bow illuminated.  I found a black outfit, dug up a pink ribbon that was thankfully long enough to make it all the way around my enormous girth, and taped a large sheet of black paper to the wall.  Using only the natural light from our bay window, my brother was able to capture this moment perfectly.  He is a whiz with Photoshop and provided me with this image in only a few minutes.  It is, by far, my favorite belly shot.  And fitting as my little girl will be born just in time for my birthday.  She is the best gift I have ever and will ever receive.</p>','Bare belly shot','','inherit','open','closed','','1429-revision-v1','','','2015-03-04 02:17:33','2015-03-04 02:17:33','',1429,'http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1431-1429-revision-v1',0,'revision','',0),