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Modern Buttercream with Craftsy

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This post brought to you by Craftsty // I LOVE learning new skills and one of my go to places for that is… Craftsy. Have you discovered Craftsy yet? Craftsy is your premiere online learning resource for anything creative. They have sewing, knitting, jewelry making, cooking and cake decorating to name just a few. They have gathered top experts in their field to create high quality classes for you to enjoy and learn from right in your home and on your own time schedule. The other day I took one of their free classes that they have available, Modern Buttercream…

Now, I'm no stranger to cake making, but… I am no expert. I am self taught, I have been dying to learn how to make my cakes look a little more professional. I knew it was time to take a class, but who has time to take a class? I sure don't. That's why Craftsy is perfect! I logged onto my class while sitting on my couch in my PJ's with Gage (my three year old tag along) hanging out with me. It was perfect, I didn't have to find a babysitter or even get dressed. I was able to learn the finer points of creating a buttercream cake from Joshua John Russell. He is an amazing cake artist who I've been watching for several years on the Food Network. He is super talented and a fabulous teacher…

I am blown away every time a take a class through Craftsy. They are indepth and create a class that you can really learn from. I learned a ton from Joshua. Like how to carve a cake so that it not only looks good, but tastes even better too.

I have always used a "buttercream" that is simple to make, but it's not a real buttercream. In this class Joshua teaches how to make a traditional Swiss Buttercream and then how to frost your cake so that it looks like a professional decorated it. Another tip I learned, drizzle a simple syrup on your cake before you assemble. this way your cake stays nice and moist…

I was able to watch right along with Joshua on my iPad while I worked right along with him…

Craftsy even has their very own app so it's even easier to watch your classes on your mobile device. 

I was able to practice my carving skills (which I still need more practice.) 

Then I practiced my crumb coating skills. Do you know why you use a crumb coat? You'll have to come take the class to find out.

Then I did my final coat and a simple decoration and a rustic finish for my first  buttercream cake…

It turned out pretty good, but I'm ready for some more practice so I can make a cake just like Joshua. The nice thing… it tasted amazing! I did add a little more sugar to his buttercream recipe because I like my buttercream a little sweeter, but overall this class was excellent. I am going to work on another autumn themed cake this weekend to practice my skills. I'll let you know how it turns out next week. In the mean time… You should head over to Craftsy and take one of their free classes to see how amazing the platform is. They have this Modern Buttercream class and Fondant and Hand Painted Cake classes… You'll be amazed!! 

Come back next week for my second cake, I have a few more secret tips that I will be sharing!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Craftsy. The opinions and text are all mine.

 

40+ Fabulous Thanksgiving Ideas

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40+ Thanksgiving Ideas // 

Thanksgiving ideas 7

 

Can you believe that it's already time to start thinking about Thanksgiving?!  Today I'm sharing some of the best of Thanksgiving from around blogland, everything from decorating, to table settings, amazing dishes, and even what to do with those leftovers!  Enjoy!!

DIY Placemats / Thanksgiving Pies & Beautiful Color Palette / Simple, Rustic Table Setting

Simple Thankful Garland / Silverware Stem Pumpkins / Simple Thanksgiving Bunting

Wood Slice Chalkboard Menu / Mini Cornucopias / Book Page Leaf Garland

Pumpkin Praline Trifle / Muffin Tin Pumpkin Pies / Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

15 Minute Salted Maple Butter / Fall Breads / Pumpkin Spice Soup

Glitter Leaf Garland / Turkey & Dot Garland / Pinecone Garland

Simple Bottles & Candles Centerpiece / Gold Leaf Pumpkin Place Cards / DIY Fall Leaf Place Cards

Pilgrim Crayon Cup / Simple Kids' Table Setting / Feather Head Dress

"Best Stuffing Ever" / Roasted Brown Sugar & Rosemary Squash / Cornbread Cranberry Dressing

Stamped Serve Ware / Metallic Dipped Serving Utensils / Thanksgiving Muffin Wrapping

DIY Chalkboard Table Runner / Eclectic Fall Tablescape / DIY Linens

Thanksgiving Mantel / Wood Slice Cake Stands / DIY Tepee Decorations

Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza / Perfect Crock Pot Apples / Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies

Chalkboard Printables / Subway Printables / Give Thanks Printables

Simple, Rustic Decor / Gobble Sign / Book Page Wreath

Gilgamesh Oatmeal with Bob’s Red Mill Oats

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This post brought to you my Bob's Red Mill // I’m part Scottish… By definition I was born with oatmeal in my blood. OK, not really… But, oatmeal is a large part of my Scottish heritage and one part that I really love. It’s one of those foods that you don’t have to feel one iota of guilt for loving. No matter what your taste, there is an oatmeal for you.

oatmeal

Bob’s Red Mill has a whole collection of different types of oatmeal… Organic Extra Thick, Steel Cut, Scottish, Rolled. Old fashioned and quick cooking, they even have Oat Bran. So no matter how you like your oatmeal, Bob’s Red Mill has you covered. They are an employee owned company that has a passion for creating quality products with time honored processes. Rather than trying to find new technology to process fine whole grain products, they use time tested, traditional techniques that preserve the quality and integrity of the grain, which in turn brings even better nutrition to your table.  

 

The folks at Bob’s Red Mill challenged me to try one of their fun recipes to try with their oatmeal.

 

Bob's Red Mill Oatmeal

I chose their Gilgamesh recipe and added a few more little treats to fit my tastes. It has a bit of an exotic taste that takes me back to my travels in Israel. I made mine with the Organic Extra Thick Rolled Oats to have a real hearty bite. Here’s how you make it…

 

Gilgamesh Oatmeal Toppings

 

Gilgamesh Oatmeal Ingredients

 

Pistachios

Chopped Dates or Dried Figs 

Golden Raisins

Honey

Milk or cream

Cardamom or Cinnamon (you could even do a small pinch of both)

 

Gilgamesh Oatmeal Directions

 

Cook your favorite type of Oatmeal according to package directions. Once slightly cool, place in a bowl and top with chopped pistachios, chopped dates or dried figs (I couldn’t find dates so I went with dried figs), golden raisins, a splash of milk or cream, a drizzle of honey and a small pinch of cardamom and/or cinnamon. 

 

You will be transported to the Mediterranean and all the spicy flavors of that part of the world. It’s a trip in a bowl for sure!

 

Gilgamesh Oatmeal with Bob's Red Mill Oatmeal

 

Spicy & exotic not your style? Don’t worry… the folks at Bob’s Red Barn have all kinds of ideas up their sleeves.

 

BRM_Oat Calendar_Live sm[2]

So, what’s your favorite way to eat your oatmeal? What’s your favorite type of oatmeal? Come share some of your favorite toppings!

 

Disclaimer // This is a post sponsored by Bob's Red Mill. I received product and payment for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my very own. 

DIY Thanksgiving Garland

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DIY Thanksgiving Garland //
 
Hi Whipperberry readers! Haley here, from Life Is Sweet. I can't resist festive garlands, and this year I made a few!  I'm enjoying them on our mantle, but any of these would be great on bookshelves, windows, railings, or just up on the wall. Two embraced the feeling of autumn and one embraced the wonderful holiday coming up next month, Thanksgiving! Jenn said it perfectly in her post of her fabulous Thanksgiving Centerpiece–it's a beautiful time of year dedicated to expressing gratitude for blessings, surrounding yourself with loved ones, and making and enjoying great food! 
 
The first two garlands I'm sharing how to make are pretty simple. The leaf garland just calls for needle+thread along with leaves bought from the craft store (I've tried displaying real fallen leaves but they shriveled and lost their color within a couple days). The second one calls for needle+string and pompoms. I happened to find my pom balls at a thrift store (cheers to pre-loved nick-nacks!) but you can order felt poms in an array of colors from Hello Maypole. Then string away!
 
The "Give Thanks" garland takes a little more work, but is still very doable and you can create whatever message you'd like!
SUPPLIES:
Black cardstock
Scissors
White color pencil
Pencil
Rope/String
Paper hole-punch
Pencil sharpener (not pictured)
Ruler (or Colorbök Scrapbook paper pack has a ruler on the back)
 
You'll first want to decide the shape and size you want your garland pieces to be–pentagons, triangles, rectangles, circles, etc. Mine are pentagon-shaped that measured out to be 7.5 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide. 
 
For a pentagon shape you cut off two corners–the two short sides of mine measured 2.75 inches and 2.5 inches. Then use that pentagon to trace the rest of the pieces you need–I got two out of each 12×12 inch sheet.
 
I used a pencil to lightly sketch out the letters (after typing out "GIVE THANKS" in a Word document and chose the two fonts I liked: Snell Roundhand Black and Baskerville Old Face). But stencils would be another great way to get the letters on the garland. You'll then use the white colored pencil to fill in the letters. I loved how it gave it a fun chalk look, without the mess and I was able to be more precise. Now is when the pencil sharpener will come in handy.
 
You'll use a hole punch to put holes in the top corners of your garland pieces. I used a three-hole punch, and the spacing worked great for me to punch two at a time. Then string them up!
 
 
I hung/displayed all three garlands using good ol' scotch tape and, because my mantel is white, colored the tape with a white Painters marker (purchased at Walmart) so it's a bit camouflaged. 😉
 
 
Thanks again Heather for having me!
 
xo, Haley

The New Party Bunch // Link Party

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Soooo… I have some news. I'm retiring Friday Flair,

BUT, DON'T BE SAD…

I have an even BIGGER & better party for you to join!!

For the last few weeks my girls Amy @The Idea Room, Mique @30 Handmade Days, Desiree from @The 36th Avenue, and of course me, Heather @WhipperBerry have been working together to bring you all our New Link Party Hop!

As our banner says… 4 Bloggers + tons of friends = One Big Huge Fun PARTY!

TPB Party Info Banner

 

We want to make linking up as easy as possible, so no matter which one of our blogs you link up from, Heather, Mique, Amy and I get to see your awesome and fantastic projects and recipes. Another little change is that we have two separate link ups… One for recipes and one for everything else. That way it's easier for everyone to shine!

Every week we'll feature our favorites and make sure we promote you and your work!

Here are a few things to remember

before you link up.

  • Please make sure to share the love and grab a button here to let your readers know that you linked up with us!
Whipperberry

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  • By linking up with The Party Bunch, you are giving permission to any of us to feature your projects and recipes in our social media with a link back to you.
  • Link up your specific post.
  • Have fun!

 

Ready to party?