Summer Kick- Off Shopping Event.

            Hey South Florida Shoppers, so this Sunday, May 18th, Rosie Couture Collection is hosting a fun relaxed shopping event, Miami Style, in the comfort of a 

private residents (5510 Sw 103 Pl, Miami 33156 ), from 3p.m.-7p.m.. 

           It's a free event and will have an array of products for everyone. I do think this one will be a great one for ladies of all ages. Don't worry if you arrive early, you will be in a treat to win a free goodie bag!!! I'll be there with an eclectic assortment of products and baked goods for sale. You'll be able to place custom orders, for both confections and apparel.  See you then!

    Pinkies Up,

  

           Caro

Caro's Confections, does Etsy.

Blonde2Brunette Bloggers

                
     Who doesn't love Etsy? A place where you can type anything into the search engine and find items available for purchase that you never thought was available. I love finding vintage clothing pieces, eclectic jewelry and of course, Wizard Of Oz, themed items (I have a thing for Judy Garland, why hasn't anyone asked me to do a WIZARD OF OZ CAKE YET?).

For some time I have been going onto this site to find decorative pieces for my home, and "one of kind" gifts for my family and friends. Having the crafty itch I've always wanted to sell but so many ideas came to mind, and never did I find the time. Similar approached to how I came about caking, it's the same about crafting. I get inspired and I normally just go for it.

     So a little over two years ago my love for floral crowns came about, and I could never find the ones I liked. I searched online, checkout out crafters that I follow and very few had what I liked, so instead I started to make my own. This was way before this spring's "flower crown boom" came along and it was easy to find floral crowns at every boutique, big chain stores like Urban Outfitters and other online shops. At least in the state of Florida , because clearly NYC and LA and all the other big cities up the coast were ahead of the game.

The only other person ahead of the game in, Miami, was shop owner, Nicole, from (click there for more info -->) 'Nikki's Beach House'. She also lived in California... she knows her stuff. I have to be honest, she was the FIRST among the rest of the shops in, South Florida, to carry crowns, she's had them for the last few years, and well people caught on to the trend here. ;) This awesome boutique has two locations in the heart of South Miami, and Coconut Grove Shops. It's not just a shop of bikini's, but great apparel for women, jewelry, and shoes. All designer and local brands that we know and love, plus new up coming designers that South Florida with rarely see.

So as an avid follower and shopper there, I happen to fall into a beautiful accident with the owner, Nicole. She saw some handmade floral crowns, and asked me if I was available. She needed crowns A.S.A.P. and well with my random schedule- IT WORKED OUT!

Next thing you know, I made a bundle for the late summer/early fall collection, and then came back again for this spring/summer collection. It does help that FLorida has the grand ' Winter Music Festivals' and 'Ultra Music Festival'. I was even able to ship out my crowns for people to Cali for this year's, Coachella. I personally would just go to, Coachella, to dress up in funky bohemian fashion.

Caro's Confections, has turned into a brand of  all things feminine and sweet. It's my creative outlet, I LOVE TO CREATE, and just a really great way to save up for my future. I've got big plans for my performance career, so any little help along the way is simply, great. I think the biggest gratification though is people having fun with what they wear. I guess playing "dress up" really never gets old.

So this is something that kept me busy this passed year and I hope you take a peak at my little shop, click here --> https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarosConfections

About the Products:
-It's a mix of floral crowns and cake decor.
-I do take custom orders.
-I am not limited to only what you see on my shop.
-More variations Do exist on my InstaGram: @carosconfections, click here --> LINK
-Not only do I sell the crowns, but I also rent them at a very affordable price (South Florida Area Only). They are great for bridal showers, baby showers, and of course my favorite, PHOTO-SHOOTS! lol. What a fun prop to use!
-Crowns for ALL AGES.
-More products coming soon for the home, apparel, and more.

Interested? Feel free to email me at carosconfections@hotmail.com or through my Facebook Page, click here --> www.facebook.com/carosconfections

Pinkies Up,
    
       Caro

The Blogger is Back.

Emily-Liz-Caro

Avid followers of Liz Dikinson

         We are half way through 2014 and blogging hasn't been happening as frequently as I hoped. Blogging hasn't happened period.

 I promise you I still eat macarons at least once a month, I constantly am finding new places locally and abroad to share with you, and still baking away for clients if time permits in between my acting gigs.

So I've been busy- now it's time to catch you all up to speed on some projects I've worked on.

Let's start with publications this year. There have been a few and all thanks to a special lady...

   I was fortunate enough to have some of my work circulate throughout the web during the duration of a year. Last spring I joined forces with (click there >) LIZ DIKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY, to do a' Vintage Chic Pink Grey' styled shoot.  I provided a fun modern style cake that was adorned with beautiful dusty pink roses. I got to meet some great local Miami, Fl vendors.

   Fast forward several months and we find ourselves regrouping for a 'Country Chic Wedding' styled shoot. Where again I was able to supply a rustic cake. I finally got to do a "naked" cake and cover it with fresh real blooms.

     The brain behind these shoots go to the go getter, Liz. If you are looking for the ultimate wedding/ family package, she delivers. Her work is beautifully captured and you just have to check out her site to believe it. Tell her what you are looking for and she makes it happen with her creative team! Liz is able to organize your thoughts, help you plan, and deliver a finish product. I love working and collaborating her and cannot wait for the next one.

    To the most recent publication comes to an Ad campaign for TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA. The week of April, 21st 2014, marked the '6th Annual Tobacco Free Week', and for that whole week they featured a cake that I was commissioned for. I'll be posting the published images as soon as I get them, but I can tell you it was a different feeling making this cake for such a serious message. They asked for a wedding cake, with the cake topper having a patient and their doctor over coming the cancerous effects on smoking. The end goal was to inspire both the patient and the doctor to over come the addiction on smoking and to educate and prevent an inevitable death from such an easily accessed source.

I'll be posting some pictures below, but for total access of all the pictures please visit the following links:

A complete list of press and publications from the Liz Dikinson Photography Team:

http://www.lizdikinsonphotography.com/praise-press/


The Vintage Chic Pink & Grey Wedding:


http://www.lizdikinsonphotography.com/blog/2013/12/2/pink-grey-wedding-inspiration-bridal-editorial

The Country Chic Wedding:

http://www.lizdikinsonphotography.com/blog/2014/1/31/rustic-country-chic-bridal-inspiration


Pinkies Up,

Caro

P.S. Still to come: Current and Past Projects, Cake Tutorials, and did you know I'm now selling my handmade items through the web and boutiques???  More on that to come, but for now check out my ETSY shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarosConfections

LADIES PINTEREST POTLUCK: VOL. I

 OUR PINS CAME TO LIFE.

The Bar Spread.

      

          As crazy as times are these days, us ladies all crave a “girls night” every once in a while. That doesn’t always mean going out and dancing to our favorite songs. All of our occupations come with some sort of exhaustion, so we figured what would be the best thing? We came up with “ Ladies Pinterest Potluck”. Why “ Ladies Pinterest Potluck” you ask? Simply because, how may times have you pinned something, and haven’t gotten around to doing so? Possibly the majority of your pins, YES? Well it’s a yes for me, and for my gals, it was the same yearning to do so that it got us thinking, why not? Why not try at least once a month, have some sort of potluck that is inspired by the pins we pinned? It was a great way to get together,be on a smart  budget, relax, and FORCE us to make at least one of our pins! LOL! 

Soothed the Soul

     This was our (Kelly, Christy, and I) first “Ladies Pinterest Potluck”, so the activities of the night consisted of eating, drinking bold glasses of red wine, listening to jazz, and reading our tarot cards. We do plan on some future gatherings to add a, crafting activity, to take care of those “ DIY CRAFT PINS”.  I have a feeling that the more we do these, the bigger the group is going to get.

On the Menu:

• Truffle Gruyere grilled cheese, on a multi grain croissant.
• Prosciutto apple bites with herbed blue cheese.
• Arugula salad with blackberries, bacon, blue cheese, and a balsamic glaze.
• Baked Potato with bacon and swiss and cheddar cheese.
• Baked avocado fries (more like nuggets), with a chipotle and cilantro cream dip.
• Dessert: Deconstructed Apple Pie; Grand Marnier Spiced Roasted apples with vanilla mascarpone, and crushed chocolate gram cracker.

Total Prep/Cooking time: TWO hours.

Best made ready to serve (20min)

Christy, adding cheese and bacon.

       

Prosciutto Bites

Apples Roasting.

Truffle Grilled Cheese.

      

Dessert.

Waiting to be filled

          

          

          I encourage all of you gals, and gents to get a group going. See which dishes were a hit or a miss, and which were the easiest and the fastest! It’s never too late to spark the foodie/crafty person within. Encourage and inspire your group and hone your skills! Plus the holidays are around the corner, good to test out the dishes- don’t ‘cha think?

               Pinkies up,

                           C

Best picture of the night.

  P.S. We will be pinning to our board (CLICK HERE) for some inspiration recipe's. you can find the majority of the recipe's there. If there is something you see here and would like the recipe or steps, feel free to comment below! All the best... 

                           

DIY: BUTTERCREAM ROSETTES

I posted this quick video on Instagram and wanted to make sure everyone got a chance to see it (incase you don't have an iG account) .

A lot of friends and followers really love these stunning buttercream rosettes. Who would of known how easy it was?!

You will need ( just one star tip, but these are fun):

The Wilton 1M is ideal when wanting to cover large surfaces on your cake! 

If you have an iG account, feel free to follow C.C.'s at @carosconfections, or visit the public link online HERE

Here's the video below on my "quick tip: buttercream":

Pinkies up,
         Caro

DIY: DESSERT TABLE (THE C.C.'S TEAM PROCESS)

       

  Dessert Tables Can Be Stress Free. 

              In my early years I've had my fair share of creating dessert tables for the family for the holidays, my favorite is Halloween. I love Halloween, and wish it was a week celebration! Lol! There's something about the colors orange and black and the amazing tulle and glitter decorations I get to play with. As the years have past my mother picked up on the whole "treats" station early on, before it became the trendy thing to do. With that, my sister and I, have picked up some helpful tips along the way and have been able to collaborate on some amazing dessert tables with some recent events, and for me a more successful outcome for my clients! 

   I don't care how many parties you have planned or decorated ect. In any production, it takes planing and timing for it to be an ENJOYABLE experience. We've all been there, life gets in the way and schedules conflict leaving you pressed for time. Here is a little cheat sheet timeline for your "DIY: DESSERT TABLE"

PRE-EVENT QUESTIONS:

1. What type of celebration/event is this?
2. Location of event, BOOK ASAP (3 MONTHS PRIOR)?
3. Theme of celebration/event, does it work with the season?
4. How many people will be attending, important for amount of sweets?
5. Whats my budget and time frame until the celebration/ event? 

Once you have all those questions decided, it's time to peruse your local shops, craft stores, online stores, and of course inspirational websites-- COUGH COUGH PINTEREST ! lol.

    I personally, if time permits, start planning an event THREE months prior. It avoids impulsive shopping and less of a time crunch when it comes to decor. With my chosen theme in mind, I first do a little inspirational searching on the web from a variety of blogs to craft handmade vendors. Then I take it to the crafts store, like Michaels Craft Store, Joanne Fabrics, Anna's Linens- to the home stores like, Home Goods, Target, Marshalls, Pier One, T.J. Max, Sur La tab. I will go to all of these stores, and look around before I buy anything. Sometimes there are those items, that you know wont be coming back, on clearance, or even on sale. If you are feeling confident or it may be possible to return those items just incase. BUY IT!!! 

   Are there certain items, that you see at stores, that you say "How on earth  does it cost so much?" "I could make that". If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, or have kids that love to do just that, give them the glue and paint. It will be a nice family activity.Just be sure to repay them in a delicious meal. I mean that's what I would want from my parents- FOOD or CAKE! Hahaha... There are probably plenty of tutorials of what you want to do via the web. It's insane how many people have posted about their crafts. Thank goodness for that!  I have saved so much money making or painting our own things. It is hard though, when you may not have time on your hands. Thats why I recommend THREE Months of planning. It will help you mold what to buy around your budget.  Within the FIRST out of the THREE, be sure to have answered all pending questions and the perusing has begun, by the SECOND month out of the THREE be finalizing all purchased decor and supplies for handmade decor.  As you get to the end of being TWO months out, be sure to be at least  halfway done with your handmade decor.   So lets recap...

RECAP OF DECOR THREE TO TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO CELEBRATION/ EVENT:

• (3 Months Out) Peruse home stores, craft stores, websites.
• (3 Months Out) Begin purchasing decor (the sooner for ONLINE PURCHASES, to avoid rush orders and spending more money).
• (2 Months Out) Finalize Purchases.
• (2 Months Out) Be as close to finish with any handmade decor.

Here comes the tricky part, on top of decor, you need to finalize SWEETS!!!

        Again 3 months is helpful. Planning and execution, can be done on a shorter time frame, yes- but we are going for STRESS FREE SMOOTH COASTING! So again, THREE Months prior, peruse your favorite local shops and vendors, website for inspiration and figure out what showcases this celebration/ event. Desserts are the hardest dishes on the menu, it's no different for your dessert table. Ask yourself, will I be making the desserts? Do I want to make all, or showcase one or two of my favorite  dessert dishes to my guests- OR IS IT TOO STRESSFUL AND LEAVE IT UP TO MY VENDORS? Thats a tough one. There is something sweet and personal when you have showcased your DIY: ANYTHING. It's a chance for your guest to see your creative side and charm. Just keep in mind, who will be setting up the desserts table? Will I have help? Will I get a chance to breathe?  I'm fortunate to have my mom and sister on the, CARO'S CONFECTIONS, team. It does make it easier knowing that the people i'm working with have experience, appreciation, and an eye for aesthetics.  I'm sure all of you have a family member or friend that shares these qualities. :) ... Back to planning sweets. My sister is great about printing photos of what we plan on ordering or making. This is also great for the decor as well. I'm a hands-on kind of gal, and I cant stand looking at my smart phone or computer all day long. So PRINT if you can, organize it in a stylish folder and look like a professional party planner ;) lol. Why not?  

    

      BEFORE ORDERING:

     Lets talk about people attending and location, some think if you have 50 guest, that you should have 50 of everything. Thats a pretty intense  amount of sweets. I tend to take off of each amount of items, lets say if I have 50 guests, then I will have 5 types of sweet and quantity of 30/35 [ enter sweet here].  That's a 150/175 sweets on a table. I personally think thats enough for people to leave home with sweets ;).  Next, ask yourself, at the location, what area in the location, and what tables will be provided. Will you display all of the sweets or refill bowls, baskets, trays as the event progresses. Sometimes you don't need to put it out all on the table, and you and your go to helper can put out more later on. Plus this is great for when space is limited!

     You are ready to order? Well start calling and book those orders, some independent vendors and local shops will have different requirements when placing orders, time frame, deposits, ect. It's best to wheel your orders out as soon as you know what you are going to have. 

      Are you baking? Well congrats to you on this extra tedious and timely manner- Know what, and when certain baked goods are perishable. Sometimes you even have to make them the week, a few days, or worse- 24 hours before the party. Know what works for your schedule! PLAN PLAN PLAN!

Also, are you picking up, or having things delivered? What do they charge? How early can you pick up your items?

Depending on your vendors, do try by a month before the celebration/event, to have all your orders in!

RECAP ON SWEETS THREE TO TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO CELEBRATION/ EVENT

• Print out images, with flavor profiles your ideal sweets.
• Decide on vendors, and/ home baking.
• Place your orders.Plan pick-up/delivery orders accordingly.
• If you are baking, plan it out on your calendar.
• Pick up or be available for Delivery orders.

 NOW COMES THE RUSH

 You know what I'm talking about, the "Oh my goodness the party is just weeks away!" The next thing you know you are recreating the same hand and facial gestures as the infamous "The Scream" painting, a la Van Gogh, or maybe you are like me and are overdosing in Starbucks coffee's and cafecito's . I would I.V. it, if I could.
    DON'T FRET. If you are following the time line this next month can be useful to tie any loose ends. Something I like to do is make a 'Mock Table'. It's very helpful and will help you see and give you a chance to fill any blank questions.

    I like to have height in mine, different fun levels to give the table some depth. Figure out what trays,bowl, crates ect. for the sweets to go in. Different cake stands and decorations of different heights, including flowers and candles. As I set the table up, I evaluate each placement, take a photo and switch things around and repeat. Then take that moment to step away and look over the photos. What do you and don't you like. Is it clean, messy, an organized hodgepodge of items? Should I add or take away anything?

      The key is to do all of this as early as possible, so you can tweak it to your hearts content, and as you receive decor orders and any other last minute decor add ons, along with sweets orders you can add them in.  Once again, keep in mind the location you are having your celebration/event in, the size of table and whats available surface wise. TAKE CLEAR PICTURES  of your 'mock table' so you have a guide for the day of the instillation. Be sure to request (if possible) a 2 to 3 hours for set up- IN ADVANCED. Not all venue's allow this, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Be sure to make a check list of everything you intend to bring, make sure you mark or write down what you own.

     EMERGENCY TOOL KIT: Be sure to have tape, scissors string, hot glue gun, safety pins, and any other pressing tools... THIS WILL SAVE YOU!!! Anyone helping you that day? Be sure they are on the same schedule as you! Provide them with coffee, hugs, and kisses- 4 shots of expresso iced latte and I'm one happy camper!

   The day has come, and the hours are flying..... are you ready? On your mark get set--- GO!

     Whip out that check list, have the pictures ready, load up that car(s), pack your emergency tool kit--- AND BREAK A LEG!!!

  
      Number one thing on my list post celebration/event, a glass of bold red wine with my feet propped up. I hope this little timeline "cheat sheet" will help you plan your future dessert table. <3

            Cheers, Post, Zalute,
                                  
                                    Caro

P.S. Below are pictures of the most recent Desserts Table my team (mother, sister, and honorary member, Lynda) and I created for the baby shower of my nephew, Michael (who's due date is Oct. 8th!). If you have any questions, feel free to message me, thanks.

Barley & Swine

Welcoming Staple

  

                                                  

                       

Cakes, Chocolates, Cookies, and more.

 

Hand Painted for 'Rustic' feel.

Wooden Letters were covered with yarn and accent button were attached.

Vintage Teddy Bear Center Pieces. 

Even decor for the rustic bar.

Close up.