Foodie Friday: Have Your Cheesecake And Bake It, Too!

As I searched for Foodie Friday inspiration, I ran across an unread email from The Cheesecake Factory. Inside it announced that July 30th is National Cheesecake Day. Who knew that this was yet another holiday?  I am not going to complain, as I love it. Most of all, I love to make them. But in case you are not a baker, and you live near a Cheesecake Factory restaurant, you can get a slice for half price this Wednesday.  Sweet! 

Now Let Me Tempt You To
"Make Your Cake and Eat It, Too!"

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
This decadent dessert is certainly Cheesecake Day worthy!  Sweet and tart and oh so pretty.
Red On Line

So No Cheesecake
Pistachio Graham Cracker Crust

A gorgeous cake that is sure to impress your guests.

My Mother's Apron Strings

Carrot Layer Cake

Certainly not the easiest recipe to make, or probably cut into, but I sure want to do so right now! It's a beauty! As you might guess, the carrot cake is generously layered with cheesecake.

Gourmet Traveller

Key Lime Cheesecake
This cheesecake promises to be "creamy, but not wet; tart, but not sour."  Sounds perfect to me.
Food-Pusher

Red Velvet No-Bake Cheesecake
A stylish spin on the all time fave, red velvet cake. It's a simple recipe that looks as pretty as can be.
Jelly Toast Blog

Mojito Cheesecake Pops

Cake Pops are the rage now at parties. They look cute and usually just the one bite satisfies your sweet tooth. What a fun adult treat!

Sprinkle Bakes

Berry Cheesecake
I just had to include this marvelous masterpiece. Don't let the picture scare you. We all can pile fruit on top of anything! Try it.
Cannellae Mela

Marvelously-Marbled Citrus Cheesecake

Recipe by Heather Baird of Sprinklebakes. With orange and lemon flavors, it is perfect for Summer entertaining.

Etsy Blog

Roasted Banana Cheesecake 
Ice Cream

It makes perfect sense to turn cheesecake into ice cream. Afterall, it is already sweet and creamy!

The Little Epicurean

Caramel Cheesecake
A ginger nut base with a layer of dulce de leche makes this cake special.
Woman and Home

Blueberry Cheesecake 

What a stunning looking cake!

Sass and Veracity

Kit Kat Cheesecake Bars

Gimme a Break, Gimme a Break. Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar! What a yummy and crunchy bite!

Baker's Royale

White Chocolate Berry Cheesecake

I use white chocolate in my own cheesecake recipe. I am here to tell you that it is divine! Add Amaretti cookies as the crust, and this is a winning Summer treat.

Good Food Blog

Icebox Chocolate Cheesecake
By Grace Parisi A brilliant recipe that you don't have to bake! It just looks fun, doesn't it?
Food and Wine

Oreo Cookie Mini Cheesecakes
Who doesn't love an Oreo? This no bake dessert is a chance to bring back your childhood memories. Kids will love it, too!
Baker's Royale

Raw Fig Cheesecake
This nutrient dense cheesecake was just too unusual not to include.  The beautiful color comes from red beet juice, but blueberry juice would work, as well.
Oh Lady Cakes

Coconut and Lime Cheesecake With

Brown Sugar Pineapple

This just may take the cake for me. Sounds a bit like a Pina Colada, and I sure do love those!

Gourmet Traveller

Cherry And Pistachio 
Layered Cheesecake

Perfect for Summertime, this is a no bake recipe. Let your refrigerator do the work for you.  Well, I won't lie, layering this beautiful confection might not be so easy, but It's worth it!
Best Friends For Frosting

Cannoli Cheesecake

If you love Italian cannoli, then you are going to adore this cheesecake! The crust is made from crushed cannoli shells. Oh Yum!

Rosie's Country Baking

Copycat Chris’ Outrageous Cheesecake 
In other words, this is a take off on the Cheesecake Factory's German Chocolate Cheesecake. Which I have never tried.  It has six layers of ooey gooey goodness, no matter who created the recipe.
Confessions Of A Cookbook Queen

Stilton and Bacon Cheesecakes
Not sweet, but savory. I think this would make a fabulous and quite unique party appetizer.
Saveur

Cheesecake Filled Chocolate 

Easter Eggs

Can you believe there is no baking involved in this creation? Save this recipe for next Spring.

Raspberri Cupcakes

Saber Gold Glitter Server
Cakes this pretty need a special  server.  Also available in Silver and priced for gifting!
Zhush

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Celebrate With Cake

The Best Dorm Room Ever

(Via One Kings Lane)

Going off to college is such an exciting and busy time of the year. Now is not too early to start organizing. It's rather a big deal, and that dorm room needs quite a bit of help. It's small, stark and just not inviting. Not exactly  your cozy nest at home. But with a few key items and a little creativity, you can turn it into a relaxing retreat.  It was fun gathering these things. Aren't they just so coed chic? 

Here's How To Deck Your Dorm

Make A Statement With Washi Tape

Who knew that you could have so much fun with tape? It is a must have for decking your boring dorm room. It's temporary, colorful, and easy to handle. Use it on those Cinder block walls, edge the bookshelf, make a design on that ugly floor!  You can find a stylish selection at

Paper Source

Huggable Hangers

An absolute must for those tiny dorm room closets! You cannot believe what space savers these hangers are.  I use them at home, myself. Available in a variety of colors. Best yet, they are Winter coat strong, and the texture keeps items on the hanger and off the floor!

HSN

Acrylic Shelved Side Table
Lighten up the crowded room with clearly chic pieces like these shelves on wheels. Perfect for a bedside table. It will become home for a lamp, your alarm, books, folders, the iPad etc.
One Kings Lane

Color Frame Duvet Cover And Shams
A great starting point for a coed's color palette. 
Serena and Lily

Jubilee PJ Set
A girl has to look good when she gets cozy.
One Kings Lane

Monogram Throw Pillow
For creating her own space
The Zhush

Fabric Memo Board
Postcards and photos from home, concert tickets and "to do" lists. She will know exactly what to do with this.
Overstock

White Washed Ladder
Here's an idea for a room short on floor space.  Go up the wall. Use this lovely ladder to dry towels, store pants, hang handbags with hooks, or display magazines.
Serena and Lily

Peel and Stick Blackboards
This would be a fun and handy addition to any wall at school or home. See a stylish selection of room reminders at
Style and Apply

Kate Spade Storage Boxes

Add a real pop of color with these bold and beautiful boxes. It's a 3 piece set that can be used to store shoes, tech cords, pencils and pens, cosmetics and more. I love the idea of hanging them on the wall for a colorful collage of usable storage.
Office Candy 

Colorblock Cups and Bowls
With the lack of storage space in a typical dorm room, everyday things like cereal bowls and coffee mugs will be in plain site.  At less than $5 a piece, you can afford these pieces to be fun and fashionable while on view.
C. Wonder

Lightweight Modular Storage Cubes
Most dorm rooms will give you one chest of drawers to share with your roomie. Extra storage is always needed.  This is such a great way to add color and space.
Organize.com

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Wedding Wednesday: Down The Aisle With Alternative Style

(Via Inslee Designs)

Do you enjoy shows like "Say Yes To the Dress?"  I enjoy watching the process of gown shopping. I have to say, however, I have yet to see a dress that I would have worn or can see my daughter wearing.  Of course, the traditional wedding gown can be gorgeous for some. But if you don't dream about looking like a princess, can't imagine wearing a veil, prefer couture to bridal style, or are having a small private affair, there are alternatives.  Wear what makes you feel the best version of yourself on your special day. 

Here's How To Get Down The Aisle In Alternative Style

Vera Wang
Even Vera realizes that brides come in all sizes and types. These are for a girl with an edge. From her Spring 2014 Collection.
Vera Wang

Claire Pettibone

Casablanca

Floral lace mini with flowing chiffon panels and re-embroidered lace appliqués. From one of my favorite wedding gown designers. Modern, sexy and ethereal.

Claire Pettibone

Merrie's White Victorian

I wore a hat for my own wedding. It is so much fun to be different. I love the unexpected, such as this dramatic back. Sold only at
Free People

Theia - Spring 2015
Haven Sleeveless Silver Floral Jacquard and Tulle Crop Top Ball Gown. For the very trendy bride!
Theia 

Elie Saab
This white haute jumpsuit proves that you can wear Chantilly lace and not be dressed traditionally.  
Neiman Marcus

Debbie's Limited Edition Dress

You'll be the "something blue" in this chic crochet and lace dress. Perfect for a Las Vegas wedding!

Free People

Claire Pettibone Robyn

Toile cotton pencil skirt with lace bodice and tulle overlay with satin sash. One of the best short gowns I have seen.

Claire Pettibone

Oscar de la Renta 
Bow Gown
Every bit as dressy as a traditional gown, sans a veil. I would add gold shoes and a touch of gold in my hair. Gorgeous!
Oscar de la Renta

Temperley London
Avalia Dress
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with this sophisticated sheath. Don't you love the gloves with it?
Temperley London

Claire Pettibone Raven
I was the brave soul that wore a black floral dress to the Senior Prom. So why wouldn't I walk down the aisle in this beauty? Black tulle embroidered with pink and red roses over silver sequins and pearl silk with long train. And for the less adventurous bride, it comes in ivory.
Claire Pettibone

Lanvin Embellished
Duchesse-Satin Dress
Fluffy with frou frou, this fab frock is perfect for the girl who just wants to have some fun!
Net-a-Porter

Temperley London Catroux Dress
Perhaps my favorite of this edit.  I love the sculptured twists and turns of this strikingly sheer dress.
Shop Bop

ML MONIQUE LHUILLIER
Right On Key Gown
With a look this fabulous, "alternative" is awesome! This is a great pick if you are getting married in a hurry. It is a rental! Once you see the details of the rented and the original price, you just might be sold on the idea.
Rent The Runway

Monique Lhuillier Paige Skirt

Now this is unique! If you just don't wear dresses, this is your answer for your special day.

Shop Bop

Miguelina Lilly Dress
Cotton lace creates a sophisticated dress with a vintage vibe.  So perfect for a morning or afternoon wedding. 
BHLDN

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