Imperfect, But Beautiful Weekend

The Nester is having an "It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful" Carnival today. As luck would have it I had the most imperfectly beautiful weekend ever! You can click on the pictures to enlarge the reality of my kitchen situation.

Saturday my dear friend for the ages had her birthday party down in Orange County. For my desert contribution, I made something that I have been wanting to make forever... Bakerella's Cake Pops!

My imperfect version had several changes because I ran out of time to bake the cake that starts the recipe. So, I made Bakerella's Mint Oreo Truffles into pops!

Only I used store brand mint cookies because they didn't carry the real deal and I didn't have time to drive anywhere else.

I cut the cream cheese by half to make up for the smaller package of cookies.

Also, I couldn't get the chocolate bark that she calls for. So, I used half a bag of dark chocolate kisses. Next time, I would use regular Hershey's Kisses.




While the kisses were melting and the dough was chilling, I decided to shower. I threw on an old t-shirt and got back to work.





I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story...

























Pretty eh? I think the mess was worth it.


This is a ceramic colander turned upside down in a soup pot. I devised this clever scheme to get the pops through the two hour drive in the blazing sun to the OC. Even with the AC blasting two of the pops melted and fell apart before the party. It didn't matter.

The party was wonderful. There really is nothing more beautiful than friendships! I'll write more about Lisa's amazing party theme and all the favors!

Also, see that ugly fridge up there? I guess it doesn't look too bad in the photo. This is one case where bad lighting hides a multitude of sins. Also removing the faux wood handle helped a lot too. Anyway, my plans to wallpaper the fridge came together very nicely. Pictures and details tomorrow!

More beautiful imperfection here...