Papery and Cakery Blog
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

I am a sucker for all things raspberry. Truth: when I was younger my parents would bribe me with the raspberry chocolate truffle from Godiva. Ugh, if only they still made them – they were delish, covered in sugar…. YUM. But okay, back to this weeks dessert. These bars are a sinch to prepare and a true crowd pleaser. I had barely walked away from the kitchen before the tray magically vanished!

Gather all of the ingredients.

In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of all purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.

 

Add in 1 stick of softened, unsalted butter. You can either 1. get messy and crumble the butter into the dry ingredients with your hands. Or 2. use a spoon. I chose the more fun route. Complete messiness ensued.

Line an 8×8 square baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with a nonstick spray. Add in 2 cups of the crumble mixture and press down to evenly distribute. 

Spread 1/2 cup of raspberry jam over the crust. {I chose raspberry jam, if you prefer strawberry or even rhubarb by all means, use it!}.

Sprinkle the remaining crumble over top the jam.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Happy Baking.

xoxo,

Ali

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

I love a good giveaway just as much as the next one. Especially something chic and beautiful for hair. And with feathers? Could I ask for more??!!!

Today I’m giving away this stunning art deco beaded applique feather clip by E.Kammeyer Accessories. I’m totally smitten with it.

To win,all you have to do is comment on this post or facebook and tell us about where you would wear this hair clip. As simple as that. The winner will be determined randomly. Entries can be made through Sunday night, February 4 at midnight. I’ll email the winner on Monday.

In the meantime, Emily Kammeyer, the brains and designer behind these stunning hair pieces, gave me a few insights into her uber cool business. Not only does she make clips such as this one, but she also creates a wide range of beautiful and timeless headpieces. From birdcage veils with hand appliqued sequin flowers, to studded leather headbands. Everything is handmade and completely unique. I love the use of the French netting, feather plumes, vintage jewelry and silk organzas.

Emily launched into the business after creating a hair accessory and veil for a friend. It was a special and unique way to be a part of her best friends’ weddings. She’s always had a passion for sewing and creating. Her background is in creative design and merchandising, so she easily transitioned into these accessories.

Emily is inspired by the 1920′s and a vintage art-deco movement. She’s constantly trolling museums, galleries, vintage markets and boutiques in NYC to find more inspiration!

Thanks for sharing with us Emily!

Don’t forget to enter today to win!!

xoxo,

Niki + Ali

 

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

This week we celebrated with friends: coming to visit, tying the knot, sharing the Kardashians finale. Don’t judge. You love it too. Here’s to good friends. Oh, and other things we are obsessing over this week.

Niki:

This book {series of books} has pretty much consumed my existence. Do not let your kids read it.

A note I spotted on an apartment door in Miami. Intriguing…..

Ali:

New favorite eyeliner for a smokey eye. At a great price point.

Privileged to have been a part of this gorgeous wedding this weekend. {photo by Jeff Kolodny}

Gavi:

Dying to make these dehydrated kale “chips.” {AKA can one of my sisters with a dehydrator please make and send to me}.

Spotted on House of Turquoise. Love the colors.

xoxo,

Niki, Ali + Gavi