Chalk It Up...

Looking for a fun and inexpensive touch to add to your wedding or event decor?  The answer you may be looking for may take you back to your elementary school days: Chalkboards!!!!

There are so many ways that chalkboards can be incorporated into ANY event:

Directional Signs...

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Table Numbers...

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Seating Charts...

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Drink/Food Menu...

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Photobooth Fun...

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Can you think of any other creative ways that chalkboards can be used as event decor?

Samoa Cupcakes {Recipe}

Recently, my co-worker asked me to make cupcakes for her birthday.  I knew she was in love with the Starbucks Mocha Coconut Frappucino, and she wanted something with a similar taste.  So, I did a little research and came across the recipe for a Samoa cupcake (you know, like the popular Samoa girl scout cookie).  When I mentioned it to her, she was excited...the flavors were exactly what she had in mind.  In my usual style, I decided I wanted to add a little twist to the recipe, so I tweaked it just a little bit, and this is what I came up with:

 Samoa Cupcakes (Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream)
Slightly Adapted from:  Sweet Little Details

Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes:
2 cups flour

3/4 cup natural cocoa powder

1 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature

1 3/4 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup Malibu Rum
4 large eggs, room temperature

1 cups milk


Caramel Frosting:

2 sticks unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cups packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 cup prepared caramel (recipe below)

3 Tablespoons milk

6 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup Malibu Rum

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Caramel recipe: found via Chockylit
1/4 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon butter

Cupcake Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line muffin pan with paper liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder .In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, salt, baking soda, vanilla, and Rum until fluffy and light, at least 3-4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. With mixer on low speed add in the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk beating just until combined.

Fill cupcake liners 1/2 full, making sure that the batter is divided evenly. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 20-22 minutes. Tilt each cupcake in the muffin pan so it sits at an angle. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan at this angle for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Instructions:

Cream butter and brown sugar together in the bowl of an electric or stand mixer. Add vanilla, salt, caramel syrup, milk until combine. Begin adding in the sugar slowly and mixing thoroughly after each addition. Beat for about 4 minutes until smooth.  Add Malibu Rum and mix until incorporated.
To toast the coconut, spread the coconut onto a rimmed sheet pan. Toast in a 350°F oven, stirring frequently, until the coconut is an even brown color, about 10 minutes.

Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe a spiral of frosting, beginning at the outer edge and working inward.
Heat chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave for about 30 seconds or until drizzling consistency. Garnish the frosted cupcakes with toasted coconut and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Here are a couple of pics of the finished creation:

My co-worker absolutely L-O-V-E-D them (as did the rest of the people in my office)!  Although I'm not a big coconut fan (I made a few without it), I have to admit they were delicious and I can def see myself making these again in the near future!

Have you ever tried any other girl scout cookie-inspired cupcakes?



Back To School - Time to Party!

I don't know about you, but I feel like summer went by SUPER fast! I mean, it's almost like I blinked and we were smack-dab in the middle of August!!!  Well, you know what that means: it's almost time for the kiddos to head back to school!  My little ones haven't made it to school age yet, but I can only imagine the hustle and bustle that comes along with preparing for a new school year.  So, why not throw a Back to School shindig to get yourself and the kids all fired up for the chaos fun that starting school brings.

Check out this too-cute back to school party styled by Leoni of the Just Call Me Martha blog:

This is one of the most creative kids parties I have ever come across!  I love all of the little details, from the "chalkboard" backdrop to the mathematical equation cupcake toppers.  Now it's your turn to gather your little pupils and throw a Back to School party as they prepare for another year of learning and growth!
Until next time, happy planning!
Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873
email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com
web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. For more info on packages and services offered, please check out the Platinum Touch Events website http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/

Oh, Goodness! Desserts

Helllloooo out there in Blogger land!!! I have some really exciting news to share! But first, let me start off by apologizing for the lack of posts.  I have been a bad, bad blogger, but I promise its for a good reason.  I've been super busy working a major new project: DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!: I am now one half of a fabulous baking duo, and my partner and I have just formed Oh, Goodness! Desserts.  This venture is still in its very early stages, so I can't really go into all of the details, however I was just so excited that I had to share the news with you all!  Oh, Goodness! Desserts will be the primary dessert provider for Platinum Touch Events, so be on the lookout for some mouthwatering treats that will be featured in our upcoming events.

Meanwhile, check out some of the yummy cupcakes we've had the pleasure of sharing over the last few weeks:

Chocolate w/ Chocolate Buttercream Icing and Pearl Sprinkles



Sweet Potato Cupcake w/ Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (sprinkled w/ Cinnamon)

 Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcake w/ Chocolate Hazelnut Buttercream Icing

Spiked Raspberry Lemonade Cupcakes w/ Raspberry Buttercream Icing

Root Beer Float Cupcakes

My partner, Takasha, and I have been sharing these babies with our family and coworkers and the feedback has been AWE-SOME! We're still perfecting our menu and working to get our website up.  I will definitely keep you all in the loop.  If you would like to place a cupcake order in the meantime, feel free to drop me an email to info@platinumtouchevents.com. Also, click here to become a fan of Oh, Goodness! Desserts on Facebook to get updates on events, special promotions, and our latest dessert creations.

Mark your calendar: Saturday June 18 12p-4p, Oh, Goodness! Desserts will be a vendor at the Creative Sistas in Business Tea Party at the Clarion Hotel.  More info coming soon!

Pretty, Pretty Parasols

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I love the idea of incorporating parasols into your wedding! They add just the right touch of "vintage sophistication" and can be used in so many different different ways:

They make for a great photo opp...

Not only will they help add the perfect "pop" of color, but your bridesmaids will look absolutely stunning (and so dainty) carrying them down the aisle...

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They can be used to spruce up the aisle...

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They can even double as a wedding favor...

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Your guests will thank you for thinking of them if you're having an outdoor ceremony on a hot and sunny day...

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Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. For more info on packages and services offered, please check out the Platinum Touch Events website http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/

Until next time, happy planning!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873
email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com
web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents

Circle of Moms Top 25 Party Moms

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!! We made it on the list of Circle of Mom's Top 25 Party Moms!  We're absolutely thrilled to be listed among all the other party moms out there that we absolutely adore and admire. Now show us some love by clicking here to vote for Platinum Touch Events.  Remember, you can vote once per day!

We'd greatly appreciate your votes and would like to say a huge Thank You in advance.  Spread the word, and don't forget to become a follower of the blog to receive the most up-to-date posts!

Nikola

Cake Alternatives: Part II

In yesterday's post, I was so hyped about the cake "push-pop" shooters since they are such a fresh, new alternative to the traditional cake.  However, there are so many other fun and unique alternatives if you're looking to give your guests a little something different:

Who doesn't love pie?! Make sure to have a variety of flavors for guests to choose from...

Donuts are such a fun idea. I've seen a lot of these babies popping up on party tables lately!

If your budget allows, you could serve individual mini-cakes.  These are so elegant and chic...

Cupcake towers are also a great idea. I love this pink and orange with damask combo...

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People love options, so why not create a dessert table filled with options? Oh yeah, and their super cute and can be designed to fit your theme/color scheme...

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The same thing goes for candy buffets.  They can add the perfect amount of color and playfulness...and let's face it: candy is not just for kids!

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All photos within this post, with the exception of the ones noted, are via www.marthastewart.com

Until next time, happy planning!

Nikola Ahaiwe
Owner/Lead Coordinator
Platinum Touch Events
(310) 722-2873
email: info@platinumtoucheventsla.com
web: http://www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/
blog: http://www.platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/platinumtouchevents