This combination comes with lots of Etsy goodness. The pink and red make this color scheme perfect for a Valentine’s Day wedding or engagement party, but the black gives it a nice sophisticated edge, keeping it from looking like a middle school dance.

{valentine by Prairie paper and ink; anemone lariat by Etsy seller hairclipaddict; pink and red pom poms from Etsy seller PartyPoms; Love tickets from Etsy seller vintagebliss; photo of red candies from Mountainwoman; red and pink bouquet from Academy Florist; pink and red polka dot favor bag kit from beau-coup; directions card by Etsy seller my2cheeks; bridemaid’s dress from David’s Bridal; valentine magnets from Etsy seller kimiko611; lavender sachets by Etsy seller trinketsnh}

This frosty trio is the perfect combination for a wintry wedding. Lots of glittery elements, flickering candles, and reflective prisms and mirrors will add to the winter wonderland effect.

{photo of bridesmaids’ dress and sash by Jennifer Domenick Photography via The Knot; cake by Butterfly Cakes; topaz and quartz ring found at Ring O Blog; centerpiece image at lovetoknow; favor box image by Jack Huynh/Orange Photography via The Knot; snowflake bookmark favors from Favors & Gifts; image of escort candles display from The Nest; blue wedding gown from East Bridal; snowflake invitations by Lasso’d Moon Designs; chocolate foil-covered hearts from xantrade}

Yesterday, while we were being snowed in, I spent the better part of my day making cookies and candies. It seemed like the perfect time to try out the marshmallow recipe – so try it out I did.

The recipe was fabulous. I made a couple small notes for the next time I make these, but they weren’t really changes, just things I want to keep in mind. For instance, putting a little more cornstarch/powdered sugar in the pan before pouring in the mixture would help. I had to sort of peel out the sheet of marshmallows.

The whole process was fun and the marshmallows taste delicious! The whole family has been eating them plain – and before they set-up the “batter” tastes just like marshmallow cream from a jar. This is one sweet treat that I’m sure is more cost-effective to get at the store, but it was so much fun to make these and package them up.

We put a small bag of marshmallows (half a dozen per bag) on each plate of Christmas cookies that we were taking to the neighbors today. I needed a quick tag to identify them, so I whipped up these bag toppers in just a couple minutes. They’re not anything special, but sometimes simple is nice.

{photo by Rebekah Bentley}

These would make adorable favors for a winter wedding. Or, tuck them into a mug along with some hot chocolate mix for a nice hostess gift this holiday season. Mmmm.

If you tried out this recipe, I’d love to hear how your marshmallow-making went!

Making marshmallows has been on my to-do list for quite some time and now that I’ve found this fabulous recipe, I just might bump it to a higher priority! These would make a great DIY favor for a winter wedding when paired up with homemade (or boughten) hot chocolate mix.  If you’re having a rustic outdoors wedding you can package the marshmallows with graham crackers and Hershey’s bars for fabulous s’mores kits.

{photo from Make and Takes}

Get creative with the size, color, and shape. Make mini marshmallows, cut them out with heart-shaped cookie cutters, or use food coloring to make them coordinate with your color scheme. Once the marshmallows are prepared you can dip them in chocolate and then package them up in small cellophane bags or individual treat boxes.

Mmmm. Just the thought of biting through a layer of chocolate to be met with the sweet, stickiness of a marshmallow is making my mouth water. I’m going to give these a try sometime this winter. I’ll be sure to keep y’all updated on the results.

Christmas, Valentine’s Day, weddings, the Empire State Building . . . is anyone else thinking Sleepless in Seattle? This is no movie, though. This is real-life.

The Knot has teamed up with the Empire State Building (yes, the landmark) to offer one bride and groom the wedding of their dreams – on the top of the Empire State Building! Additionally, thirteen more couples will also have the chance to tie the knot inside the building. Wow! The ceremonies won’t take place on Valentine’s Day, but they will be held on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Go pop in Sleepless in Seattle (or perhaps An Affair to Remember) and start writing your entry. Maybe you’ll be the next leading lady at the top of the Empire State Building.