Alana Jones-Mann

Retro Wreath Cake for A Beautiful Mess

December 18, 2017

I don’t know how to put it humbly – I’m completely obsessed with the way this retro wreath cake turned out. I love the idea of this cake – it’s a dessert piece that shines on display at a party and encourages guests to pick off and snack on the candy first, before getting to enjoy the cake. Sound familiar? Yup, it’s essentially just a gingerbread house, but it’s not a house…and it’s not made of gingerbread. Another major difference is ...

etc, gift guides

The Best Baking Books of 2017

December 14, 2017

I thought I’d put together a quick post highlighting my favorite baking books of the year. Most of these came out this year, or at least were in my hands this year. For anyone who has an interest in cakes or baking, these books would make great gifts this coming holiday season. In no particular order, here they are. [click on the titles below to shop the books] 1. Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book: This 1963 classic got another fancy new re-issue, which I love because coming across ...

cakes, holidays

Buttercream Wreath Cake

December 14, 2017

Earlier this week I found an extra baked bundt cake in my freezer, so I played around with it a bit and ended at this a couple hours later. A better use of my time probably would’ve been tackling one of the many to-dos on my list for the week, but making a just-for-fun cake found it’s way to the top of the priorities. After I made this guy, I realized that it’s basically just a cake version of THESE cookies I made last year. Clearly, intricate details and holiday wreaths ...

holidays, printables

Holiday Bunco Party (Printables Included!)

December 13, 2017

Last week I invited a group of my favorite lady friends over for a holiday party with cocktails and Bunco – a fun dice game I grew up playing as a kid. While Bunco was a big deal in my San Diego suburb, apparently it’s appeal isn’t as mass as I thought it was because not one of the 11 friends I invited over had ever played. But, that made it more exciting – getting to introduce friends to the guaranteed good time that is BUNCO, plus holiday music, cocktails, and ...