Sweet Tooth: April 2010

Behind the Scenes: Nonpareil Magazine Feature

Here are a few more prep shots as we get ready for the Nonpareil Magazine photo shoot. Lots of deliveries showed up at the office. Not only did my assistant show up with bedhead and pajamas on, she didn't handle the task in a very professional manner.

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm busy prepping for a Nonpareil Magazine photo shoot later this week. I've started grouping some of the items together so I can be sure I have all of my materials for each set-up. Here are a couple of shots.

I'll grab more pictures along the way, including some from the shoot as we set up the dessert table and put the finishing touches on set details.

Nonpareil Magazine Feature

I've been busily prepping for a photo shoot for Nonpareil Magazine's June issue. I'm so excited to be a part of this gorgeous publication! I've teamed up with my go-to photographer, Tricia Little of Sweet Shibui and a lot of other new vendors whose treats just blew me away.

If you're not familiar with Nonpareil Magazine, you're missing out on tons of great DIY tips, free printables, and creative party-planning ideas from some of the industry's biggest and brightest. Better yet, NP Mag will introduce you to some new, emerging talents in the event industry as well.

Even if you haven't seen the magazine before, you're probably already familiar with the two editor's other loves. Maddy of Inspired Bride and Kristen of Paper Crave teamed up to create this beautiful magazine.

Tomorrow, I'll share some behind-the-scenes peeks of the prep for the shoot!

The Sweetest Cupcakes Ever!

Even if you're a true sugar addict, this next find might send you into a sugar coma. Just Jenn's Caramel Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes are simple to make and would definitely satisfy any true sweet tooth.

This little sweetie is made with homemade brown sugar ice cream, homemade caramel sauce, and whipped cream cupcakes.

Think you can handle the sugar explosion? Check out Jenn's full post and all of the recipes here.

Fair Use vs Copyright Infringement

I had an interesting question from an anonymous reader last week. The reader wanted to know if I specifically get permission for each image I use, because I might be infringing on someone's copyright. If you want to see how the conversation progressed, click here. I made my points as to why I didn't believe I was infringing, but his/her query lead me to further research copyright law.

U.S. Copyright Law states that "...excerpts in a review or criticism for purposes of illustration or comment," is fair use of the material, not copyright infringement. This blog is, at its foundation, a review of creative folks and their work to illustrate an idea, recipe, or process, which I leave open for your comment.

Most bloggers specifically state that they are happy to share their posts as long as they are credited and a link is provided to their original post. For those who do not make these specific statements, I use my best judgment about whether to share the post or not. I base that decision on the US Copyright Law and Fair Use policy.

In doing so, I'm even more convinced that I am fairly using the images and tips rather than infringing.

According to US Copyright Law, there are four factors that should be considered:

1. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes
I don't use ads or other income-generating means to profit from this blog. I occasionally share my work, but more frequently promote the work of others.

2. The nature of the copyrighted work
I share parts of a blogger's posted work with my readers, just as they have shared it with their readers. I instruct my readers to go to their original post for full recipes, tips, and other advice.

3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole
Again, I share a portion of a blogger's work. I select a few images that I find incredibly inspiring. I never share every post that a blogger has created.

4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work
My posting could introduce a reader to a blogger they previously were unaware of. Hopefully, that reader is inspired and begins to read the other blogger frequently. Since I never claim credit for anyone else's work, I do not decrease the potential market value of the posted material or of the blogger's skill. If anything, I think that sharing these images, tips, and advice with my readers would only help them to appreciate the blogger's work all the more.

I appreciate that reader's comments and am grateful that he/she was willing to engage in a conversation without mud-slinging. If you have more thoughts on this topic, or just want to weigh in, feel free to join the conversation here.

Dessert Table: Glitz & Glamour

This sparkly delight was featured on Style Me Pretty. I love all of the event's details, but the glittery desserts really take the cake.

Dazzling pinks and vibrant aqua play beautifully together. You wouldn't think such an unusual color combination would be so over-the-top lavish and glamorous.

For even more sparkling pics of this three-part post, click here.

**Come back later today for a second post sparked by a good conversation I had with a reader last week.**

Cannelle Et Vanille's Pink & Copper Macarons

I love Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle Et Vanille bakes the most beautiful things and takes the most beautiful pictures. She created this gorgeous pink and copper shoot and shared it with Bride's Guide editor, Darcy Miller.

Wanna try to make these gorgeous macarons yourself? Aran shared the recipe here.

A Sweet Deal: Earth Day Cupcakes

Sprinkles Cupcakes is donating 100% of their proceeds on vanilla cupcakes to local tree and environmental agencies. These aren't your typical vanilla cupcake. Sprinkles' version is a Madagascar bourbon vanilla cake with vanilla frosting.

Here's the list of where the donations will go in each area. Although Sprinkles isn't nationwide, yet, they're working on it. Check out the upcoming stores. You can even vote for the next location.

Reese's Fills the Gap

Feeling the holiday slump after Easter? Already dreading the let down after Mother's Day? Don't worry, Reese's is here to give you a new holiday. Join Lauren Conrad and Reese's to petition for an official "I Love Reese's Day."

I realize this may seem like a completely frivolous holiday with absolutely no meaning or purpose, but honestly, what else did you have planned for your May 18th? Sign the petition here.

Image 1 (People.com), Image 2 (I Love Reese's Day)

Power Up!: Super Mario Bros. Cupcakes

Just looking at these Super Mario Bros. treats makes me want to battle King Koopa. Hello Naomi created these cuties after a similarly themed cake inspired her. The first SMB is a classic, the second was too slow-paced, but the third game is great. Who doesn't love a chubby little guy with a raccoon tail and frog suits? Anyway, on to the sweets...

What's your favorite version of Super Mario Bros.?

Beautiful Brownie Bites

The presentation you use for your event is as important as the types of desserts you serve. Edde of Un Dejeuner de Soleil give the typical brownie bites get an elegant upgrade. When you use an oval cutter and color coordinated ribbon, these little beauties are wedding-ready.

Even though the recipe is in French and Italian, you can still use this inspiration combined with your traditional brownie recipe to recreate this gorgeous morsel.

Spring Has Sprung: Seasonal Cakes

I love the Spring cakes featured in InStyle Weddings cake gallery. Some are untraditional, while others feature bright green accents and lots of flowers.

DIY Designer Cupcakes

Hello Frosting's new line of edible icing decals make cupcake decorating super easy.

These would be great for an expensive, yet impressive Mother's Day gift.

Thanks to Maggie of Inspired Bride for turning me onto this great find. Check out Maggie's post and the entire Hello Frosting decal collection on Etsy.

Dessert Table: Perfectly Pink

This lovely pink dessert table created by One Girl Cookies was created for a Martha Stewart event. Cupcakes, macarons, whoopie pies and other girly treats were served for this wedding event.

Check out Green Wedding Shoes for more yummy photos.

Images: Mel Barlow

Dessert Table: Love is Elemental

I love the way Amorology incorporated the periodic table into this couple's candy bar. The bride is an elementary science teacher, and that's evident throughout. Check out Style Me Pretty for all the science-y goodness.

Need a little more science-y goodness? Check out this and this previous post of sweetly-geeky treats.

Macarons 2.0

I love macarons, which is pretty evident from these macaron towers on my purple and grey dessert table. I've tried macarons in tons of flavors from some of Minneapolis and St Paul's best vendors, but I haven't ever seen this evolution. Clara of Salts & Sweets featured these dark chocolate mint macaron fingers.

Macaron fingers mean more macarons per serving. Sign me up!

Dessert Table: Three Designs, All Yummy

Amy Atlas recently designed three dessert tables for Brides. You'll have to grab the new issue to see more pics, but here are a few that Amy shared on her blog.

It Must Be Serendipity

Famed New York eatery, Serendipity 3, unveiled a new decadent dessert. Holly's Pink Peppermint Sundae is named after Hugh Hefner's ex, Holly Madison.

While I'm sure Holly's dish is more expensive than your typical DQ Blizzard, it doesn't hold a candle to Serendipity's record-breaking $1000 sundae.

The Golden Opulence Sundae found its way into the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most expensive sundae. The ingredients: edible 23 carat gold leaf, the world's most expensive chocolates, gold covered almonds, caviar, and a Baccarat goblet that you can keep.

Image 1 (People.com), Image 2 (CNN Money)