Sew Many Passions!: Random Goodness Tuesdays!~Valentine's Day Preppingafter the Blizzard of Oz!

So much for getting this posted on Tuesday at 5am as I have been trying to do! I've been working on the draft since Friday.

Monday I was busy posting to multiple FB pages and Fan Pages to help bring awareness about protecting animals and homes for the BLIZZARD OF OZ that was coming.

And boy did it come!

Here in SE Kansas we were covered with 18 +/- inches of snow! Drifts have been reported to be over 5 foot tall! Tuesday during the height of it all I was consumed with being on the internet, taking photos throughout the day, and trying to get a Neurotic Cat to come inside! It was quite a day on the internet!

People across the nation - so many of us had a lot in common! Surviving the Historical Blizzard! We were all sharing reports and many were sharing photos. It was in interesting day to say the least!

Now that the sun is shining, pipes are fine (mine anyway!) and my nerves have calmed, I have finally finished this wonderful post for you! =)

NOW I present to you
Random Goodness Tuesday #1!

I ran across this delicious looking Chocolate Dipped, Italian Meringue Buttercream filled Cupcake over on A Cup Full of Cake!
Talk about a mouthful to type, say and bite into!

It is filled with a Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream!

Although there is no recipe for the Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream, she does share how she processed the strawberries to add into the buttercream. I have listed a IMB recipe a little farther down this post. With a little experimenting with flavors and presentation, this could make a beautiful treat for Valentine's Day!

I'm wondering if Peanut Butter could be incorporated into the IMB to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pillows of LOVE! {I'm claiming that recipe name! =) Experiment will be posted soon!}

A Cup Full of Cake claims about Italian Meringue Buttercream:
"The flavor is so smooth and not overly sweet like some frostings made with powdered sugar can be. This is best served at room temp so its not overly buttery tasting since its, well, mostly butter!"
Well, that has my attention!

I did a little searching and ran across this Italian Meringue Buttercream over on Cake Journal.
Doesn't this look Delectable?!

Cake Journal states:
"This is one of the most silky smooth frosting for cakes and cupcakes."
I definitely will be trying my hand at this one because I use to be a professional decorator in a grocery store. I've been making cakes for people from my home for over 25 years.
Why have I never found a recipe like this before?!

You should also take a peek at her spin on Lamingtons.
With a pretty Valentine wrapper, this would make a nice small gift to hand out!

Cake Journal looks like a great Go TO site for baking.
For more links:
How to make Marshmallow Fondant
How to make Poured Fondant Icing
How to make Royal Icing
ALL Cake Journal Tutorials

Also, I noticed on Cake Journals advertisers MyCakeSchool.com. It is a paid site, but there is a good blog to look through for some fantastic ideas HERE

Random Goodness #2:
FREE Valentine Printables!

Click on the photos below to find these free printables!

And if you are a ScrapBook Junkie, you should check out Delicious Scraps for more FREE items.
Her website is filled with wonderful 99 cent downloads too!

I had more free printables for you, but some how I deleted them. My love only goes so far when it comes to researching all of that - again! ;)

Random Goodness #3:
World Market Finds

World Market is filled with all kinds of fantastic finds from kitchen items, to bedding, to jewelry, to toys, to office supplies, to furniture! Just go check it out for yourself!
I love "window shopping" in World Market!
Since I have been financing my upcoming sewing business I have to have some reserve! I'm squirming in my seat to hit the BUY button for so many of their terrific items!

They offer Free Shipping on Orders Over $100 at WorldMarket.com! {02.01.2011 - 04.02.2011}
Enter Code: SPRINGSHIP
To ensure delivery for Valentine's Day, be sure to order by 02.06.2011!

Here is a Tiered Pastry Stand in White to display your cupcakes or cookies that you have slaved over!

You could use a High Gloss Spray Paint to paint and match your theme then add crystals to it as Fresh Chicks Design blogged about HERE. Let your imagination go wild with this one! Add color themed curling ribbon around the cupcakes. Set the tiered stand on a beautiful vintage doily or some fun modern fabric (laminated with a clear vinyl is my recommendation!).

Are you having a party at home? This 6-Quart Glass Water Tank with Wire Rack would be so cute with Pink or Red Punch in it!

And for the adults special toast, here is a Set of 2 Heart Flutes!

For the Entire Valentine's Shop Click HERE
Don't forget that the Shipping end date is 02.06.2011.

Be sure to check back next week for more
Random Goodness Tuesdays!

I'm off to go shovel some more snow!