Introducing PB& J StaceyCakes

Listen up, sweettooths! My dear friend Stacey Shapiro of Brooklyn's StaceyCakes has introduced me to the best treat since Tiramisu...the PB&J cupcake!

That's right: this Park Slope-mama-meets-gourmet took this classic 1940's lunch staple into what she dubs a "perfectly delicious new “old school” experience." Vanilla cake is injected with real grape jelly topped with creamy peanut butter vanilla frosting--and she's even sharing her StaceyCakes recipe with mini-Martha's like you...

StaceyCakes Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes

12 of your favorite vanilla cupcakes

peanut butter- 1/2 cup (or more depending on how peanut buttery you like it)

butter-1 stick unsalted, soft

vanilla-1 tsp.

confectioners sugar- 2 1/2 cups

light cream -1/4 cup

your favorite grape jelly (or any other flavor you prefer)- 1/2 cup or so--enough to fill a dozen cupcakes

Place butter & peanut butter in a mixing bowl, add 1 1/2 cups sugar, then light cream and then the vanilla. Mix on medium until smooth & creamy. Gradually add remaining sugar and if needed a touch more light cream. Then add more peanut butter to taste if you like.

Put grape jelly in a pastry bag with injecting tip and inject grape jelly into middle of cupcakes (this was the fun part!). Then frost cupcakes with peanut butter frosting then eat & enjoy (this was the most fun part!).

And if you don’t feel up to doing any of this, you can always order them from StaceyCakes (917.545.9995 )! Don't forget to check out other awesome designs in her gallery.

Ring Pillow Redux

It's been a while since I posted an Etsy find--and this precious blue seersucker ring pillow was worth the wait! Totally feminine, absolutely fresh, and perfect for a summer wedding by the sea.

My favorite part of this design: you can customize it! Petal pink or natural wheat more your thing? You've got it. This design comes in a variety of colors, from white-on-white to country red stripes. Plus, you can pick the stud, from a pearl to a vintage cameo. And, at $38, this baby will spark some style down the aisle--without setting your budget on fire.

For more beautiful handmade ring pillows, check out Etsy.com's Ring Pillow gallery.

Marchesa, Mischka & Miller...Now for Rent!

Worried about breaking that already-vulnerable budget on chic frocks for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and summer cocktail parties? Well, fret no more. Enter Ilus NYC, a hot new downtown designer dress rental boutique, where you can rent designer dresses for 3+ days at a time for a low cost. Talk about guilt-free style.

We're not talking used prom dresses or mother-of-the-bride leftovers, ladies. Ilus carries Badgley Mischka Platinum, Nicole Miller, Jill Stuart, Marchesa, and many other designers. This sunset/indigo ombre charmeuse gown by Nicole Miller is available for $130 (+ 10 cleaning fee) -- original price? $680!

Think: special events, weddings/rehearsal dinners, mom's to be, or anyone that is changing size frequently. Who wants to purchase an expensive designer dress for an event to wear once? It's a great way to extend your wardrobe without having to deal with the cost of a dress that you may never wear again. Ilus also carries accessories like clutches, wraps and jewels.

When it’s time to return your dress, simply drop the dress off at their Nolita location, or schedule a pick up by phone or email (how convenient is that?!). And, they ship outside of NYC. If you fall in love with the dress, yes, you can buy it!

Recession treat on us: Receive 25% off your first rental at Ilus NYC by mentioning "Chandelier Events". Happy Shopping!

DIY Baby Shower Inspiration

Recently, I threw a baby shower for a dear friend -- while low-key and low on cost, it was HIGH on style. In response to a reader request (yes, that's you Jen), I decided it was a perfect time to share some ideas that won't break the bank.

PICK A THEME: For this shower, the mama-to-be was lucky enough to have the last name 'Angel'. For her little boy on the way, I thought there was nothing more appropo for this Brooklyn jetsetting mom than to make her a Hell's Angels - I mean, Harley Davidson - inspired shower. So, I enlisted the help of a graphic designer friend to make a logo for "Baby Boy Angel" that we printed on labels and applied it to the cups (who says plastic isn't chic), favor boxes, and the centerpieces.

GROCERY STORE FLOWERS: You need not spend a fortune on flowers. The trick to grocery store flowers is choosing a single bloom and a single color. Carnations are my favorite for this strategy: they are cheap, cheap, but when packed together in square glass vases or galvanized buckets (I bought these for $5 a piece at the local hardware/landscaping store), they look anything but flimsy. Tulips and spider mums are also great, economical choices. I did these in hot pink for a bridal shower.

GET CRAFTY: My favorite trick is the "wrapping paper runner". I did not invent it, but I certainly introduce it at all my kids' parties and impromptu showers/dinners. For an 8 foot table, it usually takes one-to-two regular rolls of paper (make sure it's a thick paper stock so it doesn't rip). Cut it straight down the center vertically, and secure it to a paper or plastic tablecloth with double-sided tape. Redstamp.com is an amazing source for chic wrapping paper.

THE POWER OF PLASTIC: Do not underestimate the power of plastic goods. Yes, they're not exactly "green" (but you can find disposable eco-friendly party supplies at plumparty.com). But they are good on the bottomline. The trick is to pick a color and pay attention to shapes. Party City and Party Fair carry a myriad of colors, and I LOVE this turquoise.

Other inspiring themes? Cravings shower (I did Pickles N Ice Cream); Bubble Bath Brunch (with Rubber Duckie placecards, wash cloth napkins, and clear crystal balls on a tray for a centerpiece); or, Candyland with apothecary jars filled with candy in a color that doubles as centerpiece AND favor.

Lisa & Roey Wed

Photo: Justine Ungaro & SOTA DZINE/STUDIO THISIS courtesy of People.com

Read about our latest wedding on People.com and more photos from their fabulous fete in this Friday's issue of PEOPLE Magazine.

Mazel tov, Lisa & Roey!

xoxo, Amy

Fresh Find: Vintage-Inspired Cupcake Liners

So you've decided to whip up your own cupcakes this year -- hey, we all need to do a little D.I.Y. these days. Well, no need to sacrifice style in a recession! Inexpensively sweeten-up your homemade cupcakes with decorative cupcake liners, like these precious pink and brown flower cupcake liners from Layer Cake Shop.

For just $5.25, you'll receive a pack of 50 Pink and Brown Sweet Flower Cupcake Liners. These are standard size with a 2" diameter bottom. Check out their selection of cute cupcake toppers and sprinkles, too!

A Bendel's Bridal Shower

So, you may not be splurging at Henri Bendel on an average Saturday these days (thank you Wall St), but don't fret: this famed swank shopping spot on New York's Fifth Avenue doubles as the perfect spot for a bridesmaids lunch or bridal shower.

Take your closest ladies to the counter at Memoire Liquide's Bespoke Perfumery where they can mix-and-match over 150 fragrance oils and create their own signature scent for your wedding day (can you say, bridesmaid gift?!). Maybe sample a make-up artist or two while on site. Then, head to The Chocolate Bar for downright divine snacks (they serve a full menu of sandwiches, drinks--and of course, chocolates!).

Who says you can't indulge? At least for one day, right?