They're all pieces of Keli Gwyn's debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado!
I've been racking my brain, trying to find a fun way to help spread the word about Keli's book, without making her do another interview, and without giving you just another write up about it (which I do plan to do next week!).And the idea came to me that two of my favorite things in the world (reading and sweet treats) just might be some of your favorites too! So I set off on a mini-adventure to Michael's armed with a recipe and a list of "supplies" I'd need to decorate the perfect Keli-cookies.
Attempt 1: Delicious cookies. Horrible icing.
Attempt 2: Delicious cookies. Clumpy icing.
Attempt 3. Delicious cookies. Poorly colored icing.
Are you noticing a pattern here? Apparently, I stink at decorating. :) But I was determined to do it! So I headed back to Michael's, after scouring the internet and
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| Derby hat similar to one Miles may have worn. |
Attempt 4: Still yummy cookies. Icing = tastes good, but isn't so pretty.
Alas, they're still not even close to perfect (I need to practice more!), but I assure you (as do my kids and husband) they taste so, so good!
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| Stagecoach that Ellie and Tildy arrived to El Dorado in. |
So, if you trust me enough to partake of my baking (LOL) OR if you just desperately want Keli's book (which you should!), leave me a comment! And I'll select one random winner to receive a dozen of my semi-beautiful cookies, and an autographed copy of Keli's book! (Yes, I said AUTOGRAPHED! Because I just happen to live close enough to Keli to stalk her until she agrees to sign one! And I know where she hangs out...Taco Bell and Curves.) :)
*Winner will be announced next Tuesday, the 17th. Any comment before then is eligible to win.
**Winner will receive FRESH cookies, not week-old ones that I practiced on.
***Peppermint stick shaped cookies will be included as well, even though they're not pictured here. My apologies, we ate those ones before I could get a picture! :)
Oh, Lacie! Your post brought tears of joy to my eyes. Wow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a kind, thoughtful, supportive, generous, special, sweet, and lovely thing to do. I'm honored, thankful, moved, delighted, and blessed.
You are such a sweetheart, so I'm not surprised this gift from your heart (and hands) is such sweet one. THANK YOU!!!
My pleasure Keli! It was a fun project...I only wish I could do more to help you as you've helped me!
DeleteI would love to win your cookies & I could never do as good as you have.
ReplyDeleteSweet prize for a sweet read. Love her book.
Wilma
wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Wilma! I'm so glad the cookies appeal to someone other than me. I'm quite sure I gained five pounds just making and tasting everything! :)
DeleteToo fun! As a cookie maker, let me just say that those are above par. Mine would have looked like a crashed stage coach. They are so cute! What a fun idea and what a blessing to Keli to have such an involved and supportive critique partner!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne! If I was truly brave I would have posted pictures of my first attempts. Yikes! :)
DeleteLacie, these are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for the past few days to see what you were cooking up. This is so cool!
Since I still remember when this book was going by it's contest title - Violets and Violins (right, Keli?) I especially liked the violin cookies.
You don't have to enter me for the drawing, I just wanted to say how awesome your project is!
Thanks Mary! Violets and Violins!! I love that. I kept trying to think of a way to incorporate prettier colors but everything was just brown. :) I think I'll have to include some violets-shaped cookies for the winner to liven things up.
DeleteMary, you have a good memory. The story was called Violets and Violins at one point, and that was the name it was known by when it finaled in those contests. It's first name was Playing on Heartstrings, and the name it had when it went out on submission was Love in Store.
DeleteLove those titles too, Keli.
DeleteHoney,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you !! The cookies look amazing and yummy and how I know you make such good cookies.
I love your helpful heart, keep up the good work and maybe just maybe those cookies will grow into some kind of cookie business.
Thanks mom! I don't know about the cookie business though. These were a lot of work!!! LOL
DeleteFun stuff! I love cookies! This is so cute.
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me in the drawing...I have the book.
Hi Loree! Oh, me too! I love cookies...baking them, thinking about them, and eating them! :)
DeleteHow exciting and totally cool of you. I can't wait to see what cookies you make for your own book!!!
ReplyDeleteKerri, I'm not a very good cook, but for Lacie, I will gladly make the cookies when she sells. =)
DeleteNow, that put a big, ole smile on my face!
DeleteThey look amazing. I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie. But don't be too impressed! :)
DeleteLacie - I hope that your dream comes true! Cute cookies, too. I love to bake (which I share on my blog) and I do know how to make flooded sugar cookies. yes.. they are a lot of work :) My favorite sweet treat - candy. So, the thought of peppermint sticks & lemons drops mentioned in Keli's book make my mouth water.
ReplyDeletebtw, the girl that your looking for if you want to make cookies is Callye - who can be found at sweetsugarbelle dot com -- seriously check out her blog (btw, she's very good friends with Glory form glorious treats)
couturecloset at comcast dot net
Thanks Dianne! I'll definitely check out sweetsugarbelle. I could use all the help I can get! :) Thanks too for stopping by my little ole blog! New friends are so much fun! :)
DeleteSeriously, how did you do this? I love to bake, but I am definitely one of those tastes great, looks questionable kind of bakers. And cookies and books together. I can think of very few things as appealing at that! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Kelli! So excited about your new release! If I win, I promise to give my extra copy away ;)
I wanna win your cookies! This was a fabulous idea, girlfriend! I love it. Yah, hear...love it! I like to bake but don't do it often. I'm a lazy baker. LOL
ReplyDeleteBeen hearing such good things about this book, would love to read it. And the cookies... how sweet is that? I'm sure your family is appreciating all the practice that went into these.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, these are ADORABLE! I love the stagecoach cookies, and your decorating skills are so far above mine!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea. Keli's blessed to have you in her life!
You're right, Erica. Keli is indeed blessed, and she knows it. =)
DeleteJust yesterday, Lacie took time out of her day to visit my church where my launch party will be held and helped me plan the layout of the room. She's offered to oversee the ice cream service at the event, too. I can't wait until the day she sells so I can repay in a big way for everything she's doing for me.