It's time! Today begins the first day of judging for out Unique Sweet Link Party Challenge. I've been looking through the posts as they've come in this month and I'm beside myself with all the amazing talent out there. Now, Sophie and I promised celebrity judges, and celebrity judges you shall have. Ready to meet them?
Bridget from Bake at 350
Bridget makes the most amazing decorated cookies. They are always fun and she makes it all just look so darn easy. Bridget also has some great savory recipes on her blog. Her Royal Icing recipe is my go to for fancy cookies.
Bridget is in the works for getting her first cookbook published. I cannot wait!!
Follow Bridget
Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod
Maria astounds me. She is one of the first bloggers I followed. I think it was her Chocolate Chip Cookie Milkshake that hooked me in. Chocolate Chip Cookies are my absolute favorite. Maria's blog is full of the most amazing sounding and looking recipes. While it's a slow work in progress on my end, Maria is my inspiration to take better food pictures for White Lights. Maria also has one of the cutest little boys ever.
Maria's e-cookbook Cookie Cravings has some Two Peas cookie recipe favorites and some new, never before published cookie recipes from Maria.
I die. Maria has the yummiest cookie recipes.
Learn more and purchase your own copy HERE.
Follow Maria
Kristan from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen
Kristan is freaking hilarious! Her desserts are delicious and totally approachable. I know I can count on Kristan to brighten my day with sweets and laughs any time I read her blog. You have to see Kristan's baby bump, she's adorable!
The first post I read of Kristan's were her Glamorous Witch Cupcakes. These cupcakes are kind of the embodiment of what Kristan does best. Over the top (in the best way) cupcake decorations, glitter, glam, and a splash of pink.
Follow Kristan
{Shelly and Kristan have a blog they write together called That's What She We Said! You have to see it!}
Shelly from Cookies and Cups
I found Shelly's blog through Kristan when That's What She We Said! started. I've been a big ol' fan ever since. With recipes like these Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting it's hard not to be. Shelly is super cute and votes for Team Edward, which makes her okay in my book.
Follow Shelly
Darla from Bakingdom
Darla's blog is freaking adorable. Her deserts are fancy, but do-able. Her savory food is totally delish, exhibit A and exhibit B. Darla's a self-proclaimed geek. Love that. You can find her on Pottermore, and she has some awesome Star Wars desserts.
Follow Darla
Heather from Sprinkle Bakes
{and Biscuit}
What can I say about Heather that hasn't been written in a love song? Hehe. Heather's desserts are amazing. You can just see all the thought, time and love she puts into each and every one. My favorite are Heather's blog birthday cakes, 2010 and 2011. The boys are a fan of Heather's Colorful Spiral Cookies that we made from her cookbook.
Speaking of Heather's cookbook, this is it! I have my own copy and I adore it. The recipes range from basic to advanced. Heather also shares lots of tips, tricks, and technique. Love that!
You can get your own copy HERE.
Follow Heather
Sally from Sally's Baking Addiction
When Sophie and I were going over our list of potential judges she mentioned Sally's Baking Addiction. {Sophie has a blog crush on Sally.} Somehow I had never heard of Sally's blog, sacrilege. Of course this seems totally unthinkable now. Sally's blog is definitely my newer favorite place to find all kinds of wonderful desserts - like these Oatmeal Lemon Creme Bars.
And I geek out a little every time I say Sally's name to myself.
It's my mom's name.
Follow Sally
Camille from Six Sister's Stuff
Six Sister's Stuff is a great place to find recipes, crafts, and all kinds of goodies. The title - Six Sisters - isn't a joke...there are literally 6 girls in this family and no boys. Crazy! Some of my favorites are the Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pockets, White Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels, and Chubby Hubby Buckeye Peanut Butter Truffles. With six talented ladies contributing to the blog, there is always something for everyone.
Follow Six Sister's Stuff
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Marian from Sweetopia
Marian makes amazing decorated cookies. The coolest thing I've seen from her You Tube posts, using a projector to decorate cookies. Brilliant! Consistency in y designs would be nice and I think I would be infinitely more confident piping is I was just tracing, not trying the remember exactly what I did on the last cookie. Marian's French Dog and Eiffel Tower cookies are insane and so cute!!
Follow Marian
Are you impressed yet?!?!
I was having a total geek out moment when I emailed all the judges. Not only was I contacting one of them, but all of them at once. Wow! Then to have everyone say yes blew my mind. I think it really speaks to the character of all these women. Even with hugely popular blogs, they are willing to take the time to help out a couple newer bloggers, just because we asked. It goes to show you how sweet they all really are. Yes, pun intended.
I really hope I can manage going to a blog event in the next year. I would love to meet some or all of these ladies (and some of my other favorite bloggers) in person.
Each judge will pick her Top 5 submissions.
Sophie and I will tally the votes and declare a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner.
In the event of a tie, Sophie and I will make the tie breaker decision.
