an appealing plan the book Archives

May 6, 2015

The Mother’s Day Gift to Inspire Mom to CelebrateEveryday

Mother’s Day is Sunday May 10th, 2015, give the Mother’s Day gift sure to inspire mom to celebrate everyday, give her An Appealing Plan the book.

Your mom is your inspiration, doesn’t she deserve a Mother’s Day gift to inspire her to live everyday to the fullest and in the most beautiful way? Every day is a gift, so let’s celebrate it!

Each section of An Appealing Plan features season-specific menus and design ideas. Apart from being inspired by the seasons themselves, I also find inspiration for my recipes from my childhood, travels, and favorite restaurants. Some featured recipes are: Baked Brie with Almonds and Rosemary Syrup, Spinach and Gruyere Quiche, Savory Herb Waffles with Smoked Salmon, Cheese Fondue with Assorted Crudite, The Perfect Roast Turkey, Winter Squash Soup, Citrus-Marinated Olives, and Seared Scallops with Sage Brown Butter, as well as some of my favorite cocktails and desserts, including Fresh White Peach Bellini, Fall Fig Harvest Cocktail, Summer Fresh Berries, and Wine-Poached Pears.

An Appealing Plan is about “feeling so inspired by the beauty of the season that we are compelled to redesign our entranceways with containers overflowing with greens or other elements of the season or rushing home from the market to create a meal using fresh herbs and set a beautiful table with the season’s most bountiful flowers.”

April 28, 2015April 28, 2015

The Crazy Marketing Ladies Guest Interview Feature

Ever have a crazy marketing idea? Well then you are going to love this feature because I have the honor of introducing you to a new podcast called The Crazy Marketing Ladies Show, and it is all about business, website, social media and ways business various owners are using marketing to grow and expand their businesses.

For my interview I sat with Lynn Van Meter to discuss my process of creating, launching, marketing, fully funding and executing my Kickstarter to publish my first book An Appealing Plan – A Year Of Everyday Celebrations.

Listen into The Crazy Marketing Ladies Show podcast here.

In this interview we talked about fears that can hold you back, knowing your message is important, how the Kickstarter crowd funding program worked for me and my ~~obsession~~ passion for dishes. I hope you enjoy the show!

Listen into the Crazy Marketing Ladies Podcast here.

Links mentioned in the interview ::

The Book :: An Appealing Plan – A Year of Everyday Celebrations
My Kickstarter Campaign Page

What is your favorite podcast to listen to? Or do you host a podcast? Let me know in the comments below so we can all listen in.

February 17, 2015

How Does Violette De Ayala #CelebrateEveryday

In this interview with Violette De Ayala we discuss An Appealing Plan, the book and how she finds ways to #CelebrateEveryday.

For the book launch I wanted to ask a few of my favorite people how they find ways in their busy schedules to celebrate everyday. The #CelebrateEveryday Interview Series is a collection of these interviews. Enjoy!

Learn more + pick up your copy of An Appealing Plan here!

MORE ABOUT VIOLETTE DE AYALA ::

Violette realized her destiny was to enrich both the professional and personal lives of talented women looking to grow their businesses, revenues, and connections. As a serial entrepreneur with an obsession for business growth, she is seasoned in the rocky road of self-employment and understands the challenges and obstacles women face when creating their own vision of success. She’s best known for creating one of fastest growing International Business Organizations for Women [Femfessionals] and sharing her secrets on achieving your grandest vision in business and life.

As a motivational speaker, small business expert, coach, writer and consultant, Violette shares her knowledge and offers others the inspiration to create and pursue their own destiny in business. Violette is a one-of-a-kind, authentic, and inspiring keynote speaker. She is a pragmatic storyteller that weaves her own successes, past fears and challenges into life lessons through personal anecdotes. Her approach to leading a successful business and enriched lifestyle utilizes humor and mindfulness that inspires women globally. A “no-excuse” demeanor is the foundation for her every word.

Femfessionals has 60 business communities in the U.S. + Canada. Each community hosts monthly business workshops, connection events and around town socials — all in a positive, uplifting and supportive environment. In addition, Business Members have online platforms + workshops via www.femfessionals.com to showcase, promote, and grow their businesses while connecting and assisting other Femfessional members as well.

Violette was selected as one of Isaac Mizrahi’s Muses for his Malibu Collection and was featured in People, InStyle and Real Simple Magazines. She’s been quoted in Entrepreneur, Mashable, Huffington Post, Business News Daily & NBC NEWS as a Business Expert. Lastly, she served as a Consultant and Senior Advisor to two City of Miami Mayors and was part of The White House: Women Environmental Leaders

Learn more about Violette and FemFessionals by visiting – Femfessionals.com

Catch the entire launch series and all the interviews here.

December 5, 2014February 9, 2015

South Tampa Book Launch Event at Datz

Tampa Bay you are in luck!! Two chance to party this weekend! Come out and join me at the official South Tampa launch party at DATZ new warehouse location on December 6th! All the details are below — just click the invite to RSVP on Facebook.

Keeping with DATZ’s already fabulous atmosphere, the event will be open house style, fun and casual. We will be in the retail area, perfect for picking up a few gifts for your foodie favs! Light refreshments will be served but I encourage you to get there early for lunch or stay for dinner – and of course visit the bar to try their amazing craft beer selection.

{If you are a Kickstarter supporter – this is your chance to pick up your book and have it personalized }

Not currently in the area? Head on over to the events page to see the rest of the list of live and virtual events. We’ll be sharing invitations and details on the other parties in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. And if you don’t see your city listed, not to worry, I will be adding new cities and dates in the new year. Thanks for all of your support, can’t wait to see you in person, and of course don’t forget to order your copy today for holiday gift giving!!

November 19, 2014February 3, 2015

How Does Tabitha Blue of Fresh Mommy Blog #CelebrateEveryday

Buy your copy of An Appealing Plan today!

MORE ABOUT TABITHA BLUE ::

Tabitha has been named Tampa Bay’s most influential mommy blogger and is the writer behind FreshMommyBlog.com. She has made appearances on Daytime TV and has been featured multiple times in print and online magazines, other blogs and websites. Tabitha has been pursued for her eye to maximize space and potential in the own home while maintaining a sense of style and comfort for kids. In her own words, “I want to live authentically with as much heart as I can muster, loving those around me to their fullest potential and biggest dreams. I want the extraordinary that rises in the midst of the ordinary.” Tabitha looks for the beauty found in the everyday, like in a great lipstick or the laughter of her kids. And her blog, FreshMommyBlog.com is where motherhood, food, design and stylish little things collide.

Watch all the An Appealing Plan #CelebrateEveryday interviews here.

October 16, 2014October 16, 2014

The BooK has Arrived! An Appealing Plan Book Launch Video.

I am super excited to share the news with you…. the book arrived. It is real and in person!! We are in the process of updating the official book page with information like event dates, local purchase locations, shopping and planning lists to download for each occasion, An Appealing Plan book clubs and much more to come so be sure to check back often but in the meantime…

I was doing a little fall decorating around the house and my monogrammed white pumpkins inspired me to create a launch video! It is quick and to the point check it out and let me know what you think!

Signed copies can be ordered by visiting the

An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations book page here.

Today’s Tweet: “Celebrations are meant to happen everyday, not just at the holiday’s. Be sure to #CelebrateEveryday with Krayl Funch and An Appealing Plan”

Spread the good word by commenting below, pinning to your boards or tweeting to the twitterverse. Cheers and Thank You for all your support. I can’t wait to hear what your favorite section of the book is and how it has inspired you!

August 26, 2014

Snack Time: Savory Vs. Sweet Recipes

It is the great debate in the world of snack foods. Which side of the foodie fence do you stand on?

Savory VS Sweet? Olives VS Cupcakes?

For the last few weeks my world has become consumed by completing my first book, An Appealing Plan: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, and I have been neglect on posting anything on the blog. To be honest, I am going a little stir crazy finalizing reciepes in all the categories so lets have a little fun and distract me for a moment if you don’t mind.

I know without a doubt which way I lean, but what about you? When you are craving that afternoon or late night snack, what do you grab out of the pantry; Olives OR Cupcakes?

Let the debate begin. Let me know in the comments below which one and why. Don’t forget to sign up to ensure you are on the list to learn all about the book launch. See you in the comments!
XO – kf

August 8, 2014August 17, 2014

Recipe Testers Needed For An Appealing Plan The Book

I am thrilled to be making a dream come true and to be working on my first book which includes tablescapes, floral arrangements, seasonal decorating ideas as well as many recipes. It will feature some of An Appealing Plan’s most popular cocktail and food recipes inspired by my family and mentors as well as my personal creations.

Before we publish these recipes, we need to test them to ensure that what works on my table will work in your kitchen too! That’s where you come in. An Appealing Plan is seeking recipe testers. If you are interested, please read the requirements below and then submit an application.

Recipe Tester Information & Requirements:

When you receive a recipe, you will be able to make the recipe and provide feedback within 10 days.
The recipe must be followed EXACTLY as written. (There will be room for you to provide your suggestions later.)
Be able to take a photo of the finished product and upload the photo to our post-recipe survey.
Take detailed notes and provide very detailed feedback via our survey.
This is a volunteer position. There will be no monetary compensation or reimbursement for ingredients and supplies. But, it will be exciting to be a part of bringing this book to life!
Besides basic kitchen equipment, we do require that our testers have a blender OR a food processor.
No sharing or publishing of the recipes or finished images. Remember: you will be part of a team testing top-secret recipes prior to publication! {there will be time for sharing after launch! I promise.}
Applying does not guarantee that you will be selected as a tester. We need a variety of skill sets to test the recipes, and only have a limited number of spaces available.

If you are interested please leave a comment below about why you think you should be a recipe tester AND apply through this link:

July 3, 2014July 9, 2014

Passion To Print: Final Days of Kickstarter Campaign

A heartfelt thank you to you all for your support of the Kickstarter project! We are heading into our final 8 days of pledging and we are currently 65% funded towards the $5,000 goal.

{are you a backer? Proudly share this image along with the link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/286026825/an-appealing-plan-the-book}

As I mentioned, we are shooting the last of the sections of the book this month and a few days ago I brought together friends and their families for a summer gathering on the river complete with crabs, corn, craft beer and a selection of summer berries. The day was perfect, the shoot was a success and we ended the day on a boat ride on the river. Read more about the day on the post page here.

Writing and shooting for this book have reinforced my love and passion for celebrating everyday, for gathering friends and truly connecting with each other and my surroundings. This is part of the journey I did not expect, but am blessed to be able to experience it.

Thanks to all your support, we’ve raised over $3,000 and have the best backers I could ask for however, we still have a way to go to reach our goal of covering the cost of the first printing – as you know we need to raise the full $5,000 to receive any funding at all. This means we only need to sell 52 more books! I know we can do it but I need your help, if you are considering supporting the book please head over to secure your pledge today. If you have already pledged, can help us by sending the message to just one friend or family member who you think would be interested in pre-ordering of the book. I believe we can easily reach our goal by getting message out there this week!

Thank you for your support and for believing in this book {and me for that matter}. I appreciate everyone of you and feel as if we are on this journey together!

Thank you again!!

XO- Krayl

Looking for more ways to share the message? Head over to the Social Share Library.

June 20, 2014June 20, 2014

Passion to Print Day 9: Behind The Scenes Summer Celebration

DAY 9!!

How is this possible that we are already 9 days into the kickstarter project? Wasn’t it just Day 1??Time is flying by and my feelings of gratitude and love are doubling by the day. Your support has been amazing! Thank you.

Today I am sharing a few behind the scenes images of our latest photoshoot, a tablescape and recipes for a Summer Celebration.

This table was inspired by the amazing pink peonies I was able to scoop up locally as well as a fabulous blue and white table linen perfect for summer with a casual but chic flare.

Photoshoots are SO glamours, don’t you think??

Well maybe not but they are always fun and really bring out the creative spirit in me. Inspired by the pink & blue pops of color, I had to bring out the blue Waterford crystal wine glasses to complete the story.

This tablescape just screams celebration and I was ready to pour the white wine, snack on the Orzo Salad and bask in the suns rays as soon as the pictures started.

We have another shoot planned for tomorrow and this time we get to share the fun with friends. Stay tuned for an update with pictures from the gathering.

Have you pre-ordered your copy yet? Or perhaps you are more interested in getting a one-on-one consultation as your reward. Learn more and join the community of supporters on the An Appealing Plan: The Book Kickstarter Project page by clicking here.

March 31, 2014May 25, 2016

Fools + Memories Rush In

Have you ever seen the movie “Fools Rush In”? I have, about 10+ times, but probably only once with an actual plan to watch it. The other 9+ times are due to channel surfing and landing on it, unable to click away. It’s not the best love story ever created for the big screen but still there is something so compelling about it. Endearing, romantic, new love, family issues and the occasional comedic scene, what’s not to love.

I recently caught about 30 minutes the other day during one of my favorite scenes when Salma Hayek {the female lead} surprises Mathew Perry {the male lead} by taking him to the Grand Canyon and brings out a picnic basket of Gray’s Papaya hot dogs for his birthday. Tomas {M.Perry} has previously mentioned that is one of the things he misses most about living in Las Vegas and Isabel {S.Hayek} remembers this and has them sent overnight by his Mother.

{image care of don’t white sugar coat it}

I love this scene for many reasons. First, the idea of having a picnic on the edge of the Grand Canyon seems amazing all on its own. But secondly, for the fact that we all have some similar memory that so strongly connects us to a place and time, to a smell or sound that remind us of people and places we love.

They sit and he takes his firs bite. His expression is of genuine appreciation for the food but also you can see that this flavor is linked to many memories that are all flooding back to him at that moment. And now he will add this picnic on the edge of the Grand Canyon with his love to the memory bank.

As you may know, I am writing my first book and as I am working on each of the chapters I feel like I am reliving my youth through the tableware, linens, tablescapes, floral arrangements and the many recipes for food and beverage both served by my family while I was growing up, and through my own recipes I have made over the years for friends and family during my own celebrations.

My daily hope is that through this blog and my upcoming book I can inspire others to create environments that become memories. And to let you know that when you set a pretty table, it is noticed even if only by the subconscious mind. That when you cook a special meal for friends traveling to visit with you overnight filling the house with it’s smell, your friends will recall that exact gathering when they catch a whiff of a similar scent when walking in their neighborhood.

People may never tell you about these times of recall but please, never take for granted the power of food, flowers, beauty and gatherings, big or small, I promise they mean more than you know. Keep cooking, creating and connecting, our future memories need you.

And now I want to hear from you. What is your favorite memory of growing up based on food or a special gathering? Please share them with me in the comments below.