Tag Archives: cupcakes

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Traditions Old & New

As everyone starts to trickle back into work, I’m betting there will be plenty of water cooler talk about what everyone did for the holidays, including your family’s traditions. While we,unfortunately, weren’t with family this year (we did get see them via Skype!) we made sure to keep up with some of our traditions to help the holidays feel merry. In some cases we added new activities {that I hope will become traditions!} or twists on the old that maintained our excitement of being in a new place.

My birthday is right before Christmas, making the holidays a bit of a marathon {but ensures I get everything done early!}. Usually I go shopping with my mom, then out to dinner. My husband treated us to a spa day {with an amazing view!} then out dinner {also a nice view}, a ride on the ferry, and ending with cupcakes, as we did for his birthday.

On Christmas Eve, we took a hike {a new tradition!} and ended the day with hot chocolate and something sweet {in the US I would have sugar cookies, but here we had stollen, a german rum bread that was amazing!}.

On Christmas Day we started with breakfast and presents {breakfast first, per tradition}, decorate a gingerbread house {as we started in 2010} while watching Love Actually, then we went out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants {the scallops and parsnips puree were so good!}. They gave us hats and antlers, so we took an impromptu picture {nearly holiday card worthy, no?}. And, here in Hong Kong, Boxing Day, the 26th, is also a holiday {thanks Brits, for that legacy!}, so we headed over to a friend’s house to hang out for the day {this is me, riding the subway wearing a Christmas present from my mom.}

For New Year’s Eve, after much back and forth, we decide to enjoy our new apartment and spend our first moments of 2013 on our terrace. I can’t say that we have strong traditions for this holiday, other than a bottle of nice bubbly! Some of our provisions below {champagne and the makings for s’mores with speculoos cookies in place of graham crackers}.

What are your family traditions? Did you parktake in them this year?

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Black & White Kitty Party

I’ve been inspired by sweet animal parties {like this kit, my friend sent me and these doggy crowns} and if you follow my Instagram you know my own cat is a source of enjoyment and annoyance. So when I felt the urge to plan a party, a kitty party was one of my first thoughts. I put together a modern, sophisticated cat themed dessert party, that was still fun enough to live up to my lively pet.

This simple party made a big impact with the strict use of black white with tiny pops of red, used sparingly. The tiger-striped liners with the chocolate cupcakes and vanilla icing {and a special one in a kitty friendly recipe}, really pop with silhouette  cut out cat related words and images. I took a stab at customizing a napkin, and the swedish fish finished off the table setting. Milk, a kitty favorite, given in tiny glasses and matched straws. The vases were my favorite part, each one different, but still tied together in the black and white theme. One in black and white twine, one with grosgrain ribbon and a fish, and the others with washi tape. It really added to the vases I already in my collection.

I think it turned out really well– and Kimchi seemed to like it. It was a success!

 

 

 

 

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Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

One of my biggest regrets from my own wedding was how I asked my friends to be bridesmaids– I was just so excited to be asking them, I didn’t make any sweet gestures. My newlywed friend Roxanne made cute cards,  and these ombre cupcakes take the cake.

Find directions and printables here.

 

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Roxy Pie

I did some food styling over MLK weekend for my awesome friend Roxanne. She’s starting up a baking business and wanted some shots of her yummy desserts. Here are a few of my favorites. {Photos taken by my fabulous hubby}

And the lovely lady herself…

If you are in the NYC area, you can contact her to get one of her creations here.

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Red Velvet Birthday

I love this sweet, simple birthday celebration that Caroline of Coeur De La put together for her sister. Her sister loves red velvet cupcakes, so Caroline made some (using Paula Dean’s recipe), packaged them up cute, and brought a bottle of Cupcake’s Red Velvet wine {I didn’t know they made this, so I gotta try it} for them to enjoy some sisterly time together. Because isn’t that what celebrating is really about, anyway?

Sure, add balloons or whatever decorations on top– they are just icing on the cake. But don’t forget the candle!

{via Cake}

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Rainbow Chevron Dessert Table

Last week I decided I needed to exercise my creative muscle, so put together a party for fun. I might be crazy, but I enjoyed doing it, and got to sample some ideas for the little girls birthday party I am working on.

I had some drama with my centerpiece, so I ended up stacking the colored cupcakes in a vase. It turned out kinda fun!

I made the cupcakes, cake balls, and little paper boxes to hold the popcorn.

I tried out 2 different place settings– with sprinkles and with skittles.

I added flags to the top of the hats with washi tape.

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Witches and Ghosts

To be honest, I am not into Halloween. Sorry– I don’t really like dressing up {although I have seen some cute, creative costume ideas this year!}. But I do love sweets, so I can get into a holiday that gives away lots of ‘em!

How about a “legs” theme? I love the Wizard of Oz, and there are so many creative ways to use those Witches legs!

And don’t forgot the witches hats!

And ghosts are so cute…

And these random treats {teeth and vials} would round out a table.

And a little bit of simple decor never hurt anyone! {And check out my pumpkin round up here}

 

 

What are your plans for Halloween?

{All images from Pintrest, some with no owners! If any of these images are yours, please let me know}

 

 

 

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Back to School Party– for the Parents

It’s September — and school has either started or will soon. While I am sad to see my pool days dwindling, I can imagine there are some excited parents out there. Excited that their kid is starting a new chapter in their lives…and excited for some peace and quiet. I can imagine a parent handing cupcakes out to the families in their carpool– or maybe having them over a after drop-off. These flags are too cute– and better yet, they are free to download!

Happy Labor Day Weekend– and Good Luck this school year! xoxo

 

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