The Marie Antoinette birthday party

In two busy days of baking, I made chocolate, vanilla, and raspberry macarons, vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, lemon meringue tarts, chocolate mousse tarts with raspberries, strawberry and cream tarts, eclairs, cream puffs with ganache, and a two tier layer cake.

I might have gone a bit crazy with the balloons.

This was the best birthday I've ever had. Only 365 days until the next one...

Party Preparations

I bought this painting from my super talented friend and co-worker, Ben Woodstrup. The colors tie in perfectly to the cake lettering on the other wall! 

Yesterday, I stopped by Bhldn and American Apparel to stock up on some Marie-worthy accessories...as if my dress wasn't girly enough already!

I put together this hair piece using floral arrangement items from Joann Fabrics. I can't wait to wear it, but I hope it holds up through the frenzied dancing that is sure to occur.

heart party!

I've spent the last couple night preparing the decorations for our Valentine's Day brunch. Last night I was sitting at the table surrounded by scraps of paper and a hundred glittery hearts when Adam finally declared I had made too many decorations. I pointed out that they were mostly just paper hearts, and one can never have too many of those. Argument over: Angela = 1, Adam = 0. 

This streamer curtain is made from materials recycled from all my parties over the past year. I made the tissue garland and the floral fabric streamers for my birthday party, the hot pink ribbon and lace was from Serra's engagement brunch, the neon yarn was for Christmas wrapping, and the metallic tinsel is cut from a curtain I used for the New Year's party. 

My breakfast / pastry table will be on the credenza, but I still had to decorate it for the time being!

Heart balloons! I looked ridiculous driving my pickup truck while the back was completely jammed with these fantastic shiny hearts.

The food is practically part of the decorations, so I kept the table simple with a lace runner and... (of course) paper hearts.

the first valentine of many

Despite being generally cynical, I absolutely love Valentine's Day. I make dozens of detailed cards, bake for everyone I know, and go a bit overboard with heart-shaped crafts. Last year, Adam and I made a stop-action valentine video, and this year, we are hosting a valentine brunch for our housemates. I need to start crafting a bit early this year, since I am going to be in Vietnam for ten days! I scavenged some materials from around the house, and got to work making my first valentine of the season.