Cocktails and Cupcakes

I had the privilege this weekend to take a cupcake decorating class.  I was really excited to learn a few tricks since I have been on a Pinterest baking mission for a little while now and frosting or decorating is really where I have no clue what I am doing.  Not only was I excited at the thought of mastering cupcake art (and then getting to keep the ones I decorated), but my night out came with free cocktails, and the instructor just so happened to be, my oh so talented, girlfriend who makes all of my little man's birthday cakes.    

We started with a little tutorial on the different types of designs you can make and what tools are needed to craft the desired effect.  I personally enjoyed the star tip.  (It is quite difficult to make an ugly cupcake and even if you do, then you have a perfect opportunity to go buck wild with sprinkles).  I will say that the smooth iced cupcakes did get easier the more the I practiced.

We practiced a few different flowers, each deceivingly difficult in their own way, but just as with anything practice makes perfect.  If I ever find myself with some free time and a craving for butter cream I will practice some more hydrangeas.

I am not sure if it was all the flowers, the pretty pastels, the glass of wine, or just wishful thinking, but it was beginning to feel like spring may be nearing while decorating all my cupcakes.  The feeling quickly left after I stepped outside and into about a foot of snow.

This one is my favorite!

I think the combination of the rose and the fondant petals.  

It just looks so classy I do not want to eat it.

I would say the evening was a success.  If I am feeling really ambitious I will make a batch of cupcakes with all my new skills for the upcoming preschool Valentine's Day parties.  Thanks again Robbyn for the opportunity!  Check out other classes at Creative Cakes or just stop in for a delicious treat!

What do you mean school is not cancelled?

One of the major perks of being a student: Snow Days!  I personally would not know, as my teachers believe in preparing us for the real world (thanks), but W has had a few.  I would love to say that we have taken this opportunity to build a snow fort, bake delicious treats, or complete one of the oh so many toddler friendly Pinterest crafts, but alas we have not.

We have, however, listened to the Frozen soundtrack on repeat and devoured a lot of chicken noodle soup.  So that is the close, right?!

Hope everyone is staying warm!

More to come soon, perhaps during spring thaw, or even after my first round of exams when I am back to sleeping at night instead of studying.


After publishing this post, my class was cancelled due to bad weather... FINALLY!

Come inside, it's fun inside!

Meeska Mouska, W's 3!

Another party has come and gone, and as promised it was a Mickey spectacular!  You know what they say, "Go Big or Go Home," and we were already home, so...  

We knew that space was going to be limited this year, so we chose to have a small get together with some Grandparents, Godparents, and W's "Aunts."  Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to come and celebrate our Little Man with us!  It is such a treat to have so many WONDERFUL people in our lives!  We had a blast and I think everyone else did too!

Well, everyone except this stinker!

Decor courtesy of Party City, Etsy (stubbornly crafty, paper party girls, Creative star designs,  fun cake studios,  and 21 creations), cake Robbyn Yuen via Creative Cakes, and photography Rachel Yuen and myself.

ABC 123

"A Child without education is like a bird without wings" -  Tibetan Proverb

I made a somewhat impromptu decision to go back to school this semester in the hopes of completing my psychology degree.  Luckily, I was able to find a preschool that had open enrollment.  A few days after W's birthday, we headed on over to check it out.  It is a stimulation overload for sure, but also a really great environment for little man's first experience the with school system.  He still goes back and forth on whether or not he likes school, but if I had to venture a guess, I would say school has been a big hit!  

Along with a new back pack and rocking some new school fashion, W's first week at school also means mini photo shoot!  

I am so proud of my little man.  He is off on a new adventure and taking preschool by storm.  Now just 20 more years and he will be done.  That is a little secret I am saving for later.

Happy Birthday Little Man

I do not know how it happened exactly, but somewhere between the holiday's wrappings and the tundra like temperatures, my sweet man turned 3!  In an effort to put more of my Pinterest pins in action, I lined the halls with balloons and decorated the mirror with birthday banner galore.  When the birthday boy woke up, he was greeted with a swarm of colorful 3 balloons.  

He spent the day jumping away in his new bouncer and somehow never tired.

We ended the day with a homemade Mickey birthday cake... although W claims that it was not a Mickey cake, because it was not in the shape of Mickey.  I put my pride aside, instead of trying to make my toddler appreciate all the handwork that went into crafting a cake in the shape of 3.

It has been such an incredible journey so far watching W grow and learn.  He definitely has developed his own personality and is becoming quite the character.  I cannot wait to watch all his dreams come true this year.  Nothing has made me prouder than being your Mama, Happy Birthday Boo Bear!

13 Wonderful Things about 2013

Although 2013 was a rough year for a lot of people close to my family, I will air on the side of optimism and say that there was a lot to cherish and enjoy.  So often, people take for granted all the beauty around them.  Be it the freshly fallen snow (which I am currently enjoying from the comfort of my couch with a warm coffee) or the first bud of spring, whether we are splashing in the pool, or sipping lattes in the crisp fall air, there is always something to be grateful for in life.  My favorite 13 moments in 2013 go as follows:

1. A Traintastic 2 Year Old Birthday Bash
We kicked off 2013 with our friends and family boarding W's Party train.  Between the train cake, the electric train, the cardboard train for kids to color and play in, and train inspired party favors it was a Choo Choo extravaganza.  It was such a treat to have so many people come and celebrate the Little Man.

2. Playing In The Snow
As it turns out, I was much less of a pansy about the cold at the beginning of the year.  Maybe it had something to do with it being the first time W could play in the snow, or had the desire to be in the snow.  He is still a maniac about snow.  Shoveling, throwing snowballs, jumping about in the snow does not seem to get old for him.  The novelty of the first snow ball and the first pair of snow boots has worn off for me, but I still love the look on his face every time he walks through the door, as my own personal snowman, beaming with pride because he helped paved a path.

3. Disney On Ice
Disney on Ice was an experience in itself.  W was so unbelievably excited from the moment we got dressed till we made it back home.   He was actually jumping with joy when the lights dimmed and the music of the first song started.  This outing will always be special because it was a treat from my Grandma.

4. W Pushing GG Around In Her Wheelchair
Any time we would go visit G in the nursing home, the first thing W would want to do was push the wheelchair.  One night he pushed her all the way to the dining hall.  He was so proud to be able to help GG and she smiled a truly genuine smile for the first time in a long time.

5. Making Pizza With The Kids
Throughout the year watching my cousins kids, I would try to find different things to keeps us busy.  One of my favorite activities was the day we made pizza.  It was nothing but giggles and cooperation and best of all we got to eat the end result.

6. Hanging Out With My Second Leading Lady, C
Although it was not always under the best circumstances, I cherished every time Rachel needed someone to hang out with C.  That little lady is so wonderful and she never ceases to make me smile.  Whether we were rocking to the fresh beats, making cookies, coloring, or cheers-ing our ice cream sundaes (shh.. our secret) we always had a blast.

7. W's Hand prints In My Mother's Day Card
I will admit it, I got a little teary eyed when W held up my card and there on the inside were his little hands.

8. W And C's First Slumber Party
Even though it was not the first time these two slept under the same roof, it was the first time we made a party out of it, equipped with fort, popcorn, movie, and late night ice cream.  The excitement level was similar to when Rachel and I find out we are going to have a slumber party and the kids go to bed early enough for it to happen.

9. Feeding The Ducks With Our Ciocia Jenny
Ciocia Jenny had a brilliant idea the day she asked us to go feed the ducks with her.  It became a favorite pass time all summer.

10. Spending The Weekend Downtown With My Mom
It was such a treat to have a little weekend away and stroll through the city.  We visited so many museums, spent a significant amount of time by the lake, and eating deep dish pizza daily was not to shabby either.

11. A Day Out With Thomas
W's Thomas obsession grew and grew over the course of the year, but what really cemented it was when we got to ride on Thomas himself.  It was such a neat experience and the junior engineer has been a Thomas fanatic ever since.

12. Being Baby Dominick Godmother
It is such an honor to be a part of a child's life, but I felt so blessed to be asked to be Dominick's Godmother.

13. DISNEY
Each and every moment.  It is hard to pick just one.

There are so many other wonderful things that happened in 2013, such as pool parties with friends, movie dates, ladies nights, awesome sayings, and amazing people.  My little year in review has helped me to remember all the good times shared with wonderful people.  I hope this New Year's Eve finds you in good spirits and good company!  BE SAFE, and have a lovely new year!

Merry Christmas!

I woke before the sun this morning.  Not from joy or anticipation, but mostly because I was so exhausted I fell asleep in W's rocking chair last night and woke up at 5 AM with a stiff back.  As I walked downstairs to pour a cup of coffee, I took a moment to take it all in.  The lights from the tree, the stillness of the house, and the realization that Santa still had a lot of work to do.

I think Christmas was more magical when I did not have to create the magic myself, but it is wonderful just the same.

In a time where the Christmas season is so driven by sales and "I want... I want..." it was nice to try and give back a little.  Will hand picked some of his own toys to donate and also bought presents for toys for tots.  Do not get me wrong, he still spent all season telling anyone that would listen that he wanted trains!  Engines, tracks, tunnels, bridges, you name it, he asked for it and probably provided a visual.  But standing in front of the glistening lights from the tree this morning as I laid out packages donned with bows, I could not help but think of all the true blessing in our life. 

Like this guy!

So this season, I just want to thank you all - family and friends - for being a part of our lives!  From our home to yours, Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

A little sneak peek into our Christmas Eve!