Browsing Tag

birthday

Travels

Happiness Files: Hawaii

November 13, 2014

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It has become a bit of a tradition for J and I to sneak away to Hawaii for his birthday weekend and this year was a one for the books!  I felt it fitting for a long overdue Happiness Files.

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Our first Hawaiian meal tradition

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 The crew

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 The gorgeous view from the Lobby at the Montage Kapalua Bay

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The best nachos I’ve ever had – topped with Kahlua Pork (need I say more!?)

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My favorite spot at the Montage’s Serenity pool (by day)

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 The view (by night)

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Turtle time!

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Our fridges were stocked with these delicious lemonades.

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Coconut macadamia nut pancakes at Gazebo.

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The coolest walk-in hot tubs at the resort’s pool.

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 Celebrating the birthday boy with some friends – new and old 🙂

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But first…

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…let’s take…

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…a selfie (80th times a charm).

Until next time Hawaii!

Party

Birthday Bar

January 23, 2014

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When celebrating Kendall’s birthday this past weekend, we wanted to make a special space to truly honor her and act as a “party hub” for our group.  I wanted to share some of our set-up ideas, as well as some 21st birthday gift suggestions (I’m always trying to figure out fun gift ideas)…

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For the “birthday bar” area, we went with a pink theme and bought some cans of Sofia Blanc de Blanc for sipping, Kendall’s favorite pink sugar cookies (and a birthday cupcake) from Icing on the Cake, and Rose Macarons from Miette in the city.  We had some waters on hand to help with some necessary rehydrating, and had other snacks and treats available for late night munching.

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I made this banner using this sweet template from MarthaStewart.com and colored string.

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My mom had M&Ms custom made with “Happy Birthday” and “Happy 21st” phrases on them… as well as HER FACE!!!  I couldn’t get over how amazing they were!

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We also framed one of our favorite pictures of the birthday girl to adorn our birthday set up!  It was a nice little keepsake for her to take home at the end of the weekend.

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We also framed the weeks itinerary (so everyone knew what was going on/when they needed to be ready).  We also had to have some crowns available to properly kick off the birthday celebration! 🙂 IMG_5094

For her birthday gift, I put together a little “drinking kit” with a fun little poem that explained the contents.  Here are some fun things to include:

  • A beautiful tray to set up a bar area in her home from Home Goods
  • Some great martini glasses from Cost Plus World Market
  • A gorgeous decanter from TJ Maxx
  • Homemade pomegranate infused vodka (to put in the decanter)
  • YSL lip gloss (to wear downtown)
  • Taco Bell gift cards (a favorite late night stop for Cal Poly college students)
  • Bottle of water (to hydrate after a night of drinking)
  • Card games/drinking games
  • Cab money
  • Fun cocktail napkins for entertaining
  • A cute monogrammed clutch to carry for a night out

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What are some other fun 21st birthday gift ideas?!

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Party

Birthday Brunch

December 26, 2013

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With my mom’s birthday and Christmas morning coinciding, brunch is always a big deal.  The last few years, I have taken the reins, and enjoy putting together a fun menu and figuring out a line-up that is pleasing to everyone and doesn’t result in hours in the kitchen the morning of!

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Menu:

Homemade Bloody Mary’s

Berry Parfaits – Honey Greek Yogurt, Blueberries, Triple Berry Granola

Kale and Maple Sausage Strata

Hash Browns

Halved Grapefruits with Maldon Sea Salt

Here were some of the highlights:

Tasty

Birthday Cake

September 25, 2013

Birthday CakeI finally checked the second “Summer To Do List” item off my list – bake a layer cake!  I used to bake super involved cakes when I was younger, but found it difficult to find the time as I got older.  I really enjoy the process… it’s therapeutic to me.  So when I found my sister was coming into town to celebrate her birthday, I figured when better than now to break out my apron!?

Vanilla CakeAfter many debate about which direction to go in, I decided to create what I deemed a “princess cake.” Basically something your 6 year old self would get a kick out of – vanilla cake, sprinkles, pale pink butter cream frosting… the works!

I doubled this recipe and started with A LOT of eggs, A LOT of butter and A LOT of sugar.  I got to stirring, whipping and baking and after a few hours had 3 relatively flat layers to work with (remember to use a large serrated knife or cake knife to slice off the top of the cake to get an even/flat surface when stacking layers).  Another tip: use a small amount of frosting to ice your cake initially and let “dry” (as shown in the pictures above).  Doing this keeps any crumbs from getting into your final frosting layer.

SprinklesI only used a couple drops of red food coloring to achieve the pale pink color.  I frosted the top and then finished with colored sprinkles.  Next I frosted the edges with a spatula (my kitchen is not fully equipped yet!) and then piped around the edges (let’s be honest it was to hide any issues with the “seams”/edges).

I added a few colored candles and we were all set for happy birthday!

Taylor BirthdayHappy birthday Ta!!