Essentially {Birthdays}

This week has been all about sharing my favorite things from blood orange margaritas to cupcakes and more. So, to finish out the week, I wanted to share with you the things that make any birthday of mine perfect. These are a few of my favorite things that I couldn't imagine celebrating without. From red wine to confetti, and everything in between, here's my selection of birthday (or party) must haves!

What are some of your must haves for celebrating a birthday?

Oh Happy Day!

It's no secret I love birthdays. I believe everybody's birthday should be their biggest celebration of the year, and I fully believe in joining them in their celebration. But, it can be hard when those you love to celebrate with most don't live near you. That's why I came up with the most ingenious "Birthday in a Box". Filled with all the birthday essentials like cake, balloons, streamers, sprinkles, candles and more, this box has everything for your friend or loved one to celebrate their birthday just as if you were there! I'm sending this box to a friend now living all the away across Canada (she's in Alaska...). After many birthdays spent together, I'm hoping this box will bring back all the fun memories we had and remind her that I'm celebrating in spirit right beside her! Here's the run down of what's in the box...

:: Supplies ::
Box Cake
Icing
Sprinkles
Balloons
Streamers
Plates
Napkins
Candles
Bunting
Birthday Hat
Blow Outs

:: Directions ::
Assemble in a box, wrap in tissue, tape the box and mail to a friend!

Indulge In {Italian Cream Cake}

In a quest to share more of my fabulous birthday with you, I thought I would take today to gush over my cake. Not only did it have two of my favorite things on top, confetti and streamers, it was filled with  delicious coconut. But it's not just about the confetti, streamers and coconut. This cake is hands down the best cake I have ever had. Nothing compares to its moist nutty favor with a hint of tropical coconut. While I can't share The Cake Shop's recipe with you (because they won't give it out, and for good reason), I can share this one and it seems to be very similar. Fill it with coconut shreds and top with a vanilla buttercream, and you can have your own slice of the best cake ever!

:: Ingredients ::
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup shortening
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 to 2 cups flaked coconut (depending on taste)
1 to 2 cups chopped pecans (depending on taste)


:: Directions ::
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease three 9 inch, round cake pans. Combine soda and buttermilk.

2. Cream sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup oil and shortening. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix buttermilk mixture alternately with flour into creamed mixture. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.

3. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites. Stir in 1 cup pecans and coconut.

4. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.


Enjoy!

A Little Friday Lovin' {Streamers}

Do you remember when you were a kid and the only decorations you wanted at your party was streamers? You would twist them and hang them from the ceiling, hang them in the door way, or if you were like me, hang them on yourself. And then, as you grew up, streamers became surprisingly uncool. Well guess what, they are totally cool again! I came across this image (the one in the bottom left corner) and thought their use of streamers was genius. So, curious and excited, I started to search for other images of streamers. And low and behold, I have come across some of the cutest and totally non-cheesy, little kid, tacky ways to use them! They are so fun, quirky, and bright. They add that little element to you party that let's guests know that it's actually a party and not a stuffy let's be on our best behavior kind of affair. Let's put it this way, on my way home tonight, I may just pick up some streamers, just because I can. And I might even hang them all over my house just because it's Friday and I can! 

Happy Weekend! xo

Images: (Row 1) 1, 2, 3 (Row 2) 1, 2, 3 (Row 3) 1, 2