Color Me {Confetti}

Hello Monday! Usually I'm not a fan of the day, but today is my birthday making it a completely different story. And what screams birthday more than a room full of confetti. I'm talking confetti in envelopes, confetti covered tables, confetti balloons, the whole nine yards. While you can have a party without confetti, it really just makes it better. I'm off now to spend the day celebrating but I will catch you back here tomorrow morning for an ingenious use of mason jar lids.

Have a celebratory Monday!

Weekend Reads {11.8.13}

My goodness has it been a busy week. Between work and planning a last minute get together for Rob's birthday at the house tonight, I am more than ready to head off to the woods for the weekend to relax and celebrate Rob's birthday.

It's no secret that I love birthdays. So, planning the last minute get together wasn't exactly a chore. We did keep it simple though opting to make a big pot of chili with all the toppings instead of a variety of hors d'oeuvres. With beautiful outdoor surroundings and a few minimal decor items, the place will be ready to go in no time tonight. I'll be sure to share pictures of the evening with you next week, but for now will share my favorite birthday inspired posts from a few of my favorite bloggers to start off our celebratory weekend!

1. Gold Stripe Favor Bags from Confetti Pop

2. Cone Party Decor from Oh Happy Day

3. Dip Dye Cupcakes from PoppyTalk

4. 25 Awesome Party Hats from A Subtle Revelry

5. Balloon Tails from Beyond/Beyond

Tell me… What are you celebrating this weekend?

A Day at Market

This year, Rob got me the most unconventional but awesome birthday gift, a day at the flea market and he was paying! It seems crazy but for a man who hates shopping and a girl who loves to thrift, it was perfect. So, with Rob in tow and excitement in hand, we headed out. After perusing the first two strips, I was getting a bit discouraged. However, when we made the turn to the third and final strip, I was in antique glassware heaven. Each shop was filled with some of the best glasses I've ever seen. Once I hit every booth, I made my purchase decisions. I ended up with a set of these amazing blue American Fostoria glasses that are perfect for afternoon cocktails, a set of unique margarita glasses that may or may not make an appearance in the next issue of LPF Mag, and finally this awesome antique oil lamp that will look amazing on a shelf in my living room. Overall it was a great birthday with some amazing finds from the flea market!

Weekend Celebration

I preach it all the time, but this weekend I actually lived it, we turned everyday into a celebration. On Friday, we packed up and headed out for Jacksonville for what we thought was going to be a relaxing weekend hanging out with my parents. But, with Rob's birthday quickly approaching, we turned it into a weekend long celebration hoping from bar to restaurant to Italian dinner and everything in between. He was like a kid in a candy store at each brewery we visited. It truly was an impromptu celebration worthy of sharing. It reminded me that each celebration doesn't have to be planned down to the minute. Sometimes it happens on a whim and sometimes those are the best ones! Remember life's a party....plan accordingly!

What have you celebrated on a whim lately? Have a great Tuesday and remember to get out there and vote!

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!

Let's Celebrate {Birthday Weekend Recap}

In case you missed last Friday, I proclaimed my true love of birthdays. While I've always had this infatuation with the big celebrations, I must say that this past birthday is probably one of the best I have ever had. It was relaxing and full of love and laughter celebrating with friends and family. I wanted to take today to share some snapshots of the weekend with you. Sometimes it's not about the big party, it's about making memories and having fun! 

What's your favorite birthday memory?

Lusting After {Birthdays}

It's no secret, I love birthdays. And not just my birthday, I love everyone's birthday. There is something so magical to me about them and no other holiday can compare to it. With balloons, confetti, and cake, how can you not love it? Birthday's provide an excuse to over indulge in delicious food, sweet cake, and laying around. For example, today I plan on lying in my robe till it's time for a mani/pedi, returning to robe and lounging till drinks and dinner. And frankly, I'm not complaining! So throw the confetti and  blow up some balloons, because it's the start of birthday weekend and I would love for you to be celebrating with me from where ever you are! 

Happy Weekend! xo

Birthdays & Bonfires

Yesterday was R's birthday! And the weather here finally got cold enough to break out the fire pit. So, along with some good friends, we built a fire, made s'mores, enjoyed a cookie cake, and grilled some burgers. It was the perfect low key, fun birthday that R wanted. He is still talking about how much fun he had this morning. Until next year...Happy Birthday R! 

Have a Happy Veteran's Day and a relaxing weekend! xo