Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York

So my birthday was officially THE best birthday of my life. My friends and family really showed me some major love. After an over-the-top sugary sweet surprise party, Donavan and I headed up to the NYC for 8 days of doing whatever we wanted. It was Donavan's first trip to the big apple so we had some sight seeing mixed in with our SoHo wandering and subway navigating. New York always amazes me and it truly is my favorite US city. Sorry Atlanta. Sorry Kansas City.

Some friends came up for the tail end of the trip to celebrate my birthday. I put together some "NYC Celebration Survial Kits" for everyone complete with a subway map, cosmo flavored jelly beans, a Lindsay-themed crossword puzzle, and gummy rats.

The most wonderful birthday cake ever!

I have always had 2 favorites parts when it comes to birthday parties- the unwrapping of the gifts and the cake. I was always the kid who wanted to stand right next to the birthday girl (or boy) while they opened all of their gifts so I could get the first glimpse. I loved getting to hold them, carefully inspect them, and read the packaging to learn all about how it worked, etc. Odd? Maybe but it's just what I like to do. Perhaps this is why my life path led me to party and gift presentation at Hallmark? Hmmm.

Moving on. My other favorite part of a birthday party has always been the cake. Oh my yes. As you get older, some birthday parties don't always involve gifts but, I'm sorry, it is just NOT a party without a cake or cupcakes. My good pal Elissa sent me a link to this cake today and it just took me right back to being 5 and the start of my love of birthday parties. I am in awe of the care and detail that went into creating this. The subtle change in color from one layer to the next is fantastic! I hope whoever this cake was made for felt EXTRA special.

The 8 layer citrus cake at Succotash (below) is one of my faves. Next time I should just buy 3 slices and stack them on top of each other. Mmmmm.

Tony Danza turns 27!

Tonight was the first night of a multi week birthday celebration in honor of my good friend Bret. We went bowling so I made the birthday boy a special hat for the evening. He acquired the nickname of "Tony Danza" at a bowling tournament a few years ago. Long story. The hat was a hit and Bret had a great night!Furter modelling alongside the hat.

Busy time of year

Like everyone else, I have been busy as a bee lately. It seems a lot of my peeps have birthdays around this time of year so I am constantly working on birthday surprises! Below are some of my recent creations.
Being that Adam and Josh are both "International Men of Mystery," International themed baby cupcakes were in order! My nephew turned 1 last month so I headed to Atlanta to help him celebrate. A birthday wouldn't be complete, though, without a fancy, over-the-top hat to match your party color scheme! As you can see, my nephew was not a fan.
Here are some gifts I recently sent to a friend for her big day. It's hard to tell which I love more sometimes-picking out the gifts or wrapping them!

Up to my ears in sugar!

Last week was a week for baking! With Elissa's birthday lunch on Friday and a Twilight party on Saturday, I was up to my ears in batter and icing! Check out my creations...
Lion and Lamb cookies for the movie viewers (on my new Orla Kiely tray!!!!).

Tiny pink cupcakes for the birthday girl, Elissa:)

I can't wait for my next baking inspiration...