"Babies don't keep..."

On August 29th, 2012, we officially became a "Party Of Five".

We welcomed our sweet Laylah Paige onto this Earth, and into our family...and just as I had felt with My other little ladies, I was instantly in Love.

...still a little shocked, (since I had over-prepared myself for having a boy... ) but no doubt, still "head over heals" with our Little L.P.   See- aren't surprises AWESOME?!?!

The hardest part for me, is remembering to take my time.  Even while pregnant, despite not being able to bend over, or aching feet, or being exhausted just keeping up with my other kiddos, you could still try to get stuff done!!  But when a baby comes -- nothing gets done.  Certainly not with out help... and that's hard for me... hard to accept...hard to recognize, I'm just not going to get it all done today...

But now-- I accept.  With daily reminders to myself, and a lot of prayer for strength and patience... I accept...

...That the laundry may (or may not) get washed, and may (or may not) be folded today...or tomorrow...
... That you don't need guacamole for tacos if there's no time to make it-- good'ol avocado will be just fine...
... A pony tail, chapstick, and sunglasses are my beauty routine, for now...
... That it's ok to go to bed at 8 pm...
... That even though Gary does things differently, they still get done...and I Love him for that...
... That showers are a luxury...
...and much, much more...

I accept.

So, even after baby # 3, I'm still learning to take my time -- To take my time with my baby, especially....
because...

"Cleaning and scrubbing

 can wait 'till tomorrow,

for babies grow up,

we've learned to 

our sorrow...

So quiet down cobwebs,

dust go to sleep...

I'm rocking my baby,

and babies don't keep."

(Author Unknown.)

Jellybean Dimples and Marshmallow Cheeks

When Mia came into this world, I was convinced she was the itsy-bitsiest baby I had ever seen.  She was so tiny, she used to take one leg out of her romper, and put it together with her other leg, like a little mermaid.  

She has always been my "Sweet Petite", with jellybean dimples and marshmallow cheeks.  She has a scrumptious little face, and she never grew out of clothes that were the same size as her age.  She wore a 2T until after she was 3! 

That changed this past summer, when suddenly, pants that I thought she could wear for at least another 6 months were too short... and the sleeves of shirts that were once long, became 3/4 's length.  Her tiny feet got bigger. Her sun bleached locks were longer.  My Baby was growing up, faster than what I was used to, or even ready for.

Expecting a flood?

Thats why it really hasn't hit me yet, that yesterday was her 4th birthday... 

  But what a fun day it was!!  We all had a blast with Auntie Katrina at Disneyland!  Watching Mia's face light up with excitement, and watching her jumping and skipping with happiness brings true joy to this mommy's heart.

My Littlest Peanut. My Crispy Cracker. My Mimi Pea. My Cutie Q -- I Love You!!

Happy 4th Birthday to you, my most adorable Mia!!!

*Special THANK YOU to Aunty Katrina for the gift of your time, park admission, and this picture! ;)

"Birds of a Feather"...

This past September, I had the privilege of creating a wedding cake and desserts for my friends and fellow Art Institute Alumni, Marco and Kirstie Segura.  

I'm not going to lie... I was a little scared.  Why, you ask?  Here is why... because Kirstie, like me, was a culinary arts major. And Kirstie, like me,  notices everything... "it's a blessing and a curse...."

I'm sure all you other "Creatives" know what I'm talking about.  When ever you do something for someone who does the same thing that you do, it's nerve racking, is it not?? Styling a hair-dresser's hair. Photographing a photographer.  Writing to a writer.  Tell me that's not just a little stressful. Just a little? 

Well, luckily for me, despite the uncooperative Tiramisu, the almost-too-big pan for my oven, the "fluffy" chocolate flour-less cakes that didn't want to "fluff", the scheduled power outage that I was clueless about until the day of...need I go on? 

As I was saying... despite All that, I still made it through. I still made it on time. I still made Kirstie and Marco, happy :)

Cake Flavor Choices: Red Velvet and Vanilla Marble Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and  Lemon Cake with Ginger Cream Cheese Filling.  

Kirstie and Marco were really fun, and supportive, by giving me creative freedom.  They had a peacock theme throughout their decor, which I just adore!  It's my most current decorative obsession.

Marco, a graphic designer, created this logo for their wedding invitation, and I decided it would look lovely on their cake, as well.

The Tiramisu, that ended up cooperating :)

The Chocolate Flour-less cakes that ended up "fluffing" 

You can only imagine how excited I was when Kirstie sent me this message:

"OHHHH GIRL!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZZZZZZING!!!!!!!!! Everyone loved it...I got those faces like "are you kidding me with this? SO GOOD". Some people ate one of everything!!!! We both are so very thankful and it looked above and beyond what we expected!!! We appreciate you so much and recommended you to everyone!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! :) xoxoxo"

Thank You Kirstie and Marco for the opportunity to be a part of your history, all the while, giving me a lesson in what I AM capable of.

xoxo

A Ceremony by the Sea

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to create a rustic nautical dessert table scape, for the now newlywed, Katie and Chris. 

Remember my earlier post, in which I asked, "if you were the bride and groom, which desserts would you choose?"   Well, that was Katie and Chris!  And I must say, they made some delicious choices! 

Petit Fours From Left to Right: Vanilla Cheesecake Bites w/ Fresh Blackberry Garnish and Sauce, Pumpkin Meringue Tartelette,  Apple Oatmeal Crisp Tartelette, and Decadent Fudge Brownies with Espresso Ganache.

K & C  wanted their guests to have a choice when it came to dessert, but they also wanted a cake, just for the two of them to slice and share. 

Vanilla Bean Cake filled with Vanilla Swiss Buttercream, fresh Blackberries and Raspberries. Decorated with  Meringue sticks, and fresh berries.  Wrapped in a "tree bark" tie, and ribbon that states, "We Tied the Knot!"

...Um....excuse me.... Mr. Pelican?  I'm pretty sure you're not on the guest list, and.... oh....wait.... you were invited....and, you're not real....


Just one of the reasons why I loved working with this couple -- I enjoyed the quirkiness of the props they wanted to use.  It made the table really playful and fun!

Rustic Nautical Table Scape



This was my first official table scape, and I was very excited to bring it to life!



A few days ago, I received a wonderful e-mail from the Mother of the Bride, Mrs. Kent:
"Dear Mariana,   I just want to let you know that your desserts were over the top!!! They were a tremendous hit. Your display was wonderful too. I have several wedding guests that want your card and number. A  family member would like to contact you to do her Christmas party. I can't thank you enough for making Katie and Chris's so extra special."

Thank You Katie, Chris, and Mrs. Kent! It was a pleasure!  

No Questions When it Comes to Cake!

Last month, one of my nearest, dearest, and most loving best friends, had her very first baby shower, in honor of her very first ...yup...you guessed it! BABY!!  

She's going "the old fashioned" route, and waiting until the the baby arrives to find out what the gender is (LOVE THIS! ... and for the record, I think it's a boy!).

So while there may be questions as to whether we should be buying dresses or denim, there was no question that Angie wanted cake, and I was honored to create it for her.

Angie's Flavor Choices: Bottom Tier- Pumpkin Vanilla Marble w/ Cream Cheese Filling.  Middle Tier- Vanilla Bean Cake w/ Cinnamon Buttercream. Top Tier- Citrus Cake w/ Ginger Buttercream.

I realize now, that perhaps, subconsciously, I thought their baby would be a boy...and it showed it self in my chosen decor...what do you think??

My favorite part of this cake -- The silver dusted, white chocolate sand dollars, and the glitter bow!

Oooo! One more favorite thing!  This "baby" top tier with the trio of sand dollars, packed the most powerful flavor punch -- Citrus cake with ginger buttercream, was for the more adventurous guests.

Just the other day, I received a most lovely Thank You note from Angie, expressing how much she enjoyed the cake....perhaps more than she should have.  Her words! Not Mine!! :)

I am so happy you enjoyed it, 

'Bestie'

I Love You, too.

"Ready for my Close-Up!"

Well...I'm not... I probably have flour in my hair, and frosting on my fingers... but my camera cookies are!!

Last week, I was commissioned to create "camera cookies" by my friend, (and my "FPF" - Family Photographer Forever!) Jennifer Gagliardi.

"Camera Cookie" Photo, Courtesy of Jennifer Gagliardi
Cookie Inspiration from Thatsnerdalicious.com

  

She is THE MOST AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER!!  I can't say enough good things about her!  

She has boundless creativity, and a tremendous talent -a true gift that she shares, and that we get to keep, for a lifetime.  

Thanks for the opportunity, Jen!! I had so much fun!

To understand what I'm talking about, go to

http://www.jengagliardi.com/

...and ENJOY!

Edible Autumn

If you were the Bride and Groom, which would you choose??

From the back to front: Petit Dutch Apple Pies,  Pumpkin Meringue Petite Pie,  Lemon Meringue Petite Pie, Brownie Bites with Espresso Ganache, and Vanilla Buttercream, Caramel and Spiced Pear Cheesecake, and Vanilla Cheesecake with Blackberry compote.




I'll let you know what they chose, come Wedding Day!!