"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!!  

Momma's Mane

Today is the day that I have finally accepted that Autumn has arrived.  Usually, I am the girl wearing a scarf at the first sign of any breeze, or a decrease in temperature...because I ABSOLUTELY adore Autumn.  However, this year, I have been hesitant to accept my favorite season's (EARLY!) arrival...an event that would normally send me into a woven beenie buying frenzy!  But not this year.... 
Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that this was THE BEST summer I have had in over a decade, coupled with the BEST TAN I have had since before Emma was BORN....and yes, I know how vain that sounds...is... but for this half Irish, half Latina Chica/Lass, being a tint that is darker than lightly toasted bread is just flat out remarkable.  I've been told I'm what the Irish mean when they say "black Irish".  If I were famous, I would probably be referred to as an "Ir-tina", ...or maybe, "Lantin-Ish"...actually, "Latin-Ish" is perfect...but I digress...
As Autumn has "snuck" up on me, I find that my internal seasonal clock knows what season it is, despite my denial.  Suddenly, things like macaroni and cheese, and butternut squash soup pop into my head.  Pumpkin bread, and pecan pie sound super scrumptious.  Those sweaters at the top of my closet keep coming down, one by one, as the evening's chill gets cooler, night after night. 

So, it's really no wonder that this morning, I woke up, and said to myself, "it's time for the summer's beachy- wave look to be tamed..."  
It's not that strange, is it?  I know I'm not the only one who wakes up thinking about her hair!  Come on, now! Ok, well...maybe I am...but not for me, this time of year.  This is actually the only time of year a gal with a mane like mine has GREAT hair! (...if I do say so myself...)  the dry, cool air, keeps my frizzy locks tamed and happy.
So, on the search for a more sleek and soft look, I found these styles that I will most definitely try... but I'm always up for something new, if anyone has any ideas!

Loose and wavy locks....Grow hair! Grow!

I always "heart" Emma Stone :)

The Sleek and Soft, Half and Half.

I always love me a soft braided up-do!

Ideas Welcome!! xo -M.

How Fast They Grow

Yesterday, I packed up bags of clothes that my little monkey has grown out of...she just keeps getting taller, and taller.  

I marveled at the questions her inquisitive little brain fired off at me when we sat down to dinner...she just keeps getting smarter and smarter.  

Last night, I sat with her on her top bunk, at bed time, and combed her hair with my fingers until she fell asleep...every day she is more and more beautiful.  

Yesterday, my monkey was 5.  Today, she is 6.  

Happy Birthday to my one and only, Emma.

 I Love You!

"Momma Mari." My Darling Monkey - An Introduction

Oh how I love my Monkey!  My Emma Monkey, that is!  

Perhaps one day, she will be embarrassed by this nick-name that we bestowed upon her- just days after she was born - but until then, and probably even after then, she will always be our little "Emma Monkey".  After all,  to some, I will be "Nana-Banana," for the rest of my life, so I feel that the "pet-name" tradition should be passed on, and live on.

Here she is- holding on to daddy, just like a little monkey :)

Emma, our oldest child, my first, my always and forever "baby", changed my life - as most babies do.  She provided me with all of those fabulous "firsts" that parents experience - both good, and bad....let's not say bad....let's say...challenging :).  However, she gave me a "first" that was not only unexpected, but the most wonderful gift that is unlike ANYTHING I had ever experienced -- The gift of instantaneous love and adoration.  You know the expression "Love at first sight"?  That wasn't in reference to meeting your future husband or wife, (sorry Gary :) ), That was the feeling of a mother or father holding their newborn baby for the very first time.  It's magical. It's emotional.  And - it envelopes every inch of your soul - there is no other way to describe it.

A Nap in the Sun

Our Emma is inquisitive and smart, hilarious and sassy, creative and energetic.  She has a natural love for music and dance - she started ballet with her neighbor-"bestie" last week, and loves it so!  


She is starting to read- which is a remarkable experience to witness!  Watching through her eyes, her little brain, deciphering, figuring, and determining the words on a page- it's exhilarating!  ...I know, I know, it's sounds crazy....but it's true!  You just wait and see :)

First Day of Kindergarten!

So that's my Introduction of Emma - the words I've written truly don't do her justice- but if you meet her, you'll know why it's just so easy, to love her.


To My Monkey - All who know you, love you - and I love you too!