Piñata Cookies

http://www.sheknows.com/cinco-de-mayo-pinata-cookies 

I found a this really cool cookie recipe on sheknows.com

for my Cinco de Mayo fiesta that I would love to make. Inside the cookie are mini M&Ms! How clever is that?! I thought I would share this delicious recipe. The process takes about two days.You definitely need a lot of patience so make these perfect. The cookies remind me of how to make seven layer cookies because the recipe requires almond paste.

  

Tip: Don't forget that the cookie is very thick because it requires 3 layers of cut out cookie. So use dough sparingly. Also don't forget to cut the ear of the middle donkey cookie before using your sugar "glue".

 

Marvelous Macarons

French macarons are completely different from the coconut macaroons they are commonly confused with. A french macaron is a sweet decadent desert filled with buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two airy cake-like cookies.

My friend and I went to the Macaron Cafe on our day off from school and it was well worth the trip from Brooklyn. The packaging was adorable and they were almost too cute to indulge. I loved the dulce de leche and raspberry filled macrons the most. I highly recommend sampling to try different flavors. Overall, they were all very delicious and I will be stopping by the Macaron Cafe as soon as I can.  Not only do they have macarons, the Cafe also offers beverages and lunches. There are even tables to sit and chat.

For locations:

625 Madison Ave. Entrance on 59th Street and 161 West 36th Street between Broadway and 7th.

Springspiration

  

The windy weather is inhibiting me from switching my fall/winter wardrobe to spring. I found a few outfits for inspiration to help with the transition.

I have a few colored jeans which are very trendy right now but I don't want to stop wearing classic blue jeans.

the first outfit.

A pop of color is very popular this spring. Be on the lookout for bright blazers and jeans! But always pair it with neutral pieces such as classic blue jeans and/or a white tee. I also like that this look incorporated a distressed brown leather bag for fall and transitioned it for a spring look.

the second outfit.

I have red suede shoes similar to the pair in the picture and dark blue jeans. I figure I can pair it with a dark long sleeve blouse I have. It's a perfect outfit for in-between weather

 

the third outfit:

 I really like that tweed jacket! They can be quite pricey so I am on a mission to find a similar style so I can pair it with my jeans for a classic spring look.

Artist Spotlight: Anna Razumovskaya

"Praying For Love"

"Flirting With A Violin"

"Giro"

"Solo"

"Sounds of Time"

"Hold This Moment 4"

I came across these painting by Anna Razumovskaya from a random image search of violin paintings I 'condcuted' on Pintrest. I followed it to the artist's website

 www.anna-art.com and was completely blown away. I have been a huge fan of impressionism and romanticism art since I was little.

(Fun fact: I picked Monet's Water Lillies to be my theme for my room when I was five).

I loved everyone of her paintings and immediately envisioned a few of them on my wall. I particularly like the paintings with the violin because I have a classical music background.

Anna Razumovskaya graduated from Russian State University For Arts. After she studied art in Germany, Belgium, Holland. She had personal exhibitions in New York, Paris, Toronto, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Berlin. There are many of Anna's works in private collections in the USA, Canada, Austria, Holland, France, United Kingdom and Australia.

Incredible paintings its a modern twist to impressionism with abstract elements.

Love!

Easter Cupcakes

Recipe: My Easter Cupcakes

I made these Easter cupcakes last year and they were a big hit!

My guests expected the typical pastel cupcakes I make for Easter, but last year I kicked it up a notch!

You will need:

Your favorite batter (my favorite is Duncan Hine's French Vanilla)

I used Pillsbury Vanilla Frosting

Food coloring: any blue and yellow will do!

(make add more yellow drops and adjust the frosting coloring to your liking)

Jelly beans: I prefer Starburst Jelly Beans

Peeps: Bunnies and chicks!

Experiment with different piping tips make the frosting appear like grass

Bon Apetit!

Springing Into Action

Spring has officially arrived early! Warmer weather and warm smiles =)

 I snapped a few photos of some flowers that caught my eye on the way to different destinations during the week.

 The cherry blossom trees at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens bloomed extremely early. People flocked to the gardens as soon as the blossoms were in full bloom. I wanted to visit the gardens for the Sakura Matsuri Festival on April 28-29 but it is likely that the blossoms will have already fallen. Hopefully I'll make it there before the festival!
While the flowers are beautiful to look at, it's hard to do so with my eyes watering! My allergies are horrible in the spring.

Time For Sunshine

Blouse: Zara

Jeans: J Brand

Chain: Vintage

Sunglasses: Coach

Aristotle Bike from Urban Outfitters

The weather has been great these past few days. I feel like frolicking in a meadow! If only I were near a meadow... 

My class ended early today, so I took the opportunity to go for a walk in my neighborhood.  I needed some real Vitamin D. Grass is becoming greener. The flowering dogwoods and cherry blossoms are blooming (so pretty). I'm glad spring arrived early because sunshine just puts everyone in a happier mood. Some miserable people I know at school had a smile on their face today.  What a pleasant surprise!

It's a beautiful day to go out and do something outdoors. Go for a walk or ride a bike. People don't get out much anymore. Some are stuck behind a computer at work and some are too lazy to buy their own groceries so they are delivered groceries from the supermarket. It's ludicrous. The outdoors has fresh air, go get some! =)