21st birthday princess takes on paris

My 21st birthday was one of my most magical days to date.  We were in Paris and I set out to treat myself (with the help of some generous relatives). After brunch, we set out for the Champs-Elysees, where we went to Laduree.  I bought myself a box of macarons and marveled at the ornate pastry shop complete with a tea room and bar.  I ate half of mine throughout the day.  We sat on some grass and soaked up the glorious sun, and eventually made our way to the original Chanel, where I intended to buy myself some perfume.  I promised 2009 Kaylie that I would buy more Coco Mademoiselle next time I went to Paris, and so I did.  

This time it was an incredible out-of-this-world experience.  After I chose my perfume, the woman carefully wrapped it up with beautiful gold paper,  sheer ribbon, and a white paper camellia.  Yes, I now have Chanel craft supplies and I could not be happier.  It didn't stop at that.  I was taken to a small room to sit down on a comfortable chair while another woman had me pay and typed out a receipt.  It was an elaborate process that was completely unnecessary, but maybe this was because most people sitting in that chair would probably be spending a lot more than I was (which was already a lot).  Those people would definitely need to sit down to hear the damage.  I was then asked by the first woman if I wanted complimentary tea as she gave me the bag.  I said yes and mentioned the perfume was my birthday gift to myself.  She promptly offered tea to the rest of my friends.  And there we sat.  In Chanel.  Drinking tea amongst expensive shoes, across from a very happy young woman with what appeared to be her sugar daddy.  I don't know how we ended up in this situation, but I honestly don't think I will feel that glamorous again in my life.  I'm so happy I had some friends to share in the absolutely insane experience!

After a little downtime, we got TACOS!  It was wonderful.  I tried to have a margarita, but it was weirdly spicy and my stomach was not a fan  That night I planned to at least do a little of the "American 21st birthday" thing, but I was not feeling up to it, so I didn't (I succeeded the next night, and it's safe to say, I will never do that again).  Ted and I ended the night in Montmartre, which was such a lovely conclusion to my birthday.

photos by ted

dinner at hogwarts

Every year the theatre department has a senior dinner to honor the graduating seniors.  This year, if you can believe my luck, was Harry Potter-themed.  I was also fortunate enough to be a part of the planning.  As a member of the food committee, I made some killer lemon bars (they were a hit!) and mini pumpkin pies.  Of course there were also chocolate frogs, amongst other sweets.  It was my idea to have a dessert trolley!  Everyone loved that, especially when we got the theatre department secretary (an adorable old lady) to cart it onto the stage.  Ted, being the sweetheart he is, also helped out with food and chopped 234302095 mushrooms and onions for the shepard pies.  Just because!  He couldn't resist being a part of the magic, I suppose.  

Obviously, the "set" was pretty awesome.  Everything was on the mainstage--there were the four house tables, a forbidden forest, a potions "dudgeon," a common room (my favorite), and other various props like broomsticks and mirrors.  The mini stage for the skit and speakers was a quidditch field.  Of course!

I was Professor Umbridge, marking the first time I've dressed up as a Harry Potter villan.  It was pretty funny.  I borrowed the hat, skirt, and jacket from the costume shop, but everything else was mine--including the schnauzer brooch (Umbridge was a cat lover, but I didn't want to spend money/search endlessly for a cat brooch)!  I added pink tulle bows to my loafers.  Ted was originally going to be a Gryffindor student, until I got the brilliant idea that he could go as schoolboy Hagrid.  So he roughed his look up a bit and we found him a giant fluffy spider from a costume store to be Aragog.  It was pretty adorable.  

Another great thing: two of the professors (and one of the professor's husband) formed a band and played a set for us.  One of the seniors (who I worked in the costume shop with) played a SAW for one of the songs.  Classic Lewis & Clark moment right here.  

The night was magical, and reminded me why I am a theatre major--we're creative, fun people that know how to throw a themed party.  What's not to love?

the big 2-0

Last weekend Ted and I celebrated my 20th birthday.  We went to SE to our favorite restaurant,  Screen Door for brunch.  It's always busy, with good reason.  Luckily, it wasn't too long a wait (which was our only bit of good luck that day--we had a few mishaps)!  While we waited, we browsed a nearby vintage shop, which was a lovely time.  Just as we got back, they called our name!

And then we ate.  We ate a lot.  Of course they delivered our three big plates of food right when Ted left the table to go to the restroom.  I got a few looks--I must have looked very ambitious.  Ted and I put up a good fight, but we had plenty of leftovers to take home for dinner.  In fact, we didn't eat those until midnight.  Now that's how you do brunch.

After brunch, we went downtown and I spent the last of my Christmas gift cards on some bright tights, chocolate, and awesome dog pajamas.  I'm so grown up.  After a little difficulty, we went to Alberta to pick up the pendants I made a couple weeks ago and to get some desserts at Petite Provence.  Ted and I might be a little addicted to this place.  We have now been to three of the four locations in the past month or so.  Once for brunch, once for croissants and a tart, and then this time for two birthday treats to share--a "Versaille" and a pear tart.  We found a boulangerie that we love, so no regrets.

On my actual birthday, I was delivered two dozen cupcakes from Saint Cupcake from my family to share with my friends (okay, I shared most of them--the three toasted coconut ones, and then some, were obviously for me only)!  I was so excited, because I had just seen the bakery a few days before and wanted to try it.  Ted also made mini tarts and a normal tart for me and my friends to have that night with the cupcakes, cookies, and other assorted sweets I had acquired.  It was a lovely way to end my birthday festivities.

So, now I'm twenty.  It's a bit weird if you think about it too long.  I'm  counting on this year to be my best yet--traveling, meeting the blogger family, studying abroad, and doing other fun stuff.  Should be pretty great.

hearts day sweets & crafts

This past Saturday night my roommate and I had a Valentine's Day get together with some friends.  It was a great turnout, and I was surprised how easy it was to get people to make valentines with me!  I really should just follow my mom's footsteps and become a kindergarten teacher, because it made me so happy to get my guy friends to make Valentines for their moms...

The benefit of using heart-shaped measuring cups.

I made brownies (with the heart-shaped tins I got last year from my grandparents) and Claire made chocolate chip cookies, courtesy of the Baked book I got Ted our first Christmas together.

YAY!!!!

photo diary: rachel getting married

 The ceremony (at a local lake with the wedding party and family) and reception (at a local artist's studio) were beautifully unique and DIY.  Nuff said.

home for the holidays part I

1)  Annual Christmas brunch with my friends. This year was really special because Erin hosted at her new house.  Everything was delicious!  Phoebe brought her famous scones, Domenico and I were at the stove serving up latkes and crepes, and Erin made a lovely coffee cake.  My favorite part was sitting around the Christmas tree and catching up.  I am so thankful for my friends at home.

2)  Going out to dinner and seeing the Nutcracker with my parents, grandma, and sister. My grandma takes us every year as a tradition, and you know how much I love traditions!  Of course my grandma always manages to find awesome themed gifts for me and my sister.  She's a pro.

3)  Late nights with Izzy as I Christmas craft.  She curled up into a ball at the head of my bed once I started loudly sewing...  She's too cute.  She's sleeping next to me as I type this!

4)  Max, our Elf on the Shelf, welcoming me home on Wednesday night.  He's a hoot.

Looking forward to even more holiday fun!  Hope you're enjoying some quality time with family and friends.

just my type: paperless post

As a lover of stationary, I am kind of obsessed with the site Paperless Post, especially the Fall and Halloween offerings....

a great great gatsby party

This past weekend my friend Rebecca celebrated her birthday in classiest way possible--a 20's themed party!  Of course I was thrilled to have an excuse to dress up and make a Happy Birthday banner.  I start to feel a little lost in the world if I'm not involved in a themed party once in a while...  And I ALWAYS need a reason to craft.  Anyway, it was absolutely lovely and Rebecca is such a sweet friend to have!

Speaking of birthdays, Erin also turned 20 on Sunday!  I would have given anything to be able to celebrate with her, but in no time I will be back in Arizona for the holidays and will be able to give her an ample amount of hugs.

THE HOLIDAYS.  I just wanna craft and ignore my homework, you guys.  Can you believe that it's already October 2nd and I haven't decorated our room for Fall yet?  It's unheard of.  In order to maintain what sanity I have, I am mandating a craft session tonight after I finish a good amount of my workload.  (I told myself this yesterday, but it didn't happen because I was being responsible or whatever--lame.)

Happy October, my friends!