Paula's Very Merry UnBridal Shower

How amazing is this room!?

 Photography: Thaddeus Rombauer
 

Last weekend was my bestie, Paula’s Alice in Wonderland themed bridal shower.  We put so much love and effort into her special day and were so happy with the way it all turned out.  The bride to be was genuinely surprised which is so rare these days.  The shower was held at The Brownstone.  I couldn’t believe how amazing the room was.  Even the weather was not overly sunny adding to the whole English garden feel.  So perfect! 

All of these AMAZING photos were courtesy of Thaddeus Rombauer.  If you are looking for a great photographer definitely check him out. 

The GORGEOUS Massimo

Beautiful Tea Favors

Surprise!

The delicious dessert display; all treats except the cake pops are by Duchess Delights

 The Bridal Party

 

Friends since '95

The games table

Congrats, Paula we love you! XO

Life Lately

 {My cakepops got mentioned on the radio during Elvis Duran’sbirthday celebration.  How cray is that!?}

Hola!  This summer has been crazy busy, hence my lack of posts.  

Here's what's been going on lately in a nut shell...

 {a girls only beach day was just what the doctor ordered}

 {with my bestie at her Alice in Wonderland themed shower}

{“We’re All Mad Here” Madeleines I made for the shower}

 {Truly blessed to be able to call these amazing young women my sisters}

 {co-hosted my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party this weekend}

 {Cheers B*tches!}

Birthday.

My birthday was a little over a month ago, but as mentioned here it was a pretty great one.  The hubbs put together this beautiful video of our awesome day.  Highlights include our visit to the Met, the Cloisters, The Jonathan Levine Gallery, and my birthday dinner at La'Mezza.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Life Lately

{cheese plates and ice cold pinot are what summer dinners are made of}

Happy Monday!  Between weddings, birthdays, bachelorette parties, and work I have a feeling this month is going to fly by.  Chris and I decided to make the most of what’s left of the summer by spending the day at Sea Girt Beach.  I couldn’t believe how clear the water was.  It was extremely hard to believe that we were at the Jersey Shore.  Here’s a few pics of what’s been going on around these parts lately…

 {loved the ceiling at the Hudson Eatery}

 {got to finally meet my nephew and see my beautiful niece}

 {did some damage at Anthropologie}

{summer lovin'}

Oreo Ice Box Cake

Happy August!  How crazy is that!?  Sorry for the hiatus, but life has been cray cray in my neck of the woods lately.  Anyway, this ice box cake is the perfect summer indulgence.  It's simple, decadent, best of all no oven is required.  Winner!  It is beyond easy to prepare, yet the presentation is truly impressive.  Oreos, fresh whipped cream, and semi homemade chocolate mousse, now we are talking.

1 package Oreo cookies

1 box instant chocolate pudding (prep according to directions)
3 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate shavings to decorate (optional)

Directions

1.   Step 1

Line the sides of a 9"x3" springform pan with parchment paper strips. Lay some Oreos on the bottom of the pan in overlapping concentric circles.

2.   Step 2

Prep your instant chocolate pudding according to directions on the box.  In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk whipped cream and sugar to soft peaks. Remove 2/3 of the whipped cream from the bowl. Fold the chocolate pudding into the remaining 1/3 whipped cream.

3.   Step 3

Put 1 cup plain whipped cream into a large resealable plastic bag. Snip off one corner of the bag. Pipe the cream over the Oreos, along the sides of the pan, to create a one-inch dam. Pour the “chocolate mousse” into the center of the pan and spread the edges to the dam.

4.   Step 4

Place the remaining cookies over the pudding. Top the cookies with the remaining cream, spread to the edges of the pan, and smooth to level. Decorate with chocolate shavings.

5.   Step 5

Chill at least 8 hours or up to overnight. Remove the sides of the springform pan and the parchment. Cut cake into wedges and serve.