Sophia's monkey cake

Sophia's mom told me that this spunky 10 year old is no shrinking violet. She prefers bright colors to pastels and is a bit of a monkey herself. This was such a fun cake to make and I hope it was great surprise for the birthday girl.

Do you like my new (well, new to me) cake stand? It was a little Mother's Day gift to myself that I picked up at the Paris Flea Market in Livermore. For 4 days a month this amazing shop is open for business and stocked with fabulous vintage finds including furniture, home goods, jewelry and collectibles. They have a sister store, A Room With a Past , in Walnut Creek as well that will be open May 21st - 23rd.

I just realized they have a blog too! Check it out: www.parisfleamarketeer.blogspot.com

Strawberry Soiree

Okay - I admit it, I'm officially on the dessert table bandwagon. I'm no Amy Atlas, but I had so much fun putting this party together with the help of Ana Gonzales. We left the table design a little loose and deconstructed the pom pom garland to create a less than perfect look. I love the look of the ornate vintage table with the modern light hanging above. Sweet treats included the cake with gumpaste strawberries, mini cupcakes with strawberry buttercream, cream cheese & jam tea sandwiches, homemade meringues, pink swirl marshmallows and giant strawberry sugar cookies. The girls sipped sparkling French pink lemonade (I loved the shape of the bottle from Safeway, but replaced the label and painted the black screw top white) through adorable stripey straws from Bake it Pretty.

Spring blossoms

Another great shot by Sherry Heck.

The real deal

Pictures of my goodies with the benefit of an amazing stylist and photographer. Thank you so much Ana & Sherry!

Polka Dots!

I'm in love with these cupcake liners from Bake it Pretty. They come in regular and mini and in tons of colors - so cute! I wish I would have ordered them in every color.