My Birthday!

I don't even know where to begin with this post because I am just so overwhelmed with Birthday bliss! This has been one of the best birthdays I have had in such a long time! For starters, I was woken up by my wonderful boyfriend who took off of work and traveled into Long Island to surprise me with flowers. I had an amazing brunch with my mom and sister which was followed by being pampered at the salon. We ordered a quick pizza for dinner and invited my Aunt Martha and cousin Faith over for some cake, which I made myself the night before! I will post the recipe below! I just can't help buying a store bought cake at this point plus I also wanted to make something special for my Kitchen Aid Milly, since it is technically her first birthday! Yes, I named my Kitchen Aid Milly and yes, I did want to celebrate her this year. 

Milly is the reason I have been so inspired to bake. In one year, I have been able to turn my baking into a business and start my first official blog! She has been a blessing and I am grateful for her everyday! Most importantly, I owe my parents a special thank you. They have always supported all of my dreams and ideas. When they bought Milly last year for my birthday I had no idea she would be the gift that just keeps on giving!

I am blessed with the most generous, supportive and caring people in my life! The gifts were especially flowing this year, too! First, the flowers from my boyfriend, then a knock at the door with another delivery of flowers from my Aunt Martha! When I got home from the salon ANOTHER package was sitting at the front door. Janine always finds the most clever gifts - this one was from a company called the Packed Party which was filled with the most perfect do-dads for any birthday celebration. Click the link and get a box for someone you're thinking of!

My mom waited patiently for me to open up her gift, it was wrapped in a large purple box which completely threw me off! To my surprise, it was a Nikon Camera with two specialized lenses! I was so overwhelmed, I cried! My mom heard me mention that I wanted to get a professional camera for the blog but it was a completely unexpected surprise. It was just so thoughtful and I am just so grateful to them! My boyfriend has a "surprise" trip planned for us next week so I cannot wait to use it then! I will be sure to have a separate post for our upcoming trip!

Some other gifts from my sister, brother-in-law and my adorable niece Addy! I seriously want to laminate that card and hold onto it forever, it was by far one of the highlights of my birthday! 

The Birthday madness continued on Friday night. I made reservations for my loud, Italian family, my boyfriend and closest girlfriends at my FAVORITE vegan restaurant - Wild Ginger. Of course, Janine surprised me with a Milk Bar Birthday cake and decorated the table with gold balloons in the shape of my initials! My family who was extremely concerned about the choices on the menu turned out loving everything I ordered for them. In the end, they all did me proud!

The after party continued at The Late Late in the LES. My family headed back to Long Island after dinner and I met a few of my closest friends out. We had such a fun night equipped with tequila shots and champagne and ended our night dancing on tables at The Jane. Overall, I could not have asked for a better time, a better family or better friends! Thanks to everyone who played a part in my Birthday week, it truly means SO much to me!

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strawberry cake w. strawberry cream cheese icing

what you'll need:

strawberry cake:

• 1-3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 package strawberry flavored gelatin (such as Jell-O)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 3 cups sifted cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree made from frozen strawberries

strawberry cream cheese icing:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
• 8 ounces strawberry cream cheese, softened
• 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (depending on your desired consistency & sweetness of frosting)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• pink food coloring

cake directions:

1. If you're making your own strawberry puree, remove frozen strawberries (about 2 handfuls) from freezer and place in a single layer in a flat dish to thaw slightly. Place into food processor and puree the strawberries until smooth. Stir to ensure it is nice and smooth and not icy. Measure out 1/4 cup for cake and 3 tablespoons for frosting, and freeze the remaining puree for another use.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter, line with parchment, and flour three round 8-inch pans, tapping out the excess. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, combine and stir the milk, strawberry puree, and the vanilla. Set aside. Sift and whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl, and set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the sugar, gelatin, and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one by one, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl with spatula.
6. Add the wet & dry ingredients to the creamed mixture by alternating--beginning and ending with dry ingredients and mixing just enough after each addition to incorporate, but not over-mix.
7. Divide the batter in three, spreading it evenly with a small offset palette knife. If you have a kitchen scale, weigh each pan filled with batter, to ensure 3 even layers. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes clean when inserted into the center. Be so careful to not over-bake. Check cakes at 20 minutes, but not before, and once you feel it's almost ready, set the timer for 2 minute intervals. Let cool on racks for 10 minutes before loosening the sides with a small metal spatula, and invert onto greased wire racks. Gently turn cakes back up, so the tops are up and cool completely.

icing directions:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and the cream cheese. 
2. Slowly blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla
3. Beat until smooth and well-combined.
4. Add pink food coloring (to your desire)

Thanks so much for dropping in guys! Much love, xoxo!