Bridesmaid Proposal: Pearls & Peonies

Hello all!  Apologies for my lack of posts recently, but I come bearing exciting news.  My brother and his fiance have set a wedding date next year at the beautiful Summerour Studios in Midtown, Atlanta.  She is already family in my eyes, but we get to plan a party!  And to make things even sweeter, my future sister-in-law asked me to be Maid of Honor.  It came as a complete surprise and a true honor!

We already have big ideas for the wedding.  She’s a graphic designer so you know it’ll be spectacular.  First things first though, we had to gather her girls together for a bridesmaid proposal.

She was so sweet to buy all of us these gorgeous pearl earrings and rings for the proposal.  With a little bit of moss, some gold bows (sewn by my mom), and fluffy pink peonies, it was the perfect mix of DIY glam.  Here’s a shot of the bride to be!

Can’t wait to plan a wedding with this girl.  How did you propose to your bridesmaids?

Ramen Fest at Makan Decatur

The food scene has exploded in Atlanta since I last lived here 10+ years ago, and my calendar is filled with one food festival after another – not that I’m complaining!  It’s such a great way to get acquainted with the city again and the many amazing restaurants.  Last week, my cousins and I couldn’t wait to attend the ramen fest hosted by Makan, a new modern Asian restaurant in Decatur.

Most of you know my love for ramen (evidence here, here, here, here, and here).  I’ve shied away from it since moving back to the US since.. who could do ramen better than Japan?  Well, I’m happy to say that although ramen in Atlanta isn’t as steeped in tradition or honed to perfection as in Japan, it’s definitely more innovative and imaginative with unconventional flavors.  It’s like coming up for fresh air after a month of eating nothing but your grandmother’s (very tasty) home cooking.

8 different restaurants served up their version of ramen in trial-sized bowls.  My favorite was the one from Makan (top photo), served in a flavorful overnight duck broth and served with a tender slice of duck breast.  I also loved the one from Victory (below), topped with perfect shiitake mushrooms.  Congrats to Makan on such a fun event.  I’m sure the next one will be even bigger.  Prepare your stomachs!

Firefighter Party: Adult Tablescapes

Here’s just a couple shots of the adult tables from the firefighter birthday party I posted last week.  There were separate tented areas for the kids tables and round adult tables, brought together with similar colors and the firefighter theme!

All adults went home with cookie favors from Diddy Riese, a UCLA favorite.  They also helped to decorate the table!

Custom signage directed guests to the drink table, set up with lemonade and flavored water.

Happy hump day!

Firefighter Birthday Party

Hey y’all!  (Do you hear my southern twang?) There’s been a lack of posts because… I’ve moved back home to Atlanta!  It’s been a whirlwind of moving and settling in.  Thank you to all who have followed me in Tokyo.  Although I’ll be posting less on Japan, there’ll still be lots of parties, food, travel, and DIY.  My first project back was my dear friend’s son’s firefighter-inspired 4th birthday party.  It was peak summer in LA so I had decor to match – bright, happy, and fun-filled!  There were separate tented areas for the kids and adults, brought together with yellow and red decor.

What kind of cake do you have for a firefighter party?  A fire engine of course…

.. topped off with adorable minions.

And matching water bottles!

I’m kicking myself for not taking photos of the party favors – fire house books and Diddy Reese cookies in custom-made fire engine canvas tote bags.

The topping of the party?  A real fire engine complete with real firemen from 5 Alarm Fire Engine.  These guys were awesome – great with the kids, prepared with tons of activities, professional, and patience galore for the 40+ (yes FORTY!) kids that attended.  I highly recommend them if you’re having a similar party in the LA/OC/Inland Empire area.  The kids and many of the parents were thoroughly entertained with fire hose water shooting, tug of war, dressing in all the gear, and fire engine rides around the neighborhood.  Fun for everyone!

Tomorrow, the adult tables! :)

Mast Brothers Cupcake

I’m dreaming about the Mast Brothers cupcake I had last month in Williamsburg.  The cake itself was alright, but the frosting? Wow.  Creamy, buttery, deep chocolate decadence!