THE GREATEST WEDDING EVER

I've been teasing you about this for awhile, and I'm finally ready to deliver the goods. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.

Some dear friends of mine eloped a few months ago. They're silly in love and adorable. They decided to have a party this summer for their family and friends to celebrate with them. What they managed to do was to throw not only the greatest wedding the world has ever known, but one of the greatest parties of all time.

There were pretzels and tomato pie. Homemade wine and kegs of great beer. Chickpea, Green bean and carrot salads in chinese take-out containers. Hand written signs labeled all the treats.

Decorations? Simply beautiful flowers in glass Ball jars and tea cups. Hand made bunting. It managed to be elegant, classy and casual all at once. The Bride and Groom looked lovely and dapper, respectively, without the traditional garb. I was fully impressed.

Dinner was served by Taco Truck. Honest Tom's Tacos. Chicken, or Grilled Sweet Potatoes. Crazy good Gucamole. And a drink they referred to as the "Arnoldo Palmer": Tamarindo juice mixed with lemonade. It was so refreshing my mind didn't quite know how to handle it.

And by now you should know about the desserts. Three different varieties of cupcakes, three different varieties of shortbread cookies, all VEGAN! We set up a dessert table that also included bowls of fruit candy and salt water taffy. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the desserts, and I was pleased with the way it all turned out.

The best part was the entertainment. Soulamite, a Philadelphia soul band that hasn't played together in a few years, got back together just for this party. They were still so tight, it's like they never stopped playing. And once they started playing, the party didn't stop dancing!

So for all you brides out there, take note. This wedding had everything a good party should: Great food, drinks and desserts, amazing music, beautiful decorations, and lots of love and good times had by all, without all that usual wedding stuffiness. Here's to a long and happy life together for Doc and Nicole!

Birthdays and Weddings!

It's August! Which happens to be my favorite month! Because my birthday is on Friday! Hooray for another year older and wiser! Exclamation points!

I'm just going to be honest with all of you: I'm a total princess for my birthday. I generally celebrate for around a week, but usually at least an entire weekend. This year things are going to be a little different. I'm making the desserts for my friend's wedding this coming Saturday, and my birthday is the day before. That means I'll be spending the day in the kitchen baking, and frosting, and washing dishes, and all kinds of prep work.

Not that I mind. I'm so honored and thrilled that Doc and Nicole entrusted me with the desserts for their WEDDING, and I couldn't be happier to give them the gift of tasty treats! It also helps that my nearest and dearest friend Jackie will be coming to visit on Friday to keep me company and act as sous chef. Ken says he has some things planned for the following week, and maybe if we're not all too hung over on Sunday, I can gather some friends for some celebrating. (Brunch? Dinner and Drinks? Another Picnicing club meeting? PRIVATE ROOM KARAOKE? Please discuss...)

It also doesn't hurt that this party is probably going to be the greatest wedding anyone has ever known. The two love birds already eloped in California a few months ago, so this is just a big party for everyone to celebrate. It's happening in a theater/gallery. With live soul music. There will be pretzels and a keg of beer. Dinner is being catered by a TACO TRUCK. And to finish, a dessert table with grapefruit, key lime and lemon shortbreads, and cupcakes with flavors like mango and lime. Equal parts casual, classy, and awesome. I've never been more excited for a wedding in my life!

Now, back to my birthday. Because I know some of you are thinking, "I just don't know what to get her!" (Mom, I'm looking right at you). There's some things on my wishlist I hope I get. Here's some kitchen-related highlights:

1. Ice Cream Maker- Um, I don't think I need to explain why I'd want this, but just in case, here's 3 reasons: vegan ice cream, vegan gelato and vegan sorbet. I hear that kitchen aid has an attachment, but I'm really partial to this Cuisinart. Also, if I get an ice cream maker, everybody wins!
2. The Vegan Scoop- I'll need some vegan ice cream recipes to go with that new ice cream maker!
3. This Necklace- WANT. I can has? Also, this one's pretty darn cute too!
4. Vegan White chocolate chips- They're so elusive. Can they be purchased in Philly? I haven't found them yet. And I've been wary of purchasing anything chocolate online in the summertime.
5. Good quality Extracts- Vanilla, Almond, Strawberry, Coffee, I'll take whatever! 
6. Vanilla bean paste- I've heard rumors about this stuff. I think I need to investigate further. 
7. Tofu Press- Seriously, do you know how much easier this would make my life? 

Since I spend most of my time in the kitchen these days, it only makes sense that these are the kind of birthday gifts I'm drooling over. I'm also kind of hoping I get "fancy birthday" dinner from Ken, either at Horizons or Blue Sage, but I'd settle for New Harmony Vegetarian in Chinatown too. Also, I'm not really a fan of cake, so if someone could make me a birthday pie, that'd be great. Thanks!

For now, I'm off to get crackin' on those cookies. But I'm curious: what's your favorite way to spend your birthday?