For the past 17 months, I have been living and breathing yearbook. As the Editor in Chief of George Washington University’s Cherry Tree Yearbook, I had the privilege of creating a beautiful book of memories and traditions for my senior class.
I began this project with a vision – it would be classic, timeless and elegant. I wanted the book to “taste” like champagne and frosting.
My staff and I chose the theme “reflection” and in the beginning I collected all of my inspirations. Celebrating with bubbly and cupcakes were the start, but I was driven also by pearls, cameos, metallics, sparkle, rich textures, the colors of Ladurée and the classic spirit of GW.
A year ago, I made this collage and it has inspired me through the entire process…
On Friday, I put my red pen down and finished editing the yearbook. It’s going to press soon and will be on my coffee table by November… I can’t believe it!
And so I must celebrate, just like the yearbook calls for. Last night, I made delicious (and fancy, or at least I tried) cupcakes and bought a bottle of champagne. It was the perfect combo and the perfect way to celebrate crossing the finish line. Cheers!
Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
The cake recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart
And here’s my I’ll-just-eat-it-off-my-finger cream cheese frosting recipe:
(For 12 cupcakes)
- 1 eight-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth
- Add the vanilla extract
- Gradually add the sugar and beat until incorporated
- Stick your finger into the bowl and lick away
- Just kidding… maybe… spread on cooled cupcakes and enjoy!
Sprinkles that look like pearls
A preview of the 2009 Cherry Tree (flocked! ah!) dust jacket… can you see the resemblance?
And finally, I made these gorgeous cupcakes in my beautiful new apartment… the tour will come soon! I’m finally in my own space and though the yearbook is finished, I’ll keep the book’s inspiration around me. That includes this sample of flocked wallpaper from Osborne & Little which I was able to snag from my internship at House Beautiful Magazine.
