Monthly Archives: February 2012

Penny and Lawson Celebrate Mardi Gras!

29 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Children's Activities, Children's Clothing, Food, New Orleans, Orient Expressed

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Mardi Gras may have just ended, but here in New Orleans we’re already missing the carnival season.  It is the time of year when all of New Orleans comes alive.  For two special little girls, Mardi Gras is not only a time to celebrate Fat Tuesday, but also their birthdays!  The excitement they must have felt this year,  imagining the parades rolling all over the city were specially for them!  Together (with the help of the fabulous Twirl Photography) Penny and Lawson turned one year older amidst the joy of Mardi Gras.

But you don’t have to live in New Orleans to throw a Mardi Gras themed party.  The spirit of the Carnival season is for everyone.  All you need is an abundance of purple, green, and gold and a festive spirit!

Here are some of the ways that Penny and Lawson celebrated this year:

For a fabulous birthday party, you can’t forget the children’s clothes.  Orient Expressed had the perfect Mardi Gras outfits for Penny, Lawson and friends.

To order these ensembles call our retail line at 1 (504) 899 – 3060 .

Special treats are an integral part of any party.  Lolli pops, cupcakes, cookies and, of course, a king cake were musts this day.  King cake is a delicious Mardi Gras tradition that includes a fun surprise.  Hidden inside each king cake is a small baby figurine.  The lucky person who finds the baby has to bring the next king cake.  Want to make your own king cake?  Here’s a wonderful recipe from nola.com:


http://www.nola.com/mardigras/index.ssf/2007/12/king_cake_with_cream_cheese_an.html

 Penny and Lawson’s birthday party was great success.  Everyone loved their outfits, the cute decorations, the face painting, delicious food, and the girls adored their wands and crowns!

One of OE’s favorite photographers is Jennifer Zdon with Twirl Photography.  Without Jennifer this party would not have been the success that it was.  We’ve used Twirl Photography many times and especially love the cute videos she creates!

Lawson and Penny’s Birthday Party 2012 from Twirl Photography on Vimeo.

Photo Shoot Fun

29 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Children's Clothing, New Orleans, Orient Expressed

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We’ve been busy with photo shoots here in New Orleans.  Children’s clothing shoots are unlike any other photography.  Children give you gems you never expected!  Here are some “bloopers” from our most recent photo shoot.

Despite disputes over props, the boys loved their Sailboat shortall and the Sailboat Bubble!

Even dressed in her cute Tulip Bishop, she can't help but be sassy!

Dirt and cheerios go perfectly with this Sailboat Shortall and Bubble!

Thinking hard about the best pose for her favorite Flower Bishop!

The boys loved that red pail almost as much as the Sailboat Bubble and Sailboat shortall!

Stay tuned for more fun pictures, sneak peaks, and more!

Heavenly Hash Birthday Cake

24 Friday Feb 2012

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We are celebrating not one but two birthdays today at Orient Expressed!  We all got a treat with Tara’s homemade Heavenly Hash Cake.  It was so delicious we wanted to share the receipe with you!

Tara found this fabulous receipe in "Extra Extra" a cookbook by Corinne Cook

Ingredients:

2 sticks of butter

3 tablespoons of cocoa

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups flour

A pinch of salt

2 cups chopped pecans

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

24 large marshmallows

1. In small saucepan, melt butter and blend in cocoa.  Set aside to cool.

2. In separate bowl, beat eggs with wire whisk.  Add sugar to eggs and blend well.

3. Pour butter and cocoa mixture into egg mixture.  Stir until well mixed.  Add flour, salt, nuts and vanilla.

4. Pour into greased and floured 9 X 13 inch pan.  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  After cake is baked and while it is hot, place marshmallows, cut side down on top of cake.  Pour frosting over marshmallows.

Frosting:

6 cups sifted powdered sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

3/4 cup evaporated milk

6 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1. Place powdered sugar and cocoa in 2 quart bowl.  Set aside.

2. In small sauce pan, bring milk and butter to a boil.  After it comes to a boil, pour into the bowl with the powdered sugar and cocoa.  Add vanilla and beat with whisk until smooth.  Pour over marshmallows and warm cake.  Cool and cut into small squares.

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