Wednesday, September 26, 2012

College Travels: Pastiche Fine Desserts and Cafe

Credit: pastichefinedesserts.com

There are many reasons to visit Providence, Rhode Island - museums, top-notch universities, and Waterfire, to name a few.

I am about to convince you that there is no better reason than Pastiche Fine Desserts and Cafe.

The mere memory of Pastiche's dopamine-inducing, rich and succulent cakes makes me swoon and drool all over my laptop. 

Pastiche is open every day of the week from morning til night. Its small European-cafe style creates a cozy atmosphere. My family took my friend and I on a Sunday night and it was packed. Although there were seven of us, we were seated in two booths within 20 minutes. The cakes arrived five minutes later. Cloud nine after the first bite!












After much deliberation, I chose a slice of the Chocolate Mousse Cake. It was simply divine. The texture was soft and light and the chocolate melted in my mouth. Needless to say, I finished it all.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

My friend chose the All American Chocolate Layer Cake. I tasted a bite and it was quite good. The star  was an adorable touch.

All American Chocolate Layer Cake

My aunt chose the Rasberry Almond Financier. I couldn't try it due to food allergies, but she raved  about it and the delicious sauce.

Rasberry Almond Financier

I hope these pictures convinced you to pay a visit!

Watch the following video of my Rhode Island trip! Clips of Pastiche's interior are included toward the end.



xxolivexx

Friday, September 21, 2012

College Travels: Waterfire in Providence, RI


The following photo essay accompanies this video -- watch it for my weekend traveling to Rhode Island!

Waterfire is a non-profit arts organization that transforms Providence with its summer celebrations. There are bonfires on the river, glowing koi, live music concerts, and vendors selling food. 








The following two photos are incredible pumpkin carvings!










xxolivexx

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sunday, September 16, 2012

College-ified Birthdays!


This is me (center) with nearly all of my college girl friends. 

When one of us has a birthday, we go all out. Here are a couple snapshots from last year:

Surprise glow-in-the-dark celestial e. coli

Surprise hall party with fancy custom cake!
Early this September, our friend Steph celebrated her birthday.

At midnight on her actual birth date, we sang her happy birthday and ate cupcakes.

A few days later, we went out to dinner at the Watch City Brewery in Waltham.

Waiting for the bus, birthday girl to the right

Of course, the boys sat next to each other (bad though entertaining idea) and made fools of themselves, while us ladies were at the height of our etiquette careers.

Apparently my presecription glasses are really strong!
We ordered a brownie and ice cream for Steph, though the restaurant accidentally made an two, so we got an extra for free!

Can you see her gift from all of us? (It's the silver heart locket.)
Later that evening Becca and I hung up the pinata on a tree.

We had a princess theme goin on.
Leading blind-folded Steph to the pinata!

Squished snickers

Happy Birthday Steph!! Have a great year!!

xxolivexx

Friday, September 14, 2012

Brandeis Glow Party!


Sooo, about this!

My friend Kait and I went a paint party on campus before school started. It was awesome!


 It was held in a fenced-in area on the great lawn. At each of the four corners, there were platforms where orientation leaders stood with bottles of paint. The music was blasting and we danced for a while. Then when the paint started, we ran like madwomen to be drenched by various colors.

At one point, determined to be thoroughly soaked, we wormed our way into the crowd. It was packed - everyone was jumping up and down and as soon as the paint started they pressed in. It was worth it, though. As you can the splattering was awesome. It was everywhere. In our mouths, eyes, nose... I still have paint in my glasses.



What a great way to start the school year!

xxolivexx