Brunch date with Danica

So, I had a chance to connect with my high school gf, Danica.
Even though we weren't super close in high school, possibly due to hanging with different crowds and having different classes other than 1 business class that we met in, we recently got back in touch IN PERSON. I think I actually wrote about it. So, I'm not going to go into it much further.

Anyways, she invited me over to her house, which is actually quite far from me. But, I was excited to just chill at her house, instead of having to go to a restaurant and feel awkward about overstaying our welcome.

Since she was lovely enough to offer to cook me brunch, and knowing her I figured that she would cook up something fierce and just amazing, I decided to bring dessert. So I baked chocolate sheet cake that I found a recipe of, and it was so easy to bake and quite delicious actually.

When I got to her place, she was busy cooking up a storm of faux-french toast and just other delicious things. Let the pics speak for themselves, even though they don't do their deliciousness justice. 

It was mascarpone lemon french toast with berries & strawberry champs!

Then, we just CHATTED away. like. really.

And we got hungy from all the talking, so she cooked up ANOTHER STORM of deliciousness.

I look weird in this pic, but hahahaha OH WELL.

Happy Birthday to Dana!

Well, her birthday was 9/5, and we celebrated on the day. But, i'm lazy and yea..

We've been friends since elementary school because we came to America around the same time.

Then, we were separated when she moved to another city. Even though we were living close enough, we didn't get to hang out as much.

But, whenever we talk on the phone, we never fail to crack each other up.
She's the best at lightening my mood, and I love her for that.

So, I took her to Cheesecake Factory because she said she has actually never been!!!!
Insanity.

Since I got there earlier, I asked our server to secretly bring a cheesecake since it's her bday. He said that they sing and stuff, so EVEN BETTER!
Finally, when Dana got to the table, I casually asked her what kind of cheesecake she likes because I like a certain kind. (; COVERT! HAHAHA And she said she likes the original plain cheesecake. So, when the server came to take our order, I just pointed at the menu and asked for it.

And VOILA, by the end of our meal, he brought out the cheesecake and sang for her. She was obviously really surprised and embarrassed and happy HAHA.
WIN FOR HAYON.

Good night overall (:

Apple pie cupcakes with white chocolate frosting

I'm channeling Martha Stewart these days.
Been baking like a mad woman.

These cupcakes were a bit more work than I'm used to since I had to make a filling, but the cake was fluffy and everything was just perfect.
Became one of my favs!

Once I find the recipe again, I will upload the recipe (: