EPIC SUCCESS: Parisian Macarons

oooooh friends, yesterday was the best day of my life! not only was the weather A-MAZING, but i had a little kick in my step (that may or may not have been due to sangria consumption) that led to the most perfect little macarons i have ever laid my eyes on!

*now, i know you remember my epic fail in the fall. i've had my sights set on the perfect macaron since, and i am very proud to say that this was only my second try! and they.were.perfect!!!

While I could take the time to write down the steps, I don't want to. I want to introduce you to the best book I've ever read: I {heart} Macarons by Hisako Ogita. Not only is it filled with plenty of eye candy, it gives you options for millions of flavors of macarons and buttercreams as well as other fillings. it also gives you step by step instructions - with pictures - which i obviously needed. Seriously, this book was my life saver!

without further ado, i present to you the most adorable little dessert i've ever seen, made by: ME!
while i am not thrilled with my color choice (only made two batches in fear that i'd royally screw up again), i am PUMPED about the results!

brownish color = plain almond/vanilla buttercream
green color = matcha (green tea....with hints of blueberry)/vanilla buttercream

every single person said: "seriously? you made these? are you sure you didn't buy them when no one was home!?!?!?? THEY LOOK LIKE THEY ARE FAKE!"
needless to say, I LOVE reactions like that!

i forgot to mention that i SCREAMED out loud when i saw the feet forming - so much so that my room mates that were home all came into the kitchen to see if i was ok/dead. it was THAT exciting!