Vent: My sister-in-law in Chicago watched me burn my third batch of macarons and just said 'maybe try a lower oven rack' | Baking Fails And Wins - The Community Guide
Add a pinch of salt to your buttercream if it's too sweet, it balances the flavor like magic. Learned that after a cake frosting fiasco last year, aaron_gonzalez. Also, if your cookies spread too much, chill the dough for an hour before baking.