Hey there, Cupcake!

Well, the party is over and I'll call it successful! Cupcakes and an outside party are DEFINITELY the way to go. No plates or forks, no real clean up. That's what I like!!! As for the cupcakes...

This is what started my thinking on these cupcakes. I saw this little beverage dispenser at Target on clearance for $6. Since we were having an outdoor splash party anyway, I decided it was PERFECT! Of course, then I had to make everything else sort of beach themed, too. And I kicked myself for not finding this before I sent the invitations out, because the invitations did NOT match this theme at all. Oh well.

When I decided to go with the beach theme, I started thinking about the cake and what I wanted to do, and I remembered this cake by Claudene:

I loved the colors and the beach theme!! So that got me started on my cupcakes... First, the shells. I decided to "paint" mine using the Wilton melts (peanut butter and white chocolate - mmm!) so they'd look more like real seashells. It was my mom's idea. And, if I may say so, a great one!! Instead of using graham cracker like Claudene used, I chose to use up some of the Sugar in the Raw we had in the pantry. Again, loved it!! I made french vanilla cupcakes and filled them with french vanilla pudding, then topped them with whipped frosting, Sugar in the Raw, and candy seashells. I could have only hoped they would turn out this good, but they did!!

While I was getting the cupcakes set up and ready this morning a very groggy brand new 2 year old wandered out into the dining room, looked at the cupcakes, and said, "Oooh! Birthday cake!" It was so very cute!!

Happy Birthday, Cupcake! I love you!!

Party Prep!

Today is party prep day!!!

Tomorrow is Eliana's 2 year birthday party, so this morning I baked cupcakes. Mmm! They smell SO good. This afternoon I'll make frosting and frost them. In addition to the cupcakes today I need to:

• move and fill the swimming pool for the kiddos.
• hook up and place the giant sprinkler ball.
• form the rest of the ice cream balls and cover them in sprinkles.
• put up the gazebo.
• sweep the deck.
• wash sippy cups to fill for the kiddos.
• make bubble solution for the giant bubble wands.
• put together party favors.
• make the birthday banner.

I'm sure there are other things I need to do. But this will keep me busy for a bit at least! Especially since I think today is the day we do away with Ellie's naps altogether. She's been fighting us on naps and bedtime and I think maybe it's just time to forego the nap. I don't know if I'm ready for it or not, but we'll see if I can get everything ready while she's up and about! =D

Hope to get some good pictures this year. Last year's were so disappointing I'm hoping we'll make up for it! Especially since Leif just got a new lens for the camera and I know he's itching to try it out!

Happy 4th of July!

A little peek at our 4th of July party...

I made up some infused simple syrups (cherry, cinnamon, and vanilla) to sweeten the sparkling lemonade, dressed up some pixy stix for some cheer, and cut some flowers from my garden for a little red, white, and blue. And I topped it all off with a little star banner decorated by Eliana, who will turn 2 in just a couple weeks! We had just a small gathering, but there were burgers, there was fun, and it was a refreshing way to spend a hot holiday! Hope your 4th was wonderful, too!

Happy Birthday, Eliana!

My baby is a year old today. Happy birthday, Sweetie! Enjoy it while it lasts, because you won't get birthday cake for breakfast every day. I love you! Here's a card I made just for you, just for today:

(card made using Heidi Swapp and Rhonna Farrer stamps with miscellaneous cardstock)

Chocolate Party!

Tomorrow we are going to a chocolate party. Woohoo!! Our friends Doug and Michael have one pretty much every year and they're a lot of fun. Not too healthy, but a lot of fun. Now... what to bring this year....

Last year I brought cappuccino truffles... they're a hard act to follow. I might have to make some again this year. I might also do white chocolate covered pretzels. Hmmm... what other goodness can I concoct? I believe that's what I'll be spending my day doing today. Helllllllooooo Inner Martha!