Fantastic Birthday Party Ideas!

Last weekend my son's friend, Jasper, turned 1!  We had a fantastic time celebrating his birthday with his family and friends.   I also was inspired by his mother's awesome decoration ideas!  So I thought I would share for anyone planning the next birthday party:  Enjoy!

My friend Jes is a wonderful lady, full of warmth and thoughtfulness.  She found a way to use her son's newborn clothing to make his welcome board special.  As we walked into the house we were all reminded just how far Jasper has come.

A few days before the party my friend called to say her oven had caught fire and might not be usable for the party.  My friend Jes is also very resourceful.  She would give Sandra Lee from the show Semi Homemade a run for her money.  With little time and very little oven use Jes whipped up these semi-homemade tarts from premade shells by simply adding a whipped tart frosting and fresh berries, as well as mini muffins from a brand new mini-muffin maker, tater-tots in a warming tray, and store bought mini-quiches.  I must say a one year old's brunch has never tasted better.  I have to admit I ate most of the mini-quiches and tater-tots.  I just couldn't help myself.

Now that we have moved back into town life has gotten much better for my family. We are now closer to friends, and these friends have become our family. So to help out I was able to supply a few decorations for the celebration.

  
I have been working on a few new mobile designs specifically for Birthday Parties.  Using the party theme colors I put together this Large Paper Lantern Mobile to hang over the table, as well as a custom Burlap Happy Birthday Banner for the living room. It was great to see all the kids play together under the banner.  As you walked into each room there was a sense of whimsy and family, just how a child's birthday should feel. 

I have to admit that I am inspired and grateful fr my firends and their familys.  The more we work together the better life gets.

Check back soon for more photos, ideas, and inspirations.  If you have any questions about recipes from the party, or anything you see please feel free to contact me or comment below.

Halloween Re-Hash

So, If you hadn't guessed Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  Today I took down the last of the decorations.  We hosted a small get together on Halloween.  I didn't get pictures of the entire set up, but I thought I would share some fun things I found.  
Lets start with the Tricks!  Decorations!

 I had a lot of fun with some old ideas!  I made a Happy Halloween Banner, similar to the one I made for my son's first birthday, it was so quick and easy.  Then i found a few sheets of black construction paper and cut bats of all different sizes.  I just taped them all over, the different sizes had the perfect effect.  I hung one of my Balloon Mobiles in the corner, it blended in well with the hanging fans i found at the party store when I was looking for a witches hat for my costume. 

 

My favorite decorations where these pre-printed adhesive stickers I found.  These were so simple, I had some Ball jars that I use for storing applesauce and jams during the winter.  Paired with some bottles from the recycling bin and I had perfect and easy decorations.  Another of my favorites is straight from my childhood.  I purchased dumdums as treats, and just like my first grade teacher taught me, I rapped them in tissue and drew faces.  Add some ribbon and ghosties flew thought the air.

Now it's time for treats!

Growing up my mom went all out for Halloween!  Why would my house be different.  We had selections of toys and candy, I'm a bit of a traditionalists, so Hershey's bars and Reese's Peanut butter cups were paired with bags of Domino's and playdoh.  It was so fun to see kids trying to pick what they wanted! 

I even had a few extra toys for the kids at the party, however I think some of the dads had more fun with these goodies.

No party would be complete without cupcakes.  This year I took all the glop from the pumpkins and turned them into Pumpkin Cupcakes, paired with No-Bake Spiderweb cheesecakes.  The party was a success.

I can't wait till next year!

 

I Can't Stop Baking!

 In honor of Family... Lila, Nell, and Abby are coming today!  We get to experience Lila's first sleepover!  TO Celebrate I made Raspberry filled Dark Chocolate Cupcakes!  I had to play with frosting too!  I need to get a Cupcake nail to help with my frosting... but I'm learning and loving it!

         

In Honor of Valentine's Day

I made Yummy Raspberry Cupcakes!