cupcake party

You asked for it, so you shall receive! Here's a peek into Little Miss L.'s cupcake-themed party. To be honest, I was a bit of a slacker when it came to hosting Little Miss L.'s special day. I had been under the weather which equaled little-to-no energy and very little desire to have a party, but as a parent, we put all of that on the back burner to make sure our little ones have the perfect birthday.

I had been thinking about a theme for Little Miss L.'s party for some time but in a matter of seconds the decision had been made for me. I asked Little Miss L. what she wanted for her party and she said "just pink and purple cupcakes with lots of candy" Well, as a somewhat health-conscious mom this wasn't exactly the answer I wanted to hear but who I am to disappoint?

I whipped out my apron and the baking began. Who doesn't love love love the perfect sweet table. All that sugary goodness is sure to make any three-year-old happy. We made sure to have the yummiest cupcakes (thanks again, auntie Jenn!) lots of cookies, gooey brownies and who could forget lots of candy to top it all off.

It is pretty safe to say that Little Miss L. was one happy girl when she laid her eyes on the candy land table. If I remember correctly, her little hands were quickly placed on her cheeks as she loudly said "Oh my gosh, it's beautiful mommy!" I saw her little face light up. As long as the birthday girl was pleased, this mommy's job was done.

For deco we went with bright colours. It was a must to have her two favourite colours pink and purple. Lots of paper lanterns were spread throughout the house.

We went with simple vanilla and chocolate cupcakes and made sure to have the mini ones for the kiddos.

We couldn't forget the candy necklesses. They remind me of my childhood birthdays.

Chocolate-covered marshmellows.

Sprinkles and coconut.

Cranberry shortbread cookies.

One of my favourites - brownies!

I used old salt and pepper shakers as lollipop holders. 

Filled up a Mason jar with brightly coloured licorice.

Marshmellow-filled ice cream cones.

The goodie table.

I wouldn't want you guys to think I only served the sweet stuff. I had a few other options on hand and guests seemed to enjoy their personal-sized nacho dip.

Single serving nacho dip.

1st birthday party

This past weekend was full of f's-friends, fun, and food. I love love love a good party, especially a children's birthday party! Who doesn't love balloons, games, party favours, scrumptious food, dancing, and who can forget the famous birthday cake. There is just something special about being surrounded by sugar-induced, bouncing and giggling children. Saturday, we put our party hats on in celebration of our dear friend Baby E's 1st birthday. It was a wonderful party with lots of good laughs - Little Miss L. could not stop talking about it. For the last four days, she keeps asking when Baby E is going to have another party? Happy Birthday Baby E - you are growing up so fast... here is to another fabulous year ahead.

Loved the Hello Kitty theme - cake and cookies were beyond yummy!

Love the milk for the kids - made we want to chug back a glass of the cold stuff.

Party time!

Little Miss L. was trying to sneak out of the party with these awesome balloons.

My two handsome men. Baby D was loving all the attention.

Loved the idea of the guests leaving their hand prints on canvas for Baby E to hang in her room. Great memento.

Time for cake!

Baby E thought it was quite delicious.

The party favours were a hit - the kids loved them.

Baby E's daddy is talented - he was able to make balloon animals for all the kiddies. Little Miss L. wanted to give it a try as well.

Friends for life. Little Miss L. loves her to the moon and back as she says.

Time to pin the bow on Hello Kitty.

Time for presents!

This time of our lives is special. I love getting together with all of our friends and watching our children grow up together. Memories in the making :)

weekend catch-up

This weekend was full of celebration. On Saturday, we celebrated the hubby's birthday. To be honest, I have been a little lazy lately when it comes to planning birthday fun. I asked the hubby what he felt like doing for his birthday this year and his response was that he is too old now to doing anything special. I thought to myself, I love love love birthdays and fall, so what better way to enjoy both of them than heading to the apple orchard. We had a great morning at the orchard - Little Miss L. loved picking the apples off the trees all by herself. She also enjoyed eating the fresh juicy apples; she never went empty handed until we got into the vehicle to leave. After spending the morning at the orchard, we headed home and made some delicious homemade apple sauce. It was the perfect fall day!

Sunday morning, we woke up and were greeted by my parents. I love love love them, probably more than they know. They drove for an hour to make our family breakfast; there is nothing better than a Sunday morning breakfast with all the works. After spending the morning with my parents, the afternoon was spent with my in-laws who joined us for a birthday dinner to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday. It was a wonderful day spent with our families. Little Miss L. was in her glory as she loves spending time with her grandparents. As she headed off to bed, I asked her if she had fun with her grandparents today and her response was "Yes, I love so much." It was a great fall weekend spending time with my family and celebrating our loved ones' birthdays.

Little Miss L. loved her wagon ride.

Humm, this apple is sour.

If she could, Little Miss L. would spend all day eating apples.

Daddy gets in on the action.

The men working hard in the orchard.

One big apple!

I love love love fall.

Little Miss L. was a pro apple-picker.

Baby D slept through the whole thing.

Daddy and his babies.

As you all know, I like to jump when I am happy.

I love this precious girl.

I can't wait to carve our pumpkins.

Family shot.

Happy Birthday daddy!

Little Miss L. couldn't wait to help daddy blow his candle out.

Grandma's birthday dinner.

One of Little Miss L.'s favourite things to do is blow out the candles. 

I love apple crisp. We put our apples to good use; thanks mom for the help!

ladybug themed party

Does your little one love love love ladybugs? Are you planning a party sometime soon? Look no further - a ladybug theme for a birthday party is easy and fun to plan. For Little Miss L.'s first birthday, I thought long and hard about what was suitable as a theme for her big day. At the time, she was not really into cartoons or characters on television, but there was one thing I knew captured her attention... whenever my baby would see a ladybug, she would get so excited. One of my favourite nicknames for her is my "lil'bug" so it seemed to be the perfect fit.

Invitations were made with red and black card stock. Red for the main body with black spots scattered about. The information was written in silver pen and then sealed within a black envelope.

Little Miss L. rose to the occasion and wore a little ladybug dress (I received this adorable outfit at my baby shower). To finish off the look, she wore black shoes - she looked so cute!

For decorations, we stuck with red and black, of course. The tables were covered with red table cloths and we added black napkins. For the rest of the decor, we used red and black balloons and paper streamers, all found at our local party supply store.

Next I decided to take a swing at making my very first fondant cake EVER! I must say that it took some time (okay, a lot of time) but now that I know what I am doing, the second time around should be smooth sailing. I made multiple cakes: one main, large cake, a cake for Little Miss L. to smash and several mini ladybug cakes for the little kiddies that would be joining us at the party. The kids loved having their very own cake - I will definitely do individual cakes again... I think they would make great party favors.

The dessert table.

One of the mini cakes I made for each of the kids.

Little Miss L. wasn't to sure what to think of the cake but it didn't take her long to decide she really liked it.

Finger lickin' good!

To close things off, it was gift opening time. Daddy and mommy were sure to wrap all of Little Miss L.'s presents in red wrapping paper with black ribbon. To end the party on a high note, Little Miss L.'s god-mommy knew the perfect gift... it was just so fitting :)

God-mommy got Little Miss L. her very own ladybug to ride around on!

Little Miss L. ready for Carnaval in Portugal.

Our little bug, she loves them so much that she was one for Halloween.