Cake Pops Book Signing/Cupcakes Take The Cake Featured Me!

I'm very excited today for two reasons, and one of them is not because it's Labor Day and the kids go back to school tomorrow.

I just found out that the great Bakerella AKA 'She Who Created The Perpetual Cuteness That Are Cake Pops' is on a whirlwind book-signing tour, for her inspired genius, Cake Pops, and her first stop is HERE! Seattle! Yes, yes, yes! Finally, we are the cool stop. Not NYC, Chicago, LA. Seattle. Boo-yah!

The kids will be on the bus at 8:45 and I'm out the door. I've NEVER stood in line for anyone/anything, the closest was when hubby took the boy to meet Jeff Kinney AKA 'He Who Created The Perpetual Coolness That Is Diary of A Wimpy Kid.

The other reason for my giddiness is because of this....
...my grillcakes feature at Cupcakes Take The Cake. Next to the book signing, this is probably the closest I'll ever get to my idols. Unless Martha wakes up tomorrow and decides to make me her right-hand gal. Or Oprah finally returns one of my calls.

Drink Of The Week - Deep Sea Creature Punch

In honor of Fiesta Friday's Monster Bash post, I thought sharing the Deep Sea Creature Punch from BHG was perfect!

1. Fill a large clear-glass fishbowl or punch bowl with blue Gatorade or Kool-Aid.

2. Drape gummy octopus tentacles over the side. The only place I've heard them found is at Walgreens, I'm sure novelty and Halloween stores like Spirit Halloween would have some. I so need to keep my eye out for this!

3. Cast a pair of eyeballs to keep a watchful gaze over the food spread. To make the eyeballs, hollow out small holes in two large marshmallows and insert black gummy candies for pupils. Stick the marshmallows together and float them in the punch bowl.

Chili's Create-A-Pepper To Fight Childhood Cancer

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and every Saturday this month, I'll be showcasing a different organization/program dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. Please take a moment to visit each one and see how you can help, you would be surprised how easy it is to support.

To kick off the showcase, we'll start with the yummiest way to help out. The seventh annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign begins this week at more than 1,500 Chili's® Grill & Bar locations across the country and in Puerto Rico.

During their month-long campaign, guests at Chili's locations can contribute to the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in a variety of ways, which includes dining at Chili's on The Big Day - Monday, September 27. On that day, Chili’s will donate 100% of the profits from participating restaurant sales to St. Jude.

"Chili's has been a national corporate partner with St. Jude since 2004. Chili's has committed to raise $50 million in 10 years to help fund construction of the Chili's Care Center at St. Jude. This seven-floor, 340,000-square foot facility, which opened in November 2007, combines 21st century imaging and treatment technology with St. Jude's proven approach to medical research of putting patients and scientists in the same building to fast-track the translation of new knowledge into better care for children around the world.

To date, Chili's has raised more than $30 million. Once completed, the donation will be the largest donation from a single partner campaign in St. Jude history."

Fiesta Friday - Monster Bash

I know, you can't believe it's time to think about Halloween, but I just couldn't wait to get this post out. However, I've run out of ways to title 'Monster Mash Bash' since I don't know how many 'monster' themed posts I've done.

But here we are again, this time, I'm inspired by my recent acquisition of the latest BHG Halloween Tricks & Treats magazine. They have a cute Monster Madness party with the same aqua/lime green/orange color palette of my Monster Mash Bash from last year.

I'm excited to try this again, I love the non-traditonal colors, and with little ones at our party, it is definately less threatening. I decided to share my inspirations and perhaps get your own creative juices flowing!

Lovely ways to get the party started; Charlie Lou Designs printable party pack, Tiny Prints' monster invite.

Ever since I saw this Build-A-Monster cupcake bar at SnowyBliss, I've been dying to make them. And I mean dying. That's the real reason we are having another monster party because I've never repeat a theme. Believe you me, my kids have tried to talk me into another Star Wars party.

Some more treat ideas; Very Sweet Desserts monster marshmellow pops, monster ice-cream from Juicy Bits; Oriental Trading's monster pops; somehow I must incorporate Paper & Cake candy necklace favors because they are just too awesome!

Decorating ideas: I'm going to stock up on little birdhouses so we can make our own 'Monster House' similar to these from Indiefinable ; EEK! How cute is Making Mudpies' wreath? party table from Kate Bogot Photography; fun googly eye cups at Hostess Blog. I'm loving the look from BHG's party.

The perfect photo op...Monster-On-A-Stick, yes please!

Need more monster inspiration? Check out my Monsters Vs. Aliens post, it will link to others.

Fiesta Friday (On A Thursday) - A Few Shower Crazy It Forwards

As I've said before, I have some talented friends. Check out a recent shower hosted for her sister's bridal shower, very pretty in pink. And because not only did I teach her and help her make the pink tissue poms and there are those rings again, and she used my brownie pop mold, I must present her with a Crazy It Forward award.

And how could I not share a party chockful of sweet treats?





The other award goes to Matt and Tiffany's pretty woodland-themed baby shower. Not only did my felt owls make an appearance, they inspired the creation of other critters as well! Check out the raccoon and bear! Brava! That's what I like to see.

We Go Wednesday - LEGO Games Summer Tour

You know how you get all excited about an upcoming event, it sounds awestastic, you count down the days, you talk about it constantly etc. ad nauseum. Thus was the feeling when we first saw the flyer for the LEGO Games Summer Tour rolling into Seattle this past weekend.

My mom-dar twitched a little when the people at our LEGO store had no idea what I was talking about, but I figured, eh, they can't know everything LEGO. The flyer says "At the tour, you'll see all ten new LEGO games, build the robot and be the robot. You'll also walk through the labyrinth, avoiding the Minotaur. You can also play games against other families for a chance to win cool stuff. Guess the number of bricks in the evil Minotaur model for a chance to win a trip to LEGOland Park in California and much more!" Sounds sweet, right?

My boys are obsessed with 3 things; LEGO, Star Wars and Playmobil. So of course we couldn't wait to go. And it was at Seattle Center, which is a huge complex, so I'm thinking 'This is going to be kick-ass' and 'Crap, we should have come earlier, we aren't going to be able to get in.'

No worries on that end. In fact, when we came up the stairs, there it was. All 3 exhibits; main stage, and 2 tents.
Main stage where the game was a glorified version of Tic Tac Toe, that you had to sign up as teams for, basically one every half hour and it was already full. Oh, and that in front, the 'Minotaurus'? That's the labryinth you walk to escape the Minotaur. A floor map where the LEGO gal rolled a giant die for you to move. Don't those kids look excited?
Game under tent #1; involving rolling a giant die and moving the cars along the track. There were like 4 tables doing the same thing. Whee.

We didn't even bother going to tent #2, it pretty much involved the same thing execpt there was a pyramid involved. And another giant die. These must be part of the 10 new games. Wow. And I don't even know what was the 'build a robot, be a robot' part.Here is the 'guess the number of bricks' part, which sadly, was the most involved thing we did. Still looking for the '...and much more' part.

It should have been called LAME-O Games Summer Tour. I'm bitter. I tried to make the best of it and kept a smile on my face. And bless their hearts, the boys said 'it wasn't that bad, Mom!'. Everyone knows what that is code for.

Did I mention it was lame? Alright. I'm done.

Tuesday Trend - Parfaits

Before we jump into today's Trend, I would like to send thank you shout-outs to ...
...Catch My Party who liked my Back To School Bash enough to included it in a fab roundup, and made it Party Of The Day!And to the party goddess that is Stem Parties...I should totally make a button that says 'Queen Of Fun Finds, Ask Me How'
OK, moving right along...I love parfaits. I'm currently obsessed with granola, strawberries, bananas and yogurt. I eat it almost every morning. Over the years we found some ideas like this fun breakfast recipe, our Lucky Leaf parfaits and who can forget our 4th of July one?

I think they are going to be the new trend on the dessert bar. Clear glassware will showcase the finished parfait layers fabulously, so pull out your fancy sundae dishes and stemware like large wine or martini glasses.

Arrange your ingredients by layers, with all the cakey items together, next the fillings and fruits, and finally the toppings. Case in point, check out this gem from Nesting Newbies, jarfaits; layering different treats in a mason jar for easy transport!

They suggest starting with a base trifecta of treats - cakey (pound cake, macaroons) + creamy (ice cream, frosting) + gooey (liqueur syrup, marshmellows) and perhaps a fun topping or garnish. Mix and match to your heart's content, the possibilities are endless!

Check out some of their inspiring recipes...

Scarlet O'My - red velvet cake, strawberry cream cheese mousse, strawberry jam, white chocolate shavings.

Dulce De Tres Leche - tres leche cake, caramel pudding, dulce de leche caramel, banana slices, whipped cream

Wholly Cannoli - ricotta mascarpone cream, chocolate chips, chopped pistachio, amaretti cookie crumbs

Real Cupcakes - Grillcakes

Sorry, I've been lax on sharing my 'designer' cupcakes, half the time I forget to take pictures. Since it's coming up on Labor Day weekend, I thought these grillcakes would be perfect!

Get full directions at FamilyFun. I used gumdrops instead of the fruit slices since I couldn't find them. The frosting is tube icing, way easier to use when you attach a piping tip. And I couldn't find the caramels they talk about, so I used saltwater taffy.

Bag It Up! Back To School 2010

Everyone knows the backpack and lunchbox are the most crucial elements of your BTS wardrobe. I think my boys chew on their bags because every year, I'm getting new ones. I'm breaking the character bag habit because the shiny plastic is always getting ripped off.

The boy has his Jansport backpack from last year (it's checkered so it's 'skater boy', thus acceptable) and the little one is sporting a new camo one from Gymboree. We are really working on being greener this year, more containers for lunch and drinks, meaning less bags and drink boxes. Although we've been using systems like Laptop Lunches, we've used drink boxes, little cups of pudding, applesauce, etc.

So in my meanderings around looking for inspiration, I've found some great products to send them baggin' in style!

Frecklebox is going old-school with personalized metal lunch boxes. I didn't even know they still made metal ones! I remember my Strawberry Shortcake one with fond memories. Until it rusted. Thanks to a lovely giveaway, the little one is sporting one in camo to match his backpack. I like the chalkboard feature for sending messages. Which will save a little paper on the lunchbox notes I like to send. Notice the water bottle? No, it didn't come with the lunchbox. We are going to (attempt) see how well it works for non-water liquids.
How cool is the PlanetBox system? The box is made from stainless steel and held in a carry bag with the ability to hold a water bottle.
Gymboree's skull & crossbones can be attached to a matching backpack with the plastic side clips or carry by the top loop.
Skip Hop Zoo lunchies, found at retailers like Layla Grace, are insulated lunch bags with an interior mesh pocket that is perfect for utensils or lunch money.
Sarah + Abraham's aluminum water bottles are durable and will stand out in the crowd.
Just saw this messenger bag at The Children's Place, and the boy thought it was cool, and I agree. It's all canvas and the hardware feels pretty sturdy.
Each Go Green Lunch Box set comes with an insulated fabric carrier, an erasable white board for sending messages, a five-compartment food container, and a bottle that will hold over nine ounces of water or your child’s favorite drink – all leach- and lead-free.
Pottery Barn Kids never disappoints; they have a full range of lunch gear and backpacks galore.
The Goodbyn lunch box has to be by far my favorite; it comes with a drink bottle and dishwasher safe stickers to personalize your kids lunchbox.

Real Party/Fiesta Friday (On A Saturday) - Back To School Bash 2010

It came, it went, it was awesome. Our last hurrah for the summer, our annual Back To School Bash. It's really just a glorified playdate with friends we didn't get a chance to spend alot of time with. My boys are apparently in high demand and should quit school altogether and just be socialites.

I couldn't wait to share the pix, it was so much fun to put together. I have a Favorites folder full of inspiration and I wanted to use them all, but alas there was just no room.
Must every party include paper straws? That's a big 10-4 good buddy! And what, you say, is that runner made of? Why yes, it is real chalkboard cloth. No one believed me that it was, but I found it at Jo-Ann's, it comes on a bolt just like any cloth. I've had it for awhile with big dreams of putting a ribbon edging on it and make it an 'official' runner, but eh.

And since we all know the trick to an appealing table is having different heights, I figured nothing would be more appropriate than using some of our favorites books.

Shout-out to Bower Power's apple cupcakes; they were a big hit! The milk cartons were supposed to be favor holders but a. I ran out of time to fill them and b. I couldn't bear to see them go. How sad is that?

And how much do you love the edible pretzel crayons? I've been sitting on these for awhile, and paysie backsies to Lizard N Ladybug's own BTS party, I saw those lunch trays and how cute her crayons turned out, so of course I had to do it too.

And double shout-outs to Paper & Cake, I used their too-fun Back To School collection for my water bottle wraps, veggie fries containers and labels for the applesauce cups. They had so much stuff that comes with the download, but I just couldn't use it all. I was having a hard time reeling in the crazy and I had to draw the line.

I was going to make strips from their printed paper to wrap the sandwiches in, but that little voice in my head (which is getting littler by the day) said 'STOP. STEP BACK FROM THE PRINTER AND DROP THE SCISSORS, YOU ARE INSANE'. So I put it under them instead.



How could I not have Trader Joe's Schoolbook Cookies and alphabet tater-tots? The bags in the back were serving double duty as decor and favors. I wanted to have the flash card match with each guest's name, but we had 3 T names, so not everyone could. See how the crazy doesn't stop?


What's prettier than paper straws? Paper straws and Izzes. If I could afford it, I would serve them at every party.

What else did we do? Oh yes, we also did a nature walk around our neighborhood, where the blackberry bushes are ripe and the kids loved picking them. Me, I'm over them since a greenbelt full of them surrounds 3 sides of our yard and hubby turns into Rambo with the chainsaw and has to hack them back every year.

We asked each guest to bring a gently loved book for a book swap, which is a great way to get a new book or two without buying anything. I wanted to read Countdown To Kindergarten since several friends are starting this year, and it's the little one's fav, but alas, time flies when you're having fun!

Thanks again ladies for another great kickoff to the new school year!

Fiesta Friday - Labor Day Fiesta

Ready for an end-of summer blowout? Labor Day is coming up fast and Hot BBQ + cold drinks = a good time! For laid-back, no-fuss entertaining, it's hard to beat a backyard barbecue. With easy, fun dishes and activities for both kids and adults, your party is destined to become an instant classic.

Now, I'm all about not reinventing the wheel, so I decided to take a post I did last year and refresh with some new ideas. Plus, all this cuteness just had to be brought back!

Get The Party Started
Have the kids cut Popsicle shapes from colored construction paper, then glue the cutouts to Popsicle sticks after you've written in the barbecue details. If you have desktop publishing skills, check out this reception invite Design*Sponge; create your artwork, and then cut out into your popsicle shape.

How about this perfect print-and-mail template from Real Simple, it even has a line for what guests can bring to round out the refreshments.

Cleverness at Maggie's Dinner Dates who used condiment bottles to invite friends to their bash.
Setting The Scene
Take a tip from Instructables and turn kettle grills into planters. Fill the grill to the top with soil, and add whichever flower or plant of your choice just as you would in a regular flower pot. Don't cover with the lid, instead prop it against the bottom of the grill.

Skip the cooler and fill a child's wagon with ice and stock it with sodas, beer, and bottled water. Plus, the wagon can be rolled around for a bit of curbside service!

Take a tip from the party planning gurus in the Gospel According to Real Simple:Celebrations; set out utensils and napkins in rinsed Campbell's soup cans, to keep everything orderly and adding a little more color to your spread. Just make sure that the rims don't have any jagged edges.

Forget your usual array of condiment bottles. How much do I love Martha's suggestion in her Good Things For Kids Summer 2007 issue, to put a paper liner in each cup of a muffin tin and fill with your favorite toppings.

Bypass the checkered tablecloth and paper plates. A long sheet of white butcher paper is the ultimate table covering. Set out cups of crayons like they do at the restaurants and let guests add to the decor.

Looking for easy summer centerpieces? Take a cue or two from Phyllis Hoffman Celebrate: Summer; fill sand buckets with water and your favorite flower. Place one, two, or more buckets down your table's center, add small shovels and you're done.

Want a more fragrant arrangement? How about daisies and lemons? Trim the bottoms so the lemons sit flat. Cut a slice off the tops to expose the fruit, trim the stems and remove the leaves from the flowers. Insert one flower into each lemon and arrange the lemons on your plate.
What To Do
Sorry, y'all, not everyone wants to just sit around, especially with kids involved. Another great idea outlined in Real Simple: Celebrations, keep the kids occupied by setting up a lemonade stand. Place a few dishes of quarters around so adults can patronize the stand as often as they like.

The classics never go out of style. Set up lawn games like croquet and badminton, and nothing beats water balloons and sidewalk chalk.
The Munchies
Yes, hot dogs and hamburgers are a given, but take standard fare to another level. Retro serving baskets lined with parchment paper make fun and reusable serving plates. I've purchased mine at our local Party City. If you insist on paper plates, nestle them into an upturned Frisbee for a sturdier surface and a fun take-home favor.

Set up a flavored butter bar for your corn on the cob. Check out BHG's slide show of exotic ways to jazz up your ears with blends like curry powder and nuts.

I love food stations; less work for me and another way to keep guests engaged. Have a fruit kabob station, it will guarantee kids will eat their fruit. Use Popsicle sticks for little ones, older kids and adults can use regular skewers.

This hourglass beverage jar from Sur La Table has a 2-gallon capacity that is perfect for lemonade, sangria and more. Serve your drinks up in small drinking jars; decorate them by tying on strips of gingham, or by adding a striped candy stirrer or paper straw.

Have a s'more station with a twist; indulge in toppings that allow guest to top off with one more goody. Before sandwiching with the second graham-cracker square, Sunset.com recommends to try sliced strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, and even caramel.
Send Them Home With A Smile
Back at Maggie's Dinner Dates, she bought BBQ oven mitts (a score at Michael's, but I bet your local dollar store can fit the bill), rolled them up tightly and tied with a thick ribbon. Placed in the tin buckets on the table they do double duty as perfect centerpieces.

Send them home with a souvenir of their evening's treats...a pretty jar with a label of your homemade secret sauce or a s'more-making kit is a great way to keep the summer memories going.