My daughter recently started Kindergarten and since I work full-time, I haven’t been able to meet most of her new little friends or their parents. I decided Halloween presented the perfect opportunity to host a small gathering to bring the parents and girls together in a social and fun environment. And of course, what a better way to celebrate with 5 year olds girls than dressing up, playing games and decorating cookies.
I love choosing a birthday theme that is general and allows me to bring out my creativity in putting it together. When my son turned eight, I daringly suggested a space party, thinking he may turn it down. Though I did sweetened the deal telling him we could play cosmic bingo, while also having a piñata and cosmic bowling. Surprisingly, he was keen and so the planning began!
Recently, I was looking for another summer dessert option to offer guests at our Wedding Renewal Party (details on that monumental event to come). Since I already had chocolate and cookies covered, I figured a fresh fruit choice would be a necessary addition. And really, you can’t go wrong with whipped cream. But in true fashion, I ran out of time and wasn’t able to bake a cake to use. Enter a dessert hack I created unexpectedly, my one-Minute Strawberry Shortcake. You know I had to share when it turned out to be the most eaten dessert at the event.
I consider myself lucky when my close friends allow me to help with their child’s birthday party. As lady Oprah once said, “the more you celebrate your life, there more there is in life to celebrate”. For me growing up and still to this day, I love a good celebration, especially when it is for a special kid. For a second year in a row, my close friend gave me free range on putting together a celebration for her daughter, who also happens to be my daughter’s BFF. Our girls have grown up together in the last couple years despite a 2 year age gap, they simply love being in each other’s company.
The heat index is rising here on the Westcoast and what a better time to share a fun little party I threw earlier this month to welcome the official start of Summer. The kids were finally off of school and it was time to celebrate the season of fun with a little get together with friends. With help from some fellow moms and party lovers, Hello Hoopla and Teeny Wish, the gathering was actually pretty easy to pull off (which was especially important, as I too, was coming off a hectic last month at school).
With the big Royal Wedding just a few days away, I thought it would be fun to share a travel themed bridal shower I threw a couple years ago. You know what is just as exciting as planning and prepping your own wedding?!? For me, it was getting to be involved in my best friend’s big day. I know you think your bff is fabulous, but you haven’t met mine. She is always doing things for others and is one of the most caring, kind and loyal people you will ever meet. So when it was time for her to get married, I wanted to make sure she was spoiled like she deserved.
It is hard to believe Easter is around the corner! It really snuck up on me this year. If you follow along, you know I love an easy holiday cookie recipe I can make with the kids. When I came across Hershey’s seasonal Carrot Cake Kisses, I knew I had to create something using them. These aren’t just any White Chocolate Kisses, but rather, ones filled with a cream filling. Meet my original Carrot Cake Kiss Cookie. This one is kid and Easter Bunny tested and approved!
I don’t know how it happened, but I feel like I blinked and my baby girl was approaching her fourth birthday. It seems like yesterday we were coming home from the hospital, no longer a family of three, but rather a complete family foursome. That being said, part of me is a bit happy to say bye to the “threenager” stage that reared its head often over the last year. Our girl is mighty and knows what she likes and doesn’t like.
With a new year, comes many new celebrations. I am gearing up for Valentine’s Day and my daughter turning four next month, but in the meantime, I thought I would share the details from one of my favorite parties that took place last year. Read on for all the delightful elements from a “Little Ladybug First Birthday”.
When it comes to holiday baking, I like to keep things simple, yet make it seem like I slaved for hours in the kitchen. So I decided to share the recipes we break out year after year that always seem to be crowd pleasers. And even better, many only require a handful of ingredients and thus, perfect for busy families out there.