Bunny Cakes

Safari Birthday Party

Last month I helped plan a *Safari Party* for our friends' daughter's first birthday.  We followed some basic birthday party tips and it turned out to be a super hit!  Check out some of the details from the event!

To accompany the Safari theme we selected chocolate brown and candlelight yellow as the color palette.  We chose four animals to showcase, with elephants being the dominant animal (and the birthday girl's favorite).  Standard safari hats were purchased and then customized with a party logo and each kid's name.  In addition to a monkey pinata, the kids made and decorated their own binoculars (two toilet paper rolls held together by rubber bands with plastic wrap over one end) and used them to find plastic animals scattered around the house.  Ice cream cone cupcakes (the mom's family tradition) were topped with animals we cut from leopard print paper (inspired by Martha).  The birthday girl had her own special cupcake topped with an elephant cut-out.  Signs to African cities were made with mileage markers that referenced the birthday girl's height, length and weight at birth.  Balloons, fresh flowers, a banner & custom table cloth with runner rounded out the decorations.  Curious George books were handed out as party favors for the children and packaged 'Elephant Treats' (chocolate covered peanuts) were given to all.  Overall, it was a lot of planning and details, but mostly it was a lot of fun!

-K

Bakewise: Become Brilliant in the Kitchen

There are many pleasures in life---eating cookies is certainly one of them.  

I am a maker of things.  I enjoy creating things that bring happiness to my life and the lives of others.  One of the easiest, nicest, and certainly the most delicious ways to create a little joy in someone’s life is to make them cookies.  Although I would not consider myself a great baker, I really enjoy the act of baking.  I would bake everyday if I had the time and if end results of my baking didn’t cause my pants to become so tight (moderation is something that I lack dreadfully at times).  

Like a lot of other crafters in the world, I am constantly on the look out for new ideas, new things, new spark.  Last year as I was on the way home a little spark caught my attention.  I was listening to NPR and a wonderful segment on better cookies through food science came on. The segment’s guest was Shirley Corriher who had just released a new book called  Bakewise: The Hows and Whys of Successful Baking.  BakeWise promised to help diagnose and fix common cookie ailments and issues.  I listened and I was captivated.  The wheels in my wee little head began to turn, however, it was December 17th, and my thoughts and energies were largely being consumed with trying to survive the holidays.  Fast forward a few months.  I was on my library’s Amazon Wish list looking for some books to donate (I heart the library in more ways than I can tell you) and BakeWise happened to be on their list.  I thought what an interesting book to add to the library.  I purchased the book and waited anxiously for it arrive.

Well, all I can say is BakeWise is incredibly awesome.  Although I haven’t really made that many things yet, I am almost tempted to say that this book ranks up there with Silpats.  BakeWise is really great because it explains why bad things happen and ways to correct the problem in really simple easy to follow steps. Another thing that I found refreshing is that this books lacks any pretension---the ingredients a re not snobby they are just, basic and good. Perhaps, it is because I am surrounded by cookbooks full of recipes that I could never make without the “assistance” of my favorite kitchen gadget, M, but I find simple/easy baking is enjoyable and relaxing.  I highly recommend this little baking treasure.

Happy Baking (and eating!).  Now if they could only come up with more fashionable elastic waist pants...

~A

PS- you can listen to Shirley Corriher on NPR here. 

Your Very Own Picasso

This Picasso (by Robert Capa) could be yours...if you're the highest bidder (auction ends on 4/29/09).  I love how happy and adoring Picasso & his wife look in this photo!

-K

Mother's Day Cards

There are twenty days left until *Mother's Day*!  If you are looking for some fun cards to pass out to all the moms you know, I have just the spot for you.  Connect the Dots is a group of women who will be participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day and are raising money to support the fight against Breast Cancer.  For just $5 they will send you these downloadable cards (plus Easter & Thank You cards).  All the proceeds from the cards will go to the Susan G. Komen fund.  

I have packaged the cards with these yummy creme-filled rolled wafers.  I can't stop snacking on them because they are so delicious!  To package the wafers just bundle them up and roll them in cello, then tie off both ends with bakers twine or ribbon and attach card.

-K

Bake Sale Blunder

This year the PTA's Beach Blanket Bingo Night was replaced with a Fifties-style Sock Hop.  The price of admission ($6) included entry to the dance, an ice cream treat, a bottle of water and a chance to participate in a cake walk.  The request from the event coordinators was for 'baked goods'.  After a night of baking and packaging *Sock Hop Sweets* with Auntie A, I had a sudden realization: the call for baked goods was probably not for a bake sale, but only to support the cake walk.  My fears were confirmed as I dropped off our cake and the individually packaged treats the next day.  The coordinator at first look horrified at my blunder, but like a good mom (and event coordinator) she was able to roll with it.  The treats were used as second place prizes for the cake walks and were handed out during the dance as prizes.  All the kiddies seemed happy to get the little packages in their hands.  As far as mistakes go, I am glad this one fell into the category of 'Working Out in the End'!

-K

P.S.  It turned out the Sock Hop was not a very popular event.  I was extremely surprised and disappointed by the lack of participation.  I guess the dance didn't draw the older grades or much of the boys.   However, the kids that were there had a blast!

Star Wars Birthday Party

If you were a big Star Wars fan as a kid, chances are you won't miss the opportunity to throw your kids a *Star Wars Birthday Bash* at some point.  The boys and I went to a super fun Empire Strikes Back Party a couple of months ago hosted by blogger Suburban Fizz.  The birthday cake was Han Solo (Ken doll) frozen in a block of carbonite (chocolate icing).  The kids activities included light saber lessons, a battle with Darth Vader and filling up a giant Chewbacca drawing with Princess Leia's lips (homage to her line to Han: 'I'd rather kiss a Wookie').  Alas, I don't have any pictures from the bash, but I did come across some pictures from another fabulous Star Wars birthday party.  These great pictures come from Melanie at One Cool Pick (I found the pictures via Party Perfect).  More detail's about Melanie's party can be found here. 

 

For favors these Darth Vader-like water bottles were given out...how perfect!

More dreamy pictures can be found from Photograoher Ja Tecson here.

-K

Welcome Home

My *Kid-Free Week* came to an end last Saturday when Hubby and I drove up to the Jersey Shore to pick up the boys.  The boys had an absolute blast with Grandpa despite the gray and chilly weather.  At home in our very quiet house, I was only able to accomplish about a third of the items on my to-do list (I guess I can't blame my lack of productivity all on my kids).  Nevertheless, it felt good to get those items done, because I know I wouldn't have completed them otherwise.  Of course the thing that felt best was having those loud, sweet boys in my arms again.

The boys welcomed Hubby & I with hugs, kisses and the nice banner seen above. 

Hope you all had a nice Spring Break!

K

Star Wars Easter Basket

The Easter Bunny will be leaving the boys one big basket of *Star Wars and Easter Goodies*.  Auntie A thought the Easter Bunny might be doing the boys a disservice by leaving only one basket, but I think they can handle it.  I would have loved a basket like this when I was a kid--even if I had to share it.

Here is a look at how the color wash basket turned out compared to the original.

The extremely adorable Yoda & Chewie favor boxes are from the very talented Katie Cook.  I am a big Star Wars fan and I don't think I have seen anything cuter!

Happy Easter!

K

Carrot Pouches

This year when the boys wake up on Easter morning instead of finding their baskets they will only find these cute little *Carrot Pouches*.  Inside the pouches will be a clue that will lead them to their Easter baskets. 

I am planning on being a little bit more elaborate this year for Easter since the boys are away  on Spring Break with Grandpa.  I can't believe it!  This is their first week away from Mom & Dad ever.  The house is really, really quiet without the boys here.  I miss them tons already, but I am looking forward to my week 'off'.   I will be working on lots of overdue projects, Easter projects and relaxing.  Anyway, back to the carrot pouches...this is a quick & easy sewing project that you can modify to make whatever size you want.  Here are the steps I followed (it seems like a lot of steps, but they go by fast):

1.  Optional Step: Machine or Hand embroider recipient's name on orange felt.

2.  Using a water-soluble pen draw carrot outline on orange felt.  

3.  Place another piece of orange felt under the felt that has the carrot outline.  Sew along pen lines, but make sure you don't sew your pouch closed!  Leave an opening at the larger end of the carrot.

4.  Using sharp scissors trim just outside carrot outline.  See Exhibit A below:

5.  Draw a template for the carrot leaf on paper and cut out.  NOTE: Make the end of the leaf that will attach to the carrot rounded.  This will allow you to sandwich the carrot between the two layers of the leaf.  

6.  Pin paper template to two layers of green felt.  NOTE: The two layers will make the leaf more substantial and will allow you to nicely attach the carrot.

7. Sew around the leaf template.  Make sure you do not sew together the rounded bottom portion of the leaf.  Start on one end of the rounded portion and sew all the way around to the other end of the rounded portion, but do not sew the bottom of the leaf yet.

7.  Using sharp scissors trim around the leaf (including the rounded end).  See Exhibit B below:

8.  Now for the slightly tricky part...attaching the leaf to the carrot.  Fold over the top lip of the carrot pouch and pin it so it is out of the way.  Maneuver the bottom lip of the carrot pouch between the rounded open end of the leaf.  The bottom layer of carrot will now be sandwiched between the leaf pieces (see Exhibit C).  Sew the leaf closed.  Now the leaf and carrot will be attached and you will have a cute little carrot pouch for lots of Easter goodies.

9.  Fill with treats & enjoy!

-K

More Ranunculus

A bouquet of ranunculus makes the *Perfect Little Gift*!  Cut the stems of one bunch of ranunculus to the appropriate length and then use a rubber band at the base of the bunch to hold it upright and together.  Stick the bunch in a cute little cup or vase and tie on a sweet card and voila...the perfect gift!

-K