Angry Bird Party...PREVIEW!

So the boys want a Angry Bird Party...how do you do that in Africa?  Well, with a lot of on-line shopping, but most importantly CREATIVITY!  The parties are coming up in the next couple of weeks.  The good news about having kids who are only 2 years and 2 weeks apart, they usually agree on the same theme (so far at least) and I just plan for a few weeks, and then I'm done for about 48 weeks :)!

Jo and I have been lacking in our posting, but we know you are all out there.  We hate to say "we're busy" because we know that all of you are, too.  I want to post some previews (since we've been planning for about a month).  I will post the entire party in a few weeks.

Be patient with me, our baby brother is getting married in about a month.  So I have 2 parties to throw (and maybe a third...can we say an "Adult Only Angry Bird Party"...) and then I have to get my family of 4 back to the States.  Hopefully I will be on top of things, but for sure will try and plan to post before Thanksgiving?

Remember, this is just a preview!  Don't forget to pin us and send people our way!

First we painted some dodge balls:

 

Then we built a sling shot...we had to test it...

We made cake pops for the class (I used these instructions from  Divas Can Cook)...

And lastly, we had to try the layered punch (I've been dying to try this).  Just use different drinks with varying sugar contents.  I used CranApple Juice (32 grams of sugar) and G2 Gatorade (15 grams of sugar).  Make sure the glass has A LOT of ice.  Pour the different layers VERY slowly over the ice.  If you want a third layer, add a diet drink (0 grams of sugar) last.  I think I'm going to avoid this.  I'm not sure why (maybe I still hear mom's voice in my head) but I don't think kids should drink diet soda.  For the party I'm going to fill my big punch/beverage dispenser, but thought I would try the glasses first:

       

Constructing the perfect party

My son was invited to the cutest party this weekend—a construction party. Dad is in the construction business, which came in handy. They brought in a truckload of sand and dumped it in a huge pile in the back yard for the kids to play in. They decorated with road signs and safety cones. They gave the kids a ride around the block in a real dump truck. Each kid made their own safety vest out of a paper sack. Everyone went home with their own plastic hardhat. My two year old boy thought this was better than his visit to see Santa. They totally set the standard this year. I am not sure if I will be able to top it for our March birthday boy. I am posting photos below. Make sure to check out the totally adorable cake.

Let's Eat

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Super Bowl Menu

The Super Bowl is all about snacking. This menu provides a variety of options. Make sure to keep all your hot items hot and your cold items cold. You don’t want your guest leaving with an unwanted parting gift.

Main Dish:

Party Sub/ Deli Tray/Homemade Sandwich Platter

Homemade Chili and Cornbread Muffins

Appetizers:

Variety of Chips and Crackers

Cheese Ball or Cheese Tray

Buffalo and Lemon Pepper Wings

Veggie Tray

Relish Tray

Cold Dips:

Salsa

Onion

Creamy Dill

Curry

10-Layer Mexican

Hot Dips

Artichoke

Buffalo Chicken

Nacho Cheese

Side Dishes:

Fruit Salad

Potato Salad

Pasta Salad

Broccoli Salad

Kids:

Hot Dogs

Make Your Own Grilled Cheese Station

Drinks:

Hot Cocoa

Hot Cider

Hot Water and Teabag assortment

Coffee

Soda

Lemonade

Sweet Tea

Super Bowl Playlist

If you push the play button, a small clip from each song will play.

Star Spangled Banner, LeAnn Rime
Everybody Have Fun Tonight, Wang Chung
Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, Bachman-Turner Overdrive
We Will Rock You, Queen
The Monday Night Football Song, Hank Williams Jr.
Tubthumping, Chumbawamba
Let’s Get it Started, The Black Eyed Peas
Get Ready for This, The Hit Crew
(Simply) The Best, Tina Turner
A Little Less Conversation, Elvis Presley
Holler Back (Football Mix), The Lost Trailers
We Are the Champions, Queen
The Winner Takes it All, Abba

Super Treat!

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This yummy football treat recipe is from ricekrispies.com:


Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup peanut butter
6 cups Cocoa Rice Krispies®
Canned frosting or decorating gel

Directions:
1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted.
2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Cool slightly. Using buttered hands shape mixture into sixteen 3-inch footballs. Decorate with frosting. Best if served the same day.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add peanut butter, stirring until melted. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.

Note:  For best results, use fresh marshmallows.  1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows.  Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended. 

Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Get Your Game On

Games make for a great Super Bowl party. They keep the big game fun and engaging for football novices. If someone doesn’t understand the rules, they are not going to enjoy the game. I like to give them something else to do. I also give away fun prizes—always a crowd pleaser, especially for the kids.

The first time I had a Super Bowl party, I hired a babysitter and set up a “kid zone” with video games, movies, toys, crafts, etc. I was surprised that they all ended up watching the game with the adults and my babysitter money was wasted. They desperately wanted to go home with a prize and were hyper-focused on winning.

Tongue Fumble:
This is the kids’ favorite game. They hide and lurk waiting for someone to fumble. Anyone who wants to play is given 10 poker chips as they arrive. We use small plastic cups to hold them—they were bought on clearance and say “Super Bowl XXXVII” Since no one ever takes the time to make the Roman numeral conversion, it has gone unnoticed for 8 years. (OK Dr. Thomson, the college professor noticed, but I don’t think he counts, he notices everything.).

A list of words is posted for everyone to see. These are words players are not allowed to say. If someone catches a player saying one of those words, they have to hand over one chip. At the end of the evening, the winner is the person with the most chips. House Rule: No combining chips. The words I use are: team, ball touchdown, quarterback, Super Bowl, and pass.

The large sign I made in 2003 did not survive the year in my attic. This year I printed out labels to put on the cups. I also made small signs. I am going to laminate them to use as placemats on the TV trays.

Instead of chips you could also use football player cards or pennies. This year I found these adorable silver football helmets in the craft aisle.


Stay tuned for future posts on Bingo, football trivia, and the game pool.

Look the Part

If you are a football super fan, you already have a closet full of jerseys and t-shirts to wear on Super Bowl Sunday. If football is new to you, don’t forget to pick out your party outfit long before the big day. I once found myself looking for anything orange to wear 20 minutes before my guests started arriving. Sadly, the only orange item in my closet was my son’s pumpkin costume. I am not sure what it was doing in there, but I found myself wondering if I could use it to whip up a quick scarf in time. I decided to go with a neutral, all black outfit.  As everyone started arriving in their cute costumes (excuse me, team colors), I felt a little sad.

The following year, I ordered referee shirts (excuse me, jerseys) for both my husband and myself. Now, I don’t have to pick one side over the other. It's a very good way to welcome fans from both teams into my home without offending anyone. I wear it with a pair of black yoga pants, which makes it unbelievably comfortable—like going to a party in my PJs.

Over the years I have also added some fun costume jewelry. One year I ordered football beads and the pre-teen girls made bracelets for everyone.  I also have a new whistle.  I can call a foul when I see my kids (or husband) breaking the house rules.

Are you ready for some football?!

Gooooooo team! If you are a football fan, you are watching faithfully as teams vie for a champion slot in the Super Bowl. If you are like me, all you want to know is what color to decorate with for the party.



Waiting makes this uber organized planner hyper-ventilate as the calendar ticks closer to Super Sunday. Color is an important party detail. It affects everything from the decorations to the napkins, to the frosting on the cake. And there is nothing you can do, but wait. My super powers are organization and time-management, not patience. As super powers are often genetic, Shelley is missing that gene, too.



Super Bowl is, hands down, my favorite party of the year—and I don’t even care about football. Over the years I have developed games and activities that make it fun for everyone—the serious sports critic (I call him the recliner quarterback), the I-played-football-in-high-school-and-listen-to-sports-radio-for-the-highlight-so-everyone-thinks-I-watched-the-big-game-but-I-work-60-hours-a-week-and-have-4-kids-so-we-all-know-I-have-no-free-time fan (I call him Darling Husband), the woman who asked her brother-in-law if the Detroit Tigers made the football playoffs this year (If you don’t know what is wrong with that question, this is you. It is also me.), the five-year-old boy who asks 300 questions before the games starts and 3000 before half-time, and the teenager who wants to learn more about football, but thinks he is too cool to ask any questions, young, old, male, female, the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker.



It is time to send out your invitations. According to CBSSports.com, the Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis will air on Sunday, February 5th at 6:00 p.m., ET and it will appear on the NBC network. The game time will begin at 3:00 p.m., PT on the west coast. This means that kickoff will probably be at 6:30 (they have to introduce everyone and do a coin toss first). If you set your party start time at 5:30pm ET, your guests will have enough time to say their hellos, fix a plate of food, and find their favorite viewing spot in time for the kickoff. Go team party planner!

Back-to-School Party...

Here's an idea, why don't you schedule the party like a school day?  As soon as the kids arrive, you can split them into groups, and have them rotate throughout the party.  We suggest decorating in simple primary colors; red, blue, and yellow.  As the "students" arrive to your party, have them randomly pull a color from a basket.  This will be their homeroom color.  They then gather at their designated homeroom spot.  As the party continues, ring a bell between the following sessions... PE (games and activities), Art (arts and crafts), lunch time (refreshments), and recess (free play).

Here are some ideas for games and arts and crafts!

Games:

• paper airplane contest 
• twister
• Simon-Says
• Pencil Walk: (Just like the traditional Cake Walk game but with pencils as prizes instead)
• Teacher’s Bag:  (Get a paper lunch bag and put in various small items in it, like paper clip, eraser, chalk, gluestick, etc.  Let each person close their eyes and try to feel and guess what is in the bag)

Arts and Crafts:

• Decorate a Pencil Box: Buy some inexpensive plastic pencil boxes and use stickers, permanent markers, to decorate a pencil box. Favors like pencils, erasers, stickers, can be given at the end of the party together with the pencil box as the perfect Back To School favor.
• Make your own bookmarks
• finger painting
• oragami
• clay/play-doh

Suggestions for free play:

• Four square
• relay races
• water guns/balloons

 Stay tuned for decorating ideas and party menu!

¿Qué hay que beber?...

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What will you have to drink?  Today, I'm going to talk about, margaritas (of course), Agua Fresha, and Mexican beer!

Margaritas:
Of course, no Cinco De Mayo fiesta would be complete without margaritas!  There are a few options.  If you haven't been able to tell, one of my favorite food genres is Mexican.  We eat Mexican food A LOT.  Also, my all time favorite drink is the margarita.  I like them made from scratch, from a alcohol-included mix, and virgin from a mix; I like the traditional lime flavor, and strawberry; I like them frozen and on-the-rocks.  And I am here to provide you with what you will need to make all of them, if you like!

Margarita's from scratch (this recipe was given to me by a very dear friend, and it's the only scratch recipe I use now)...yes I'm sharing (see Jo, your little sister DOES share LOL):

Mix together:

• 2 parts tequila
• 1 part cointreau
• 1 part-fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 part limeade
• pinch of salt

Rim your glasses with salt (See the Savvy Tip below)
Mix all the ingredients in a pitcher, and chill until ready to serve.

Savvy Tip:  To create the restaurant styled salt-rimmed glass, take a lime wedge and rub around the edge.  Turn the glass upside down and twist through a pile of salt (coarse salt works best, like kosher salt.  You can also sometimes find a tub just for making margarita salted glasses).   If you are making strawberry margaritas, you can do the same thing but substitute sugar for the salt.

Strawberry Version:
Use all the same ingredients as above, but you will rim the glasses with sugar. 

In a blender combine one package of frozen strawberries, thawed.  Cover and blend until smooth.  If you want, strain the mixture to remove seeds.  Add the blend to the margarita mix.

By the way, you can really make ANY fruit flavored margarita.  Just substitute the strawberries with your favorite fruit: mango, blackberry, raspberry, etc. 

On-the-Rocks vs. Frozen
I have found this is all based on preference.  I am an equal opportunity margarita drinker, but know people who will only drink frozen or only drink on-the-rocks.  Either way, you will have it covered.


On-the-Rocks:  Use the above recipes or below mixes.  Place the desired amount of ice in a glass, and then pour your mixture over the rocks...DONE!

Frozen:  Place the desired amount of mixture in the blender and add a few handfuls of ice.  Blend to your desired thickness.  More ice = thicker margarita!  DONE!

DISCLAIMER:  We are not/not here to promote drinking.  Everything can be enjoyed in moderation, and if you do plan on drinking (even just ONE drink) please, please, please have a designated driver (DD).  My husband and I take turns.  If he wants to drink at a certain event, I drive and vice versa; just one way to be safe.  And we certainly do not tolerate under age drinking, so if you are under 21...please enjoy the virgin versions!

Virgin Margaritas:

José Cuervo makes a great mix.  (Again, we are not promoting drinking, and I'm certainly not promoting any brand in particular, this is just one I particularly enjoy).  This mix is made to mix with Tequila.  But, you can use it as is.  You will now have a great alternative for those who don't drink, or who are being responsible enough to be the DD.


José Cuervo also makes a FANTASTIC mix, alcohol included:











And, if strawberry is you flavor of choice, both the above come in strawberry.

OK, I think we have the margarita area covered...let me know if you think I've missed something, or have questions!

Want a non-alcoholic beverage, that still stays true to your theme?  How about...

Agua Frescas

Agua Frescas are "fresh waters" that are infused with fruits, flowers, grains or seeds.  Mix one of these light, healthy sippers at your party.  They are super easy to prepare.

Based on the fruit you choose the recipe (water level mainly) changes.  I'm going to provide you with 3 versions:


Strawberry Agua Fresca:
6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
4 cups cold water
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup honey
ice cubes

In a blender combine half of the halved strawberries and half of the cold water.  Cover and blend well.  Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.  Discard solids.  Repeat with the remaining strawberries and remaining water.

Stir in lime juice and 1/4 cup honey.  Serve immediately over ice or chill until ready.

Orange-Papaya Agua Fresca:
4 cups peeled, seeded and cubed ripe papaya (About 3)
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/4 cups cold water
2 Tablespoons honey
ice cubes

In a blender combine papaya, orange juice and lime juice.  Cover and blend until smooth.  Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.  Discard solids.

Stir in the water and honey.  Serve immediately over ice or chill until ready.

Watermelon Agua Fresca:
1  6 to 8 pound seedless watermelon (aprox. 13 cups)
2 cups cold water
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 Tablespoons honey
ice cubes

Cut the rind from the watermelon and discard.  Cut the flesh into 2 inch cubes

In a blender combine about 1/3 of the watermelon cubes and 1/3 of the water.  Cover and blend until smooth.  Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.  Discard solids.  Repeat twice with remaining watermelon and remaining water.

Stir in the lime juice and honey.  Serve immediately over ice or chill until ready.

Beer:
Finally, say hola to Mexican beer.  Here is a small list of some Mexican beer you may want to consider purchasing for your fiesta:

• Corona
• Dos Euquis (XX) Amber
• Negra Modelo
• Pacifico Clara
• Tecate

Time to think of your menu...

Before you begin to plan, you have to keep a few things in mind.  How many people are coming?  (Remember, if you haven't heard from all your invitees, it's OK to pick up the phone, or send a quick email to see if they plan on attending.  Just let them know, you are in the menu planning process and want an accurate count)  What type of party are you having? a sit down dinner? informal buffet? just snacks and cocktails?  It is COMPLETELY up to you.  Jo and I have done all of the above.  But, in order to have a successful menu, you have to know what you are cooking.  We are going to provide you with some ideas, and recipes, but by no means is this an all inclusive list, and you don't even have to use them.  If you have some recipes you would like to share, PLEASE DO!  We are always willing to try some new savvy recipes.

Growing up in the southwest, I often have Mexican themed food at my parties (whether it's Cinco De Mayo, or Game Night).  A huge success, and very little work is a...

TACO BAR!

Here's what you need, all suggestions:

• Taco shells (either store bought, or handmade)
• small flour tortillas (for those who like the soft tacos)
• assortment of meats (here are some ideas: ground beef, shredded beef, pork and/or chicken, diced chicken, etc)....stay tuned for recipes
• shredded cheese 
• sour cream
• guacamole...stay tuned for recipes
• salsa...stay tuned for recipes
• shredded lettuce
• diced tomatoes

All you have to do, is set this up buffet style, with the shells/tortillas at the beginning, the meat in the middle (preferably in a crock pot/slower cooker to keep warm), and all the fixings at the end.  Your guests make their own plates, and enjoy!

Here are some tips for sides:

• Refried beans:  Don't get scared!  I NEVER make these from scratch, but here are some Savvy Tips to make your beans leaving your guests asking for the recipe (I'm serious...I'm always asked...it will be up to you if you divulge my your secret).  Place the canned beans in a pot and warm on the stove.  Add garlic powder (to taste, I use probably more than the average Joe José) and a generous amount of shredded cheese (I use cheddar).  Stir to combine, and heat through until cheese melts.  Sorry I don't have an exact recipe, I make this weekly, and just eye ball it.  You can never have too much cheese or garlic (at least in our family).
• Black Beans:  Another dish, where I'm always asked for the recipe, and I actually do have a recipe for this LOL.  This is another staple dish in my family (outside Mexican themed nights) because my VERY picky 4 year old will actually eat these:  
  
  Ingredients:
  1 Tbsp olive oil
  3/4 c. onion, chopped fine (Savvy Tip...I use frozen onions...shhhhh...they're in the frozen section)
  1/2 c. green pepper, chopped fine  (Again...I use frozen peppers...shhhhh...sometimes you can find them in frozen section WITH the onions included)
  1 c. diced tomatoes (I use canned, drained)
  1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drain and rinse
  1/2 tsp thyme
  1 tsp garlic salt
  3 Tbsp cider vinegar
  Dash of Tabasco (optional...but even my 4 year old doesn't object)
  
  Directions:
  In large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Cook onion and green pepper until crisp tender. Stir in tomatoes, beans, thyme, and garlic salt. Cook 3 minutes; add vinegar and Tobassco. Cook for 5 minutes. 

•  Rice...ALWAYS a necessity for Mexican food.  There are many types of Mexican rice, but here is Jo's secret...cook it with salsa.  We also have another Savvy Tip when cooking ANY white rice.  Substitute water with CHICKEN BROTH.  We promise, promise, promise, promise...you will never cook your rice with water again.  Here is our white rice recipe:
  
  For a serving of 4 (You will have to adjust to how much you want for your party):
  1 cup uncooked white rice (I personally LOVE Jasmine rice)
  2 cups canned/boxed chicken broth
  
  Directions:
  Bring chicken broth to a boil.  Add rice to the boiling broth, and stir with a fork.  Return broth and rice to a boil, and stir once more with a fork and cover.  Reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes.  Every stove top is different, for example, it takes my rice 17 minutes :)!
  
  MEXICAN VERSION:
  Substitute 2 cups chicken broth with 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup salsa (either jarred or homemade).  Follow the same directions...we don't think you will be disappointed.  Both Jo and I have tried MANY Mexican rice versions, and by far Jo's is the best!

• Shredded Meat (this can be made the day before, and just reheated in a crock pot for the party):  Whether I use, chicken, pork, or beef, I prepare it all the same way.  For the beef/pork find a boneless roast you like, for the chicken, I always use chicken breasts, but that's just my preference.  This recipe is like the above refried beans, in that I don't follow an exact recipe, but it really is hard to mess up.  PLEASE contact me if you have questions.
  
  Ingredients:
  Protein of choice (beef, chicken, pork)
  A couple cups of diced onions
  2 cans of green chilies
  Salsa, either homemade or jarred
  
  Directions:
  Wrap your protein of choice in aluminum foil and place in a shallow baking dish (to catch any leaks).  Place in a preheated oven of 300 degrees.  Cook for 4-5 hours. 
  
  Right before the meat finishes cooking, in a large pot saute onions and green chilies in a couple tablespoons of olive oil.  Once the meat is finished cooking, place in the pot with the onions and green chilies, and shred with 2 forks.  Add your salsa, and stir to combine.  That's it!
  
• Ground beef:  If you choose ground beef, brown your beef in a skillet.  Drain the fat.  Add onions, green chilies and salsa, and combine.  That's it!

• Carnitas:  Mexican for SUPER yummy pork!  Check out onelovemama's blog for a mouth watering recipe leaving you wanting more.

Here are some other recipes to keep in mind:

Salsas:

Salsa Picante
Ingredients:
4 medium tomatoes
1 medium onion
1/4 cup cilantro
1 to 2 fresh jalapenos or serrano chili peppers, seeded and halved (Savvy Tip:  Handle peppers with gloves.  When I was in high school, I was making salsa, and handled the peppers bare handed, and then touched my face.  My face was on fire for HOURS!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (I use jarred)
1/2 cup chopped green sweet peppers
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon fresh oregano or one 1 teaspoon dried
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

FYI...although I am ALL about the frozen onions and peppers in the above recipes, I always use fresh when making salsa!

Directions:
Place tomatoes in a blender or food processor.  Cover and blend or process until coarsely chopped.  Add onion, cilantro chili peppers, and garlic.  Cover and blend or process until finely chopped.

Transfer tomato mixture to a medium saucepan.  Stir in sweet pepper, lemon juice, oregano, bay leaf, sugar and salt.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Simmer uncovered about 30 minutes or until salsa reaches desired consistency.

Discard bay leaf.  Cool salsa slightly.  Cover and chill for 1 hour up to a week before serving.


Salsa Verde (my personal favorite!)
Ingredients:
12 ounces fresh tomatillos, husks removed, or one 13 ounce can tomatillos, rinsed and drained
What are tomatillos:  Also called Mexican green tomatoes, the fruit within the tomatillo husk, is firm herby and slightly lemony. 

1/4 cup cilantro
2 Tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 fresh jalapeno or serreno chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions:
Finely chop tomatillos.  In a small bowl stir together chopped tomatillos, cilantro, red onion, chili pepper, salt and sugar.  Cover and chill for 4 hours to 3 days before serving.

Guacamole:

Chunky Guacamole
Ingredients:
2/3 cups finely chopped, roma tomatos
1/4 cup sliced green onion
2 Tablespoon lime juice
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 to 2 garlic, minced (again, I used jarred)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 fresh jalapeno or serreno chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
2 very ripe avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and coarsely mashed

Combine all the ingredients together and stir together.  Savvy Tip:  SAVE YOUR AVOCADO PITS...once your ingredients are combined, add the pits to the guacamole.  This will prevent you guacamole from going gray!

Stay tuned tomorrow for drink ideas, from the coveted Margarita to Agua Frescas.

My sons' birthday treats

My youngest turned 5 yesterday.  He has over 20 kids in his class, so I told him he had to limit his party to only 5 friends.  I then explained that we would take cupcakes to his class for everyone to enjoy.  He picked Toy Story 3 as his theme.  Here are the cupcakes we made (Stay tuned to the blog; this weekend we are transforming our house in Pizza Planet):

 The claaaaaaw!

(I got the cupcake idea from Disney's family.go.com site)

My oldest son had his 7th birthday party this past weekend.  My 7 year wanted a race car themed party (at the bowling alley).  We took tire cupcakes (see post below) to his class, and then I made a race car cake for his party!

 I came up with this from scratch...literally.  Here is what the first cake looked like.  But here is a Savvy Mess to Savvy Success:  I used the scrap cake to make the wheels!

Fall = birthdays, birthdays and more birthdays...

In my family, and my extended family, fall equals the beginning of birthday madness.  My kids both have fall birthdays.  Today I spent the morning baking cupcakes for my son's classroom.  The theme he picked for this year's birthday is "race cars."  I know exactly what cake I'm making for the party (stay tuned, the party is still a couple weeks away) but was drawing a blank on how to incorporated cupcakes into the theme...because lets face it ladies, cupcakes are much easier to bake, decorate and transport to  school.  My VERY creative friend helped me come up with the below idea.  I'm giving her a HUGE shout out ---AIMEE--because not only were these her idea but she lives in China (and still could help) and is not a mom!  But, I am granting her honorary mom status, if not just for this post!  Thanks Aimee...YOU ROCK!  I hope my execution is at least partly in-line with your vision!