Cookie Monster 1st Birthday

As promised (from my previous post in June) below you will find pictures of Dylan's Cookie Monster Birthday Bash! Enjoy!


Dylan's giant Cookie Monster pinata was custom ordered from El Sombrero Plaza Dulceria in Fullerton and only cost $25, which is cheaper than the small ones they carry at Party City.

The Happy 1st Birthday sign I purchased at the large party discount store in Downtown LA and the large Mylar balloons I ordered online because they were a lot cheaper than purchasing from Party City. I also ordered the polka dotted latex balloons online from The Polka Dot Market. I rented a helium tank to fill all the balloons from La Fiesta Party Rentals in Fullerton.

I found these cute CM plastic figurines in the dollar bin at Target, which I hung from the paper lanterns hanging under the party tent.

The CM lanters I made myself (for more details see my June post) as well as the paper pom poms which I hung from the tent. The table linens were rented from Create A Party.

I used all my own vases and filled some with mini marshmellows and Cookie Crisp Cereal and topped them off with a smaller paper pom pom; and some I filled with white dasies I purchased from a local market and put a CM floral mylar balloon in them, which were also purchased online.

A top the tables I placed the picture frames purchased from the dollar bin at Target which I decorated and added various pictures of Dylan from his first year. Also on the table were snacks inside the CM cups I made using real chocolate chip cookies and googley eyes.

Dylan's allergen free cake was made by Green Cupcakes n More in Irvine

All the food labels were handmade by me.

Some of the cookies for the Cookie Bar were homemade and some were store bought.

I made Dylan's Birthday sign using craft paper, cardstock and ribbon.

The Party Favors were CM books I purchased from the dollar bin at Target, CM sippy cups (not pictured) purchased at Big Lots for $2 each and homemade cookies.

Backyard Campout Fun!

What better time to plan a fun backyard campout then in the Summer. Warm Summer nights are perfect to invite a bunch (or a few) of your friends over for an evening of yummy snacks and camp fire games, story telling or even an outdoor movie (if u have the right equipment).

My daughter is currently in her third year of Girl Scouts and every Summer we plan a gathering for the girls that allows them to get together and have fun. Last year it was a picnic in the park but this year I was thinking more along the lines of a backyard campout.

I have a lot of great ideas I can't wait to put to use. From "Make Your Own Trail mix Bar" to Smores Cupcakes and more...

I will be sure to post pictures in the near future, as this event is still in the planning process. But in the meantime, here's a great inspiration design board...

Past Events

I'd like to share some photos from past events that I helped design and plan. These photos are from events of all occassions; Weddings, Baby Showers, Anniversary celebrations and Birthday parties.


Candy Bar for a Wedding Reception




Anniversary dinner. Super inexpensive, yet elegant! The centerpiece is made from beverage glasses of various sizes purchased from Ikea. I placed votives in the glasses and then scattered plumeria flowers around the glasses and table(not sure why the picture won't download larger, sorry)

First Birthday, Rubber Duckie, Centerpiece

Wedding Ceremony Site

Centerpieces for Baby Shower. The Shower was an Alligator theme and the color scheme was green, yellow and baby blue.




Centerpiece for Candyland themed birthday party.

Summer Inspiration board

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the company of friends & family and what better way to get everyone together than with a Potluck.

Plan a BBQ and ask your guests to bring either a side dish or dessert.

There are so many creative ways to make a simple potluck look "simply chic". Color coordinate the paper goods with a signature cocktail or dessert. Hang matching balloons and banners to decorate either an outdoor area or the interior of your home.

Your guests will be presently surprised and you will be hailed the Martha Stewart of your neighborhood.


Here's a design board to get your creative juices flowing...

Free Designer Bridal Gowns

Now thru July 16th Castle for Brides & Tuxedos located in Huntington Beach at 15091 Goldenwest St. is giving away free designer gowns for military brides-to-be.

Brides must be engaged, be on active duty or have a fiance on active duty in the military.

For more information regarding eligibility call (714)891-6800 or visit http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/

Green Cupcakes & More

I am sooooo excited to share this post.

As some of you may know my youngest suffers from allergies of every kind; from dairy to pet dander and worst of all nuts!

It was a struggle to find a formula that he could tolerate as a new born, since all of them on the market contain Casein, the milk protein. Thank goodness for Alimentum! It is not 100% Casein free but the protein is treated and broken down making it easier for babies with protein sensitivity to digest.

So with his first birthday quickly approaching you could imagine my concern of baked goods. What's a first birthday without a "smash cake" for the guest of honor? There was no way I wasn't going to allow him this privilege.

I have searched high n low on the Internet for Vegan (does not contain dairy) cake and cookie recipes. And even though I have come across a few I was still on the fence about having to bake dozens of desserts for the 100+ guests that we have invited to his party. Luckily I came across Green Cupcakes & More!

Green Cupcakes and More is owned and operated by Georgina Seeck, a mother whose child developed multiple food allergies as an infant.

Parties, celebrations, school functions and play dates were always full of dangerous allergens, especially in the cupcakes, cookies and cakes. Georgina became frustrated and unsatisfied with the current products on the market and decided to bake an allergen free cupcake that was beautiful, delicious and healthier. Frustration soon turned into a passion, and Green Cupcakes and More was created for every child and person who wants their cupcake and eat it too!

23020 Lake Forest Drive, Suite 170
Laguna Hills
California
92653
949-235-6163
http://www.greencupcakes.com/

georgina@greencupcakes.com

Best of all they are located in Orange County! They are sold out of Solomon's Bakery in Laguna Hills (right down the street from The Irvine Spectrum). You can also place your order by email and they will be ready for pick up the next day.

So now I can relax and know that my son will have a delicious and allergy free smash cake to enjoy for his birthday!

C is for Cookie!

Here is a closer look at what I am working on for Dylan's Cookie Monster birthday party.


The soon to be Birthday Boy and his CM!

Labels for food and the Cookie bar and Cupcake picks, all handmade from card stock


Birthday Boy Banner (not quite complete)


I bought CM blue paper lanterns that I glued googlie eyes to and a mouth to make dangling CM for the party tent. Below is what they look like completed.




I found these cute picture frames a Target in the Dollar bin and glued some ribbon around them. I filled the frames with pictures of Dylan throughout his first year on one side and on the other a decorative CM sticker.


This sign I made to be placed near the favors our guests will be taking home.


I purchased two dozen CM books from the dollar bin at Target, that I will use as party favors for our guests as well as decor.


I came across these adorable sippy cups at a local store and cleaned out their stock. I will give them as party favors to our little party goers.


I made these paper pom poms from a Martha Stewart tutorial I found online. I will be hanging these in the party tent as well as placing some as decor on the party tables.

I can't wait to share more great ideas! Check back soon for more inspiration.