pirate cupcakes

Whew! What a weekend. I'm finally sitting down and decompressing. My family is still visiting, so I'll keep this short, but I just wanted to post something since I've been neglecting you readers. There is lots of fun stuff coming I promise! Another cake in a can, my daughter's birthday party, a stamped plate tutorial to name a few.

On Saturday, we attended a friend's pirate themed 4th birthday party. (You might remember I drew/planned the treasure map activity here.) I was also asked to make the cupcakes. There were pirate ships, treasure chests, skeleton heads, gold coins and treasure maps.

The little treasure chests and pirate ships were a little tricky, but fun to do. I'm always up for a challenge! I used my CuisinArt to chop up gummy bears for the "jewels" in the treasure chests and toothpicks for the ships masts.

Other cute details I wanted to share. Look how great the whole family looks with all their pirate garb on. Sara made all their t-shirts. She even made one for her new 8 week old baby - a little pirate onesie. So cute! He was sleeping though and I didn't want to disturb him just for my picture.

Here are the maps all tea-stained with torn edges. So cute! Great job, Sara! Everything was fantastic!

summer recap

I am prepping for a couple of events this weekend and can't find the time to do much - hence the complete lack of posts lately. I did come across some pictures last night that I thought I'd share though. A little recap of our summer. My oldest daughter starts kindergarten tomorrow (excuse me while I get a tissue!) so between that and the Labor Day being the end of summer, I thought I'd better squeeze these pictures in.

While out in California earlier this summer, we were fortunate enough to go a LA Dodgers game. What made this game extra special was that we got to sit in seats five rows behind home plate - yeap, 5 ROWS!!! We got to eat an amazing dinner in the "dugout club" before the game started and then walked out a few steps to our seats. It was amazing! Lots of celebrity sittings! Rob Reiner, Larry King and his wife Shawn, Jane Seymour and her family to name a few. As you can see from the picture below we were sitting right across from Larry King. (He doesn't know how to work a cell phone by the way. Long story I won't bore you with, but we all got a good laugh.) One "party" take away from this experience was the cute baseball tags for the ice cream bar.

My brother, my dad and my hubby! The best guys in the world!

My brother really "cheesing" it up for the camera. He's a pilot - can't you tell from the glasses. Ladies, he's single!

Jane Seymour (who is absolutely stunning in real life) and Larry King (who is not that stunning in real life!).

A few other shots I couldn't help but share of my girls. We had a tag sale a few weeks ago and they sold lemonade and cupcakes. Let's just say they did VERY well! I'm borrowing money from them!

Okay, back to work on the parties. Stay tuned for the event photos... I hope it all turns out!!

condiment gun

Labor Day marks the unoffical end of summer.  I'm sure many of you will be having one last cookout next weekend.  Wouldn't it be fun to dress your burgers and hot dogs with this hilarious little guy!?  The Condiment Gun.  (No, I'm not a fan of guns in general, hate them actually, but I make exception to ones that make a party more fun.)  Wish I had one!  Available here.

Another thought... Kids would LOVE this!  It might even get them to eat their veggies if they got to squirt some dressing on them.

ella's birth announcement

Since I showed you my youngest daughter's announcement yesterday, it's only fair (to both you and Ella) that I show you my older daughter's debut.

We used "family trees" as a theme. On the cover we wrote "We've added a limb to our family tree". As you can see, we put an actual little limb on the top to really bring the point home.

bree's birth announcement

I am knee deep in party planning right now. I have a few events in the next couple of weeks, one of which is my daughter's second birthday party. In the midst of making table runners, favor boxes and decorations, I can't help but think about the day she was born. How can two years already be gone!? So while I continue on party projects, I thought you might like to see her birth announcement.

On the front, I stamped baby footprints and added text that read "Our home has grown... by two feet". This "theme", if you will, fit our family perfect since my husband and I are both designers and constantly talking in "feet".

And, yes she was a huge baby; no one needs to tell me that. I was the one carrying her, I remember. Both my girls were almost three weeks early and still weighed over nine pounds!!! I loved it - more baby to nibble on.

pirate map

A couple days ago, I showed you the cute pirate invitations my friend made for her son's birthday.  Of course, one of the fun activities planned during the party is a treasure hunt with obstacles/activities.  She asked me to draw the treasure map with all the obstacles throughout their backyard.  So fun!  Sara plans on tea staining the maps and coloring the treasure "X" red.  Then they will all be rolled up and tied, put in a bottle, and floating in their pool.   There will be a treasure map for each kid to retrieve.  Don't you think the kids will love this!?  Anyway, just thought I'd share in case anyone else has an upcoming pirate party.

    

offer :: custom sweaters

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When ordering, use promo code APS Promo.

Hurry!  Offer ends Tuesday, September 7th, 2010.  

Now would you excuse me... I have to go order some for my kids!