St. Patrick’s Day Treats For Kids

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St.Patrick's Day Treats for Kids

Irish or not — here’s a sweet treat you can give your kids this St. Patrick’s Day.

Grab a mini wooden flower pot at any craft store for about a quarter a piece.  Add a little black paint and gold glitter.  Once it dries all you have to do is add your multicolored mini Twizzlers (or cut regular size Rainbow Twizzlers and add them) and you’re finished.  Rainbow and pot of gold in one.

Easy, tasty, and oh so cute!

Check out our other St. Patrick’s Day crafts:

Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake

This is a story about a pumpkin cake.  A cake that was born in the mind of a busy mama months ago.  This week she finally sat down and made the cake.  All went as planned until she decided to leave it overnight instead of taking pictures right away.  Later she would find out that that was a bad idea because the cake would fall overnight.

She, well, I tried to salvage the best pictures I could the next day but it wasn’t quite as cute as the day of.  Above is a crummy picture I took from my iPad that evening when I finished the cake.  I sent it to a few blogging friends to get their feedback on it before I left it alone for the night.  I had no idea it would be the best picture I would get of it.  *sigh*  The next morning I wanted to cry.

You see, the cake I made wasn’t any old cake, it was a cake with a mound of whipped cream icing on top of it.  The directions say to serve right away or up to eight hours later.  I knew better than to leave it for 12 hours.  I knew better!  I guess baking and decorating a cake with a three year old didn’t leave me in the best state of mind for logical thinking.

Despite the sad outcome of the cake I put enough effort into it that I wanted to show it to you anyway.  Plus, it’s a great reminder that bloggers aren’t perfect!  Sometimes it’s okay to reveal that, right? :)

Miette Cookbook

My idea for the cake cake from the Miette cookbook, which I have to stop and say is absolutely adorable and full of useful tips for creating gorgeous cakes!

Fall Pumpkin Cake

Here’s a picture of it after it slumped a bit.  It’s the best picture I could get considering the circumstances.

Here’s the whole process of the cake in case you’d like to make one yourself.  Don’t forget to serve right away or within 8 hours! :)

Pumpkin Cake Tutorial

You can see here how the icing slumped along the sides.  All in all, it was still a really delicious cake that made my daughter and I made together.  I guess that’s not too bad.

Are there any baking projects that you would like to complete this fall?

Easy Party Planning With Sam’s Club

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Sam’s Club. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias #TrySamsClub

I love talking, eating, and the occasional silly game.  What do you get when you put those all together?  A party!  It seems that we’re always throwing parties around here.  There are birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, holiday-get-togethers, and many other reasons to gather with friends and celebrate.  The best part about parties is the fun socializing and munching on goodies, right?  The worst part about parties is used to be the party planning.

Parties don’t throw themselves and it takes a little forethought to have a sensational party.  I have a simple tip to help eliminate any party planning woes you may have – Sam’s Club.  Yep, that’s my simple tip to party planning success.  My Sam’s Club Membership has helped me pull off large and small parties for years now.  They have everything, or mostly everything, I need in one location.

Here are the steps I walk through when planning a party:

  • – Plates, Cups, Napkins, & Silverware

I like to start off with the basics by choosing a theme or the colors I want to work with and build from there.  Sam’s Club is a great place to grab tablecloths and dessert plates if you need them too.

Sam's Club Flowers

  • – Centerpieces

My go-to centerpieces are always flowers.  Sam’s Club has the best, brightest, selection of flowers you will find and their prices are unbelievable.  Plus, they’re something you can enjoy for a while after your party is over.  {They have a 7 day guarantee!}

  • – Food

Okay, maybe I should have listed this as the first step because it is pretty important.  Sam’s Club has a great variety of veggie trays, meat and cheese trays, fresh fruit, and my favorite desserts.  I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked for a recipe for one of their desserts!  I highly recommend their danishes, brownie bites, and pies.  {I’m so excited about their upcoming pumpkin pies – they are so good I’ll never bother making my own!}

Starbucks Coffee

  • – Beverages

Sam’s Club has a number of sodas, juices, and drink mixes to choose from but my favorite drink from there is their Starbucks coffee.  It’s great on it’s own but I love to include it in my Mocha Punch recipe.  This is a delicious mix of coffee, ice cream, and chocolate goodness.

Mocha Punch Recipe

Mocha Punch Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes + chilling overnight
Serves: 25 people

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup instant chocolate drink mix
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 cups of coffee
  • 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
  • 1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream
  • 2 cup heavy whipping cream – optional
  • Chocolate sprinkles or curls – optional

Directions:

  • – Add water to a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.
  • – Add coffee, chocolate mix, and sugar; stir until it’s dissolved.
  • – Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • – About 20 minutes before serving, pour into a large bowl. Add ice cream by scoopfuls and stir slightly.
  • – Have a bowl of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles or curls ready for individual garnishment or you could add scoops and chocolate to the punch.
  • -Print recipe cards because you will be asked numerous times for the recipe. :)

Mocha-Punch-Recipe

Now back to party planning…

Sam's Club Makes Entertaining Easy

  • – Home Decor

Home decor and storage options aren’t an every day buy but sometimes it’s nice to buy new sofa cushions, baskets, or hand towels to have before the party-goers arrive.

  • – A Personalized Touch

My last step in party planning is to add a personal touch.  Sometimes that may be a homemade party favor, other times a banner.  In my opinion a party isn’t complete without a little bit of personalization.  That gives me an idea!  Sam’s Club has the cutest Christmas gift tags and I bet they would be easy to turn into festive place cards for a formal Christmas dinner.  {Check back later for that post!}

If you’re planning a party in the near future, or would like to, swing by your local Sam’s Club for all the supplies.  They make it so simple!

If you don’t have a Sam’s Club Membership yet, go to Sam’s Club Membership page for more details and info on how to sign up.  Be sure and like Sam’s Club on Facebook and follow Sam’s Club on Twitter.

Tea Party Birthday

Some of the items featured below were given to me in exchange for featuring them in this post.  All pictures were taken by the talented Carrie Helms of Carrie Helms Photography.

Welcome to my little girl’s third birthday party!!!  In pictures only I’m afraid, I’m sorry that I couldn’t invite ya’ll all.  Are ya’ll ready for this?  Be prepared to see the cutest, most darling-est, little birthday tea party you’ve ever seen!

Tea Party

It started sprinkling about thirty minutes before the party started just as I was starting to set the table.  I panicked.  Walked in circles for three minutes. Prayed. Then I ran to set the table as quickly as I could.

Birthday Party

I’m so thankful the rain held off!!  It was a perfect day for a party!

Birthday Tea Party

Here’s the birthday girl waiting for her friends to come.  I cannot believe she is three!!

Princess Tea Party

Here is a full view of the lovely tablescape my friend Laura helped me put together.  She was supposed to babysit my kids while I prepped for the party but they ended up napping the entire time so she was free to help out – and what a blessing that was!

Tea pot of flowers

I undecided up to the last minute on whether or not to use real tea cups or not.  It was my husband, of all people, who suggested using plastic coffee cups.  Great idea, Sweetie!  I wrapped each cup with a strip of glittery washi tape to help them a little more feminine.  We served iced tea, pink lemonade, and raspberry zinger tea {which is supposed to taste like punch but I disagree}.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

These are lovely chocolate covered pretzels in an old milk glass dish my grandmother gave me.

Party Marshmallows

I thought these marshmallows would add a little extra pink to the table while providing a sweet treat after dinner.  The apothecary jar was rented from Dahlia’s Flowers.

Tea Party Tablescape

Here are my homemade sugar cubes.  You can get my sugar cube recipe here.

Tea Party Snacks

I was going to make cake balls and at the last minute I decided to forego those and opt for donut holes instead.  I just sprinkled them with powdered sugar and I was finished.  Much easier than cake balls!

Party Table

Gum balls were an easy party favor that added a pop of color to the table.

Chocolate Party Favors

My other party favors were these beautiful and tasty chocolate daisies.  Cute, right?  I got these from Rosebud Chocolates and they arrived pre-packaged, pre-tied with coordinating ribbon, and chilled.  Easy peasy!

Pinwheel Decorations

These gorgeous pinwheels are from Decor by Toria.  She makes lovely pinwheels in all colors and sizes but I just fell in love with these softly colored small pinwheels for our tea party.

Happy Birthday Girl

My beautiful birthday girl had an equally beautiful cake.  Can you tell she liked it?

Flower Cake

This gorgeous creation of a cake came from our local bakery, Dewey’s.  If you live near here, check them out.  They are incredible!

Beautiful Cake

She loved it.  LOVED it!!

Cutting the Cake

Look at that face!  The pink lemonade cake was as delicious as it was pretty!

Baby Boy Hair

Everyone seemed to have a good time, even little brother.

Birthday Princess

That’s all, folks!  Thanks for letting me share about my little princess’ birthday tea party.

For those who’ve found this page while searching for tea party ideas I hope that I’ve inspired you a little.  Feel free to Pin any idea you see so you can remember them later!  If you want to blog about any part of this party feel free to do so, all I ask is that you link back to this post.

{Also see her Minnie Mouse Birthday Party and her Pink Lemonade Birthday Party}

Watermelon Krispie Treats

Watermelon Krispie Treats

A friend of mine made these adorable Watermelon Krispie Treats for her family and was kind enough to share with us how she did it!  {She took the simple and quick method but if you want a longer method using Kool-Aid check out the watermelon treats from Dine and Dish.  They also have a cute hamburger made out of homemade Rice Krispie Treats!}

Instructions:

  • – Follow Kelloggs’ Rice Krispie Treat recipe except you’ll divide the marshmellow-y goodness in half and add green food coloring to one half and red to the other.
  • – Use a springform pan for easy release and a perfect shape.
  • – Once your watermelon is cooled you can add raisins or chocolate chips.

That’s it!  Just slice and serve.  One 9 inch pan should feed quite a few people.  Enjoy!!

Homemade Sugar Cubes

Homemade Sugar Cubes

No proper princess tea party is complete without sugar cubes but why spend money on expensive sugar cubes when all they are is sugar and water?  Plus, when you make homemade sugar cubes you can add color, flavoring, and you’re not restricted to just cubes – you can make them any shape!

Here’s the recipe I used for the sugar cubes (& rectangles) seen above.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 tbsp water
Food coloring (teensy amount!)
1/8 tsp vanilla flavoring (optional)
Plastic candy molds or small fondant cookie cutters (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine sugar and water until it’s moistened.  Add a little more sugar or water to get the desired wet sand consistency.

2. Add just a tiny bit of food coloring if you wish.  I used Wilton’s gel food coloring and one tiny bit on the end of a toothpick was plenty.  You can always add more so start slow.  Add the 1/8 teaspoon of flavoring here if you would like.

3. If you’re using a mold firmly press the sugar into the mold.  It needs to be compact to hold it’s shape.  If you’re using fondant cookie cutters place the cookie cutter on parchment paper, pack with sugar, gently lift the cookie cutter, and repeat.

4. Allow to dry completely!  I skipped this step on my first batch and I had to be super careful when handling them – it was not pretty!  I would prepare these a day in advance to give plenty of time to dry.  Sugar cubes can be kept as long as regular sugar can as long as it’s in an airtight container at room temperature.

My first attempt at sugar cubes didn’t go so well because I didn’t allow for them to properly dry but every attempt after that has been perfection.  Give it a try once and I don’t think you’ll ever buy sugar cubes again!

Vendors:
Photographer for my daughter’s birthday party was:  Carrie Helms Photography, Decorations provided by Dahlia’s Flowers.

Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower #DisneySide

Winnie the Pooh Party Cake

Isn’t this Winnie the Pooh cake just adorable!  It was made for my sweet friend’s Winnie the Pooh baby shower.  I’m here to share all the wonderful Winnie the Pooh party details with you here in collaboration with Disney. {They gave me a few goodies and party supplies.}  If you want to replicate this cake to show off your #DisneySide you can find the cake decorations/bath toys at Babies R Us.

Ladybug Cupcakes

Here is a fun grass covered cupcake with two friendly ladybugs.

Winnie the Pooh Party - Rabbit's Garden

I absolutely fell in love with this idea and I think everyone enjoyed munching on veggies from Rabbit’s garden.

Winnie the Pooh Party - Kanga's Pouch

Kanga’s Pouches provided a nice snack.  You’ll notice there were Pooh books placed randomly throughout the party to add to the decor.

Winnie the Pooh - Tigger Tails

Tigger Tails not only made for a colorful display but also a nice take home treat.

Winnie the Pooh Party - Hugs and Kisses for Eeyore

Hugs and Kisses for Eeyore.  Who couldn’t use more hugs?

Winnie the Pooh Party - Piglet's Punch

Piglet Punch was a simple pink punch with striped paper straws added for fun.

Think, Think, Think Framed Print

DIY Pooh Party decor right here!  Print, cut to size, and frame.  There were also pages from Winnie the Pooh books that were framed and on display also but I didn’t manage to get a shot of those.

Winnie the Pooh Diaper Bike

Check out this super cute Winnie the Pooh diaper motorcycle!  A friend of mine made this for the shower and I am in awe at her creativity.  I’ve made diaper cakes before but this stepped it up a notch.

Winnie the Pooh Party Decorations

Here is the gift table with a rusty red wagon and Pooh on board.  The honey pot window decor was a store bought decoration.  Oh, there is a picture of a framed Winnie the Pooh page!!

Winnie the Pooh Party

On the tables there was Winnie the Pooh themed confetti {I almost wrote “Pooh confetti” but that just doesn’t sound right!}, Winnie the Pooh bingo cards, and thank you note envelopes for the guests to write their address on.

I think the party was a huge success.  The decorations were full of cute but low on cost, the mama-to-be was blessed with an abundance of baby gifts, and there were even a few tears of happiness shed.  This is how my friends and I showed a little of our #DisneySide!  I hope enjoyed the party overview and feel inspired to show your #DisneySide to others.

{Also see: Minnie Mouse Birthday Party}

King Cake History and Recipe

King Cake History and Recipe!

Friends of ours brought us this King Cake {also sometimes referred to as a King’s Cake, Kings’ Cake, or Three Kings’ Cake} along with some delicious chicken pie to help us out while we’re surviving our first few weeks with a newborn.  {If you want to see my super cute son you can here.  I think he’s adorable!  I know I’m biased but that’s allowed, right?}  This yummy treat started a discussion today with my blogging friends who had never heard of King Cake or the history behind it.  In case some of you are unfamiliar with the story I want to tell you about it.  Well, not in my words exactly but the following is from the info sheet our friends gave us with the King Cake.  {I’m not sure who’s the author of this info so if you know please share it with me.}

One of the many attractive customs surrounding the Christmas Season is the King’s Cake.  It has grown in popularity along with Christmas Carols, Christmas Trees, and Lights.  While these decorations are meant to be seen and admired, the Cake is a gift to be shared by family and friends at mealtime or during a party on or after “Little Christmas,” an expression used for the feast of Epiphany, observed for centuries on January 6.

In the Middle Ages, popular devotion during Christmastide turned to the Magi or Wise Men or Kings who had followed a star and paid homage to the baby Jesus.  By the twelfth century, veneration of the Magi or Kings themselves spread all over Europe.  In time, Epiphany (from the Greek work meaning ‘manifestation’ in most countries, became the feast of The Holy Kings.  The Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) do not mention the number of the Magi.  In the western church a slowly spreading legend put their number at three.  Perhaps this limitation was based on the three gifts mentioned in the Gospels: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Another reason may have been the early concept that the Magi represented all humanity in its three main races.  All through the Middle Ages Epiphany was the final day of the Christmas celebration.  It came to be known as the “Twelfth Night.”  Pageants included men riding horseback representing the Three Kings, crowned and richly clad, bearing cups filled with myrrh, incense, and the precious metal gold.  They rode through the streets of a city to the main church or cathedral where they offered their gifts.

In Hispanic, Italian, and other Mediterranean countries, January 6 is the day for giving presents to children.  In Rome, the “Lady Befana” (derived from the word Epiphany) distributes gifts among the little ones.  In Spain and South America gift giving is done not only at Christmas but also by the Magi.  During the night of January 6, small presents are placed in the children’s shoes by the Three Wise Men.

Connected with all of these customs is the King’s Cake.  Baked on the eve of January 6, it is prepared in honor of the Magi.  For long it was eaten on the afternoon of the Epiphany in connection with either the main meal or party for family, friends, and neighbors.

A feature of the King’s Cake is placing a coin in the dough before baking.  The person who has the piece with the coin is declared “king.”  More recently, the cake sometimes has had in it both a bean and a pea, making the respective finders “king” and “queen” of the party.  It is not unusual for bakers to put a plastic infant instead of a bean, pea, or even a pecan.

In medieval France, the coin finder was expected to make a donation to a worthy cause, usually the education of a youngster who otherwise might have been deprived of schooling.

In the New Orleans area, the King’s Cake is prepared and eaten during the Epiphany season, which according to liturgy of former times, extended from January 6 to the third Sunday before Mardi Gras or, more accurately, Ash Wednesday.  Nowadays, with the season of Epiphany no longer observed (although the feast is still prominent on the church calendar), the King’s Cakes are nevertheless prepared and consumed all the way to Mardi Gras.

And who knows but that Mardi Gras is nothing else but a throw back to the Epiphany pageantry of the medieval times, besides being a last “fling” before the penitential season of Lent and the King’s Cake as a delicacy, is an appetizing introduction to the carnival activities!

Isn’t that interesting?  It wasn’t until my husband and I met {around the time of Epiphany} that I learned about all of this.  Mike is great at trivia, he’s always teaching me something new!

This King’s Cake was made with individual cinnamon rolls instead of one large circle like the traditional cake.  Fun fact: “The cakes were made circular to portray the circular route used by the kings to get to the Christ Child, which was taken to confuse King Herod who was trying to follow the wise men so he could kill the Christ Child” {according to KingCake.com}.

For a great recipe try Emeril’s King Cake recipe.  If this is the first time you’ve made a King’s Cake I’ll warn you that, from my experience, they’re a bit dry if you don’t include a filling.  Still yummy but a little dry.  You could fill them with cream, fruit, or a combination of both.

Has your family ever celebrated with a King’s Cake?

 

 

Free Valentine’s Day Party Printables

Free Valentine's Day Party Printables

Our Free Valentine’s Day Party Printables Essentials Kit includes 7 different types of products in one perfectly coordinating set!  You can print them all or pick and choose the ones you’d like.  Ready to get started?  Okay, just click on the links below to download the associated party printable in high-resolution format.

a) Mini Invitations
Coming in at 3.5” x 5” these sweet mini invitations are sure to delight their recipients.

b) XOXO Banner
Print as many panels as you need then add a hole and your favorite ribbon, twine, or string.  Now you’re ready to party!

c) Welcome Sign
Party welcome signs are one of my absolute favorite way to dress up a party – they are just so cute and simple! I’ve tried to make this printable a standard picture size {8×10} so framing this will be a breeze for you.

d) Party Circles
These little 2″ circles can serve many decorative purposes, but are definitely best known for their role as a cupcake topper. I love to see these made into circle garland but you could also use them as table confetti or craft them into a decorative napkin ring.

e) Decorative Wraps
Most often used as water bottle wraps, napkin rings {or both!} these multi-purpose decorative wraps are a great way to extend your theme to your most basic party supplies.

f) Bag Toppers
A great way to dress up sweet send-offs, these cute little bag toppers feature a double heart design and the phrase, “A Sweet Treat for My Valentine.”  These are perfectly sized at 4×6 and once folded they are 4×3.  You can attach to the top of a cello bag with a stapler or use glue dots for a more seamless look.

g) Food Tents
Food tents are the a perfect addition to your table decor.  These versatile tents are not only cute but very handy.  Simply write on them and place them wherever you want to label drinks or snacks.  They measure 4×6 and once folded they are 4×3.

I hope you’ll enjoy these fun Valentine freebies as much as I do!  If you do use them for a party of your own be sure to come back and share a link to your album or blog in the comment section.  I’d love to see your party!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

{I think it goes without saying but just in case: These are for personal or non profit use only.  Neither printables or printed products may be sold.}

Free Printable Christmas Tree Cupcake Toppers!

I am bursting with Christmas spirit these days…seriously bursting, ya’ll!  To help make your home, or at least make your baked goods a little more festive, I have a free Christmas printable for you!  Yay!
Christmas Tree Cupcake Toppers

These cute and festive Christmas trees can be printed at home or your local office supply store.  Feel free to make as many copies as you like…just don’t try to sell them please!

For best results, print on heavy white card stock.  You can use a 2” circle hole punch to punch out the design or you can use good old fashioned scissors that work just as well.

To put the cupcake toppers on your cupcakes {or cakes, or brownies, etc} you will need toothpicks, lollipop sticks, or popsicle sticks and a little glue or tape.  Once the glue dries just pop them into your favorite dessert for quick Christmas flair!

These also make lovely party favor tags or Christmas present name tags.  To use these as tags for presents simply poke a little hole in the top, slide some string or ribbon through, and add your To:’s and From:’s on the back.  Easy peasy and cute!

Last but not least, these trees would make an adorable banner to add to your Christmas decor.  Simply glue or tape a long piece of string or ribbon to the back of them and hang on your mantle, or wreath, or Christmas tree.  The possibilities are really endless.

Go here to get your Free Printable Christmas Tree Cupcake Toppers!

If you enjoy this freebie please comment to let me know or pin it on Pinterest to share it with others.  Merry Christmas!!