Ode to Cupcakes

Today is my birthday, and I'm taking three whole days to celebrate this year! Why? Well, because I feel like it. :-)

I started the celebration yesterday with my best friend. There is a new cupcake boutique in town called "Celebrations." Isn't that a cute name? Here's a photo of our cupcake selections.

On the left is the lemon cake with raspberry filling and lemon buttercream frosting, and on the right is a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and a little chunk of a Reese's on top.

If you've followed my blog for awhile now you know that I ADORE cupcakes. Seriously adore them, and I'm convinced that cupcakes make every problem better. The world will eventually be a better place because of delicious and CUTE cupcakes.

So, I set out on a quest to find my ultimate birthday "must-have." I searched through blogs for anything that might inspire me and trigger the "aha!" response. Well, I finally found two birthday must-haves... and they are both cupcakes. :-) I'd like to share them with you.

(Photo courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess)

The first must-have is margarita cupcakes with lime frosting. This inspiration came from Hostess with the Mostess. I'm so curious if a cupcake can truly taste like one of my favorite blended beverages.... I'm very lucky to have a best friend who will be making me her own version of margarita cupcakes today. Mmmmmm, I can't wait to taste them!

(Photo courtesy of Bakerella)

The second must-have is Aloha Cupcakes by Bakerella. Just by looking at them, I want to stop and have a luau on the spot! And, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, the pineapple cake with mango frosting? I'll be lucky if each of them even makes it out of the mixing bowl!

I definitely have a fruity cupcake theme going on here, but hey, we've gotta get our "fruits" and vegetables somehow, right? ;-)

Well, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my day. Enjoy those cupcakes!

End of Summer Celebration

Did I just say that? The END of summer? Well, try as I might to deny it, the end of summer is quickly approaching... so, what is there to do about it?? Throw a party, of course!

(Photo from Skip to My Lou)

I came across this awesome and very easy idea from Skip to My Lou that I wanted to share with you. I just love the simplicity of the Shrimp Boil concept! Click on the link to read about it. If you must, add a few decorative elements, but I like the fact that this concept is so laid-back, just like summer.

So, take a look, pick a date, and gather a group of family and friends to celebrate another fantastic summer.

Wedding Theme Idea

(Photo from Hostess with the Mostess)

I. LOVE. THIS. IDEA! Check out a recent post from Hostess with the Mostess. She shares her concept for her upcoming 10th wedding anniversary, a "Wedding Hangover" theme. Click on the link to find out the details.

I also think this could be a fun concept for a "morning after" brunch after the wedding, as a way to relax with family and close friends while reliving the memories of the big day. Or, for the adventurous folks who will have a Vegas wedding, this theme could be incorporated all in the name of fun!

Paper Pans

Uh-oh.

I need an excuse to bake. Well, I guess I have one since it's been raining here for what seems like AGES. And it's supposed to keep on raining, for DAYS, so maybe firing up the oven would do a soul some good! :-)

So why do I have the urge to bake? It's Bakerella's fault! She shared a new discovery with the world, paper baking pans!

(Photo by Bakerella)

They are so pretty... and FUN. What's almost more fun is her Yummy Bananaberry Muffin recipe.

(Photo by Bakerella)

Check out her blog post here for more information about the paper baking pans and to get her Yummy Bananaberry Muffin recipe.

"What Will It Be?" Baby Gender Reveal Party

(Photo by The Nature of Grace)

How CUTE is this party?? Check out The Nature of Grace blog for a bee-utiful baby gender reveal party concept. Click here to go directly to the blog post and read about the wonderful DIY projects that brought this concept together.

Fun Giveaway from Hostess with the Mostess

Hostess with the Mostess posted a fun giveaway. Hurry, enter to win on her blog! These fun Persona gift pail kits make great gifts, party favors or take-home party favors. Check out Persona Gift Pails here.

Eco-Friendly Grad Party Inspiration

I was browsing through MarthaStewart.com to find inspiration for spring and summer celebrations. I came across an Eco-Friendly Graduation Party concept from Martha Stewart Living's editorial food director Lucinda Scala Quinn, who coordinated this party to celebrate her son's graduation from the University of Vermont. Below are some photos (credits: MarthaStewart.com) to pique your interest. Click here to see the party details and more enticing photos of this event!