~ Party decor ~ Handmade Paper Pinwheels by Twirlie Whirlies

These adorable paper pinwheels made by Twirlie Whirlies here in Canada are very popular right now.  I've been spotting them everywhere.  They are so cute, all handmade with pretty papers.  

  Remember how I was talking in my last post about doilies being so popular now. Well Her

Lemon-Meringue Pie Pinwheel collection {one side features a doily pattern} was featured in the 'Buzz Trend: Hello, Doily!' of the Brides Magazine February 2011 issue.

These paper twirlie whirlies 'pinwheels' will be the perfect addition to any Candy or Dessert table.  She also does beautiful coordinated party banners and favours.


I am thinking I might need some twirlie whirlies now,  for my daughter's birthday party coming soon. Going to Etsy right now to visit her shop!

~ Cute Idea ~ Valentines's XOXO Cookies in a Jar Chocolate Chip & Oats

YEY It is Valentine's day!  I am so excited to share this idea with you. I've been wanting to make these cookies in a jar for a few weeks now. I finally got to make them, and what a better occasion than Valentine's day.  I made these for my daughter's wonderful teachers.  I think they turned out so cute, hope they like them.

I finally made good use of these jars, I had purchased them more than a year ago, one of my neighbours was suppose to teach me how to preserve tomatoes the Italian way {I hear is very easy, but we really don't jar any vegetables from where I am from} anyways until this day we haven't done it {shame on you neighbour..you promised... :o)} So when I spotted these cookies in a jar @ bakerella, I was like wow! these are so cute, way cuter than jarred tomatoes.  I had to make a few adjustments as my jars were 500mls/1pint size.  And I called them XOXO cookies, they are so yummy, I am actually eating one right now while I write. 

Here is how I layered the ingredients: 

* 2/3 cups of Flour, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp salt {all mixed together}

* A little bit less than 1/2 a cup of Oats

* 1/4 cup of pecans

* 1/3 cup of pink and red M&M's

* 1/3 cup of Semi-sweet chocolate chips

* 1/4 cup of  Brown Sugar

* 1/4 cup of White Sugar

I packed each layer very tight before adding the other one.  I decorated the lids with Valentine's print fabric.  I cut 6" squares of fabric, fold each one of them in 2, then in 4 and cut the outside corners to make them into round shapes, I put a little bit of padding {cotton is fine too} on top of the lid and under the fabric and tied with a red ribbon.  And voila! they are so cute. 

I also purchased a mixing bowl, a kitchen towel, a whisker, a spatula and heart shaped doilies; put all together on top of a strong piece of cardboard, I had wrapped in red tissue paper. Attached a recipe tag, and tied all together with clear cello paper and a bow.

Download nutrition facts and baking directions printable tag 

These can be made for any occasion really, just have to change the color scheme and that is it. I think my kitchen will become a cookie in a jar factory from now on.  I am hooked now!  I will be posting more recipes as I try them out.  I used some heart shaped doilies to decorate some of the recipe tags, I've been seeing these paper doilies everywhere being used on invitations, note cards and more...

My daughter and I had lots of fun putting these presents together. We could have just purchased something at a store, like a picture frame, a candle or a gift card, but for me there is nothing better and more meaningful than a present handmade with love. And that is what Valentine's day is all about: To show others we care and appreciate them. 

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

~ Birthday Party ~ Sarina's Hello Kitty Balloon Dreams 1st birthday Party

While I am here checking some of my favorite party blogs looking for ideas and inspiration for my daughter's 2nd Birthday party ... I just thought it would be fun to share some pictures of her 1st Birthday Party... 
 

I chose Hello Kitty to be the theme of her party as the colors matched perfect with the dress she was going to wear {While browsing Birthday Express for party themes I discovered that the Gymboree polka dot dress and sweater were the perfect match with the Hello Kitty Balloon Dreams theme}

OK and... nobody can deny that Hello Kitty is simply ADORABLE!!

" I learned to laugh and squeal, then sit and stand,

and I can walk now if you hold my hand,

But the fun has only just begun,

lookout world, I'm turning one! "

I made two different styles of invitations, I just couldn't decide which one looked cuter!

 I got the Hello Kitty Paper at Michaels.   I hand-delivered all of the invites, so instead of envelopes,  I just wrapped them in clear cello paper and tied them with a bow and guest name tags just like a loot bag. 

The Hello Kitty cake was made by Cakes by Anna in Woodbridge, Ontario.

The Party favors were adorable hello kitty fanny packs and hair accessories, I wrapped in clear cello paper with made to match colorful bows and hello kitty guests name tags.

{Did you notice I love to wrap everything in cello paper, I always keep a few rolls handy... By the way, the tutorial on how to make the paper ribbon bows will be also available soon }

Hello Kitty Balloon Dreams Party Supplies~ napkins, plates, cups and tablecloth ~ were purchased at Birthday Express.

Now in my shop Hello Kitty Balloon Dreams Personalized Party Collection
{Cupcake toppers, water bottle labels and more...}

I always have to have Balloons in all my parties. I had balloon columns decorating the main table. Balloons are an inexpensive way to add lots of decor and they are just beautiful.

 Stay tuned for Sarina's 2nd Birthday Party... {COMING SOON in March 2011}

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~Birthday Party~ Valeria's Princess Party

 

When my friend Timmy enlisted me to decorate her daughter, Valeria's 5th birthday party, I was very happy to help.  Somehow we pulled this party together in one day {the day before the party we went shopping, and did all baking and decor}.  Valeria loves princesses so we went with the Princess theme. 

I adore how the cupcakes turned out.  I just used a cherry cake mix and decorated with ready made white buttercreme frosting I purchased at the Bulk Barn Store {There was really no time to bake from scratch, but I think they tasted was really good} For the frosting, I used a Wilton 1M tip and towered it on top of the cupcake. I got the most adorable pink and purple sprinkles that just looked like sparkles and adorned the top with a pink bubble-gum. 

{Note to myself: Don't overfill the cupcakes next time. I had to repeat a whole batch that didn't look so good.}  We used a Wilton Cupcake Stand we purchased at Michaels. 

I also made the deliciously cute yummy-gummi pots.

The adorable Princesses Loot Bags were purchased at the Disney store.  A Princess Mural, Princess table decor, and tons of balloons were decorating the room. 

It was all rush rush but it was well worthy because Valeria loved her party!