Katie's big "1" [Archive] - OneWed's Wedding Chat

FFC

07-15-2011, 11:23 AM

So I've been wracking my brain as to where to do Katie's 1st bday party. I know, she's not going to remember it and I shouldn't go all out and yada yada yada everything everyone is telling me about first birthdays.

However, I really want to do it. It doesn't have to be expensive. Heck, it CAN'T be expensive lol. But I do want to invite just about everyone and make it fun. I already know we're doing a cupcake theme even though I fought with myself over it. We're going to have adult games that are kid themed, to make it fun for the big kids/adults. But I just don't know WHERE to do it!

As of right now, I don't really have a "home" to do it at. Besides, even if I did, I kinda wanna do it somewhere centrally located (public) in case her sperm donor wanted to come to the party. I wouldn't want him to feel like I set him up to be uncomfortable or anything :blink:

I don't want to do the local kids pizza joint - I want to do that when she can enjoy it. I really like the park idea, but come on, it's going to be October. Who knows what the weather is going to be like then. It's likely according to the weather averages that it'll be in the mid 70's and sunny.

I know it's not that big of a deal, but it is to me lol. Any ideas? I wish we had a park like Daniellepaws has in her area :lafhard:

Danielle9608

07-15-2011, 11:36 AM

I was going to have Averi's at a function hall. Like a VFW or Elk's club. I know Amanda was trying to do the same for Amelia and was having trouble finding one to host a children's party. I honestly never looked into it because I decided just to have it at our house instead. Do you have anything like that? Or maybe even a church hall?

WebLady

07-15-2011, 12:20 PM

I was going to suggest some sort of hall or club ... also, some restaurants have meeting/banquet rooms they rent for parties too.

Good luck :)

FFC

07-15-2011, 12:22 PM

Ohhhh I never even thought of the Elks' Lodge! There are 2 of them out here. Hmmmm....

Thanks :)

savepaws

07-15-2011, 02:06 PM

I hope you can find the perfect location! I wish I had some suggestions but since I'm not familiar with the area, I have no clue what you have available!

KMS

07-15-2011, 02:32 PM

Good luck finding a place! I really wanted to do Paisley's first somewhere besides at a family member's house, but couldn't find anywhere. I hope that you have better luck than me!! :crossfingers:

FFC

07-17-2011, 02:17 PM

Thanks! So far, I really like the Game Room (http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/party_packages/Party_Areas.pdf) at our community center. Still a bit pricey though....

It would be fun for the "big kids" and I could still theme it up. Still looking for something less costly. :bbconfused:

savepaws

07-17-2011, 08:55 PM

Oh wow that is expensive! Especially for only 2 hours!

FFC

07-17-2011, 09:47 PM

Well, I just bucked it up and asked the SD if he wanted to attend, and I told him if he did, then I wouldn't do it at someone's house (meaning not my aunts or something like that, so he doesn't feel set up). Another reason is because I don't want him saying I purposely shut him out. He responded saying he wanted to attend. So it looks like we're doing it in Sac. Plus, most of my friends are there. So now I gotta find somewhere in Sac to do it. I'm going to call my cousin and see if she's got any ideas.

jamt

07-18-2011, 10:07 AM

hope you find somewhere you like at a steal of a price

FFC

07-23-2011, 01:54 AM

Well it looks like there will be 2 parties after all. One here in Livermore with the friends and family here - a small, simple one at my aunt's house. Then there will be a bigger one in Sacramento probably at a park.

Cupcake theme for sure now, I just made it official!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254312_10150265463668340_748393339_7510958_4125023 _n.jpg

We also have a tiered cupcake stand, as well as a staggered tiered cake holder that would work for cupcakes as well. One of my friends' daughters is looking forward to making Katie's birthday cake. I think I'm going to have her make the Sacramento cake, and I'll make the Livermore cake. Of course, we can do cupcakes, but we need to do the GIANT cupcake cake :)

One of my photographer friends is looking forward to doing the cake smash, and that'll be another big cupcake - either the cake size or one in between regular cupcake size, and cake size.

scarymary48

07-23-2011, 03:08 AM

Katies parties are going to be SO CUTE :heart:

Danielle9608

07-23-2011, 07:03 AM

Aww the cupcake theme is going to be so fun!!

brendalin

07-26-2011, 09:16 AM

I love the idea of a cupcake theme birthday! There are so many things that you could do for this!

WebLady

07-26-2011, 10:37 AM

Love the cupcake theme idea :bun: I can totally do a cupcake bow ;)

savepaws

07-26-2011, 04:03 PM

So cute!!! Love the outfit!

FFC

08-13-2011, 01:19 AM

Well, I've made zero progress on this. I just realized we're halfway through August, and NEXT MONTH is September. OMG where'd the summer go?? :( I'm kinda working myself into a depression that's NOT helping with my lack of birthday joy.

Brandi - I'm going to be ordering one of these!!!!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215096_242505032438511_160925933929755_886136_2491 179_n.jpg

I learned how to do appliques today and they're SO much easier than I thought they'd be, so I'm looking forward to doing another birthday outfit IF we have a second party.

Ladies, I need your honest to goodness opinions on this: is it tacky to do a party with the family here and a party with my friends even though Katie's only turning 1? I mean, should I just do a get together with the friends and not call it a birthday party? I want to see my friends and Katie's birthday is a great excuse to get together, but having 2 birthday parties for a 1 year old almost seems tacky, even though there's no chance of guests overlapping because they're so far apart.

*sigh*

scarymary48

08-13-2011, 05:35 AM

I don't think that is tacky at all! If you were inviting all the same people I'd maybe think it was, but in two different places, that isn't even a little bit tacky.

Danielle9608

08-15-2011, 07:24 AM

I don't think it's tacky at all. Actually Averi might end up having 3 parties because of lack of space in my house. Unless I rent a hall. I haven't really thought much about her birthday and have been putting it off because I don't know where we will be living in October.

ikkin510

08-15-2011, 08:09 AM

Ryan had 2 birthday parties. Mostly because my family didn't want to travel the hour to where we lived and DH's family didn't want to travel the hour to my parent's. So we just did a party in each place.

FFC

08-16-2011, 01:26 AM

Thank you ladies. I feel a lot better about the idea now! I talked to mom about it too and my BFF and both agree I should do the party both places.

Now, I'd LOVE to have a pinata - for the grown ups since Katie's only turning 1. I wanted to get a pinata and fiberglass it and make it super hard to break. However, there will be kids there that would want to take a swing or 2 so I should probably keep it simple as far as the pinata goes lol.

I still don't know WHERE I'm doing the Sacramento party. If the weather's right, I can do it at a park, but who knows what it'll be like in October! And I need a backup plan if I do plan it in a park. Hmmm....

Livermore, the party will be at my aunt's house on a Sunday. I would love to get some insight on cupcake themed invitation sayings! Here are a few I'm looking at now:

A little cupcake, a lot of fun, a little hostess who's turning ONE!

Come to my party, celebrate a bit, see my first cupcake, I'll be wearing it!

And the typical:

She's cute, sweet and so much fun! Mommy's little cupcake is turning ONE!

None of them are working for me.... so feel free to chime in with some invitation wording ideas :hearts:

scarymary48

08-16-2011, 02:07 AM

I hope this doesn't make me sound like a thread hijacker, but I once made a super hard to break pinata for Ella's 3rd or 4th birthday. That thing was impossible to break! It ended up taking the LONGEST time, and it was only eventually opened by my (huge, tall, muscular) brother who had to take the unicorn down, then stomp on it then hack its head off with a shovel. It was HORRIFIC. Those kids are probably scarred for life. Moral of the story- don't be tempted to make the pinata stronger then usual, lol!!!

mj512

08-16-2011, 05:44 AM

I like the first little invite saying :)

haha I'm picturing a pinata that won't break at all haha!

Danielle9608

08-16-2011, 06:33 AM

I agree I like the first one best too. And Sarah that poor poor unicorn!! LOL

Brian's Bride

08-16-2011, 08:52 AM

What a super-cute theme!!! Not tacky to have two parties, either. We were going to have two for Brant since the family one was on Thanksgiving. But we ended up getting sick and had to cancel the friends one. But we were all set to do two as well.

One other thing - we just went to my cousin's baby's 1st birthday. And the mom made him (Connor) one of those huge cupcake cakes. And honestly, it was just overwhelming to him and he didn't get into it at all. I felt kind of bad for the mom because she ended up swiping the frosting off and smearing it on his face and belly and he STILL didn't do anything with it! So, my opinion is to either make Katie a regular cupcake, or a slightly bigger one. I made Brant a slightly larger cupcake with a ramekin cup and he went to town on it.

I just can't believe you're planning her first birthday party already!!!

FFC

08-16-2011, 10:41 AM

Thank you ladies for your feedback!

Sarah, OMG that poor unicorn LOL! I'm glad you shared your story because I'd hate to have someone have to do that with a cupcake hehe!

Here's the cupcake one I want to get, but I want to get it on sale. It was $30 at Party City when I saw it, but I don't want to pay that much lol! I figure if I have a few extra bucks Ill get it but I gotta get the important stuff first!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301069_10150286207308340_748393339_7715505_7770077 _n.jpg

I also haven't found party supplies in the cupcake theme that I like. I mean, there are lots of cute themes out there and as I was searching for the "lead" one that I was considering, I found some CUTE ones for a heck of a price! I like them!!

http://www.lorisparties.com/.cache/photos/ca8e660fb268b90bf6dd48584436b257/f6739284612391a5713eaa274fcd6b27_250.jpg

http://www.lorisparties.com/.cache/photos/ca8e660fb268b90bf6dd48584436b257/1785011da50def37190fa08b256c15fd_250.jpg

Wait.... these napkins are cheaper LOL!

http://www.lorisparties.com/.cache/photos/ca8e660fb268b90bf6dd48584436b257/de17ed84fff7be72a883edd0018f44f4_250.jpg

These are a start. They're $3-4 bucks for sets of 8-10, so while they're cheaper than a lot of the ones I've found, that's still not very cheap when ya think of it.

I know the Dollar Tree has some cupcake decor, and BALLOONS! The giant cupcake balloon is about $12 - Eff that! But the dollar tree has cupcake birthday balloons for a buck!

FFC

08-16-2011, 10:44 AM

OH, and here's my second option (so far) for decor...

http://images.celebrateexpress.com/mgen/merchandiser/43962.jpg?zm=365,365,1,0,0

savepaws

08-16-2011, 11:18 AM

For napkins, plates and stuff....walmart has them for 97 cents. Yeah, they aren't your theme and are just solid colors but you could maybe alternate solids with the patterned napkins or plates. That way you still have your theme but also saving some money by not having to buy as much of the themed stuff.

I also want to say it isn't tacky to have two parties but it could be expensive, so keep that in mind. I was going to have a family party and friends party but I am glad I didn't because only 1 couple from my group of "friends" showed up. Nice, huh? When the girls are older, I will probably do family parties and then friend parties for THEIR friends. Another thing I learned from my party is....I wish I had just scheduled the party for 2 or 3 in the afternoon and just served dessert and cake. Instead we had to have a full meal and it was expensive, even with several people making side dishes for us. You live and learn. :) It was still a good time, just a costly one for us!

You can take or leave any of my advice, I am just sharing what I learned from my experience this past weekend. :)

ikkin510

08-16-2011, 12:06 PM

I was also going to suggest going some of the cupcake plates and napkins and then some of the solid colors in coordinating colors mixed in. That's what we have done to save some money.
I also agree with the earlier time. Then you just have cake and chips and pretzels, etc to food people and they will be happy.

FFC

09-25-2011, 11:35 AM

Thanks ladies! I can't believe how much I've slacked on this thread. We found CUPCAKE decor at Walmart for $1.47. Which is super cheap, but also super expensive when my bank account and credit cards are all overdrawn :doh:

So mom bought a couple of each so that I can get some solids to go with them. Here they are:

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/159234530_Q5juhfNl_c.jpg

We got these at the dollar tree - it's just tissue paper but I'd love to do something creative with them for decor:

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/177162447_Fh8wujxW_c.jpg

We even found cupcake ribbon at the dollar tree!

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/177144292_pH6MT1Cs_c.jpg

I want to make a number "1" with photos, similar to this, but that all depends if I get any printed!

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/165342976_cIgLJPUa_c.jpg

I'm going to try to make these (ahead of time), as well as cake pops. Whichever turns out better are what I'm going to go with:

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/166467586_As9HHGpe_c.jpg

I'm going up on Saturday to scout out the park in which I want to have her party in Sacramento. I am more-like calling it an excuse to get together with my friends. I got quite a few RSVP's so I'm kinda stoked we get to hang out!

I keep forgetting I kinda need to send out REAL invitations! I sent out a FB event invitation and I *think* everyone I want to invite is ON FB! So should I even bother with real paper invitations? I can consider her party more green if I don't :blink: Haha....

The party in Livermore, I've moved to the ranch. I told auntie that I feel it's too much of a liability to do it at her house and at least if I do it here, I can decorate ahead of time. Not to mention she's got like 3 display cases of china in her house, and I do NOT want to be the one responsible if someone bumps into them!

I told mom we need to go to Costco so I can buy supplies (ingredients) for party food.

Now I need party food ideas. What's easy to make? I mean, the usual pasta salad, sandwiches, etc? I kinda like the idea of making things that share ingredients so that I can buy costco style a few ingredients rather than a million different ingredients.

I'm way open to ideas! I'll be doing a cake smash photo shoot with my photographer friends sometime this month. I am kinda wary about using Katie's birthday outfit so I might make her one. Who knows - so far the embroidering isn't working out very well on kid clothes. :doh:

Anyway, Katie MIGHT be walking by her birthday! She stands on her own now, and she squats and sits like that unassisted. We will see!

So, my to do list this week is:

-make practice batches of cake pops, mini cupcakes, and dipped marshmallows - decide which to use in the end
-Figure out a smash cake
-figure out a menu (which also has to be travel/weather friendly)
-figure out how to get Katie a birthday gift or 2 (and what I'm going to get her)

scarymary48

09-25-2011, 06:28 PM

Sounds like everything is coming together nicely!

savepaws

09-26-2011, 11:52 AM

One thing that I did for the girls' party was assign dishes to family members (like my mom, my SIL and DH's grandma) so I wasn't stuck making everything. They actually offered, so I definitely took advantage! Even then I still didn't have time to make my watermelon garden and that was the only thing I had to make! I was just so busy with the decorations. Birthday planning is way too much work!!! LOL Good luck!! I don't know what to suggest for foods really. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, 7 layer salad, cucumber sandwiches, and a fruit bowl.

Danielle9608

09-26-2011, 12:04 PM

Can you even believe our girls are going to be 1 next month!? Sounds like you are on a roll! Katie is one lucky little girl! I can't wait to see how the party turns out.

FFC

09-26-2011, 12:10 PM

Thanks ladies!

Daniellepaws - designating is a good idea! Thank you :)

Danielle - I can't believe they're almost 1!!! Katie's getting there. She *might* be walking by her birthday but I doubt it. She's still working on standing on her own. She does great but I'm not going to push her.

Danielle9608

09-26-2011, 12:51 PM

Enjoy this time while she isn't walking because once she does forget about sitting down ever again! LOL

FFC

09-26-2011, 01:42 PM

Enjoy this time while she isn't walking because once she does forget about sitting down ever again! LOL

I can rarely sit down even now - she beelines for the wooden steps and plays on them the instant I set her down! She's fallen down them twice even though someone is always right there with her. You'd think she'd learn. Silly girl!

Her birthday is on my mind all. the. time. I sure hope I can pull this off and manage to get her a decent gift or two. I really wanna get her the Jack Potty.... and I really need to start reading to her. I'm mega slacking in that department.

savepaws

09-26-2011, 02:03 PM

I can rarely sit down even now - she beelines for the wooden steps and plays on them the instant I set her down! She's fallen down them twice even though someone is always right there with her. You'd think she'd learn. Silly girl!

OMG I can totally relate!! The girls love climbing up on the couch and Tenley has taken a couple of spills and she just laughs and gets right back on and does the same darn thing. And the girls gravitate towards anything dangerous or that we don't want them around. They are danger magnets. Walking just makes it even that more scary because they make a run for it...LOL

KMS

09-30-2011, 05:03 PM

Oh, I made some marshmallow pops for two recent baby showers I hosted. Darnit, I need to learn how to work my danged camera better. It's too fancy for me. lol. But they looked great in person and people loved them. As far as taste goes, they were pretty much just marshmallowy and chocolatey but I made them for the cute factor anyways. Also, they seemed easier than cake balls when you have so much other cooking/decorating to do!

Here are a couple of cruddy pics. If you decide to do them and need any tips, I can throw some your way!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/keelyhealthnut/DSC_0006.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/keelyhealthnut/DSC_0023.jpg

Have you made any decisions about food yet?

dearmissie

09-30-2011, 05:15 PM

FFC

09-30-2011, 05:24 PM

Keely you're my hero! I am thinking about doing the marshmallow pops and then putting icing on top after dipping them, that way they have the cupcake effect. Hmmm....

Food - Definitely Yves sandwich meats diced up for Katie. Fruit tray, veggie tray (probably soft veggies, some of her favorites), olives, bread assortment, cracker assortment and chip assortment, as well as a dip assortment like spinach dip, onion dip, my mayo dip, and ranch. I'll probably do a lunchmeat tray or two for DIY sandwiches. I want to make the menu "shop" friendly. The breads I will probably get croissants and french rolls - those work for sandwiches and dippers. I'll probably get a cr@pload of sour cream, and dollar tree mixes for dips. I'll make spinach dip. I want snackers like animal crackers and graham fishies so I'll probably get those from Costco too. The food is the easy part I think - I can use my food stamps for that lol. It's everything else that I worry about LOL!

Wow, that run on paragraph was way too spazzy. :)

FFC

09-30-2011, 05:26 PM

Aww her first birthday!! I love kid's birthdays. So much fun to see their faces light up!! Whatever you do, I know it's going to be just awesome!! She's a lucky little girl to have such an awesome Mommy. And you a lucky Mommy to have such a wonderful little girl. :heart::heart:

Thank you :wub:

Missie, you should totally come to Katie's birthday party! I don't know if it'll be weird for you though.... we gotta find some other OWers in our area hehe!

dearmissie

09-30-2011, 05:28 PM

Thank you :wub:

Missie, you should totally come to Katie's birthday party! I don't know if it'll be weird for you though.... we gotta find some other OWers in our area hehe!

Aww that would be so fun!! But when is it?? And yes, we need more OWers over here in the Bay!!

FFC

09-30-2011, 05:38 PM

Aww that would be so fun!! But when is it?? And yes, we need more OWers over here in the Bay!!

Her Livermore party is on the 23rd, her Sac party is on the 22nd :)

dearmissie

09-30-2011, 05:42 PM

Her Livermore party is on the 23rd, her Sac party is on the 22nd :)

I was so excited to see that it was on a Sunday because I have Sundays off.. But I was bummed to see that I think that's the weekend we're going to Disneyland.. I'll have to double check though..

FFC

09-30-2011, 05:46 PM

I was so excited to see that it was on a Sunday because I have Sundays off.. But I was bummed to see that I think that's the weekend we're going to Disneyland.. I'll have to double check though..

Hehe, well Disneyland definitely beats a 1 y/o birthday party LOL! Either way, we'll work something out soon!

FFC

10-08-2011, 11:24 PM

Well, the past 48 hours have been full birthday party planning mode. I went shopping yesterday and spent $102 total. Including lunch for the 3 of us (my cousin, her gf, and myself). All I have left to get are a few more plates (solids from the dollar tree - they were out of the ones I wanted), and the food which I will use my food stamps for.

First of all, I just made her shirt. I have 2 onesies already for her but I want at least one for each party, and one for her photo shoot. Just in case, I have an extra for her if we do the photos AFTER the parties. ($2 for the iron on letters).

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/294599_10150347832393340_748393339_8131295_1616024 702_n.jpg

I experimented with cake pops. They were delicious but they won't travel well, so I MIGHT make them for the home party. Not likely though since I'm planning on cupcakes.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/312758_10150342800298340_748393339_8105469_3189314 83_n.jpg

Her party in Sac will be where I had my maternity photos done. I want to get some photos of her in the same places I got photos!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/308530_10150339031713340_748393339_8083087_6988271 56_n.jpg

Our first stop was Party City. I already knew the prices at the Dollar Tree and Walmart, so I figured we'd compare. Plus Party City has MEGA more goodies to choose from. I made little favor baggies which I'm hoping to put a cookie or two in. Here's a pile of the favors before I bagged them up in cupcake ziploc baggies:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/296781_10150347837103340_748393339_8131322_1550489 701_n.jpg

$0.50 score at GoodWill!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/317738_10150347836108340_748393339_8131306_9397364 75_n.jpg

$0.99 for the onesie, scored the tutu for a quarter. I'm going to sew them together and add more ribbon...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/297554_10150347836273340_748393339_8131308_1230916 239_n.jpg

Another GoodWill score. I don't know what I am going to do with them yet and they're not BD Party stuff but they're freekin adorable!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/319671_10150347836448340_748393339_8131311_3958109 03_n.jpg

I'm going to clean this up and wrap it up for her. I'm going to put photos of my family in there - family she doesn't let hold her lol. This way hopefully it will help her recognize them.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/317235_10150347836493340_748393339_8131312_2085217 182_n.jpg

$1.99 - something else I'm going to clean up and wrap for her.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/316076_10150347836548340_748393339_8131313_1716898 704_n.jpg

We're going to personalize these... kinda use them as a starting point for the banner.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/317875_10150347836703340_748393339_8131316_2293025 30_n.jpg

FFC

10-08-2011, 11:24 PM

Homemade Mod Podge - $0.70 for the whole setup!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/302058_10150347836843340_748393339_8131318_1360111 401_n.jpg

The #1 candles were far too big for a cupcake, so I think one of these will suffice perfectly. $0.99!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/296693_10150347836903340_748393339_8131320_8665023 50_n.jpg

Banner beginnings! I'm going to use the banner in the photo as a trace for the letters (maybe). Or I'll have my friend use her Cricut Expression to cut them out. Not sure. Either way the banner here was like $0.05 at the thrift store!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/318571_10150347837408340_748393339_8131328_1853118 417_n.jpg

Eating stuff:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/308316_10150347837553340_748393339_8131331_2103936 438_n.jpg

Got enough string? hehe.... I want to make the banner with the string, hanging balloons with the ribbon, and maybe even a balloon sculpture of a #1.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/321688_10150347837768340_748393339_8131337_1604215 837_n.jpg

SCORE!!!! I've always wanted these and just got them at the thrift store for $3. I'm going to fill them and have them out at the parties.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/291851_10150347837928340_748393339_8131340_9799780 6_n.jpg

I'm going to Mod Podge the wrapping paper to my cupcake stand, then use the cupcake cups to tie in the colors.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/302626_10150347838183340_748393339_8131346_6034168 37_n.jpg

$0.50 @ thrift store

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/299536_10150347838278340_748393339_8131349_1672059 283_n.jpg

Wrapping/decor. I might make a tissue 1 if I don't get to the balloon 1 sculpture.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/307445_10150347838338340_748393339_8131350_5047292 44_n.jpg

$0.68 each. Too cute to pass up!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/294576_10150347838433340_748393339_8131351_6490993 09_n.jpg

FFC

10-08-2011, 11:29 PM

Okay, now that's what I HAVE. Here's what I want to do:

Month/photo banner:

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/287063151_Lo1crNGg_c.jpg

Veggie shots:

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/287107441_atwl2VD9_c.jpg

Super cute, super easy decor!

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/287049255_s8oikVYc_c.jpg

Cute and easy decor yet again. Good for park or home party!

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/287044925_cb2ZJFou_c.jpg

Birthday banner inspiration - with a black background (I also got black posterboard to cut and use as a base for banner).

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/287019623_fu8Y4Iwv_b.jpg

Stacked cupcakes. I have the peanut butter cups to do this, but I think I'll do them in different tiers in the display. Big cupcakes on bottom, mini cupcakes in the middle, and tiny "cupcakes" on the top. I'm going to top the pb cups with frosting just like the others. Fun stuff!

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/237878030_uB7RAAHP_c.jpg

FFC

10-08-2011, 11:30 PM

OH, I'm going to have my stepdad cut me out a big "1" out of plywood so I can mod podge a photo collage of her first year onto it. Also, her giant prints came in and turned out pretty nice! I'm stoked with them. IF I get them framed before then, I will have them displayed at the "home" party.

FFC

10-13-2011, 02:55 PM

Well, I made the base of her birthday banner. I am cutting out the letters today and going to glue them on and get a photo of the finished piece. I'm kinda stoked! I have NO inspiration for scrapbooking or paper designing so bear with me. Photos will be up hopefully by the end of the day!

CaseyK37

10-13-2011, 07:05 PM

The photo banner is so cute! Can't wait to see the finished product. You scored so many good deals! What a thrifty shopper.

What are the veggie shots? They look neat and delicious. I love love love the stacked cupcakes.

FFC

10-14-2011, 01:24 AM

Thanks Casey! The shots are simply sliced veggie sticks with a little ranch already in the cup. Easy peasy! I even have some shot glasses I "borrowed" from mom so I can do them :)

Didn't get to the banner today. Hopefully tomorrow.

Brian's Bride

10-14-2011, 07:38 AM

Wow, a lot of stuff! The parties are going to be a blast! I loved the balloon inspiration pics, especially since you won't have to pay to have them filled with helium. I'm going to try and use that row of balloons (like the blue one you posted) for Brant's party!!! Thanks for the ideas!!!

Also loved the onesie and tutu, can't beat that price!!

yam102284

10-14-2011, 07:47 AM

All the inspiration pics look great! I can't wait to see how everything turns out! And, great deals you found!!

savepaws

10-14-2011, 08:57 AM

Wow! You've got your work cut out for you! So many cute ideas! Can't wait to see how it all turns out! I love the veggie shots.

Danielle9608

10-14-2011, 12:21 PM

Veggie shots is such a cute idea! I may have to steal that!

FFC

10-14-2011, 01:49 PM

Thank you!!

So I needed a 1.5" or 1" circle punch.... I still do, but I'm making do with what I have while I can. I am using the cricut to cut the circles I need! I need an independent one still so that I can cut out the cupcakes but for now, this works :) I got all the letters cut out for her birthday banner... Which reminds me. I didn't do her name. Guess I didn't get them all cut out LOL! I'm going to finish cutting circles then cut out her name :)

I made Mod Podge and so far it's not working real well on foam. I am trying to cover foam blocks with wrapping paper so that I can stick fruit kabobs in them. I was going to mod podge the paper on but it's not working - booooo :( SO I might just wrap like normal, but that makes for a mess sticking the sticks in - and I can't reuse them. Oh well...

FFC

10-14-2011, 02:30 PM

NOW the letters are cut, and glued onto the banner. Now it's time to string em together!!! Woohoo!

Heywie

10-14-2011, 06:37 PM

I LOVE the month banner. That is such a cute idea! I wish I had thought of that. Can't wait to see what you come up with. I'm sure it'll be cute!

dearmissie

10-14-2011, 08:12 PM

Wow!! This party is going to rock!! And you totally scored some GREAT deals!! Which GoodWill is this?!? BTW, we might postpone Disneyland.. :):)

FFC

10-15-2011, 12:37 AM

Missie - let me know!!!

Haley, I haven't got any photos printed yet.. so I'm super hoping it works out! I might just go super simple like the clothespin month banner and do it that way. I already have the black backgrounds cut, just add the numbers, photos and clothes pins and call it good!

I didn't get to string the banner today. I didn't make SPACES! So my issue is: make one huge long banner (means I have to make "space" cards), or make 3 separate banners. 3 being 1: happy 2: 1st birthday 3: Katie. Hmmmm......

FFC

10-17-2011, 12:33 AM

I got Katie's photo shoot done today!!! Pics are being added over the next few days... Here's just a couple...... ok, FEW!

http://simpsonbrothers.smugmug.com/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/i-n3pChBz/0/L/MG2161-L.jpg

http://simpsonbrothers.smugmug.com/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/i-QQHs3FP/0/L/MG2205-L.jpg

http://simpsonbrothers.smugmug.com/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/i-qB6BmZR/0/L/MG2187-L.jpg

Gallery here: http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/19574181_RKrbqx

jamt

10-17-2011, 01:48 AM

how cute is she
love the third one with her clapping her hands what a gorgeous little smile she has
you have one very pretty little lady there i hope she has a great 1st birthday

Danielle9608

10-17-2011, 07:11 AM

Wow these came out AWESOME!!

bichonlvr

10-17-2011, 10:31 PM

These are AMAZING! I can't wait ti see her on Saturday, we will have to take a OW baby pic!!!

FFC

10-18-2011, 12:14 AM

Thank you! Yes Meg we're looking forward to seeing you too!!!!

The photos are DONE!!!!!! OMG I'm so stoked with them! Here's just a few more... and the Gallery link (http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/19574181_RKrbqx).

There's a story behind this first one. She was getting tired - OH so tired by this time. We were going to wrap it up but we decided to try for some more tutu shots because they had to change their focus style halfway through and wanted to get better shots than the first set. SO, Katie was getting grumpy. She would not sit for nothing. She kept getting mad when I put her down and wanted OFF that mat. My photographers wanted some photos of her crying (sad I know, but they're so cute!), so they said go ahead and let her cry. She finally gave up and laid down face down and had her little tantrum. Then all was well LOL!

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/i-WWBbBLR/0/L/MG2220-L.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/i-bKKgLDW/0/L/MG2232-L.jpg

"I'm ONE!"

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/i-VSVnjDR/0/L/MG2209-L.jpg

OMG. Adore.

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Portraits/Katies-1st-Birthday/i-8HLHCqM/0/L/MG2217-L.jpg

gwenshack

10-18-2011, 12:23 AM

OMG super cute pics!! :heart:

FFC

10-18-2011, 01:56 AM

Thank you Gwen!

Today, my cousin cut out my cupcakes for the picks that go on the cupcakes. I couldn't for the life of me find the circle punch mom has somewhere, so she freehanded them for me! I am stoked! I also got my cupcake punch in the mail that I ordered with my Ebucks and it is fantastic. Tomorrow she's going to wrap Katie's birthday gifts for me so that I can get them out of my way while trying to do the crafts.

This morning, I painted a bunch of clothes pins purple for the 12 month banner. My stepdad cut out a giant "1" that I am planning to modpodge photos on. I might just paint it and skip the modpodging but who knows. Mom thinks I should not put photos on it... she wants me to save it. Possibly let my photographer friends use it for a prop. It's a pretty sweet 1! I haven't got photos yet though.

I also *FINALLY* found shot glasses. I didn't want to pay $3 for 4 shot glasses or whatever the price was. I found a package of 80 at Target for $3! They only had orange and blue so I'm going to use the orange ones mixed with the clear ones I already have.

I am using the WW cake recipe - cake mix with a soda, instead of using eggs and oil. It tastes better and it's "healthier".

Hmmm..... I got everything for the baby buffet, but a sign. I want a little sign to label it as so, even though I'll encourage whomever to eat whatever lol.

I am going to decorate all the cupcakes differently, as well as using different cake mixes for different sizes. I've got different sprinkles, frostings, and colors that I plan to use, and today I got some color mist for some of them. I also got some more melts to dip the marshmallows. I don't think the cake pops will work, but the marshmallows sure will!

FFC

10-18-2011, 02:01 AM

OH, instead of fruit kabobs, I'm thinking about doing this but making them fruit cups. I think the sticks for the kabobs are just too risky and they won't travel very well.

http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/297382651_hqPqLuhB_c.jpg

Danielle9608

10-18-2011, 08:20 AM

Wow you are pluggin right along. And everything looks so nice! I wish I had the time to do all these crafty things!

NOTKT

10-18-2011, 09:25 AM

Maybe you can closepin the pictures to the 1 instead of glue. That way you can keep the pictures and your friends can have the 1.

FFC

10-18-2011, 08:11 PM

Still unsure on the 1....... :blink:

Here's her monthly photo banner - DONE!!! All were taken on the 27th of the month except of course this month's:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320648_10150360862373340_748393339_8205648_1506245 368_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/301066_10150360863863340_748393339_8205664_2038545 91_n.jpg

Here's the cupcakes I made to tie in the theme on the banners:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/312624_10150360858708340_748393339_8205590_5540687 44_n.jpg

Here's the piks I'm making for the cupcake toppers. I need a hot glue gun. The tape doesn't hold the wood of the tooth pick very well.

https://s-hphotos-sea1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/305101_10150360870333340_748393339_8205745_1960293 879_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/308193_10150360867713340_748393339_8205711_1066133 128_n.jpg

FFC

10-20-2011, 11:05 PM

Well, I decided to use colored labels to hold the tooth picks on - works GREAT!

I got her 365 photos printed today. Gosh printing is NOT cheap. Next time I gotta print ahead of time so it's cheaper. I got them sorted so I can put them in their respected periodical albums. Problem is, I have several hundred photos and only slots for about 150 photos lol. So I'm still debating mod podging a lot of them to the 1. I am thinking against it since I am reluctant to give up the photos!

The banners are done. Cupcake picks are done. Photos are almost done. Baby buffet is purchased just needs to be put together once we get there (still need to make a cute little sign for it).

To do:

Buy fresh veggies for veggie shots
Get drinks (I have some kiddie drinks but should probably get some water and soda too)
Figure out what to do with the giant wooden "1"
Make balloon decor (for Sunday's party)
Get food (Sunday's party)
Make Baby Buffet sign
Make/decorate cupcakes!

I'm sure there's more to it but I'm beat. Katie hasn't been sleeping well which means neither am I!

Danielle9608

10-21-2011, 08:01 AM

This party is going to be so cute!! Justina, do you have people helping you setup and cleanup after? I would suggest enlisting several people to help you out. And maybe someone to watch Katie for you. I am trying to work out the logistics of that right now for Averi's party.

girlggc

10-21-2011, 08:39 AM

Everything looks so cute! Oh, I love the pics from Katie's photo shoot!

jennybaby

10-21-2011, 08:59 AM

Everything is coming together so well and looks so adorable. I love her photo shoot. What beautiful pictures. I cannot wait to see pictures of the party! :heart:

FFC

10-21-2011, 12:46 PM

I have my dad bringing some snacks, and mom and my cousin are going with me to help me set up/clean up/watch Katie. It's at a park, so there's only so much I can do there. It's the Sunday party that's going to be BUSY because that's where I can decorate.

I got her first year albums filled! I'd love to caption them but I might not get to that before tomorrow.

Today is mad dash to finish day.

FFC

10-22-2011, 11:49 AM

Well I've ruled out a bunch of things for the Sac party. Just not enough room for everything and I'd hate to get there and have stuff melted/spoiled.

Heading out in a few! I'm looking forward to having today behind me... kinda sad. I am so looking forward to seeing my friends but I am not looking forward to the drive. Grrrrr.

bichonlvr

10-22-2011, 12:42 PM

See you soon!

yam102284

10-22-2011, 12:54 PM

Good luck today! Hope everything goes well! I can't wait to see pictures and how things turned out!

Danielle9608

10-23-2011, 09:21 AM

I hope the party went well! Can't wait to see pictures!

FFC

10-23-2011, 12:59 PM

Thank you ladies! I am going to upload photos later tonight if things go as planned. I'm working on party #2 right now... it starts in 3 hours and I've got SO much to do. Yesterday's party was GREAT and today we're expecting about double the people. Working on making today's cupcakes right now :blink: And a MEGA cleaning session is going on!

Nekochanpurr

10-23-2011, 11:27 PM

Can't wait to see pics! It sounds amazing. :)

FFC

10-24-2011, 12:34 AM

It went GREAT! I'm still trying to get miss Bouncing off the walls to bed. She is impossible tonight!

Here's a teaser! My photographer friend took a few really good photos he gave me.... I love this one!

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-QFqjHvG/0/L/IMG3005-L.jpg

Nekochanpurr

10-24-2011, 12:35 AM

SO cute!!!! :D

FFC

10-24-2011, 01:12 AM

Hey ladies! Time for an update... and of course, a few photos!

Yesterday's party was great, as was today's! First of all, yesterday, my mom was supposed to go with us, and in the last half hour backed out. That worked out though because my dad wanted to come and them together is stressful for me. So we got to the park at noon (party was supposed to start at 1:30). BEAUTIFUL day, nobody in the party areas. So we had prime choice of any table cluster we wanted.

People started showing up - got to see lots of friends and some family. It was SO great to see them! Katie played in the ball pit with some other babies and loved it! Some of the bigger kids went to the playground for awhile too. I had WAY too many cupcakes and ended up throwing a bunch out *sigh* but at least the kids got their sugar rush.

Katie didn't get to eat a cupcake nor open her gifts with everyone yesterday. People started leaving and we hadn't got to the gifts so we just waited until there were just a couple of us left to do the gifts - and that was my dad, me, Katie, my cousin and her girlfriend, a childhood friend of mine, and a friend from my old work. Katie did great opening them! She loved pulling her clothes out of the bags.

We went to a taqueria for dinner last night and Katie ate some chips and tortillas for dinner, shortly before she got a whole glass of ice water dumped down her front so that ended dinner for her. Once she got dried and cleaned though she was happy as a clam hehe!

We got home right before 11pm last night...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This morning, I woke up at the crack of noon.... well, practically! Katie and I woke up at about 5 mins to 9am. She's a good sleeper in the mornings so I take advantage of it. However, it wouldn't have hurt to get up a little earlier today! Good thing the party started at 2 today, it gave me a little more time.

So I get up and get her set up in her high chair for breakfast and I started baking cupcakes for today's party. Keep in mind, I had 4 different sizes of cupcakes for both parties. Fun fun!

Cupcakes made, we still had to decorate the dining room and living room, get the giant "1" figured out, and make the fruit salad/veggie shots. Pretty much EVERYTHING had to be done in 5 hours. No biggie.... I guess...??

I cheated and bought some cutouts and I'm SO GLAD I DID! I LOVED THEM! They sure tied in the spirit. Also, I borrowed some ideas from Pinterest. I made balloon garland and it turned out PERFECT! I absolutely love it! I was able to hang all the banners I made (The birthday banner and the monthly photo banner) and play with my crafty side with today's cupcakes.

Some dear friends of mine came up from Fresno - about 2.5 hours south. They were the first ones here... then people started showing up. I was kinda stressing because the first 2 vehicles showed up and I was still in my jammies. Katie fell asleep for her first nap of the day at 1:45... D'OH! so she sleeps for almost 2 hours (halfway through her own birthday party lol) and I actually had to go in and wake her up! She wasn't happy about that but eventually she got over it.

We got lots of jammies, which is awesome because we only have 2 pairs of winter jammies for her! Now we're pretty set for awhile! And of course she got some educational toys - which to me is YAYYYYYY!

Anyway.... Katie had lots of sugar today (well, maybe the total of 1 large cupcake??) but it took me FOREVER to get her to sleep tonight. She was literally bouncing off the walls. She was so stinkin hyper!

Here's a few photos from my friend.... My photos are uploading. My cousin took charge and went through both my camera batteries today and yesterday so we've got... ahem... 894 photos. Plus everyone else's photos!

These are just from today...

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-NFDrV3g/0/M/IMG2994-M.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-f7bw8Qg/0/M/IMG2996-M.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-nZwTGGn/0/M/IMG2999-M.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-D2FCPtc/0/M/IMG3003-M.jpg

Veggie shots:

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-JGnxmKj/0/M/IMG3011-M.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-frBTJjq/0/M/IMG3017-M.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-ZcpWB3p/0/M/IMG3019-M.jpg

Kids kids kids!!!

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-sfRzHjg/0/M/IMG3021-M.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-TzBrCQp/0/M/IMG3042-M.jpg

http://www.simpsonbrothers.net/Photographs/Events/Katies-Birthday-Party/i-wz74FPq/0/M/IMG3055-M.jpg