{Bayler's 2nd Birthday: The Cake}

Best.Cake.Ever. I am not really sure what I did differently with this cake than the others, but I am telling you ... it was delicious! I knew I wanted to keep it true to the theme, and I also knew that I wanted to bake it ... just wasn't quite sure how I wanted it to look.

I ended up doing a lot of research, and finally decided that I was "talented" enough to play with fondant and create the giraffe pattern. I started baking the cakes on Wednesday. I make two, the chocolate layer & the blue layer. After baking the cakes and letting them cool, I placed them in the freezer in two separate zip lock bags. Each layer was about half the batter, so I made cupcakes in the various colors as well. Thursday I made the orange layer and cupcakes, and placed them in the freezer. On Friday night, I took out all the layers, and started covering the cake with the crumb layer of icing.

Instead of using store bought icing, I decided to make my own butter cream ... let me tell you ... best decision ever! It turned out amazing, and tasted Divine! Plus, this icing was incredibly easy to spread around the frozen cakes.

Here is how it turned out ...





Don't think I left it at that? Here is how the layers turned out ...





Here are the cute cupcakes too ...




What do you all think? Not too shabby for planning a birthday party amongst planning multiple weddings!!

{Bayler's 2nd Birthday: Water Bottles}

You know me! I ALWAYS make cute water bottles for all the parties. I can't get enough of them. And now, it's like second nature, I create them right after the invites ... it's so natural :)

I wanted them to look mostly like the invites ...

{Bayler's 2nd Birthday: Invites}

Bayler is officially 2!! I can't believe it. I would say we are finally out of the "baby" stage, and now on to the toddler age. It's sad, but so amazing to see how much he has grown.

The party on Saturday was a complete success. It was absolutely perfect, and I wouldn't have changed a thing! This week I will debut small details leading up to the big day.

The theme for the party was "Giraffe." Bayler loves them, and I love the patterns! I created all the signage as usual, and the first one up was the invitation.

What do you think?

{Giveaway NEWS}

Check back on Monday for a Giveaway Announcement. Next week is Bayler's Birthday Week, and I will be giving a product away ... want a hint?

Nah, I'll just wait till Monday :)

{Eight Week Recovery}

It's hard to believe it's been a little over 8 weeks since my surgery. Like I said before, the recovery is long, but SO worth it. As of now, I am pretty much back to normal. I started running this week, as well as, doing some minor lifting. Trying to get my body back in the work out mode. My sides are still sore, and I can't really lay on my stomach yet, which doesn't bother me too much. Overall, I feel healthy, and I feel good about myself




So before I had my surgery I went in to get measured for a bridesmaid dress for October. My upperbody and lower body measured at an 8, and my stomach measured in a size 16! Oh my, it's true!! Well, I am happy to tell you that this weekend while shopping at the Lake, I fit into a SIZE 6 ... praise the Lord! Finally I am getting my old body back, one step at a time.

{Kitchen Conversion Print}

Check out this cute Converstion Print ... I NEED this for my kitchen!!



You can find the print here!

{Reader Tip for Play Room}

Thanks for everyone's sweet words and emails regarding the kids new playroom. I have zero regrets moving both kids beds into the same room to give them a whole room to call their "play room." In fact, I think it's one of the best moves I have made.

When I asked for any tips, or things I may have forgot, Veronika commented that her kids loved to pay dress up. Loved the idea so much, I decided to use one of the walls for their old halloween costumes ... HUGE HIT!




Thanks Veronika for the comment ... what a fabulous idea!!

{Sneak Peak: Bayler's Second Birthday}

I finally figured out the theme to Bayler's 2nd Birthday ... and I am SO excited. It's just perfect for him, and I know he will love it just as much as I do!

Here is a sneak peak ...



Have you guessed what it is yet?

{Kid's Book Wall}

Whenever my family moves into a new house {cross your fingers for this year,} I want to decorate a new kids playroom. And one whole wall will be dedicated to books ... just like this ... I am in love!



Don't you love the ceilings too!!

{Source}