Choo Choo, All Aboard. Train party on Sunday almost got rained on. When you throw an outdoor party in June in Oregon, you're taking your chances. Although it sprinkled a few times today it didn't rain and we were all able to enjoy the party outdoors. I was looking forward to the party because my friend doesn't throw many and she told me about all these cute ideas she had. I couldn't wait to see them.
My friend Karen threw the train party. She lives WAY out in the country, an hours drive for most of her guests. Her house is perfect for kids though because she has a great fenced in asphalt area where the kids can ride tricycles, scooters and skate boards. It's a pretty drive out to her house too.
Karen was on a budget for this party so sent out email invitations. She did a cute job with them. Incorporating clip art and cute train wording.
Guests we're invited to ride the trains at Pacific Northwest Live Steamers before the BBQ/train party at her house.
Using construction paper Karen had on hand she created a RR crossing arm to help her guests locate her house along the country road.
Construction paper was used to add some RR decor to the tables. Check out all that great asphalt for the kids to ride on. And they did too. They almost didn't sit down to eat.
All the food was set up in the garage...just in case it rained. A construction paper train jazzes up the cart along with some train hats.
Every party needs cake! Karen did a great job of decorating the train cake and even made a scene out of cupcakes. Green ones for shrubs, train tracks, coal cars and RR crossing signs. The kids loved it.
Karen did a great job on her train party. Showing us that you can make a really cute party on a budget.
Do you remember my Woo Hoo!! Wednesday post about the parties I was invited to this summer? Of course you do, that was just 2 days ago :) Well here's the first one. A Lady Bug birthday at work. I was going to throw my friend Carole a lady bug luncheon and was looking forward to it. But she's getting her house ready to sell this summer so the timing wasn't good. There's always next year.
Becky at work threw Carole a lady bug party over our lunch hour. I offered to help but Becky said she was ok. It was a cute little party.
Lunch was light, a salad bar, because that's what lady bugs eat Becky said. The adorable plates and napkins came from a new party store in town, The Party Spot . Becky and I were SO excited about this store because all the party stores in our area closed :(
Becky made the little lady bug tags sticking out of the salad toppings by using her hole punches.
Pretzel lady bugs. Tasty. Becky wished they looked a little better but it was the first time she made them and we all thought they looked cute and hey, they tasted good. Isn't that all that matters :)
Becky's cupcakes turned out really cute.
Even Carole's gift from Becky was lady bug themed. I like how she stuck the push pins on a leaf cut out and put it in a jar. That extra cute little detail.
Becky did a good job with theThose of you that have been reading my blog know I would have gone ALL out with the details and the room would have looked like lady bugs exploded in there. I sometimes don't know when to stop with the details :)
I'm really looking forward to this summer because I get to be the guest at my friends parties instead of the hostess. Now that's a Woo Hoo!!!
First up, a train party thrown by my friend Karen. She discussed all the ideas for the party with me and I was impressed. She said I inspired her :) awwww
This train party is by Sweets Indeed:
Lady bug game day party for my friend Carole thrown by Becky. Becky is quite the party diva like I am. Can't wait to see what all she does.
Glorious Treats threw this adorable lady bug party:
House warming party thrown by my friends Lauren and Greg. Lauren is becoming quite the hostess. I'm excited to attend many more of her parties.
These house warming party favors from Sinfully Sensation are too fun:
Plus a family reunion, my annual Tiki party, a possible moving to Montana BBQ, maybe a Star Wars birthday, a 40th fishing birthday party and a one year olds Elmo party.
Of course I'll be sharing ALL these parties with you :)
What parties are you hosting and attending?
Father's Day here in Oregon had perfect weather. It was just right. Sun was out, small breeze in the air, I was in a t-shirt most of the day. If you know me you know this means it was warm. I'm rarely warm enough for just a t-shirt. Perfect for grilling.
I picked up my brother and headed over to my parents to grill up some chicken and steaks. I made these adorable grill cupcakes that I saw on Life's a Batch . So easy and cute. They really do look like mini grills :)
Middle of the week. Time to drool over the Woo Hoo ideas and products out there. I came across this great baking website, Pastry Chef Central . They sell all those great products I'll need for the bakery I'm opening...in my dreams :)
Chocolate Ruffle Curler Kit, only $57. Make all your cupcake extra special.
Yule Log Piping Tip $65, because everyone wants a yule log at Christmas time. Who knew they made a special pastry tip for this.
This just sounds delish. Dreidoppel Flavoring Paste 2lbs for $53.So many amazing flavors. Jamaica Rum, Amaretto, Mango, Kirschwasser Cherry Brandy and more.
Chocolate Marbled Spoons, 108 pieces for $30. Add that special touch to your hot chocolate, mousse, or custard.
Hello Chocolate Velvet Spray, $30
Although a lot of the products on this site are pricey and come in larger quantities than the kitchen baker needs, there are some affordable, smaller and fun items on this site too. Glad I stumbled upon it and could share it with you.
Sunday I was invited over to an English Tea brunch at my friends Lauren and Greg's new house. So fun to be invited to a mini party. Not that I don't have any friends, I do. But we always end up going out to eat or just getting pizza instead of them hosting. I'm the party thrower of the group. So it was really fun to see one of my friends entertaining.
Lauren served tea, tea sandwiches, scones she made herself and berries fresh from their new yard. Lauren did a great job and she's excited to host more, YEAH! I look forward to many more mini parties with them.
I don't know which recipe Lauren used for her tea sandwiches so I'm giving you a link to several different types. One she made was an egg salad, the other I remember had cucumbers, prosciutto and a cheese. They were very tasty.
From Southern Living
This was the first time Lauren made scones and they turned out great. Add a little of the jam Greg made and YUM!
From Betty Crocker
I made the dessert contribution. Any guesses? You got it, CUPCAKES! Cinnamon roll cupcakes from Make Bake Celebrate
Here's Make Bake Celebrate's cinnamon roll cupcakes:
And my cinnamon roll cupcakes. They're delish:
Lauren and Greg didn't do any decorations or set the table all fancy and they didn't need to. Not every get together needs to be done up to the nines. A simple get together with friends is the best.
Thank you for the great English Tea Brunch Lauren and Greg and I look forward to many more.
I hope you're inspired to host your own little brunch.
It's Rose Festival time in the City of Roses, Portland, Oregon. Rides, parades, Dragon boat races, a Queen, floats. There's so much going on in the city.
Source Cupcake
Parents
Cake Boss Dragon Boat cake
Ballet News
If you ever make it to Portland during the Rose Festival make sure you pack your umbrella. It rains every Rose Festival.
Frugal Girls
Woo Hoo!! it's Wednesday. Time for a little fun in the middle of the week.
Yesterday at work the cupcake fairy visited me. I'm sitting at my desk, working away when my co-worker Morgan pops by and drops off a cupcake on my desk. Woo Hoo!! And it was tasty. Strawberry lemonade. Enjoy :)
Love and Olive Oil
Cupboard to Cupboard
Annies Eats
Hit that farmers market, grab some fresh strawberries and bake away. Make yourself a fresh strawberry daiquiri to enjoy while you're cupcakes are baking :)
