Cupcakes, cupcakes

I made cupcakes for Big Girl's end of school party, and they were delicious. Devil's Food cake with buttercream frosting (have I mentioned that I excel at making a simple, delicious buttercream frosting?). The kids really enjoyed them, as did the other parents who came to the party. I used my Williams-Sonoma rosebud cupcake pans, which meant that they looked like roses on the bottom. I iced them on top like typical cupcakes, but didn't use paper liners, so when I told some of the girls to look at the bottom of the cupcakes, they thought it was pretty neat. I used these same pans for Big Girl's first birthday party (they've held up great for over three years now), only I served them upside down with a thin pink-tinted glaze, clustered together like a bouquet. But I've observed that the kids in Big Girl's class are kind of picky, and are very hesitant about trying anything new or different, so I went with a more traditional approach this time (given the cool reception given to the Valentine's cupcakes which had pink frosting and multi-colored candies sprinkled on top - the horrors!).

Big Girl had a great time at the party and was thrilled with the plastic bucket and shovel she got. The teachers used the pails like goodie bags, and put candy and little toys in them, and now Big Girl can use it if we ever go to the beach this summer. Or if we get some sand for her, which is more likely.

Two went to the party with me, and had a grand time playing with some other little boys - interestingly, several of Big Girl's friends have baby brothers close in age to Two, so the boys played together while their big sisters partied. Two also got a cupcake, since I made plenty, and he devoured it in a big, crumby, sticky mess.

Family fun this weekend, which means another cake for Big Girl (this time I may try out one of my new shaped pans - I'm thinking the tractor) and tasty food for all. I think I'll revisit the couscous recipe as my contribution, since I don't feel like going to the store just now.

Big Girl's birthday has morphed...

From a single birthday party, it has now grown into cupcakes for her preschool class, a family party one weekend, and a friends party the next. With a bounce house. And a cake for each party, in addition to the cupcakes for school. And I'm actually cool with the whole plan, because I don't have to decide which kind of cake to make for her - I can make all of my ideas! Off to make some cupcakes...

I need to come up with a fun idea for the party...

Big girl's birthday is about six weeks away, and I need to come up with a fun idea. At present, I'm leaning toward a Teddy Bear Picnic, in which her friends from preschool bring their favorite stuffed animals to the party. But I have also tossed around ideas about a farm-themed party, a puppy dog party, a princess party, and a flower party. The flower party is actually her idea, and I like it, but I'm not sure how far I can actually take that idea beyond the decor and invitations. I also have to determine if I will get my house in order and have said party here, or if I will have it elsewhere. I'm so indecisive about this. Ideas? Anyone? Bueller?