mom's 50th

it was my mom's birthday last thursday. and not until mid-december did it dawn on me that it was my mom's 50th birthday! with christmas being such a busy time of year, we didn't even think about the details of the party until a week before. not like me. usually i like to start planning well in advance because i don't like being rushed. but with the help of everyone, we were able to pull the party together & it really turned out to be cute & fun for everyone. here are the invites...

and of course the banner...

the cake & treats...

i put a few little cards together with different quotes about aging that reminded me of my mom...here's one of them...can you find the typo??

the favors...

my wonderful parents...

not the best quality picture, but it's my family & i can't not post it. i like how everyone coordinates with the party decor except me. why i decided to wear a green striped shirt, i don't know.

happy 50th mom! here's to another 50, right??!!

...mini-cakes how-to...

are you impressed?! only a little after a week of me telling you i would post instructions on how to make these cute little cakes, and i'm actually doing it! you may not be, but i'm actually quite proud of myself, seeing as how i tend to be a procrastinator at times...

anyway...let's get on with some really basic, simple instructions on how to make some mini cakes like these...

so you first want to buy one of these frozen sara lee pound cakes. before cutting it, you want to make sure it's not completely frozen. maybe take it out of the freezer like 10-15 minutes before you're ready to start cutting it.

so then basically, you just cut the pound cake into whatever size/shape you want. for the cakes we made for brooke's party, brynn actually cut the cake into 2 layers. that way, if you want, you can always put some jam or frosting in the middle to make it extra tasty! we also made some round ones a few years back by using a glass to make a circular indentation on top of the cake & then using a knife to cut it out. don't try cutting it out 'cookie-cutter style'...i think it would smash the cake and just make a mess...a knife is your best bet.

then onto the frosting of the cake...buy some basic frosting from the store...don't get the "whipped" kind. you want creamy frosting, like this...

then you want to melt this in your microwave. to be safe, i would do it in 30 second intervals, until it's runny. like the consistency of hot maple syrup. this would be the time to add any food coloring.

then basically you just want to pour the frosting over the cakes. do atleast 2 thin layers to give a good coating...(make sure that each layer of frosting has dried before you add another layer)... & voila...you have some of the yummiest & easiest little petit fours around.

**side note**
for brooke's cakes, we used TWO of the frozen pound cakes & about 3-4 tubs of frosting.