The woodland party first birthday post!

Finally! I've been so busy at work, which is (shh!) where i do most of my blogging, that I have completely neglected not only my blog, but reading other blogs! booo!!! i have so much to catch up on - recipes, crafty things...i have found a little bit of time to find a new tattoo idea and a recipe for buffalo chickpea salad. in the meantime, i've also been working on a new embroidery project full of woodland creatures that is long overdue as a gift for someone and rereading harry potter (starting at book 5) to get ready for nov. 19 when deathly hallows part 1 comes out.

So onto baby's first birthday! much thanks to malissa without whom it wouldn't have looked half as nice. unfortunately we didn't get quite as many pictures as i would have liked - the food labels were quite inventive! but the food was fantastic (pork carnitas will be my new go-to slow cooker recipe, and taquitos will be on the menu regularly as well - anyone have any tips for rolling corn tortillas? our kept ripping). We had a huge turnout - i didn't realize merit knew so many little babies! The only hiccup - I found an underground bee's nest in the backyard hours before the party. since we normally do everything in the backyard, everyone ended up staying inside mostly which made for a very crowded house.

The favors: handmade felt stuffed woodland creatures  (and acorns and mushrooms). it took me forever to finish these, and no one took them. I think next time, i'll save my time and not worry about favors. but they (mostly) turned out cute!

The cake: the cake and cupcakes were made by my friend martina (with the help of unky shawn). freaking amazing!!! we looked all over the internet for ideas and came up with a personal cake for merit in the shape of a toadstool (complete with inchworm, grass, bees...) and a to die for red icing! i think i just love sugar crystals all over anything. the cupcakes came in two flavors: strawberry with a strawberry filling and chocolate with  a gooey chocolate center. sooo good!!! and the decorations - incredible!!! i really think she needs to go into business or get her own reality show. she would def. be great on a reality show. maybe a little foul mouthed but at least she's creative about it.

her new dolly.

she learned quickly to defend her presents from her cousins.

the end. i wish i had some better pictures, but the day was so busy i didn't even think to take pictures! and everyone showed up right on time, which i wasn't expecting so i had no lag time b/w when everything was set up and everyone showed up. oh well, it was wonderful and i thank EVERYONE who helped me.
so next year the theme will be.......