the new trends I can get behind!

This family does not follow trends. Only one of us wears Crocs, I don't watch the Real Housewives or The Bachelor, and I don't give Boo baskets. That is okay. I do me, you do you, we all win. I appreciate all the effort others put forth and I enjoy all the pictures, stories, and posts, though! 

There are two new trends rolling through these parts and I am pleased to say that we jumped on board. In true fashion, they're non traditional. I jumped in wholeheartedly and I am pleased to say my family appreciates all the effort. Trend one is sourdough. Trend two is no more big birthday parties! Both of these bring me joy ;)

This sourdough thing... you feed your dough and when it doubles you bake/make/create with it. All I had to buy was parchment paper, a digital scale, and bread flour. I enjoy baking and creating something from nothing. The fact that I can make things my family actually eats and can pronounce every single ingredient also makes me feel good. Baked bread, sandwich bread, tortillas and flat breads are the only things I have made so far, but in 2 or 3 weeks of effort, I have done so much.   

Stay tuned for continued photos of baked goods. I am always on board for food and snacks. The measuring can be a bit much, but it's an easy way to ensure my family eats cleaner. It also gives me something to do each night that is just for me. No music, no TV, just focus so I can mix, measure and create. I love it.

Trend two: The party thing. I can name about 6 kids who do not have birthday parties. They do a special activity or just have friends over for pizza or do a small weekend getaway with family. How great is that?! I loved hosting parties, but the prep work and RSVPing and matching lost items to the proper child was a but much when it was all said and done. 

We are on year two of nontraditional birthday fun. Last year it was a sleepover with 2 friends and a fancy dinner. This year it was 24 hours of her bestie, so we shopped, went out to eat, and got a great rate at Mt Olympus to beat the winter blues. I made a banner and brought some balloons. The "cake" was homemade brownies and it went great.

Whether or not these trends stick through the new year is fine by me. I am always willing to try new things as long as it is not a waste of my time or efforts. So far, so good. No one is sad, lonely or hungry, so I would say it's working out quite well. Happy trending out there! 

do-it-yourself is one of the best themes ever!

Despite Covid, we were still able to throw together a super fun Birthday weekend for the big 10! Two nights of fun featuring do-it-yourself activities each night. This also included a do-it-yourself invitation that was cut into puzzle pieces for you to assemble. Each guest came separate nights to make it safe and easy for everyone to enjoy. We managed do-it-yourself everything so meal creation, cake decoration, and craft creating became a you touch it, you take it experience. I was unsure of how it would go, but it was safe and fun and the girls had a blast.

To top it all off, we were able to do a birthday Zoom with family and play Hangman. Did I ever forsee a cross country game night in our birthday plans? It is amazing to me how much technology has been able to make us feel connected even when we can't physically be together. For that, I am eternally grateful. We couldn't do a birthday parade, so a birthday Zoom was a warmer option. 

The theme of this whole year has been, "Be flexible, be patient, just go with it!" Our little one has been gracious and patient with just about everything and I worried endlessly that she wouldn't feel like she got the true Birthday experience. After a weekend of giggles, crafts, Zooms, and lots of cupcakes, I would say we nailed it. The theme changed last minute from Dance party to Do-It-Yourself and it was our best theme yet. 

The really fun part was watching her check the mail for a week to collect birthday cards, Birthday gifts, and other birthday wishes. I am hoping we don't have to have an adjusted mini party next year. However, if we do, I know she will be okay with it. She will be grateful. She will have fun. And I know it will be okay ;)

Nailed it!

When your kid loves cooking shows, you jump on board. I don't mind most of them. We actually enjoy watching them together. So she decided that this year I should make my own birthday cake because we saw a really cool cake on Nail'd It and she thought we could do it. Things I learned....
1. Marshmallow fondant is surprisingly cheap and easy to make.
2. I am a motivated learner, but not a cake decorator.
3. I don't mind saying NO to my kid, but when it involves fun stuff like baking I say yes more.
4. I have the ability to laugh at myself.
The following is a picture of their cake verses ours. Feel free to also have a laugh. It is shockingly not too bad. I can already hear the judges saying how dry it is, how we needed thicker layers of buttercream between the layers, and how the fondant wasn't rolled properly. HOWEVER, it is ours. We did it. We enjoyed it. And, yes, we will do it again. Probably for her birthday and after we have had more practice...