Paw Patrol cake

Rubble on the double!

I thought I would share how I made my son's simple Paw Patrol birthday cake. Once he requested a Paw Patrol cake, I headed to Google to see what was out there. And out there was a whole lot of red, blue and yellow-frosting, fondant, actual cake. Every cake was literally dripping in artificial colors and dyes. Now I do allow artificial coloring every once in awhile, in moderation, but I just couldn't bring myself to make (or pay!) for a huge chemical cake. I decided to order a simple cake from my grocery store with vanilla and chocolate buttercream as the base. I bought my son's favorite character, Rubble and knew I wanted to have a "construction theme". I crushed up Annie's Graham crackers and spread them on top of the cake and inside Rubble's scoop! My son flipped for it and as a bonus-he got a new toy. The cake was delicious and I felt good that I wasn't feeding the kids Red40!

#ivysgemjam

My daughter turned one this past week and here are some pictures from her gem party! 

 Let me know in the comments if you would like the sources of any of the items or DIYs!

Jonas turns ONE

I had to pop in to share Jonas' first birthday party. I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures as much as I did putting everything together! All photos by Mark William Photography.

Wood Tavern

This year for my birthday dinner I decided to stray from Chez Panisse and try out Wood Tavern, another Bay Area acclaimed restaurant. We were not disappointed!

We have passed this place too many times on College Avenue in Oakland. 

And on a Tuesday evening, people were still spilling out the front doors.

Crispy Pork Belly with grilled peaches. Simply amazing.

This bloody mary was just missing one ingredient, although still pretty satisfying for this pregnant lady. 

Well, my pork chop was just sitting in a work of art, wasn't it? 

So beautiful I got sidetracked and forgot to photograph Jon's dinner!

smack dab in the middle of summer

Today is my 29th birthday!

In my teenage years I am sure I thought 29 sounded so old. I probably also was under the assumption I would be married with kids by 26. Ha! Ages seem and feel so different until you finally make it there.

For the record, I still feel like a kid. :)

a birthday brunch in the city

This weekend we celebrated one of my oldest and best friend's birthday. It was supposed to be a surprise, set up by her fiance but the stinker saw us walking up to the restaurant from her taxi. Oh well!

Always time for a quick photo shoot in front of a colorful wall.

Pressies for the birthday girl. 

Temporary tattoo party! The daytime version of glow sticks. 

My new ink. 

Not today, she wasn't!

Real & Fake. The birthday girl's ode to her besties. 

Jon's 30th Birthday party

I think I stayed pretty true to my inspiration board for Jon's party this weekend. Some things I didn't have a chance to take pictures of, was too busy having fun. And Jon had a blast too, which is all that matters. Another one for the books.

Setting the stage on the patio...

 Papel picado lining the house.

Jarritos on ice. 

Fresh flowers on the table. Trader Joe's always has the best variety. 

 Loving my new pink sandals! Picture does not do the neon justice.

And back inside...

Colorful paper flowers lined the table.

The fake Chiclets were a huge hit with the kids.

Strawberry and key lime cupcakes made by Jon's mom. Not pictured: the chocolate ones!

And to top it all off, the Giants won! After the final score, the birthday boy poured up shots of Don Julio. Success!