For The Lovers

Valentine's Day is just around the corner...whether you'll be hosting a fun-loving party for kids, or just looking to spread the LOVE on this fab day, here are some great DIY ideas...enjoy!

all imagies via Pintrest

1st Birthday

My sister-in-law recently asked me for some help planning my adorable niece's 1st birthday party. I love a great party as well as the next gal, and coming up with ideas is just as fun...for me, anyway! I came across so many cute snapshots, and wanted to share a few with you all...enjoy!

wishing tree

love the loose stars inside the invitation

over-sized round balloons = amaze!

up next: food

I came across so many things served in mason jars or plastic cups and I love this idea! Individual servings, no plates necessary, not to mention EASY cleanup. 

my fav = cupcakes in a jar

All images via Pintrest.

Christmas Cake Pops

Edie is hosting her second link party of the week, and we're moving from appetizers to desserts. I chose my new, favorite recipes of the year - - Red Velvet Cake Pops. These cute little things can be made in any flavor you'd like, but red velvet is fun and festive (not to mention scrumptious). My dear friend Haley introduced me to these bad boys...and I've been addicted ever since.

Ingredients
1 box red velvet cake mix (yields approx 20 cake pops) Yes, I use a box mix...don't judge me 
Indredients included in cake mix (eggs, water, vegetable oil)
Lollipop sticks (Michael's, JoAnn's, other craft stores)
12 oz white or dark melting chocolate (fondue chocolate works best)

1/2 container cream cheese frosting

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F
Follow cake mix instructions and bake cake as you normally would 
Remove cake from oven and let cool
Transfer cake into large mixing bowl and add frosting (it's OK if cake breaks -- see next step)
Kneed cake and frosting until mixture appears "doughy"
Roll dough into balls
Melt chocolate on stove or in microwave (careful not to overheat)
Dip sticks into melted chocolate and place into center of cake ball (chocolate will help cake form to stick)

Place cake pops in freezer to cool for 30 minutes

Dip cake pops into melted chocolate (making sure entire "pop" is covered)
Twirl off excess chocolate and top with cake crumbs (or sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc.)
Place cake pop stick into styrofoam and allow to harden


Enjoy!