Three-Oh

I have something to confess.

Recently, I turned thirty!

To most people this wouldn't be a big deal but to me, this has been a huge deal. The worst part is that I don't actually know why I hate the thought of being thirty. I know it's just a number and we all age but for some reason this birthday has been a big issue for me. To prepare for it, I decided to reverse age a couple years ago to give me a couple more years in my twenties BUT I was called out. My wonderful Hubby decided to plan a 30th birthday bonanza!

I was excited when he brought up the idea. Not having to do anything for a party was a fabulous idea! Even though I know he's not a planner and I'd end up doing part of it myself. In my mother's words, I'm a bit of a control freak. So Evan planned out the food with my mother while I was able to put my Silhouette Cameo 3 to good use and do the decor.

I started with making toppers for a cake and cupcakes. For the cupcakes I used a gold cardstock and glued the numbers onto a toothpick. These sat perfectly upon my favourite Red Velvet Cupcakes. The cake topper I did the same but reversed the image to back it and give the script a little more strength. If I were to redo the cake topper, I would get some thicker cardstock. It was a little flimsy and bent quite easily. It placed perfectly up top the gluten free mocha cake that my husband got from The Polly Fox Bakery. This cake was so good plus nobody would guess that it was gluten free. Every last bite of it was enjoyed. Mostly at the party and the rest I ate before the kids woke up in the morning. 

My next crafty item is probably my favourite. A month and a half later it is still on the front door. This was my first attempt at a rolled rose. My brain is still a bit mush after 2 kids, so, it took me many attempts before I finally figured it out. Hot glue was the answer! I can't wait to make some big flowers for my craft room. Such an easy and cute look, once you know what you're doing.

As I'm writing this I've already changed my mind on favourite item for the party. It has to be the pinata! My brother in law's partner, Alejandro, is from Mexico, so for Coopers first birthday he brought an authentic pinata! It didn't get used for that party, so it has since sat in my parents garage, our garage and finally our basement. Evan was set on party games. He wanted something like pin the tail on the donkey but as I was cleaning up the basement, I saw it. The perfect party game for a 30 year old. It just needed a little refresh to match my colours. After a can of spray paint and some more flowers we had the coolest pinata ever. We don't really have a ceiling to do it inside, so outside we went to play. We sure got some stares from the neighbours... It also could have been because I was in a tutu.

As you know, I have two beautiful boys. I don't get to have frilly outfits for their birthdays, so I insisted that I have one fore my own! Off to fabricland I went to purchase some tulle and the cheapest knit fabric I could find. I had researched on pinterest different ways to make them, so, I figured it couldn't be too hard. Tulle is hard! It's

so fluffy and slippery. That is the hardest thing I have ever sewn. It is definitely not perfect as I finally said good enough but it was still cute. I paired it with a t-shirt I made that truly represents my age. 29-ish.

It was such a great day and I'm so thankful to have been able to spend it with my friends and family. I better keep the shirt in good shape as I'll be needing it again next year.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I love to bake although I don't usually have much time. Baking for fun and baking with a toddler is a whole new ball game. Anytime I have a special event coming up, I make these cupcakes. They're always a hit and I rarely have leftovers. The hint of lemon in the frosting adds the perfect tartness to these moist chocolate delights! 

Photo by Lea Caveberry Photography.

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

1⅓ cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter

¾ cup sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup buttermilk

1 tbsp liquid red food coloring

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp vinegar

Frosting:

8 oz package softened cream cheese
1 tsp lemon juice
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1½ cup icing sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

To make cupcakes:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In a small bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, with mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar until fluffy and creamy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time.
4. In a glass measure, combine buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
5. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture, alternating with milk mixture, until blended. Beat for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until batter is smooth. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. I use an ice cream scoop. It seems to make the perfect amount every time.
6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a pick inserted into cupcakes comes out clean. Let cool in pan for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cupcakes should be cool before frosting.

To make frosting:

1. With mixer on medium, beat cream cheese, lemon juice and butter until well blended.
2. Add icing sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth and fluffy. I like to firm up my frosting a little bit by popping it into the fridge for 10 minutes.
3. Once frosted, I’d recommend placing the cupcakes back into the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.