love, janie lou

JanieLou's Birthday Party- It's gift giving time!

Happy Birthday JanieLou!

It's JanieLou's first birthday party today! It comes a day earlier than her real birthday (which happens to be Valentine's Day), but it's just too exciting! Why wait another day?

It's time for the giveaway! So do you wanna see what you're in the drawing for?

 

These little darlings are JanieLou- about as real as she gets :). We're having two seperate draws- one for the JanieLou Special Memories Journal (which includes the Journal Cover and 7 x 10inch Journal):

 

 

And another draw for the sweet JanieLou Doll (who is a tidge over 9inches tall- and not for small children):

 

 

To be in the draw for one of these gifts, simply leave a comment with your name and email address. Draw closes midnight 1st March (AEST).

Feel free to spread the word- tell your friends, post about it on your blog, and have fun!

Birthday Blessings!

Love Danielle, Lauren & JanieLou

JanieLou's Birthday Party

Games make up a big part of any really good birthday party. There's the traditional ones like pass-the-parcel, and pin the tail on the donkey... But the one that I've picked (found at www.howtodothings.com), though it has been around for a while, is not so generally played... I don't see why though, as it is hilariously fun, and very delicious at the same time!

It's the Donut Chomp!

 

For this game, you will need one long piece of string (about 10 feet) and several shorter pieces of string of equal length (about 2 feet long); you will need enough to have one short piece for each player. You will also need a package of donuts. To set up the game, hang a string horizontally from one side of the room to another (outdoors, you can string it between two trees or fences). Tie a donut to the end of each of the shorter string lengths and then tie the shorter strings to the horizontal length so that the donuts dangle. Line the kids so that each one is in front of a donut. The object is to be the first player to eat your donut--without using your hands!

Sound fun? Then go play it!

:) Lauren

JanieLou's Birthday Party

Thisisreallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreallyreeeeallyexciting! It’s JanieLou’s first birthday on Valentine’s Day and we’re gonna have a party! Yay!

 

There are lots of things that one must do to create the perfect party, and I think one of the first things on that list would be to make a birthday cake. You can’t have a party without a birthday cake! I found this one on Rachael Ray’s website, and thought it would be just right for JanieLou. Doesn’t it look great?

 

 

You can see how to make it below.

 

So what else makes for a good party? We’ve got the cake sorted… and then you need games (those’ll come tomorrow!), but best of all are the presents! It’s so fun seeing what people buy or make for a birthday. And this time, cause we’re so excited that JanieLou is one year old, we’re going to give you presents! You’ll have to make sure you come back on Friday to see what we’re giving away, cause they’re p.r.e.t.t.y.c.u.t.e! Unfortunately we can’t give a gift to everyone who reads this, so it’s going to be a draw that will begin on Friday, and stay open for a couple weeks. Tell all your friends about it though, and come over and put your name down for it!

Now for the party food...

Jumbo Cupcake

Prep time: 1 hour

Baking time: 30 minutes

 

1 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch salt

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

4 large egg whites, at room temperature

4 tablespoons butter, softened

1 3/4 cups sugar

Grated peel and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

One 9-inch angel food cake

1/4 cup sprinkle-shaped candy, such as Mike & Ike or Good & Plenty or 100s & 1000s

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another small bowl, combine the milk and 2 egg whites

2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and 3/4 cup sugar on high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes; beat in the lemon peel. On low speed, beat in the flour and milk mixtures alternately, a little at a time, until the batter is smooth; pour into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then invert onto the rack to cool completely.

3. In a small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup water, the lemon juice, remaining 1 cup sugar, the cream of tartar and a pinch of salt to a boil, stirring, over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the remaining 2 egg whites to a medium bowl, then slowly add the hot sugar mixture and, using the mixer, beat on medium speed until just combined and still warm, about 5 minutes. Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form, about 10 minutes. Set the frosting aside.

4. Place the angel food cake, wide end up, on a platter. Fill the centre hole with frosting. Cut a 50-inch-long piece of foil wrapping paper or heavy-duty aluminium foil to the height of the cake, then fold like a fan, making 1/2-inch pleats. Wrap the foil around the cake and tape the seam. Coat the surface of the angel food cake with a thin layer of frosting. Place the single-layer cake on top and cover with the remaining frosting, piling it high. Top the "cupcake" with the candy "sprinkles" and a large candle.

Enjoy!

xo Lauren