If you are hosting a baby shower for a little boy, check out this Nautical Boy party package by nothing{2}something on Etsy. This classically inspired party set includes an invitation featuring an adorable sailboat, nautical party circles which can be used for cupcake toppers or favor tags, a coordinating thank you card and calling cards.  This party package is customizable and is a great way for you to make the expecting mother’s day extra special.

Homemade Marshmallows
(Adapted from Giada De Laurentis’ Homemade Orange Marshmallows)

Ingredients
• Butter, for greasing the pan
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• 1/2 cup water, plus 1/4 cup
• 3 tablespoons (3 packets) unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Red decorating sugar*
• *Can be found at cake decorating stores
• Special equipment: a candy thermometer

Directions
Butter the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8-inch straight-sided baking pan. Dust liberally with sifted powdered sugar and set aside.
Pour 1/2 cup water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and allow to soften, about 10 minutes.
In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk and 1/4 cup water. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 240 degrees F, about 10 to 12 minutes. Pour the syrup over the gelatin mixture. Beat the mixture at low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until thick, fluffy and tripled in volume, about 10 to 12 minutes. Beat in the orange zest and vanilla extract until just combined. Using a spatula, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with orange decorating sugar. Allow the mixture to set, uncovered, in a cool place (not refrigerated) for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove the marshmallows from the pan and place on a powdered sugar-dusted surface. Using scissors, dusted with powdered sugar, cut the marshmallows into about 1-inch squares. Dip the cut sides into powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Chocolate-covered Pretzels

Heat white chocolate bark squares as indicated on package. Once the chocolate is melted, drop pretzels into chocolate, coating the pretzels. Set the pretzels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and insert into refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool and set. Once the chocolate has hardened, drizzle red decorating icing onto pretzels and place back in the refrigerator to set.

Heart-shaped Strawberries

Cut off the tops of the strawberries making a flat surface. With the flat surface facing you, make a V with your knife and cut away excess strawberry to make a heart shape.

Nutella Fluffs

Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and put the oven on a low broil. Using a bread knife; cut the tops off the croissants and place the top and bottom of the croissants on the cookie sheet with the cut side facing up. Cook on low broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Take out of the oven and cool. Once cool, use a knife to spread Nutella on the bottom of the croissant and Marshmallow Fluff on the tops. Put the top back on the croissant to serve.

White-Chocolate Dipped Bugles

Heat white chocolate bark squares as indicated on package. Once the chocolate is melted, hold the bottom of the bugle and drop the top of the bugle into chocolate. Set the bugles on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and insert into refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool and set. Store bugles in an air-tight container to keep crunchy.

Cookie Hearts

Using store-bought cookie dough, roll it out on a surface sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and attach a lollipop stick to the back of the cookie before placing on cookie sheet. Cook using package instructions until a light golden brown. Take the cookie hearts out of the oven to cool before decorating with icing.

Chocolate Pound Cake
(Adapted from Paula Deen’s Cream Cheese Pound Cake from Paula Deen & Friends)

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups cake flour, sifted twice
1 cup cocoa powder, sifted with cake flour
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour heart-shaped cooking molds.
2. Cream the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until well combined. Add the sugar. Mix for 7 minutes, until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each until blended. Gradually add the flour and cocoa powder, beating after each addition, until all is added and combined. Add the salt, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix again.
3. Pour into the prepared cooking molds. Hit the molds gently on the counter about five times to help settle the batter and remove any air pockets. Bake for about 20 – 25 minutes. The cake is done when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted comes out clean (If using a Bundt pan, bake for 1 ½ hours).
4. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a wire rack and let cool completely before putting it on a cake plate or in a plastic bag for party favor.

Love Potion

Ingredients
1 package of red Kool-Aid
1 cup of sugar
4 cups white cranberry juice or white grape juice
1 quart club soda, chilled
2 cups water

Stir together the white juice and water. Add the package of Kool-Aid and sugar, mix well. Stir in the club soda just before serving.

Here are some fun ideas for your baby shower party:

• Personalize It.  Start with your invitation and carry out your theme during the party with coordinating cupcake toppers, banners, and party circles for favors.

·     

• Have a Dessert Table. Stick to your color pallet and treat guests with cupcakes, cookies, and other sweets.

• Get Guests to Vote. After your friends vote, give them an “I Voted” sticker to wear during the party

·     

• The Big Reveal. Blow up pink or blue balloons and keep them safe in a box until reveal time. Get a cake made with gender neutral colors on the outside but pink or blue on the inside. Monogram a bodysuit with the baby’s name on it and unwrap it in front of your guests.

Revealing the gender of your child is a great way to bring those special to you together.  It makes your friends and family already feel connected to your little bundle of joy!

To purchase this party package, click here.  Visit www.etsy.com/shop/nothing2something for more creative party ideas.

 

Bare Your Cross

Boy or Girl wooden cross can be customized with name of child and date of birth painted on it

$40

 

The Spotted Zebra

226 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173

(205) 655-0313

 

Boy or Girl Rattle

This Seasonal Screenings door hanger from Peri Woltjer, Crafted out of window screen and durable paint, they are designed to withstand years of outside use. 30″H

$52

 

Southern Magnolia Gifts

331 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173

(205) 655-4860

 

It’s a Girl or Boy Banner

From the Lisa Frost Collection. Share the news with a 22 x 34″, whimsical banner, with felt backing and shiny ribbon.

$52

 

Southern Magnolia Gifts

331 Main Street

Trussville, AL 35173

(205) 655-4860

Valentine Gift Ideas

Gift ideas perfect for mom or baby all from locally owned and independent stores. SHOP Local!

Brombergs

14 Karat and Sterling Silver Amethyst Earrings  $195

Purify Wellness

Pregnancy Massage

A relaxing massage featuring therapeutic techniques with the uses of pillows to support your body. Helps alleviate stress on weight bearing joints and reduce neck and low back pain. Doctor’s approval recommended.

157 Resource Center Parkway Suite 113

Birmingham, AL 35242

205.437.3505

www.purifywell.com

Swaddle

White romper with pima embroidered hearts by Margery ellen $55

Pink footie by pima embroidered hearts by Margery ellen $55

Baby legs with hearts $13.50

Guess how much I love you $7.99

Dreamcakes

Special packages with flower arrangements from $50 – $70

960 Oxmoor Road

Homewood, Alabama

205-871-9377

http://www.dreamcakes-bakery.com/vday.html

Indie Candy

Custom Gift Baskets

Indie Candy is an all natural candy store in Mountain Brook that serves Allergen Free candies. The store is a NUT FREE ZONE.   We carry Nut Free Chocolates, Gluten Free/Casein Free candy and candies for combination allergies.

Bama Balloons

Kiosk in the Galleria Friday – Sunday

Rose arrangement with sock monkey $25

Roll Tide stuffed balloon with red balloons $30

205-213-1615

Birmingham, AL 35226

www.bamaballoons.com

Give the Birthday Boy or Girl the Ultimate Gift

When the goal is to delight a child with a birthday party they’ll never forget, nothing says “it’s your day” like an unforgettable birthday bash. And, it’s a piece of cake when it comes together under one creative theme, down to the delicious detail of a birthday cake to sweeten the theme.

Fairy Tale Princess Cake
Pirate Cake

(Family Features) – When the goal is to delight a child with a birthday party they’ll never forget, nothing says “it’s your day” like an unforgettable birthday bash. And, it’s a piece of cake when it comes together under one creative theme, down to the delicious detail of a birthday cake to sweeten the theme.

A spring 2008 survey by General Mills, Inc. asked parents how they select a birthday party theme for their birthday boy or girl. Here are some typical responses:

• “For a child’s party, I usually ask the child if they want a theme or a certain character.”
• I decide the food a week or so in advance and try and get things most will like.”
• “Just think of something fun for everybody involved.”

“As a parent, one of the best gifts I can give my child in an incredible party,” said Ann Stuart of The Betty Crocker Kitchens. “When planning the food and activities for themed parties, it is important to enjoy the party-giving experience so it’s memorable for both parents and kids. After all, birthdays only come around once a year. “

According to recent research (conducted by Space 150), the top birthday cake styles or types searched online are Castle Cake, Princess Cake, Pirate Cake and Dinosaur Cake.

It’s easy to “wrap up” the details on the perfect gift – a memorable birthday party – with a little help from BettyCrocker.com/birthdays. An entire section is devoted to planning birthday parties, which includes:

• Favorite birthday cake recipes and vibrant photos
• How-to videos for making several cakes
• Decorating tips, menu and preparation guides, and ideas for invitations and thank-you notes
• Money-saving coupons for baking products

Party Perfect Pictures

Whether it’s baby’s first or great-grandmother’s ninetieth, these tips from the Kodak Gallery experts will make birthday photos special.

Capture the emotion. Keep the camera on and ready to catch great candids.

Show the candles aglow. To capture the light from burning candles at night, turn off your flash.

Avoid red eye. Turning on all the room lights helps. If the camera has a “red-eye reduction” feature, use it.

Get close. To capture impactful pictures, fill as much of the camera’s shot with the subject. Check the camera manual for guidance on the closest focusing distance.

Learn more about using your party pictures at Kodakgallery.com.

How-To Video

Make beautiful princess cakes for that little princess.

Click to Play Video

Fairy Tale Princess Cake

Ingredients

• 2 boxes Betty Crocker SuperMoist yellow cake mix
• Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix boxes
• 2 containers (1 lb each) Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting
• Red food color
• 1 fashion doll (11 1/2 inches tall)
• 1/4 cup Betty Crocker star-shaped candy decors

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Grease 1 (1 1/2-quart) ovenproof bowl (8 inches across top) and 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with shortening; coat with flour (do not use cooking spray).*
2. In large bowl, make both cake mixes as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs for each mix. (Two boxes of cake mix can be made at one time; do not make more than 2 boxes, and do not increase beating time.) Pour 3 1/2 cups batter into 1 1/2-quart bowl and 2 1/4 cups batter into each cake pan.
3. Bake cake pans 35 to 40 minutes and bowl 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans and bowl; place rounded sides up on cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour. If necessary, cut off rounded tops of cakes baked in 8-inch pans. Cut 2-inch-diameter hole in center of all 3 cakes.
4. Spoon frosting into large bowl. Stir in enough food color until desired pink color. Place one 8-inch cake on serving plate; spread 1/3 cup frosting over top. Top with second 8-inch cake; spread with 1/3 cup frosting. Top with bowl cake.
5. Wrap hair and lower half of doll with plastic wrap. Insert doll into center of cake. Trim side of cake if necessary to make a tapered “skirt.”
6. To “crumb-coat” cake, spread thin layer of frosting over side and top of layered cake to seal in crumbs. Freeze cake 30 to 60 minutes.
7. Fit #24 star tip into decorating bag. Spoon 1/4 cup pink frosting into decorating bag; set aside. Starting at waist of doll, frost cake with downward strokes to make ruffled skirt. Use star tip to cover bodice of doll and add decoration to skirt if desired. Gently press star decors into frosting to decorate neckline and skirt. Unwrap hair.

Serves
30 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
*As shown in How-To Video, cake can be baked in 3 (8-inch) round cake pans and 1 (1 1/2-quart) bowl. Use 3 1/2 cups batter in bowl and 1 2/3 cups batter in each cake pan. Bake cake pans 30 to 35 minutes and bowl 45 to 50 minutes.

Pirate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist cake mix (any flavor)
• Water, oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
• Tray or cardboard (15×12 inches), covered
• 2/3 cup Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy dark chocolate frosting (from 1-lb container)
• 1 cup Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting (from 1-lb container)
• 1 chocolate-covered mint patty
• 1 sliced marshmallow
• 1 gum ball
• 1 yellow ring-shaped hard candy
• 1 roll (from 4.5-oz box) Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot strawberry or other red chewy fruit snack
• 1 black licorice rope
• Square-shaped candy-coated gum
• Betty Crocker chocolate decors

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350°F for shiny metal pans (or 325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Spray bottoms and sides of 1 (8-inch) and 1 (9-inch) round cake pan with baking spray with flour.
2. Make cake as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Pour into pans. Bake as directed on box. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. Use a serrated knife to cut 9-inch cake in half and cut hat as shown in diagram on Web site. Remaining half of 9-inch cake will form body of pirate. Cut 8-inch cake as shown in diagram. On tray, arrange cake pieces. Cut ears and nose from small pieces of remaining cake; attach to cake with small amount of frosting. Cover; freeze 1 hour or until firm.
4. Reserve 2 teaspoons dark chocolate frosting. Frost hat with remaining dark chocolate frosting. Mix 2/3 cup of the vanilla frosting with reserved chocolate frosting. With tinted vanilla frosting, frost head, ears and nose of pirate. Add mint patty for eye patch, marshmallow slice and gum ball for eye, and ring-shaped candy for earring.
5. Frost body with remaining 1/3 cup white frosting. Cut fruit snack into shapes for shirt stripes, mouth and strap for eye patch; place on cake. Cut licorice to fit hat. Add gum for teeth and chocolate decors for whiskers. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Serves
12 servings

SOURCE:
Betty Crocker