Cameron's Grand Debut

Things have been pretty crazy at Sugar & Bows these days and we haven't gotten around to posting much.  Between a crazy work load, a new baby, moving, and a ton of parties we have been a little preoccupied. In the next few weeks we will be showing you why we have been MIP (missing in posting).  Here is one of our parties that we did for a very special boy in our lives. 

Julie grew up in Long Island and instead of having the traditional shower before the baby was born, her family decided to throw her a get together after he arrived.  This was the perfect opportunity for all of her family and friends to meet Cameron after his grand debut.

The party was a casual event but packed with delicious goodies and lovely ladies.  The decor was based on a light blue chevron pattern and was emphasized with blue and white hanging tissue balls, Cameron's 3D initials, and blue place mats.  For lunch the guests dined on a selection of sandwiches, a pasta salad, and a fruit salad.  They were accompanied by a refreshing Champagne Punch and Ice Tea. For dessert there were cupcakes, chocolate covered Oreos, sugar cookies and stuffed strawberries.

Cameron had a great time meeting all of the new ladies of his life!

The Very Happy Birthday

Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of our favorite children's books, which is why we couldn't wait to plan Declan's 1st Birthday Party!

We were inspired by all of the bright colors in the book and the different things the caterpillar ate on his journey.  To match the colors we created this ribbon garland and wrapped it around our dessert table with a grass print tablecloth.

 

We had delicious food from East Meets West Catering including these Mini Chicken Pot Pies and a colorful Green Bean Salad.  Sugar & Bows made the fruit skewers, perfect for any hungry caterpillar or party guest.

For dessert we made a cake perfectly fitting for the occasion!  Our chocolate cake was frosted with yummy buttercream, covered in fondant polka dots, and topped with the Very Hungry Caterpillar himself!  We added a special number 1 candle for the birthday boy that was coated in sprinkles.

 It sure looks like he enjoyed his party and his highchair with its own special garland.

As the birthday boy said his goodbyes, guests were thanked and took these adorable caterpillars made of jelly beans as a parting gift.

Happy Birthday Declan!

Opulent Easter Eggs

For a sparkling alternative to regular Easter eggs we decided to make these opulent eggs!

We coated the eggs in Modge Podge then gave them a generous coating of glitter. Instead of using traditional pastels we went with brighter, bolder colors.

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

It's A Boy!

It's a Boy!  Cameron W. Brown was born on March 13th at 12:49pm.  We know we haven't posted in a while, but we figured this was a good excuse.  In honor of Cameron and the upcoming holiday we made these colorful blue Peep S'mores that even a new mother could make between feedings. 

Ingredients:

Graham Crackers

Chocolate Bar

Peeps

- Place one Peep on top of a graham cracker and place in the microwave for only a couple of seconds.  (We waited until the Peep puffed up and doubled in size)  Then place the chocolate and graham cracker on top and smush.   

Pretzel Buttons

We couldn't resist making these delicious Pretzel Buttons for a get together with friends yesterday.  If you are looking for something that is quick, easy, and tasty you have found it!  Anyone can make these.

Pretzel Buttons

Ingredients (makes approximately 75)

• Bag of Hershey's Hugs
• Pretzel Snaps
• M&M's (or any other hard candy you like)

1. Preheat the Oven at 200 degrees and place a Silpat or piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
2. Put an unwrapped Hug on top of a pretzel and bake for 4-5 minutes.
3. While the chocolate is hot place the M&M on top and push down.
4. Allow to cool completely.  We put ours in the fridge to harden up faster.

Magically Delicious

These past few weeks Julie has been craving milkshakes.  So this week we decided to make them St. Patrick's Day themed and made these Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshakes.  All you need is ice cream, milk, and a blender.  We used a 3 to 1 ratio with the ice cream and milk, but it is up to how thick you want your shake.  Then top it off with some whipped cream and sprinkles!

Doughnut Muffins

While looking for a quick and easy breakfast treat last weekend we came across these amazing Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Muffins on the blog How To: Simplify.  They are super simple and quick to make.  The best part is there are no crazy ingredients, you should have all of this already in your cabinets. 

Lets just say that they didn't last long in our house.

Ingredients: (makes 12)

   Muffins:

• 1 3/4 cup of flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup of milk

   Coating:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees and grease a muffin tin.  (We used Crisco and they popped right out.)
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
3. Mix the oil, sugar, egg and milk in a large bowl.  Slowly add the dry ingredients and stir only to combine.
4. Divide the batter up evenly into the muffin pan and bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. While the muffins are baking melt the butter and prepare the cinnamon and sugar mixture on a shallow plate.
6. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes and then shake the muffins out of the muffin pan while they are still warm. 
7. Dip the muffins into the melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon and sugar.  Place on a wire rack to cool.