Picking the theme for Madelyn's first birthday party was pretty easy. Consistently, her favorite thing over the past few months is anything Rubber Ducky. Actually, she just said her 6th word this week: "duck" [I'm trying really hard to get it on video to share. It's extremely high pitch and super cute].
Lucky for me it's Easter season so there are duck things everywhere. We were at Bulk Barn last week [amazing if you haven't been], and stumbled across this
3D ducky cake pan. It looks easy enough and I was able to find numerous images on google of other bakers finished products so I'm giving it a shot. Here's some examples of what it may look like:
I also came across these - rubber ducky candles and icing decorations. Cute, huh? My dear friend Corinne showed me how to use the icing decorations in the center of flowers at my baby shower last year. I think I'll copy that for the birthday party.
Then, this weekend, I was waiting in line at Michaels Craft store and browsed this cook book:
It says you can use a timbit (sorry, "munchkin" or "donut hole" for my American friends) and a marshmallow to transform your ordinary cupcake into a rubber ducky. Fun! If that doesn't work, It looks like I could also use rolled fondant to make rubber ducky toppers:
I think my biggest challenge with these plans will be perfecting my icing. Every buttercream icing recipe that I've tried has turned out on the soft side. If you have an awesome recipe please send to me so I can give yours a try!
Aside from the food, Madelyn and I spent an afternoon at a few toy stores and good old Dollarama picking out some awesome goodie bag treats and door prizes for best dressed in Yellow. Time to get excited!
January: The Book Of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill - We were on the fence with this one. Some of us loved it, but most thought it dragged on. As a group we regretted reading it right after A Long Way Gone, since it de-sensitized us to the content. The novel follows the life and journey of an African girl/woman forced into slavery in the South East US.
February: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel, by Lisa See - This was my first pick for the club. It is one of my favorite books of all time and the best of Lisa See's offering. I think everyone agreed with me so I will safely pass on a 5/5 rating. The story is set in remote 19th-century China and follows a deep friendship of two women who endure footbinding, arranged marriage and social codes of conduct. Each page is filled with foreign mystery, yet feelings true to any culture.
March: The Help, by Kathryn Stockett - Unanimous: Great Read! 3 unforgettable women in Mississippi in the 60's: 2 maids and 1 trust fund cotton farm heiress. The novel is filled with humour and hope, about mothers, daughters, caregivers and friends. Each voice keeps the storyline fresh and has you coming back for more. 4/5 stars from me.
