Inspiration Board: Sesame Street Birthday

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2009
Today Sesame Street celebrates 40 years of Big Bird and the gang. This educational and inspirational show has touched us all. What little one doesn't want to live on Sesame Street at some point? And what better way to celebrate 40 fun years then with a Sesame Street birthday party. Elmo is always a popular request when it comes to birthday cake designs but today I tried to include the whole crew. So here's to sunny days....


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  • I just love these Sesame Street party hats. How clever! Find them here on Etsy. 
  • Add a fun and modern touch to your party decorations with these paper lanterns. Purchase them here
  • No party is complete without a birthday banner. Find this Sesame Street banner here on Esty. 
  • Keep it simple with these modern Sesame Street party invitations. Purchase them here on Amazon.
  • Keep your little guests busy with their very own Sesame Street Crayon Rollup.  Great for an activity or a party favor.  Available here on Etsy.
  • These are by far my favorite Sesame Street cupcakes, from the creative Simply Cupcakes.  Cupcakes are prefect for little guests and super easy to serve.  
  • Spice things up with polka dot plates and sky blue plastic cutlery.
Have you thrown a Sesame Street party of your own?  Tell us about it!  

Cake Boss - Sneak Preview!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2009
Alright cake lovers, I can't tell you how excited I am about today's post! We have an exclusive sneak preview of tonight's episode of Cake Boss, thanks to the generous guys over at TLC. If you haven't checked out Cake Boss before, you're missing out on a behind the scenes look at Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken NJ. This family business, led by the fierce Buddy, turns out stunning cakes week after week. Anyone who's ever made a cake knows all of the little things that can go wrong - then throw in some family drama, heated tempers and a camera crew. You've got Cake Boss!

Here's a little snippit of tonight's episode where the guys get down to work on a dancing theme cake.
video

Be sure to check out the full episode tonight on TLC at 10 EST. Buddy and his team of cake soldiers really want to impress their client when they create a massive cake for the US Air Force. And of course there will be some entertaining family drama when the girls get into a cat fight.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Treats

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH, 2009
Just because Halloween has come and gone doesn't mean that pumpkin season is over.  Here are some creative ways you can continue to enjoy this versatile gourd. 



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  • Start off you morning with this moist Pumpkin Muffin topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar.  Find the recipe here on Smitten Kitten.  
  • Snack away on crunchy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.  This is a favorite pumpkin treat around my house.  Spice them up with cayenne pepper, or stay traditional and just roast them with salt.  Read here for several possible variations.  Delish!
  • Bake up some delicious Pumpkin Pie Biscotti to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.  Find the recipe here on My Baking Addiction.
  • Surprise your Thanksgiving guests with a unique twist on pumpkin pie by serving this Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart.  Find the recipe from Ina Garten here.  
  • Serve up this sweet and spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle.  Lean how to make it here.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake that tastes as good as it looks.  Find the recipe here.


Whether you're putting leftover pumpkins to good use or cracking open a new can of pumpkin puree, I hope you enjoy these pumpkin recipes!   Tell us - what pumpkin treat looks good to you?  

Happy Halloween & Congrats to...

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH, 2009

Updated 11/9/09.  Sadly, our original winner did not claim her prize.  Good news for you is that everyone had a second chance at winning!  And the NEW lucky random winner is.... Commenter #37 - Elisa who said "Oh WOW!! I love this website. My favorite is the Holiday Bubblegum Buddies."  Congratulations Elisa!  Please contact me by Friday 11/13 to claim your prize.


Our spooktacular giveaway from Beau-coup has come to an end.  And the lucky random winner is… Commenter #3 - AikoArt who said "I'm adoring the engraved silver heart locket. I received one for mother's day this year, however, it has been misplaced & not discovered...".  Congratulations AikoArt!  Please contact me by 11/6 to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who entered!  Here's wishing you a.... 






Some exciting changes are coming soon to Half Baked, so we'll see you back here on Monday!