Birthday Cupcake Fun!

Finally able to get a card reader that worked so that I can share my birthday planning hard work. I had so much fun making the cupcakes for the birthday party that I'm going to make   it a family tradition.



Jungle Animal Cupcakes



I used the Betty Crocker Jungle Animal Cupcake Recipe. The hardest part was keeping my hand steady to draw the lines for the zebra (not my favorite animal right now). :) Anyway, it took me about 5 hours to bake and decorate 48 cupcakes. I had to modify the decorations used so my 1 year could eat the cupcakes.

Lion

• Cheerios (oat cluster crunch)
• chocolate baking bits
• pretzel sticks

Tiger 

• orange m&m's
• chocolate baking bits
• pretzel sticks

Monkey

• mini marshmallows
• chocolate baking bits
• black milk chocolate candies

Zebra  

• mini vanilla wafers
• chocolate baking bits
• black jelly beans, cut in half vertically

Of course since our Yus is a Leo the lion was the main attraction. I made a mini cake lion just for him. It was tons of fun! 

Yus' Lion


nkoyo

Birthday Planning - Final Stretch

We are officially just ONE weekend away from Yus' birthday party and I'm starting to get really, really, really excited. I got a great idea for a fun activity from a co-worker. I've been really leery about hiring a clown, a masked man, or even having my husband read a story. I just think kids under the age of 3 are going to be a bit freaked-out by a clown or a masked man and may become restless with story telling. My co-worker suggested some type of arts-and-craft. In that moment a light bulb went off. Why didn't I think of that! The craft can also double as the party-gift. GENIUS! 
So, the craft will be sponge/finger painting on a canvas. First, thoughts are this is messy right! Well, I will also be providing a smock and the party is at the Park so clean up is a breeze. Wipe anyone? I think I have it all figure out and hopefully my little sister will step in and help. She's seven so this is right up her ally. 

Jungle Canvas Creations: 
~ let the kids create their own jungle canvas (pictures to come)

1. all white 8'x10' canvas'
2. paint (in party colors)
3. jungle animal sponges 
4. jungle animal stickers 
5. smock/large t-shirts 
6. large sheet (to cover table or lawn area)

UPDATE: Things to Do before the Big Day

10) cake mix for jungle cupcakes

9) jungle cupcake decorations

8) jungle decorations

7) find safari entertainment - i.e. put together a skit for daddy to do w/ stuffed jungle animals

6) decided on the menu w/ FiL

5) send out the invites

4) final guest list (may have to call some folks)

3) birthday boy outfit

2) favors

1) dinner spot for the hubs' celebration

Almost there...

nkoyo

Top 5 ~ Fourth of July Must Do's:

#5) fire up the grill  (I smell the chicken already)

#4) hangout poolside with the kiddos

#3) make a festive dessert (cupcakes w/ strawberries n' blueberries)

#2) find a fireworks show (Ty Warner Park @ 9:30pm)

#1) have a safe & happy holiday weekend!

nkoyo

Metra, CTA, Strollers... Oh! My

With the 4th of July holiday around the corner and the Taste of Chicago starting today. I realized that more and more families would be traveling into the city for summer fun, exploration, and to avoid the local community center for a day. As a downtown working mom, I want to lend some tips and tricks to navigating the city Monday - Friday. For a more joyous experience for all parties.

Some of you might be thinking, "I'm not going to venture downtown, during the work week," but you smart and savvy mom's and dad's know that traveling during the work week yields less crowds on certain days (Tuesday & Wednesdays).

Here are a few tips: 

• be mindful of rush hour ~ 6:30 - 9am & 4 - 6pm
• travel at off-peak times
• know the Metra, CTA bus/train schedules  
• download the Redeye app for updates on buses/trains/taxis
• make sure your child has a seat on public transportation (politely ask for a seat for your child it's occupied and no one offers)
• have a safety talk with the wee-bits (6 & under) 
• use travel strollers (fold them up while on Metra & CTA)
• cross body bag is a MUST! or book bag for dad

Remember to pack:

• sunscreen
• small umbrella
• flip flops (make sure toddlers has a back strap)
• baby wipes
• sanitizer
• camera

Please leave home:
My summer pet-peeve ~ the backpack leash/baby harness ~ and utilize an umbrella stroller for tots or employ the old-fashioned 'hold mommy's hand' please. To avoid, yanking the toddler, getting tangled, and/or tripping an innocent bystander. In my personal opinion using a harness doesn't teach children to listen or behave in public.

Have Fun and Eat a turkey leg for me!  

nkoyo

Steady Goes It!

This was an eventful Father's Day and one James and I will remember forever! Our little man started walking. He was playing with my nephew; laughing, babbling and batting at the animal faces when my nephew shouted, "Go Yus, Go Yus". We looked in their direction and my baby was pushing the walker. I nearly cried. He's only 10 months but with enough practice he'll be walking by his first birthday (a goal I set for him when he was born). Not to brag but daddy and I were both early walkers!!! :) I knew he could do the same.

So, many milestones and so many more to come.



walking baby Yusuf

 nkoyo

Where are you...

... summer where are you? I was so excited for this summer of 1st for my son. The beach, sunglasses, sandals, etc. But unfortunately the Chicago weather is a BIG tease. We had 2 days of great summer weather in the 90's and then 3 days of gloomy April showers in June. I just want the summer to come before the 4th of July. Is that too much ask for! I've had visions of the hubs building a sand castle and Yusuf smashing it with his hands and then putting the sand in his mouth. Can you see the photo? If the weather doesn't change soon I won't get my photo. :( So, summer if your listening, hurry up and get here, thanks!

 nkoyo