I still like pretty!

Oh hey there. I know it’s been a while. I seem to be all work, no play right now. Ok, not all work, but definitely more work. You won’t hold it against me, will you?

Also, if I ever get the privilege of turning 80, I really hope someone makes a big deal out of it. Am I right? I mean, really; 80 isn't something to be taken lightly.

There should be some flowers. Perhaps like these.

Or maybe these, all prettied up with some apples!

And there ought to be some tissue paper poms and some custom signage.

Maybe with a picture of me when I was a child (well, you know, if I was a little boy back then).

Maybe custom signage all over the place!?

If you hadn't guessed, we had a big ol' birthday party bash for my uncle's 80th.

There was a dessert table, because well, duh...

Some of the birthday boy's favorites made their appearance: homemade chocolate chip cookies,

homemade peanut butter blossom cookies,

non-dairy Rice Krispie treats,

and vegan (so I could eat them 'cause I'm selfish like that) mini-donuts from Mighty O Donuts (in two flavors - vanilla and orange, no less).


Also, got milk?


Maybe you do, but, do you got adorable milk bottles? (That just doesn't have the same ring to it, but I tried.)

The ugly cake was delicious (or so I'm told - it was made with cream and whole milk and cream cheese and butter, so it wasn't for me). (Do note my lack of photograph highlighting the drippy, lopsided cake. Not an accident.) It was homemade red (wine) velvet cake with a butter cream cheese frosting. Tragically, it turned out to be a massive cake fail in the pretty department. Probably one of my worst cakes ever, in fact. Sigh. That was a busy morning and I just didn't have time to tame uncooperative frosting.

There was also a candy bar because, well...because knowing when to stop is not my family's strong point.

Cinnamon lips.

Salted caramels.

Australian licorice, Reese's Pieces, Coconut Jelly Bellies (I wonder where those could have come from!? Hello, wedding leftovers!).


Oh, and Swedish fish!

Mmmm.

I know some people are over the vintage stripped straws. But, I'm not one of them. I'm still quite into these straws. This is why:

And don't pretend you didn't see that mini vintage suitcase. You know you love them as much as I do. (Ok, maybe not that much - I do have 3 sets. That might be a tad on the ridiculous side...again with the knowing when to stop.)

Did I mention there were donuts!?

A good time was had by all, and many were forced to take home way more treats than they wanted. But I betcha they ate them in the car on the way home.

Treats!

I know, this is boring, but it's done and I'm excited for that. I have treat bags. They're white. And they have our logo on a sticker. Yes, it's mundane, but you know, it's all these little mundane things all together that say: 'Hey, I thought about the details' on the day-of, right?

Yes, I bought two sizes of baggies - in case some people want to take home more than others. Ok, actually I was indecisive and I decided I didn't really have to decide.

And how much do I love these sticker logos?


More. It's personalization in a snap. And you know what's better? They just magically appeared in my mailbox! I have the best friends ever!

Let them eat cake...

...somewhere else. Ok, I don't love cake. Yes, I love to bake cake. I like to make cute cakes. Pretty cakes. Layered cakes. But eating them...meh. This is how I can have a freezer full of cupcakes and not pig out. Now, if I had a freezer full of cookies or pies or, heaven forbid, jelly bellies, I'd be in trouble. My fiance isn't a huge cake fan either. So, I'd like to do a dessert buffet with pies, cookies, rice krispie treats (LOVE THEM), and candies. Oh, and donuts - who doesn't like donuts!? Crazy people, that's who. But no cake. I know it's not very traditional, but is it so terrible that I want to ply my guests with equally sweet and delicious baked goods? Really? I don't think so.

Also, the dessert bar will include an homage to beef jerky. Yes, that says beef jerky. On our first date, my fiance informed me that his favorite dessert was beef jerky. Done. :)