It’s going to be a big day here tomorrow… my sweet little Sadie is turning one next week! I can hardly believe she is almost a year old. This year has just flown by at whirlwind speed!  I almost didn’t plan a party (gasp!) due to everything we have going on right now. We’re moving to Miami in two weeks!! But I just couldn’t imagine letting her first birthday go by without a little celebration.
Today will be a crazy day full of last minute preparations and baking. On deck is a smash cake for the birthday girl, cinnamon swirl cupcakes, caramel apples and some sort of apple cake. So if you’ll please excuse my slow response to comments and emails this week, I’d like to share a little sneak peek of Sadie’s big day…
Like always, I had more ideas than time when it came to Sadie’s party. So I enlisted the help of some very talented ladies, friends new and old, to help me. They might tell you I went a little crazy with the emails, photos and physical design boards…. but it was so worth it! Their creations have been arriving all week and I am in awe! I cannot wait to show you everything! Inspired by Sadie’s favorite stuffed animal (a gift from her Aunt Ashley), this party is going to be soft, furry and oh-so-sweet!
While I look forward to spending time with my family this weekend, I hope you have an exciting weekend planned too! See you back here next week!
Happy Friday everyone!
Over the weekend, we took my daughter to the local orchard for her first apple picking experience! She absolutely loved it and even picked several apples herself! All apples were placed into our basket via her little hands. Talk about a.dor.able! She sure does know how to melt mommy’s heart. Daddy’s too! But now, mommy has a large bushel of apples sitting on the counter waiting for the perfect recipe….
Which brought me back to this Apple Fest post from last year. Such clever ways to enjoy our apple harvest! I might even include caramel covered apples on the dessert table for Sadie’s 1st birthday party (which is in two days!! More on that soon!) So as I try my hand at some caramel covered apples today, I hope you’re inspired to try one of these Fall Apple Fest Ideas as well!
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- Boil up some caramel to coat your tart granny smiths. Gather various toppings for a ‘create your own’ caramel apple dessert bar. Your guests will have a ball customizing their apples with goodies such as nuts, popcorn, candy, dried fruit, crushed cookies, and chocolate! Here’s a basic recipe to get you started.
- Bake up these individual apple pies using this mold from Williams-Somoma. These little treats are just adorable… they look like something from Bakerella, but you get to cheat and use a mold!
- Create a festive ambiance with floating apple votives from Martha Stewart. No bobbing for these apples!
- Start your day off with this delectable indulgence, an upside-down apple french toast with cranberries and pecans. What a mouthful! Find the recipe here.
- Adding apples to your fall table is not only beautiful but delicious. Learn how to make your own festive apple place cards and votive holders here.
- Entertain with this fabulous French Apple Tart. The recipe is simple but the results are truly impressive. You’re bound to get oooohs and aaaahs for both the presentation and the taste. Find the recipe here.
Whether your apple abundance is fresh from the farm or straight from the grocery store…. Happy Apple Harvest!
Half Baked is excited to announce the newest addition to our Top Tier Cake Directory! This cake shop is seriously all about the fun! From the talented team of bakers and cake designers to their mascot! (Yes, you read that right… the shop mascot is known as Dr. Fresh.) Most importantly, the fun comes to life in whimsical cake creations that are just downright delightful. With big smiles, we are thrilled to welcome Amanda Oakleaf Cakes to our cake directory!
With a passion for art and a love of sugar, Amanda Oakleaf started her business in her one room apartment. Fast forward three years and now Amanda Oakleaf Cakes has a gorgeous storefront just outside of Boston. Amanda and her insanely talented and dedicated team create cakes for every occasion. From intricately sculpted designs to elegant displays, each creation is made entirely from scratch. Every morsel of buttercream, fondant and gumpaste is made by hand.  From scratch!  With a hefty dose of hard work and talent, they’re creating cakes that both look and taste above the rest.
How incredibly adorable is this 3D golden retriever cake?!? Sporting a Red Sox jersey, this little guy was actually the size of a real puppy. As if he wasn’t charming enough, Amanda and her crew named him Frosting. I think I’m in love with Frosting! And check out the crazy details in this mammoth elephant cake…
On top of the stellar 3D designs, Amanda and her team create some lovely wedding cakes as well. Now for some pretties…
You know I’m a huge fan of ombre cakes! And I absolutely adore those ruffled flowers! And this next cake makes such a dramatic statement with its black and white stripes and bold pop of red…
Ok… so I can’t mention the shop mascot and leave you wondering. Here’s a little peek at the team and Dr. Fresh! His hat reads “Vanilla Ice-ing”. Ha!
I could not be more thrilled to have Amanda and her team as part of our Top Tier Directory! Show them a little love and check out their full listing in Top Tier. Â See even more delightful designs on Amanda Oakleaf Cakes website, blog and Facebook Page.
Special thanks to Amanda and her team for joining us. We can’t wait to feature more of your spectacular work!
Quick Reference Links:
Website:Â OakleafCakes.com
Be Inspired:Â Oakleaf Cakes Blog
Be a Fan: Facebook Page
Top Tier Directory: Full Listing
