Monster Party for my big boy!

I wasn’t really planning on throwing a party for Sam but after helping conceptualize some of my friends kids' parties. I felt bad not organizing one for my very own (or at least this is the reason I told my husband although I think he already knows that I just need an avenue to let my creative juices flow). Because the truth is, we already have a Phuket trip booked to celebrate his birthday... but what can I do? I'm a sucker at organizing parties?

No less than an hour after my husband said yes, I finished booking the venue, decided what's the theme and created several mood boards for the dessert table and overall design. Talk about being on the zone! 

The following week, I started learning how to bake, not because we love cakes but because normal cakes here in Singapore are very expensive, so imagine the cost of ordering theme cakes. But I didn’t want this to stop me from creating the dessert table of dreams. So with the help of Youtube and some tips from friends, I was able to create my very own...

Chocolate Cupcakes My friends love the fact that I started baking. As I mentioned, were not really fond of eating sweets at home so all my bake goods go to my neighbor, my friends or any other occasion in need of desserts. At first I didn't feel confident baking from scratch so I use Betty Crocker mix, eventually I realize I need to learn it because I find the mix too sweet for my taste. As it turns out, it’s not difficult at all! Plus I was able to achieved the moist chocolate cake I’ve always wanted (so for all those who still hesitate... believe me when I say you can do it too!)

Monster Cake I guess this is where I was a little unsuccessful.  I underestimated the fact that I didn’t have a proper oven to bake thick cakes and only tried it a week before Sam’s big day. I also thought fondant is just like clay but in reality, it is very difficult to work with specially if you don’t have the right tools (cutter, molder, platform etc.). In the end, I manage to create a decent monster chocolate cake, it looks good from afar but you can definitely see the imperfections when you look closely. But of course I'm talking about the design, everyone else commented how tasty the cake was, however, as you know by now, cake for me is just another important decoration on my dessert table.

Giveaways I mix a bunch of those bite sizes chocolates from the U.S. which I bought from a newly opened ‘Costco’ like warehouse shop in Joo-Koon. T’was around 250 pieces for the price of $22! You can imagine how happily I reported back my savings to my husband.

Candy Corner I'm also very proud of my candy corner because these was a result of actively looking for deals in Groupon. The glass containers were part of a cheap set I bought months before. As for the candies, I only paid $25 for 3 kilograms worth because of a 50% deal I got from the same source.

I’ve been creating my Decorations since December and I was really happy with how it all turned out! I made the cutest, most colorful monsters ever!  Everything from the backdrop to the food tags, cupcake toppers, and the invite use the same theme. It really looked liked those theme sets you order online.

Needless to say, I think you can sense how proud I am with the turn out of the party. A lot of people are actually still in awe in how we manage to cook, baked and prepare everything ourselves and I can tell you, we didn’t! We’ll, we tried not to bother anyone but there’s just an overflowing of love and support from our friends here in Singapore who volunteered to help in any way they can. Some help in the pre party preparations while a few of my friends took part in ensuring the actual party is flawless. And of course, everyone else who was there to celebrate with us. Most even brought gifts to make the after party memorable for Sam.

This was indeed a celebration of love! Our love for our son. And God's love for surrounding us with wonderful people to celebrate life! Til' our next party!