Why I am Bringing the Sheet Cake Back

If you have been following my blog in the past you would know that I have always been a huge fan of themed parties. Before joining social media and starting a blog I was a huge Pinterest fanatic. When my oldest son Greyson was having his first birthday I could not wait to pick out a theme and go bananas with the crafting and decorating. Although I do still love and appreciate a good theme, I have drastically changed my approach to party planning, and needless to say have simplified many other things in my life as well. Here’s why:

First, priorities. Now that I have four children balancing my time and responsibilities is a constant juggling act. The reality is going overboard with the crafting and “pinteresty” parties was more about me and what I wanted, than what ultimately made my children happy. My husband would mentally have to prepare himself for his “party tornado” of a wife, stressed out for weeks due to the zillion trips to the craft store, spending every night rummaging through the supplies all over the dining room table, crafting, baking, etc. It was madness. So, I had to think to myself what is really your priority here, Nicole? Having a FUN celebration in honor of your child’s birthday. Will my kids know the difference if their “ Happy Birthday” banner was custom from Etsy versus purchased at Dollar Tree? No! I just can’t justify the time and stress involved in planning an Instagram, Pinterest worthy party at the expense of my sanity. My kids want a happy mom, not a mom swearing at the glue gun telling them to put on another movie.

Second, I don’t like wasting money. I have boxes in my basement full of crafty party decor. I get so wrapped up in theme that I spend a ton of money on stuff that will likely not be used again. Not to mention it is just wasteful.

Third, you can still have an awesome and memorable party without going overboard with crafts and decorations. In the past, I seemed to dwell on what I could post online to impress others. These days, I am looking for the people to leave my home feeling like they enjoyed themselves and those around them. Do I miss the selfie cut outs, color coordinated candy bars, or fancy labels on the water bottles? Not enough to justify the time and stress that comes with them!

So for my twins birthday party this year, there really wasn’t a theme. Declan loves ice cream and school buses so I ordered him a school bus ice cream cake from Carvel. Kensington told me she wanted a pink cake with a rainbow, unicorn, and princesses. I made her a box mix, strawberry cake and found a bunch of random decorations and candles to put on top. The adults were most excited about the vat of homemade bolognese sauce (you can get the recipe HERE). My dad made some amazing clams Oreganata, which was also thoroughly enjoyed. I bought a random assortment of decorations and paper plates from Dollar Tree, and my friend Jenna bought some plain balloons in the colors my twins specifically requested.

I think about my childhood often and what made it so great. It really helps me put things in perspective…thank you 1990s, your sheet cake parties rock!