Max's first birthday!

Back in September My baby had his first birthday.  I was super excited to plan & make things for his party, which was a 'Magical Garden' theme. 

Max has always loved being in the garden and when I discovered Polkadot Prints fabulous 'down in the garden' printables, I got my inspiration!  My Mum & I made all the food, and I had my first attempt at colouring fondant and decorating the cake!

I found a whole new online world of fabulous party items & styling that I had never known about, and have since become a huge fan of - I can't wait to plan our next party!!  Head over to these fantastic sites that I sourced many items from for this party, and will definately be going back to!

Sharnel Dollar Designs  for beautiful jars, yummy bon bon's, and a gorgeous selection of cake stands.

the Little Big company  lots of lovely little things, great centrepieces - I got my fab drink dispenser from here.

P is for party  great range of party bag fillers and everything else you need for your party.

Occasion by design  some goreous coloured fairy floss and a great range of party accessories.

and never have a boring invitation again - just go to Polkadot Prints and you can print them all from home!
and of course a few little things made by mermade designs!

Here are a few shots from the party!

Critters from the magic garden!

The dessert table

The candy buffet

My first attempt at cake decorating!

For the cake stand I painted a terracotta pot and covered a cake board in 'contact' and ribbon.

A few more detailed shots of the tables (and sweet treats!)

My little birthday boy having fun with the props!

The ball pit is a great idea to keep littlies entertained (and contained)!

Finally!

Yay!!  So happy to finally have my new supplies, and am finally ready to go!!  I really hope everyone likes the new, improved mermade designs!!

On another note, I will be sharing other things on my blog that I love and that I am often asked about!
So to start .... I promised a couple of friends on facebook, I will be sharing some recipes - I have decided that here is the perfect place to do this! 

Today is a bit of an out of character cold wet day in Sydney - perfect for my delicious Apple & cinammon pinwheel scones! So here is the recipe....

Apple & Cinnamon Pinwheel scones

Basic scone dough

2 cups self raising flour

1 cup milk

100-150g butter

Good shake of cinnamon (approx 1 tablespoon)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Filling

2 medium sized apples - peeled

4 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 180.  Grate butter into bowl of flour – crumble with fingers until crumby consistency

Add milk and mix to form soft dough – add more flour if necessary to make smooth.

Turn out onto lightly floured surface, roll into oblong/rectangular shape

Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over rolled out dough, repeat with the brown sugar,

Grate peeled apples over the dough – using all sides to avoid grating the core.

Start gently rolling up edge closest to you and roll away from you into a log.

Smooth over  join where dough ends, shape log so it’s all even, then using a large sharp knife cut into pinwheels, reshape if flattened by knife.

Place each pinwheel flat on baking paper lined tray & bake in preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 12-15 mins – keep an eye on them – when they get a golden shade on top and the centre bounces back when pushed – take out of oven. Put a little butter on top and let it melt before serving!                                                                                                                                          Enjoy!