Before getting to new posts for the upcoming fall season, I have some catching up to do. August is always a whirlwind of a month for our family and this was our busiest one yet, but not without some special times had! Our eldest daughter Amaia turned twelve at the beginning of the month. We celebrated sweetly at home with two parties, one with family and one with a small group of friends. Although covid numbers are is still rising in our area, I’m grateful that we were able to make up for last year and safely open up our home and patio, for a memorable milkshake and movie night, inspired by the Sugar Factory!
After all that Amaia’s been through in the past year of unknowns, seeing her smile and have fun with friends again was the icing on the birthday cake!
TURNING TWELVE
I have shared so many of Amaia’s birthdays on the blog over the years. It has become more and more bittersweet to look back and reflect on all the special pictures and posts as time has passed. She is still without a doubt a mini version of me. Not only in appearance but in heart.
She is compassionate and a thoughtful and amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. Beautiful on the inside and out, she’s also overcome adversity in sports and continues to blow us away with her writing and reading skills and passion for athletics and animals.
My inspiration with a heart of gold. I’m so grateful to be her mama!
On Amaia’s twelfth birthday, we celebrated with her favorite chocolate orange cake! This is the second year I’ve made one for her and she couldn’t have been more excited!
The cake was 3 moist layers with dairy free chocolate frosting and orange curd filling. Topped with fresh flower petals, orange zest and edible glitter. Surprisingly not too rich with a delicious balance of sweet and tart from the orange.
We followed up the celebration on her actual birthday with an outdoor milkshakes and movie party with friends.
MILKSHAKES & MOVIE NIGHT – PARTY DETAILS
This milkshakes and movie party theme was inspired by a recent trip to the Sugar Factory Restaurant. We made sugar factory inspired milkshakes with a variety toppings chosen by my daughter, with her friends in mind.
SUGAR FACTORY PARTY DECORATIONS
Since the party was outdoors this year, we kept the decorations pretty simple, with a pastel balloon garland, a candy button inspired Sugar factory backdrop, fresh flowers from the garden, giant gummy bears and lots of duckies and ducky balloon floats for more comfortable movie seating.
The candy button wall was inspired by the photo wall at Sugar Factory and was easy to make with white foam board, clear plastic ornaments, pastel craft paint and hot glue.
It served as a fun and colorful backdrop for our table, although I wish it would’ve been a bit taller for photos.
Sprinkle balloons to match the theme as well.
MILKSHAKES & MOVIE NIGHT – DESSERTS
Since Oreos happen to be the ultimate tween obsession, making mini Oreo cupcakes was a must! The frosting on these Oreo cupcakes was so delicious and also vegan friendly. I’ll be sharing the recipe in a new future post here on the blog soon!
For dessert the girls had chocolate and vanilla milkshakes (vegan option) topped with gummy candy, the mini Oreo cupcakes, birthday cake macarons, cherries and whipped cream. These were a hit and fun to enjoy while preparing for the outdoor marvel movie – Black Widow.
This turned out to be such a memorable party with sweet friends despite the rain! Luckily we were able to quickly move the girls inside to finish the movie!
I made one more cake for our final party at home with family!
A mini Oreo cake at the birthday girl’s request. The Oreo flavored mini cake included chocolate cake, Oreo frosting, chocolate ganache, topped with mini Oreos and sprinkles. The mini cakes are a longstanding tradition and something I continue to look forward to doing for my girls birthdays, as long as they’ll allow it.
In addition to Oreo cake we had ice cream, we spent quality time with loved ones that truly made her final celebration extra special! That chocolate orange cake did as well!
The white jumper she’s wearing is from Zara and suits her sense of style perfectly!
Happy 12 to our beautiful and talented daughter! We could not be more proud and more excited to see what gifts are in store this new birth year!.
Check back for the Oreo cupcake recipe soon!
This post titled Turning Twelve – Milkshakes & Movie Night was seen first on Posh Little Designs. All Rights Reserved. 2021.
Thank you for your sweet pictures of Amaia, the celebration, decorations and desserts! She is so grown and it seemed to of happened in a whirlwind of amazing memories over the course of 12 beautiful years from a baby to toddler to this gorgeous spirit of a young lady, so poised, determined, gifted & with a light that shines outward. It’s hard to swallow that she is 12 but so grateful & blessed I got to be a part of her journey. She has such grace & greatness in her, such passion & poise with a tender heart that will forever keep her humble & heart forward in all her ways as she continues to strive forward toward her purpose in life. I’m ever proud & love who she is and the young woman she is to become.
What a wonderful delicious and sweet theme. Perfect for Amaia! Your cake was gorgeous! The cupcakes were so delicious and all your decorations lovely! Thank you for sharing the celebration with us! xoxo
Thank you for always being there and for being such an important part of her journey! We are truly grateful for you! Love always!