CACTUS THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR OUR 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER

CACTUS IS THE HOT TREND WITH TWEENS

Our oldest turned 12 (already!) and requested a cactus themed birthday party. Jen came up with some great ideas, found some awesome cactus decor, and hand made a few items.

Cactus hugs leave a mark

Apparently, cactus and holographic go together like peas and carrots. Therefore, cactus shaped holographic cupcake toppers are a go:

Holographic paper in cactus shapes - a hit!

And old pot, some pebbles, and a sink-scrubbing-sponge cut into the shape of a cactus make an ideal centrepiece for the party's table.

Cactus - scrubbing sponge style

Michael's is on trend with cactus shaped cups. Fill with 'catus juice' (aka lemonade) and thrill the tastebuds of your party goers.

Cactus shaped cups

If you have some skills in the baking department then sugar cookies - cactus shaped of course - are the way to go. Green icing and some spikes to top them off. Watch your tongue!

Cactus cookies with spikes!

Loot bags are easy with this theme, and can potentially last a lifetime. Real cacti are inexpensive and they really wow guests. It's like giving a pet - a totally unexpected surprise!

Give plants. The gift that keeps growing.

The party took place at the darkly named Boiler Room. No, there was no boiling going on, but, there was some hardcore rock climbing.

WINTER BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR THE BOYS

WINTER IS FULL OF BIRTHDAY PARTIES

The new year begins with the birthdays of two PUTP citizens - Oskie and Elli.

Oskie is now three. He will tell you this by putting up three of his fingers. To celebrate this milestone a party was held. A couple of his little friends were invited over and they partied like the penguins do. There were balloons, games, and cupcakes.

 

A waddle of balloon penguins

Toss the fish...

...into the penguin!

If you recall, local resident Elliott is mad about snow. His two passions in life are shovelling snow and playing hockey. His favourite season is winter. And, we have never heard him utter the words, "I want to come in because I'm too cold".
Combine his love of winter activities with his friends and you have his ideal birthday party.

A few of Elli-bellies friends met at the local hill to celebrate his birthday. The weather was ideal, there was lots of snow, and the hot chocolate was warm. We partied for a couple of hours - fun in the snow.

The hill was covered in hard packed and icy snow - ideal tobogganing conditions.

Estimated speed 65 km/hr

Estimated speed 0 km/hr

After an hour or so everyone took a break to recharge with some hot chocolate and a cupcake.

The thermos worked great at keeping the chocolate hot

Maybe too much whipped cream Oskie?

A Minecraft Creeper cupcake

Creeper cupcakes...it's a Minecraft thing

 Full of chocolate, sugar, and creeper?...they played in the snow.

Is that Frosty or did someone cover Oskie with snow again?!

Spray bottles filled with coloured liquid - endless fun...until the water runs out.

Back to the hill until your parents come kids. You're welcome parents for tiring them out.

There are so many people in the boy's life that one party was not enough. The next day a similar party was held with extended family to celebrate both boys birthdays. Sledding, back to the Place Under The Pine for hot chocolate, then cake.

Oskies penguin cake

Elli's hockey player cake

Hot Chocolate Bar

Happy 3rd Oskie

Happy 7th Elli

A SPA BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR A NINE YEAR OLD

THE PLACE UNDER THE PINE IS TRANSFORMED INTO A SPA

Pine Tree Press | Events & Parties

Lolli, whom some call the 'eldest', turned 9 this week. To celebrate this event the Place Under The Pine turned into a spa where Lolli and her friends (and yes, her little brothers had to be there too) could come for a relaxing facial, a manicure, a foot scrub...all those wonderful relaxing things that happen at spas. Hot rocks were not included due to the risk of burns.

If you are familiar with the PUTP you would not have recognized the joint with all of the fru-fru decorations, relaxing nature sounds filling the air, and the unmistakable smell of nail polish...you would, however, be mildly surprised to know that the set up was done only hours before due to a hard hitting flu like sickness that struck every single citizen in the PUTP, except Oskie. Nothing like the power of the people to put together an event like this against overwhelming odds.

Tissue paper puffs - Pine Tree is seen in the background

100% cotton balls

The spa parlour is set up and ready

Handmade signs by Olivia herself advertising the amenities - pedicure, manicure, facial...

Olivia's Spa

The guests began arriving at 5:00 pm. They were provided a filling dinner and an some refreshing spa water.

Then guests were then invited to make their own lip balms.

A mix of luster dust and petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline)

Purple and pink dust made these balms shine

Unique names were given to the balms - Pinkalicious pink is shown above

After the lip balms were finished being mixed, jarred, and named, a customized facial mask was created by each person. The spa provided only the finest natural ingredients including ripe avocado, Balkan style yogurt, and organic honey.

Green is synonymous with health

Green facials

With facials underway the guests were escorted into the spa's parlour where they could relax, de-stress, and find some inner solace. Suitable snacks and magazines were provided.

Spa themed snacks

Painted toe cookies

Nail polish mallows

Foot soaks and scrubs were a well received part of the night's spa package.

The dirty feet brothers showed up just in time for a harsh scrub

Clean em'

Manicures were also a part of the evening, with many bright and sparkly colours to choose from.

Do you have Pinkalicious pink?

After this intense spa experience many of the girls found new reserves of energy which needed to be released - dancing energy, creative energy, pedicure energy...all types of loud, busy, messy energy filled the PUTP until the spa closed down at 9 pm.

Perhaps some practice is in order?

Olivia is now officially nine, with painted fingers and toes to prove it.

Olivia: Age 9 | Shown here with her new American Girl Doll