Wheewww...glad that birthday party is behind me now. I forgot that it takes just as much work after the party as it does before. There's the clean-up, opening all the presents (what kind of joy do toy companies get out of wiring/taping every single item to the box?), dealing with overly-tired kids and finding a place for all the new toys.

The girls, my husband and I took a much-needed lazy day yesterday -- we did no work (except for putting some toys together) -- just swam and lounged poolside all day. The overachiever in me felt guilty for "wasting" an entire day, but the burnt-out Mommy in me appreciated the break.

Speaking of breaks (how do you like that transition?) -- I caught a break on the girls' birthday cakes this year. I gripe about the cost of their cakes each year. I like to get them each their own -- which is nice because then I can get one white cake & one chocolate. In past years, this has cost me as much as $40 for cakes.

This year, I spent $26.

I found these cute cupcake cakes at Wal-Mart -- availabe in DISNEY designs (yes, licensed designs) for just $12.98. There are 24 cupcakes in each cake and you have the choice of cake and frosting type.

Here's Kelly's (pink, of course):
Image

And, Lauren's (Ariel from the Little Mermaid):

Image

They are available in all kinds of different designs and shapes -- there are even cute adult designs.

They were a real hit at the girls' party.