For those who were unable to attend and for those who are just curious… Here is a snapshot of Ellavie’s first birthday party!  She did amazing with her smash cake, and will be donating all of her birthday money to Operation Smile . 🙂 

For my blog followers: All of the decor was either DIY or dirt cheap. Links for the Pinterest tutorials or store credits are below the photos. 

   
  Cake and smash cake: Target   
Gold glitter circle stickers: Target Clearance 

Heart table decor: Dollar Tree

  
  See below for homemade Mac+Cheese recipe!  
    
  

Gold dress: Petite Adele on Zulily

I can’t find the tutorial I used for the tutu because I learned when Ellavie was a baby and I don’t like the other ones I’m seeing on Pinterest; they make it too complicated! – but if you want to learn, please ask!

Paper banner tutorial: Pinterest

(Scrapbook paper: Hobby lobby) 
  

Oreo pop party favors: Pinterest

(I used white chocolate to cover and pink heart sprinkles from Joann Fabrics) 

“1” Poster: Shutterfly

Gold Balloons: Target Clearance

  
    
Pink wrapping paper cut to size: Dollar Tree

Gold washi tape: Joann Fabrics

Gold table cloth: Joann Fabrics

Homemade Mac + Cheese Recipe 

serves 50

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 4lbs velveeta 
• .5lb Colby cheese (or your choice!)
• 8-10 cups milk
• 4 boxes large shells pasta 

Directions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente. 
2. Strain water and divide into 2 foil pans (pouring a little of the starchy water over the pasta will improve results and keep it from sticking) .
3. In a small pan, Melt butter and stir in flour over low heat to create a roux. Set aside. 
4. In large pot, heat milk and melt cheese (cubed) over medium heat, whisking frequently until cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Add roux to cheese mixture and stir until sauce thickens.
6. Pour cheese over pasta and mix. 
7. Watch as even the pickiest of eaters goes up for a third helping. (True story) 

Thank you for joining us in the celebration of our sweet girl!!