16 Surprises for a 16th Birthday
16 is one of those birthdays that marks a significant milestone. It’s an onramp to new freedom and choices with the introduction of the driver’s license. It is also the first time dating is allowed for some. For all, though, it is a mental marker that this once child is growing up and is close to being a young adult. We want to celebrate that and make it memorable.
In our family, my nephew, Gabe, is always the first for everything. King of the cousins, he is the revered one that basically can do no wrong. Handsome, incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, giving, faith-filled, athletic… this one has it all. If you have a daughter around his age, I’ll begin taking applications once he hits about 22.
Because this was Gabe’s big 16 this year, my sister, Kendra, from As You Wish Design, and I wanted to come up with something unique and fun. We decided that 16 surprises spread throughout the day would make him feel very special.
Here are the 16:
1. The morning began with breakfast in bed. A tradition my sister has always done with her kids.
2. A pack of “5″ gum hidden in his backpack (“You make our family of 5 complete)
3. A decorated locker (wtih the help from some friends)
4. White Chocolate Mocha given by a friend at the start of school
5. 16 pizzas delivered (by mom) to the lunch cafeteria.
{This one was Gabe’s favorite of all 16}
6. Kendra emailed his Spanish Teacher and they sang “Feliz Cumpleanos” in class.
7. Licorice bucket for the soccer team at practice.
8. A photo collage was put on his Facebook wall from his aunt/uncle/cousins from Seattle.
9. His uncle/aunt/cousins from Santa Barbara sent him this crazy video on his phone.
*Note: we have a thing about The Blair Witch Project. It’s been a tradition that my brother does spoofs on this for milestone birthdays. Noted & Warning: we are not a normal family.
10. Superman travel mug and a Gonzaga sticker {from me} found in his new ride.
(The matching Superman shirt was not planned…. he seriously just happened to be wearing it that day! I got him that cup for obvious reasons. He IS Superman in my eyes).
11. A note written on his bathroom mirror.
12. Subway gift card attached to his Sonicare.
”I feel like a sandwich. Hey, I think I’ll DRIVE there to get one!”
13. Car essentials from his Dad
(with a poem attached to his keys sending him on a scavenger hunt to find it).
14. Dried Mangoes (another fav).
“You Mango us so proud!”
15. Ping Pong balls with a note attached from his mentor
(they always play ping pong together).
16. His grandparents gave him 16 pennies, 16 nickels, 16 dimes, and 16 quarters all taped together.
The surprises were a huge hit and it turned out to be a fantastic way to celebrate this 16 year old that we all love so much!
Happy 16 Gabe!!!
It’s All About the Hair: A Teen Birthday Party
Teens + birthdays can be difficult. They are too old for the usual party fare, yet they still want to do something to celebrate. As I wracked my brain to think of something for my daughter’s 14th this year, I asked myself, “what do they love to do when they get together?” HAIR! I called a few beauty salons until I found the right stylists at the right price, and the party was a done deal.
Here is what we did:
1. Hire 2 stylists to come to the party to do hair, and teach girls how to do the various styles {or ask a couple of friends who are really good at hair to come}. They bring supplies.
2. Have them bring pictures of various hair styles, and the girls choose which one they’d like.
3. Set up a couple of bar stools and a table with outlets near by.
5. The other girls snack on fun food and chat while two at a time get their hair done.
6. Go outside and take some fun pictures! I took group shots, and then one of each girl with the birthday princess.
The only issue I had was getting hairspray off the floor afterwards. Otherwise, the party was a teen girl hit…and, best of all, EASY!
Turning 13: A Meaningful Way to Celebrate a Boy’s Climb into the Teen Years
13 is a milestone birthday – a huge deal for all involved. Both child and parents will come face to face with new realities. The climb up the mountain of the teen years requires new equipment, endurance, a route map, and a team. There are obstacles ahead, but there are also breathtaking vistas along the way. In fact, they will probably happen simultaneously.
The birthday marks the beginning. It’s base camp. Base camp is where climbers prepare for their journey. Here supplies are stocked, packs are prepared, and the warm security of safety is found. As my sister and I talked about what to do for my nephew Caleb’s 13th, we wanted to create something memorable. Something to fill his pack, and an experience he could look back on when the climb gets tough; Something that helps him to remember that base camp awaits him, no matter where he goes, no matter what his journey.
We had read in a book an idea about a son going on a “path” where he meets men of wisdom along that way who give him advice. We decided to use that concept, but change it so that family would be the ones on the path, and with the goal of telling him something that sets him apart as unique and special. It would also be an opportunity for the adults in his life to share some of their wisdom..
On his birthday, my sister explained that he would walk from our lake cabin, down to the creek where we always go. He was told that people would meet him along that way, and that they would each walk him to the next person. After everyone was in their place, his dad gave him a bag, and sent him to walk his road.
Here is what he found:
His brother, explaining why popcorn was representative of him.
His Boppa giving him advice and wisdom about money.
His uncle, and cousin, telling him they think he is 5 star!
His great aunt telling him how special he is in this world.
His cousin telling him what a great example he is in his life
His Gigi explaining the importance & legacy of family.
His auntie reminding him to stand on a firm foundation through the shifting teen years.
His mom, praying over him, and speaking words of life…
As he walked the last path to the river, we all awaited him at the bridge.
We prayed over him and asked God to walk with him closely, and we thanked Him for giving us the gift of C.A.L.E.B.
Caleb climbed Mt.Adams for his 13th with his dad. We know this will be the first of many climbs for him, both figurative and literal. But no matter where he ventures, this base camp crew will be cheering, preparing his pack, and helping map his route.
Always.
Signature Tiramisu
If you are looking for a wozzzzzzza — knock someone’s socks off — heaven-on-a-plate dessert, you’ve come to the right place. This tiramisu will be worth the work. Trust me. It’s not hard, it just requires a few steps. You can do it! Even the most discerning Italians will be impressed. I first started making this dessert when a fabulous chef in our area shared his recipe with me in a cooking class. My husband goes to his restaurant on my birthday every year to pick up this deliciousness for our family dinner (I know, so sweet). I’ve adapted his recipe to my own tastes, adding some elements, but the credit definitely goes to Angelo Brunson of Angelo’s Ristorante for the bulk of this recipe and technique.
With tiramisu you want to get all of your ingredients prepped, so when assembly time comes, it is all there and ready to go.
Step #1: Get the Lady Finger Cookies out of their bags and place in a bowl. Remember, only the hard Lady Fingers will do. You can find these at most markets, especially those like Trader Joes, Whole Foods, etc. The soft ones will NOT work. You’ll end up with a mushy mess.
Step #2: Make the Zabaglione mixture. You will separate the 15 egg yolks from the whites, add the 1 1/4 c.sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 3/4 c. Marsala, and wisk over a double boiler (which is simply a bowl over a boiling pot of water. DO NOT STOP MIXING, or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs. The mixture will get thick and have a banana yellow sheen to it. That is when you know it is ready. Put plastic wrap over the top and place in the fridge to cool. TIP ON SEPARATING EGG YOLKS: Place all of your eggs in a bowl of warm water. Let sit for a few minutes. Room temperature eggs will separate easily, whereas cold eggs will not.
Step #3: Make the coffee mixture that the Lady Fingers will be dipped into when it is time to assemble. Simply mix 2 cups coffee, 1 1/2 tbsp. instant espresso powder, 1/4 c. Brandy or Rum, and 1/4 c. sugar. I like to put this in a square or rectangular dish for easy dipping.
Step #3: Whip the Cream. Place 6 cups cold cream into a standing mixer. Start mixing with the wire whisk attachment on slow. If you beat the cream too quickly it will deflate easily. After a couple of minutes, turn it to medium, then to high. Mix until soft peaks form. Add 4 tbsp. vanilla.
Step #5: Add the mascarpone (my favorite part). Slowly add the 2 lb. mascarpone cheese to the whipped mixture. Mix well, but don’t over mix or it will deflate.
Step #6: When the zabaglione mixture is cooled, take out of the refrigerator, and add 3/4 c. at a time to the whipped cream. FOLD into the cream, don’t stir. This is the part you want to really be careful with, as the cream can deflate with this step also.
Step #7: Now you are ready to assemble. Put the cookies, the zabaglione mixture, and the coffee mix side by side. Using a 9×13 pan, dip the Lady Fingers quickly into the coffee mixture and line up in a pan. The trick here is to place the cookie in for a 1/2 second, then flip and do the same on the other side. DO NOT SUBMERGE, or they will be too soggy.
Step #8: Dollop two big piles of the zabaglione cream mixture onto the top of the Lady Fingers and spread evenly with a knife.
Step #9: On top of the zabaglione mixture, sprinkle a dusting a cocoa powder, and chopped chocolate. An easy way to chop chocolate is to put chocolate chips in the food processor and pulse several times.
Step #10: Repeat the layering process. Dip and line up the Lady Fingers (laying them the opposite way in the pan this time), top with the cream, then sprinkle with cocoa and chocolate. You’re done!!! Cover it with plastic wrap and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, though 18-24 is ideal.
ENJOY!
Ingredients Instructions
http://thehomemaderenegade.com/2012/03/signature-tiramisu.html
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Favorite Things Birthday Party
My very creative friend, Angie, is crazy about two things: Oprah & celebrating. She combined them for her birthday party this year in an idea that I loved: a favorite things party! We all met at a local restaurant and had instructions to bring two identical “favorite things” – one for Angie, and one for someone at the party. When we arrived, a point person placed a number on the gift NOT for the bday girl. Each person presented Ang with her gift, explaining why it is a “favorite.” At the end of the party, we drew numbers and went home with one of the favs. I got the MAC Lipglass and love it! Here are some pictures of the party & ideas for gifts:
Have fun with this one…. we did!!!!
Angie shared two of her favorite things with us too: tulips & chocolate covered sea salt caramels….. so sweet!
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