This Little Patriot Turns 1: Independance Birthday Party

Please. Just pinch me. This is not real life.

My brain literally cannot grasp the concept of motherhood, and now my baby is one.

Everyone tells you, "This is just a season" or "It will all happen so fast." but you don't realize the truth in all those cliche sayings until you find yourself planning their first birthday party.

OKAY, OKAY. I'm gonna save all the sappyness for the birth story that is soon to come, so for now, here all some of the best details from Elo's first Birthday party:

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Lots of the decor was bought from Target in their AMAZING dollar section!

This pinwheel backdrop was picked up at Michael's with a 40% off coupon. They have awesome coupons ALL. THE. TIME.

This is a bucket found in Walmart clearance the DAY after the 4th!

WHAT WE ATE:

-Patriotic Potato Salad

This was probably my fave. I am not a huge fan of your classic potato salad with mayo, egg + mustard-y weirdness. Barf. This is a delicious, simple recipe my mom has been whipping up for years, and it is AMAZING

All you need is: Potatoes (preferably smaller variety. We used red, white + blue/purple petite)

AND Two Hot Mamas Creamy Cilantro Dip

Cut, pat dry, season and grill the potatoes, mix them up with this magical dip, and voila! Goodness. Gracious.

-Blue Corn Chips and Queso Blanco

We bought the Blue Corn Chips on sale and saved with cash-back from Ibotta. Check them out here and start with $10 when you sign up!

Queso Blanco is fancy for White Velveeta and a can of Rotel. Real easy, folks.

-Seasoned Chicken Bites with Dipping Sauces

We picked up two bags of frozen chicken breasts, cut and seasoned them, grilled and served them with a choice of two dipping sauces:

-Sweet Baby Ray's (helloooo, always a crowd fave)

and my NEW FAVORITE THING TO EVER EXIST:

-Private Selection's Cayenne + Garlic infused Honey

Oh. My. Gosh. Becky.

So good.

Get it Here. You need it.

-Build-Your-Own Angel Food Cakes

We bought Redi Whip

--There was cash back with Ibotta! For real, you need this app. It will be your new BFF.

Fresh fruit was on sale because, summer.

TIP: buy the fruit LAST. You'll want to be sure that it's not all gross and mushy by the day of your party. Just sayin'.

Sooo, if you think you'll save money by buying a boxed mix of Angel Food Cake, you're not wrong...but if you think it will be easy, THINK AGAIN.

LOOOORD, help us all.

Just buy the little cakes pre-made. Just do it.

If you wanna try cake-roulette, be my guest.

Click Here to Buy the mix

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