Monday, June 6, 2011

Mountain Dew Cake and Simple Celebrations

My brother is a Mountain Dew kind of guy. For his June birthday, I made him a Mountain Dew cake. I assumed it would taste terrible because Mountain Dew and cake didn't seem like a yummy union, but it was actually tasty. The soda made the cake super moist and it was citrus flavored, light with lemon. The icing was also made with Mountain Dew.


Fresh, Fresh Flavors



This cake was quick and easy because it used a boxed cake mix, we're not talking about "put on an apron and bake from scratch" sort of recipe. It's easy, easy. *Note: I used vanilla pudding mix but any will work.


For his celebration, we kept simple but still special. Simple celebrations offer the chance to feel the true spirit of celebrating. I'm a big top show type of party person, but I still double love the simple moments too.




Here's a list of SIMPLE ideas to pin to your memory:

~ confetti: always fun and festive

~ add a matching candy in a dish next to your cake
~ compliment your cake and desserts with matching style of drinks instead of boring soda, water, punch, or tea.
~ balloons: classic. You can't go wrong.

~ artsy, creative candles. There are endless choices of candles on the market. Have you seen the colored flame candles? Fun!

~ garland and banners. You can take nearly anything and create garland with it.
~pinatas
~ pin the tale on the donkey


These simple ideas take no time at all and they add that extra pinch of SPECIAL to your day. They're timeless and classic. All of these ideas are the OBVIOUS party ideas that have been done over and over again because they WORK.

Sometimes,
taking it back to the basics
makes the most sense.



I used some of these ideas from my list for Kyle's party...

Fun candles:
Coordinating drinks that would compliment the cake flavor and color:

Candy jar of Lemonheads served with the Citrus cake.

A birthday banner made MINI! I've seen these mini cake banners all over the internet and finally joined in...


I created a quick garland of balloons.
It was very party-ish. ;)



I easily attached balloons to ribbon using mini clothespins.
Super Cute!

The party highlight was Kyle's pinata. He got to bust a pinata on his 27th birthday. I don't think guys ever outgrow the love of destroying things.


The boys were excited to fill it! My Mom bought the pinata and candy.



The kids got first hits.

The MONEY makes this a pinata made for an adult.


Who says money doesn't come from trees?

Stuffing his pockets...but not with candy.


The boys got the coins and candy, but they had to give all the bills to Uncle Kyle.


Because what else is a big sister supposed to get her little brother who has everything? {wink}

100 1's.
Maybe on a different birthday
I will do one hundred 100 dollar bills...
but that's not likely.


Boys will be boys.

Taking the pinata game to a new level:


I used many simple elements to make a special event. Each of these classic and well-used ideas take only minutes to create. I have shared other 5 minute Party Ideas in a previous post as well if you're wanting more ideas...




My brother has made my birthdays special before too, which I shared an example about a long time ago in the post "He Rocks My Socks". Kyle and I have always made a good TEAM. I love him like crazy even when he drives me crazy. He's a super cool guy and I'm LUCKY to be his sister.



I've heard before that
beauty is found in simplicity
and that is a peaceful truth.



PS!!!!
In other news,
I MUST share with you all:
One of my Neapolitan cake photos was used on Bon Appetit Magazine website TODAY!



Hello Happy Girl (me). ;)


This post is linked to: Under the Table & Dreamin, It's a Blog Party, Think Pink Sundays LambAround, DIY Showoff, DIY Living, Seasonal Sundays, It's so Very Cheri, Strut Your Stuff at Saturday Mornings, Met Monday, Making the World Cuter, Motivate Me Mondays, Market Yourself Mondays, A2Z Tips & Tutorials, Lettered Cottage How To, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tuesdays at the Table, Topsy Turvy Tuesday, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, We're Organized Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday, Swing into Spring, Works for Me Wednesday, Show and Tell, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Blog Hop Thursday, Transformation Thursday, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff, Friday Favorites, VIP Party Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up

30 comments:

Blessed Rain said...

Love the Mountain Dew cake! Will have to try it!

Leanne said...

You are the best mom and wife and you're apparently the best sister too. Do you need another sister? I could be available. I love all your fun party ideas.

caveman said...

LISA, guess what!? I can finally say I see a favorite picture in a post without you asking! I LOVE the picture of the balloons that says "Simple celebrations". It describes this party perfectly! But, my favorite part of the actual party itself was the pinata. Can I request one of those for me sometime? :-)

Stacey said...

Congrats on the Bon Apetit! That is so exciting.

Let me say I just love everything about this post. I love the simple touches you do on everything! I love it. I especially love all the thought you put into it all for your brother. That is awesome!!! Keep the ideas coming. I love each and every one.

Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs said...

Seriously adorable!! I bet your brother loved it!

aggieam01 said...

This is really, really cute. Great idea to fill the pinata with money. I totally want to do that for a grad party for my cousin!

Jane said...

What a lucky brother you have!!! I bet he really loved beating on the pinata...and then to have such a wonderful treat....perfect idea, Lisa!

Now that's something I have not thought of trying...a Mountain Dew cake! I have tried 7-Up, Root Beer, Coke, Sprite...then there are the fruit nectars...Mango, Passion Fruit, and the like. But never the Dew. Mmmmm....my son would LOVE this!

Congratulations on having your Neapolitan cake photo in Bon Apetit. I'll watch for it. So very proud of you...
Jane (artfully graced)

MB North said...

OH MY GOSH I LOVE MT. DEW. My favorite soda. I am going to have to try this for sure. YUMMMM. Congrats on your Neapolitan cake!!

Would love if you would link up with us at Creative Creation Tuesday. We would love others to see your project too. Can be found here at Nothing But Country.

Happy Creating! Thanks for sharing your great project.

Kelly @livingcraftilyeverafter said...

I LOVE the balloon garland! So cute!!!

Kelly

Melanna said...

First of all, cute, simple party. I'm a party-loving gal and tend to go a little over the top. It's nice to see that simple can be just as much FUN! I need reminders like this.
Second, why have I never thought to use mini clothespins to hold balloons to a string. Brilliant. You're a genius.
Third, I've never been much of a pinata person. But one filled with money? Yup, I think I want one! And I'm totally going to remember that for Hubby's birthday.
Thanks for the great ideas!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

Bet he loved getting to be a kid again :) Happy belated birthday to him!

Congrats on the feature!!! Well deserved@ I was contacted by the New York Times recently - sent me over the moon!!

I think your simple celebrations are your nicest! My all-time favs are the Neapolitan Party and the Colorful kids party. Simple - yet filled with beauty and charm :)

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com

http://www.cutest-little-things.blogspot.com

Leslie said...

Perfect tips...I especially agree that anything can be turned into garland. Thanks!

Candice said...

What a fun party! My hubby LOVES mountain dew. I'm going to make this cake for him for Father's Day! Thanks for the idea!!!

idesign said...

love the cake topper and the pinata! very cute! and i've been wanting to make a soda cake for a while, i'm gonna have to bookmark this


found you over at someday crafts, stop by for a visit sometime :)

http://jaclyndesigns.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Okay, where do I begin. There are so many ideas I love. From making a balloon garland to filling your brothers pinata with money. Oh, and the cake, I love citrusy flavors. Thanks!

Katie said...

You had me at Mt. Dew cake!!!! I have done soda in a cake before and it was the same. Super moist. I really want to try a chocolate cake with some kind of cherry soda. Doesn't that sound yummy!

Love all your decorations too.

Beth said...

Yummy and what a cute party :)!

Kelly Miller said...

Congratulations on the Bon Appetit score. So cool!

I love soda cake. My favorite is chocolate cake with diet dr pepper. We serve it with whipped cream and call it "rock & roll cake." I have no idea why. :)

As always -- your ideas are classic, timeless, and so pretty!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

I love Mountain Dew cake! I've never made one because my husband doesn't like lemony things, but one day I'm going to break down and make it anyway. Yours looks wonderful!

kristy.lynn @ kristy.makes said...

so fun & simple! love it! i'm a 7up cake girl myself :) funny how they make the cake super yummy! love that you added money to the pinata to make it a big boy pinata.. cause you are right. big boys never tire of breaking things either! :)

found you via tt&jello!

Amy said...

This is such a beautiful cake and what a fun celebration! Love that idea of 100 $1 bills. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend.

Amy
http://utry.it

Unknown said...

Looks like lots of fun!

Unknown said...

Absolutely LOVE everything about this party! You did an awesome job! Mostly, I love how you love your brother. What a gift!

The Tablescaper said...

First off, super congrats on the publication of your photo in Bon Appetit. What an accomplishment.

Second, I must say I love every element of this party: the balloons hanging by mini clothes pins, the name on the cake, and of course the "adult" pinata. What fabulous ideas!!!!

Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Marlis said...

how wonderful.. what a great pinata!!! love the money idea.. I am going to use that for my son next year.. thanks for sharing.. many blessings, marlis

Abbey D. said...

Mountain Dew CAKE?! Yes, please!! We'd love to see you at our Monday Link Up over at www.dimpleprints.com!

Jess said...

I love the balloon hanging idea. I'm going to use that for my son's birthday party next month. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

My hubby LOVES Mountain Dew! I'll have to give this a try. Hi! I'm your newest follower from the Monday hop. I hope you'll come visit me and follow me back at http://mommychosis.blogspot.com

Thanks and have a lovely week!

Lorie said...

I know someone who would LOVE a cake made with mountain dew!!

Jami said...

What a fabulous party! My oldest would really enjoy the money pinata! Would love for you to stop by and share it at the Tuesday To Do Party! http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2011/06/tuesday-to-do-14-and-13-list-makers.html

Smiles!
Jami