A "sweet" 40th Birthday Party Theme

If you have a friend who is turning 40 but doesn't want to make it a BIG DEAL...this party theme is a "sweet" idea. 

The "sweet" theme was inspired AFTER the invitations were sent and the rsvp's started coming in.  Over 10 people regretted they couldn't celebrate our friends 40th because they had other plans.  The adjective "sweet" preceded the birthday girls name in every one of these regrets.

So the party became an intimate gathering.  We booked a "suite" at the Waterfront Hilton in Huntington Beach (suite 1125 offer the following views.)  

In the hotel room I decorated a manzanita branch with the birthday girls favorite flower and used it as the centerpiece.  Sprinkles Cupcakes and Gelsons Market supplied her favorite sweets - cupcakes and french macaroons along with assorted platters of gourmet cheeses, meats, fruit, and crackers.  The cocktail of the evening, a Chief Lapu Lapu geared us up to dance the night away to the 80's tribute band FlashBack Heart Attack at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach.  Get an Imix of the songs here.

The birthday girl went home with a beautiful box of birthday wishes I typed on custom designed notecards as well as a set of beautiful bracelets from Brighton. Set up your wishlist for your party today!

This event turned out to be a great night in honor of a truly special and SWEET friend.

And if you have a friend who frets turning 40, here are 10 reasons why it is really NOT that bad! 

1. 40 is the new 30!!!

2. You're not 40, you are 18 with 22 yrs. experience!!

3. Enjoy the moment because when you are 50 or 60 you will wish you were 40.

4. Just think of all the wisdom you have, pass it on and make a difference in the world!

5. Turning 40 is better than the alternative.   

6. Look for balance in everyday of your life. Don't sign up to do things that will overwhelm you.

7. Like fine wine we get better with age! 

8. Best birthday ever, really! Life starts at 40!

9. It only gets better. What you have learned the first 40 years seems almost irrelevant as you develop into your new and spiritual self. You love deeper, appreciate life more and divine great pleasure in the little things and the world around you.

10. Depends are cheaper at Stater's   

Do you have a great 40th party theme to share? Please share below. 

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REINDEER POOP aka no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies

See the 30days of holiday sweets & treats album on fb

Yesterday I made some NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER AND OATMEAL COOKIES with a little something special on the inside.  How cute would these be on a holiday treats table for the holidays?  "They are tasty too...taste like candy," said in my I love lucy voice.
If you like the texture of cookie dough and want to make a quick and easy recipe...try some reindeer poop.

INGREDIENTS
2 cup sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter (I use Trader Joe's Salted and Creamy Peanut Butter
3 cups oatmeal (since the TJ's PB is so creamy
Hershey Chocolate Kisses
Ground Cinnamon

HOW TO MAKE

Mix sugar, milk and butter in a medium cooker. Bring to a boil for three minutes and remove from stove. Next add vanilla and the peanut butter and stir well. Last, add oatmeal 1/2 cup at a time until it is the consistency you desire.  Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  For an added treat, drop each spoonful onto a hershey kiss so it is covered.
Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Chill for at least two hours.  Makes a great snack.

To see other ideas for holiday sweets and treats, become a fan of the 30daysof...blog on facebook.
Share if you like to eat reindeer poop!

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