I only had to sort through 300 pictures (I am obsessed) from the party….that is why it took me a year to get this up.
Before we move on I want to tell you about where we got the cupcakes and ALL of the decorations. Cupcake Chic is my absolute favorite cupcake shop and I just knew I had to have them at Brooke’s party (they made the cake too). Their cupcakes/cake are perfectly moist, the frosting is the right level of sweetness and fluffy and the owner is the nicest woman you will ever meet. They have a huge variety and I have tried almost every flavor over the years and they are all too good to be true.
I found Party on Purpose through Etsy and I instantly fell in love with all of their party decorations.
Those coconut cupcakes are the cure for any problem you could ever have.
The cupcake and cake toppers were my absolute favorite.
Oh yeah, and the invitations.
Okay, and the banner.
We had fruit, veggies, snack cups for the kiddos, rice krispy treats (topped with white chocolate chips and sprinkles) and chips with mango salsa.
We also had little gift bags for Brooke’s friends in the basket.
The sisters (even though they are cousins they just look like sisters to me).
Originally the party was planned for my San Jose apartment pool (hence the bring your swimsuit invitation) but I improvised and bought that beach ball thing in the back that was a big water sprinkler and the kids actually really loved it (after they were done eating:). We also had a bubble station (did you know they sell colored bubbles now too) and a coloring/pin the tail on the donkey station.
I was very much looking forward to Brooke having the cake in front of her and her going crazy stuffing it in her mouth and getting it all over herself.
Order of events after I gave Brooke her cake:
1. She fed me some.
2. She ate the little beads off of the top.
3. She used the cake toppers as a spoon.
Turns out she prefers being clean and polite.
Those eyeballs of hers melt my heart.
Even more proof that Brooke is really awesome…. look at how many little friends she already has and that love her to pieces.
And the sugar crash. I am sorry Brooke but this is just part of life, I have tried many many times to eat large amounts of sugar and not crash but it just isn’t possible (although, I have built up my tolerance quite a bit).
I think Brooke and I both needed this party, it really lifted our spirits (okay, Brooke’s always happy but it helped me out a lot). Between the amazing people we have in our life and the cupcakes, we realize how lucky we really are.
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A little something from the people that did all of the decorations and in case you want 10% off:
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It’s a Party Decor “Done For You” (DFY) revolution and they want all of the Hungry Runner readers to get in on some of this DFY action! Receive 10% off your next purchase with coupon code “HUNGRYRUNNER” and see for yourself how gorgeous and pain free your next event can be. Put down the scissors and stress and go for a run! Party on Purpose creates beautifully customized party decorations to outfit nearly any event you can dream up. Browse their website for endless party inspiration, visit their Etsy Shop or contact them directly with your ideas! For all you working/busy/”anti-crafty” moms out there, this is the one-stop-party-shop for you.
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132 comments
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
You are positive and inspiring even in the most difficult time of your life. Pretty incredible, Janae! This party looks like it’s straight off pinterest. I never want to hear that you aren’t creative or crafty! You are!!! Happy birthday Brooke :-)
Jessica R @ FromtheKitchentotheRoad
I love all the decorations. The cupcakes look delicious, too. I’m really glad the party helped to lift your spirits.
Maggie
An awesome party and an even better mom. Looks fun!
Megan
<3 What a beautiful birthday party!!!!!! I love all the decorations and Brooke's adorable facial expressions. XO
Hollie
Awe this looks like so much fun. Those cupcakes look delicious too! I love going all out for birthdays. I like to pretend I’m frugal but for birthdays that is a way different story. I’m glad you had such a great time.
Karien @ Running the Race
What a special day – everything looks amazing! You were blessed with one gorgeous little Sunshine :) .
Michelle @ 3cheaprunners
What an awesome time for Brooke and you to celebrate her life, surrounded by those that love the two of you!!!
Jamie @ fitfortherun
Aw this looks like the perfect party!! Brooke is so lucky to have such a cool mom :)
Allee @ Griselda Mood
Aw, the party looks amazing! My daughters first bday party is this weekend and I too outsourced everything to Etsy! Otherwise it would be me and a glue gun and card stock just crying every night haha. SO happy that a good time was had by all– it’s hard to be sad with a cute birthday girl and cake :-)
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
I just want to snuggle with her wah! What a doll. I hope you bought that swimsuit in every size so she can wear it for the rest of her life. Brookers is so lucky to have an awesome lady to call Mama. <3 you!
LosingLindy
looks like a great party!
Amy @ Long Drive Journey
Ahh that little cake is precious! Everything looks so cute, Janae! Brooke’s really blessed to have a mom who made sure her birthday was so special, regardless of anything else going on. I’m glad it was a blast!
Lauren @ The Highlands Life
What a great party! I just die over that swimsuit of hers. Too cute!
Sue
The last picture pretty much sums it up. It looks like it was a great party. I’m glad it didn’t rain!!! Give the birthday girl a hug and kiss from me.
Kathy
The decorations are simply adorable!! The party looks so nice…friends, family and fun ….what could be better?
(And yes, I would save the decor too…and pull it out for every birthday…)
nerri @LaPetiteRunner
How sweet!!! And I absolutely love the decorations. I can totally empathize with Brooke on the sugar crash thing – it was happening to me quite a bit last week!
Laura @losingrace
Everything looks so cute! Glad the party went well and it helped give you both a boost! Being around friends and family for any special occasion is always a nice treat:)
Sarah @PickyRunner
This party is incredible! Everything is so perfectly put together and the decorations are adorable and the cake looks delicious! You are the best mom and Brooke is a lucky girl. I’m glad you were able to enjoy it and that it helped you too. It seems like a really great party and you guys have some awesome friends :)
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com
Holy Canoli, what an amazing first birthday party! I cannot get over the sweetness of it all.
Seeing the pictures of all of Brooke’s friends running through the sprinklers takes me back to our birthday parties growing up in Florida.
Her swimsuit is too cute!
Heather @fitncookies
I love how you pulled everything together and improvised to have this party for Brooke. I’m sure having everyone around during this tough time helped tremendously! I loved how everything turned out for her party! It was beyond adorable! I wish I had kids so I could use that Etsy shop to get all the supplies!!
kait
oh my gosh those invites – too cute. looks like an awesome time, well done lady!
Laurin @ Be Well Body
Your positive attitude always reminds me to be grateful – thank you! Also, I have to give a shout out to Brooke because on her actual birthday I left a comment saying I hoped it was a good day for a birthday and I went into labor that day! I think Brooke is a good luck charm! :)
Madison
So precious! Brooke was very polite. :) Those cupcakes look divine!
Jen @ milesandblessings
Looks like a lot of fun and the decorations and food look great! Way to go mom!!!
Holli
WoW! What a wonderful First Birthday party for Brook! I’m drooling on my keyboard at those cupcakes :)
You are beautiful!
Emily @ Running For Boston
That party and all the decorations = too cute! I’m glad you had fun! I love that Brooke had a sugar crash…sounds about right! Happy birthday Brooke! It just gets better fom here on out!
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
Love the decorations!! Happy birthday to Brooke :)
Jessica
My favorite part was that she fed you her cake first. She knows how to get on Momma’s good side!!
Heather @ Run Eat Play
Looks like a great party! The decorations and cupcakes look fantastic! I’m glad you both had a great time!
Megan (The Lyons' Share)
The sugar rush picture is perfect!! Glad you both had fun!
Ashley @ Eat Run Live Happy
I was going to say before I saw all the other comments that the party looks like it belongs on pinterest! It looks so perfect and Brooke is such the little model. You are such an awesome mommy!
Corrine @ Eat Run Wine
Those cupcakes look so good! And little Brooke is too freakin’ cute in that bathing suit!! I’m glad you had such a great time- you both deserve it!
Jackie
I’m glad this helped janae. One day at a time!
Kate
Love the party decorations! I’m busy planning my daughter’s birthday and will definitely look into these vendors. I really don’t have time to make everything!
melissa
You have so many friend and family!!!!
melissa
friends*
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
Awww I love it!!!! I love the decorations and the cupcakes look amazing. And Brooke is absolutely adorable in that little bathing suit!
Gracie (Complicated Day)
That’s pretty much the cutest party ever! And Brooke looks like she was having so much fun. You’re such a good mom.
I want a coconut cupcake now. But I can’t I’m off running for a few weeks and I have to watch what I eat!
Leah @ Running with the Hayneses
The party looks amazing! You did a great job with all the decorations, fun activities and treats!! I’m glad it was a healing experience for you, too!
Danica @ It's Progression
I’m pretty sure Brooke is the luckiest little girl in the world to have you – this party looks amazing! So glad you had a good time and were surrounded by so many people that care about the two of you!
Erica
Her picture on the invites love that one.
A long run and a birthday party, better treat yourself to your own sugar crash (nap) today, you deserve it.
Cori @ olivetorun
I’m sure it was extra special having all of your family there :) Looks like a pretty successful birthday party with some ADORABLE decorations and an extra special mommy!!!
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
This party looks like so much fun! I LOVE the theme and decorations. And I am still so obsessed with Brooke’s bathing suit.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Now that’s definitely one amazing party – Brooke is lucky to have you as her momma :) Glad to hear that everything went smoothly and everyone had a great time… but sorry to hear about the sugar crash ;)
Kira @ cyclingthrough.com
What an adorable party! Good job!! I love the theme and it looks like everyone really enjoyed themselves! My favourite part? Brooke during her sugar crash and all the icing on your pants!
Mindy
Looks like an awesome party! Great job!! Now I want to eat some cupcakes!!
Sarah
Very cool party. I had an etsy party for my daughter too.
whered you get that shirt youre wearing? I like it
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne
What an awesome party!! Love all the decorations, they were too cute. And that little mini cake, I was a tidbit jealous ;) So happy it could help you :)
Kari @ Running Ricig
What a seriously cute party! It looks like everyone had a great time. Happy Birthday to Brooke!
AlPal
Beautiful party!!!
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
What an adorable birthday party! it looks like a WONDERFUL time had by all :) Those cupcakes look AMAZING!
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
what an amazing birthday party! looks like brooke had a great time! :)
Kay
Aw I love this, looks like everyone had a great time! Amazing job with all of the little details!
Medo
If you’re looking to buy these aricelts make it way easier.
danielle
What an adorable party!! Gah, now I have party planning fever and want to start planning my kiddo’s first birthday party. Thankfully I still have about 8 more months ;)
Lisa
Looks like such a great time!
You did an awesome job with her party.
Everything looks amazing.
Katie
She just keeps getting cuter and cuter! Didn’t think it was possible. Glad she had such a great 1st birthday! And you too :)
meredith
Looks like such wonderful party! I love planning my son’s birthday each year, it really can do wonders for the spirit. The cupcakes look amazing and I love how cute she looks in the pictures!
Nicole
Cutest party ever. Brooke is lucky to have such a wonderful mom!
Jill
Lovely party and I want a cupcake.
Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick
Looks beautiful! I love the picture of Brooke laying on your lap after the sugar crash. Love that your pants are full of icing, I have something on my pants everyday. Izzy’s little dirty hands are like magnets to my clothing, wouldn’t change it for the world.
Shari
What a beautiful party. So glad that Brooke – and you – had a wonderful time.
Caitlin
Such a bright and happy party!
Angie
What a great party! I’ll definitely look at that etsy site for my son’s bday next month.
Megan
This party looks amazing!!! I wish my parentals were that crafty! Brooke is one lucky little bug!
meredith
The party turned out beautiful Janae! She’s a lucky little girl! I love that swimsuit! You did an amazing job!!
[email protected].
Adorable!!!
Hope you and Ms. Brooke had a fantastic day :-) I must find some cupcakes now…
Kristin @ A Mom on the Run
Beautiful party for a beautiful girl! She’s lucky to have so many people in her life that love her so much! Looks like an amazing party — Happy 1st Birthday, Brooke!
And PS – I so want to steal her bathing suit!!
Annette@FitnessPerks
This is such an adorable party!! I love the decorations & the little details–and I love that it was super cute without being way over the top. LOVE!
And Brooke is SO darling! Can’t wait to see her tonight! (is she coming?)
xo
Linda @ running4two
Such an adorable party! It looks like Brooke had a wonderful time and I’m glad it lifted your spirits. She is one lucky little girl.
The decorations are adorable! My little girl turns 1 in January, but maybe I will start planning now!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
That looks like such a fun party! The little decorations on the cupcakes are so, so cute.
Katie @ running4cupcakes
That looks like what you both needed! A party and lots of sugar. :) So glad you could have a good time celebrating your little one turning 1.
Megan D
Seriously. You did an amazing job – everything we cute, fun and delicious!! My kids had so much fun and so did I :) Thanks for letting us share this special day with her and you. We love you guys so much!!
The picture of her sharing the cake with your is precious. You can always tell how much she loves her momma. And I am convinced that her swimsuit was the best purchase of my life. That color looks so good on her. Ok. Let’s be real. She could make anything look good!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
What a cute party!!! And I love that Brooke was so clean. I definitely smashed cupcake into my face at my first birthday!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
You are an amazing mama, Janae! Everything is SO CUTE! I’m calling you when I need some inspiration in planning Hunter’s 1st birthday party. Wait, I don’t even want to think about that quite yet… ;)
Can’t wait to see youuuuuu!
Beth @ Mangoes and Miles
All of the decorations look SO cute. Do you remember your post a long while back about how your mom had a party that looked exactly like it came from Pinterest? This party reminded me of that! I’m glad both you and Brooke had fun, and I hope both of you ate lots, and lots, and LOTS of sugar. :)
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots
Looks like she had a blast! I love all the colors and decorations!
dana a.
So glad you and her had a great time!
Now, I want to try one of those coconut cupcakes!!!!
Amy @ Run Mom Run
So cute! Wow! Kids love water, whatever form it’s in. Looks like a superb party! Although now that you threw such a fantastic one for #1 you’ve set a high standard for future parties!
I’m secretly suspicious that you threw a pool party just so she could wear that most adorable swimsuit!
Robert
So much fun!
I’m glad the party was a good one. That rocks!
And Brooke really is a cutie, isn’t she!
Stephanie
We had so much fun, thanks for inviting us. I especially love my doofy self in the picture with the kids playing :/ Brooke is just so blasted cute. The decorations were cute and the food was delicious. Thanks again for the good time. Any time you need a distraction let us know :)
Lauren
This is so cute! I love her little birthday cake! I always loved sprinklers as a little kid. I’m not sure why because you’re just running through a stream of water but it kept us occupied for hours!
Tiffany Dutson
Parties are the best when you have kids!
Meaghan @ Tale of Two Teachers
This is absolutely amazing!! Great job Janae!
Bri
UMM, the invite to her party?! I am dying. It is SO SO cute.
So glad you two had a great day. You’re loved by many. <3
Leigha
Love it! You did a great job Janae:)
Cathryn
Looks amazing. My little boy was looking at the screen and asked if he could go to the party, so it must have been good :)
Alyssa @ See This Girl Run
How cute! Looks like a good time :) That cake and those cupcakes seriously look so amazing. Your positive attitude really is such an inspiration, Janae. You’re amazing.
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
Those decorations are SO cute! Looks like SUCH a great time. I’m so glad that you hit a little bit of a turning point with this party and that it helped lift your spirits. Go eat the rest of the cupcakes :) <3
Christine
Looks like a wonderful party! Glad you guys had a great day! Brooke is too cute.
MILF Runner
Still in love with her little ruffled swimsuit :)
Looks like a beautiful and fun party!
april
even though you are going through a difficult time, you are always so positive and motivational on your blog! i’m glad that brooke’s birthday party lifted your spirits. she is just too darn cute and her party looked absolutely perfect. she’s so lucky to have you as her mom! :)
Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog
Happy Birthday Brooke! I love those cake toppers and there is no better way to celebrate an important birthday than with cupcakes :-)
Kate
Happy Birthday Brooke! The party looks so awesome and I need to eat one of those cupcakes asap :)
Scallywag
You are such a pretty mamma! Looks like a lovely party :) But thanks for making me NEED a cupcake ha ha!
Kristin
What a cute party! I love her little cake!
Caroline
Such a cute and fun party! She looks so prim and proper trying to eat her cake politely and using a “spoon” like a big girl – love it!
Happy Birthday again, Brooke!
Courtney @ CardioQueen
You did an awesome job with her party! I’m so glad it didn’t rain :) That last picture of both of you, the ‘sugar crash’ one, is beautiful!!
jrm
Hooray all around! I love that she fed you a piece of cake, so sweet.
Rocio
aaww what you wrote at the end made my eyes water a little bit. I know what you’re going through and I love how you stay positive about it. I think those cupcakes and cake would lift up anybody’s spirit lol they look delicious! Can I haz some? I need my spirit raised right now too :)
Lauren
This looks more fun than like, 90% of the parties I’ve been to in my life!! So glad you had such an awesome time :) The cupcakes look AMAZING and as always, Brooke is just the cutest!!
p.s. I love your eyelashes!! so jealous!!
Katie
What a FUN party!!!! Brooke is gorgeous, just like her mama!! :)
xo
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
Love the theme and all the bright colors! Seems like everyone had a good time. Happy, happy, happy!
One of my daughters did the same thing with her first birthday cake. So anticlimactic. :-)
Rochelle
Happy Birthday, Brooke (a little late)!!!
I have to know where you found those balloons with the polka-dots, pretty please? Were they also from the Etsy shop you posted? I’m throwing a Minnie Mouse party for my almost-6 year old, and those pink ones would go with our theme perfectly!
Thanks!
MartinaNYC@runtomakeadifference
You seriously know how to throw an amazing party! And those cupcakes… they look SO GOOD!!!
Holly
Wow, her party is WAY too cute!! I love all of the decorations- definitely looking into the company you used for Gabriella’s birthday party!! :)
Love that she was so proper with her first cake :)
megan @munchercruncher
That was SO fun! I loved being there and celebrating with you two. You are amazing Janae! Such a great lil’ mom! Love you babe! xoxoxo
Debbie @ Deb Runs
It looks like you guys had a blast! I absolutely love the picture of Brooke eating her cake. What a beautiful little lady!
I’m so happy that you have such a great support system in Utah!
Nicole @Pink Elephant on Parade
I so badly want cupcakes and a birthday party right now…
Katie
Those cupcakes look sooo good :) YUM! Everything turned out great & I’m definitely going to use that company for my Son’s 1st Birthday even though we still have 7 months to go ;)
Karen@tradingheels
Brooke’s birthay looks like so much fun. Thinking about you guys.:)
Ja @Ja on the RUN
That’s a fun birthday party!!!
Kim @ BusyBod
Those decorations are like an explosion of cuteness!! I can’t even handle it.
char eats greens
I love the colors, the fonts and just everything for toppers, banner and invitation!! Such a great find on etsy!! Janae, you look GORG (as always) and Brooke is such a sweetie. You have a one year old…how crazy is that?!?!
Kristen
Why am I crying? Happy day to the both of you!!
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now
Janae, the decorations are awesome! And Brooke eating the cake is priceless – I am definitely someone who shoves cake in and on their face :) You both looked amazing – does it feel like Brooke is one yet?
Nikki @ grab your kicks
Looks like an awesome party! Looks like you thought about every little detail Did you do have the ideas or did you find them on pinterest? There are so many cute ideas for bday parties out there! Those cupcakes look delicious!
Lynn
Wow! Looks like the best part. Want to come and plan my next birthday party?
Rebecca
Looks like you guys had a wonderful party. I’m happy that it helped cheer you up Janae! Nothing like a good party (and cake! lots of cake) to lift the spirits.
My sister is baking cupcakes right now and I just sent her a pic of those cupcakes to show her. I would not have been as polite as Brooke if I had that cake in front of me. She (and you) look beautiful by the way.
Ashley
You are amazing, Janae. Honestly. You are such an inspiring woman and proof that there is always joy in life, even in the darkest times. Brooke is such a lucky little baby and I think she knows that. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you, because I know it’s going to be great!
Amy
You are an awesome mom! Looks like a lot of love:)
Great party. Happy Birthday Brooke. A special day!
Rachel
What a perfect birthday party! Everything looks like something you would find on Pinterest! And Brooke gets cuter by the second!
I seriously admire your positive attitude even in this really difficult time! You are one amazing mama!
PeachyLau
This looks like a great party, I am
So glad it turned out so well xxx
Jennifer
That looks like the best. party. ever! Really smashing. I am so glad y’all had such fun. You guys deserve it!
Emily
Yay! Looks like a great birthday party! Was it hot in Utah? I live in Oregon and it’s been a very warm summer. Nice for outdoor parties. :) Random question, what kind of mascara do you use? Your eyelashes are amazing!
Lauren
You truly are fantastic! You gave Brooke such an amazing day, one she will love to look back on with all the great photos you have. Such a creative and fun-loving mama.
caisa
LOVE it! so cute! the party! brooke! your shirt! (where’d you get it?) the cakes! you! everything. great job mama!
Laura
Cute party!!! I love cupcakes too. Quick question..
Where can I purchase pants like those? They look comfortable enough in which to teach high school but still professional (okk, without the adorable frosting touches that Brooke added). Let me know if you get a chance!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Hahah they came with frosting;) they are from gap!
Amy @ {Life to the Full}
That is the CUTEST birthday party ever :) I love Brook’s outfit, too. What a doll!
janetha
sooo cute! it turned out perfect.
Kara @ Kara in the Kitchen
Beautiful party!! How fun. Those cupcakes look delicious & Brooke’s little personal cake is to die for!!!