SWAPS

SWAPS.

Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere.

If you have a Girl Scout, you've probably already heard of SWAPS.  Being new to the world of Girl Scouts, I had NO idea what SWAPS were.  Oh, how quickly we learn things.

Basically SWAPS are pins that you make to trade with other girls at Girl Scout functions. 

The first official Girl Scout function Grace was invited to participate in was a father and daughter luau.  The theme was cute, despite the fact that it was about -6 degrees outside.

The SWAPS Grace's Daisy troop made, were beach themed. 

They were easy to make and turned out adorable. She made a total of 12.

Grace came home, having successfully SWAPed, with a bag full of pins.  Though hers were my favorite, these grass skirt pins were a close second.

Have you ever SWAPed? 

Carousel Cupcakes

What better cupcake to serve at a circus party than a carousel cupcake.

There are so many baking blogs I follow that will be incredibly disappointed to learn my cupcakes were made from a box.

There, I've said it.

I've never claimed to be a baker.  Believe me, I am sure my guests were happy I didn't attempt to make these from scratch :)

Here is how you can make these 'semi-homemade' carousel cupcakes.

Supplies needed:
Animal Crackers {perhaps you don't need the industrial sized tub of animal crackers}
Cupcakes {feel free to show me up and make your cupcakes from scratch}
Icing
Cocktail umbrellas

To decorate:
Ice the cupcakes.  Arrange 3 animal crackers upright around the perimeter of the cupcake. Add a cocktail umbrella to the middle.

Isn't everything better with a cocktail umbrella? 

Be warned:  If you make the mistake of inviting some rambunctious neighbor boys over, to enjoy a carousel cupcake, make sure they don't use the cocktail umbrellas as weapons :)

*You may also enjoy, Mental Party Pictures from a Circus Party.