While yes, it would be rockin’ cool if there was a real cupcake tree in my backyard, this is more a tree of the creative type…

The cupcake tree:

I have no clue how I came across this – I don’t frequent Woman’s Day, but I must say, this is a very nice little cooking with kids project. They give full instructions at the site for how to make your own cupcake trees – perfect for an Earth Day party or an eco-themed birthday party.

While the above trees are autumn themed, you could make little spring trees with green frosting (grass) and little flower candies, or summer trees; anything really. It’s a fun idea.

Notes: Use organic cake ingredients and use reusable cupcake liners and you’re green and good to go with this project.

[pretty flower cupcake image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

1. Join the Our One Heart contest for a chance to win a $350 Romantic Package for 2: A little bird told me that the Avalon Hotel & Spa is apparently the greenest hotel in the Pacific Northwest – so this is perfect for tree hugging folks.
2. Choose green cleaners over conventional store bought toxic cleaners.
3. Recycle some household items.
4. Do something smart for your heart (it is American Heart Month) and the planet and join the nature gym.
5. Get the whole family outside into nature during winter.
6. Hug a tree.
7. Enjoy some solar made music!
8. Make some Organic & Natural Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries.
9. Whip up some organic cupcakes and top them off with pretty and sweet candied flowers.
10. Have a meatless meal this week (or two or three).
11. Quit making excuses about why you can’t go green.

Coming up later today a review of Moonpads – which if you haven’t noticed, we’re currently holding a cool giveaway for.

What sort of green Valentine’s Day fun do you have planned?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Have a slice…. or gather ideas for when you need your next cake.

Sarah Magid creates the most beautiful custom organic cakes. I love this flutter away cake to death. It’s so very me.

See more!

And from Mrs. Fields, a cake you used to be able to purchase, but now I think it’s just a good idea if you happen to be in a baking mood yourself – the Sam Godfrey Flowerpot Cake:

Or how about an array of nature based cupcakes from Couture Cupcakes:

Lots more to see at each of the above websites, so click on a link and be cake amazed!

Also of related interest:

• Eco-Friendly Birthday Theme Cakes
• Bake Your Birthday Cake & Have Your Green Too
• Birthday Cake Recipes

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

These are a few random tips I was thinking about.

Before I mentioned you could have edible cake toppers – a very green choice. However, I forgot to mention that you could go ahead and make them yourself. We have a post here on making candied flowers, and Linette, over at Mother Earth’s Garden has another option for creating candy violets.

Then I was thinking that one budget idea for green weddings is this – make cupcakes. Actually wedding cupcake cakes have become very popular, and there’s no limit to how you could decorate them. Cupcakes are a winner too, because no dishes are necessary. Linette (yes, again) has some Simple Summer Cupcakes you might like. Cupcakes can be any old flavor you choose too – here are some organic flavor ideas.

Other great links for ideas:

Bridal Shower Cake Ideas (also, by the way from Linette – she’s too smart for her own good.)

Marye at Baking Delights did an entire amazing series on making your own wedding cake – from choosing the shape, to cake flavors to assembly; plus some wedding food ideas. To read all about it see: Weddings: Cakes, Foods, Favors. Remember, any cake can be made with organic ingredients.

Ok, let’s hope I’m done with the cake ideas. Geez.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Another idea is to use a cake pan of course. You can always re-use a cake pan. However, I don’t think it’s the best idea to buy themed cake pans because it’s an extra item that you may only use once. When you consider all the energy that goes into making and shipping dishes it seems insane to only use a pan once.

If you do buy a themed pan make sure it’s one you’ll use again. Maybe one with a variety of designs built in. I like this Backyard Bugs Cakelet Pan from Williams-Sonoma, because I can see using it for lots of occasions – birthday celebrations, easter, a child’s tea party, and more. Your kids will adore this pan too; it makes the cutest little cakes.

Cute, right? It goes without saying that you need to ditch the paper plate and plastic forks as well. To learn more see:

Tableware Made from Veggies!

Say “No thanks” to plastic forks

If your goal is an actual eco-birthday theme check out these great cake ideas.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family