Thank you, Oh Toodles Ears, for sponsoring this post, Ollie's 2nd Birthday Party. I was selected for this opportunity by Oh Toodles Ears; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Ahoy Mickey Mouse fans! Ollie's second birthday was this past weekend and I honestly could not wait to share these pictures. It turned out so great.
If you know us well enough, the Bahorich clan loves Disney and everything Mickey... and that has not changed. Ollie's first birthday was a traditional Mickey Mouse theme so we didn't want to repeat the same theme but we did want to do something similar...
I searched high and low for a different Mickey themed party and felt like marrying his two favorite things, Mickey and swimming/water, would be perfect. I landed on a nautical theme because 1) we already had a lot of red, white, and blue things out for the 4th of July holiday coming up and 2) it seemed the easiest with a newborn in the house. So off to Pinterest I went!
I found these adorable nautical Mickey Mouse prints, invitations, and decor from MKKM Designs. I normally like to create my own things like this; however, I equally love to support small shops and with a newborn in the household, my time is valuable. So these were an easy investment and I loved that it was a simple solution. Most of my other decor honestly came from Target's dollar spot! We had an outdoor party so I definitely wanted to keep it minimal and simple.
Next was our hot dog bar. It was initially inspired by MKKM Designs print and definitely solidified when I discovered the hot dog garland at Target a few weeks back. Hot dogs are so easy, kids love them, and a focal point for some Mickey Mouse shows. It was a win-win situation. Our hot dog bar included:
- Brats
- Hot Dogs
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- BBQ Sauce
- Relish
- Pickles
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Sauerkraut
I also added some sweat treats to our table along with "ropes" (Twizzlers), Swedish Fish, and Goldfish pretzels and crackers. My favorite thing about the entire table was these simple additions to the red and blue Kool-Aid with the Life Saver mints. I tied them to the squeeze bottles with twine and they fit the nautical theme perfectly.
Finally, we took the easy route and grabbed these cupcakes from Wal-Mart. Seasonally, due to 4th of July being so close, these red, white, and blue cupcakes are found in the bakery section. We add the MKKM Designs cupcake toppers to add a bit of flair. It was ideal.
We also have some water and outdoor fun. I set up our small pool and splash table, along with some noddles in the yard for target/kicking practice.
I cannot believe that Ollie is two years old and the years have went by so fast!
One final touch was from a new favorite shop, Oh Toodles Ears! I wanted to have a bit of inspiration in our outfits again without going above and beyond. These nautical ears from Oh Toodles Ear were perfect because not only did they fit the theme perfectly, they will also be multi-use for years to come -- to Disney Cruises, Disney Parks trips, and weeks at Disney's Vero Beach.
Oh Toodles Ears is filled with adorable and super well priced ears for every occasion. I sat down with the owner, Mary Beth, to learn more about her company and her passions behind the ears and this is what she shared with me.
How did you get your shop started?
I began making custom ears for my daughters to wear on our annual Disney trips and received so many compliments in the parks that I decided to open my Etsy shop so that I could tell people where to find them! The rest was history! 🙂
What is the hardest part of owning a shop?
Balancing time between my etsy shop, while still having a fulltime job, and most importantly, being a wife & mom.
What is one thing unique about you?
I wear my own ears in the parks! I can honestly tell my customers how comfortable they are because I wear them ALL day while we're vacationing! I always had a hard time wearing the Disney brand ears with my glasses/sunglasses, and so when I started making ears I had to find headbands that were flat enough to allow you to wear both at the same time, and still remain comfortable!
What is the best part of owning a shop?
Knowing that I am making someone else's Disney vacation more magical!
How did you get your shop name?
When my daughter Rylee was younger, she LOVED Mickey Mouse club house would walk around the house saying "Oh Toodles!" when she saw "hidden mickey's" or Mickey ears.
What is one way that you keep organized?
I have storage for each type of supply, i.e. all of my ribbon is together, all of my applique's, all of my sequin bows, etc...
How do you balance family life and work life?
Since I still work full time, I have certain days a week that are dedicated to fulfilling orders, and certain days that are designated as "family nights". In fact, some night, I move my studio into the family room so that I can work and be a part of everything else going on! 🙂 It's the little things that matter.
Need to grab a pair for yourself? Of course you do! Regardless if it is for a birthday party for your littles (or you) or your upcoming trip, use the code OLIVER20 for 20% off your own order today!
