Graduation Party Ideas

Tom graduated Medical School, so clearly we needed to celebrate BIG TIME! I also finished my Masters degree this past year, so we opted for a double graduation party. I really wanted to enjoy the opportunity to be creative and make it special. I love being crafty, but often lack the time. So...I was ultra-prepared. The party was earlier in June, but I started crafting in February, so I wasn't stressed at the last minute, well, at least with the stuff that could be done in advance! :)

Here are a few ways I included both a Medical School Graduation theme and a Reading Specialist Masters degree [say that five times!] theme into one {fabulous} party:

Welcome to the Party!

Wreath with graduation pictures

                                 [yarn wrapped wreath + cardstock + pictures + scrapbooking letters]

Mantel filled with Graduation Memories and Banner

Pinterest-inspired quotes and inspirational sayings banner

Pencil and alphabet vase 

 [2 boxes of pencils + actual teacher alphabet desk strips + washed out veggie can + lots of hot glue]

A dressed up card box

                                             [I had an "extra" mailbox. I may be a *bit* of a hoarder.]

Special drink coozies for the grads

                                     [Dollar bin at Jo Ann Fabric + scrapbooking letters]

Scrub shirt cookies for dessert

Large and small versions

     [Recipe for the cookie found here: Authentic Suburban Gourmet; Recipe for the icing found here: AllRecipes; "Gourmet Writer" edible marker bought at Hobby Lobby; cookie cutters found locally]

Alphabet and school supply cupcakes

My amazing mom made this great teacher themed table runner...

and tablecloth for the drink table!

And you can't leave without a party favor!

A prescription from the Dr.!

[purchased empty pill bottles + Avery labels from Wal-Mart + a color printer + a little creativity

 + lots of different "prescription-y fonts]

We had a wonderful turn out and a fabulous time celebrating with friends and family. It was a treat to have everyone who supported us through the past years in one place to celebrate. I'm so glad I did all the detail work ahead of time, because cleaning our house and setting up was enough work the week of! And, making those cookies!! [Seriously, it took 2 days, or the equivalent of watching 5 seasons of the Office.]

Recipe: Bran Muffins

I'm trying really hard to make good choices [first grade teacher lingo] when it comes to healthy eating. I love food, but I don't love gaining weight from all the yummy eating!  So, I'm trying to commit to cooking and creating some healthy recipes. My inspiration came from a muffin mix from the back of a Baker's Corner (shout out to Aldi!) Dry Milk container, and then I make some adaptations. Here is my FIRST ever self-created healthy recipe:

Apple Bran Muffins 

(Let's be honest, bran just sounds disgusting, doesn't it? I was pleasantly surprised!) 

Ingredients:

1 cup wheat flour

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 cup applesauce

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large egg

2 cups bran cereal

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or use paper liners. Combine all ingredients, except bran, into a bowl and mix well. Add the bran and stir until moistened. Spoon into prepared muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.

Bake for 12-15 minutes to until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm.

Served  best warm with a *little* bit of butter. Cheers to healthy eating! Any ideas for further substitutions?