Jungle Junction Party Invitations and an Immaculate Winner!

Hello readers, I would like you to meet my nightmare friend, Ellyvan from Jungle Junction, a giant blue elephant on wheels (who thinks of this stuff?):

I only say “nightmare” because my soon-to-be 3 year old LOVES this show (the real nightmare is my oldest son who planted the idea in his brother’s head for a Jungle Junction themed birthday party!).  In case you are unfamiliar (like I now wish I were) with Jungle Junction, it is a preschool show that airs on The Disney Channel. Currently, there is NOTHING on the market in terms of toys, party decorations, cake toppers, you name it.  Nada.  Zip.  Zero.  I have made a mental note that my children are never allowed to watch another show that does not have available “accessories.” 😉

Luckily, my friend Kristen saved half of my “you-know-what” by making me some super cool custom Ellyvan invitations, using her paper cutting machine:

Didn’t she do an amazing job??  Thanks Kristen!! 😀  At the end of this post I will share more cards Kristen has made for me (Star Wars and The Very Hungry Caterpillar), as well as her contact information if you are interested in learning how she makes them (she’ll email you a free SVG file, just tell her Heidi sent ya!). 😀

I used the same cards to make the toppers for the goodie bags:

For the treats I added Aroma Dough Gluten-Free Play Dough (they have several great new colors and scents, including Lavender, Root Beer, Banana, Peppermint, Spearmint, Orange, Vanilla and Bubble Gum).  Aroma Dough does small quantity orders and private labeling for events like birthday parties, etc. I reviewed Aroma Dough back in December, and it was a big hit with my kids (okay, mom and dad too!).

I also added Yummy Earth Lollipops and Gummy Bears to the goodie bags.  If you have not tried Yummy Earth candies yet, you simply must, they are the best tasting lollipops I’ve ever had (and I’m not exaggerating)!  Not only that, check out the ingredient label and what is NOT in Yummy Earth’s candy:

I buy Yummy Earth candies on Amazon (this is not an affiliate link, but you can visit my Amazon store in the right side bar and buy them through there too).  You can also visit the Yummy Earth website to see if there is a store near you!

Now for the winner of the Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Cookie Dough from Immaculate Baking Co.

I used the Random Number Generator to pick the winner and that person is:

Veggievance!

Congratulations, I will email you for your shipping information. 😀

Last fall Kristen made some Clone Trooper Helmet Invitations for Sam and her son’s joint birthday party:

she has made me a few others as well, including a Darth Vader card:

and The Very Hungry Caterpillar card for Luke’s party last year:

Aren’t they cool?

If you are interested in learning more, you can contact Kristen directly at: s-n-khallenbeck2001(at) comcast (dot) net or visit her website, Katydid Creativity & Paper Adventures.

Gluten-Free Link Love:

The Cinnamon Quill posted a delectable looking dessert recipe yesterday for Financiers, which was adapted from a recipe that Sea (Book of Yum), had previously posted.  I have never heard of Financiers before, so thank you to The Cinnamon Quill and Book of Yum for sharing!

My very dear friend Maggie, from She Let Them Eat Cake, posted a recipe for, get this, “Triple Chocolate Pudding Sandwiches!” Oh. My. Heavens.  Luke will hyperventilate when I make these, LOL!  Now, I know what you are thinking, but fear not my friends, these are healthy (and dairy-free)!  So go ahead, click the link and see for yourself.  Go on, click it. 😉

Another healthy summer treat that I am anxious to try are the Avocado Fudgesicles from The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen.

If you have trouble believing that avocados and chocolate go well together, check out this post for Tricky Chocolate Pudding and you will see!

Lastly, the makers of SUSTA Natural Sweetener contacted me today with a coupon code for you!  From now through August, 1, 2010, you can get $1.00 off either a box of SUSTA or bag of SUSTA Bowl (SUSTA’s baking product).  To redeem, simply visit www.sustastore.com, order your product, enter in the coupon code “GFMOM“and you will receive $1.00 off your purchase.  Coupon codes are not case-sensitive, so gfmom, GFMOM, GFMom, etc. will all work.