my friends birthday party 🥳

OMG, you guys, I just had to share more about Ashlyn's birthday party because it was seriously one for the books! The absolute highlight, hands down, was the 'Hear Me Out' cake. If you haven't heard of it, it's basically a cake where you decorate it with small pictures of characters or people, and then everyone has to 'hear you out' on why they belong on the cake. It leads to the funniest, most random conversations! For Ashlyn's cake, we spent ages brainstorming who to put on it. We went with a mix of our favorite inside jokes – like that one time Kass fell off her bike (sorry, Kass, had to!) – and some of our celebrity crushes, plus a few iconic movie characters that always make us laugh. Think along the lines of a random mix of pop culture figures, personal heroes, and even some embarrassing photos of each other from when we were kids! It was hilarious seeing everyone's reactions as they picked out their decorative skewers, each topped with a tiny picture. The key is to choose things that spark conversation and a bit of playful debate. We just printed out small pictures, glued them to cardstock, and taped them onto wooden skewers – super simple DIY! Beyond the cake, the vibe of having a small group birthday party was just perfect. Sometimes big parties can feel overwhelming, but with just a few of us – that sweet group of five young women – it felt so intimate and fun. We started off with a round of classic board games, which always brings out our competitive sides in the best way. Then, after the legendary 'Hear Me Out' cake and some delicious ice cream cake, we just sat around and chatted for hours. It was so nice to truly connect and catch up without feeling rushed. If you're planning a small group birthday party for your best friend, I highly recommend keeping it simple and focusing on activities that encourage interaction and laughter. Aside from board games, we sometimes do themed movie nights, a DIY craft session, or even a cozy potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish. The main thing is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and can just be themselves. It's not about huge extravagant gestures, but about celebrating the person and the friendships you cherish. Seeing Ashlyn's face light up made all the effort worth it. I'm already planning my next 'Hear Me Out' cake for my own birthday now – any suggestions for characters? 😉