Charlotte, Supermodel Extraordinaire

Because Charlotte's birthday comes on the tail of so many other celebrations (it's January 3), we tend to keep it low key around here.

We started with homemade waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

Opening presents is always a highlight!

After opening presents (and wearing them..thought not the earrings, those are for when she is older), she was off to school. These glasses are fake, by the way. She is obsessed with all different kinds of frames.

What would a birthday be without cake? The big 7!!!

For her party, she wanted a "red carpet" theme. She invited a few friends to sleep over, and we celebrated the evening with good food, dressup, and photographs.

Instead of cake, we a did make-your-own ice cream sundae bar and a fancy drink cart.

Then came the big event of the evening, the dining room transformed into a dressing room.

But first, hair and makeup. Green eye shadow and the straightening hair iron were most requested.

And they're off! I created a "red carpet" from some rugs I had around the house, hung a white shower curtain for a backdrop, and acted as paparazzi for the evening.

The clothes and accessories were a mix of mine and Charlotte's, as well as some dance recital outfits a friend brought. I thought the girls put together some really creative and fun looks all on their own! And once they stepped into the spotlight, there was no stopping them.

LOOK #1

LOOK #2

LOOK #3

LOOK #4

LOOK #5

Some of my favorites were of the other girls in front of a large-scale painting by James Brewer we have in our family room.

Altogether now...

 Girls just wanna have fun!

It was a fun-filled and hilarious evening. And I promise in real life they didn't look like such hussies. Their take-home party favors were little photo books with printouts of photos of them, like a model's portfolio. S much work, but worth it. And virtually free, except for the $1 photo books and ice cream (don't tell, I used mostly candy leftover from decorating Christmas gingerbread houses for toppings). Lots of laughter for so little money.

Now if only getting them to sleep that night was as much fun...