FIRST birthday CAKE SMASH ideas and inspiration - Fun way to celebrate turning one - 1st party

I use to be a photographer....well, professionally. I still love to take photos but I don't do photo shoots anymore. When I did, I was known for my first birthday cake smash. Such a great way to celebrate this milestone.

I would discuss outfits with the parents, selected the backdrop, and designed and made the cakes.
 One stop shop! :)

UPDATE: I've had a bunch of requests on what tips I used to decorate these giant cupcake cakes - HOW TO MAKE A GIANT CUPCAKE CAKE TUTORIAL

This was ALWAYS so much fun and some days I miss it, especially the creativity of it all. Oh and I love to see the kids get messy.

Here are some ideas and inspiration to create something memorable.

Aftermath

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Crockpot CARAMEL sauce - Great for dipping - drizzle on ice cream - EASY and so good!!!

Homemade caramel sauce.....OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!!!! I absolutely LOVE this stuff. I keep a can or two just for dipping apples or to drizzle on ice cream. So good!

It's easy to do but does take a long time. I start in the morning and go. 

I recently made this for my CARAMEL APPLE PIE

Crockpot

Old plate

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Remove wrapper from can.

Place on an old plate in the crockpot. I used a plate because it makes a little rust marks/stains from the can. I didn't want that on the bottom of the crockpot. I think if you wrap the can in foil would work too. I haven't tried it so let me know.

Fill crockpot with water until the entire can is underwater.

Turn on high for 8 hours. Again, start in the morning and leave it. You'll be happy when it's ready!

Use tongs to remove.

I usually can't wait to open. If you wait it's probably not as messy. I also have not tried that. :)

If you don't have time you can slowly melt caramel squares or use a can of Dulce de Leche (warm.) 

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