One of the family traditions that I would like to start is celebrating half-birthdays for Ellerie and any future kiddos. No real reason other than I think it's a very simple way to make an extra day of the year special. We won't do presents, but when they are old enough to "get it" I will let the little one pick what they want for dinner and I plan on cutting a birthday card in half (just down the center) and giving it to them with breakfast.
And we're going to do half-birthday cakes because I love just about any excuse to make a cake.
I have searched Pinterest for half-birthday ideas (other random things I frequently search Pinterest for – DIY garden beds, chunky yarn & "wall of plants.") and "half-cakes" kept popping up. I loved that idea and it seemed simple enough – bake a circle cake, cut it in half, stack the halves and frost the whole thing.
I bought funfetti cake (because obviously) and a jar of chocolate frosting and on Thursday set to work. Turns out one box equals two 9 inch round pans so I wound up with four halves to stack (even better). I layered frosting in between each cake layer and then used a butter knife to frost the whole thing. I was shocked that it took the whole jar of frosting.
We ate it Friday night (sadly after E was already asleep) with our family in town and toasted to six months of my baby girl & six months of Parenthood. This is a tradition we'll be keeping for sure.
ps and super random giveaway: the garland was just freehand cut from the tons of solid color fabric I have. It's a mix of quilter's cotton, flannel, felt & duck cloth. I just ran circle after circle through my sewing machine. After it served as a makeshift table runner, I hung it in Ellerie's room. Do you want one? In honor of Ellerie's half birthday, I'll give one away. Leave a comment below and I'll post the winner here in this post on 12/26. Giveaway is open to anyone worldwide. as always, thanks for reading.
WINNER IS SARAH! Commentor #47 Thank you!!
enJOY it 
248 responses to “half cake for half a year.”
This is the best kind of family tradition because I loved my half birthdays a lot more than whole birthdays. The silyness was so much more fun.
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So cute, I’d love to win!
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I just love all your ideas ! This is so adorable, thanks for the chance to win
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I love this half-birthday idea 🙂 I always point out half-birthdays, but we never “celebrate”. The cake would be such a perfect way to make the day a little special. Beautiful garland, too. I’ve tried similar garlands by hand (I don’t own a sewing machine), and they just don’t end up quite right.
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We sort of accidentally celebrated my daughter’s half birthday this year and now I’m thinking it will be a yearly thing. I love your half cake idea!
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Yes. Love all of this. Celebrate yourselves with these half birthdays, too. Because YOU DID IT! You guys rock. I love the banner, too.
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We did the same our kids first year but we also did 1/4 and 3/4 birthdays just for that year!! Would love to win:) Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
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i love the half-birthday cake — and was drooling over the garland — would love it!!!
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Yay for birthdays–half or not! And yay for garland!
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I love your posts – and love the idea of half-birthdays – and especially half-cake! 🙂 Love the garland – thanks for the opportunity to win one! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
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How fun! I like that you also celebrated six months of parenthood – sometimes that gets lost, but it’s important to recognize that too.
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Hi Elise,
I’ve been celebrating half birthdays for many years. It began with my childhood best friend and I whose birthdays were about 6 months apart and has continued with my own family. My friend and I used to give 1/2 gifts (usually very silly things that represented 1/2 somehow) but with my own family it is often a homemade card and some kind of special dessert with a candle. It’s a fun tradition and i’m so glad you’ve started it!
I would love to add your garland to my 1/2 birthday celebrations– how fun of you!
Marie
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Delicious garland…!! And the cake looks just as scrummy too! x
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Happy half birthday beautiful little Ellerie!
My husband and his little brother had birthdays exactly six months appart so they alway celebrated a birthday and half birthday on the same day. He loved growing up with this tradition. I’m sure Ellerie will too! 🙂
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Love the idea of a 1/2 birthday celebration. Might have to stArt ours although its late in the game since she is 10.
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I only want this because it is for Ellerie with love and I want to share in your joy of celebrating half a year. 🙂 And also because it is such beautiful colours and makes a lovely table runner! What a lovely idea. I am following all of your posts to her with joy. Have a Happy Christmas tomorrow!
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I would love some color to brighten up this place!!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours 🙂
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Love this idea!!! Would love to win.
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love the new tradition, funfetti, and the stuff you make. i’d love one! and happy half birthday to ellerie!
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Looks great!!
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Such a great idea! And I absolutely love that half cake! haha.
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
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Sure, that circle garland is lovely 🙂
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Happy Birthday Miss Ellerie,and Congratulations to her proud mommy and daddy ! Love the garland/table runner!
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I would love to win this garland; it would be a perfect addition to my front windows! Happy half birthday Ellerie!
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What a great idea! You’re a good Mommy. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win.
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What a cute tradition! 🙂
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I would love to win one of these as I don’t sew. (yet any way) I want to thank you for the idea. We have two New Year’s Eve birthdays in the family and this would be such a nice tradition to start. I am counting the days on my calendar right now. Thank you for another great idea.
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Love the 1/2 birthday and love the garland, have the felt, have the sewing machine, but since it terrifies me… To put things into perspective, I got for it for a birthday 16 years ago and I am yet to use it!
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Six months is huge! Way to go, Elise! I’ve loved watching your little gorgeous girl grow and thrive this past half year. Can’t wait to see her next adventures. XO The garland is all kinds of cute!!
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What a fun and festive idea. Would love to add one in my house :)…
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LOVE the tradition! And I would love to have one of those sweet garlands for celebrations in our house. I should learn how to sew so I can attempt one! 🙂 Thank you! And happy 1/2 birthday to ellerie!!
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Happy 1/2 Birthday Ellerie!
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Dear Elise,
I would absolutely love to be gifted with the garland. It would be a very special addition to my baby’s room. I’m pregnant with my first child, who is due in May 2014. I love reading your blog daily, as it brings me inspiration and makes me smile. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas, and the very best in the coming new year.
Best regards,
Alissa
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What a cute garland! I would love a chance to win one!
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love the garland – and the half-birthday idea – so cute! =)
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what a sweet idea for a family tradition!
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What a great idea!
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I would love to own something made by you!
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such a perfect birthday garland or table runner! Love!
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Half birthdays are such a wonderful idea 🙂 Would love to implement it one day.
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J’adore cette guirlande et toutes vos créations ! Tout est simple, inspiré et terriblement joyeux… Merci Madame !
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Would love one! Very cute
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Love the half birthday tradition … and the festive garland!
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I would love to win this cheerful garland! Thanks for the chance. 🙂
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Love the garland! Merry Christmas cripes!
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Such a cute idea, thanks for sharing!
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Can I still enter?! If so, yes, please! So cute.
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You’re the winner! Shoot me an email with your address at elise.blahaATgmail.com. 🙂
thanks for reading! elise
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