I like them, QQ.
I bought the black version of BTM's Boden maxi skirt. It is so long that it sort of pools on the floor over my feet and so wide that the entire family could join me in it - did you buy your regular size, BTM? I think I am going to have to go down at least two sizes and got for the regular length, rather than long.
Use your cake fail for trifle or Tiramisu, Herbs. Are your tins too big? I always did a tray bake for a birthday party - lots of cake left for after party troughing. I remember at DD1's 4th birthday party, one of the children saying "No, I won't thank you, it looks rather rich to me." 
And one of the unhelpful mothers asking me if I really thought a chocolate ganache (made with sour cream and dark chocolate) was suitable for children. I asked her if she would rather I had used margarine and icing sugar instead, and she shut up then. She also balked at my famous Mars Bar rice krispie cakes, which the children and fathers were applying to their faces with sheer joy - I overheard her saying that "all these cakes were unnecessary." What a joyless party her little angel must have had.
I used to enjoy children's parties (thought could only get through them with the aid of my friend Kate and lots of gin). I discovered at an early stage that children will only eat sausages, crisps and lots of cakes at parties, so that was what they got. I always served Kool Aid, so they were really hyper (the blue one was particularly good for this). We had lots of party games, and finished with pass the parcel. The prize was always a musical instrument and was always won by the worst behaved child there. The happiness from seeing a child being driven off blowing a toy trumpet, or bashing a drum loudly, was exquisite. My small revenge for a cake thrower/bully/pusher over of smaller children.