I think i might make it the night before her birthday after she's gone to bed, if i'm making it from scratch i might even just make a little bit extra and do some cupcakes for her for a cake the morning OF her birthday.
Normally i rush the icing because the girls are trying to eat it or put their fingers in it

I think i will just leave the jelly off, find a recipe for a nice buttercake or bananacake or something and do buttercream icing.
What food coloring do you ladies use for your icing, the liquid stuff or do you buy the powder, if the powder where do i find it?
Haven't made cupcakes in a while either so might have to do a test run... PRMG would you mind sharing a cupcake recipe with me?