Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams

{MG Party Impressions} Memorial Day Backyard BBQ

2013-05-20T15:18:00.000-04:00

Gather your friends and family together this weekend for a Memorial Day Backyard BBQ Bash. In my latest feature over at MG Party Impressions, I'm sharing tips and ideas for hosting an easy and no fuss BBQ Party.....head over now to read more about it!

DON'T FORGET!!!!!!

I'VE BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE CIRCLE OF MOMS TOP 25 PARTY PLANNING MOMS AND WOULD LOVE YOUR VOTE!

GO HERE TO VOTE - THANKS!!!

{Weekly Blog Love} Boys Parties, Grads & Flags!

2013-05-18T23:47:00.001-04:00

There was a handful of boys parties shared this week. A cool idea for a swamptastic time - a BAYOU BASH set up by Spaceships and Laserbeams is a fun idea for kids who love them some reptiles.

This adorable little man mustache baby shower by Frog Prince Paperie was 'trimmed' with all the perfect details to make it an excellent celebration!

Hello My Sweet, shared a modern take on a super throwback Zelda birthday party for a boy that really took me back!

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the graduate in your life, Mirabelle Creations shared a round-up of 6 amazing graduation party ideas.

There are also some pretty great ideas for Memorial Day over at Magnolia Creative.

I never heard of a mug cake - but BellaGrey Designs has a complete tutorial on making one....and it sounds delicious!

If you can't decide what's for dinner, try making This Little Mama's chopped salad.

Rice krispie treats were my favorite easy go-to for snacks when I was a kid, and you can make these easy chocolate peanut butter rice krispie pops - head over to Creative Juice for more details!

{Giveaway} MAJOR $1000 Photography Shopping Spree!

2013-05-17T13:41:00.002-04:00

I am so excited for TODAY!!! I've been waiting AAAAAALLLLL week to share this giveaway with you. I, along with a massive host of other kick-arss bloggahz, moms, fab ladies and the like, am part of a $1000 Photographer's Dream Shopping Spree!!!! You can choose a fancy schmancy DSLR camera, camera lenses, camera bags, camera straps - camera whatever - I don't know....but if you're in need of a new camera or just want an upgrade ENTER BELOW!!! If you are already the owner of a fancy schmancy camera, then you can choose to have the $1000 USD transferred over to your PayPal and get whatsoever you desire!!!!! HOW COOL IS THAT???!!!!!

So, remember the kick-arss bloggahz I mentioned earlier? Well, they're all supa-dupa fab and are the reason this giveaway is going down. We all came together to reach out to more readers and share our blog love for each other....it's kinda what we do. Here's a few of the folks who are part of the giveaway: Spaceships and Laser Beams, Yumtastics, Go Against the Grain, Life Revolves Around Them, Mimi's Dollhouse, Not Just A Mommy, Angelina´s Dream Parties, Twinkled Spice Boutique, Hello My Sweet, Party Snobs, Inkberry Cards + Design, UR invited, Petite Bebe, Party Printables, Unlimited Party Themes, Party On! Designs, Vanessa Hankins Photography, My Garden Party, Dorothy Kurzydlowski Photography, Sugar Sugar Cakes, DimplePrints, Creative Juice Cafe, Miss Party Mom, PaperCandee, Creative Designs by Toni, Paige Simple Studio, Calamity Kate's Kitchen, Simply Creative Printables,The Way The Cookie Crumbles, Michelle's Party Plan-It, Paper and Style Co., And Everything Nice, Samantha Walker Designs, Simply Sweet Parties, Events by Kate, Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams, One Inspired Party, Kima's Konfections,This Nest is Best, Triple M Good Parties and Myour Stories Designs......and there are a bunch more of other bloggers that are a part of the giveaway who aren't listed here....over 60 folks made this happen and they are all listed in the Rafflecopter form below.

The Deetz: The winner can select up to $1000 in camera equipment or supplies (including all sales taxes and shipping) to be delivered to the single destination of their choosing. The winner has the option of receiving $1000 USD in PayPal funds in lieu of receiving their prize. The winner will be selected randomly via Rafflecopter. The odds of winning are dependent on the number of people entering. Should the winning entrant(s) not respond within 48 hours of being emailed, another winner(s) will be selected. Please ensure spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot] com is on your safe email list. We would hate to have to redraw another winner!

Rules: This contest is open worldwide from May 17, 2013 at 12:01am EST to June 6, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. All entrants must be the age of the majority in their own country. Should unforeseen circumstances occur, this contest could be cancelled at any time. Void where prohibited by law.

Enter Using Our Rafflecopter Form
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog did not receive any money to participate or promote this contest. This giveaway is in not way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, PayPal or any camera-related company. As one of many participants, we are not responsible for logistics or prize delivery. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie at Spaceships and Laser Beams by emailing spaceshipsandlaserbeams [at] gmail [dot]
com.

Top 25 Party Planning Moms Nominee - Vote for Me!

2013-05-14T15:15:00.002-04:00

I was excited to learn that I've been nominated for a second year in a row to the Circle of Moms Top 25 Party Planning Moms! You might remember that I was voted last year and came in 12th on the list! I would love your help and support in keeping top place in the list of wonderful and talented moms who take party styling and entertaining to a whole different level. Please click here to vote and spread the word by sharing on your social media pages!

VOTE FOR ME HERE!

Tip - Voting ends May 31st - you can vote once a day EACH....from your iPhone, iPad, Galaxy Note, Tablet, Notebook, Work computer, home computer, library.....just sayin' ;)Thanks!!!!!

{Party Recap} Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Party

2013-05-13T13:46:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we celebrated my little guy's 5th birthday with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle themed party.

My kid is TMNT CRAZY! I remember when I was a kid and these little cartoon testudines were very popular, so, the fact that he's nuts about them is blowing my mind! He's got TMNT shirts, socks, undies, jackets, hats, toy boxes, coloring books, movies and the TOYS....ugh! I'm so over it!!! LOL So, you can imagine, getting inspiration for this party was an easy task for me. All I had to do was raid his room! I found inspiration for the colors from a pair of his underwear.....don't laugh....I won't show the undies to you because that could cause problems for me and quite frankly, I wouldn't want my cartoon drawers showing up online :() Anyhoo, the look of them was grungy graffiti with blue & green as the main colors. Since blue is my boy's most favorite color I had a great starting point for the color scheme and design!

I designed printables for the set after seeing this TMNT movie poster. I wanted the look of the printables to reflect some of the common themes of TMNT, that being sewers, toxic ooze and New York City. I didn't try and replicate any of the TMNT characters, because I cannot afford to be sued by Nickelodeon and whomever else has rights to them. So, I just created printables inspired by images from the movie.

The invitation set the tone for the party. I created a brick and city-scape backdrop with the party details shown atop a 'sewer' with ooze. The graffiti and grunge text were a perfect match for the look I wanted.

I loved the streamer backdrop that I did for my daughter's party so much that I used the same idea for this party. I added a personalized banner that I created for printables. The table was set up with color coordinating items to match the theme of the party. I added a few of my son's TMNT toys to further carry out the theme. I enlisted the help of big sister, Tracey to painted wood letters that spelled out my son's name. We left the edges of the letters unpainted to match the wooden box that the cupcakes were placed on. I found green silly string at my favorite spot, Dollar tree, and used coordinating paper to wrap them with and added a party dot and some shimmer green ribbon as embellishment. I also found green cardboard boxes at Target and added blue ribbon and blue crinkle paper to hold the lollipops.

TMNT love pizza - so that's what we served for the meal! I found a bright green table cover and bamboo place mats for the place settings. My daughter insisted on having TMNT plates and napkins for the party for her brother, so I caved and got them. They actually worked great with the rest of the design and I instantly felt better when I placed a few utensils in the cutest green & white chevron bitty bags from Bloom Design. I used a black runner and placed some inexpensive Ninja play toys on it so the kids could work their Ninja skills out in the back yard afterwards. A huge Leonardo turtle was the centerpiece and surprise gift to my son who wanted it for weeks. I tied a few balloons to his hands and told Adam that he was wishing him an Awesome Birthday!

I didn't focus much on the activities, because most of the guests were our boy family members and knowing them as well as I do, they would be too preoccupied by all the goodies and the moon bounce we put up for every party....that was enough to keep them busy. For party favors, I found bubble tubes - again from the dollar store, and placed them in a pail on top of a stack of wooden crates - I think it gave it a back alley feel. The kids headed outside to play Ninja wars, spray silly string and blow bubbles! A good time to be had by all.

One other fun activity was we 'kinda' did as a family was to make Toxic Ooze.....I say kinda because I never got around to doing it at the party....but me, the girl and the boy made it later that night....here's the final result. I've got the DIY on it for you later this week!

You can find the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle printables and invites available in my Etsy shop!

{Weekly Blog Round-Up} Parties, Decor & More!

2013-05-12T15:35:00.002-04:00

I am rounding up all the fun parties, recipes and cool home decor tips shared by the bloggahs I love! There was LOTS of fun stuff for parties like this amazing vintage race car party by Spaceships and Laserbeams.

I also love this confetti balloons idea shared by Hello My Sweet. This rope wrapped letter tutorial by Magnolia Creative won't leave you hangin' cause it's perfect for parties and home decor!

I am totally inspired by the vintage shabby chic feel for Mother's Day shared by BellaGrey Designs. Party Printables shares some helpful tips on hosting a brunch party for mom.

Mindy of Creative Juice is on macaron making mama - her daisy flower macarons area must try! Power packed with lots of healthy stuff, this Cream of Asparagus and Spinach Soup shared by This Little Mama sure looks delicious.

If you're looking for ideas on apartment decorating for a small bedroom, Mirabelle Creations, has a few helpful tips that will get you started.

{Sneak Peek} Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle 5-Year Old Birthday Party

2013-05-07T15:39:00.001-04:00

I am still knee-deep in party ooze from celebration my son's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle birthday party this past weekend. There was a lot of fun and play going on and I'm excited to share more with you. As I get more of the details and photos together, I thought I'd share a few sneak peeks from the party we threw for my favorite little fella!!!!

I can't wait to share the rest with you along with all of the fun details that went into this party!!!!

{Weekly Blog Love} Fiestas, Derby's and Fave Teacher Stuff!

2013-05-04T22:23:00.003-04:00

More fabulousness from bloggals I love the bestest!

Here's a healthy take on a baseball party concession stand from Spaceships & Laserbeams!

Bust out your maracas it's fiesta Time! BellaGrey Designs has the all the goods for a Cinco de Mayo party

Loving the fresh summer parties and ideas in the new Festivities mag by Frog Prince Paperie. Speaking of summer parties, Magnolia Creative has the most adorable and sweet lemonade stand printables in her Etsy shop. D&P Celebrations has the hook up on how to create your own Fiesta Party!!!

Teachers do a LOT and deserve a treat. This cheerful teacher appreciation gift idea from Bloom Design is perfect for any special teach!

Here is another great and eco-friend teacher appreciation gift idea from This Little Mama.

Party Printables shared an awesome recipe for Sugar Cookies and you'll be delighted by these 10 Derby Desserts shared by Mirabelle Creations!

{Party Recap} Monster High Spa Party

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Finally went through all the pictures we took at my daughter's Monster High themed spa party for her birthday. When she came to me last year....the day after her last party....and said she wanted a Monster High Spa Party, I thought to myself...'Creative, but she'll outgrow those Monster High thingies before then'.....but she didn't. So, I was forced to create a party using licensed characters and it all came together swimmingly!

As the girls came in they each got a spa towel, head band and a place at the spa facial station. I used Monster High dolls that my daughter already owned and created table signs for each spa station. I named the facial station, 'Frankie's Facials' for the main character of the show and my daughter's favorite doll....you might remember she was Frankie for Halloween!

If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember me working on the towel wraps....I am no seamstress, so even though the wraps were a cute idea and looked adorable, they didn't fit the girls and they all ended up coming off LOL! I did manage to accent one towel with a bit of trim and a fabric rosette...that's the one my daughter got to wear.

Once at the facial station, the girls got to put on their own avocado & honey masks. I found the perfect hot pink acrylic bowls from Dollar Tree about two weeks before the party that I thought would be perfect for facial bowls. I also used small pink plastic bowls filled with warm water and soap for the girls to soak their hands as they prepped for manicures. Each girl also got a personalized aluminum water bottle that was embellished with dimensional stickers and a glitter ribbon. In the center of the table I used a sheer curtain from last year's Rock Star Party table as a runner, and placed cotton pads, extra headbands and rolled wash cloths along the runner. Each headband was embellished with a small pink bow and the wash cloths were tied with a satin ribbon - just to make them look extra pretty!

Once facials were done I split the girls up into two groups. One group went to get Pedicures and the other group went to get their nails polished. At the Pedicure station, I created a sign using the Lagoona Blue character. Each girl got to add a homemade cucumber melon scented bath bomb to their foot tub. I found the Pink Day Spa Inflatable Footbaths on Amazon literally 7 days before the party. What a score. I initially was going to use dish basins, but these look much prettier.....and pinkier! I decorated this area with hanging lanterns and poms that I found at Wal-Mart for under $2 each. I added fluffy pillows to the couch area that were on clearance at JC Penney for $5 each. A few of the larger pillows were given to me by a coworker whose sister was relocating and didn't need them - lucky me!

(Yes, she is missing a hand.....Tracey is very upset about it....)

I also couldn't find pedicure slippers to go with my color scheme, so I made my own using large foam sheets. I saw this idea for making pedicure shoes when I was searching for inspiration, but instead just measured the size of my daughter's flip flops to create the slippers. The idea was great, but the glue dots holding the straps together didn't hold up so well as the girls walked around - eventually they took those off too.....another FAIL, LOL While the girls were being treated to their pedicures, they received a lemon sugar foot scrub and laid back on the couch to relax their eyes with sliced cucumbers :)

I set up 'Clawdeen's Claws' - a nail salon that was in our basement. I enlisted the help of a friend's teenage daughter (huge help!). The girls got to choose colors for their mani-paws and pedi-paws....unfortunately, most of the pictures came out very grainy, so this is all I have to share from the pics.....sorry.

After all the pampering we all headed upstairs to eat.....pizza....it's all my daughter ever wants....no fancy spa food, LOL.....We also had smoothies for the girls....a special request from the birthday girl. 'Abby Bominable Smoothies' was the drink of choice! Strawberry - Banana Smoothies - can't beat that!

Once their bellies were full, it was on to cake & treats! I shared how to make this ruffled streamer backdrop in an earlier post. I loved it so much that I just took the streamers down not even 3 days ago LOL ....in any case, this was one of the first times I decided to work with outside vendors. To make the dessert table super fab I ordered fondant toppers from Edible Details, custom cookies by Astonishing Cakes and macarons and macaron pops from local talent Fresh Bakes.

I purchased the cupcakes and cake (ran out of time) from my local grocery store bakery and asked them to just put plain vanilla frosting on everything. I decorated the cake with Duff Goldman Sugar Sheets (oh yes I did) and added rock candy sprinkles as a border. Using some of the left over fondant toppers, I covered up the seams on the sugar sheets. I also added one of the personalized cookie plaques as a cake topper! As we sang happy birthday, the girls each wore one of those cute mini top hats I made for the party!

She's such a ham!!!!

After everyone filled up with sweets, I let the girls go out and run in play in the backyard because I had just one more treat - they each were treated to more sweets - but not the edible kind. I created a faux dessert table with different soaps! Each girl got to take their choice of soaps that looked like cupcakes, sugar wafers, macarons, push pops and rock candy! It was the WOW moment of the party.

Here are some more fun shots of the girls hamming it up!

All in all! Another fab party for my baby girl!!! She's 8 - OMG - she's just growing up before our eyes!!!!

Happy Birthday Pretty Girl!

A special thank you goes to my hubby - who, again, lets me throw these cray-cray parties and also puts up with my cray-cray in the process, my momma/photographer/pizza go getter/emergency financier, my un-dad...McKinney for your height and hands, my bestie Nalei A. - you were such a HUGE help with this party....couldn't have done it without you and Jasmine Reed, nail tech extraordinaire!

Party Finds:

Party Styling, Printables & Hats - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams

Fondant toppers - Edible Details,

Cookies - Astonishing Cakes

Macarons/Macaron Pops - Fresh Bakes.

Soap: Push Pops - Be Grateful Shop

Soap: Lollipops - Calise Soap Works

Soap: Sugar Wafers - 4 Emani Monet

Soaps: Cupcakes, Cake Pops, Rock Candy & Macarons - AJ Sweet Soap

Monster High Tutu & Dolls - Target

Purchases from Amazon.com
Pink Day Spa Inflatable Footbath
Duff Goldman Edible Cake Art, Animal Skins
(I may receive a small compensation for any Amazon purchases when you click the above links)

{Cupcake Monday} 5 Must-Try Cinco de Mayo Inspired Cupcake Recipes

2013-04-29T11:05:00.003-04:00

Are you looking for something fun & festive for your Cinco de Mayo sweets table? If you are, then I'm your gal! I scoured and Pinterested my way through a few blogs and found a handful of delicious recipes that just made my mouth water! I am listing 5 must-try Cinco de Mayo cupcake recipes perfect for your upcoming fiesta!

Churro Cupcakes with Dulce de Leche sauce - Bakingdom
This girl loves her some churros.....I can pop those babies back like Benadryl on a high pollen count day so, I'm sure that these cupcakes would NOT last in my presence.

Mexican Fried Ice Cream Cupcakes - Monster Mama
OMG - tasty, crunchy, cinnamony fried ice cream made into a cupcake???? WINNER!!!!!

Dulce de Leche Caramel Swirl Cupcakes - Whipped
Caramel......mmmmm.....

Sangria Cupcakes - Hoosier Homemade
Oh the fruitiness of it all.....what could be better than a cupcake made with wine and fruit??? NADA!!!!

Black Bean Avacado Chocolate Cupcakes - The Sweetest Vegan
Admittedly - I don't like Avacado, but the name of this recipe alone sounds to interesting to pass up....and it's VEGAN!

Hope you're serving up something sweet and festive for your Cinco de Mayo celebration, and if not, give one of these recipes a try - they sound muy delicioso!!!!

.....and if cupcakes aren't your thing.....try MARSHMALLOWS!!!!

My party pal Alejandra Morin of The Marshmallow Studio is coming out with a new book, "MARTshmallows"! There are over 187 full-color pages of all about creating tasty treats and pops with marshmallows! The book will be available on Amazon on Aug. 1 but you can pre-order the book now for just $24.99!!!!

Weekly Blog Love: Spring-Time Celebrations, Earth Day, Teachers and More!

2013-04-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

Here's today's fabulous round-up from the bloggahs I heart!!!

Mirabelle Creations does NOT strike out with this modern baseball party she styled for her son's birthday! I think my fave style point is the home plate backdrop!

Calling all Jedi!!!!! Here's a Star Wars Party that is out of this world by Hello My Sweet!

What better way to show a teacher your appreciation. Magnolia Creative crafted up a sweet Tulip Teacher Thank You treat - just a little way to say thanks!

D&P Celebrations knows a way to a girl's heart!!!! Next to jelly nothing goes better with peanut butter than chocolate! This Peanut Butter Frosting recipe looks perfectly dee-lish!

There is nothing sweeter than an Earth Day cupcake! Sweet Song Bird shares these fun cupcakes that she made for her son's birthday!

Speaking of Earth Day....did you get a chance to check out my fave online sites for go-to Earth Day Party Supplies? These shops feature eco-friendly, re-usable and sustainable products that would make Mother Nature super happy!

I've got lots to catch up on around my house and I'll definitely be using some of these helpful Spring Cleaning Tips shared by Everything Mommyhood.

Here are some more Earth friendly party options by Party Printables - give away favors that last for your next party or celebration!

A Woodland Party is a perfect party theme for a boy! Check out all the details and cost-effective party tips over at Spaceships and Laserbeams!

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner. Check out all the cool fiesta finds that BellaGrey Designs found over at Etsy! My fave is this cute plush pinata by Hen and Chick!

A rose by any other name is.....a sandwich? Creative Juice has the prettiest little sweet rose shaped sandwiches made with raspberry and lemon meringues.

If you're Three Little Monkey's Studio, of COURSE you have the world's best banana bread recipe!

Get your motor runnin' because this motorcycle birthday party by Frog Prince Paperie is FIYAH!!!! I cannot get enough of every single detail of this party - it's a sure fire winner!

Here's to the weekend! Hope you enjoy it and keep up with whatever shenanigans I'll be into by following me on Instagram!

{MG Party Impressions} April Showers Mini Baby Shower

2013-04-26T02:04:00.000-04:00

Head over to MG Party Impressions and read all about the Mini Baby Shower I styled with an April Showers theme!

{Blog Love} My Top Five Blog Posts of All Time

2013-04-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

I was doing a bit of stats checking on my blog the other day and wondered what were my top five blog posts of all time. Well, I was amazed at what came up! I personally wouldn't have chosen these posts as personal favorites....maybe I can say only one is my favorite, the Princess and The Frog party for my daughter....for obvious reasons, but the rest, eh! This is not to say that I think that all my posts suck.....it's just that my blogging style has evolved in the past two years, and what I'm seeing below is not reflective of where I am at today....I guess that's sort of a good thing. In any case, I figured I'd share my critique of the posts and find out if maybe you agree!

1. This is the top post of them all.....the recap of my daughter's Princess and The Frog birthday party. I'm guessing Tiana and her Toad are still sorta popular among party themed celebrations! I had no idea about taking photos or anything like that.....most of the pics are blurry! LOL What I did know was how to make things look pretty....sorta :) Pretty party for my pretty girl!

2. Spiderman Party Recap - this was my first post EVER! It was mainly to recap a birthday party I did with a Spiderman theme.....I was soooo overwhelmed and clueless about how to make the party fabulous that I just thought I'd gone crazy! I am certain it's my wordiest post to date. I do happen to like how the photos came out however, and was content with the set up of the party space - considering I'd just started party styling. I'm guessing it's popular because most boys go through some super hero phase at some point in their young lives and parents need some good party ideas. Also, I always get asked where I got those bags...... well, I made them myself....maybe I should do a tutorial in the future!

3. A couple years back I started playing with naming days of my posts and did one called Trendy Tuesday where I thought I'd share a new party trend every Tuesday. Well, I kind of fell off posting new trends on Tuesdays and honestly, I can't even tell you why.....my best guess is that my real life took over and I just stopped it - although.....I still have Cupcake Monday, Pin-tastic Tuesday and Fab Friday. In any case, this trend I was seeing with decorating with streamers led me to do a whole post dedicated to crepe paper! Two years later I think the trend is still...trending....case in point.

4. Okay - so this post was a recap of a party thrown by my dear friends and takes the fourth spot on the list! My friends Keri & Brian throw the bests parties for their girls and this cowgirl themed birthday party was just one of them. This post also shares a giveaway winner announcement - if I were to write a similar post now, I would definitely note the winner in a separate post or at the end of the post.

5. For my '25th' birthday I created A midnight summer's dream inspiration board for a party I was planning for myself. Being that my birthday falls in mid-summer....it was a perfect theme right? Well, the theme never came to fruition, but I did have a birthday celebration! That's not the whole thing though, what's funnier about this particular post is that I added in a featured party from another party stylist.....Lord, work with me! I really should have done a completely separate post, because her party was amazing!!! #hadnocluewhatiwasdoing :|

So, what do you think? Good posts? Horrible Posts? EH???? I do have some faves that I might share in a later post, but overall, I think this just shows how far I've come and it kinda makes me proud!

{Celebrate Earth Day} 5 Eco-Friendly Online Party Shops I Love

2013-04-22T15:34:00.001-04:00

As a party planner, I love using items more than once. I try to keep my use of paper products to a minimum and reduce, reuse and recycle! So, to celebrate Earth Day today I am listing five online party supply sites that are environmentally friendly, aware or conscious!

Acme Partybox Company

Acme's motto is "Party. Rinse. Repeat." - everything you find on this environmentally responsible site is just super cute! I'm loving these wool felt crowns! You can hold onto them from year to year and they don't have to be just for parties.....they can be used for dress up, pretend play and more!

Green Party Supplies

Touted as the 'source for green party supplies, eco-friendly, non-toxic toys and gifts from recycled, biodegradable, organic, eco- friendly, forest friendly or reusable items for any celebration' Green Party Supplies offers a wide array of trendy and modern party supplies that will take your birthday decor from drab to fab! I'm a HUGE fan of these bamboo paper straws....perfect for a Asian, Garden or Ninja themed celebration!

Green Planet Parties

Created by a mom who was concerned about the amount of waste generated from kid's parties, she created a site providing 'sustainable, but fun supplies for kids parties!' On this site you will find handmade items made by local artists, reusable decor and pre-made goody bags you will just adore! Check out this DIY yo-yo kit - kids can decorate as they please and who doesn't love a yo-yo?!!!!

Eco Party Time
Another great site with a huge variety of reusable favors and party supplies, Eco Party Time helps create 'celebrations for a greener tomorrow.' A purely sustainable product, these bright colored beeswax birthday number candles are the perfect cake topper!

Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams!

YES!!!! My Etsy shop has MANY eco-friendly options available to keep our Mother Earth a bit happier. You can find reusables like yarn pom-pom garlands, toppers and favor wands. I also offer printables where you can print out how as many and as much paper decor as you need!

Remember, every small thing you do to save the planet has a great impact. How are you celebrating Earth Day today?

{Fab Friday} Weekly Blog Love: Out of This World Party Ideas

2013-04-19T16:11:00.001-04:00

There is certainly a running theme this week from my bloggahs I love! Mostly everyone seems to have gone star crazy or super earthy and elelmental!!!!

I'm digging these candy dish helmets made from simple household items for a Space Party from Hello My Sweet!

Need ideas for a Nautical Party???? Well these ideas shared by Spaceships and Laserbeams will certainly help get your winds sailing!

This is such a smart idea - check out this Sunscreen Station from This Little Mama....anything from Target's dollar spot is deee bestest!

You're sure to turn pink and green with envy once you see the Lily Pulitzer Party Ideas with Mirabelle Creations!

Earth Day is certainly a cause for celebration right? The gals over at D&P Celebrations think so. Watch this Video Tassel Tutorial they have on making a tassel garland from plastic shopping bags.

I can't help my play on words today.... GET SUCKERED IN with this fab Seersucker Party shared by Magnolia Creative! I love all the southern charm about this bash!

The Ruffled Paper Streamers tutorial I posted made my own personal cut! If you haven't read it yet - it will leave you in 'stiches'!!!!

This Star Party by Bloom Designs is my fave party of the week! You will adore the twinkle light setting!

I'm a totally fan of this Rock Star Party by BellaGrey Designs. Check out the cool guitars and retro 80's CD's on the dessert table!

This Asian Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe by Everything Mommyhood is a total easy-peasy weekend meal.....and one word....Ramen!

Fruit Salad....yummy-yummy here are some great Sweet Fruit Party Treats and ideas from Party Printables.

Hope you have a great weekend, and as always you can follow me on Instagram to get behind the scenes sneaks at my upcoming projects & any other random thing I might be up to!

{DIY Party Decor} Ruffled Paper Streamers

2013-04-17T23:32:00.001-04:00

I created this ruffled paper streamer backdrop for the dessert table for my daughter's Monster High Spa Party this past weekend. I am so in love with the ruffles and frills that the backdrop is still hanging up! I thought I'd share a quick tutorial with you on how I made, what I call, a 3-layer ruffled streamer.

First you will need crepe streamers, thread and a sewing machine. I used two different colors streamers, but you can certainly use three. I got my streamers from the dollar store and they held up very well in the machine....is that how you say it??? 'In the machine'...I don't sew much....moving right along.....I measured out about 3.75 yards of the streamers. This allowed me to work with the paper easier than working from the roll.

Next I overlapped my two 'base' streamers and then added a lighter color on top.

Next, I stitched down the center of the streamers, I didn't necessarily work in straight lines and allowed the machine to basically do all the work to gather the paper to create the ruffles. I wanted them to look a touch uneven so, I wasn't worried about them looking too perfect.....my poor sewing skills definitely came in handy!

This is what the finished streamers look like.

You can leave the streamers as is, or pinch along the top streamer to create a more dimensional look.

Create a whole bunch of them and mix them in with straight lengths of streamers to create a bold and eye-catching backdrop!!!!!!

{Cupcake Monday} Monster High Cupcake Toppers by Edible Details

2013-04-15T13:28:00.002-04:00

Another year, another party, and I am SPENT (again)....I'll be sharing pictures once I go through them all, In the meantime, here are the fondant cupcake toppers we used for the dessert table at my daughter's Monster High themed spa party over the weekend.

The edible fondant toppers were made by the talented Brittany Rumohr of Edible Details. The toppers really set off the whole dessert station and the kids got a kick out of them! I even had a decorating conundrum with my cake and those toppers saved the day!!!!

My schedule has been packed and I knew I would not be able to 'do it all' this time around. I chose to just let let go of the reigns in terms of making everything myself and instead selected to purchase from talented people I've been admiring and Brittany was one of my first choices. I was so happy with every single little detail of the toppers....Brittany rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks!!!!!! There is nothing better than to work with someone who can get your vision and deliver it. She was a complete pleasure to work with and so accommodating. HUGE THANK YOU TO BRITTANY - HUGE!

{Fab Friday} Weekly Blog Love

2013-04-13T23:45:00.000-04:00

Hello! Here's my round up for this week! Forgive me for the conciseness of this post, but I've been planning my daughter's bday party this week and it finally came today....I must say that I am spent - and completely forgot to share yesterday's post with you.....that being said....enjoy!

Looking for an idea for a first birthday - well Spaceshps and Laserbeams has 24 of them!

Loving this curry chicken salad recipe shared by This Little Mama.

Here is a sweet idea to wish a friend, farewell....a moving party by Mirabelle Creations.

D&P Celebrations getting a little crafty with scrapbook pages with digital printables

Don't be afraid to get in the water! Sweet Parties has an awesome Jaws inspired shark party.

Head over to Magnolia Creative for a FREE set of gift tags, perfect for those last minute fits!

How precious is this You are My Sunshine themed baby shower by Frog Prince Paperie?

I just adore this cupcake yarn pom pom garland that I made for a special order for a client.

Looooooving all the pink-ness of this movie party designed by Bloom designs.

This vintage glam birthday party by BellaGrey Designs is so, so precious.

These party games for kids shared by party printables, makes me want to be a kid again and they're super easy!

{Cupcake Monday} Yarn Pom-Pom Cupcake Garland

2013-04-08T15:27:00.001-04:00

This yarn pom-pom cupcake garland was made for a custom order in my Etsy shop. It turned out so cute that I just had to share it!

Even one by itself makes a great favor for a cupcake themed birthday party! You can fill the cupcake liner with treats and then top it off with the pom-pom!!! SUPER CUTE!

You can now find the garland available now in my shop! Use the code CUPCAKE to receive 15% ALL GARLANDS off in the month of April!!!!

{Fab Friday} Weekly Blog Love: Parties, Recipes & How To's

2013-04-05T17:05:00.000-04:00

This week's blog round-up is full of fun stuff to show you how to get your party on!

NOM-NOM-NOM!!!

I wish I had taster-net - this S'mores Cupcake Recipe by Three Little Monkeys Studio looks delish!

Magnolia Creative is making me want to go home and whip up this Sweet Potato Recipe - anything in a pocket must be hiding something good!!!!

Perfect Parties

I'm insanely in love with this potty training party by Creative Juice

This Little Friends, Squinkies Inspired Party over at D & P Celebrations is too cute for words.
Calling all little sluggers!!! BellaGrey Designs hits a home run with this Baseball Party - can I please have a box of Cracker Jacks?!! Love those things!
Spaceships and Laserbeams is giving loads of pre-historic fun with a fun list for anyone throwing a dinosaur party - I can't decide which party I like most!
My Paper Pinwheel shares an adorable Easter Egg Hunt - loving all the bright & cheery colors.

How To's & DIY's
I've been seeing string art a lot lately. Sweet Song Bird shows how to create a DIY Nautical String Art for a room re-do.

Hello My Sweet has a ready to go template for cupcake wrappers that makes cupcake decorating super easy.
Enter this giveaway and learn 6 steps to planning an event with Soiree Event Design's new book!
This Little Mama has given me a WOW moment - totally digging this DIY Mason Jar Chandelier - PIN-WORTHY!

I love a good room do-over! Mirabelle Creations shares fab apartment decorating ideas - loving the color combo of yellow and turquoise!

{Sneak Peek} Monster High Mini Top Hats

2013-04-04T15:02:00.001-04:00

Even though my daughter's having a spa party, I wanted to make a few fun hats for the girls to wear when we sing Happy Birthday! I saw these cute party hats online but wanted to make some to coordinate more with the aqua and pink color scheme of the party. I crafted this one last night and wanted to share the 'finished' product with you. They were pretty easy to make and I will share a tutorial later; can you believe that I made them with just paper plates, glitter paper, hot glue and other embellishments?

Can't wait to share the tutorial with you!

One down, nine to go! If you want to keep up with the progress follow me on Instagram!

{Party Starters} Monster High Invites with Custom Envelopes

2013-04-03T15:00:00.000-04:00

The invites for my baby girl's party are on their way to all her besties! I am not the biggest fan of character parties, but it's what my daughter really wants, so, what can I do? I came up with a design and style that was INSPIRED by the Monster High skull logo for this invitation, and I must say, I just love it. I wanted to share with you not only the final printed invites, but also the custom envelopes that I made to go along with them.

I finished the invites last week and realized I didn't want to use plain white envelopes. I also realized that I could only find four black envelopes in my own stationery supply. So, what's a gal to do when life hands you lemons???? She makes envelopes. It was very easy to do....check it out:

That was all that I did - super easy right???? Oh and I made that liner using digipaper I created for the party and a template I made for another printable set.....but if you go to Paper-Source....you can get tons of envelope liner templates. Also, did you know that the envelopes that look like the ones I made are technically called A-size envelopes - they have a square flap. The pointed flap envelopes are called Baronial envelopes or 'bar' for short! Just a lil' trivia for ya!

I finished each envelope with a wrap around address label and they were on their way!

I'm so excited for this party and will be sharing more projects with you over the next few days!

{Cupcake Monday} April Fool's Desserts Too Sweet to Eat

2013-04-01T12:00:00.001-04:00

I just received the first item in a list of things I'm getting for The Mini Diva's Monster High Spa Party.

Cute right????

These 'lollipops' by Callise Soap Works & Such are part of my faux dessert table I'm creating for the party. As I was perusing the pages of Etsy for other items to put onto the table, I found a bunch of soaps that really made me look twice. Since today is April Fool's Day, I thought I'd share some other 'sweet treats' that can trick the eye!

You know I cannot have a party without cupcakes! These little darlings look and smell like the real thing!

These macaron soaps might give the best French patisserie a run for it's money!

Hostess cupcake anyone?

I haven't really done push pops at my parties yet, but plan to now - how cute are these?!!!!

These rock candy swizzle sticks truly look like the real thing!

I could eat one right now - these cake pop soaps look delicious!

My daughter would trip out over these strawberry cookie wafers - she loves these things....they look so real!

Can you imagine what the girls will think when they see these treats on the table only to find out they're soap! I'm sure it's going to be a fun time - I can't wait!

{Fab Friday} Weekly Blog Love: Easter Ideas, Party Know-How, Giveaways and Much More!

2013-03-29T15:19:00.001-04:00

Here is my weekly round-up of fab party ideas, crafts and recipes from my fave party blogs!

Easter Ideas

Hello My Sweet had me at Dollar Store when I saw how she made this diy modern Easter centerpiece
I cannot sew....at least not very well, so I am loving these no sew fabric carrots for Easter favors by Mirabelle Creations - super cute!
These DIY printable Easter Bunny decorations by D&P Celebrations are just darling.
Dress up your table with this Easter centerpiece and flag printables from Magnolia Creative.
Here is one kid-friendly and pin-worthy idea; Mindy from Creative Juice shows ya how to make DIY Easter window decorations!
I'd be remiss not to include Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams....get a free download of my Free Chocolate Bunny Easter Printables - which you can now see rotating as the Party of the Day on Catch my Party.
My Paper Pinwheel has a fun tutorial for making DIY Chick Push up pops for Easter - what a fun treat for the kids. I would totally put these in a basket at the kids table and let them have at it!

Whip it Up or Craft it Up!

Anyone under the weather would love this poster card size get well soon card by Frog Prince Paperie. I also love how it was packaged for mailing.

I have not had a lemon meringue cake in ages, but This Little Mama shares a recipe that makes me want to get in the kitchen and whip one up this weekend!

Party Styling

You will absolutely fall in love with this Noah's Ark Baby Shower styled by Soiree-Events.....using a crib bumper as part of the table skirt - genius!
Spaceships & Laserbeams hits their mark again with this awesome superhero party!
BellaGrey Designs has the sweetest Baptism Party Collection in her shop that can also be used for Easter.
Party Printables shared great tips on how to handle it if people don't RSVP. #frustrating
Wooden utensils are so trending right now. Three Little Monkeys Studio shares these Party Design Basics DIY Custom Party Utensils
I am so happy for party pal, Jenny Raulli from Bloom Designs she shares her delight at winning her Apple of Our Eye Party on the Today Show!

I hope you enjoyed today's round-up! Be sure to check back next week to see more projects I'm working on for my daughter's Monster High Spa party and more!

OH - BEFORE YOU GO!!!!....check out a review on my yarn pom-pom garland from She Hearts It - you have a chance to win one :) Then when you're done there.....be sure to enter to win a printable party kit from my Etsy shop over with Printable Parties to Go on Facebook (you must be a fan of my page to enter - so.....just like my page if you haven't already and you could win some Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams swag!)

Have a GREAT weekend!!!!

{MG Party Impressions} Girls Only Frog Themed Party

2013-03-28T15:01:00.000-04:00

Hey folks! I am over at MG Party Impressions today with a post on a recent frog themed play date party!