Southern Belle's Charm

{Giveaway} Win a $1000 Photographer’s Dream Shopping Spree

2013-05-17T03:29:47Z

I am leaving today for a fabulous vacation to Florida with my family. We will be celebrating a law school graduation, Little Man’s {Greyson for President} birthday party and many other amazing milestones while on the beach! I am so thrilled to see all of my family – as we are spread out all over the USA.

I didn’t want to leave you empty handed and missing me too much so I am happy to announce we are a part of a fabulous giveaway!

You have the opportunity to win a $1000 Photographer’s Dream Shopping Spree- yes $1000!

I am so jealous!

You can pick out anything you like from DSLR cameras to camera bags to accessories, lighting and more.

Or you can opt for $1000 USD transferred to you via PayPal so that you can shop to your heart’s content.

There are quiet a few amazing bloggers and vendors who came together to make this amazing giveaway possible including:
Southern Belle’s Charm, Spaceships and Laser Beams, Yumtastics, Go Against the Grain, Life Revolves Around Them, 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 that’s not even everyone!!!

More than 60 people are contributing to this contest.
To see the complete list, take a look at the Rafflecopter form.
As small businesses and blogs, we would never be able to offer such a cool prize,
so it’s a lot of fun to be able to combine forces and giveaway something so special.

Prize Details: 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

{Vote} Circle of Moms Top 25 Party Planning Moms

2013-05-14T23:04:46Z

I am so humbled to be included in the nominees for the Top 25 Party Planning Moms of 2013.

Your votes will help us to be included.

please vote daily

until May 31st. for Southern Belle’s Charm.

Circle of Moms

{Holidays} Sugar Sweet Mother’s Day

2013-05-10T14:26:34Z

Happy Mother’s Day! I love this holiday because it a wonderful time to celebrate all of the wonderful mothers in our lives. As a Mother, I love spending the days with my boys and of course being doted on! My Mom is a Southern lady through and through. Her heart is always open and she cares deeply for everyone. She knows what she wants, gets what she wants and everything around her is beautiful. I love her deeply and she has become my best friend as I have grown up.

But she does have a little dark secret…and she would just die if I told you!

So please keep this between you and me…she has the worst cracked heels – like really gross! For years she has gotten pedicures, bought products to help heel but I secretly think her love for flops creates this on-going problem. So this year, I decided to gift her with some help. I created a Sugar Scrub that will surely help heal and smooth her heels.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups of sugar

1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tablespoons of Vanilla Extract

8-10 drops of Essential Oil ( I used Aura Cacia Ylang Ylang III)

Directions

Mix the sugar and oil together until moisten – do not over mix. Add vanilla extract. The Sugar Scrub works great without the oils. If you have some on hand, add in your essential oil one drop at a time until desired. I used 8 drops of the Ylang Ylang III. Fill a glass container with the mixture. I used mini mason jars so I was able to make two batches (I kept one for myself). The mixture will fill a 12 oz mason jar. Tie with twine and add a spoon. Note: wooden spoons will not work for this application – metal is preferred. Add a tag for decoration.

Sugar scrubs are fabulous for Exfoliation – since it is the key to glowing, healthy skin. Using a sugar scrub can help clean skin’s surface and unclogged pores which helps with cell turnover. By using a sugar scrub weekly, you will see a huge difference in the way your skin looks and feels. Since a sugar scrub is all natural, there are no harsh side effects – this means you can use a sugar scrub no matter if you have oily, dry, combination or mature skin. For the best results, use a sugar scrub while taking a shower. After rinsing skin with a body wash, use a sugar scrub to exfoliate and condition the body. Apply a handful of sugar scrub to wet skin and massage in circular motion over the entire body. After rinsing off your sugar scrub, all of the dead skin cells and dirt will be removed and your skin will feel refreshed and healthy.

Happy Mother’s Day!

{Products} Krill Oil

2013-05-09T15:09:44Z

When I was contacted by Everest Nutrition about their Krill Oil product, I instantly wanted to try it. Heart and cholesterol health is so important to me since my family has a history of issues.

Everest Nutrition’s Krill Oil is extracted from Krill living deep within the waters surrounding the Antarctic. Krill are very small, shrimp like crustaceans found in open seas throughout the world. Research from the scientific and medical communities confirms the incredible effects this oil can have in promoting heart and joint health, lowered cholesterol, improved moods and comfort during menstruation.

To really hit it home – the Omega-3’s in Everest Nutrition’s Krill Oil are stored in phospholipid form. Phospholipids are natural fats found in the human body. What does that mean? It means your body is easily absorbing the essential nutrients found in these first-class Omega-3’s.

Phospholipids. Each of our krill oil capliques are literally packed with the ‘good fats’ necessary for ideal brain health. What makes our krill oil such a powerful ‘tour de force’, is that our Omega-3’s are stored in phospholipid form, which are natural fats found in your body. This means your body doesn’t need to do extra work to convert essential fatty acids. Absorption is faster, and easier on the body, rendering it that much more effective! Oh, and because of phospholipids, you won’t get an upset stomach, uncomfortable fish burps, or negative side effects from your Everest Nutrition Krill Oil!

Astaxanthin. This antioxidant powerhouse packs a super-punch. Because it is considered the most effective antioxidant in the caretonoid family, Everest Nutritions Krill Oil has an ORAC value of 431! That’s 54 TIMES the antioxidant boost found in fish oil.

Purity. When we look at the food chain, krill are found at the very bottom. This means your Everest Nutrition Krill Oil, is effectually free of the metals, toxins and other contaminants that plague lesser quality fish oils. On top of that, they harvest their krill from the fresh, pristine waters surrounding Antarctica!

There are countless reasons why Everest Nutrition Krill Oil should be included as part of your daily regimen… Cardiovascular Health, Cholesterol Levels, Inflammation, PMS, Brain Function and Anti-Aging. I was most impressed with the fact that the Krill Oil can benefit so many things. I have been using it for a few weeks and already feel so much better. So excited to see how I feel in a month!

Disclaimer: I received samples of the products for an unbiased review of the product. For more information, please check out my disclosure policy.

{Products} Shutterfly – Treat

2013-05-07T18:37:26Z

Thank You Cards are so Important.

I talk about this every time I do a feature on Etiquette or create a new collection. With all of the gifts our children receive at parties, it is important to thank our guests for coming and celebrating in the special day with us. When Shutterfly contacted me about their custom card division Treat - I was so excited to see an entire section dedicated to thank you cards. I just knew I had to try out their products.

A little about Treat…

your online home for making, sending and putting some real love and personality back into greeting cards. Treat is all about customizing, personalizing and making your cards one-of-a-kind creations that could only come from you. We’re talking about adding your own words and pictures so your cards stand out from the crowd and the person who receives them will be totally psyched—blown away actually. These aren’t your typical boring greeting cards from the drugstore—these ones actually have thought behind them. Picture it now. Word will get out about the thoughtful card that you sent. Soon enough your friends, friends of friends and even their friends will start making these awesomely personal greeting cards too. Everyone will start connecting in a more meaningful way. And whom will we have to thank? You! Plus, the card itself is only just the beginning. Our reminder service will make sure you never miss a birthday, anniversary or important milestone. At a loss for exactly the right words? Our Message Library will help inspire you. Need a gift on the fly? We got you covered with integrated gift cards printed right inside the card you create. So, what we’re trying to say here is that we have your back. We do the heavy lifting and all you and your recipient do is feel awesome. Treat is fun and easy to use, but more importantly, helps connect you and all the people in your life in a more personal and caring way. So what do you say? You ready to do this? Let’s go make a card amazing.

For Little Man’s Birthday I wanted to make an extra special thank you card for Nana & Papaw since they are flying all the way to Florida for his birthday. With the theme being , Greyson for President, the I WANT YOU card was perfect. Plus I love the fact that I could upload photos into the card. I was so impressed when the cards arrived – quick, great packaging and the paper quality is wonderful. Plus – they will address the envelopes for you for FREE!

Check out their Great Products

Greeting Cards

Birthday Cards

Thank You Cards

Disclaimer: I received samples of the products for an unbiased review of the product. For more information, please check out my disclosure policy.

{Products} Choose Calm with Aura Cacia

2013-05-07T17:39:46Z

Party Planning

I spend hundreds of hours a year planning parties and shoots, styling events and running my company. Sometimes I just need a little ME time.

You know the time you sit back, focus on yourself and BREATHE.

When I heard of the Aura Cacia Choose Calm Campaign with its Essential Oil Ylang Ylang III that focuses on destressing during Party Planning – I was sold. The fabulous products are perfect for any party planner when you need a little time to stop and get the creative juices flowing or destress after an event. During this time of year with graduations, weddings and birthdays it can become overwhelming. Try these fabulous products to rejuvenate yourself.

The Choose Calm Campaign has created great ideas on how to use their products. I especially love the {After Party Wind Down}. Who doesn’t need great sleep before or after a party.

PRE-PARTY

AFTER-PARTY

I used the Essential Oil and made a body sugar scrub to use this summer!

I just love great products for a great purpose!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups of sugar

1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tablespoons of Vanilla Extract

8-10 drops of Essential Oil ( I used Aura Cacia Ylang Ylang III)

Directions

Mix the sugar and oil together until moisten – do not over mix. Add vanilla extract. The Sugar Scrub works great without the oils. If you have some on hand, add in your essential oil one drop at a time until desired. I used 8 drops of the Ylang Ylang III. Fill a glass container with the mixture. I used mini mason jars so I was able to make two batches (I kept one for myself). The mixture will fill a 12 oz mason jar. Tie with twine and add a spoon. Note: wooden spoons will not work for this application – metal is preferred. Add a tag for decoration.

(Disclaimer: I received samples of the products for an unbiased review of the product. For more information, please check out my disclosure policy.)

{My Projects} Greyson for President: The Theme

2013-04-23T22:01:25Z

Well it’s that time of year when I am in full party swing with my Little Man’s birthday party. This year we are doing things a little bit different than the traditional BIG blow out party. We have lots of wonderful milestones happening in our family – law school graduations, weddings, new jobs and moving so with all of that it worked out that my family will be taking our Annual Evans Family Vacation in May. Greyson really wanted his grandparents, aunt and uncles to be at his party so he asked me if I could host the party while we are vacationing. Who could say no to that gorgeous face…so I have committed to planning a DESTINATION BIRTHDAY PARTY at a Beach House in Florida. Yes, I am crazy! Insert – freak out mode! Then I got to thinking and realized this would be a great opportunity to take you along for the ride. Explain how I go about designing a theme, cultivating an atmosphere and virtually designing a party. I do this for clients all the time – so why couldn’t I do this for myself.

THEME

I am a firm believer that children should choose their own party themes. The imagination and creativity of a child’s mind far exceeds our own and I love to use them to help create the parties. Many times when I am working on a new theme – I pull Greyson aside for some advice. He is a fabulous consultant! So this year, I asked what he wanted the theme of his party to be and you have to know I always hold my breathe as I ask. When I say that he has a very creative imagination – I am not exaggerating. Drumroll please…Greyson has chosen the theme {Greyson for President}. Yep, you read that right – he wants a party all about campaigning and winning a Presidential election.

Let me give you a little back story on why this theme was perfect for him. My sixth cousin was Abraham Lincoln and as a family we have always been very proud of that fact. He was such an inspirational man and influential President. Greyson has been fascinated with that fact since he was about four years old. Most little boys dream of being a firefighter or race car driver – my son has wanted to be President of the United States since he was very young. He is infatuated with history and the Presidency. He even has a copy of the Declaration of Independence in his room! His school is a huge advocate of American History and celebrates with a Famous American’s Day every year. Greyson loves this day and talks about it all the time. (I am a proud mom – can you tell?!). His teachers boast that he will be President some day – they laugh that he campaigns at school and truly loves getting to know everyone. So it was fitting that he would ask for this theme one day.

COLORS/PATTERNS

Typically, this is my favorite part of any party – choosing the color palette and trying to be as non-traditional as possible. I love themes with unique palettes and patterns. I think it sets an event apart. However, for Greyson’s party I chose to go very traditional. Red, White and Blue with stars and stripes. Since I am in LOVE with Gold right now – there will be hints of it at his party. I wanted to keep with the rich heritage of our country.

THE THREE WISHES

Every year, I allow Greyson to choose three wishes that he would like at the party. It has to be within reason, but I love allowing him to take part in his special day. Sometimes, the three wishes help me to create a theme if he is struggling and sometimes they are incorporated into his party. This year, I was excited to see what he would say:

1. Party on the Beach

2. Picnic Lunch

3. Voting and an Acceptance Speech

Well needless to say, I was ecstatic with his wishes. The Ocean as a backdrop to my table was just what I wanted to hear. Lunch will be served as a Southern Picnic in Baskets with blankets on the beach. Yes, there will be a vote and he is giving a speech. He is already working on it! Lastly, he asked if he could have one more wish this year – could his cake explode like a fire cracker. Ummm, no but that would be fun! So instead, we will have sparklers and his cake will light up.

SNEAK PEEKS

I am about a month out from the big day, most of the items have been boxed up. I will be shipping everything to Florida as the hubby was not to keen on traveling with it. I have found fantastic vendors that are local to the area that are so willing to help me out. I am nervous about the photos turning out great – but at the end of the day we will be celebrating my sweet Little Man with my family in Florida. How could that not be perfect! I decided to share a few sneak peaks with you of the products and supplies I am styling with – hope you enjoy!

Beach Hat with Tie that coordinates with the Napkin Rings

Voting Bumper Stickers and Stir Sticks

Red and White Striped Straws, Metal Gold Stars and Flag Pinwheel Clothespins

Tissue Fringe, Red and White Striped Ribbon, Twine and Firework Picks

Favor Canisters

Stay tuned for more details and party planning advice!

{Twinery} Imaginisce Blog Hop

2013-04-22T14:52:07Z

Welcome to the beginning of a VERY CREATIVE WEEK as the designers of The Twinery join with the designers from Imaginisce for a fabulously inspiring week! Each day, there will be 6-8 blogs to visit with beautiful projects using our baker’s twine and the creative designer papers & embellishments from Imaginisce. Cross your fingers because there are SUper aMAZing **prize packages up for grabs!

And now for those prizes!

Winner’s choice of THREE spools

{up to $48 retail value}

Imaginisce Endless Summer Package

{$48 retail value}

Here’s how you can win:

** Visit each participating designer’s blog

each day on the hop & leave a comment.

There are only 6-8 blogs each day,

so it’s VERY do-able!

{make sure you include your email address so we can contact you if you win}

For additional chances to win:

* Become a follower here at The Twinery

* Head over to Facebook and *LIKE* us and

leave a message telling us you came from

the blog hop

Deadline to leave comments for prizes

11:59EDT, Saturday, April 27th

Winners will be announced on Monday, April 29th

If you get lost along the way, you will be

able to find a complete list of participating

blogs each day here at The Twinery

and over at Imaginisce.

Have fun & enjoy!

Welcome to everyone that has arrived from Jennifer Carter’s Blog!

Happy Thursday Ya’ll! I’m here sharing a fabulous quick 20 minute craft using The Twinery Twine and Imaginisce Dog Products. As a lover of my sweet Harley, I knew I had to involve her with this project.

Dogs are the best kind of people – they are loyal, loving and kind. Harley is my 8 year old Puggle and we have been together through so many ups and downs. She has been my long time friend before my hubby and son. We have seen it all together. I wanted to do a little photo shoot with her so I decided to bling up a collar and crown. As an Event Stylist, I love to celebrate all occasions and wanted to celebrate Harley turning 8. She is a true DIVA – loves her cookies and always wants a little bling on her necklace.

SUPPLIES

What girl doesn’t love a new necklace – right?!

I wanted to create a quick change collar and loved the paw print stamp from Imaginisce. I grabbed a red collar and Maraschino twine – tied it all together and make a quick tag for her collar. I added a little bit of red bling so she would sparkle. Harley wanted photos of her best side!

What birthday is not complete without a crown?!

I quickly printed out a crown shape onto the dog paper and cut it out. I added red rhinestone jewels to the top. Added a bone embellishment with a 3D sticker that matches the collection. I then punched two holes in each side to string the twine through. I added some of my favorite twine colors: Maraschino, Midnight Blue, Red Shimmer and Blue Shimmer. I love the look of all of the colors and the sparkle popping through. I tied knots in the front and left the back open so I could tie it around her ears. Harley was so excited about the crown – well for about 5 minutes!

Happy Birthday Harley!

Mommy loves YOU!

{New Collections} Spring 2013 Collection

2013-04-24T14:44:19Z

Custom Orders are my absolute favorite – and I cannot say that enough. I always get excited when an email arrives in my inbox with…

Would you be interested in a custom party collection?

Well, obviously I love to say yes and this year has been full of custom parties. I wanted to update the blog with all of the custom collections we have released for Spring 2013.

Cake Collection

Couture/Diva Collection

Fiesta Collection

Garden Tea Party Collection

Thank you all for the opportunity to be a small part of your events every year!

{Products} Sachi School Lunch Totes

2013-04-23T14:53:41Z

It’s getting in HOT in Vegas and though I am not complaining, we definitely love products that keep our food and drinks cold during the warm summer months.

Who doesn’t love bags – seriously?!

I have fallen in love with Sachi and I had to share with you the amazing and fashionable products they make. Sachi bags are great for bringing lunch to school, keeping water bottles cold for beach/sports day, and lunch at work – plus the designs are adorable. They are the most fashionable lunch bags on the market, coming in a variety of styles and designs, while still being very functional with a spacious, insulated storage area. Love, love, love the price as the bags are very reasonable!

A Little About the Company

Sachi™ Fashion Insulated Totes are designed and produced by the Hannon Group Ltd. along with other great complimentary products Kora™, Vino™, and Cool Gems™. Todd Hannon is the innovator and developer with a keen ability to spot trends and design products that not only appeal to people, but are useful in their lives. The Hannon Group started in the fall of 2003 with the development of the Roasted Garlic Express as a replacement for outdated clay oven roasters, adding Advanced Ceramics and Menlo Kitchen Tools in 2006. Always looking for innovative products and trends, in the summer of 2008 Todd began working on the Sachi line of designer insulated totes. The consumer trend towards healthy eating and saving money has allowed the product lines to include features such as side zippered pockets for keys and other handy essentials, adjustable shoulder straps etc.

My favorite lunch tote would have to be the Black and White Chevron Tote – ya’ll it looks like a purse. In fact, in a pinch and need a bold black and white bag – it works great as a purse. I have been using it for a week and cannot get over how cold my water is staying while driving around in my black car. It is a functional bag with a side zipper – perfect for keys, wipes, or your phone. Plus it is easy to clean – just use a wet sponge! I love how wide the inside of the bag is – so all of my lunch containers fit perfectly and there is a small pouch that my water bottle slides down inside so I know right where it is – yeah!

Check out Sachi – I know you will love it!

Oh and for all of my wine-lovin’ friends they have WINE TOTES too!

Now your Pinot Grigio will stay cold on the way to your GNO!

(Disclaimer: I received samples of the totes for an unbiased review of the product. For more information, please check out my disclosure policy.)