Inspirational Thoughts Thursday and a dreamy party

I have been salivating just looking at these pictures. Oh what lovely, pretty sweets. I just want to jump in. Don't you?

Please check out this beautiful bridal shower by this talented event planner.

How about a little more inspiration....

"The unreal is more powerful than the real, because nothing is as perfect as you can imagine it. because its only intangible ideas, concepts, beliefs, fantasies that last. stone crumbles. wood rots. people, well, they die. but things as fragile as a thought, a dream, a legend, they can go on and on.”

Chuck Palahniuk

Have a great weekend.

Way better than candy

I decided to make my daughters Valentines day treats this year. How could you not. There are so many cute ideas out there in the blog world and if it's inexpensive even better.

I got this idea from this awesome mom. Check out her blog for some great ideas.

I knew these would be perfect. A free printable, some leftover baggies from another project and .25 cent balls from a local party store make this the best idea in my book. Way better than candy too.

The Tasting Party Collection from Pier 1

I just got my Pier 1 catalog in the mail and I just love the new tasting collection they are now carrying. You must check out the site here.

Everything is mini. There are mini shot glasses, trifle bowls, mini wine and martini glasses too. Also the collection is in porcelian and glass and they have really great party ideas and recipes to get you inspired. Another great thing I noticed is you can purchase in sets of 24 which is probably better money-wise. I can't wait to throw my next mommy night in.

Sorry the pictures are so small. They were cut in half and I just don't know why. But you can see much better pix on the site.

Sex and the City 2 party

Head on over to Second City Soiree for some great inspiration for all you SATC ladies. I would love to host a party with all my girlfriends to celebrate our friendship and the movie. I LOVED this show and was so sad when it ended. I have so many wild and carefree memories of my partying days and it was right around the same time I watched this show.

Also if you check out her site you will not only find great ideas but a free download of goodies to use in your party decor. Isn't she sweet?

Indoor S'mores and a thank you

Here is a sneek peak of my daughter's 3rd birthday party invite. We are doing an enchanted fairy party for her and her little fairy friends. This lovely design came from TomKat Studios . She just did a fairy party for her daughter and it was gorgeous. Check out her work it's amazing.

So today I thought it would be nice to have s'mores for dessert outside using our firepit.

Didn't happen due to the rain and wind. So I remembered seeing an alternative in EatWell magazine a long time ago. Here is what you do and it is so easy.

The final product. Gooey perfectly toasted marshmallows with melted chocolate sauce. You could place another cracker on top and smush the inside together. It's so good.

After you remove them from the oven the marshmallows are perfectly burnt and gooey


The key is to place under the broiler with the oven door ajar. The cooking process takes seconds. Like 15 to be exact.



I placed the crackers and marshmallows on wax paper and placed under the broiler on high.

Kids Valentines Crafts

Starting to think about Valentines Day already. I know it's still January and I know how I get. I am a procrastinator. I hate it and I am trying to change it. I figure let's get the ideas rolling know so hopefully I am ready by Feb 14th. You see these crafts I hope the make (from the girls) are for the grandparents. And that is why I need to start with the ideas now.

Martha Stewart

Freebie Printables for Turkey Day

Paper&Cake are very thankful this year and to show the love they are offering a freebie Thanksgiving Party Pack. The pack includes napkin rings, wine tags, menu, recipe cards, invitation/envelope, party food label and favor box. Get your freebie here

BrooklynLimestone is also offering a free menus download. Her print work is gorgeous. She is so talented and her home is beautiful. Check out her blog to see her work.

I love these thankful for cards by erinvaledesign

She has such lovely paper goods and if you haven't visited her site please make sure to do so. You will find lots of freebies from this talented designer.

For the hostess or just because these lovely fall inspired gift tags and napkin bands can go a long way. Check out another one of my favorite inspirational designers CreatureComforts. You'll find great tips on how you can use these tags.

Creating a kids thanksgiving table

I am having dinner at my house this year as well as making the entire menu. I am going to need all the help I can get from mom and that means grandma's babysitting duties will have to be passed on to someone else. I am thinking of making it special this thanksgiving by creating a space for the kids. How fun would it be to have your own table and decorated just for you. These ideas are sure to keep the kiddos busy and entertained and hopefully make mommy thankful for eating their veggies too.

works as a tablecloth and little artists canvas.

country living

a basket filled with goodies for keeping little ones busy

an art tool centerpiece

family fun

a thankful tree


being thankful turkey
parents.com

place cards idea
family fun

Popcorn Bar

The thought of having a candy bar buffet at my daughter's first birthday makes me a bit nervous in dealing with a group of sugar rushed kids climbing the walls and jumping on the couches and would probably make many of my friends and family want to ring my neck since Halloween was just a week ago. So I have decided to go a healthy and very budget friendly route. POPCORN!!! Not just plain or buttery popcorn but a popcorn bar with several salty and sweet toppings. Okay, so maybe not entirely healthy, but what's a party without candy, cakes and sweetness. In my research there are several sweet and savory concoctions. The sky is the limit with popcorn. Just imagine a s'mores version. Chocolate chunks, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows. YUMM

Martha Stewart

flickr

A Sunshine Birthday

I am currently working on my daughter's 1st birthday and since I sing "you are my sunshine" to her everyday I thought it would be a perfect theme. Can't wait to post pics from the party.

Entertaining

I love entertaining when I get around to it. Between a two year old, an 8 month old, a wild boxer, a large home to keep somewhat clean and in order, who really has the time. Not me. But lately I have been drawn to the party world. Not your birthday, wedding or big to do party but a simple, casual gathering of friends for good conversation, yummy food and drinks.

I love, love, love cake stands especially this black one.

{rosannainc.com}

You can't go wrong with a lemonade jar. I want one just to put sangria in.

{Pier1.com}

Again, the tiered platters are simply my favorite. This would be perfect for a brunch.

{rosannainc.com}

A perfect buffet table. I could see a large bowl or bucket placed in the opening. You can see there is a place to hang your wine glasses on the second shelf.

{pier1.com}

Aren't these pretty? Acrylic patio safe drinkware. Better than the classic red plastic cups.

Cheers to good times and much needed mommy time.

The circus has come to town!!!

Seriously, the cutest circus themed party for two little boys. Please check out Kara's blog for more of her amazing party ideas.

These were the favors.

My favorite idea of all. The DIY photobooth


Can you believe these are cupcakes. This mom is so talented and creative.

Bug spray optional

It's that time of year, cool summer nights, barefoot picnics, stargazing and music in the park. I am looking forward to this Friday evening because a local swing band will be playing at our local park.
I think I will make the menu simple since it will be our dinner.

• Avocado and ham sandwiches
• Cheese and fruit platter
• watermelon
• chilled wine and juice for the little ones

Okay that sounds wonderful but..... I need to make sure it all goes as planned. Need to find parking among the thousand that will be there. Hopefully I'll find a great spot to dance, let my daughter go crazy and see the band. Oh yeah and hopefully the meal that I plan to bring doesn't end up being In -n-Out Burger, which isn't a bad thing.

Oh, and I must remember to bring bug spray.

"B" is for Baby shower

This has got to "bee" one of the cutest baby showers ever.

I just love the color combination and the use of the letter B throughout the party's decor.

See more from the creative trio here