Bella Grace Party Designs

{REAL PARTY} Strawberry Shortcake Birthday

2011-04-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

One more quick post before I go MIA for another little while! *WINK*

Here are a few photos from my daughter's 4th birthday party.

I am not huge on character birthday party but she had been planning

her Strawberry Shortcake Party since her "Pink Party" last year!

You can find this adorable and SUPER easy

Strawberry Favor Box template on Oriental Trading Company

Sweet Skewers by the one and only

SWEETS INDEED!
Always a hugh hit with the kiddos!

All paper party supplies ordered from Birthday in a Box.

And this sad little cake was decorated by Publix... LOL...

I was very dissappointed but it was too last minute to do anything about it.

I just had to laugh about it!

More ADORABLE cookies by my favorite baker...

Lori's Place Gourmet Delights

Her perfect little outfit is from the "Burst of Spring" line from Gymboree.

{REAL PARTY} My Gender Reveal Party

2011-04-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'm back for a very quick second!

Just wanted to announce...

IT'S A GIRL!

Since this will be the last of our little ones...

I really wanted to do a Gender Reveal Team Pink-Team Blue Party!

Here are a few shots from it... Sorry that the photography isn't so hot...

I was WAY TOO excited to focus on capturing the details... I just wanted to know BOY or GIRL!

Adorable and Fun Cupcake toppers by

Cake and Kids

Tasty & Perfectly decorated cookies by

Lori's Place Gourment Delights

TEAM PINK...

TEAM BLUE...

We are super excited to be welcoming Baby Girl #3 this coming July!

Hopefully I will be posting more soon!

Soaking it all in...

2010-12-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hey Ya'll, I'm so sorry that my posts are so few and far between...

I just wanted to write and say that I love and appreciate all my followers but

for now I am just enjoying my family and all the amazing ways God is moving in my life.

Parties will be always be my passion and I am going to continue to plan and post parties just not as often as usual. Keep following.... in the spring I will for sure have some great things to post about! God is so good and I am just going to soak it all in for now!

{Photo via Art Studio 54 etsy Shop}

"Kids Only" Fall Table

2010-11-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

{HAPPY FALL YA'LL}

Hello! Just wanted to post real quickly with this super adorable "Kids Only" Fall table that my mother in law and I put together a few weeks ago for a

Fall Dinner Party that we hosted.

This table was inspired by the Celebration Shoppe's Harvest Collection.

I fell in love with the adorable scarecrow and the addition of the bright blue color to all the

traditional fall colors. This party only hosted 4 little ones so I didn't purchase the printables but they would have been PERFECT!

{FAVORS} Candy Corn Cupcakes in Mason Jars

{Details found at...}

Wooden painted Scarecrow and Favor tags - created by my VERY talented mother in law.

Scarecrow Treat Bags- Lillian Vernon

Wheel barrel gummy holder, Candy corn shaped lolly and Table Fabric- JoAnn's Fabric

Circle candy corn lollipop, Popcorn balls, Red melamine plate, Mason Jars- Walmart

Acorn bowl- Michaels Craft Store

Tiered Stand and wooden wheel barrel- Thrift Store

Sippy cups- Kmart

{Inspiration} Festive Fall Dinner Party

2010-10-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Ya'll, Real quick...

I just wanted to post this super festive inspiration board that was posted last year by the The Party Dress. My mother-in-law and I are working on a Rustic Fall Dinner Party for this coming weekend. Keep your eyes out for photos sometime soon!

{Inspiration Board designed by The Party Dress}

dinner table and buffet table (countryliving.com ), invitation (tinyprints.com), barrel of apples (stylemepretty.com), girl (inmagine.com), candles (realsimple.com), mini apple pies (williams-sonoma.com)

Sweets Indeed HaLLoWeen Giveaway WINNER is...

2010-10-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sweets Indeed HaLLoWeen Sweet Skewers

Giveaway WINNER is...

Comment #7

nole_chic said...

SOOOOOO cute!!! I am a fan of sweets indeed!!!

September 30, 2010 4:58 PM

CONGRATS!!!

Email me right away so that I can get

your address for shipping! Also, let me know if you would like to order

any additional skewers at an awesome 10% off!

lmintrone@yahoo.com

Thank you SWEETS INDEED

for a fun and festive giveaway!

My 5th Wedding Anniversary

2010-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today I married my best friend, my soul mate and the most amazing man I know...When God created him, he must have beening thinking about me!

Happy Anniversary Love!

{HALLOWEEN} Freebie and Giveaway

2010-09-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

HaLLoWeen is right around the corner and happens to fall smack in the middle of my favorite time of year. One of my favorite details about Halloween and throwing a great Halloween party is the creativity that goes behind the PARTY FAVOR !!!

I hope you didn't miss the guest blog post over at one of my favorite blogs

HALF BAKED!

I got together with a few of my favorite party vendors to come up with some fantastic party favor ideas.....
GO CHECK IT OUT!

Jessica of Pen N' Paper Flowers and I came together again to create a great
Halloween Printable FREEBIE for ya'll.
Use it for cupcake toppers, favor tags or incorporate it into your spooky halloween sweets table.
I hope ya'll enjoy it! We thought they turned out great!

~CLICK TO DOWNLOAD~

NOW for a fabulous giveaway from...

SWEETS INDEED

Winner will receive 4 Sweets Indeed's

Halloween Candy Kabobs!!!!

To win... Become a FAN of Sweets Indeed on Facebook.

Come back and leave a message here that your a FAN!

Winner will be picked October 10th via Random.org.

Winner will also get 10% off any additional Halloween Skewer purchase from Sweets Indeed.

Happy Halloween Party Planning!

{Real Party} Sweet Shoppe

2010-09-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

HI! I'm alive! I'm sorry for my lack of post lately...

I have been focusing on the family and the regular craziness of having two small children.

But I wanted to post really really quickly about this SUPER adorable

Sweet Shoppe Party by Natalie of

the Busy Budgeting Mama blog!

Natalie took a super fabulous and popular theme and went ABOVE and BEYOND by creating a Sweet Shoppe Village for her adorable daughter Sophia's 2nd birthday.

So many super cute details... Sophia is one lucky little girl!

You MUST head over the Busy Budgeting Mama Blog and

check out the rest of the details and photos!

Natalie, Sophia's party was beyond adorable. You did a phenomenal job!

{Real Party} Lily's Luau

2010-09-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, one last summer post before we are full force into Fall!

My favorite time of the year! YAY!

Aubree Seaman sent me this adorable LUAU created for her daughter Lily's 6th birthday.

I adore the bright color scheme and the precious little girls in there super

fun hawaiian skirts!

I love the sweet and simple luau tablescape, set to feature a delicious dinner of Hawaiian chicken and pineapple from the grill. Perfect combo for the occasion!

Each girl took home a super thoughtful party favor ...

a pineapple drink cup and there very own grass skirt and flower hair clip made by Aubree.

Gourmet cupcakes made by Happiness In A Bite

Cookies made to PERFECTION by my FAVORITE baker, Lori of

Lori's Place

Be sure to head over to Aubree's Blog for all the details and lots more great photos!

Thank you Aubree for sharing your daughter's big day with me!

You did a fantastic job... Just look at the smile on that little girl's face! So Sweet!

Ladies Country Hoedown Inspiration

2010-09-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been privileged to join the ladies ministry

planning team at my amazing church

GRACE FAMILY CHURCH EAST LAKE

And to say the least... I am beyond excited!

This month we are planning a Country Line Dancing hoedown ladies event to bring all the

Ladies of Grace Family together for a fun night of food, fellowship and

hopefully lots of laughs.

Despite some crazy changes that have happened over the past few months I am so very

blessed that this is where God has lead me to use my talents.

I couldn't be in a better more rewarding place in my life.

{Brown Cow Fabric} {Pink Pasiley Bandana}

{Southern Charm Mason Jar Floral Arrangement } {Pink Cowboy Boots}

{Cowgirl Cookies Jars} {Pink Vintage Tissue Pom Poms}

{Real Party} Toy Story Cowgirl Party

2010-08-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

{YEE HAW}

This adorable Toy Story Cowgirl Party came to me from

Beth Kruse Custom Creations.

Beth mentioned recently seeing my daughter's Toy Story Party. She was excited to share this party with me because she was so happy to see that she wasn't the only mom who bought boy pjs for her daughter. That made me smile!

Whatever mades the kiddo happy... right?

{I always say...}

I love seeing someone successfully take a popular

character theme and turn it into something stylish...

The cake is precious and I LOVE the wooden container used to hold these s'more pops!

{Great details}

I love all the SUPER CUTE DETAILS here!

Check out Beth's Blog for all the fun details!

Thank you Beth for sending this to me...

You did a great job and I bet the kids loved each and every detail...

especially the birthday {cow}girll!

{Real Party} Vintage Circus Baby Shower

2010-08-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

This super fun Vintage Circus baby shower came to me from Tanya of

Sweet Little Parties {a blog by The Candy Tree}

You can never go wrong with Vintage, a Circus theme or Polka Dots...

so this baby shower was the perfect combination of all of the above.

I love the color scheme and I adore the fabrics used in the buntings.

{Fairy floss cupcakes} {Popcorn cones} {Tissue paper pom poms}

FUN... FUN and FUN!

This invitation set the tone perfectly...

Themed printables, bunting, lolly bags & tissue pom poms will be

available soon from The Candy Tree website...so stay tuned!!

Also, check out The Candy Tree on Facebook!

Thank you Tanya for sharing this with me! GREAT JOB!

Is this NOT the truth?

2010-08-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Now, this {PHOTO} deserved it's very own blog post!

First of all, to all my party momma's out there....

IS THIS NOT THE TRUTH or WHAT?

During the planning process of each and every party I plan... there is always that moment of creative inspiration when I say "... And for my next party I am going to..." and my husband says,

"Whoa, whoa...Let's finish this party before you go jumping the gun..." LOL

Not only does this photo crack me up, but it seriously is one of the MOST CREATIVE ideas

that I have seen used in the {OH so popular} photobooth concept!

Chalkboard thought bubbles!!!

Great job to Stacey from Elle Belle!!!

In my book, you win the most thoughful and creative award for the YEAR!

{Photo by Elemental Image}

{Real Party} One Year Old in A FLASH...

2010-08-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

This super fun and bright First Birthday came to me from Stacey of Elle Bella Blog, a blog filled with great DIY projects. When I saw this party, I immediately fell in love with the color sheme... one of my favs!

Stacey says" Every parent says it… they grow up so fast! In just a year’s time, they go from snuggling and sleeping most of the day to toddling around the house, laughing, and calling out for “Ma Ma Ma”. The bittersweet thoughts about our last baby's first birthday & the desire to capture this fun time in my little one’s life inspired the theme for Liv’s party:

One Year Old in a Flash. "

Invitation designed by Beyond Design... Set the tone of the party PERFECTLY!

Water labels are one of my favorite party details! (designed by Beyond Design)

Such a simple idea but it always has such a huge impact!

Chocolate dipped oreos, homemade marshmallows, and white chocolate covered popcorn ...

{YUM}

You have to check out the details and more photos of the fun

photo booth Stacey created for the party.

PERFECT detail for such a unique theme!

Always love seeing the family photos ... Gorgeous family!

{Photography by Dawn of Elemental Image}

Stacey, Thank you so much for sharing this super fun and unique party with me.

Your creativity, attention to detail and determination to create a unique idea is very inspiring!

Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

{Real Parties} Leapin' Lizards Giada is Two

2010-08-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

So, we tried to keep it simple this year by taking my daughter's 2nd birthday party to the beach and with just a few cute details.... it was an amazing relaxing day with friends!

My daughter Giada is IN LOVE with Lizards right now so nothing could have made her happier than her very own Girly Gecko Party!

I had a great time working with Jessica of Pen N' Paper Flowers creating

the adorable lizard graphic. She did such a PERFECT job helping me create the great

water bottle labels and Lizard lotion labels.

These super cute and incredibly tasty Lizard Cookies were created by the very talented

Lori's Place Gourmet Delights. Check out her etsy shop!

Super cute Lizard candy kabobs were created by Marie of Sweets Indeed.

So much talent at Sweets Indeed... Keep your eyes out for a giveaway from Sweets Indeed soon!

My good friend Joy of Little Bits of Joy made the perfect polka dot boutique bows.

I couldn't help but embellish the birthday girl's bow with a cutie little lizard.

Girly Gecko Graphic (Water Label and Lizard Lotion Labels) - Pen N' Paper Flowers

Gecko Cookies- Lori Place Gourment Delights

Lizard Candy Kabobs- Sweets Indeed

Polka Dot Boutique Bows- Littls Bits of Joy

Inflatable Lizards-Inflatablez.com

Just a few more pictures of my little Lizard lover... she didn't let go of her lizards all day!

She's TWO!

2010-08-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

My gorgeous baby girl is TWO today! I'm not going to lie...

but I am a bit more emotional than I was on her first Birthday.

Just looking at her amazing blue eyes makes my heart melt everytime.

Giada is my little cuddle baby... and is by no means shy.

She is the precious little girl that will climb up in your lap and love on you just because.

She has such a amazing sense of humor and makes me laugh everyday, just like her daddy.

It's almost like she knows just how cute she is.

The past two years have been such a blessing and I truly can not wait to see

everything that is in store for my precious little girl.

Now look how cute she is with this super fun candy kabob created by Marie of Sweets Indeed.

And she couldn't be cuter in theses Ruffle Bottom Bloomers from Three Yellow Starfish

{Thank you SO VERY MUCH to

Courtney Vickers Photography

for the gorgeous photos}

Originally, I had this inspiration for her birthday party until we learned of her LOVE for Lizards. So, we will be celebrating her birthday at the beach this weekend with a very small and super simple Girly Gecko themed party. I am very excited for a super laid back day at the beach with my precious baby girl.

I love to be inspired by parties, design and people who share my passions...

but nothing could ever inspire me like being a mom to such a perfect little person.

Happy Birthday Giada!

Pink Lemonade and Cuteness

2010-08-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

Ok... forget party inspiration and design details for one minute!

This little girl is seriously the cutest little girl EVER. I am smitten over her gorgeous blue eyes and precious gummy smile. I could just squeeze her!

Birthday Girl Anna Claire couldn't have been any cuter for her 1st Birthday

invitation photoshoot!

I first found this precious Pink Lemonade 1st Birthday celebration on

Eat* Drink*Pretty blog. Then I couldn't help but check out the rest of the

party details on Anna Claire's mom, Pam's family blog.

I fell in LOVE with the perfect pink and yellow color scheme after seeing

Pen N' Paper Flowers Lemonade and Sunshine Party

Cake... Simple but oh so CUTE!

Pam made it herself!!!!

It's the little details like this mini paper garland that make

a huge impact on the design of a party! And it is a super easy DIY project!

I love what Pam did with the entrance to the party! I would have been giddy with excitment to walk into this party after seeing that adorable handmade Lemonade stand!

WAY... TOO... CUTE!

Pam did an absolutely WONDERFUL job with her daughter's 1st Birthday Party.

I am sure this was a celebration that all Anna Claire's friends and family will remember...

But really, how could you ever forget that CUTE little face!

Thank you Pam for letting me share your daughter's special day!

CUTE. CUTE. CUTE

Silly Little Toy Story Party

2010-07-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

So, I was totally not planning on posting this silly little party I had... but my mother in law told me that she was going to sign into facebook as a fake user and keep asking to see the photos. HILARIOUS! So, I decided to go ahead and post about...

"Alyssa's Toy Story Big Girl Goes to Bed by Herself Party"

I laugh everytime I say it because what kid gets a party for going to bed like a big girl?...

only the daughter of a party planner! I think it turned out cute for a last minute party filled with items from the walmart party section!

What would a party be without Blumeboxes?
This time I used them as mini cake stands!

I LOVE BLUMEBOX!

She couldn't have been more excited to tell her friends that she was

now a big girl that went to bed all by herself! I LOVE that little face!

Stylish Yo Gabba Gabba Party

2010-07-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

I just love when people take a popular kids character theme and turn it into something super stylish!

This "Stylish Yo Gabba Gabba Party" came to me from Krista Salmon of

Kiki's List Blog and I think she did a fabulous job. I was blown away by the amount effort that must have gone into this party. I am sure the kids went crazy over the character cut outs and getting to meet DJ Lance Rock!

Now, Look at this gorgeous arrangement!

WOW! Now this is a birthday cake!

Crazy fun favor bags!

Now, this is my favorite part! Look how cute these little faces are!

Look like this party was a HUGE success!

Thank you so much Krista for sending me your super fun party!

I am sure my readers will love to see how to make popular kids character themed party

into a seriously stylish affair! I hope your little Lou Lou bug enjoyed her big day! GREAT JOB!

{Sweets Table} Down on the Farm

2010-07-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

YEE HAW!

When I saw this sweets table styled by Sweets Indeed I couldn't stop looking at the photos!

There are SO many amazingly creative details... it is serious eye candy!

The "Down on the Farm" party concept was created by Send in the Clowns Event Planning and what a great job they did executing this idea.

The very sweet and amazingly talented Marie of Sweets Indeed was brought onto this party for her super talents in creating perfectly detailed sweets tables.

Sweets Indeed did a phenomenal job taking the "Down on the Farm" theme and helping designing a general store and lemonade stand where the kids could use play money to fill their favor pails with yummy treats and old fashioned toys.

I bet the kids went crazy over this!

The dessert table was filled with super creative items including homespun honey, “Moo Moo Milkdud” cartons, chicken and piggy cake pops, kettle corn, and tons of old
fashioned candy items. No single detail was left out... they thought of everything!

These piggy and chickie cake pops from Sweet and Saucy Shop are almost to cute to eat!

The Lemonade stand is my favorite detail from this perfectly thought out party.

What better way to quench your thirt then sipping lemonade from a these adorable mason jars? I also REALLY love the use of the berry baskets filled of gummy strawberries and fruit rings. I SO love pink and yellow together this season.

AMAZING JOB!

Send in the Clowns Event Planning and Sweets Indeed

Photos are Courtesy of The Pixel Studio

Divine Ladies Luncheon

2010-07-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

I just adore this Ladies Luncheon from Katie Grace Designs!

I have a serious obsession with details and this party is FULL of them!

The color scheme is so relaxing and the pops of coral make it so pleasing to the eye!

This dessert table to die for! Katie wanted everything

"to feel organic and warm,"

and I think she did a perfect job!

This is my absolute favorite detail!

How special would you feel to be a guest at this party?

What a thoughtful and practical party favor!

Details... Details.... Details

{L.O.V.E}

Please head over the Katie Grace Designs Blog and see more of the

gorgeous details that she used to create this divine event.

Thank you so very much Katie for sharing this perfectly put together party!

I hope your mom had a wonderful birthday. She is very lucky to have you.

{Cool Off} Watermelon Inspiration

2010-07-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

IT'S HOT!!! I took my girls to a birthday party today and it was HOT HOT HOT!

All I could think about was how refreshing an ice cold slice of watermelon would be.

Creating this watermelon inspiration board cooled me off a little!

ENJOY!

{Adorable Little Girls & Watermelon Dresses}

{Watermelon Pie} {Watermelon Jello Jiggler}

{Watermelon Plates} {Watermleon Slices}

{Apple Pie Lollipop}{ Watermlon Cupcakes}

{Watermelon Sorbet}

{WINNER} Three Yellow Starfish Ruffle Bottom Giveaway

2010-07-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

AND.... The Winner of Three Yellow Starfish

precious custom made

Dotty Tangerine Ruffle Bottom Bloomer is....

COMMENT NUMBER 18

by Elizabeth " I love all of her stuff!!

The ruffle bloomers and reversible pinnies are sooooo cute!!"

CONGRATS ELIZABETH!!!

Please email me to lmintrone@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Thank You So Much Three Yellow Starfish

for such an adorable giveaway!

MORE Inspiration into Reality... coming soon!

2010-07-09T05:42:00.000-07:00

{L.O.V.E}

Kori of Paper and Pigtails created this precious inspiration board for her daughter's 3rd birthday party coming in August. Just read THIS!

{Clockwise from top left : Lilly Pulitzer Tort Plate,

handmade marshmallows, turtle sewing pattern,

pink balloons, Pink and Green Cake photo via i am baker , kiwi pops}

{GIVEAWAY} Three Yellow Starfish Ruffle Bottom Bloomers

2010-07-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

I was so very impressed with how all the outfits for the

Little Firecracker's 4th of July Riverside Soiree turned out!!! So....

I am happy to announce this adorable giveaway from

THREE YELLOW STARFISH

We are giving away a pair of precious custom made

Dotty Tangerine Ruffle Bottom Bloomers

So So cute and perfect colors for the summer and the fall!

Look how cute my little Giada looks in a pair of these little things!

Here is how to enter (as many as three entries per person):

1.Become a fan of Bella Grace Party Designs on Facebook

and leave a comment here that you are a fan or already are.

2. Take a look at Three Yellow Starfish SHOP, and leave a comment

here with what item you would love to see on your little girl!

3. Become a fan of Three Yellow Starfish on Facebook and

leave me comment here that you are a fan.

4. Post about this giveaway on your Blog, on Twitter or Facebook Page

and comment here, dont forget to include links!

Please leave separate comments per entry!

We will choose a winner Friday, July 16th.

We will choose a winner using random.org.

YAY!

PART II: Little Firecracker's Riverside Soirée

2010-07-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

I think I took of 300 pictures of these precious kids over the weekend.

I just couldn't get enough of them in these adorable outfits from
Three Yellow Starfish

This is G sporting the super stylish and popular Pinafore top and Ruffle Bottom Bloomers

Here are C and H showing off the adorable and oh so cozy Lounge pants

Here is precious P in another reversible Pinafore dress.

Here is little miss A... who I couldn't get out from in front of the camera.

She was gorgeous in her little Knot Dress.

Now, I hope you enjoy the rest of these photos of the Little Firecracker's enjoying their 4th of July Soirée. This is a holiday I will never forget... but how could I after seeing these adorable little smiling faces!?

***Patriotic Ice Cream***

Here the kiddos are doing a fun 4th of July craft... creating Star Spangled Wavers.

Head over to Inspiring Minds Blog for links and directions!

I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing holiday!

The Little Firecrackers SURE did!

{Custom Outfits provided by Three Yellow Starfish}

Little Firecracker's 4th of July Riverside Soirée

2010-07-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend as much as I did! I was

lucky enough to spend the 4th with some of my best friends and family

at my in-laws home on the beautiful Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.

This year I really wanted to plan something memorable for my

girls so that is why I came up with the idea of the

Little Firecracker's 4th of July Riverside Soirée.

Party Printables were designed and fashioned by myself and Kori of

PAPER and PIGTAILS

Here are a few of my favorite details...

These adorable custom fondant cupcake toppers were

4th of July Mini Sparklers created by Marie of Sweets Indeed.

The kiddos got a kick out of their own little party pad right on the river...

Can't forget these super cute, fun filled 4th of July party favors from

Colleen of Happy Little Art etsy shop!

Stay tuned for PART II of the Little Firecracker's Riverside Soirée...

showing off the adorable outfits created by Margaret of Three Yellow Starfish and more photos of all the fun the Little Firecrackers had during their super fun soirée

{Sneak Peek} Firecracker's Riverside Soiree

2010-07-03T17:25:00.001-07:00

***HAPPY 4th of JULY weekend! ***
Here is a sneak peek for this weekend's
***Little Firecracker's Riverside Soirée ***

Super Cute 4th of July Mini Sparkler Candy Kabobs from Sweets Indeed!

{4th of July} Festive Tablescape

2010-07-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a super festive and budget friendly tablescape desgined by Simply Creative Insanity using the FREE 4th of July Printables I posted from Paper and Pigtails

Brandy did a great job, she will celebrating the 4th in style for sure this year!

{Photos via Simply Creative Insanity}

Cool off on the 4th of July

2010-06-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

Living in the Florida, one of the first things I think of my when I think of July 4th is....

****HOT!****

Then I think... How am I going to keep cool on the 4th?

Stay inside in the air conditioner!

Yea, but that wouldn't be any fun for me or the kiddos.

So... how about giving the kids one of these!

and us adults can sit in the shade with one of these... YUM!

{Patriotic Popsicle and Watermelon Blaster}

Keep Cool!

{4th of July} on the Menu

2010-06-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of the deliciousness that will be eaten at our

4th of July Celebration this weekend... YUM!

{Paula Deen's Lady Cheesy Mac and Dry Rub Baby Back Ribs}

{Patriotic Trifle}

{Red, White and Blue Cupcakes via Taste of Home}

{Sneak Peek} Lil' Firecracker's 4th of July Riverside Soiree

2010-06-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick sneak peek of the

*****************************************************************************************************

Little Firecracker's 4th of July Riverside Soiree

These are the adorable outifits I ordered from Three Yellow StarFish

for the all the kiddos who will be at the party. Can't wait to see them on!

I can't believe the 4th of July is Sunday! I am so very excited!

{Inspiration into Reality}

2010-06-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

I have been eyeing this amazing inspiration board from Snippet and Ink for a while now and they recently posted another board that took my breath away.

I can't wait to use these inspirations this fall for a fun Bumble Bee Tea!

{amazing inspirations by Snippet and Ink}

STUNNING. UNIQUE... Oh So Shabby Chic!

2010-06-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

Stunning. Unique. Perfection. Beautiful.

That doesn't even begin to describe this "Lemonade and Sunshine" party

designed by Jess at Pen N' Paperflowers. I was in love from the first photo I saw and then the details of this perfectly styled soiree continued to blow me away as a kept reading.

I have a place in my heart for all things shabby chic and

this made me love it that much more!

Here are a few of my most favorite details, the tin cans, the empty bottles

dangling from tree branches, precious favor buckets and coordinating lollies.

These precious lemonade sugar cookies were the perfect touch.

These are the kind of details that remind me how much I love what I do....

an old bird bath used to display frozen

lemon sugar cookie ice cream & strawberry/lemon swirled italian ice.

And a Pink Cake made to perfection.

There are so many more details to catch over at Pen N' Paperflowers.

This party made me smile and makes me grateful for all the amazing

and talented artists out there that inspire me everyday.

Thanks Jess for letting me share your stunning party...

Your daughters are very lucky to have the opportunity to learn

from such a amazingly talented women.

CHEERS to Patriotic Cocktails

2010-06-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

I am not really sure what compelled me to do a post on Patriotic Cocktails...

Maybe the sweltering HOT 100 degree Florida weather or

just the fact that I could really use nice cocktail and a day off. LOL
I will for sure be sipping on one of these on the 4th!

{INDEPENDENCE DAY COCKTAIL RECIPES}

RED FIZZ . WHITE SANGRIA . BLUE MARGARITA

{Photo via sheknow.com}

{RED FIZZ}

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup passion fruit vodka
1 cup cranberry juice

Champagne

Fresh cranberries

Directions:

Shake vodka and cranberry juice together with ice until chilled. Strain mixture into a champagne glass about 3/4 of the way full. Top with a splash of Champagne and a few berries.

{WHITE SANGRIA}
Makes 1 pitcher

Ingredients:

Vodka

Malibu

Ginger Ale

Raspberries

Blueberries

Mint

Directions:

Combine equal amounts vodka and Malibu in a large pitcher. Add in the fruit and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. To serve, pour fruit mixture into chilled glasses and top with a splash of ginger ale.

{BLUE MARGARITA}

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

1 ounce white tequila

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce fresh lime juice

Salt for garnish

Directions:

Shake tequila with Blue Curacao and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Dip rim of margarita glass in water then in salt. Pour drink in salt-rimmed glass and serve. You can also serve this drink frozen by pureeing in a blender with ice.

****************************************************************************
Check out these Patriotic Cocktails shown by Hostess with the Mostess from last year.

When I sat down to do this post on 4th of July Cocktails, I
realized it had already been done with perfection by HWTM

{Cocktail Inspirations via HWTM}

1. Fourth of July Cocktail from Guy Fieri

A thin slice of jalapeno or serrano pepper adds a fiery kick to this tequila-based cocktail, which gets it's pretty colors from cranberry juice, watermelon schnapps, and blue curacao.
{via Food Network}

***

2. Strawberry Sucker
Strawberry schnapps, vodka, and club soda make up this sweet and fizzy afternoon drink. Add a skewer of blueberries for a splash of blue!
{via Rachael Ray}

***
3. Watermelon Mint Cooler
Ingredients
• 4 cups seedless watermelon chunks (about 1 pound)
• 1 1/2 cups lemonade
• 1/2 cup fresh mint
• blackberries for garnish (optional)

Directions
In a blender, puree the watermelon and lemonade; strain if desired.
Stir in the mint and serve over ice.
For an instant cocktail: Stir in 1/2 cup vodka or tequila before serving.
Garnish with a blackberries.
{via Real Simple}

***

4. Patriotic Margarita
This pretty drink gets it's striped look from a layer of blue HPNOTIQ Liqueur topped with a red layer made from strawberry puree, dark rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and crushed ice.
{via Costal Living}

***

5. Red, White, and HPNOTIQ Blue Martini
Blue liqueur and grenadine give this citrus vodka-based martini it's patriotic flair. Garnished coconut adds a touch of white!
{via Bar None Drinks}

Sweets?... Indeed!!!

2010-06-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Pink and Green will never get old!!!

I am thrilled to show off this precious dessert buffet designed by Marie at Sweets Indeed, who by the way is so super SWEET! I am currenting working with Marie to create some super fun candy kabobs for my daughters' 4th of July party and a few upcoming parties in August. Marie creates and designs wonderful sweets and candy displays that are almost to gorgeous to eat. You have to take a look at her gallery on her website, it is full of sweet inspiration. Thank you Marie so letting me show off your brilliance.

{Sweets Table designed by Sweets Indeed and Photography by Pixel Studios}

ACME Party Box Grand Opening

2010-06-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Remember the Woodland Party Design from ACME Party Box I was so thrilled to show you?

Well, I am even more thrill to announce ACME Party Box GRAND OPENING!

You have to go check out all the awesome and

completely unique party decor they have waiting for you!

ACME Party Box Company delivers hip and easy eco-responsible parties to your door.

How can you not love that?

ACME offers Party Packages complete with letterpress invitations, linens, favors, tableware and centerpieces! They also offer custom party design for kids, adults and corporate events.

The incredibly unique kids party designs are perfect down to every detail...

and you all know how much I LOVE detail!

They have all the most popular themes right now... Circus, Woodland and a collection they call Kingdom, which is much like the dragon theme that I know is so popular for the boys

Now this is my favorite part!

As much as I like kids parties... I LOVE a party just for us grown ups!

Take a look at their at few of their Grown Up Party collections!

I adore this fabric in their Wedding Shower Collection.

The color combo in their Baby Shower Collection is one of my favorite combinations.

I am very excited for ACME Party Box and all they have to offer, so head over to their shop and

{PARTY.RINSE.REPEAT}

Kathy, I wish you the best of luck with ACME Party Box. Your designs are Perfection!

{All photography courtesy of Nicole Hill Gerulat}

4th of July Printables

2010-06-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Here it is! Check out Paper and Pigtails 4th of July Printables now available!

Look how great these super fun FREE Printable Party Circles look!

Paper and Pigtails is offering a 4th of July Party Pack for only $25!

Complete with printable snack cups, water bottle labels and thank you favor tags!

Three different water label designs!

Thank You Favor Tags

Also, Printable Invitations are available upon request!

Happy Fourth of July! I am super excited to celebrate this year!

WOW... another Woodland Party!

2010-06-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! I am so happy I found this. I actually stumbled on this party design when I saw

One Charming Party tweet about an adorable photo shoot she did with Nicole Hill Gerulet. Of course I had to go check it out... precious BTW!!! So, I started scooting around

Nicole's blog, a little sussy and I found this! A fabulous photo shoot by

Nicole of a company called ACME Party Box's upcoming party lines .

This little hedgehog makes me giggle... of course he immediately

made me think of Paper and Pigtails Woodland Friends

party set featuring a precious little hedgehog just like this!

I have always LOVED these little mason jars...

I adore this fabric...

I can not wait to see everything the ACME Party Box has to offer when

their shop opens up in just a short few weeks.

Check out Paper and Pigtails little hedgehog featured in their Woodland Friends Party Line.