Polka Dot Cake

My girls have already let me know they want a Lalaloopsy-themed birthday party this year (mind you, their birthday isn't until June!)  Well, I was so thrilled when I saw this polka dot birthday cake from Once Upon a Pedestal.  I think it'll be perfect! The polka dots are made using a cake pop pan.  You can find the full tutorial here.

Shiny Fringe Chandelier

 Yesterday I shared a shiny Chevron wall art idea. Today we're staying shiny with this very festive chandelier DIY from 100 Layer Cake. What a great focal point for any party!  Especially ideal for a runway, rock star or New Year's Eve party.  Find the full tutorial here.

Shiny Chevron Wall Art

Chevron is certainly not going away.  The pattern is still strong in party decorating, interior decorating and stationery.  I love this shiny, bling-y take on it. And this idea can certainly be used as a party table background and of course, as wall art, as it's done here by Live Love DIY.  Find the full tutorial here.

Our 100th School Day Projects

The 100th school day for my girls is Monday February 4th. To celebrate the day-like many schools do--the 1st grade students have to come up with a project that includes 100 items of something. No specifics are given--only that the class has to be able to see the 100 items.  So, Renee and Siena tackled their projects this past weekend.  I admit: I gave them a list of possible projects to do.  Renee decided on a gumball machine and Siena decided on a birthday cake.

For the Gumball Machine, I found this cute free printable--specifically for this day from Plum Adorable here.  There's a line at the bottom for the child to add their name.  And Renee added a quarter in the slot. (Don't you love the greasy fingerprints that are already on there?!)  Renee glued on all the poms but some are already falling off, so I've been hot glue-ing the jumpers back on.

For the Birthday Cake, we used a round paper mache box (a larger version of this) that you can find in any craft store. We wrapped the sides with decorated paper.  (Siena decorated the paper before we glued it on.)  We flipped the lid over, covered the rim with pink paper and glued it to the bottom piece.  Siena then painted a styrofoam disk pink and we inserted that into the lid.  That way she could stick all the candles in on her own.  They were pretty happy with their projects!

Does your school celebrate 100 days?  What projects will your little one be presenting??

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Get Your Craft On

Valentine Classroom Ideas

I knew the email was coming soon... the email letting us know it was time to start planning the class Valentine Day parties.  There are so many cute ideas out there and I am having fun sifting through all the heart projects.  Renee and Siena are in first grade so I don't want to suggest anything too hard to do.  Here are some favorites I've found that would work for a classroom or at home.  If you are planning a kids Valentine's Day party, make sure to check out my post from last year here and my Pinterest Board here. 

CRAFT IDEAS:

(click on names to be brought to source):

Love Hanger from All Kids Network

This is my favorite.  Handprint Heart Tree from Putti's World.

Yarn Heart Cards from Parents.com. I think an oversized version of this would be great, too.

Mason Jar Tea Lights from Homemade Serenity

SNACK IDEA:

We made these "Love Bug" cookies last year and they were a big hit!  Here's Renee with her's.  We made them by frosting heart shaped cookies, used mini Nilla wafers for the head, chocolate chips for the spots and licorice for the antannae.

GAME IDEAS:

I don't have photos for these, but two ideas for games are:

"Heart Potato" Using a heart shaped pillow, it's played as the traditional Hot Potato game

"Couples Match Game"  This one involves a bit of work.  Using cards, kids have to match famous couples.  So, you would need to make the cards for this game: Mickey and Minnie, Dora and Boots, etc.

VALENTINE EXCHANGE IDEAS:

If you're trying to avoid Valentines with candy there are a lot of great ideas out there: bouncey balls, sun glasses, we did glow sticks last year.  Here are a couple of different ones to add to the list:

Crazy straws found on Pinterest with no source :(

Punch balls from Coffee & Cabernet

What kind of activities are you planning for your Valentine Day class??

This Week's Tip-off: DIY Candles

This is a great recycling project, and a great way to customize candles for your party!  If you don't want to bother with the wicks, you can use this idea to just make adornments for your cakes.  Using small cookie cutters, find the full tutorial at Hello Lucky.

Pepperoni Bread Twist

Before the holidays a friend of mine had a soup party.  She literally had 8 or so crockpots set up around her kitchen with various soups that either she or guests made.  Since I knew she would be set with soup options, I wanted to bring something that people could eat with the soup. Alas, bread! I've been making this bread twist for a while now and it's always gobbled up in minutes.  It's actually a recipe adapted from Pampered Chef. Since it's filled with pepperoni, olives and cheese, it's perfect to bring as an appetizer or to a potluck.

What you need:
1 package pepperoni slices, diced
1 can (3.25 oz) pitted black olives, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons flour
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 packages (11 oz each) refrigerated French bread dough (I used Pillsbury)
Optional:
1 egg
Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 375-degrees. In a small bowl, combine diced pepperoni, chopped black olives, snipped parsley, mozzarella cheese, flour and garlic.

Place bread dough, seam sides up on your baking tray. (I just sprayed mine with cooking spray, but you might want to use parchment paper.) Slice each loaf lengthwise, end to end, cutting to the center of the loaf.  Then I used a tablespoon to create a well down the center of each one, like this:

Spoon half of the pepperoni mixture down the center of each loaf.

Pull the sides over the filling, pinching them together to seal each one.  If you're having trouble, sometimes a slight brush of water will work like glue.  Place the loaves seam side down. Criss-cross the ends of each loaf together.  Then, slit the tops so you can see the yummy filling inside.  Finally, if you want, whisk the egg and seasoning together and brush over the top.  I even sprinkled some parmesan cheese over the top, too.  It'll look like this before you put it in the oven.

Finally, bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

I made two of these for the party and they vanished!  Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the loaves sliced up :(  But it looks so delicious seeing the stuffing in each slice!

Please let me know if you try this. It's easy and looks so great on the table.

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Give Your Home Entertaining a Happy Ending With Mrs. Smith's Signature Deep Dish Pies

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mrs. Smith's. All opinions are 100% mine.

Whenever I'm entertaining-no matter how big or small the occasion-I always use the same formula when it comes to preparing the food: 1/3rd hot homemade; 1/3rd cold and 1/3rd store-bought.  With all the other preparations that need to be done, there is just no way one person can do it all!  So, when it comes to the store-bought items, it's always valuable to have a few go-to items in mind. And if you're like me, even if it's store-bought, you don't really want it to taste store-bought.  That's why you're going to love the new Mrs. Smith's Signature Deep Dish pies! 

Mrs. Smith's Signature Deep Dish Pies come in 4 variations:

-Signature Deep Dish Dutch Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce

-Signature Deep Dish Cherry Pie with Butter Fudge Sauce

-Signature Deep Dish Peach Pie with Cream Cheese Icing

-Signature Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie with Cream Cheese Icing

Our favorite is the Pumpkin Pie.  And we love it any time of the year-not just the holidays! The pouches of sauce or icing that you get with each pie lets you customize the pie.  Drizzle it over the pie or serve it as an optional topping on the side.  When you drizzle it over the top, the pie really looks homemade!

My husband loves apple pie, and seeing this Deep Dish Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce (another favorite of his) I'll have to make sure to pick one up!

So, the next time you're writing out your shopping list for your next dinner party, add one of Mrs. Smith's Signature Deep Dish pies.  Mrs. Smith's is sold at these retailers.

You can follow Mrs. Smith's for recipe and home entertinaing ideas on Facebook and Pinterest.

 

3D Framed Heart

I don't really decorate for Valentine's Day.  But I do think it's nice to recognize the holiday with something small and tasteful, maybe on the mantle or wall.  This 3D framed heart is definitely something I'd consider making.  Love the patterns against the black frame.  You can find the full tutorial here at Kaminski's Creations.

Adorable Minnie Mouse Birthday Party

Red and black polka dots prevailed in this adorable Minnie Mouse 2nd birthday party!  The only thing cuter was the little birthday girl herself, Averry.  Photographed and submitted by Jenna Norman Photography in California, all the details were DIY.  A bounce house provided fun for all.  Take a look!

 

 

 

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Help White Cloud Give Back to Children in Need

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

One of the things I love about my kids’ school is how proactive they are when it comes to helping their community and others.  Among other service initiatives, they have a Kids Care Club.  Some of the projects they’ve done include making blankets for the Linus Project, and Holiday cards to be sent to the troops overseas.  I especially love the Club because it meets every month, reminding us to “give back” beyond the holidays.  Giving back shouldn’t just be a “seasonal” activity.  And aren’t “giving back” opportunities always easier when they’re presented to you?  That’s why I want to make sure to tell you about this generous initiative White Cloud is doing with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), and how easy it is for you to help.

White Cloud: Together, We Can Make Miracles.

The children receiving treatment in the Children Miracle Network’s 168 U.S. member hospitals have put their creativity to work by illustrating a design that may become a new White Cloud Facial Tissue Box!  White Cloud has narrowed the selection to the top 10 finalists. These 10 designs have been uploaded to the White Cloud Facebook page where fans can vote for their favorites.  (Like White Cloud on Facebook!) Three winning designs will be printed on special edition White Cloud Facial Tissue boxes to be exclusively sold in Walmart stores starting in May.  (Find a store near you!.) White Cloud will also make a generous donation to each of the CMN hospitals with winning designs.  You can also vote by using their Voting App.

My personal favorite is Stephanie’s polka-dotted “HOPE” design. 

In Addition to Feeling Good About Your Participation, You Have the Chance to Win, Too!

Fans who vote for the designs will get the chance to enter into a sweepstakes. Three drawings will be held for $25 Walmart gift cards throughout the voting period and at the end of the voting period, three grand prize winners will be selected to win a one-year supply of White Cloud products.  Fans can gain additional entries by sharing a link to the contest with their friends. You can go back to vote every day and share.

 

 

Isn't that easy??  In what ways do you and your family give back?

Abbreviated Rules: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Children’s Miracle Network and Sweepstakes are sponsored by Kruger Products (USA), Inc. The Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, between the ages of 4 and 14, who are eligible patients at one of the 168 participating Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The entry period for the Contest begins on November 29, 2012 and ends on December 28, 2012. The Voter Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older. The Voter Sweepstakes begin at 6:00 p.m. ET on January 3, 2013 and end at 11:59 p.m. ET on January 30, 2013. For official rules, visit: http://mywhitecloud.com/tissue-box-contest

Today's Takeaway: Moonlight Backdrop

Heavenly... that's what I think of this moonlight background featured on Ruffled.

Create a special atmosphere or bring the outdoors in with an oversized backdrop.  A simpler version of this idea could even be used for a camping party.  Add glow in the dark stars and you've set the scene!  Find the original post here.

Get Dressed With No nonsense for Your Next Party!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Whenever I’m hosting a special occasion I always want to be comfortable, yet I want to look stylish.  I admit that my “go-to” color is always black.  It’s forgiving and never goes out of style!  So, I depend a lot on the accessories to change up and really stylize my outfit.  One really easy and very affordable way of doing that is with colored tights or leggings.  I’m particularly loving the colors offered by No nonsense tights and leggings.  Depending on the occasion, you can soften the look of an outfit with mute colors for a daytime shower or give your outfit an edgier feel for an evening event with colors like eggplant and strong blues.

Here’s what I’m eyeing for my next event:

I had so much fun creating this outfit on Polyvore.com.  I felt like a stylist being able to choose from hundreds of name brand items and watching it come together.

In fact, No nonsense has just teamed up with fashion and TV personality, Jill Martin, to be their new Brand Ambassador.  She is a woman we can all relate to. And as the co-author of The New York Times bestselling style guide, “I Have Nothing to Wear!” she is also someone many women have come to rely on in a fashion emergency!  Here’s a sneak peak at Jill giving her style tips using No nonsense tights.

For your next special event, consider changing up your outfit with one of No nonsense’s tights or leggings.  They can be easily found at food and drug stores, as well as mass retail chains. 

Keep up with No nonsense style and products via No nonsense on Facebook and @benononsense on Twitter.

Valentine's Day Wreath with Frame

Love this original Valentine's Day wreath from Lil' Luna. And if you're a Beatles fan, it's extra special. Hard to believe she made it for about $4!  Check out her tutorial here.

Fun Indoor Winter Activities

If you watched the Denver/Ravens game this past Saturday you know we are in a bad cold snap here in Colorado.  It was literally 1-degree when I dropped my kids off at school this morning!  When it's that cold, it's not fun being outside. Finding stuff to do with the kids inside is not easy.  Here are a few ideas (beyond the pillow fort!) to bring the winter fun inside.

Clockwise from top left:
1) Just because Christmas is over doesn't mean you can't make fun candy houses!  Make igloos, snowmen or candy houses with sugar cubes from Delia Creates

2) Get crafty with this adorable snowman vase made with epsom salts from Madigan Made

3) Instead of play dough, try this "Snow Fluff" made with shaving cream from Inspired by Family Magazine

4) It's always fun to bake with kids.  Try these "snowball cookies" from Go Bold With Butter

How do you keep the fun going when it's way too cold outside??

Confetti Wreath

Hang this on the front door for your party to scream "Welcome to FUN!"  Colorful and so perfect for any occasion, even New Year's.  Find the full tutorial at A Subtle Revelry.

Today's Takeaway: Streamer Backdrop

Isn't it amazing how some whimsical streamers can create such a fantastical setting?  Paired here with flowers for a wedding ceremony, I think this would be perfect too for a shower or any special occasion where you want to jazz up the outdoor decor.  For a smaller budget you can pair the streamers with paper flowers or paper lanterns.  Orginally featured on Ruffled here.

Monster Push Pop Valentines

Isn't it great that push pops are finally available in stores?!  Wilton makes them now, so you can find them in places like Michaels.  Some party stores are carrying them now, too. Repeat Crafter Me who came up with these adorable Monster Push Pop Valentines, found her's at a local party store called Fancy That.

Use this idea as a party favor or classroom Valentine's Day treat.  Find the original post here. She even includes the printables!

Monster High Birthday Party

Fellow Cafe Mom member "GeorGeZilla" transported her niece and friends into Monster High for her niece's 7th birthday.  She used life size images and a color palette of black, pink and turquoise for her decor and goodies to make it all happen.  Plus, fun activities like a mummy-wrapping game, photo booth, pinata and more--made this party a huge success!

 

 

 

 

DIY Disco Ball Pinata

Wouldn't you love to have this at your party?!  Created by Tikkido, this was originally made for a Murder Mystery party, but I'm bookmarking it for New Year's Eve!  It's like the Times Square Ball with goodies inside! Also perfect for a Rock Star / Disco party.  Find the full tutorial here.

Carnival themed "Bark for a Cause"

As part of being volunteer month, January is a time to look towards new causes to get involved in.  That's why this Texas carnival themed charity event is a great and timely event to share.  "Bark for a Cause" provided lots of opportunities for people to donate to the Austin Humane Society. Silent auctions, "shopping items" and more were all part of the fun. Photographed and submitted by Cory Ryan Photography, this event was fun for young and old, while giving some adorable pups a good home, too. I hope it gives you inspiration for any of your own charity or fund raising events.   

 

 

 

Other participating vendors:
Event Planners: The Simplifiers
Reception Venue: The Winfield Inn
Cake Designer: Simon Lee Bakery, Sugar Mamas Bakeshop, The Sweet Stuff
Equipment Rentals: Premiere Party Central
Photo Booth Rental: Say Cheese Photo Booths
Bakery: The Texas Pie Company