Leavin' On a Jet Plane

Hi everyone!
Just wanted to quickly pop in this morning to let you know I'll be gone for a few days.  Going to New York for my nephew's Christening.  I probably won't be back on here until Wednesday.
Have a great weekend.  I think Spring has finally sprung--or crossing my fingers that that's the case!

Test Run: Button Cookies

So, you know we're doing a Lalaloopsy themed party for my girls' birthday party this year.  Button cookies are a must for the party!  But how to make them?  I'm not the greatest baker.  I've never worked with fondant.  Plus, most fondant I've seen at parties gets peeled off and thrown out by kids.  But then I saw these on Pinterest.  Perfect! I can even do that.... I think!

Even with a bunch of 7 year olds I don't like baking/cooking something for a party without trying it out first.  Believe it or not, we had a snow day here in Colorado last week, so the day seemed like the perfect time to test out the cookies.  Luckily I had picked up Wilton's Gel Food Colors in the ideal Lalaloopsy shades:

And I always keep a packet of Betty Crocker's Sugar Cookies mix on hand for last minute playdates, so that's what I used.

Once I mixed the ingredients together, I divided the dough into 3 batches.  I mixed in 2 small drops of the food gel into each batch. (A little goes a long way with the gel food colors.) I only did orange, blue and pink.  To make the buttons, I used a mini round fondant cutter.  Because I didn't have a smaller one that was the right size to make the inside trim of the button, I used a shot glass.  (Gotta be resourceful!)  I used a straw to make the button holes. Just blow out any dough that gets stuck in the straw.

Renee helped me with a few of them.  We then experimented with making flower buttons, too.  When they came out, I fixed up the holes a bit with the straw.  Do this while the cookies are still warm.

Considering I used a store bought mix, I think they held their shape pretty well.  I'll need to find something sharper than a shot glass to make the inner circle for the actual party.  But overall, I'm pleased with the colors.  And the kids gobbled them up in no time--so they passed the most important test–the kids taste test!!

Today's Takeaway: Hanging Numbers

Melanie of You Are My Fave threw her son a simple and sweet 1st birthday party.  Nothing too over the top. But, it really proved that just a couple of simple ideas is all you need to make your child happy (and yourself less stressed!) for a successful celebration. My favorite idea from the party decor is the numbers hanging from the balloons.  How fun for the baby to look up and see all that!  I think it would also be fun to hang stars from the ceiling this way, too.  You can see the full party here.

Soft Pink and Turquoise Baby Shower

To celebrate the first baby girl in the family, mama-to-be's sister hosted this lovely shower at home.  All the decorations and goodies were prepared by the auntie-to-be.  Nothing like sisterly love! I love the headband station where guests made a headband for the new baby to wear throughout the year.  Plus, the soft color palette in the decor and sweets.  Thank you to danielle deVito Photography in New York for capturing and submitting the details.

 

 

 

Semi-homemade Lalaloopsy Wreath

My girls have picked a Lalaloopsy theme for their birthday party in early June.  Renee was actually a Lalaloopsy for Halloween and is still in love with the dolls! The party is less than 2 months away but the planning has already started!  There is going to be a lot of DIY done for this party so I need to start early. I always like to pick the theme a little early too so I can take advantage of any sales, make multiple coupon visits to Michaels--you get it!  Like in this case, Walmart still has some Easter items on clearance... and I spotted this wreath.

If you're not familiar with Lalaloopsy, the imagery weighs heavily on orange, pink and polka dots.  This could not be any more perfect.... and it was 75% off!  I couldn't resist, so bought the wreath for about $7.  Even if I tried to buy the individual items (ribbon, styrofoam wreath, tulle, etc.) I would have spent at least $20 so this was definitely a deal worth snatching!

I pulled off the eggs and wiry decor.  Hot glued buttons on the flowers, printed out and glued on a few Lalaloopsy images and added a "Welcome" mini garland/bunting free from The Tomkat Studio you can find here.  Voila!  My welcome wreath is already done for the party!

One project done, about 20 more to go!  How early do you get started for your parties??

Enchanted Woodland Fairy Party

Remember my talented friend Stephanie of Stamos Fine Art ??! She did the fabulous movie star party last year, that you can see here.  Well, this year Stephanie used her talents to transport 23 girls into an enchanted fairy world for the day for her daughter's 8th birthday. And let me tell you: she did not miss a detail!  Upon arrival, each girl got a tutu, wings and wand. Their magical day included face painting, bracelet making, meeting Merlin, throwing pixie dust into an enchanted forest (while meeting a warlock) and archery!  One of my favorite details were her daughter's lashes-you'll see!  I'm so grateful she let me share these photos with you.  Have a magical weekend!

 

 

 

 

Aren't those lashes amazing?!

If you're in the Northern Colorado area, looking for a photographer with mad skills, make sure to contact Stephanie Stamos.

Mini Tissue Pom Garland

I just discovered this adorable blog, oh so very pretty.  I think it's pretty new. They do feature some oh so very pretty crafts, foods and favorite things.  One of them being this cute tissue pom garland.  If you've never attempted to make tissue poms, they're much easier than they look.  Making them mini size like this makes them even cuter.  Perfect for a ballet party!  Find the full tutorial here.

Bright Retro Dessert Table

I have another bold and colorful styled dessert table submitted and photographed by Erin Johnson Photography.  Erin Johnson Photography brought us this amazing Sweets Spectacular table.  This retro styled dessert table serves up great inspiration for any Spring event–or of course, a retro/diner themed party.  I love how they made the cupcakes look like milk shakes with straws and cherries on top.  And other cupcakes look like root beer floats in taller glasses! Enjoy!

 

 

Pause for Boston

Like thousands of others yesterday I went into panic mode when I saw the breakthrough report on the Boston explosions.  I immediately texted or emailed friends who work or live in the Boston area.  It's a feeling that is becoming way too familiar.... happening way too often.

My heart and prayers go out to those runners that won't be able to run again.  To those that died, including an 8 year old boy who lost his life way too soon, and to all of those that were seriously injured.

Pink Ombre Mustache Party

Last week I shared a fun "Little Man" mustache party. Here is a different, unexpected version in pink ombre!  The party was planned, designed and catered by Delicate Details Events, and took place at the lovely Pendleton Center for the Arts.  I love the large mustache on the mantle and the use of the Monopoly guy for a game!  The ombre pink decor is great inspiration for a shower or any girlie occasion.  Enjoy the details as photographed and submitted by Captured by Corrin in Oregon.