TODAY'S TAKEAWAY: WIRED CAKE ADORNMENT

I'm always looking for economical ways to dress up a plain cake.  If you remember the cake I had for my girls' Lalaoopsy party here.  It was a simple two-tiered cake from Walmart--but simply adding the dolls made it ultra cute! I'm loving this idea featured in a wedding on Ruffled. Take some floral wire to create a message wrapped around the top tier.  Depending on the event, you could also use sparkly pipe cleaners or chenille stems.  Find the original post here.

WINNIE THE POOH INSPIRED BABY SHOWER

This shower is as simple and sweet as a pot of honey! Planner and photographer Liz Cook of Sincerely Liz Photography came up with the shower theme "Books and Bees" when she found out mom-to-be was planning a Winnie the Pooh nursery. The rustic venue provided the "Hundred Acre Wood" setting.  The decor was budget-friendly. Liz purchased dollar store wooden picture frames and filled them with Pooh drawings found online.  These were later given to the mom-to-be for the nursery.  Meaningful activities kept guests entertained.  Guests wrote advice on diapers and could sign up to deliver meals to the mommy once the baby was born. (Love that idea!)  To bring in the books theme, guests were asked to bring a book in lieu of a card. Favor bags included a handmade bookmark, caramel popcorn and a sugar crystal stick.  Such a darling event!

Participating Vendors:

Photography: Sincerely Liz Photography
Venue: Barack-Falwell Lodge, Lynchburg, Virginia
Cupcakes: La Bella Torta LLC

HOME CONFETTI GOT A MAKEOVER!

Yesterday we woke up to a damp, drizzly morning, so I knew we wouldn't be running out to do too much.  I actually managed to get motivated and finally work on revamping the blog–something I've been meaning to do for a while now.  I had been collecting tutorials and free icons for the last couple of months that you can see on my "Blog Tips" Pinterest Board.  It's not that I didn't like the old look, but the template I was using wasn't very social media friendly.  I'm really excited about the change and hope you'll like it much better, too!  I'm not done yet.  I still have a few things to do, like adding a Contact Me page, but the bulk of it is done.

Here are some of the changes that I hope you'll find useful:

 

I haven't ventured into Instagram yet.  Frankly, I'm just trying to keep up with everything else.  Not sure how all the bloggers do it! I also don't want to be on Instagram just for the sake of having it because "everyone's doing it."  I want to make sure what I'm sharing will be useful to you and will add to what I'm blogging about, not just repeating it.  

I hope you find all these changes helpful!  And I'd love to hear what you think of the new look! 

Lego Birthday Party

Get ready to be amazed by the colorful details in this Lego party!  Mom, Annie, who also happens to be a party planner with Put a Bow On It, built this party for her son's 7th birthday. From the boxed invitations to the cake pops to the banner... it was a Lego lover's dream! She brought in Play-Well TEKnologies  to teach the boys about gears, wheels, and then did a hands-on Lego building project with them.  In lieu of gifts, they asked guests to bring school supplies to be donated.  Love that! A huge thanks to Sharon Arnoldi Photography for capturing all the details and sharing them with us.  I was particularly thrilled to see that Sharon, Annie and Play-Well TEKnologies are all right near me in Denver, CO.  So wonderful to be introduced to amazing talent close to home.  Enjoy!

Pinata Ice Cream Cones

When you're having an ice cream social I think it's a great idea to have "ice cream treats" that aren't necessarily actual ice cream, like this and this.  And here's another idea that would be fun for guests to take home with them – a surprise ice cream cone piñata from evite.  Fill them with M&Ms, jelly beans or hard candies.  Find the full tutorial here.

Paper Floral Chandelier with Free Template

Hosting a luau or a shower this Summer? This lovely paper floral chandelier from Hello Hydrangea would be a nice touch hanging from a lamp, patio umbrella or tree branch.  Make it in white and green for a shower or leave as is for a luau.  She even provides a free template for the flowers.  Find the full tutorial here.

Burlap, Lace and Love Bridal Shower

Burlap, lace and love... what a great way to start the week! I am so happy that Nikki of girlwifemom let me share this oh-so-lovely bridal shower she co-hosted with the bride-to-be's mom.  The outdoor gazebo, bench and fountain helped create a beautiful setting for this "All You Need is Love" themed shower.  The ladies used burlap, chalkboards and wooden signs to give the shower a rustic feel, while the lace and simplicity kept it sophisticated. Thank you to Heather Scharf Photography for capturing all the details.

Real Flower Cake Gift Idea

My friend Robin made me one of these a few years ago and I loved it!  Besides being a thoughtful gift, it's a cheerful centerpiece for any table - and probably lasts longer than a real cake will. (Or at least in my house!) Made with real flowers and floral foam, find a video tutorial at Jen Kim Made.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Painted Watermelon Mason Jar

I scream, you scream for... watermelon! No doubt watermelon is something my kids look forward to during the Summer. But how about using it in your decor?  This cute watermelon painted mason jar from The Country Chic Cottage would make a cute flower vase, utensil holder or tea light holder for your next summer barbecue. Or just use it to add a little Summer decor to your kitchen.  Find the full tutorial here.

DIY Popsicle Stick Runner

It's Summer and there have been a lot of great craft and party ideas centered around popsicle sticks and popsicle themed parties. I love this splattered paint popsicle stick runner from At Home In Love.  Perfect for those popsicle themed summer parties, but also perfect for an art party.  You can also cover the sticks with washi tape or customize them in other ways to fit your party theme.  A perfect idea when you're on a budget! Find the full tutorial here.

Yellow and Gray Home Wedding

What could be more meaningful than having your wedding at the Groom's childhood home??  It's really impressive how the couple was able to transform the home into a beautiful wedding venue. The ceremony was extra special as the Groom's father also doubled as the Officiant. The yellow and gray color scheme complements the Arizona surroundings beautifully and also serves as great inspiration for Summer parties.  Thank you to Anna Marisol Photography for taking and submitting the lovely details.

 

 

 

 

 

Cake Designer: The Cake Baketress
Wedding Dress: Lillian Lottie Couture