CHRISTMAS COOKING BAKING FUN

If you're like the Haggards, one fun tradition for the holidays is baking cookies. If you can get the kids involved, then it's even better. This family decided to turn their cookie baking tradition into a souvenir photo shoot. Donned with matching aprons and smiles, their two little ones made the perfect helpers. Photographed by Arizona's Anna Marisol, the shoot featured Christmas decor, special baking items like the recipe book and rolling pin, and of course plenty of icing and cookie dough! I think this would also make for a wonderful accordion-fold Christmas card. Enjoy!

Photographer:   Anna Marisol Photography // Bakery: Sweet Little Celebrations // Apparel: Hobby Lobby // Apparel: Target//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

LET THE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES BEGIN

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a pretty low-key Thanksgiving - which was fine by me! However, since we didn't go anywhere we rallied a few of my daughters' friends who were actually in town for a little craft party.

We started with making and decorating cookies. They did such a great job!

I didn't let them eat their cookies until after we had lunch - reindeer roll sandwiches. :)

And then we made snow slime! If you have a slime-obsessed child, you add Instant Snow and a little warm water to your slime mix and you get this powdery looking slime that looks like snow.

We had a couple of other crafts planned, but I think after the snow slime they were done and just played some games on their own. My girls are getting older and I realize these holiday party games and crafts are on a deadline... sniff... so making the most of it while I can!

GIRLY WINTER ONE-DERLAND BIRTHDAY

Pink and silver, powdered donuts and some sparkle delivers the right amount of magic for this little girl's first birthday party. The use of crepe paper is a great way to make a backdrop that's easy and affordable. A photo banner is also another easy DIY decor item, since we all have SO many photos during our child's first year. Thanks to Maryland's Emily T. Photography for submitting the photos.

GOOGLY EYE HALLOWEEN TABLE

Happy Halloween everyone! Halloween seems to be one of those holidays that you're either really into, or you just put in enough effort to get by–there's no in-between. I happen to love Halloween. So much fun dressing up. My husband was out of town this past weekend so a girlfriend and I went to a party dressed as Thelma and Louise. I admit I didn't feel like my outfit was costume-y enough, but we had a great time.

Now how much fun is this Halloween table submitted by Arizona's Julius Photography? It features a spooky tree, moss and traditional orange pumpkins. But, the googly eyes totally make it for me. It's amazing how one strong element can set the stage for your decor. Best of all, this is a table that works for adults and kids combined.  Enjoy the details -- and the remainder of your Halloween!

Photographer:   Julius Photography // Event Planner: Meant2Be Events // Invitation Designer: Be In Love Designs: Wedding & Event Stationary // Design and Decor: Chasing Bliss Design // Equipment Rentals: Cre8ive Events//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

AN ICE CREAM SOCIAL FILLED WITH GLITTER AND UNICORNS

When I see a party submitted by California's Fairy Godmother Events arrive in my inbox, I know it's going to be something special. There's a little magic in everything they do--including this sparkly ice cream social filled with marshmallow twists, glitter and sprinkles. A couple of my favorite details include the plush table covering on the glitter bar and the gold dotted glasses. Photographed by Marianne Lucas, make sure to soak in the different details. Be inspired to throw a little magic into your own ice cream social at home.

Photographer:   Marianne Lucas Photography & Cinematography // Beauty: Art by Jorien // Event Designer: Fairy Godmother a Wedding & Event Company // Bakery: GhilaDolci Bakery // Floral Designer: Log Cabin Florist // Floral Designer: Make it Happen Events // Invitation Designer: Matinae Design Studio//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

GORGEOUS GRAVEYARD HALLOWEEN TABLE

Would you be thrilled or chilled to sit at this beautiful Halloween table photographed by Arizona's Julius Photography? Elements of pewter and purple really bring this table to a haunting level. My favorite touch is the bony hand holding the menu. Love that! Even the simple touch of the spider on the glass emits chills. Make sure to check out the vendors who participated in this photo shoot down below.

Photographer:   Julius Photography // Event Planner: Meant2Be Events // Invitation Designer: Be In Love Designs: Wedding & Event Stationary // Design and Decor: Chasing Bliss Design // Equipment Rentals: Cre8ive Events//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

GOTHIC HALLOWEEN DINNER PARTY INSPIRATION

Ornate desserts, a red and black color palette against a forest set the stage for this offbeat, gothic Halloween inspired wedding shoot photographed by Arizona's Love Affair Photography. Each of the details can be easily used for an elegant Halloween dinner party. A few of the details can even be made, like the red and black styrofoam balls on paper straws.  It's glamorously gothic!

Photographer:   Love Affair Photography // Second Shooter: Erica Second Shooting for Love Affair Photography // Hair Stylist: Beauty Creations by Cristina // Bakery: Bite Me Delectables // Invitation Designer: Danielle Seals Events // Calligrapher: Letters by Jennifer //

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

SMASHIN' CIRCUS BIRTHDAY PARTY

Today I'm bringing you twice the fun with an adorable vintage circus birthday party and smash cake session all for this special little one year old! This theme is always a good one because you can find decorative and food items all year long. Plus you can dictate how much you want to spend. Items like balloons and circus themed candy can easily be found at dollar stores. You might even have items like stuffed animals and clown toys that you can use to enhance the party. Items like custom cookies bring your decor to the next level. There are many details in this colorful celebration.  Thanks to mom and photographer, Tara Thackeray, in Washington for sharing the day.

Photographer:   Tara Thackeray Photography // Event Designer: DIY // Cake Designer: Kelly Conover // Bakery: Tes Belle Cookies//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights