Valentine Beverages with Free Printables

I'm providing the beverages for the girls Valentine's Day parties. I gave them each a choice of what they wanted to do.

Choice 1: Fruit punch juice boxes covered in these cute nostalgic wrappers that I quickly made using some free clip art.

Or Choice 2: Remember the Love Juice idea featured on Tatertots and Jello that I used last year--and that I also modified for Halloween? Well, I wanted to update it a bit, and made wrappers for this year. (I used 6.75 oz juice boxes.) What do you think?

Unfortuntately, the play on words with the fruit punch was lost on Kindergarteners, so Choice #2 won for both classes!

If you'd like to use either of these ideas, you can click on the links below for each printable. Enjoy!

Vday Fruit Punch Box Wrappers

Love Potion Water Bottle Labels

Merry Monday: 60th Football Party

Being originally from New York, we're especially excited about seeing the Giants in Sunday's Super Bowl! We'll be hosting a few other NY/NJ transplants in the area to watch the big game. I'm also excited to see what Madonna has cooked up for the halftime show. If you're hosting this coming weekend, here is a 60th football-themed birthday party to offer you some inspiration for your party. (How great is that watermelon helmet?!) See the whole party (including the list of fabulous vendors) showcased at Catch My Party.

Sunday Style: Framed Dessert Table

Photo Source: Green Wedding Shoes

Photograph by: Lane Dittoe

Illuminated Love Canvas

Light up a party or just a vignette in your home with this idea from Indie Spotting. Not only for Valentine's Day, you can use this idea for a cafe party setting or give your home bar area a retro feel. Find the full tutorial here.

Today's Takeaway: Fringed Banner Backdrop

Perfect for a photo booth, table or ceremony backdrop. Best of all, you can make it out of crepe paper, so it's very economical.

Photo from Green Wedding Shoes.

Photo taken by Arrow & Apple

Valentine's Day Classroom Party Ideas

I'm in the planning stages of my girls' classroom parties. Here are a bunch of ideas I've collected that I wanted to share. I wish we had time to do all of these cute projects!

If your class is making their Valentine Day card carriers during the party, here are two cute ideas. We're doing the one on the right, but with red paper bags so they can sit upright.

Left card carrier is from thisnext ; Right one is from The Lazy Stay-at-Home Mommy

We're doing a "Love Bug" theme in Renee's class. The kids are going to love wearing these antannae from Kaboose. We're going to twirl the pipe cleaners around our finger to make them a little more fun. Renee picked out the pom love bugs to do from The Idea Box. :)

Siena picked out this necklace from The Crafty Crow to do in her class. Using the same elements, we're going to have the boys make ties instead of necklaces. The next craft from Reading Confetti is a great way to let the kids use their imaginations to see what animals they can create using heart shapes.

For games, we are going to do a version of Musical Chairs--standing on hearts instead of using chairs. And a version of Hot Potato using a heart pillow. But how cute is this "Cupid's Arrow" game in which you have to blow a Qtip into a bowl through a straw?! Genius idea from It Matters.

Stay tuned for snack and beverage ideas, when I'll also share some free printables!

Sharing with

Sugar & Spice #95

Look What I Made Link Party

Transformation Thursdays

Jeweled Egg Carton Flower

Definitely a way to turn something ordinary into extraordinary. Five Days 5 Ways not only shows you how to make these lovely flowers from egg cartons, but she gives you many ways to use them: as a cloche display, adorning a candlestick and more. She even covers them with glitter to make them really shine! You'll have to visit their post to check out all the ideas.

Merry Monday: Casino Night

Being in the middle of winter, we're all looking for ways to entertain ourselves indoors. This Casino Night party designed by The Party Dress for HGTV.com serves up inspiration in so many ways:

• Family game night
• Adult casino night
• Guy's poker night
• Great theme for a milestone birthday

Check out more photos at The Party Dress and more indoor party inspiration at HGTV.com.

Sunday Style: Dreamy Pink Peonies Table

Photo from The Party Wagon. Styling by One Sweet Girl.

DIY Heart Bird Feeder

Here is something that did not make the "cut" for the girls' Valentine's Day class parties. The teacher thought it might get messy with the kids having to measure the ingredients. But, I think it's so sweet, I wanted to share it. It's a good activity to do with your own kids at home–teach them how to love nature–or even make as a gift.

You can find the full tutorial at Smile Monsters.

Today's Takeaway: Branch Placecard Holder

For those new to Home Confetti.... ever been scrolling through someone's party photos and a small idea just jumps out at you that you want to mentally file away in hopes that you can use it one day? Well, that's the idea behind "Today's Takeaway." Neat little ideas you takeaway from a party that help round out a look.

I love the use of a branch to hold placecards. Perfect for any rustic or nature-inspired theme. This was an idea used in a wedding featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs.

DIY Confetti Shooters

It's always inspiring to see something used in a whole new way. Push pop containers were definitely the rave in the last year or two. And why not–they offer a fun new way to eat cupcakes, cakes and candies. But I love this idea Sharon of Cupcakes & Cutlery did for You Are My Fave, using mini push up containers as confetti shooters! Lots of fun!

You can find the full tutorial here.

Soju-Juice Cocktail

I saw these large ice balls on Martha Stewart's show and meant to look up where to buy the molds... but thanks to Sugar and Charm, she has provided all the info, including a drink recipe idea. The ice ball melts gradually so it's a good way to keep a drink cold for a while. Definitely something fun and different to serve at your next gathering.

Find the shopping source and recipe at Sugar and Charm.

Merry Monday: Winter One-derland Birthday

Remember this adorable Hot Cocoa Stand I posted not that long ago from Giggles Galore? Well, Giggles Galore has done it again with this fun, frosty penguin party for her nephew's 1st birthday. A Winter One-derland, perfected with an amazing snow globe cake, games and more. And how smart to use glass blocks as ice for the backdrop?! You'll have to jump to their site here to see more photos from this sweet party.

DIY Winter Ruffled Light

You want to take a quick guess on what this light is made with?? A wonderful recycled project, this light is made with.... dryer sheets! Designed by Petites Passion, you'll have to jump over to The CSI Project for the full tutorial.

Seven Days of Love

The Dating Divas provide a really sweet way to give someone special a little treat the week of Valentine's Day. Using a pill box, fill each day with a small treat. They've even provided free messages you can print out and use for each day!

Another great reason to use this–If you have a hubby that travels a lot on business, this would be a great surprise to tuck into his suitcase before he leaves!

Visit the original post at The Dating Divas here.

DIY Candy Button Punch Game

Did you see this great game that Say Yes to Hoboken posted yesterday?? And I think she's right–if this catches on, it will replace the pinata! Certainly less frustrating than trying to rip through a stuffed donkey. Sometimes I just want the kids to give up and rip the thing!

This Candy Button Punch Game from Celebrate the Big and Small was part of a wonderful candy themed party you have to see here. For the full tutorial on making the game, visit here. The kids will get punch-drunk! (yea, I know...)

Teacher Valentine's Idea + Free Printable

So, I was contacted a week or so ago to start thinking about organizing the classroom Valentine's Day party. I didn't even have the confetti vacuumed up yet from New Year's, and it was time to think about Valentine's Day?! Wowsers! But of cousrse, I instantly started scanning the Internet for ideas. BUT, it also forced me to think about how my girls would show their teachers some love this Valentine's Day. I don't want to give chocolate or any kind of candy, because honestly, I think it all ends up in the teacher's lounge... but what about hot chocolate?! I love my cup of hot chocolate! This would be something the teachers would keep for themselves. So, using a 12 oz. Mint Hot Cocoa can I found at Target (they actually have a bunch of yummy flavors)....

I made a cute printable to cover the can.

Cute, right? If you want to use this idea, you can download the printable here. I also included a circle for the top of the can where your child can sign his/her name. The printable just makes it around the can--there is a little bit of a gap–but I don't think any teacher will hate you for that!

I hope you enjoy!

Linking to:

Topsy Turvey Tuesdays

Blue Cricket Design Show and Tell Time

733 Sugar & Spice #93

Creations by Kara Look What I Made! Linky Party

Someday Crafts Whatever Goes Wednesday

Fireflies and Jellybeans Show Off Your Stuff Party

Somewhat Simple Strut Your Stuff Party

Shabby Chic Cottage Transformation Thursdays

Totally Cute Crafts Tuesday

Sassy Sites Free For All Party

504 Main Tinkled Pink No. 81

Thirty Handmade Days Pity Party

Whipperberry Friday Flair

Design Dazzle Link up Party

The Girl Creative: Just Something I Whipped Up

C.R.A.F.T. Making Monday Marvelous

Making the World Cuter Monday

Craft-O-Maniac Monday Link Party

Merry Monday: Vintage Valentine Tea

Use Valentine's Day to enjoy a lovely tea with classic dessert favorites: lemon pound cake, scones and angel food cake. I found this darling party on Catch My Party. Designed by Homespun With Love, she incorporated lace, quilting and beautiful tea sets to create a lovely setting. The theme "Key to My Heart" is perfect too for a bridal shower. See the rest of the photos here.

DIY Polka Dot Napkins

I totally missed this over the holidays! But even though the holidays are over, this is a real easy way to add some fun to your table decor. A set of these would even make a very useful hostess, housewarming or holiday gift.

From Copy Craft, she uses Martha Stewart paints. I've recently used Martha's new line of craft paints and I have to say it's great to be able to use one paint on so many different materials. Head on over to Copy Craft for the complete tutorial on these festive napkins.

DIY Photo Gift

Do you know anyone that will be celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary? Here's a gift they will no doubt treasure. Create a collage of photos marking the number as done by Life as a Thrifter. You'll have fun collecting the photos, and the recipient will enjoy having them in one place.

I've also seen this idea used on a larger scale for party backdrops. Find the full tutorial here.

DIY Bath Bomb

I saw a lot of salt and sugar scrub ideas around for the holidays. Every scent from candy cane to pumpkin spice. But how about this lovely bath bomb?? Pretty and delicate–it makes the perfect favor for a shower or spa party. I love the addition of the rose on top. The color is so pretty, you can just wrap it in a clear cello bag with ribbon and flowers, and you're set.

Find the full how-to at Intimate Weddings.

Inspiration Board

I've been having fun reading bloggers' new year resolutions. I admit I'm trying to find new ones for myself–ones that go beyond the lose weight, get organized, etc. (i.e. ones I may actually keep!) It's def hard to stay motivated and inspired throughout the year. I've seen people keep post-its with inspirational sayings on them on their bathroom mirror... but look at this DIY! Using a ceiling medallion, this would make an inspiring piece for an office or even bedroom-so you can see it when you get up in the morning. And it's a decorative piece for any room. You can find the full tutorial at Revolutionaries.

Do you make new year resolutions? If so, how do you stay motivated to keep them??

2011 Highlights

Hello 2012! The start of each new year forces me to reflect on what I did during the year we just left behind. I'm really proud of Home Confetti. I kind of feel like it's been very much "the little train that could"-- chugging along, picking up new riders, slowly, but surely, making important stops along the way. Home Confetti saw a lot of growth in 2011. I am so thankful to each of you who continue to check in each day.

Although I mainly post great ideas I find around blogland, that makes it more of a thrill when one of my own projects gets recognized. In 2011, I was fortunate to have a few of my own projects featured on the very blogs I love and follow myself! Take a look!

Teacher's Survival Kit
Featured on:
Make and Takes, How to Nest for Less and Shindig Parties TO GO

Shamrock Necklace Craft
Featured on:
The Crafty Crow, One Pretty Thing, All Free Holiday Crafts

Alice/Queen of Hearts Tea Party

Featured on:
Catch My Party, Party and Event Guide, Bird's Party, UCreate Parties,
Under the Table and Dreaming

"Bundle of Joy" Baby Shower Favor
Featured on Project Nursery's FB page and One Pretty Thing

Whimsical Halloween Pumpkin Topiary
Featured on Lolly Jane Boutique

Please check out all these wonderful sites!
I'm hoping to work on a lot more original projects in 2012!