Special 1st Birthday Filled With Tradition

I loved reading this submission from photographers Pickerill Creative describing their client's event in California. This was a birthday party full of personality, color, fun, and most of all, tradition.  


For a Korean family, turning one has special significance and comes with a huge celebration called the “Dol Party." Little Kyla’s party was no exception. The highlight of the Dol is the Fortune Telling Ritual where the child is placed in front of a table of foods and objects such as string, brushes, ink and money. The child is urged to pick up an object from the table. It is believed that the object selected will foretell the child’s future. For example, if the child picks up a brush or book, she is destined to be smart. If she picks up money she will be wealthy. Kyla chose the xylophone, which means she is destined to be an entertainer! 


Just look at the amazing decor, as captured by Pickerill Creative.  The tunnel of streamers is fabulous! And the bean-decorated vases are a total DIY inspiration!   It was an incredibly special and memorable day for the family.  

Nectresse: Healthier Choice for Snacks

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nectresse™ Sweetener for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Back to school is on everyone's mind now--including mine! I love getting back into the routine that school gives us, but I have to admit, the thing that always looms over my head is what to pack for lunch and offer as snacks every day.  When my girls get home, the first thing they do is open the refrigerator looking for something to eat.  This Summer we've been on a smoothie kick. It's a great choice with all the fruit readily available this time of year.  It's a good addition to their breakfast before they head out to camp and when they return.  Once school starts I think it's going to be the go-to snack when they come home.  And with the help of NECTRESSE™Sweetener, it's even a better option without having to add any sugar.

If you haven't heard of Nectresse, it's the only natural sweetener made from fruit - monk fruit actually - which is a small green melon that grows in Asia's remote mountain regions. News reporter, Lisa Ling, is the NECTRESSE Sweetener Spokesperson.  Due to a family history of diabetes she is cautious about her sugar intake.  She hasn't found anything she likes as much as NECTRESSE. Check out her video testimonial here.

Of course, in my house, the final verdict for using Nectresse is up to my two finicky judges, Renee and Siena! And by the time I took this photo, they were already half way through their shakes!

 

FREE SAMPLE: If you want to try NECTRESSE at home, you can sign up for a FREE sample of NECTRESSE™Sweetener

Here is the super simple recipe for the Strawberry Banana Shake my kids loved.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium banana
• 3 frozen strawberries
• 1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• 2 packets of NECTRESSE(TM) Natural No Calorie Sweetener
• 1/3 cup of ice

All you need to do is place all the ingredients into a blender. Cover and blend until smooth.  

You can certainly use fresh strawberries--especially at this time of year.  Just adjust the thickness of the shake to your liking.

In addition to their website, you can visit Nectresse on Facebook.

 

Chocolate Candy Smash Cupcakes

A while ago I posted this DIY for a surprise smash cake.  Salt Tree used a similar concept to make these great chocolate candy smash cupcakes!  These would be so perfect as a party favor.  Fill them with candy or even trinkets.  Find the full tutorial here.

Vintage Golf Party Styled Shoot

When I see styled party shoots like this one, inspired by the 1920's, I feel like I was born in the wrong decade. I love how women and men put such care into their clothing, shoes--even to just go to the grocery store. This styled golf party by Tiger Lily Weddings and photographed by Reese Moore Weddings, is a great example of subtle sophistication and design.  The polka-dotted accessories and circle details are reminiscent of golf balls. Combined with organic elements to blend in with the beautiful setting, it is an ideal place to enjoy good food and a friendly round of golf!

Caterer: Newton Farms Catering
Invitation Designer: Mac & Murphy
Makeup Artist: Ash and Co. Bridal Hair and Makeup
Event Venue: Dunes West

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Cake or Sandwich?

Or both?!  Imagine the surprise when you cut into what looks like an iced cake to reveal a layered sandwich instead?! I love this!  And it looks just as good on the inside as on the outside.  The inside is made up of avocados, roasted chicken and other yummy goodness.  The outside is a combination of mayo and cream cheese.  Find the full recipe and tutorial at Mrs. A in the Cove.