Blush Printables Giveaway Winner!

I just selected a giveaway winner for the Blush Printables New Year's Eve Set!  The winner of the flags and labels is:

GENEVIVE LE BEL!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I cannot wait to see pictures of your New Year's Eve party!  Happy Holidays everyone!

SURPRISE! Another New Year's **GIVEAWAY!**

I am tickled pinker (er...more pink?) than I have ever been to offer you this second New Year's Eve party printables giveaway!

I have been in touch with Jen of BLUSH PRINTABLES, and she has been generous enough to offer a small sampling of her New Year's Eve Party Printables to one very lucky winner.

Blush Printables provides stationery design services for the do-it-yourself party planner, with a specific focus on brides.  The best phrase to describe Blush Printables is "designer, couture stationery."  Every stationery need is met by the selections of printables they offer (custom stamps, save-the-dates, invites, monograms, address labels, favor boxes, etc)!  What bride would not want stationery products such as these:

Fortunately for those of us who do not have a wedding to plan, Blush Printables also offers stationery for other occasions including baby showers, birth announcements, holidays, children's birthday parties, etc.

When I saw Blush Printables, New Year's Eve collection for this year, I was simply floored.  Their designs are exquisite!   They have print-ready options for a "blinged" out New Year's party and a typographic/stylish New Year's party.   

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
One winner will be selected on Thursday, December 23 at 2:00pm using random.org.  The entry period is short to provide the winner with time to print and put together the printables they win from this giveaway, to order additional matching printables as necessary (Blush Printables), to mail New Year's Eve party invites, etc. before December 31!

GIVEAWAY ITEM:
The set includes NYE-themed flags (which can be used a straw flags, food picks, and champagne glass stem wraps)) and square labels (which can be used in square format or punched with a 2.5" circle punch; can be used as cupcake topppers, mini coasters/mini napkins, favor tags, etc.)

The giveaway winner will be e-mailed one of the following files (winner's choice):

GIVEAWAY ENTRY: (3 Ways to Enter!)
1.  Visit Blush Printables. Return to this blog and comment regarding your favorite Blush Printables stationery item.

2.  Become a fan of Pocket Full of Parties on Facebook.  Click here.  Return to this blog and comment that you have done so.

3.  Become a fan of Blush Printables on Facebook.  Click here.  Return to this blog and comment that you have done so.

**Please be sure to include your first name and your e-mail address with each comment, so I know how to reach you when the giveaway ends on DECEMBER 23rd.**

Thank you so much for visiting! :)  I cannot wait to see your comments and to find out who the lucky winner will be!!

**Giveaway WINNER**

We have a giveaway winner.  The lucky winner of DIY printable New Year's Eve invites and favor tags designed by Little Ladybug Designs is (drum roll please...)

THE SWEETEST THING!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Please come back and share pictures of your fabulous NYE party!

Our First **GIVEAWAY** Ever!!!

Pocket Full of Parties is excited to announce the commencement of OUR FIRST GIVEAWAY EVER!!

With the holiday season well on its way, I wanted to offer to my blog readers a unique set of items to win related to the time of year, as well as to help showcase and promote another party professional.

In brainstorming ideas for giveaways and searching party-related websites on the internet, I realized that there was a lack of New Year's Eve party printables.   I decided I wanted to giveaway a small package of party printables for anyone planning or hoping to plan a fabulous New Year's Eve bash!

I have built a wonderful working relationship with Kim of Little Ladybug designs (website and blog), and I was pleased that she was on board to offer something for this giveway!!

Since I am in the children's party planning business, I asked Kim to design something with families in mind.  So here you have it: a New Year's Eve family and friends party invitation and matching favor tags! 

INVITE

FAVOR TAGS

(I recommend using a 2-inch circle punch)

At the end of this giveaway period (Monday, December 13th), the winner (generated by random.org) will be e-mailed the files for the DIY invitation and DIY favor tags.

HOW TO ENTER: (8 ways to enter!)

1.  Post a comment here telling me about the New Year's Eve party you would plan with these invitations and favor tags.

2.  Blog about this giveaway.  Post a comment here that you have done so, and provide the link to your blog post!
3. Click below and share this post on your Facebook page!   Come back here, and post a comment that you have done so.
4.  Click below and share this post on Twitter!  Come back here, and post a comment that you have done so.

5.  Head over to Little Ladybug Designs' Facebook page and click "Like."  Don't be afraid to give some love to Kim on this FB fan page!  Come back here, and post a comment that you have done so.
6.  Head over to Pocket Full of Parties' Facebook page and click "Like." Don't be afraid to give me some love over there!!  Come back here, and post a comment that you have done so.
7. Post a comment sharing your favorite product from Little Ladybug Designs' website.
8. Become a follower of this Pocket Full of Parties blog, and post a comment here that you have done so.

**Please be sure to include your first name and your e-mail address with each comment, so I know how to reach you when the giveaway ends on DECEMBER 13th.**

Thank you so much for visiting! :)  I cannot wait to see your comments and to find out who the lucky winner will be!!

Pocket Full of Parties {Monday's Great Find}

This Monday evening, I would like to share an amazing resource in the candy and sweets world: Sweets Indeed!!  Sweets Indeed specializes in custom, high-end dessert and candy displays.  My favorite thing that they offer are the candy kabobs!  You have to take a look at their website (candy kabobs) to see for yourself what they are, because my description alone cannot do them justice....did ya look yet?!  Are you not AMAZED?!

I ordered 12 of them for Kira's August birthday party and used them as a centerpiece at the kids table.  They were one of my favorite, whimsical, and delectable purchases for Kira's party.

I am telling you, if you want to add holiday magic to your Christmas celebration this year, you must reserve your holiday-themed Candy Kabobs ASAP!!!  Follow this link: Reserve Candy Kabobs

I would love to hear your stories about your experiences with Sweets Indeed and their candy kabobs. Post/comment here! 

A Pocket Full of Parties Thanksgiving!

Pocket Full of Parties {Monday's Great Find}

Life has been crazy for the past several months, so I have majorly slacked on taking time to give love to other professionals in the party planning business!  But, today is a new day, and I am re-committing myself to posting a "Monday's Great Find" blog at least semi-regularly.

Today, I would like to feature someone who is a wonderful contact in the industry and who has become a great friend (even though we have not yet met!).   

Her name is Kim, and she is the owner of Little Ladybug Designs (custom announcements, invitations, and more).   

Little Ladybug designs has been in business for three years now, ever since Kim and her husband adopted their precious daughter. 

Even with a quick glance on her boutique's website, you can see that Kim offers a plethora of products, from announcements, to invitations, to photo cards, to stationary (and much more).  I especially would like to feature some of her newest items.  While it is still the fall season, I am honored to show off her Pumpkin Patch printables set (available here):

The photography for this line is gorgeous and showcases it well!  I love the colors in this set.  My favorite printable items are the bunting banner (so cute!!) and the straw tags.  This entire set would make for a wonderful fall-themed party or for Thanksgiving decor. 

Additionally, I have fallen in love with Kim's die cut holiday photo cards (available here).  I think these are the holiday cards I am going to send out this year!!  I just have to decide which one to choose!  Here they are, each one more unique than the next:

I must ask, which one would you order if you were me?!

Besides what is pictured in this blog, there is so much more to see!  Please visit Kim and Little Ladybug Designs at her boutique's website, on her blog, and on Facebook.

Red and Green Holiday Party

As I mentioned in my last post, the ideas for holiday parties are endless.  Shown in this post is my sample inspiration collage for a traditional red and green themed party, with an emphasis on Christmas trees.  You can purchase a similar inspiration collage, personalized to your own needs, for $25!  E-mail me at pocketfullofparties@gmail.com to request your holiday party collage (with all sources).

Also, I wanted to mention that I am going to try to continue my "Mondays Great Find" tradition, which has been on hold since August.  Due to my busy schedule as a working mom, I may not be able to do this every Monday, but I will do it as often as I can.  Tomorrow, I have a feature coming up that I am very excited about!  Come back tomorrow to find out what party planning business I will feature!! :)

SOURCES:

Tree with Printable Ornaments

Holiday Party Invitation

Red and Green Candy Corn Favor

Colored Paper Christmas Tree

Ribbon Wreath (makes a great craft activity for children)

Green Christmas Tree Centerpiece

Christmas Tree Cookies

Modern Christmas Tree Fondant Cupcake Topper

Candy Cane Platter

A Children's Winter Party Inspiration Collage

Although I am currently dreaming up Thanksgiving party plans for my own family, winter and the holidays of December are on the back of my mind!

I decided to put together Winter Wonderland children's party collages to inspire myself as well as my readers.  In my search for winter party ideas, I have found ENDLESS inspiration!!  The current collage I put together was motivated by the themes of snowmen, snowflakes, and Santa and also by the colors of ice blue and red. 

I will hopefully do an entire series of collages on winter holidays, so stay tuned!  (And remember, you can have a custom inspiration collage for your own party for just $25!)

 

 

Candy Cane Arrangement

http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/

Holiday Tablescape

http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/

Holly Jolly Cupcake Toppers

http://koriclarkdesigns.wordpress.com/

Snowflake T-Shirt

http://www.etsy.com/shop/modernfrills

Snowman Cupcake

http://www.hellosugar.se/

Snowman Cupcake Tree with Large Topper

http://shindig-parties.com/

Snowman Tablescape

http://shindig-parties.com/

Snowman Craft

http://www.azlearningbug.com/workshops/crafts/

Santa Craft

http://www.trioeventskids.com/

Stacked Donuts

http://www.partystart.me/partystart/

Snowman and Snowflake Cookies

http://www.partystart.me/partystart/

 

Purple Psychic Party

My cousin, best friend, and creative consultant for Pocket Full of Parties just held her 27th birthday party, inspired and designed by Pocket Full of Parties (although the business focuses on children, we cannot resist planning ANY great party!).

The theme was psychic readings/fortune telling, and the color scheme was purple, silver and gold.  The best part of the party, of course, was the psychic who provided 30-minute readings to all interested party guests (and, let me tell you, based on Melissa's reading, this psychic was GOOD!!).

The party guests delighted over all of the little details: the amazing invite (designed by Melissa herself), a signature purple party cocktail (e-mail me for the recipe...it was a hit!), rooms illuminated by color-coordinated candles, an amazing selection of appetizers (fried ravioli being my favorite choice!), and the perfect sprinkling of purple desserts (lavender M & M's in purple bowls, a purple flowered ice cream cake, and brownies drizzled in purple frosting and presented in gold cupcake wrappers).

The mystical mood was enhanced by a combination of relaxing mood music (think yoga) and modern music with just the right flair (think Silversun Pickups, Muse, Metric, Incubus, Shiny Toy Guns, etc).

Additionally, guest entertainment and fortune-telling fun was enhanced by way of fortune cookies and Magic 8 Balls (so hip!).  Also, a spiritual healer accompanied the psychic and kept the guests mesmerized between psychic readings.

This was one fabulous birthday party with a theme that tops my list of unique party ideas! 

Fall is in the Air...

Although I live in Florida, the state of eternal heat and humidity, I can definitely tell that fall is in the air.  Our weather has been cooler (80 instead of 95, with 50s and 60s at night), Halloween decorations are adorning homes in our neighborhood, Guavaween (Tampa's Halloween festival) is weeks away, etc.  I thought I would celebrate the coming of Fall, and all things related to Fall, with this blog post.  I have a fall-themed party to present as well as a harvest-party inspiration collage that I put together.

My cousin and creative director, Melissa, lives on Long Island, NY, where I truly believe that celebrations have developed into an art form.

This weekend, she went to a fall-themed birthday/anniversary party that was so fabulous, I was jealous I could not attend (as I live in a completely different state, 1000 miles away).  There was a decadent cocktail hour, a three course meal, a tiered cake, a dessert spread, and dancing all night long (to the actual band the Duprees, nonetheless!).  These pictures provide just a taste of this fabulous fall event:

Fall also inspired me to put together this inspiration collage which reminds me of harvest-time, Halloween, and Thanksgiving goodness all combined into one.  I hope this collage inspires you to plan such a warm and festive party!

Harvest Party Inspiration Collage

Sources

Favor Tags on Black and White Polka Dot Favor Box

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tomkatstudio

Orange and Black Lollipops

http://www.hammondscandies.com/index.php

Blue Check Cupcake Wrappers and Toppers

Harvest Invitation

http://celebrationshoppe.com/

Chocolate Dessert Platter

http://www.brownies.com/default.aspx

Harvest Paper Cones

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoshPartyPretties

Autumn Dessert Table

www.pizzazzerie.com

Harvest Cake Bunting

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KikiLaRu

Harvest Favor Circles (For use as cupcake toppers, favor tags, etc.)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/papercupcakedesigns

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Whoopie Pies

http://www.sweetjaneswhoopiepies.com/

Pumpkin Fondant Cupcake Topper

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoSugarBabies

Orange and Black Dessert Table

http://www.amyatlas.com/index.php/main/

Orange Fabric Flag Bunting

http://www.etsy.com/shop/giggleberry

Harvest Surprise Balls

http://www.acmepartybox.com/

A Remarkable Red and White Wedding...

I just spent the weekend in St. Louis, MO for my youngest cousin's wedding.  From the pre-party to the ceremony to the reception, everything was beautifully coordinated! 

First, I have to give props to my cousin Jeffrey, who did the graphic design work (save-the-dates, invites, etc.)  BTW, he is the one who designed the logos for Pocket Full of Parties!  Second, I have to acknowledge the amazing and enchanted ceremony location that my cousin and her husband chose.  I can see how this pavilion inspired the entire red and white whimsical theme. 

The pre-party held on Friday night incorporated the red and white theme.  What stood out to me were the yummy cupcakes with the red and white toppers that my cousin made!  (Creativity and craftiness must run in the family!)

When I arrived at the ceremony on Saturday afternoon, I was immediately struck by the little details: popcorn and lemonade for the guests as this is a favorite of the couple, programs and table signs designed to match the save-the-dates and wedding invitations, etc.

The bridesmaids, groomsmen, and groom coordinated with simple outfits that complimented the theme.  But, the icing on the cake for sure was the beautiful bride!!  Her dress was modern and stunning, and her beauty truly popped with her to-die-for red shoes and red bouquet!  These were first viewed as she arrived to the ceremony with her dad (my uncle) by horse and carriage.

The reception to follow was held in a microbrewery - how very cool and very St. Louis!  As I walked up the stairs into the reception room, I was filled with anticipation regarding what further decor would greet me.  I was not disappointed.  There was absolutely perfect place card holders, darling favors, tastefully dressed tables, and a fabulous wedding cake (that was yummy, too).

I hope my cousin's wondrous red and white wedding provides some inspiration to you in planning your own affair!

Inspiration Collage for a Boys Party!

I had so much fun researching for and creating this inspiration collage!  I wanted to focus on young boys and what many of them love best: BUGS!  Yuck!  :)  There are so many fun things that you can do with this theme.  Here is my inspiration collage (Cost to purchase a similar inspiration collage with sources: $25):

Sources for the Boys Bug Party

Dragonfly Lights

http://www.oogalights.com

Spider Pinata
http://www.findgift.com

Bug T-Shirt

http://www.etsy.com/shop/appledonia

Hanging Blue Dragonfly (available in other “boy appropriate” colors)

http://www.bugs-n-blooms.com

Assorted Exotic 8” Dragonflies

http://www.partycheap.com

Bug Juice

http://hurrayic.blogspot.com

Gummy Bug Dessert

http://hurrayic.blogspot.com

Bug Antennae Headbands

http://www.theatrehouse.com

Bug Catchers

http://www.ebay.com

Printable Bug Coloring Sheet

http://familyfun.go.com/

Bug Party Printables

http://www.etsy.com/shop/chickabug

Simple Bug Invite

Bug Sweets Jars
Bug Cupcake Tree

http://ohgoodiedesigns.blogspot.com

Introducing Inspiration Collages

Looking for a fun way to get inspiration on a party? Try one of our inspiration collages!

An Inspiration collage is perfect for the true Party Do-It-Yourself-er!  If you need a little inspiration to get started on planning your child's party, a party inspiration collage provided by Pocket Full of Parties is the perfect fit!  Your custom party inspiration collage will include 8-12 photos, along with the sources.  The photos will include coordinated ideas for decorations, desserts, & party printables.  The collage is digital and will be e-mailed to you. The cost is $25.  

Inspiration for a Pink Party!!

Inspiration Collage Sources:

Pink Cupcake Tree

http://www.amyatlas.com/index.php/main/

Pink Striped Backdrop with Flag Banner

http://blog.amyatlas.com/

Pink Rock Candy

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com/

Pink Cloth Napkins

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Pink Tissue Poms

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Pink Tablescape

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Gingham Pink Party Hat

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Pink Favor Idea with Printable Pink Party Circles

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperandPigtails

Pink Party Invitations

http://www.thecelebrationshoppe.com/

Promotional Video

My brilliant Creative Consultant, Melissa, created a promotional video for Pocket Full of Parties.  I am in love with it!  Check it out and let me know what you think.  :o)

Oh, and I wanted to provide an explanation for why I have not done Monday's Great Find since about a month ago.  Besides Kira's party distracting me, I have been putting a lot of work into the developement of the Pocket Full of Parties Business (developing packages and pricing, designing a brochure, putting together policies and a contract, advertisement, etc.)  Once I feel as if I have a handle on this, I will again return to my usual Monday feature!  I think it is so important for all party professionals to support and appreciate one another!

Children's Party Network

I have been lucky enough to have had my daughter's second birthday party featured on a variety of amazing party planning websites and blogs.   I am finally posting some pictures from the party here on my blog!!  


What is most exciting is that I was able to include this slide show here through a new website, the Children's Party Network.  It is an online community of, well, children's party planners like myself.  I am so excited to be a part of this community and to enjoy interacting with other party professionals!  I hope you check this website out and that you enjoy the pictures of Kira's party!!




Find more photos like this on Children's Party Network

New Logo!!

I have a cousin, Jeff, who is a talented graphic designer.  Since July, we have been working together to develop a logo for Pocket Full of Parties.  As of last week, we came up with two logo designs that I am thrilled about.  I have decided to use both of them for different applications (business cards, letter head, etc.)

Here they are:

I am now officially ready to have permanent business cards:

Front:

Back

And other things I am considering ordering, such as a small car magnet and address labels:

In case you are interested, I developed the business advertising materials at Vistaprint.com

A fantastic feature!!!

This was actually the first feature I obtained for Kira's party; although, it was published three days after Kate Landers featured the party.  I am please, proud, elated, etc. to announce that Kira's party has been featured on Pizzazzarie.com on Monday, September 6.  Courtney Dial, founder of Pizzazzerie is one of the sweetest people I have encountered in the entertaining world :)  And, Crista, contributing writer, who put together this feature, did a beautiful job and was wonderful to collaborate with.  So please, check out both my feature as well as Pizzazzarie's incredibly informative and stylish website!

I feel so lucky and tickled pink to be recognized by both Courtney Dial and Kate Landers.  They are two of the best in the business!!

My First Party Feature

I have been working on submitting photos of Kira's party to be featured on party websites.  I am excited to announce that I have been honored with a feature on Kate Landers' blog, Stylish Children's Parties!!  Check out the link to see the pictures and read Kate's account of Kira's 2nd birthday.   :)  :)  :)

Party's Over!

So, Kira's 2nd birthday party is over!  Someone asked me today how it feels, and I said that I feel relieved.  But, truly, I do not feel like it is over yet because there is more to look forward to!  I cannot wait to get the photographer's photos, to start my quest of trying to be featured on party planning blogs, and finally to post photos here!

From Kira's party, I definitely learned the importance of being organized for a party far in advance.  In fact, because it was held in my own home, I was able to slowly set things up over the weeks before the party (which proved to be invaluable!).  Therefore, on the morning of the party, the only major thing I had to do was food preparation.  I wonder how this is going to translate into planning parties for others?  How do I set up a party at another location when I do not have access to it weeks and months before the party?  I would love to hear advice from other party planners!

Believe it or not, the food prep was actually the most stressful part of the day.  I did not think I had too much planned, especially since I was just having appetizers, but it sure did take up the entire morning and afternoon (even with the help of my mother and husband).  I was disappointed, because we did not even get to make everything that we had planned, and all of the food was not displayed by the time guests started to arrive.  I don't think I could have done anything differently, though.  I started at 6:00am, baking cupcakes, and my mother and I never stopped until the last items were done.  Perhaps, I could have prepped a few things the day before?  I don't know.  Anyway, in my professional business, I am not planning on providing food service myself, so I guess I do not have to worry about that.  And, the food was a big hit, even if it was not all served at the exact time I wanted it to be.

Biggest hits with the children: ladybug coloring sheets, bug- and flower-related silly bands, party hats, craft activity, and bounce house my husband rented at the last minute (they are so much fun!)

Biggest hits with the adults: decor, dessert table, quiche and other foods, Kira's darling party dress, the DJ!!

I am off to bed for now - so tired!!

Not-so-Brief Update

Since Kira's birthday party is coming up this Saturday, my life has been so busy and my head is spinning!  Thus, I have decided to skip my Monday's Great Finds feature today and next Monday.

I am excited, nervous, anxious, thrilled (and any other like adjective that you can think of) about Kira's birthday party.  I am feeling pretty confident about the decor and layout of the party.  That is definitely my area of strength.  I even feel pretty good about the scheduling of events during the party.  My creative consultant, Melissa, the queen of planning and organizing, helped me to set up an exact schedule to follow so that all things I have planned for the party will fit into the three-hour time frame.

Here is the schedule (FYI: Meliss, I edited it just a tiny bit from the night we worked on it):

11:00 am Photographer arrives (I have a great story about this...will share later)

12:00 pm DJ arrives (Yes, I know it is over-the-top to have a DJ for a 2nd birthday party, but we happen to have a friend who is an amazing DJ and will be able to mix children's music with hip, modern and appropriate adult music)

1:00 -1:30 pm Guests arrive; Chad (hubby) will be responsible for taking a photograph of each child as soon as they enter our home

Hot and cold foods will be artfully on display on my gorgeous kitchen buffet.  Will "model" eating for the guests to get everyone started :)

1:45 Craft activity with children (parents encouraged to help younger ones). They will be decorating picture frames with lady bug and flower stickers, and my hubby will be personalizing them with their names (he is awesome at lettering)

2:05 Children's time to get wild and have fun.  We will have a bounce house in the back yard (I know, over-the-top as well, but my hubby is very excited about this, so I am pleased for his contribution).

For those who prefer to stay indoors (the FL heat can be unbearable!), there will be party dancing indoors.  I will have a basket full of 2 ft long streamers for the children to dance with and wave around.  Freeze dance is the Plan B activity to keep the dancing and fun going.

While this is going on, someone (likely my brother - surprise, if you are reading this!) will be printing the photos of each child that Chad took when they arrived.

There will also be ladybug coloring sheets and bowls full of crayons for children to color with during this time or any other time they need to be occupied.

3:05-3:15 Singing Happy Birthday to Kira and devouring the yummy cupcakes and desserts that everyone will sure to be eyeing up the entire time!

3:15 Gift opening.  Move this quickly so it does not bore people.  Eating, dancing, bounce house, etc can go on during this time for those that do not enjoy sitting and watching someone open gifts (I personally LOVE this, but I am not sure about others).

3:50-4:00 Pass out goody bags and completed picture frames (with photo inserted) to each child.  Give away floral arrangements to adults (PLEASE: CAN SOMEONE HELP ME COME UP WITH A CREATIVE IDEA FOR HOW TO DO THIS?  I'D LOVE TO DO SOME TYPE OF CONTEST, BUT I CANNOT THINK OF ANYTHING REALLY UNIQUE!)

Guests go home and we are left with - ugh - clean up!  :)

--

Photographer Story:  My photographer, Gary Kaplan, called me on Friday and informed me that he will be bringing along with him his good friend, who just happens to be Colin Cowie's official photographer, to the photo shoots.  Seriously!  The Colin Cowie.  The photographer of Colin Cowie.  Photographing MY party.  I am hyperventilating just thinking about it.  Cannot speak (er, type) in complete sentences.  Oh - my - goodness.  I do not know how this has happened to me, but I am thrilled!!!!!

In addition to shooting the party, they will be coming on Friday to do an individual photo shoot with Kira (and I am hoping they could potentially get some head shots of me!).  I have three outfits planned for Kira to wear for this.  One is the lady bug outfit that she will wear the next day when she is ready to get down and dirty and change out of her party dress.  The other is an adorable black, red, and white poppy dress (from Gymboree).  Kira looks amazing in red, so this is a perfect outfit choice.  Finally, the last ensemble is the AMAZING monarch butterfly costume that I purchased from Adisten's Closet.  It arrived in the mail last week and is stunning (this will also be her Halloween costume in October).  The only thing I am panicked about is that I am quite certain that Kira will not want to wear the hat or the wings that go with the costume.  And, these are the best, KEY features of the outfit.  "Just breath Andrea - she will wear it, she will wear it," I tell myself in mantra fashion. :)

That is all for now, although I know I have more to say.  The hyperventilating over Colin Cowie has caused short-term memory loss - LOL!

Giveaways...

Check out some of the amazing giveaways at Fabulous Fun Finds' blog!

Pocket Full of Parties {Monday's Great Find}

So, I thought I would be too busy today to blog about another of my favorite party planning businesses.  But, I decided I cannot skip a Monday!  It is one of my favorite things to do - giving love to amazing people, businesses, and artisans!

Today's "Great Find" may likely be one that you are already familiar with (especially if you have read through all of my blog).  But I am featuring it anyway, because the designer's work blows me away everytime I see something new from her!  And, hopefully, I may spread the word to a few people who do not already know about this business.

Monday's Great Find is....Paper and Pigtails (check out Etsy Shop and Blog).

Kori, the owner and designer, is a lovely friend of mine with an amazing spirit and a beautiful family.  I remember when I first met Kori and her husband (then fiance).  Chad and I had just moved into our first house, the neighborhood was new, and we did not know many people.  We were walking our Brussels Griffon, Baxter Blackbeard, and Kori and her husband were just getting out of their car in front of the home they were building (Are you feeling nostalgic Kori?  I know you must now that you will be passing that home on to someone else!).  Kori showed love to Baxter, and both of them were so friendly and warm.  We left that first meeting excited that we would have such cool neighbors.  And, they did grow into great friends during the time we lived in that neighborhood.  We had some fun pre-children times :)  Chad and I moved out of that house a little under two years after first meeting Kori.  We lost touch for a couple of years, but I found her again through Facebook, this time post-children on both of our ends:)  I have since discovered her amazing artistic talent!

Paper and Pigtails' Etsy shop is a DIY party printables shop.  Kori designs all of the graphics.  You can find anything from invitations to cupcake toppers to snack cups.  She has many lovely designs and themes available, but the best thing about Paper and Pigtails is that she is able to do custom orders in whatever theme you can dream up.  And, she can do pretty much any type of DIY party printable that you can imagine.  For Kira's party, I ordered invitations, address labels, water bottle labels, favor tags, food and drink labels, etc. 

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I attended Kori's daughter's third birthday party this weekend.  It was amazingly designed and planned!  Everything I thought it would be and more!  I know she will post her own pictures, and I do not want to spoil that for her, but here is a "sneak peek" picture that I took (excuse the fact that I am NOT a professional photographer!!).

Please visit Paper and Pigtails Etsy shop and order away for all of your party needs!  You will not be disappointed!

A Weekend Full of Parties :)

I am so very excited for it to be Friday, Aug 6th right now!  I have a weekend of parties to attend, and I cannot wait!

This evening, my husband and I will be going to a party together with friends.  It is a bit "rock and roll," so we have amazing outfits planned (my dress was custom-designed by couture fashion designer Raven Reda of Tampa, FL).  Will post pics later!

Saturday morning, my daughter and I have the honor of attending the 3rd birthday party of Kori's daughter (of Paper and Pigtails).  While Kori has mentioned that she is not a party planner (I recommend you read her blog: http://koriclarkdesigns.wordpress.com/), I am confident that this party is going to be amazing and beautiful!  How can it not be, when Kori is so very artistic!  If she okays it, I will post pictures from this party as well!

Saturday afternoon, I will be going to my neighbors house, to help her decorate for her son's 3rd birthday party, which will be on Sunday morning.  The party is Peter Pan themed, and I think it is going to be a precious event!  I hope I will be of at least a little help to her in figuring out where all of her decorations and party things should go.

So, then obviously Sunday morning is the neighbor's Peter Pan party.  My husband will be able to come with me to this party because he is not working.  I am so excited to see this event unfold!  My neighbor has put so much work and love into her planning, so I know it is going to be fabulous fun!

And, this weekend puts us at the two-week countdown to Kira's 2nd birthday party and my first custom-designed children's party!

Can life get any better?!  :)

Pocket Full of Parties {Monday's Great Find}

I have an endless list of favorite party-related websites so I think I will be doing "Monday's Great Find" for months and months to come!  If you have not been featured yet and would like to be, just comment here or e-mail me at pocketfullofparties@gmail.com

This week's great find is (drum roll please)...Giggleberry Creations

Giggleberry Creations makes the most beautiful fabric bunting I have yet to come across.  I cannot wait to order bunting for a future event or decorating need (I have already gone WAY overboard for Kira's party and her room is already too full of decor, so these options are currently out).   Here is a wonderful bio about the business and its owner Amy:

My name is Amy, I am a WAHM mum of 3 busy bees and I just love to create! Giggleberry Creations was started after I wanted to find a unique item to decorate my daughters bedroom that I could also match to her new quilt handmade by my mum. I had a play around with the left over fabrics from the quilt and came up with the very first Giggleberry bunting. After making sets for my nieces and nephews I had family and friends asking for buntings to match their decor or party themes and before I knew it I was taking regular order from all over the world.

Giggleberry's fabric bunting banners add character to any space. Lovingly handmade with care, each flag is double sided so can be hung across a room without hems or 'wrong side' of fabric showing. Every Giggleberry banner is professionally finished with a fabric tag and heat sealed grosgrain ribbon.

Our banners have been made for bedrooms, cubby houses, parties, play rooms, weddings, nurseries, market stalls, shop fronts, holidays, even caravans!

If this has not won you over yet, here are some beautiful photos of her bunting creations:

Look how amazing the bunting looks as part of everyday decor!

Please check out Giggleberry Creations on any of the following websites: http://www.etsy.com/shop/giggleberry or http://giggleberrycreations.blogspot.com or http://www.facebook.com/giggleberrycreations

Dessert Table

My kitchen is AMAZING for parties! Tons of counter space, bar top space, and space in general. One of the things that is going to be set up in the kitchen is the dessert table. I am using my round kitchen table and moving it to an empty corner in our eating area. Here is the general layout, which looks a little more boring then I know it is actually going to look in person!



I am jumping on the cupcake bandwagon and making cupcakes for Kira instead of a birthday cake. I am using Duff's (from Ace of Cakes) cake mix and buttercream icing, which I am SO excited to try!! The cake is a yellow cake mix. I am going to pipe the icing on in a swirl design (well, actually, my mother the baker is going to do this). Each cupcake is going to be sprinkled with colored sugar crystals (in colors matching the party).  The cupcakes at the top of the cupcake tree will have pink and purple lady bug candles.  And, then the cupcakes on the other layers of the tree will have purple, pink, and orange flower cupcake toppers.

 Candles

 Cupcake toppers

I have about 4-5 cupcake trees in my arsenal, and I still have not decided which one to use. However, I do know that the cupcake tree is going to be the centerpiece of the table.  Here is one of the ones I am considering using:

In a symmetrical pattern on either side of the cupcake tree, I will have tins filled with coordinating Jelly Belly beans.

Any advice on whether of not the jelly beans should be in their matching containers or if I should mismatch the beans and tins?  Cannot decide.

Finally, on a small display tray, I am ordered custom cookies from Abigail's Bake Shop.  They are going to super special, and I will save the cookie design as a surprise...will show them after I have party pictures.