Paper streamers

So last night I had this brilliant idea to use paper streamers for Maddy's Easter party. You know the real cheapy kind for a creation that I have never seen before. Unfortunately, I am so exhausted that I didn't do the project yet but I hit $ Tree today and got my rolls of streamers. So tomorrow it is on!! So tonight with paper streamers still on the brain~ I went out in Internet world to see some great use of paper streamers. I was excited that I couldn't find my streamer project nowhere. So either my project will turn out great or in the scrap pile ~ either way I will share with you all tomorrow!

I love this one! This creative guy had white walls but must have been renting and couldn't paint but was sick of the white. He used the streamers as stripes!! Just used a piece of double sided tape on top and bottom~must pull tight. Love!! Such a bad blogger ~ I lost source but remember his name was Matt. Sorry Matt!!How about using it to make a lamp shade more spiffy! Found this at Family Fun.

Party decor does not have to be expensive to have a major impact. Combined 3 of my favorite cheap paper products together~ pom poms, lanterns and streamers. Kept all in shades of pinks. I think very cute! This talented mom created a "big top" party decor by using paper streamers.

(Image Rachel Shingleton)

So tune in tomorrow for my streamer project and a sneak peek into Maddy's Easter party.

April Fool's deceptive dishes

I am not big on April Fool's....I know such a party pooper. I just don't like to be pranked so I don't do it to others. However, here are some food pranks that I think are harmless and fun. Family Fun magazine has a lot of great food pranks. Check them out.

So cute...candy pizza...recipe here.

I love this one because Maddy hates mashed potatoes (she doesn't get that from me) but LOVES ice cream. So this is an easy trick to play on her. Just use ice cream or frozen yogurt and top with butterscotch or carmel sauce gravy.

This one is my favorite..grill cheese cake. Genius!

INGREDIENTS:
Pound cake (we used Entenmann's brand)
1 cup buttercream or white frosting (canned is just fine)
Yellow and red food coloring

Cut the pound cake into bread-like slices and toast them in a toaster oven just until they turn golden brown. Once they've cooled for a few minutes, stack two slices for each sandwich and cut the stack in half diagonally (slicing the sandwich before you fill it makes for fewer crumbs).
Now tint the frosting by stirring in a few drops of yellow and red food coloring (more yellow than red) to get a shade of orange that resembles American cheese.
Carefully spread frosting between the slices of each half sandwich. If you mound the frosting on one slice, then top it with the other and gently press down, the frosting will ooze out a bit and look all the more like melted cheese. Makes one sandwich.

Eggcellent Idea

Ok~ I thought I was the decoupage gluing queen...well at least decoupage princess...why didn't I think of decoupaging pictures onto my Easter Eggs. I was just racking my brain today trying to think up a way to use the kids photos on the tablescape and viola...found this on Women's Day! You best believe I will try this one...however my list of things to create are getting longer than I believe I have time for.

Plus, today I got an injection of cortisone into my shoulder that has been hurting for months. Why am I hurting worst now than before? I can barely move my arm and the pain is now excruciating whereas before it was a constant dull pain. When I move it I can hear a squishing sound now~please tell me that this is not normal or is it? The doctor told me that in a few minutes I would have no pain and my mobility would come back into my shoulder. Please my peeps if you have first hand experience with this let me know if I'm scared for nothing or should be worried???? Thanks my lovelies!!

Princess party at a playground

Can you believe this is a party at a playground??? Who says you can't have style and a fabulous party at a park?? These wonderful pictures of a princess party comes all the way from Brazil from a talented mom named Any....can I be your new best friend? I've always wanted to go to Brazil!!

I like how Any used 2 plates ~ so the larger pink square one acts as the charger. Each girl got a tiara. It's amazing what scrapbook paper and tags can do.

Don't forget this is at a playground!

Check out this fab cake!

Each girl got a tiara.

The boys got a pirate's patch.

What a beautiful family. Thanks so much for sharing~ many blessings!

Chocolate anyone?

Why only have a chocolate fountain at a wedding? Everybody loves chocolate~ why not have it for baby shower, girls night, birthday parties, etc???? You don't need to rent or purchase the commercial size one as seen above.

I own a professional grade chocolate fountain but I also have 2 mini home fountains as well. You can buy them at places such as Target and WalMart very inexpensive. They are awesome during parties and gatherings. Everyone always raves over it and it is so easy to do. You can buy the chocolate at WalMart and Target as well. I don't suggest using chocolate chips...just too much work to get right consistency....trust me I've learned from trial and error. If you are using a home chocolate fountain you can purchase the fondue here as well. They have the convenient 4 lb size which will serve approximately 30 -40 guests or just 10 if they REALLY love chocolate! These microwaveable bags are great~ no mixing, no need to add oil, you just heat and serve.

If you are having a larger soiree and want colors they have: (I love these so much!!!!)

Purple

Lt Purple

Lavender

Lime Green

Pink

Fuchsia

Lt Pink - Baby Pink

Yellow

Lt Yellow

Lemon Yellow

Blue

Lt Blue - Baby Blue

Orange

Green

Lt Green - Mint Green

Red - Tomato Red and will also create custom colors.

Here are some dipping suggestions:

Fresh Strawberries
Pineapple
Bananas

Grapes
Rice Crispy Treats
Rolled Wafer Cookies
Pretzels
Marshmallows
Brownies
Mini Cream Puffs
Maraschino Cherries
Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
Nutter Butters
Apples
Dried Apricots
Graham Crackers
Animal Crackers
Vanilla Wafers
Fresh Melons
Coconut Macaroons
Cookie Assortment
Biscotti
Meringues

Etch-It Name Tag Cups

Have you ever had a picnic or BBQ and wonder ~ who's cup is this? You don't know so you throw the drink away? Well no more, here is a handy dandy solution~ Etch-It name tag cups. You can use your fingernail to etch your name. How neat is that? It comes in frosted and red. They are 18 oz cups and come in packages of 32 for $10.99. Yes, a bit much for plastic cups but since this helps keep track of everyone's drink you won't waste as much beverage. Plus it just looks cool. Get yours here.
Don't forget about entering in the Celebration giveaway here.

Celebration!!

Yippee, I have 400+ followers. You all make my heart feel super happy...ok too much Ni Hao Kai Lan! So I could not think of what to do to celebrate this milestone! Then it hit me...

You had me at soup cans! This creative mommy used soup cans in her son's robot theme party to hold the favors. Even though I am a party planner~ I love it when I see creative mommies who use everyday items and repurpose them into fab stuff for parties! (I'm sorry I lost where I found this picture)

So in celebration of my 400 followers, I would like you all to link up and show me an every day item that you have repurposed to use in a party or entertaining! You can submit as many items as you like and will end on April Fools day! What do you get, you say? Well, how about a brand new car?? Ok, that's a corny early April Fools joke. I'll let you pick a gift card of your choice for $400 minus $360 (retail value of $40)

Flower Power

Today I am participating in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday with host the lovely Susan. Well ,after yesterday's post I had every intention on doing a jelly bean inspired table. However, this morning Maddy and I were at Target looking over the $ bins and Maddy put on this flower headband and she looked so adorable. I saw so many cute stuff to go with it but I was determined to do a jelly bean tablescape. So I left it all there and went to $ Tree on a mission to find jelly bean stuff ~found cute stuff...but to go with the flower stuff from Target so why fight it. I decided to do a table for my daughter and our neighbor's daughter to eat then do a craft. Here are my finds...all from either Target $ bins or $ Tree so I'm also participating in Thrifty Thursday's as well for the first time. Thanks Leigh for hosting!

The place mat was actually a bath mat from Target $ bins...priced at $2.50. It is really small for a bath mat but worked great on the table!!Well, I did use some jelly beans after all! This whole centerpiece came from $ Tree. I adore the vibrant feather duster and knew that one day I would use it in a centerpiece...this was the day! The flower lollipops came in a bouquet, added jelly beans and glass vase...viola....instant colorful centerpiece!

First of all you are wondering why there are rocks in the cup, right? Well, my Maddy put them in there. At first I thought ~gosh my baby is a genius, she is trying to help mommy weigh down the cup for the photo. It was very windy.....but no, she started putting them in her mouth. I kept them in cup anyway for pics....it was very windy!

Found the stickers at $ Tree. Here is the flower headband that was my "muse".

The slippers from Target ($2.50) are being used to hold napkin and fork.

Got this adorable straw purse from $ Tree. It is fully lined as well. The girls can put their slippers, bank, flower headband and lollipops in.

The flower bank I got from Target $ bins but was $2.50. If it wasn't so late (didn't want to miss the daylight) I would have used this for a place card as well. You could either put name in the center yellow circle or put name on tag ~glue onto stick and put it in the bank slot.

Got the green plastic plates at $ Tree...came in packs of 4. So that is it! You got to love those $ Bins and $ stores. I found so much for Easter today at $ Tree. I'm going to take pictures prior to Maddy's Easter party so I don't miss anything! The 2 flower girls. They are just too cute for words! Maddy and I just love Becca Boo!So go on over to Tablescape and Thrifty Thursday to get more "muses".

Jelly Bean Bonanza

I must admit I am not a fan of jelly beans. I think it's because when I was little my Easter basket was stocked full of those BIG jelly beans. Not the cute smaller gourmet ones you can get now but these really chewy, too sweet jellies. So no matter what when I think of jelly beans I think of those. After looking around the web at some cute jelly bean projects...maybe I will give them another try???
Cute jelly bean bracelet tutorial with free download template for the topper! I just love Gourmet Mom on the Go....how does she find the time! I must be doing something wrong! I think these cookies and favor box are just adorable. You can find recipe and free download for the favor box here. Cute napkin ring! Ice cream cone jelly baskets.

(photos from Good Housekeeping)

I wanted to do an Easter tablescape tomorrow...that's it...I will use the jelly bean as my muse for my tablescape. Off to $ Tree I go!

Magazine Decor and Easter Tablescapes

Maddy and I were at HomeGoods today and saw these magazine/newspaper decor items. Like or dislike?? What is your verdict?
Here is a vase made with rolled paper?
A table...that's a lot of paper.

Another vase.

???? Your thoughts.....

During MM's Easter & Spring tablescapes and parties contest, we had so many fabulous entries. I want to showcase a few more before Easter in case you missed them or just revisit. I will post more later but to see details of each click on their blog.
Shawna from Pretend, Party and Play and her kids made baby chicks, baby blue birds and carrots and set them up in a farm scene. Too cute!!

I love daffodils they just scream spring. This entry was by Susan from Thoughts from over the rainbow. Loving the use of eggs and chocolate foil bunnies as place cards. Entry from Katie over at Modern Eve.

Deal of the Day

I just got some really great deals from Oriental Trading (another one of my favorite spots for inexpensive items for parties). They are having a Special Offer - 2 Days Only! Order online by 11:59 p.m. CT, March 23, 2010, ~ Going Fast Sale which you can save up to 75%while quantities last
Plus FREE Shipping with any order $49 or more* Click here to see deals.

Enter Key Code WCX9177 During Checkout

If you are into crafts, scrapbooker or make cards...they have a lot of stuff real cheap also. I found some great crafts to do at Maddy's Crayola Art party and some stuff for Easter as well. Happy Shopping! Let me know if you find something your going to use for a party.

Easter Bunny Bread

I thought this was the cutest thing to serve your dip in for your Easter gatherings. I think I may try this one~ hopefully it turns out half as cute!

24 Servings
Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 25 min. + cooling
(photo and recipe from Taste of Home)


Ingredients
2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen bread dough, thawed
2 raisins
2 sliced almonds
1 egg, lightly beaten
Lettuce leaves
Dip of your choice

Directions

• Cut a fourth off of one loaf of dough; shape into a pear to form head. For body, flatten remaining portion into a 7-in. x 6-in. oval; place on a greased baking sheet. Place head above body. Make narrow cuts, about 3/4 in. deep, on each side of head for whiskers.
• Cut second loaf into four equal portions. For ears, shape two portions into 16-in. ropes; fold ropes in half. Arrange ears with open ends touching head. Cut a third portion of dough in half; shape each into a 3-1/2-in. oval for back paws. Cut two 1-in. slits on top edge for toes. Position on each side of body.
• Divide the fourth portion of dough into three pieces. Shape two pieces into 2-1/2-in. balls for front paws; shape the remaining piece into two 1-in. balls for cheeks and one 1/2-in. ball for nose. Place paws on each side of body; cut two 1-in. slits for toes. Place cheeks and nose on face. Add raisins for eyes and almonds for teeth.
• Brush dough with egg. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30-45 minutes. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.
• Place bread on a lettuce-lined 16-in. x 13-in. serving tray. Cut a 5-in. x 4-in. oval in center of body. Hollow out bread, leaving a 1/2-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). Line with lettuce and fill with dip.
• Yield: 1 loaf.

Madison's Hawaiian Luau First Birthday

I thought that maybe I should post Maddy's first birthday party before she turns 3 this year! :) If your looking for fabulous pictures...this is not the post. I was still in the Marine Corps then and we were living in 2 locations. I had a home on base during the week and drove 2 1/2 hours every weekend with Maddy to my real home with hubby in Phoenix. Maddy and I did this for 22 months! So some things just didn't get done.
Maddy's first birthday was a Hawaiian luau at our home. We had approximately 90 people in attendance. Many members from my family flew in from the East Coast.

I didn't take most of these photos but thank God my niece grabbed my camera! I hope this next picture isn't too graphic....why is the knife in the pigs back like that?? Anyway, we had a Hawaiian caterer and you must have a pig roast, right?? The kids loved this....I actually thought they would be scared but especially the boys thought it was so cool!



I filled the pool and spa with blow up beach balls and animals (dolphins, alligators, fish) that I found at $ Tree. I know.....no pics....sorry! If you look real hard you can see a blue dolphin on the left side...click on the picture to make it bigger....see it. I bet we were still blowing up all of the rest when this picture was taken!Sorry no pictures of completed set up however I wanted to show you my $ Tree finds... all of the garland, flowers and swirly things on the tent I got from $ Tree. Cute, huh?? I really wanted a bright and colorful party. Too bad I have no pictures of all of the details...I've learned from my mistakes~hire a photographer!!!!!!!!!!!!Notice my baby and her grass skirt~ oh how they grow too quick! She did awesome at her party even with no nap!What luau would be complete without a luau show? We had an authentic troupe come in to perform. The band was really good.The show lasted about 45 minutes...I loved the kids who danced. There must have been at least a total of 30 performers which about 10 were children.

Here are some members of my family participating in the show.

Maddy had never had cake before this day. She didn't dive into her smash cake as I had anticipated she would. She merely put her finger in the icing. And didn't like it! To this day, she doesn't like icing~she wants the cake only.

We also had snow cone, popcorn, and cotton candy stations. The airbrush tattoo and caricature artists were definitely a favorite. Here is me getting my tattoo of a butterfly.

The party lasted all the way until evening. We lit the fire pit and had smores and the children put on their glow sticks from their favor bags. I know I have a favor bag and her invite here somewhere in my stash so I will post pictures at a later date.

I contacted a photographer today for Madison's Crayola party so you can expect much better photos this year!! Yippee!!

I have taken off the next 2 weeks from doing parties to prepare for some huge events that Maddycakes has and to do some work on my home. We are leaving early tomorrow to go to the mountains so I will post more on that tomorrow night.