Found! DIY Hair Ties by Tera Rae Stephens!

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I have been wanting to buy hair ties like these for about a year now.  Not sure why I can't just bring myself to spend the money and save myself from even more broken hairs and this lovely crown of frizz.  So I was super excited to see this tutorial on how to make your own by Tera Rae Stephens.    

Go Check it out here!  Tera is my hair stylist and is super awesome.  From getting to know her over the last year or so I know that she is a talented craftress, can throw a mean party and is pretty much a super amazing working mom.  I'm really hoping she shares more of those adventures on her blog.  We all stand to benefit from that.  Show her some love!  Oh!  And she's doing a giveaway!  So hop over and enter!  

Sharon

images via Tera Rae Stephens

Light up your next event with DPS and The Event Company {Orange County Resources}

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Allow me to introduce you to some awesome companies, DPS and The Event Company.  Owned by Anthony Dever, DPS provides sound, lighting and production services which means they help put together some amazing fashion shows, concerts, large corporate parties, and most recently handled the cooking demos with our Queen Bee, Martha Stewart, at several Macy's locations.   They are local to Orange County but spread their amazingness to the surrounding counties as well.  Check out their blog to see some of the ridiculously cool things they've been up to recently.  A few months ago they moved their offices to a new location.  They decided to throw an open house for their clients, friends and family and I was lucky enough to attend with my husband.   

Sensing that their services would be perfect for the wedding and event industry, they rolled out The Event Company.  Providing lighting, cinematography and live music talent, they can totally take your private event to the next level.  Both companies work from their new offices in Irvine and the space is truly gorgeous!  Totally sleek and chic and just from walking in, you immediately want them to take over and produce your event (I mean, I don't really have any events to produce but you know how my head works, I started trying to come up with things...)  They had this gorgeous purple and white dessert table set up in the front room by Cookielicious.  It was the perfect, delicious welcome. 

The party, coordinated in part by Callie of The Event Company, was mainly held in the warehouse space at the back of the offices so there was this industrial, chic feel to the party.  The decor was handled by Larissa of Inviting Occasions and was GORGEOUS!  This picture does not do it justice.  It was simple, elegant, totally cool with just a few florals.  Simply stunning. 

The food and bar were done by 24 Carrots Catering and I was blown away.  For a hearty appetizer/meal, they had a create your own slider bar.  There were bunches of toppings and at least 8 different sauces for you to choose from.  This would be a totally fun idea to recreate at home.  And for desserts they dazzled with some molecular gastronomy.  I'm a wanna be foodie and adore the Top Chef franchise but this was the first time getting to actually try some.  You all should have this at your next party!!!!!!  So fun!  For one dish, they did some sort of an inside out cheesecake pop.  Forgive my lack of knowledge on what was actually happening but here is my take.  They had some dough balls, dipped them in a cream cheesey/whipped creamy mixture then dipped it some super scientific solution (maybe just dry ice?  I'm not a scientist.  I just don't know).  They came out all frozen and fun.  And were quite delicious as well.  But my absolute favorite was the Dragon's Breathe Caramel Corn.  They dipped a ladle of caramel corn into a very mysterious foggy mixture and then served it in these adorable wood dishes (similar dishes can be found here).  Watch the video below of my husband eating it to see why they called it Dragon's Breath Caramel Corn:

Not only was this super fun to eat, it tasted amazing.  I wanted to eat gallons and gallons of the stuff but was minorly self conscious of the smoke coming out of my face.  They also had a signature cocktail that was super yummy which tasted like and orange creamsicle.      

images are mine

I didn't bring a legit camera to the event so these are the photos taken with my husband's iphone.  I was absolutely mesmerized by this light ring hanging over the stage.  For real.  It was perfectly timed to the music and was like nothing I have ever seen.  In talking to other party goers I learned that the strings can actually be hung in a number of ways including straight down as a curtain which can then be programmed to display words!  Oh the possibilities!  DPS seems to be on the cutting edge of not only what is advanced, technologically speaking, but also what is crazy cool.  

Anthony had this insanely good recording artist play the party.  His name is Jasper Sawyer and I'm so grateful to have been introduced to his music.  Everyone on stage was so talented and it was a really great show!  

Check out this DJ booth created by DPS.  I wish there was video of it, the totally unique ways that it could be customized for an event are crazy.  From the colors, words, etc. it can totally sync up with the music and create a really cool vibe for your event.  And DJ Kevin Scott could be the best DJ ever.  He played a cool mix of music that appealed to everyone at the party.  That can be really hard to do when you've got the too cool for school, an older generation and those just looking to dance.  But he killed it!    

I love when good humans give birth to good humans.  We met Anthony's parents at a birthday party for him a while back and they were awesome.  You can tell that Anthony gets his love of music from his mom who my husband and I bonded with over new wave music.  I adore his sister, Nicole (in the middle in blue) she is absolutely the life of every party.  And his wife Courtney (on the end) is such a sweetie (Oh and a talented interior designer.  I'm guessing she had a hand in the pretty new office.)  Anthony is the real deal.  He is so good at what he does, his happiness is infectious and he is a good person.  In talking to some clients at the party, they all echoed those sentiments and raved about working with both companies.  While some of their services might be too large for your next home party, keep them in mind for your company holiday parties and for the next time you need to throw a concert in your back yard. 

Check out the DPS blog for the cool things they have been a part of recently.

Check out The Event Company's blog and lighting gallergy to see some of their wedding work.  

Social Media Details:

DPS {Facebook} {Twitter}

The Event Company {Facebook} {Twitter}

Sharon

All images are by Reza Allah-bakhski except the crappy ones noted as mine

Dez and Tam - Orange County Photographers for your Holiday Photos

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If you are looking for the perfect photographers for your holiday family portraits, look no further.  Dez and Tam have a special deal for you but you better act fast!  In order to ensure that your cards can be printed and ordered, you must book your session for before Thanksgiving.  I have worked with Desi several times before and am truly amazed at his skills each time.  Remember when he shot my son's 5th bday party?   

Most recently, I got to hang out with him when I put together a little local blogger meet up/photo shoot. He is a consummate professional, fun guy and AMAZING photographer.  Tammy, his wife, is also a talented photographer.  They make a great team although you may not get to meet her at your family session as they just had their second baby boy!!!  Yeah for them!  

See Lauren leaping?  That is how comfortable Desi makes you feel.

I tagged along on the photo shoot to try to learn as much as I could about photography.  While I like to take photos, it is a hobby.  Some people just get it and Dez and Tam are a few of those people.  I can't wrap my head around lighting, but Desi just maneuvred around the park and knocked out amazing photos in no time at all. 

Desi knew how to work with each personality to get the best shots possible and used other resources to make the models feel comfortable (I may or may not have whipped out some tap dancing from when I was 8 to elicit some giggles).

This was a super fun afternoon.  My favorite part was when Desi would set up and take a shot and then share the image in the viewfinder.  It was always absolute magic.  Another reason Desi and Tammy are the best people to shoot your family photos is they are also parents.  They know how to handle crabby, fast moving children and get the shots, stunning shots of your little angels.  Here is a sneak peek at some of the shots taken of my local blogging friends:

by Dez and Tam

Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop - How gorgeous is this picture?!  That color is so amazing on Kristin!  

by Dez and Tam

Wendy of Wendy Will Blog - Wendy was an absolute natural and got her shots done in only a few frames.  I loved her pretty ease in front of the camera. 

by Dez and Tam

Lauren of A Fabulous Fete - Lauren's hair was magical in the light and did some really artsy shots with Desi throughout the shoot.  I can't wait to see all of them! 

So hurry and book your session with Dez and Tam!  Email Desi@dezandtam.com.

They are also available for weddings, parties, maternity and any other kind of shoots you can think of.  I was beyond impressed with the work he did at my son's party.  He captured the details that meant so much to me and our guests enjoying themselves.  They are memories that I will always cherish. 

I heart Dez and Tam!

Sharon

All images are mine except for the last 3 courtesy of Dez and Tam 

Wordless Wednesday

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I decided to add in a Wordless Wednesday post after reading Angry Julie this morning.  I've already said too much (it is supposed to be wordless after all).  But I have been feeling like I've been on the computer too much lately so yesterday after school, I took the boys to the Irvine Spectrum for a ride of the carousel and ferris wheel.  They split an Izze soda and we walked and basked in the PERFECT weather.   Happy Hump day, peeps.

Sharon

photo is mine. 

Snoopy's Costume Party at Camp Spooky

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Me (in pastel jumper) and my sis with Snoopy - circa 1984.  Boom

I grew up in Orange County pretty close to Knott's Berry Farm and went a lot.  But I have never ever been to Knott's during their Halloween Haunt.  I hate Halloween.  It's the Vegas of holidays.  I don't understand why, just because it is a "holiday", that it is ok for children to be shown dismembered babies, zombies with blood coming out of their eyes and way too many "naughty" nurses.  All in the name of Halloween.  This wouldn't fly in March.  But in October, allowed.  Plus I am a sissy and don't like surprises or to be scared.  In high school, when my sister and all my friends were heading out to Halloween Haunt - year after year - I wouldn't even ride in the car with my mom to drop them off.  Even the drop off point was too close to those made up monsters.  So Knott's is not the first place I would think of to take my kids for Halloween fun.  BUT I was recently invited to check out Snoopy's Costume Party at Camp Spooky (get it! How cute is that!) so I decided to give it a try.  Besides, at 8 o'clock in them morning, how much evil could there really be?  Monsters have to sleep too, right? 

It seems like there are very few places where kids can wear their costumes now, aside from trick-or-treating.  Knott's encourages the kids to come dressed up.  The Snoopy's Costume Party event is such a cute idea.  Every Saturday and Sunday in October, for the regular price of admission, your kids will be treated to some extra special activities in Camp Spooky (does not include any food or drink).  

My mom and my youngest son were my dates for this fun VIP event.  To start the morning off, we were treated to breakfast at Lucy's Lunchbox.  I don't think they usually serve breakfast, but the restaurant is cute and you can have birthday parties here if you choose to celebrate in the park.  And characters roam around while you are there.  How fun are those kid's meals?  They are served in a really cute plastic lunch pail that you can take home with you.  

Camp Snoopy, I mean, Camp Spooky is decorated really cute.  You can tell that there are some decorations meant for the super scary Halloween Haunt but for the most part, they really make an effort to keep the area kid friendly. 

After breakfast, we checked out all the rides in Camp Spooky.  Because we got to go in before the park was open to the public, we were pretty much the only people on the rides.  Which is awesome since my son has zero patience for lines.  We were the only people on the first 5 rides we went on.  All the ride operators were SO nice.  They always asked him if he had a good time and wished us a good day.  I'm sure they were not happy to be up early just for us, but they were awesome.  Fun fact:  My sister once worked as a ride operator in Camp Snoopy...

One of the fun activities the park offers just for Halloween is trick or treating.  They provide this cute map when you enter Camp Snoopy, along with the bag, and there are stops throughout where you can get candy.  One stop was Dum Dum suckers, which delighted me because my allergic son can eat them.  

How cute are these washcloth ghosts?!  Tucked just inside the entrance to one of the rides, there were two craft stations set up for the kids to make their own ghosts.  They put out markers for the kids to personalize them with faces, scribbles, whatever.  They were even willing to make them for the kids if they were too small.  I loved this!  Be sure to see the separate "how-to" post on this!

I'm sorry.  But my son is THE cutest thing on the face of the planet.  That face gets him whatever he wants.  Sorry, family.  This one is spoiled and rotten all because of me.  And that face.  

We somehow skipped the other maze and purposely skipped something called "Creepy Crawly Cave" (listen, I will do Halloween for my kids if I have to, but I'm never going to be down with bugs) but we had fun in Haunted Harvest.  I must have asked both people working there 30 times if it was scary.  They assured me it wasn't and they were right (aside from a kind of sketchy one eyed scarecrow near the end that I glanced at but held it together for the sake of my child - and it he didn't even flinch at it so...)  I ADORE the Charlie Brown movies that come on TV around each holiday especially The Great Pumpkin.  One of my favorite things about this maze was all the character cutouts throughout.  So cute!  

I highly recommend bringing your kids to Knott's for Camp Spooky!  We had a blast!  

The temperature steadily rose while we were there prompting my son to abandon his fleece costume.  When we were done with Camp Spooky, we decided to walk around the park to see what has changed since the last time my mom was there (years!).

Aside from a few very creepy clown heads decorating light poles, crazy big fake spiders and evil pumpkin men hanging off buildings, it is still safe to walk around the rest of the park in the day time.  In fact, how cute is that bone wreath?  I decided to further spoil my son with an Icee that was almost as tall as he was.  And my research shows that I am the only person who wants a funnel cake before noon.  Because NO one was selling them.  I had to settle for the lady holding a fake one.  It was not tasty.  

We had a blast at Knott's and more specifically, Camp Spooky!  A huge thank you to Knott's Berry Farm and GIGASAVVY for putting this together and hosting my family for the day!  I love being able to share things with my kids that I shared with my mom growing up.  And Knott's is a place we know and love.  

Sharon

all photos are mine

*Disclosure:

I was given entry in to the park for myself and a few guests, treated to breakfast and given cowboy hats for the kids.  My opinions can not be bought, though.  They are all mine. 

The Healthy Cowboy Kitchen - Tasty, healthy food

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I'm so excited for my friend, Katie!  She started her own company, The Healthy Cowboy Kitchen, making, healthy, unprocessed and totally yummy foods and you can now find her at Farmer's Markets all over Orange County!  We tried her popsicles for the first time today and you HAVE to try them!  They are coconut milk based and amazing!  Miles tried the Summer Peach with pieces of raspberry and cinnamon (which added the most subtle and perfect flavor!).  I tried the Cantaloupe Mojito (no rum, darn :).  So here is the deal.  It was simply phenomenal.  It was refreshing, and because it is made from nothing but ripe, REAL fruit, the flavor was out of this world.  The fresh mint added the most pleasant herbyness and I think I could have stood there and eaten them all day long.  Except that they were starting to melt and Miles was totally sticky and I have an aversion to messes.  But seriously if you have kids, you need to take them to get these popsicles.  Delicious and a great way to introduce them to natural foods.  She also sell Spicy Bean Burger Patties which I don't know too much about so you should probably track her down and ask her about them.  

Her Roasted Corn Salsa was crazy good.  It was seasoned just perfectly and was really flavorful.  She has the magic touch with cumin, which can easily go from "Oh, hello there.  I'm cumin.  Pleased to make your acquaintance" to "Come here.  I'm about to punch you in your throat."  I finished this container and immediately got sad that I didn't buy more for the rest of the week.  It was THAT good.  

She also sells 3 kinds of energy bars.  RAW energy bars.  I'm not a follower of the raw diet.  It frightens me a little.  But I really wanted to try these.  She makes a sort of Orange/Cranberry version, a Lemon/Ginger version which I am kicking myself for not sampling and this Lime/Coconut version that I would marry if it was legal.  While I try not to have nuts in the house due to food allergies, I just had to try this.  Lime might be my all time favorite flavor (sorry basil) and you could see the lime zest throughout this bar.  The flavor was amazing (totally running out of adjectives, I know!  And I don't think sounds will translate well via type so I'll add an extra exclamation point to drive my point home)!!  Forget Luna bars, these are the thing for me.  I'm not sure what the shelf life is but if I can just get enough to get me through to the next Farmer's Market, I'll be okay.  

Find Katie and her Healthy Cowboy Kitchen at these Farmer's Markets:

{Tuesdays}  Irvine Farmer's Market at Irvine Historic Park 

{Fridays}  Rancho Santa Margarita 

{Saturday}  Laguna Beach (may not be there every day as she fills in when people can't make it)

(sorry these are the best links I could find!)

Katie works from a kitchen out of Laguna Canyon and I'm so impressed with her whole operation.  These popsicles would be a perfect treat for your next kid's party!  I love to support small, local businesses and this one is for such a great cause, YOUR health!  Read Katie's story here and become inspired.  She'll be updating her blog again as soon as she gets in to the swing of things but you can check out a post she did for me {here}.

Way to go, Katie!!!  So proud of you and all that you stand for.  

Sharon

all photos are mine. 

Neon and Neutral Party {So Glad You Were Born!}

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You may remember that I entered a contest a while back in an effort to win treats for a party I wanted to throw for my friend, Erika.  I didn't win, but decided to throw the party anyway.  It can be really hard to figure out a theme for an adult birthday party.  So I went with a color theme instead.  I am beyond grateful that the amazingly talented Jackie Culmer, photographer extraordinaire, said she could come and take some pictures before the guests arrived.  If you haven't checked out my post of one of Jackie's parties from a few days ago, go see it now! 

{See the original inspiration board for this party.}

Along with the color scheme, I decided to use the letter "E" all around to further personalize the event for the guest of honor.  I was able to make large letters for big visual impact while still being able to keep the costs down by purchasing small sheets of Styrofoam and conning one of my best party resources (my dad) in to cutting them out on his saw.  A few coats of spray paint were all they needed.  We also reused some plywood from a previous party to make some of the smaller ones.  And instead of calling it a birthday party, I decided to instead use "So Glad You Were Born," which is directly inspired by Shanna Murray's poster on Oh Happy Day. 

These are my girls!!!  Love them.  We are very rarely in the same place altogether (Kayla, second from the right lives in Texas) so to have a photo with them was very special.  The birthday girl, Erika is on the end on the right and Taryn, right next to me (in my fave $10 H&M dress - I can't quit you!), was ridiculously gracious in opening up her home for us to use.

This is my favorite party to date.  I know I say that about all of them but this one was ridiculously fun and personal.  I created little vignettes around the party space of all the things she loves or that remind us of her.  And they all had to fit the color scheme because I am that OCD.  Erika is a woman of Christ so I decided to share that with a neon yellow cross (which would look kind of awesome hanging in a home I think).  She is also a lover of the 80's so I created a custom "cootie" catcher in her honor.  Under the flaps were 80's dances that she had to do when she landed on them.  We only pulled that out after all the guests were gone and it was just closest friends.  Although she would have done it with the party in full swing.  That is why we love Erika.  For other pops of color I used tall cylinder vases filled with neon pink 'Easter Grass' (I'm calling it that because I have no idea what that stuff is actually called...) and topped it with an air plant.  In other areas I put flowers in empty glass jars I had collected and spray painted on stripes in neon yellow and pink to jazz them up. 

Erika loves office supplies and spreadsheets so what better way to show that than with spray painted calculators and erasers.  

Yes, that is a neon pink fondue pot.  Thanks for asking.  And check out the bling on those skates!  I did NOT do that, btw.  All Erika!  She is full of child-like wonder and joy and so I asked her if I could borrow the skates.  I put them along side some bright yellow bubbles and we were all set. 

It was literally one hundred bazillion degrees that day so we kept food crazy simple.  Pretzels and kettle corn were set out for a little snack and we had a company come and set up smoothies and funnel cakes.  I am not at liberty to say which company we used as they were quite awful and I don't want to recommend them to anyone.  But I will say, they may have been a screaming deal, but you get what you pay for...

Anyone interested in a sugar cookie bake off?  Because Taryn has the best recipe.  And she will go to blows over it.  

I wanted a way to share some photos and mementos from Erika's life and needed a simple way to display them.  I found these two really large frames at a thrift store and used cording to wrap them.  Anyone else a Fanadu (meaning you have an irrational love for the disco movie Xanadu)?  No?  Just Erika, then? 

I borrowed some photo albums and memory books from Erika a few weeks before the party.  I pulled out some of the best treasures I could find, including her DMV written test from when she was 15, report cards and school photos, scanned them and then using neon colored zip ties attached them to the cording. 

We did two versions of a guest book for her.  The traditional writing of sentimental message on a card sort as well as a personalized plate.  You can find the enamel paint pens at your local craft store.  I had really wanted to do something like that since seeing Lauren's tutorial. 

I really love how these books turned out.  I spray painted them and created silly book titles that also represent the guest of honor.  And now I need to give a huge shout out to Ms. Jenny of Hank and Hunt.  She came up with the cool pattern you saw around the party on pennant banners.  She created the banner that hung behind the pool that lead to the look of all the other signage at the party.  And to top that off, she created water bottle labels and cupcake flags.  Boom.  And guess what?!  She is going to share them with you!  Jenny is the best!!! 

{Download printables from Hank and Hunt.com}

Huge thank you to Jackie Culmer for taking such amazing photos.  I can't wait to work with her again!  Huge thank you to Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop for creating a really fun splatter paint cake (of which I promptly forgot in the fridge) and cupcakes.  My parties would not be complete without my father and his super talented skills.  Thanks, dad!  And of course thank you to Taryn for the use of her house and for helping me with some of the crafting.  Oh and to you, spray paint - you're my heart.  What would I be without you?

Sharon

All photos by Jackie Culmer

Three Little Birds Adorable Bob Marley-themed 3rd Birthday Party by Jackie Culmer

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Maybe it is because my family is infatuated with Rastamouse ever since we saw it on YouTube last week.  Maybe it was because I had a very brief phase where I wanted to dreadlocks, wore a lot of red, yellow and green and bought incense (from the swap meet) in high school.  Or maybe because it is just freaking awesome but I had to share the most adorable kid's birthday party that I came across the other day.  Not only is Jackie Culmer a kick-ass photographer (I will be sharing the pics she shot at my neon and neutral bday party on Wednesday!) but she also rocks the house with her party design.  

This is absolute perfection for me.  The theme is totally original, casual and cool.  The graphic design is crisp and fresh.  

It is the perfect balance of kid and adult friendly and is styled without being fussy or too themey.

And what music inspired party would be complete without a cd favor?  I want one!!! 

Check out the rest of the party on Jackie's blog, The Silver Spoon and Paper Plate.  And check out what she did last Halloween while you are there here, here and here.  

She knocked my socks off with the photos she took for my party a month ago, can't wait to share!!! 

Sharon

all photos via Jackie Culmer