October Inspiration Board Challenge - The Participants

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I feel like I am back on track for my monthly Inspiration Board Challenge posts.  Phew!  I had a few off months during summer, but it is back and I'm super happy to welcome Taryn from Formal Fringe! 

 I don't remember how I came across her site but the more I go through it the more I love it!  

This just might be the perfect grown up party theme of all time!  Especially New Year's Eve, am I right?  The graphics are perfect and the colors, I mean... Oh yeah and these are free printables.  Go download them now and invite all your drunkard friends over! 

If you have read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I hate Halloween.  But there is something about the Nightmare Before Christmas that I just love!  Never seen the movie, just love the design style of it and I'm a total sucker for black and white stripes.  How rad is this dessert buffet that Taryn put together!?!  See more here.

And if you didn't like her already, you simply must check out her recipe and printables for Bacon Salt!!!!  Go make it!  Then send it to me!! 

I have to say the more I read her site and check out her photography, writing and fabulous finds, the more I want to hang out with her.  I told my bff, whose name is coincidentally Taryn, that I had a new friend with the same name.  She was worried that I might toss her aside like yesterdays news.  I assured her that since my new friend T lives out of state that she would safely continue on as my bff.  But I'm really not so sure.  Taryn of Formal Fringe is kinda rad.  I hope the other Taryn doesn't read this. 

See Taryn's Portfolio (its amazing!) 

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook

And now for the inspiration item that Taryn of Formal Fringe (wow, I probably really confused everyone by discussing too many Taryn's in one post) will create a mood board for:

I couldn't get the photo any larger, but I think you get the idea.  This kids t-shirt by Mini and Maximus (my fave line for kid's t's) is the coolest.  From graphic design to pocket placement Mini and Maximus takes this basic white T and makes it extra cool.  This company elevates kids design by using up and coming artists for their t-shirt graphics as well as having some super cool kids design some too.  This is my favorite line for kids shirts and my boys always get compliments when they wear them.  And while most shirts are uni-sex, some of the girlier designs tempt me in to trying for a baby girl (dear family, I am in no way suggesting that we are trying to have another baby.  I am more than happy with my two boys.  Sometimes I wish they would let me put a big old flower headband on them or a tutu, but I'm not chancing a final score of mom 1:  boys 3).

I am so excited to see what Taryn will come up with for this.  I love doing this challenge every month because I know what I my parties for the inspiration pieces would look like, but I am always surprised, in a very good way, by what the other bloggers come up with.  Be sure to check back at the end of the month to see the finished board!  And in case some of you are as crazy as I am and starting to think about Christmas shopping, be sure to check out Mini and Maximus for the cool kids on your list.  While some might balk at the price, they always have a sale section and show up on The Mini Social (if you are not signed up you simply MUST do it now.  I always do a ton of holiday shopping from this site.  Amazing fashion, toys and gifty items!!) from time to time.  

Mini and Maximus blog

Follow them on Twitter

Like them on Facebook (100 fans away from a rad giveaway - hurry!  Go!)

Have a great week everyone!!!

Sharon

Lowe's Creative Ideas...and me

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Some of you may have seen this on my Facebook page already but Lowe's recently posted this video they did at Blogher 11 where they had some bloggers talk about creativity. 

SEE THE VIDEO HERE (I couldn't figure out how to shrink the movie file size to work on blogger so you can check it out on the Lowe's Facebook page)  Did you remember to "like" them? 

I wish they would have passed out some ritalin or xanax or something because I am quite twitchy.  But this was a super fun opportunity.  Did you catch my roommate (Blogher roomie, that is) Amy, at the top of the video?! 

They've got a lot of fun holiday projects coming up so stay tuned!!! And be sure to visit the Lowe's Creative Ideas website for more fun tips and ideas! 

If you haven't yet signed up for the free Lowe's Creative Ideas magazine do it {here}.

Sharon

Video and still taken from video courtesy of Lowe's Creative Ideas

Blogher 11: Best of the Expo and Sponsor Suites

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With breakfast on the first morning over, it was time to checkout the Expo floor.  The expo floor is the part of Blogher where all the sponsors show off their newest products and programs.  It is also where they laden you down with so much free stuff that you beg people for bags to carry it in with promises of being their best friend.  Note:  Pepsico has enough bffs but will still give you a bag if you need it.  Quick, go buy Pepsi and chips!  Yes, that is my puffy, tired face on the right and of course we run in to this pretty lady within 30 seconds of entering the Expo area.   How adorable is Tera Rae Stephens?!  She is the best hair stylist in all the land.  But she's so much more than that, too.  She's always been a cheerleader for me and she has a great business-y mind.  You really are getting more than just a cut and color with her.  And she promises to teach me how to do those amazing beachy waves...

I was immediately attracted to the Glad booth with all its lovely florals and pink.  Upon closer look, I found what I think is the most beautiful cookbook ever created called Pretty Delicious!  Using vintage-esque florals and sweet eyelet details, the printed recipes are gorgeous and trumped only by the amazing photography.  This is quite possibly the best bridal shower gift idea ever! And the best part, the recipes actually sound good and are healthy for you!  Bonus!  The author, Candace Kumai (a total cutie) was in the booth sharing recipe cards of some of yummy dishes created exclusively for Glad To Go.  I can't wait to try her Roasted Fig and Blue Cheese Salad!  Glad To Go is their newest container.  And I must say it is rather brilliant.  It is basically two containers that secure together with one lid.  So if you want to take a salad along with you, the dressing can go in the separate, smaller container which fits right in to the middle of the same lid that closes the container.  Perfect for kid's snacks and even some craft supplies.  I don't see them yet on their website but they will surely be out soon (Check out this little video to see more about the cookbook and the new Glad product!)

For even more loveliness you simply must check out her blog.  It is pure eye candy!!!!!!!

StilettoChef.com

Follow Candace on Twitter

Lowe's was out in full force with a two story booth that resembled a house.  They were there to showcase a few of their different programs, one of which was Lowe Creative Ideas magazine and website.  I knew Lowe's was more lady friendly but had no idea they were such a great resource!  Check out this photobooth frame project and this spray painted stencil rug that could also work as a tablecovering or photo backdrop.  Lowe's had teams on hand to interview people about creativity.  Here is my pal, Amy being interviewed.  Doesn't she look like a natural?  And she's totally TV cute.  I'm pushing for her own show...  I've signed up for a free subscription for Lowe's Creative Ideas magazine and can't wait to be inspired!  

Later in the day they also held a bloggers challenge.  They put together teams of bloggers, gave them materials from the store and let them get creative with them.  The team pictured above, including the super funny Angry Julie, put together a really fun tablescape set up.  They used buckets as seats and some clear tubing for drinking straws.  What a fun idea!!!!   

And they also made sure that I knew about the kid's workshops they hold at each location called "Build and Grow Clinics".  The police car is one of the crafts they have coming up and even has a working light on top.  What kid wouldn't love that!?!  Check with your local stores for dates.   

There was a time (a very short time) where I would only let my son watch PBS cartoons.  Luckily Dinosaur Train was on at that time.  He didn't even remember about the shows he was not allowed to watch any more.  He learned so much about dinosaurs from this show it blows my mind.  But until now, there has been a relative lack of themed toys to go along with the show.  I was super excited to see this bingo set on the Expo floor along with some other great card games for young kids.  And my kids thought I was the coolest because I got a picture with Buddy.    

These cool Wall Tracks by Hot Wheels are sure to be a hit at Christmas.  Out now, they retail for about $30 for a starter set and they are hung on the walls using those rad 3M sticky tabs that don't damage the wall surface.  The sets can be added together to make large installations and can even be put in corners.  They are a really fun way to let the kids get really creative.  

Needing some extra energy, Amy and I checked out the Hershey's S'mores Suite.  They had S'mores makers all around the sweet and it was the perfect afternoon sweet treat.  They even had an area decorated like you were at a beach campfire enjoying your s'more.  You can check out more pictures of the suite here. 

I fell in love with the invitation designs by Paper Culture.  Everything about the company is cool and modern and so ridiculously lovely.  They have added some gifts in the form of personalized bamboo plaques to their standard paper offerings.  They are SO well done.  How rad are those boy name plaques?  They make them in various sizes and would make an awesome keepsake baby gift.  If you don't know about Paper Culture be sure to go check out their designs.  With Christmas coming up, I can't think of a more perfect place to buy your family Christmas cards.  

A highlight, for sure, was meeting Wendi McLendon-Covey, the newest Hillshire Farm Spokesperson. She was super funny and warm and she was right by some yummy food samples.  I had to get a photo with her because Bridesmaids (remember her from that movie?) might be one of my favorite movies.  I love that she is their spokesperson.  Go meat! 

One of my favorite things to have happened at the conference was that I got in to a very intimate private session sponsored by Hillshire Farm about food photography and styling.  I learned so much listening to the esteemed panel of professionals they put together.  I left there so inspired and it really made me want to be better.  Sara Remington shared some amazing photos from her portfolio and I was super excited to hear that she doesn't use a lot of crazy equipment.  She urges food photographers to keep it simple and use nature lighting.  And I had seen William Smith on Food Network before and loved hearing his tips for styling food.  He was funny and friendly and, like  Sara, says keep it simple.  Oh and work fast.  Food doesn't like to sit around.  

There are a few more items from the show that I want to share, but they are so good, they deserve their own post.

If you are a blogger and thinking about going to Blogher, do it.  At least once.  Such an amazing experience! 

Sharon

all photos are mine. 

Meringue Bake Shop is the Coolest!!!

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As you know, Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop is one of my "go to" girls for baked treats.  She's super talented.  And guess what?!  She and I were talking about my contest and she totally wants to help out.  So this weekend she is offering two special cupcakes - a chocolate cupcake with pink vanilla buttercream and a pink vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream dipped in pink rock candy! and she will donate all the proceeds from those to the KitchenAid Cook for the Cure 1,000 Cooks in the Kitchen!  How awesome is that.  

Guess what else.  As long as you fill out a very simple entry form (pretty much an email address and name) you will be entered in to my contest, sponsored by Del Webb, for a chance at winning the sweet pink Kitchen Aid hand mixer!  

This weekend you will find Meringue Bake Shop:

Saturday:

at Munchathon (a weird event with a 5K run and all the food you could dream of - do they go together?) at Oak Canyon Park in Orange from 11 am - 5pm - this one costs to enter but just about every food truck known to man will be there.  You'll be eating well there.  

Sunday:

The Great Park Farmers Market in Irvine from 10 am - 2 pm - free entry to the market

Look for a flying cupcake to find Kristin and her booth or follow her on twitter for updates on location.    

Thank you so much, Kristin, for supporting me and the cause!  I heart you!  And your new website is fantabulous!  If you think Meringue Bake Shop is radical too, please "like" them on Facebook!  

Can't make it out to see Kristin but still want to enter the contest go to this post HERE!

Sharon

Confetti Lab was awesome and I can't wait for the next one.

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I LOVED Confetti Lab!  And here is why...

This was the window that Lauren of A Fabulous Fete created at The Wedding Pantry in anticipation of the event.  Neon cacti!  Wooden garlands!  Serapes!  Uh-mazing!  I love how clean it looks and how classy but totally casual.  Check out the adorbs cake stands Lauren made out of glass candlesticks and terracotta drip catcher things (can you tell I don't garden???)

Many of you may have heard of The Wedding Pantry but did you know that they can also help you throw a pretty cool non-wedding related party too?  Think of them as The Party Pantry.  They carry twine in a ton of colors, those awesome stripey paper straws and how cute are those ruffled favor bags!  And I know you all love A Fabulous Fete on Etsy but did you know that you could run in to The Wedding Pantry and pick up a fun cake stand for your next party or hostess gift?  Love that!!! 

The Wedding Pantry has an event space just behind the boutique.  This is where Lauren invited several party vendors to set up shop and sell their party goods.  I really can't wait for Ed of Up Imagery to put up his pics because I didn't get many good ones in here. :(  Here is another wooden garland made by Lauren.  LOVE!  And oh my gosh!  Confetti Lab introduced to me to a vendor that I can't wait to use, Dolly's Sweet Dreams Premium Cotton Candy.  The cotton candy was delicious and I talked to her about her ingredients and process and I felt really good about feeding it to my food allergic son.  How pumped is he going to be with it at his next party!  Not only is her product delicious (she even has organic!) but her food cart is sooooo cute!  Totally check out their website it is adorable!   That charming table setting was created by none other than Lauren Elise who I was really excited to meet.  I must confess I showed great restraint when talking to her and came off socially awkward...she's lucky I didn't ask her for her autograph and cut off a lock of her hair.  I'm a huge fan of her work.  Check out her Confetti Lab wrap up  with tons of great photos of her display and items, some of which are available at The Wedding Pantry!  And how CUTE are Annika of Cakes Likes a Party and her friend Lauren!  I was pretty lame with them when we first met too, but I got to redeem myself later and am so happy I did.  These girls are super sweet, and I always love to meet other party ladies.  I am sure I'll be seeing them again!  

It was a gorgeous evening on the patio where Lauren really did it up.  Every thing Lauren does is super cool and this was no exception.  She created little seating areas, surrounded it with food and drinks and kept the party jumping with the DJ, Mahjestik.  Decorations did not disappoint and the atmosphere was really fun! 

Lauren made that sign, complete with her crazy good hand writing with the help of her fiance.  I want one for every party.  Soho Taco provided the yummy tacos from their party ready taco cart and sweet treats were provided by Kupcake Spot, Dolce Vista Cakes and Somedays Bake Shop.  YUM!  And look at the little table Lauren made by turning over a terra cotta pot?!  Brilliant! 

Ridiculously good cocktails were provided by Tres Sietes Tequila.  Check out the recipes on A Fabulous Fete here and here.  I love that some of Lauren's other products like the teal stripe runner and green tray totally fit right in to the look of the party.  And I think I am going to use air plants at all of my parties.  No vase needed!!!  

Also on the patio, Lauren set out craft stations where she showed you some super simple party items.  How cute is this duct tape bunting?! 

Lauren also demonstrated how to make super cute fringe drink stirrers.  Glue Dots provided some product to make it possible.  Love this idea! 

On the way out there were two goodie bags.  One put together by Lauren, Eva and Brittany and one from Lauren Elise.  The Confetti Lab bag contained a bunch more resources for throwing you best fete.  Laure Elise's was a rad 'make your own s'mores' kit!  Complete with matches and votive light, the presentation was awesome and is a great idea for favors for any summer get together.  

What I hope everyone took away from this event, though, is that Lauren Verity of A Fabulous Fete is rad.  I know from personally working with her how creative and crafty she is as well as being sweet and charming.  But what I am so excited about is that she is expanding her line of party goods and adding services.  I know her Etsy site is not updated yet, but I'm so excited for her to offer her calligraphy skills, invitation design, full party and wedding decorating and so much more.  I hope she offers a punch card for repeat clients because I plan on keeping her busy.  

I hope that you were able to get a small sense of what Confetti Lab was all about and I hope you will all look for the photos by Ed of Up Imagery also.  He is amazing and I can't wait to see what he came up with! 

Thank you Lauren, Eva and Brittany for an awesome night! 

Sharon

Confetti Lab at the Party Pantry!!!!

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I am SO freaking excited about this event!  If you are in the So Cal area, you should be too!  Some totally creative ladies came together to put on Confetti Lab and I can barely contain myself.  Lauren of A Fabulous Fete has let me in on a little of what we can expect and it's going to be bonkers!  Lauren, along with Eva (The Wedding Party Pantry) and Brittany (Spruce PR), are hosting a really cool party...about parties!  Genius! 

Lauren  created this inspiration board for the event and I'm totally in to this vibe.  A little desert, a little summer and a lot of awesome.  

YEAH!  I love that not only will you get to learn how to make party crafts, but you can also purchase items from some super amazing vendors.  From what I hear, the vendors will be:

Blair Britt ~ who I had seen at a Wedding Pantry event before and LOVED her stuff!  This time she will have party printables!!!  And check out her awesome blogs too - Joie De Vie and Blair Britt Events. 

Lauren Elise ~ she has a ridiculously cool Etsy shop and super amazing crafty blog - I'm a super fan.

This is Post Modern ~ Wooden letters and numbers. 

Will Lauren have some of her own items available??????? I  hope so!!! 

And that is just in the boutique area!!  Two party areas will be in full effect and the girls have put together a great mix of treats for attendees.  There will be tacos!  There will be delicious cocktails by Tres Sietes Tequila.  But let's really focus in on why I will be there,  the desserts.  The Kupcake Spot will have mojito cupcakes (my fave), Dolce Vista will have Mexican hot chocolate (my fave!) and churro (my fave) cupcakes and Somedays Bake Shop will be providing Horchata cupcakes (while the name does not appeal to me you know if it is frosted I will eat it and I will probably love it.)

And gift bags!  No good party is complete without a gift bag on departure.  :) 

Oh and did I mention that I got to sneak a listen to an amazing party playlist that is being provided by Hi Fi Weddings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yeah,  this party is going to rock! 

Check out the window Lauren created for the month of June at the Wedding Pantry, here.

And if this confetti doesn't make you want to come, I don't know what will! 

This party is FREE! just RSVP here so they can keep a tentative head count.  Its from 6-9pm at The Wedding Pantry (which is calling itself The Party Pantry for the evening - see, on account of because they sell things that work for parties too, not just weddings!)

Local bloggers, let's meet up!  Email me if you are going (cupcakesandcutlery@gmail.com)!  And please help spread the word of this fabulous event! 

But seriously, if you have any parties to host this year, you won't want to miss this party about parties!!!  Now, off to plan my outfit...I only have a week! 

Sharon

(I was not given photo sources for the inspiration board...sorry!)

No More Boring Cakes on TLC!!!!

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A while back, my husband took a job in northern San Diego County.  At first he did the hour long commute but when we became pregnant with our second child and I was going to quit working we decided we should move closer to his work.  We were not happy to leave our friends and family in Orange County behind.  On our moving day, my new neighbor, Jen, came over with a homemade peach cobbler.  Wow!!!  What a welcome!!!  Being that I wanted to move back to Orange County from our very first day in Vista, I never really got to know Jen that well.  But in the year that we were there, I saw her business, No More Boring Cakes, grow and she had just moved in to her first commercial kitchen as we were moving away.  If that cobbler is any indication of how her cakes taste, she is one of the best baker's I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  And her decorating skills are AMAZING!!!  

This is just a sampling of her work.  And I can't wait to see what she came up with for the TLC show Fabulous Cakes!  Her episode is airing on Monday, May 23, 2011 so set your DVRs!  Check out her site here for info on her cakes and delivery.  She even does cake decorating parties!!!  And I am pretty sure she will come up to Orange County for those... I am so happy to see where her business has gone and look forward to see what happens in the future.  

Go!  Right now.  Set your DVR.  TLC - Fabulous Cakes, Monday May 23, 2011 

www.nomoreboringcakes.com

No More Boring Cakes on Facebook

Sharon

(all images via No More Boring Cakes)

Tiny Prints - Review

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I was contacted recently by Tiny Prints to see if I would be interested in reviewing their cards.  I've known about them for years, but never had the right opportunity to use them before.  Until now.  My mother-in-law asked me to help her with a 90th birthday party for my husband's grandmother.  While I knew that Tiny Prints made adorable children's party invites and cool, modern Christmas cards, I wasn't sure what I would find in the way of adult invitations. 

I left the final decision making up to my mother-in-law (see the above) but found that they have a bunch of great options for adult invitations.  

Image via Tiny Prints - Painted Trunks in Cabernet

Although they have this sampled as a holiday party, it was easily found under a heading for birthday party invitations for adults.

Image via Tiny Prints - Festive Fanfare Bright Green

Love how modern the green and grey is and love the offset detail box.

Image via Tiny Prints - Inspired Garden: Begonia

And how fantastical is this chic floral invite?! I love everything about it.

Image via Tiny Prints - Allergy Alert Cards, Bright Boxes: Sky

But I was pleasantly surprised when I came across these Allergy Alert cards.  As some of you may know, my oldest son has multiple food allergies.  And with him about to start kindergarten and us contemplating taking him on a trip back east this summer, these cards could really come in handy.  And there are 4 different styles to choose from.  RAD.IC.LE.

And I had no idea that they also had greeting cards.  I can't tell you how many times I have fretted over having to run out to buy a greeting card to get it in the mail on time.  Sometimes you just don't want to drag two kids over to Target, where there is a Lego section and where you could quite literally have two separate tantrums happening at once causing you to shed tears and sweat like a fat man.  Not saying that has happened...There are several ways they can help with the cards.  They can send them out for you and allow the card to arrive to the recipient faster and possibly on time for once in your life.  Or they can send the card to you, so you can personally sign it and then send it out from home.  Awesome.  And they also have business products, wedding invites and photo gifts.  Sheesh.  If Tiny Prints ran for prom queen she would probably win.  She's got it all. 

I had a little hiccup with my ordering.  I had saved a draft in a folder but then couldn't access it to put in my cart when I was ready to order.  I used the instant chat capability and within a minute I was chatting with a customer service rep and figured out the problem without having to grab the phone or wait to get an email back which may or may not have had the right answer.  I LOVE this option.  And once the order was placed, I received an email from a customer service rep.  She said that she had personally checked my order and sent it on to the printers.  There was a name and a phone number with an extension in case I had any questions or concerns.  What the what?!  That's customer service, people! 

I had an awesome experience with Tiny Prints and would certainly use them again.  I'm not sure why I continually fret over my novice graphic design capabilities and try to design all my own invites when there are professionals and designers who do it so much better and can be obtained with the click of the mouse.  

If you haven't used them yet, you should try them.  Don't get me started about the envelope options...

Sharon

top 2 photos are mine

Why this girl needs a party - please vote!

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Last week I saw a link on Dough a Deer's twitter that they were holding a contest and giving away a bunch of delicious baked goods so that someone could throw a party.  Instantly I knew who I needed to throw a party for.  My pal, Erika.  She's had a really rough year.  But I'm going to leave it at that.  This is not a contest to share all our dirty laundry, this is a contest to celebrate the life of an amazing women and friend.  On the surface, my entry pretty much looks like I just want to throw my friend a party.  And up against the other entries (trust me, some of them are heart wrenching) we are not getting many votes. Trust that she could use some uplifting and a special time for all her friends to come together and show her the support that she is always so quick with for us.  And she's just a freaking awesome person.  

There are so many reasons to love Erika.  One of which is her natural instinct to make people happy and her love of all things 80's.  Last year for my birthday, we took a trapeze class.  It is important to note that this was not a dress up event.  But in an effort to make me smile just a little wider on my special day, this is the outfit she was in when we picked her up, none of which was purchased just for the occasion...And the french braid was a conscious decision. 

This is Erika with her Ma Maw at a friend's party last year.  Erika plays an important role in her grandmothers life.  It is amazing to see the love between them as they interact and the relationship really shows what a great mother Erika will make.  When I see them together I am reminded to always act with compassion and patience.  Erika's feathers don't get ruffled, at least visibly, and she always stays calm to handle situations.  I need her to tutor me on that.  

Last year our friends had an anniversary party that was prom themed.  Again, this was not a costume party.  As my husband was out of town, Erika was my date.  This is what she showed up in.  She is one of the most fun people that I know.  

A few more reasons that I love Erika:

-She always handles splitting up the dinner bill, to the penny, no matter how many people are in our party

-She helps you analyze your dreams and tell you what they probably mean (*she has no formal training in this but I feel so much better about my recurring tidal wave dream after she pointed out that I never die in the dream so it represents an overcomable (yes, a word) obstacle. 

-She performs skits.  Like, on purpose.  She is a very talented performer and is the first to volunteer for special skits at church.  

-She always lets me plan the parties and will help me wherever I need it.  Although we are both type A, she lets me run the party show.  This is HUGE.

-And even though she is type A, she is always able to surrender and let God do his work.  It's difficult and it doesn't happen without a little struggle but in the end she trusts in God and stays strong.  

Even if I don't win this party for her, I will still celebrate her.  She is remarkable.  And I love her. 

To vote click the "like" button on the main Dough A Deer Facebook page.  Then go to her "photos" page to the folder called "OC Contest VOTE HERE" and find the picture of Erika and I Click the "like" link under the photo (the "like" link under the photo is not a button like on the main page and is next to where you would leave a comment on the photo).

Sharon

Easter - Kid's Waffle Bar and Crafts

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Kid's love to feel special so for Amy's, of Amy's Kitchen Table, Easter brunch, she wanted to set up a special waffle bar for the them to dress up their own delicious waffles.  I need to take a second right here and tell you that these waffles smelled AMAZING (and of course tasted that way too once I finally stole one).  The little bit of cinnamon that Amy added to the batter rocked my world.  Again, we kept the table really simple (and totally forgot to put the maple syrup on the table...)  And instead of blood orange mimosas for the kids, we kept out the champagne and replaced it with a little Sprite.  The kid's were crazy for them.  Super easy.   

I wanted to keep the yarn theme going on the kid's table so we added a yarn egg.  And I knew I wanted to do some kind of straw embellishment but didn't want the yarn to shed in to the drinks.  I took small lengths of yarn, taped them to a piece of paper and then scanned it to make my own yarn-like paper and created the flags from that.  

Amy wanted to have activities for the kids.  What is an Easter party without an egg hunt I ask you?!  Also, I found a free "font" on Da Font with Easter graphics and created this quick coloring book for the kids.

Amy put together this really cute butterfly craft.  She printed and cut out different butterflies, let the kids paint them with watercolors.  And when they were dry, she attached them to pieces of empty toilet paper roll which acts as a cuff for their arms.  The kids had a blast running around the yard with their butterflies.  Yes, that last picture is of my new 5 year old BOY.  He has made it clear that he will not be cutting his "rock star" hair for "100 years."  And it doesn't look this girly normally.  Only whilst frolicking.  

Be sure to check out Amy's post on the kid's food and activities! 

Tomorrow I will share some out-takes from this shoot.  

Sharon

All photos mine. 

Easter - Casual and Cool Yarn Chic

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Here is the set table for my Easter project with Amy's Kitchen Table.  With just a simple white tablecloth that Amy had and the easiest runner ever (thank you Glue Dots for the quick hem) this table can very easily be recreated.  Since it is Easter, we had to work in some traditional decor.  In keeping with the yarn theme, I thought creating some string eggs was totally appropriate (ton's of tutorials around the webosphere).  And again, the wood and succulents keep it casual and cool.

You have probably noticed the little Easter signs around as well as the food tags from my previous post.  As you all know I am graphic design challenged, I'll tell you my secret to getting them so cute.  I used a symbol found in illustrator (totally comes with it when you buy the program) modified the colors to fit the decor and added the text.  Boom.

Have you heard?  Succulents are SO in right now.  I still have one more post to do on this Easter set up.  Amy created a kid's waffle station and there are kid's crafts to share.

Sharon
All photos mine.

Easter - Casual, Cool and Extra Yummy

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Usually my posts are very wordy.  But as I am sure you will find what I am about to say shocking, I may have over done the details of my son's upcoming 5th birthday and it is consuming my life.  As I type, my eyes are trying to close, I've just finished cutting out 189 pieces of "space money" and I won't even get to my Friday night ritual of a glass of wine and US Weekly.  Too tired to declare who wore it best.  I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves (for the most part).  I had been wanting to use yarn in a party setting for a while, simply because I hadn't yet, so when Amy, of Amy's Kitchen Table, asked me to be a part of this Easter project, I headed out to the local craft store to get some.  I found the perfect yarn in this graduated color pattern of purple, green, orange, and terra cotta.  While the colors are "spring-y" they aren't pastel and gross.

One the main buffet table, I used simple terra cotta pots to match the cute two-tone polka dot fabric I found.  I also continued the yarn accents in different ways.  The succulents (which I stole from Lauren) look right at home on the rough cut wood blocks used to create levels and keep it totally casual and cool.

I mentioned the food in my teaser post but OH. MY. GOSH. Seriously, Amy is amazing.  I could go on all day about the blood orange mimosas but that is because I need a drink like crazy right now.  wink.  The ham,  BEST EVER.  The breakfast pizza, ridiculously delicious.  I would rather eat my own foot than eat a deviled egg but Amy assures me that they are the best ever invented.  And I believe her.  And while I didn't get a chance to try the Hummingbird Cake, those gosh dang pecan shortbread cookies with lemon glaze haunt me, in a good way.  Don't forget to check out the recipes on Amy's Kitchen Table.  Tomorrow I will post more details of the eating table.  I know that doesn't sound right at all, but my brain is done.

Sharon
All photos are mine.