Sheek Shindigs

An Event to Honor and Remember

2012-02-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

Over the past two weeks I have had the honor of working on a very special project with an extraordinary group of people called Autumn's Army.This past December a family in our community suffered the most devastating loss that a parent can imagine. The Hoeft family lost their precious 5 year-old daughter, Autumn, to brain cancer. Autumn's Army is "a group of concerned parents, family, teachers and school administrators, neighbors, classmates, friends and sometimes complete strangers that decided to band together" to help Autumn's family as they struggle to rebuild their lives without their daughter. This amazing group planned and organized a Tribute Dance and Silent Auction to benefit the Hoeft family and I was asked to help out. Sheek Shindigs designed and donated a dessert table for the event. The event's theme was based around two of Autumn's favorite things: pink and butterflies. I decided to use both of those elements to design a table that would honor Autumn and her memory. This is the table before the desserts were added:

I wanted the table to be simple and reflective of a little girl. I found the most adorable butterfly lamps at Home Goods and knew that they were meant for the table. I trimmed several of the serving plates and part of the center cake stand with white ruffles that I made from crepe paper. As a focal point for the table, I created an inexpensive butterfly "picture" by painting a blank canvas (bought at a local craft store) and embellishing it with paper butterflies that were donated by Megan of Embellished Paper. Megan also donated the cupcake wrappers for the event. Thanks, Megan!

The dessert table featured pink and white cupcakes by a local vendor (Hopelessly Delicious Cakes and Candies), cake balls (Sheek Shindigs), and AMAZING cookies by my talented friend, Nicole. Yummy!

It turned out to be an amazing night for a more than worthy cause. Much thanks to Autumn's Army for all of their hard work and for bringing our community together. Thank you to the vendors and friends that donated items for the dessert table and/or the event as well as everyone that came out to support the family. I know that Autumn was smiling down on you all last night. While I never personally knew Autumn or her family, her story and the impression that she has left on myself and our community is one that I will never forget. Autumn's story has reminded me to slow down and cherish the time that I have with my children. They are truly a gift from God. She has reminded me to be thankful for my family, our health, and life in general. And, Autumn's story has renewed my faith in our community. Thank you, Autumn.

You can read about Autumn's story, here.

Vendor Information:

Dessert Table Design, set-up: Sheek Shinidgs

Cupcake Wrappers & Butterflies: Embellished Paper

Butterfly Canvas: Sheek Shindigs

Butterfly Lamps: Home Goods

Cupcakes: Hopelessly Delicious Cakes and Candies

Cookies: Nicole Soderberg

Cake Balls: Sheek Shindigs

Printables (food/donor labels): The Homespun Hostess

Hand Crafted Valentine's Ideas

2012-02-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days until Valentine's Day. Are you ready? I thought that we were all finished with our Valentine's cards and projects until ..... my daughter and I went to a Valentine's playdate/party the other day and I fell in love with the craft that the hostess (and fellow party lover) had waiting for us. I almost immediately came home and googled my way to its original source, Fiskars, and was delighted to find the craft instructions as well as a few other fun ideas.

{Image: Fiskars}

Charlotte and I made the "I'm bananas for you!" craft together at our Valentine's playdate and we both had fun doing it. It wasn't one of those crafts where the child has to basically sit back and watch while the adult does all of the work. It was age appropiate (she is 3 years old) and the final result was so cute. My friend had all of the shapes for making the monkey pre-cut and ready to assemble before we got there. She also provided banana chips in place of the candy bananas which I thought was a wonderful idea, especially when you are dealing with a group of 3 year olds that already have more energy than they know what to do with. Thanks Nicole! You can find the DIY instructions over at Fiskars, here.

{Image: Fiskars}

Check out this "You're Grrrrrreat!" Lion Lollipop cover from Fiskars. I mean, really! These would be so cute for a younger group of children, like a preschool class or playgroup.

{Image: Fiskars}

And what about this "You Rock" Valentine's idea? I know that my oldest son (8) would LOVE getting a package of Pop Rocks to try out and I feel like the presentation of this Valentine's craft isn't as juvenile looking, perfect for your grade-schoolers.

{Image: Fiskars}

For all of these craft ideas and more, visit Fiskars, here. Have fun!

The Sweet Valentine's Giveaway Winner.....

2012-02-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Steffie for winning the Sheek Shindigs Sweet Valentine's Giveaway! And thank you to everyone that participated. Happy Friday!

Ombre Cake Balls Cake

2012-02-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

This weekend Sheek Shindigs is helping out with a local fundraising event. In addition to designing a dessert table for the event, I am donating 150 cake balls. {YIKES!} Needless to say, cake balls have been on my mind A LOT over the past couple of days. I have rolled, dipped, and decorated myself a new appreciation for the art of making cake balls. While I am happy with the way that mine turned out, they are by no means perfect. I am not sure how the pros get theirs to look so round and flawless? I guess practice, practice, practice.

Anyway, in my search for cake ball inspiration I came across this amazing Ombre Cake Balls Cake by Gabbi Loubiere of Brew-Ha, Ha on Brides.com. Isn't it stunning!

To create, "Gabby baked bite-size 'balls' of cake in flavors such as tiramisu cheesecake and funfetti; then, she dipped each cake ball in white-chocolate ganache that had been dyed in pale shades of peach, blush, and yellow. The cake balls were affixed to a five-tier base and served alongside extra platters of cake balls for guests to help themselves to". I adore this idea. You could also create a cake ball "tower" using the same design and replacing the cake layers with styrofoam. Place your cake balls on a stick and then skewer/secure them into the styrofoam. It's a simple idea but I know that I have many more cake balls of practice ahead of me before I can pull off a project like that!

What other fun ways have you displayed your cake balls?

{What's Cooking?} Sweetie Pies

2012-02-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite local bakers, Dina of Buttercream Bakehouse, recently sent me a Valentine's Day recipe that I know you will love: Sweetie Pies. Aren't they cute!

In addition to their cuteness, Dina's Sweetie Pies are easy to make, even for the novice baker. The only tools that are required are your oven, a heart shaped cookie cutter, and a fork. And no need to make a homemade pie crust. The pre-made boxed versions at your local store will work perfectly for this recipe. Stop by Buttercream Bakehouse, here, for Dina's recipe and tips and tell her that Sheek Shindigs sent you.

{DIY} Confetti Shooters

2012-02-05T05:06:00.000-08:00

What a fun idea for your next party: {DIY} Confetti Shooters! I found this idea over at You Are My Fave and Pizzazzerie and had to share with all of you.

{Image: You Are My Fave}

This is a great way to re-use your push-pop containers. Other than push-pop containers, all that you need is a 3/4" dowel, confetti, tissue paper, and some tape.

{Image: You Are My Fave}

For complete instructions, stop by You Are My Fave, here. And, for push-pop containers, visit the Sheek Shindigs etsy shop, here.

{Free Printables} Super Bowl 2012

2012-02-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for some {Super Bowl} football? My boys are! All they have talked about this week is watching the big game on Sunday and what they want to eat while they watch it. Whether you are hosting a Super Bowl bash or just hanging at home with your family, these FREE Super Bowl 2012 Printables will add some sheek to your football shindig. Simply print and "assemble". Then sit back and enjoy the game!

Pizzazzerie and Anders Ruff have teamed up to offer these footabll party printables as well as some game day planning tips.

Stop by Hostess With the Mostess for these Football Party Printables. These would also be great for a football themed birthday party.

The Celebration Shoppe is offering a complete set of Super Bowl printables, here.

Living Locurto's free printables offer simple designs to show off your team pride on the big day.

Go Team!

A Sweet Valentine's Giveaway!

2012-02-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

To help you get ready for Valentine's Day, I am hosting a Sweet Valentine's Giveaway from the Sheek Shindigs etsy shop. But first, to serve as a bit of inspiration, check out these gorgeous Frozen Raspberry Champagne Push-Pops from Courtney Dial's new book, Push-Up Pops. LOVE THEM! I mean really, LOVE THEM!

Image: Kyle Dreier

Wouldn't these be perfect for Valentine's Day! I can't wait to dive into Courtney's new book, available on March 1st. Until then, stock up on your push-pop containers and paper straws to get ready and ENTER TO WIN this week's GIVEAWAY! One randomly chosen winner will receive 25 Red Heart Paper Straws and 15 Push-Pop Containers from the Sheek Shindigs etsy shop.

To enter to win, BECOME A FOLLOWER OF THE SHEEK SHINDIGS BLOG IF YOU AREN'T ALREADY and:

1. Leave a comment about how your would use your push-pops
2. Post about this giveaway on your facebook page and let me know about it.

You can enter to win a total of 2 times. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on Thursday, February 9th. Good luck!

Up, Up and Away Baby Shower

2012-02-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

I am completely in love with every detail of this Up, Up and Away Baby Shower from Jessica of Jessicakes, her sister-in-law, Kim, and her cousin, Jamie of Jamie Zanotti Photography. This talented trio put together one adorable baby shower for their expecting cousin, Ashley.

The shower was designed around the baby's hot air balloon themed nursery. What a cute theme idea! Kim designed these gorgeous invitations and the rest followed. I love the colors, the balloon and cloud details sprinkled throughout the decor (check out the cloud straws!), and the overall soft, yet not too "girly", feel.

Isn't the cake AMAZING! Jessica shares her plans, templates, and how-to's for this cake and many others over at her blog, here.

The super cute paper lanterns were created by covering regular paper lanterns with paper scallops. Genius! I want to make some, NOW.

What a talented group of women. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Groundhog Day Push-Pops

2012-02-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

My 5 year old son came home from school today so excited to have learned about Groundhog Day. He can't wait to see what the outcome is tomorrow. I have been so busy that this one honestly just slipped by me....almost! Lucky for me, I have some push-pop containers in stock waiting to be put to use AND I found this fun idea from Sweetology: Groudhog Day Push-Pops. Aren't these so clever and fun!

Whether he sees his shadow....

or not...

these are sure to make the day a bit brighter. Visit Sweetology, here, for Groudhog Day Push-Pop directions. And, stock up on your push-pop containers at the Sheek Shindigs esty shop.

DIY Felt Valentine Envelopes

2012-01-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

On any given day, you are pretty much guaranteed to find a Pottery Barn Kids catalog laying around somewhere in our house. As much as I love their products, I love their catalogs even more. There is just so much inspiration on every page, whether you are looking to redecorate a room, set a kid-friendly holiday or party table, or re-create an adorable craft. Have you seen these Envelope Chair Backers in one of their most recent catalogs?

Image: Pottery Barn Kids

So cute, right? What a great idea for a Valentine's party, especially if everyone is exchanging cards. My only issue is that I think $19 per envelope per child is a little pricey, no matter how cute it is. So, why not DIY? I came across this great DIY Felt Valentine Envelope tutorial from The Crafting Chicks (who were also inspired by Pottery Barn Kids) and had to share. They re-created these Valentine's Envelopes for less than $5 each. Now that's more like it! You can find a step-by-step tutorial, here, to create your own Valentine's Day Envelope like this one:

And, not only did the Crafting Chicks create an awesome DIY tutorial, but they included FREE printable "love mail" cards that you can print and fill your new Valentine's Envelope with. So sweet!

You can download these free card printables from The Crafting Chicks, here. Thanks Chicks. You rock!

Lots of Healthy {Food} Love

2012-01-25T04:39:00.000-08:00

If healthier eating is one of your priorities this year, fill your February with lots of healthy {food} love instead of indulging in the holiday's traditional sweet treats. Here are some healthier HEART food ideas to get you started.

Note: You can also lighten some of the recipes on your own by using less butter, cheese, etc. and by using whole wheat in place of white.

Sources: Heart Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: myrecipes.com; Heart Shaped Eggs:Anna The Red ; Heart Fruit Kabobs: Parents ; Heart Carrots: Super Healthy Kids ; Heart Shaped Ravioli: Annies Eats Heart Cinnamon Rolls: Pinch My Salt ; Heart Pizza: My Recipes ; Cupids Cups: Kraft Foods

With Love Photography and Design's Valentine's Photo Sessions

2012-01-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

If you are in the Northern VA area and are looking for a great way to say "Happy Valentine's Day" to your family and friends this February, you should check out With Love Photography and Design's Valentines Day mini-session specials.

Mini-sessions are available on Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, February 5th from 10 am - 4 pm. This is a great value and such a cute idea! With Love Photography and Design took our family photos this fall and we were thrilled with the results. To schedule your session or for more information, contact Kerri Gibbs at kerri@withlovestudio.com. You can also follow With Love Photography and Design on facebook, here. Tell her that Sheek Shindigs sent you!

Valentine's Day Classroom Gift Ideas

2012-01-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

If you have any little ones at home, making Valentine's Day cards/friendship gifts may be in your near future. Here are a few fun and crafty gift ideas for your little one to share with their classmates this year:

Sweet Spot Hearts from Martha Stewart, here.

Matchbox Valentine's from Inchmark, here.

Gumball Necklaces from One Charming Party, here.

Message Pencil Toppers from Family Fun, here.

Easy Valentine's Ice Cream Sandwiches

2012-01-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Here is an easy idea for a sweet treat this Valentine's Day. Instead of cupcakes this year, why not make Valentine's Ice Cream Sandwiches!

My kids had been asking me to try to make ice cream sandwiches so I decided that Valentine's Day would be a great occasion to try out these new sweet treats. I am usually a homemade cookie kinda girl but I saw these Pillsbury Ready To Bake Hearts cookies in the store the other day and thought that they would be perfect for making Valentine's Ice Cream Sandwiches. To make, I simply baked the Hearts cookies according to the package directions and let cool completely, about 1 hour.

Once cooled, I took a scoop of strawberry ice cream, placed it on the bottom of one cookie, and gently pressed another cookie on top to make a sandwich. I used my finger (it was clean!) to run along the sides of the ice cream and cookie to make it smooth and to remove any ice cream overflow. Next, I placed the sandwiches in the freezer for about 30 minutes to harden before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and freezing for storage.

You could, of course, use homemade cookies to create your own version of this yummy treat. I personally just liked the Valentine's Hearts and the easiness of this "recipe". Have fun and enjoy!

Ruffled Streamers

2012-01-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Image: Dana-Made-It

Do you love the newly popular RUFFLED STREAMERS as much as I do? I had been wanting to make some for quite some time now (despite the fact that I hadn't used a sewing machine in FOREVER!) and decided to incorporate them into the decor of an upcoming baby shower that I am helping out with next weekend. With the guidance of a good friend, my novice sewing skills were re-discovered and I have been sewing away ever since. I had originally planned on using the RUFFLED STREAMERS to create a dessert table backdrop, however I changed my mind mid-project and I can't wait to show you what I came up with instead. Until then, I thought that I would share a great DIY tutorial link that served as a valuable reference while I was making my streamers. Check out a ruffled streamer tutorial by Dana of Dana-MADE-it, here. Dana's pictures alone will fill you with streamer-inspiration and her tutorial is equally as fantastic.

Images: Dana-Made-It

Got ruffles on your mind yet? Stop by dana-MADE-it.com, here, for more inspiration and an awesome tutorial.

{Crafty Ideas} A Handcrafted Valentine's Day

2012-01-13T03:46:00.000-08:00

Is Valentine's Day on your party radar yet? If not, don't worry. You still have plenty of time to plan and I promise to post some great Valentine's Day inspiration in the coming weeks. I will start by sharing some wonderful ideas from Fiskars and Lisa Storms on how to add handcrafted touches to your Valentine's Day celebrations. Want to add a little extra personality and customization to your party? A great way to do this is by adding handcrafted items.

Lisa used a few simple items and crafting ideas to create this adorable Valentine's Day table setting. To start off, she created a simple table runner from paper, not fabric. Using a roll of craft paper and Fiskar's "Framed In Love" border punch Lisa rolled out the paper, cut it to size, and punched both sides with the border punch. So simple. So easy. So cute!

Next, Lisa created an ADORABLE placemat that also doubles as a table activity for the kids. Lisa stitched a tic-tac-toe grid onto a woven placemat and provided X's and O's "confetti" along the table for decoration and game functionality. She also suggested an alternative and less expensive way to achieve a similar result: draw a tic-tac-toe grid onto craft paper placemats. In addition to the placemats, Lisa added extra handcrafted touches to the drinking straws, napkins, and utensils. A butterfly squeeze punch was adhered to the drinking straws (using a glue dot) for an extra bit of whimsy. Lisa cut a napkin into a heart shape by tracing a heart onto a paper napkin with a pencil and cutting out right inside the line with scissors, being sure to overlap the folded edge. A fork was also incorporated into the decor! Lisa gently folded the napkin and cut two slits with scissors to create slots to slide a fork. By adding a triangle punch at the end with a glue dot, she ended up with an easy arrow.

Lastly, Lisa created this Pixy Stix bouquet to serve as a centerpiece and treat for the kids. Flower punches were added to the ends of Pixy Stix using the limited edition 'Spring Flora' squeeze punch along with the 'Burst' lever punch and 'Oopsie Daisy' squeeze punch. Each was then topped with a heart center. To create leaves, Lisa punched an XL circle and feed it back into the punch to form a leaf shape. She then added candy conversation hearts to a jar and anchored the Pixy Stix Flowers in.

So many great ideas for a Handcrafted Valentine's Day. Thanks to Fiskars and Lisa Storms for all of the inspiration!

{Real Parties} A Superhero Birthday Party

2012-01-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

Real Party features are one of my favorite types of post to share. Although all of the "staged" parties out there are fun to look at and serve as great sources of party inspiration for us all, it's the REAL PARTIES that really amaze me. I love to see all of the creativity and talent that is floating around out there, especially when it comes from a fellow mommy. Today's Real Party feature is a Superhero Birthday Party that was submitted by Laurie of Adoption Creates Families. Laurie (a fellow mommy) put together a party that any little boy would love and she was able to do it on a budget!

How cool is the building background that Laurie made! I also love all of the bright colors that she incorporated and the added black and white polka dot accents.

Laurie used comic books to cover wooden letters to spell out her sons name and to make the party signs and popcorn cones with. You can find DIY instructions for these projects as well as her balloon wreath and superhero Tootsie Pops over at her blog, here.

Laurie also provided guests (and the party boy) with a fun way to remember the special day: a photo op corner! I love any type of photo prop area at parties, especially when children are involved. My kids, at least, alway seem a little more willing stop and get their picture taken when it involves a cool prop.

Great job, Laurie, and thank you for sharing your son's party with Sheek Shindigs. To see more of the party's details, visit Laurie at Adoption Creates Families.

Macaroons, Oh My!

2012-01-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

I love to bake. It relaxes me almost as much as a long run, my kids enjoying doing it with me, and I get great satisfaction out of finding wonderful new recipes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the belly. Although I am usually up for a little baking challenge, I have to admit that I have been completely intimidated by one sweet treat for the past year: the Macaroon. I am not sure what it is about this bite-sized beauty that gets me so nervous but I have decided to face my macaron insecurities and test out one of Martha's recipes before the month's end. I will let you know how it goes. In the meantime, any tips? Any favorite macaron recipes? I would love to hear from you.

{Party Inspiration} A Winter Wonderland Dessert Buffet

2012-01-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

We got our first official snowfall last night. While it was a mere dusting of snow, everyone in our house was *S*U*P*E*R* excited. My youngest was practicing her snow angels in bed before she went to sleep and my boys were planning how they were going to spend their day sledding, making a snowman, and drinking hot coca. Needless to say, everyone was a little disappointed when they woke up this morning and realized what a "dusting" actually meant (and looked like). The excitement of our first snowfall, even though it was minor, sent me on a search for some winter themed party inspiration. Among all of the great ideas out there, I think that I found a real gem. Back in 2009, The Inspired Bride and Bake It Pretty joined forces to create this beautiful Winter Wonderland Dessert Buffet.

Aside from loving the table's simplistic feel and it's soothing color scheme, I adore the fact that it was designed with YOU in mind. Maddy (of The Inspired Bride) specifically designed this Winter Wonderland Dessert Buffet to be "an attractive but attainable dessert table for anyone looking to add this popular treat onto their wedding, bridal shower, or even a holiday party". In addition to her original post about the dessert buffet, she created 7 additional DIY posts detailing specific elements of the table so that YOU can recreate it, element by element, or use it as a base to build upon with your own creativity. LOVE IT!!!!

Maddy's posts include DIY directions for all of the desserts featured on the buffet, including the cupcakes, brownie pops, marshmallow pops, and the candy display.

Love the Winter Wonderland centerpiece as much as I do? There's a post on creating that as well!

And don't forget treat bags for your guests to stash some of the leftover goodies in to take home and enjoy later!

The Inspired Bride and Bake It Pretty did a wonderful job of inspiring me to create a winter celebration this season. I hope that you are feeling inspired as well. Now there are no excuses....you have everything that you need to host a fabulous winter shindig....get to work!

{Etsy Shop} Add Some Sparkle with Party Candles!

2012-01-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

The Sheek Shindigs Etsy shop will be introducing some fun and affordable new party products in 2012. The shop's newest addition is a collection of Party Candles. Whether you are looking for a little Glitter, Sparkle, or Swirl, something Slim, Tall, or Striped, the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop can help you out! Party candles are a great, inexpensive way to add an extra pop of color and design to your party. Here are just a few of the Party Candles that the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop is offering:

Stop by the Sheek Shindigs Etsy shop, here, to check out these party items and more.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope that 2012 is filled with good health, much happiness, love, and dreams come true. I look forward to seeing what the coming year will bring ;)

Butterbeer Jelly Shots

2011-12-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

Oh. My. Goodness.
These Butterbeer Jelly Shots may be coming along to join in the New Year's Eve festivities this year. Aren't they beautiful and festive!

These jelly shots are beautiful cut into simple cubes, with rainbow sugar on top, for a little sparkle. (Make sure to add the sugar just before serving – it’s a beautiful garnish, but melts quickly!) Or mount the cubes onto lollipop-style sticks for some added fun. Either way, these buttery-flavored jelly shots will be the hit of your New Year's Eve festivities! Here is the recipe from tablespoon.com:

Butterbeer Jelly Shots

Ingredients

1 cup creme soda
2 envelopes plain gelatin
1/3 cup vanilla vodka
2/3 cup butterscotch schnapps
colored large crystal sugar, for garnish, if desired

Directions

Pour soda in a medium saucepan and sprinkle with gelatin. Allow to soak for a minute or two.
2eat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is dissolved (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
Stir in the vodka and schnapps.
Pour into standard loaf pan (non-reactive metal or glass, approx. 9" x 5"). Refrigerate until fully set (about 3 hours).
To serve, cut into desired shapes.
Immediately before serving, dip in colored crystal sugar, for garnish, if desired.

** For a kid-friendly version, gell 2 cups of cream soda with a tablespoon or so of butterscotch syrup with 2 envelopes of plain gelatin. **

Crafty New Year's Eve Decoration Ideas

2011-12-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

Now that the hussel and bussel of the holidays is behind us, it's time to get ready to celebrate the New Year! Here are some fun and crafty New Year's Eve Decorating ideas to help you kick off 2012 in style.

I love this Countdown and Clock Decor idea from Fiskars.

To create the New Year's Clocks, make assorted accordion circles by cutting strips of cardstock one half the width of desired circle and using scoring blade in your rotary trimmer to score each half inch. Accordion-fold along scored lines and repeat with enough strips adhered together to form a circle. Hot glue at center. Add number stickers at the 3, 6, 9, and 12. To create clock hands, trim a 3" square of cardstock and punch one corner with the Romantique corner punch. Using your trimmer, cut from the opposite corner to the design without cutting through. Repeat on other side, trim off excess, and adhere to center of circle along with a shorter version. Hang with clear thread.

To create the Countdown Decor, collect 10 champagne or wine corks (can also be found in your local craft store) and cut a slit in the top of each one using a craft knife. Print out the reverse outline of the numbers using Word Art in Microsoft Word onto assorted, colorful cardstocks. Cut out each letter using the retractable craft knife on a craft mat. Punch the numbers randomly with a star hand punch and insert into corks to complete.

Dress up your New Year's Eve Napkins with this crafty idea from Martha Stewart.

Wrap 2 foam balls with strung sequins, and thread 1/4-inch metallic ribbon through them using a tapestry needle; wrap the ribbon around the napkin, then tuck the smaller ball through to hold it in place. Sew sequins by hand along a runner’s hemstitching for a confetti effect.

Make these Giant Confetti Bags from Oh Happy Day to hand out just before the clock strikes midnight.

Visit Oh Happy Day for project details, here.

Add a little shimmer to your night with these Streamers from Martha Stewart.

Visit Martha Stewart, here, for project directions.

Free Holiday Printables

2011-12-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days left to finish up your shopping, wrapping, and tagging. Here are some great holiday printables to help make your packages extra special and pretty this year.

Holiday Gift Tags by Sass & Peril: I love the colors and all of the great design choices, which include Christmas AND Hanukkah tags as well as generic holiday scenes. Click here to download.

Holiday Mini Cards by Parties by Hardie: I LOVE these mini holiday cards. They are perfect for packages, teacher gifts, favor tags.... So cute! Click here to download.

Mail-Themed Gift Tags by Eat Drink Chic: These mail-themed tags are perfect for those packages that you can't deliver yourself. Print tags onto adhesive paper and use as address labels for your mail-bound packages. Click here to download.

Monogrammed Tags by Martha Stewart: If monograms are you thing, these gift tags from Miss Martha will be the perfect accessory for your holiday packages. Click here to download.

Elegant Gift Tags by design, wash, rinse, repeat: If you are looking for an elegant addition to your gifts, these gift tags might do the trick. They would look great on a bottle of wine, don't you think. Click here to download.

{DIY} 5-Pointed Paper Snowflake Garland

2011-12-15T19:25:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling crafty lately. Can you tell? I had paper snowflakes on my mind today and searched around for a tutorial. Lucky for me (and you!), I came across Jessica Jones of How About Orange. Jessica is a seriously talented crafter/designer/blogger. You should stop by and check her out, here. Anyway, Jessica has a great tutorial on her blog for making a 5-Pointed Snowflake Garland. Isn't it pretty. My paper snowflakes have never turned out this beautiful before. I am hoping that her detailed tutorial will make all the difference for me this year.

Jessica made this garland using origami paper, tape, and dental floss. The second and third flakes in her garland are based on a 5-pointed star. You can download her folding directions here.

The first, fourth, and fifth flakes in the garland are based on 8 points (Fold a square in half diagonally and keep halving it until it's nearly too thick to cut, then snip out small shapes ). Here is an example of an 8-pointer. Jessica recommends ironing your snowflakes with the steam setting of your iron turned off to get them to lay nice and flat.

These snowflakes also make beautiful gift toppers, don't you think? Or, make smaller ones to hang on your tree.

Thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial, Jessica. I am going to give these flakes a try and hope for the best this time around.

{Party Ideas} A Snowman Themed Party

2011-12-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

In need of a versatile holiday or winter theme for your next shindig? How about hosting a Snowman Themed Party. Whether you are hosting a non-religious holiday party or a winter celebration, you can't go wrong with a few jolly snowmen (and women) on your side.

Snowman Themed Food: From a Frosty glass of milk to a shot of snowman ice cream, here are some fun snowman themed snack ideas for your party.

{Images and Source Links: Top Row: All You , Good Housekeeping , Better Homes and Gardens , Middle Row: Martha Stewart , Better Homes and Gardens , babble , Bottom Row: Candie Anderson , Canadian Family , Better Homes and Gardens }

Snowman Crafts: If there is snow on the ground, suit the kiddos up and let them create a winter wonderland of snowmen and women. If not, here are some snowman craft ideas that should be almost as much fun.

{Images and Sources: Kaboose , Kaboose , Family Fun , Kid Activities }

Snowman Activity: Set up a Build Your Own Snowman station for little ones to create their own frosty snow creatures. Stack marshmallows (skewered with tooth picks) onto a graham cracker with a thin layer of frosting. Use pretzel sticks for arms, chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and orange jelly beans for a carrot nose.

Snowman Favors: Send your guests home with a snowman-to-go favor. Here are a few of my favorites.

{Image and Source Links: Add Ink and Stamp , Married, Broke, and Hungry , Bakerella }

Easy Holiday Crafting Ideas

2011-12-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

If you are as busy as I am during the holiday season (and I am pretty sure that you are), an easy holiday craft is a welcomed way to unwind and add a little more holiday cheer to your day. Here are a few that caught my eye:

Tiny Trees:
Turn a plain pinecone into a tabletop jewel. Place pinecones into various containers, cups, and/or bowls, sprinkle with glitter, and top with a star. It's just that easy!

{Image: Good Housekeeping}

A Hanging Window Display:
Glam an old frame up with a little paint, ribbon and some ornaments to add holiday cheer to an unsuspecting window.

{Image: Better Homes and Gardens}

A No-Fuss Kissing Ball:
Encourage seasonal smooches with this no-fuss kissing ball from Good Housekeeping. Wrap a 4-inch Styrofoam ball in a 14-inch fabric square; secure with a rubber band. Thread the end of 1 1/2 yards of ribbon down through the band, around the ball, and up through the band's other side so ribbon ends match up (knot them to hang the ball). Wrap 14 inches of ribbon around the ball's other side (crossing first ribbon, as shown); tuck ends into band. Hide band with a shimmery bow and festive sprigs.

{Image: Good Housekeeping}

Ornament Garland:
Add instant glizt to a space by hanging one of these easy-to-make Ornament Garlands. Gather unused ornaments and string together along ribbon. Once ornaments are secure, hang the garland across your mantle, around your tree, or on an empty wall.

{Image}

{What's Cooking} Cranberry-Orange Muffins

2011-12-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

The other day I was searching for a festive muffin recipe when I came across this Cranberry-Orange Muffin recipe over at Glorious Treats. I tested them out today with the kids and they are a hit in our house. These will definitely be making another appearance on Christmas morning this year.

{Image: Glorious Treats }

Here is the recipe from Glorious Treats. I did make a few changes, which I note after the recipe.

Cranberry-Orange Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup dried (sweetened) cranberries

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon powdered ginger

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 Tablespoon fresh orange zest (the zest of one whole orange)

2/3 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon orange extract

2 Tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola or olive)

1/2 cup milk (any fat content)

Directions :

1.) Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a muffin/cupcake pan with paper liners.

2.) Zest one whole orange (making about 1 Tablespoon of zest) and set aside.

Squeeze the juice from that one orange (about 1/3 cup).

3.) Put the orange juice (if needed, add some prepared orange juice to the fresh juice to make 1/3 cup) and the cranberries in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer about 5 minutes, stirring as needed. Turn off heat and set aside.

4.) In a large bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ginger, and set aside.

5.) In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, orange zest and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

6.) Scrape down the side of the bowl, then add in the eggs (one at a time), vanilla, orange extract, and oil. Blend until well combined.

7.) Add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk (add about half of the flour mixture, then some milk,then the rest of the flour, and the rest of the milk). Fold in the cranberries. Do not over mix.

8.) Scoop batter into prepared muffin/cupcake pan.

Bake muffins about 20 minutes (test with a toothpick, there should be moist crumbs, but not wet).

9.) Cool muffins on a wire cooling rack.

Enjoy the muffins while still warm, or when cool. They are best the day they are made, but are still very good the next day.

Yields about 8 large or 12 medium (standard) muffins.

Recipe Source ~ Glorious Treats

** I did not use the powdered ginger because I did not have any. We love cranberries, so I used closer to 1 1/4 cups of cranberries and increased the amount of orange juice slightly as well. I also peeled and diced up a large orange and folded it into the batter along with the cranberries. I LOVED the random chunks of orange in the muffins along with the cranberries. With my changes, this recipe ended up making 15 standard sized muffins and they only needed to cook for 14 minutes.***

Enjoy!

Snowman Cookie Kit

2011-12-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

One of my all-time favorite cookie and sweet treat blogs, the decorated cookie, recently featured an ADORABLE Snowman Cookie Kit that I just had to share. Are these not the cutest things ever!

Meaghan created these Snowman Cookie Kits by making the individual snowman pieces and then wrapping them in cello bags and placing in a cute little box.

What a creative gift idea for the holiday and winter season. Snowman decorating would also be a fun alternative to the traditional cookie decorating for kids at a holiday party. Just make the snowman pieces ahead of time and let the kids have fun creating!

As always, Meaghan provides amazing step-by-step directions and pictures on how to create a snowman cookie kit over at her blog, the decorated cookie, here. She even includes a free link download for a snowman cookie kit label to help you complete your snowman cookie kit. Stop by the decorated cookie to check it out and tell Meaghan that I said hello!

A Week of Thanksgiving Giveaways: Winners

2011-11-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that participated in last week's Thanksgiving Giveaways. Here are the random winners:

Day1: 20 Push Pop Containers

Comment #14, Nikki Rose Ty

Day 2: A Cupcake Giveaway Package

Comment # 7, Steph

Day 3: Fairy Party Package

Comment # 2, Mrs. Salsaburger

Congratulations and Happy Monday!

A Week of Thanksgiving Giveaways: Day 3

2011-11-25T05:05:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. Everyone in our family was sick at one point this week, but we pulled it together and were all feeling fine for Thanksgiving yesterday. Hooray!
Today is the last day of the Week of Thanksgiving Giveaways. Today's giveaway is once again from the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop. The winner of Day 3's giveaway will be able to choose one of the following party packages:

A Dinosaur Party Package: This fun dinosaur themed package includes some great party accessories to create a ROARING good party. Package includes a dinosaur cupcake kit, dinosaur party garland, a dinosaur party invitation and thank you set, and a package of dinosaur party hats (my favorite!).

A Princess Party Package: This pretty Princess Party Package includes an invitation and thank you set, a princess cupcake kit, a package of princess party plates, and a set of pretty princess party hats.

A 3D Robot/Space Cadet Party Package: What a fun party set for your little robot or space lover! This 3D party package includes a robot/space cadet invitation and thank you set and a complete 3D party set that includes 1 garland, 16 napkins, 12 plates, and 12 3D glasses.

A Fairy Party Package: This Fairy Wishes party package includes a fairy invitation and thank you set, fairy party plates, and a fairy cupcake kit.

To enter to win to, become a follower of Sheek Shindigs if you aren't already and leave a comment on this post telling me what party package you would choose if you won. Make sure that I will be able to contact you if you win. And, for a second entry, post about this giveaway on your facebook page and let me know. A random winner will be chosen and announced on Monday, November 28th. Good luck!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Week of Thanksgiving Giveaways: Day 2

2011-11-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves a good cupcake! Whether you are making a couple dozen for your next shindig or a few to share on a rainy day, a good cupcake can brighten anyone's day. Today's giveaway, sponsored by Sheek Shindigs and Sweet Mady Paper & Gifts , will help you to bake and decorate a good cupcake in style the next time that the mood hits you.

Today's Cupcake Giveaway Package includes:
- An American Era Mini Cupcake Maker: This electric American Era Mini Cupcake Maker, which was recently featured on Oprah.com, allows you to bake 7 cupcakes in 5 short minutes in the comfort of your home. In addition to cupcakes, you can also make muffins, cornbread, mini cakes, and other baked treats. This is perfect thing to have when you want a little treat to share with your family or friends without having to make an entire batch of cupcakes.
- A copy of the What's New, Cupcake? book: This book is an endless resource for fun and creative ways to dress up your cupcakes. It will show you, step by step, how to transform your plain little baked treat into a race-car, robot, or a ravishing piece of jewerly. So much fun!
- An adorable Apron from Sweet Mady Paper & Gifts: Your little one will love helping you bake with an adorbale, stylish apron from Sweet Maddy Paper & Gifts! Choose from one of the many designs that Sweet Mady offers, here, to create a custom apron for your little one. These would also make an awesome gift, don't you think? Here are just a few of the designs that you can choose from:

To enter to win to, beome a follower of Sheek Shindigs if you aren't already and leave a comment on this post. Make sure that I will be able to contact you if you win. And, for a second entry, post about this giveaway on your facebook page and let me know. A random winner will be chosen and announced on Monday, November 28th. Good luck!

A Week of Thanksgiving Giveaways: Day 1

2011-11-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

This week is Thanksgiving Giveaway Week at Sheek Shindigs. Hooray! I am so thankful for all of my friends and followers. You have made my journey with Sheek Shindigs such an enjoyable one! Now, to celebrate, let's start the giveaways!

The first giveaway of the week comes from the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop: Push-Pop Containers! These fun little containers are so versitle. Whether you are serving mini cupcakes, cookies, pudding, or frozen treats, Push-Pop Containers are sure to make eating a sweet treat at your next shindig even more fun! Each container comes with a lid for easy transportation and storage and they are dishwasher safe (top rack), making them reusable. Here are a few examples of how you can use them:

{Images: My Cake School ; The Decorated Cookie ; Edible Crafts ;
Oh Goodie Designs ; Love From The Oven ; And Everything Sweet }

Today's Giveaway is for 20 Push-Pop Containers. To enter to win to, beome a follower of Sheek Shindigs if you aren't already and leave a comment on this post. Make sure that I will be able to contact you if you win. And, for a second entry, post about this giveaway on your facebook page and let me know. A random winner will be chosen and announced on Monday, November 28th. Good luck!

A Week of Thanksgiving Giveaways!

2011-11-20T04:31:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days of our Thanksgiving Countdown and I am feeling extra thankful. I have a wonderful husband and children, a supportive family, great friends, and YOU. Thank you so much for your support and for allowing Sheek Shindigs to evolve into what it is today. To show my appreciation, I will be hosting serveral Sheek Shindigs Giveaways this coming week. Check back daily to see what fun items you can enter to win!

With Much Thanks and Love,

Sarah

Thanksgiving Countdown Ideas: Host A Giving Thanks Party

2011-11-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a last minute Thanksgiving celebration idea for a group of children, this Giving Thanks Party may be a good fit. I designed this party with preschool and younger school aged children in mind. I wanted to create a Thanksgiving shindig that would allow guests to celebrate the holiday as well as give thanks and support to others in the community.

I also wanted to create a design that was affordable and could easily be duplicated by YOU. This past week I offered some Thanksgiving Countdown Ideas (also here and here). I incorporated many of the suggestions from those post into the design and decoration of this Giving Thanks Party. Natural objects, such as pumpkins, pine cones, acorns, and leaves, were used throughout the decor. I transformed what is normally the kids' craft center into a dessert/party "buffet" so that everything was in one place and easily accessible. You can do the same by using a buffet table, bookcase, or a regular folding table that you already have in your home. Get creative!

When planning your party, you can save time by purchasing some pre-made dessert items (I bought these ready made leaf cookies and pumpkin cookie sandwiches from the Target bakery). You can inexpensively dress up brown favor bags by using mini wooden clothes pins and freshly fallen leaves from your yard. There are also many, many cute and FREE printable out there that you can use to add color and style to your party. I used a free printable mini banner from Paper & Pigtails and Kara's Party Ideas, here, to dress up my pumpkin and baskets.

To help recognize the importance of giving thanks and supporting others less fortunate than ourselves during the holiday season (and any time, for that matter), ask guests to bring canned goods to donate to a local food pantry. Provide craft paper, food labels, and string/ribbon for children to "wrap" their donations and write a message of hope or thanks to be sent with the items. Share a favorite Thanksgiving story, play games, and of course, include lots of yummy treats!

** I apologize for the fuzziness of these photos. I am hoping that Santa brings me a new camera this year ;) **

Thanksgiving Countdown Ideas: Crafting Some Turkey Fun!

2011-11-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

Today's Thanksgiving Countdown Idea will help add some Turkey Cheer to your celebration. Whether there is an assigned children's table, dessert buffet, or just a special place setting for the little ones, these turkeys are sure to be a hit.

Push Pops are a fun way to serve mini cupcakes, pudding, or even candy to your {little} guests. And, a push pop dressed up like a turkey is even more fun, don't you think!

No push pops? How about dressing up your pedestal bowls instead? Wouldn't these be cute to serve pudding, ice cream, or even a little fruit salad in.

These turkey "costumes" are easy to create. Using construction/craft paper, cut out different colored feathers, a turkey face, beak, gobbler, and hat. Using a 2" scalloped punch, punch out 3 or more scallops to attach feathers onto and to assemble turkey head.

Now you can attach your turkey to a push pop, pedestal bowl, or any other serving vessel of your choice. I used a hot glue gun but glue dots may also work. Have fun with this one. Gobble, gobble!

Thanksgiving Countdown Ideas: Create A Natural Setting

2011-11-17T05:01:00.000-08:00

Image: Pottery Barn

Keep your Thanksgiving decorating simple this year and let the season's natural resources take center stage. Reuse your Halloween pumpkins and gourds to decorate your mantel, front entry, or dining room table. Place individual or grouped pumpkins and gourds on cake pedestals and stands down the center of your table. Hollow out pumpkins, squashs, or gourds to be used as serving vessels for soups or dessert. For a personal touch, embellish with your guests' initials and use them for place setting markers. Get creative!

Image: Design Concept Ideas

Take the kids on a nature walk to gather pine cones, acorns, and leaves to place in glass vases and bowls for a seasonal centerpiece. Just remember to gather leaves on the day of your celebration. Otherwise, they will dry out and curl up.

Image: All You

Fresh fruits and vegetables can add a great amount of color and visual interest to your holiday table. Flowers, berries and leaves can also be used to add texture and fill in any empty spaces.

Image: Martha Stewart Weddings

There are so many natural possibilities. Have fun!

In Case You Were Wondering...

2011-11-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Just in case you were wondering, my little Charlotte and I did make our felt Thanksgiving dinner together. It turned out great and we had so much fun working on it (I did all of the sewing, she did all of the stuffing). I used the tutorial that I posted about last week from Smashed Peas and Carrots, here, to make the turkey. Maggie (Smashed Peas and Carrots) did not include a tutorial for the green beans and carrots so Charlotte and I came up with our own. I will share that in the next couple of days. Until then, get started on those turkeys. Your little ones will LOVE IT!

WARNING: Making these fun little felt foods may lead to a serious felt sewing/crafting addiction. I am already working on our next meal!

Thanksgiving Countdown Ideas: Easy Acorn Cookies

2011-11-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Thanksgiving countdown is on. Only 9 more days until Turkey Day. Are you ready? Over the next couple of days I will be sharing some easy, last minute Thanksgiving decorating, crafting, and food ideas to help put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Today I am featuring these Easy Acorn Cookies that I made with the help of my master chefs, Charlotte, 2 and Wyatt, 5. They are super easy to put together, require no cooking, and the kiddos will love helping out.

Here is what you will need:

- Hershey's Kisses
- Mini Chocolate Morsels
- Nutter Butter Cookie Bites (Mini Nilla Wafers will also work)

Assembly is easy and fun:

1. If using the Nutter Butter Bites, take the sandwich cookies apart and remove the peanut butter filling. Place textured side down on a cookie sheet. If using Mini Nilla Wafers, place on cookie sheet with the flat side up.

2. Melt a small bowl of Mini Chocolate Morsels. Place a small amount of melted chocolate onto the bottom of a Hershey's Kiss and the stick the Hershey Kiss onto the flat side of a Nutter Butter Cookie. The melted chocolate is acting as your glue. You don't need a lot, just enough to make the kiss stick to the cookie. Let cookies set for a few minutes, allowing chocolate to harden.

3. Turn over the cookie and use the same chocolate "gluing" method to attach a Mini Chocolate Morsel to the top of the textured side of your Nutter Butter Cookie. Again, only a small amount of melted chocolate is needed to glue your mini morsel onto the cookie. Allow the chocolate to harden for a few minutes.

4. Place Acorn Cookies in a festive bowl, serve, and enjoy!

{Crafty Ideas} A Fun Felt Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, all of my crafty friends....pay attention! Have I got a fun Thanksgiving craft for you. Gather your felt piles (or make a mad dash to your local craft store) and get ready to make one of the cutest things that I have seen in awhile: A Fun Felt Thanksgiving Dinner.

Seriously, isn't it the cutest thing ever. I was searching for some Thanksgiving craft ideas and came across Maggie of Smashed Peas and Carrots. Maggie made a complete Felt Thanksgiving Dinner for her son several years ago and was kind enough to post a tutorial along with her pictures. The drumsticks are even detachable for playtime!

While sewing is not my strong point, I think that I will be able to handle this one. I am headed out to the craft store this weekend to stock up on felt and get started. My little Charlotte is going to LOVE it!
Oh, and as if the turkey, carrots, and beans were not impressive enough, Maggie whipped up an entire felt-y Thanksgiving feast before everything was said and done, which included mashed potatoes, gravy, a removable pat of butter, crescent rolls and a huge slice of pumpkin pie with removable whipped cream. Love her.

Visit Maggie and Smashed Peas and Carrots here and here for the felt Thanksgiving tutorials. Have fun with this one!

Fall Wreaths...BUY or DIY?

2011-11-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

Need to add to your fall decor? A wreath is the perfect accessory, whether hanging from your front door or a mirror in your entry way. There are some great DIY tutorials out there for those of you that are feeling crafty and lots of fun etsy options if you just want to BUY.

{Image: ItzFitz}

{Image: TwoLauras}

{Image: S.A.S. Interiors}

{Image: In My Own Style}

{Image: Two Inspire You}

Are you going to (or did you) BUY or DIY your fall wreath?

A Guide For Planning Your Thanksgiving Table

2011-11-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Image: Southern Living

Now that Halloween is behind us, it is time to start planning for your Thanksgiving celebrations. This will be the first year that we are staying home for Thanksgiving and hosting a small dinner of our own. While I am looking forward to helping plan the menu (my husband and I will be sharing cooking duties), the thought of setting and decorating the table and our house is what really gets my heart fluttering. I have been looking for decoration ideas, inspiration, and tips to make our first Thanksgiving at home a memorable one. While I haven't made any final decorating decisions, I thought that I would share a few of my favorites tips and ideas for dressing your table this Thanksgiving.

To start off, I found this great diagram on how to properly set a formal dining table. It's always nice to have a reference to go to when you can't quite remember whether the soup spoon goes beside the dinner knife or on the other side of the teaspoon. Martha Stewart also offers some table setting tips, here.

Next, decide how you are going to dress your table. Table linens serve as an important base for building the rest of your table on and offer an opportunity to introduce color. For a bold holiday table, vibrant reds, oranges, and browns can be used to create an autumn scene. If you prefer a more simple, understated table, select neutral linens (think browns and creams) as a base and add color with your accessories.

Image: Williams-Sonoma

Now it is time to accessorize, be creative, and add a personal touch to your table. Layer items (placemats, plates, napkins) to add depth to your table. Add color with natural items, such as flowers, pumpkins, leaves, and acorns and/or decorative items, such as candles, serving pieces, and sentimental pieces that reflect the season and add character to your table.

Image: Pottery Barn

Put your placecards to work. Not only do they add a personal touch, but they can serve a decorative purpose as well. This is another chance to be creative. Mini pumpkins, leaves, fruit, and acorns are just a few natural props that you can use to showcase your placecards and guide guest to their place at the table.

Image: Better Homes and Gardens

Image: Apron Strings Aflutter

Inspired yet? I hope so. Have any great Thanksgiving decorating ideas? I would love to hear from you.

A Reptile and Amphibian Birthday Celebration

2011-10-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

We recently celebrated my son's 5th birthday with a Reptile and Amphibian Themed Celebration. Ever since his preschool class adopted a turtle as a class pet, my son has been fascinated by reptiles. Since I was not willing to grant his request for a slimy pet of his own, I decided that a Reptile and Amphibian themed party was the next best thing!

I had the pleasure of working with Amanda of Lil' Sprout Greetings on all of the printable designs for the party, including the party invitation and welcoming sign.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed, given a safari hat and binoculars, and sent on a reptile safari. It was amazing how many snakes and lizards they found crawling around!

I wanted to keep the snack table simple with healthy options (other than the cookies and cake), and in theme with the party. I created a safari-like backdrop of leaves and vines and used the coordinating printables that were created by Lil' Sprout Greetings. Snacks included Gecko Grapes, Python Pretzels, Alligator Apples, and Turtle Trail Mix. I also created frog-topped, chocolate dipped Oreo cookies and a reptile safari cake (don't judge me too harshly...this was my first attempt covering a cake with fondant).

The highlight of the party was a live, hands on reptile show which was led by a Wildlife Educator from a local company called Reptiles Alive. The children were able to view and touch live reptiles (turtles, lizards, frogs, and yes....snakes!) while the educator shared fun facts about each animal. The kids loved it!

Images: Reptiles Alive!

The birthday boy even got to help hold the reptiles and pass them around for his friends to touch. Better him than me! He was so happy, as you can see!

We had a great time celebrating my little man's big day!

Giveaway Winner....

2011-10-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to last week's Giveaway winner, Kelly L.! I hope that you enjoy your Daisy Days store credit. Thank you to everyone that participated and to DaisyDays.com for sponsoring the giveaway!

Easy Halloween Spider Punch

2011-10-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Loving this Halloween Black Licorice Spider Punch from Apron Strings!

Isn't the licorice spider the B.E.S.T.! Stop by Apron Strings, here, for the recipe and directions.

A Daisy Days Giveaway!

2011-10-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's Giveaway time again! This week's Giveaway sponsor is Daisy Days, a great online resource for wedding invitations, accessories, favors, and gifts. Not in the market for wedding related items? Daisy Days also offers a varied selection of items for other celebration worthy special occasions, such as birthdays, graduations, the arrival of a new baby, and Sweet Sixteen. Here is glimpse of what Daisy Days has to offer:

This week's Giveaway winner will receive a $25 gift certificate for DaisyDays.com. With such a large selection to choose from, you better starting searching for your favorite item!

To enter this week's Giveaway, become a Sheek Shindigs follower if you aren't already and:

1. Visit Daisy Days, here, and leave a comment on this post about your favorite item(s).
2. Follow Sheek Shindigs on Facebook, here, and let me know that you did so.
3. Post a link on your facebook page about this giveaway.

You must be a Sheek Shindigs blog follower to be eligible to win. Each individual may enter to win up to 3 separate times. Please make sure that I am able to contact you if you are chosen. A random giveaway winner will be chosen and announced on Tuesday, October 25, 2011. Good luck!

{Halloween} Black Cat Cookies

2011-10-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Trade in your pumpkin and ghosts cookies for a black cat this year. Aren't these Land O Lakes Black Cat Cookies so cool! From their candy corn eyes to their cute little whiskers, these Black Cat Cookies are sure to win over your little trick-or-treaters.

In addition to being super cute, these cookies are fairly easy to make and the kids will have a blast helping you decorate them. With all of the rainy days that we have been having lately, this recipe may get pulled out sooner rather than later at our house. Here is the Land O Lakes Recipe:

Black Cat Cookies

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar

1 cup butter, softened

3 Eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Candy corn
Red cinnamon candies

Directions: Combine sugar and butter in large bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla; beat until well mixed.

Combine all remaining ingredients except candies in medium bowl. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture to butter mixture. Beat until well mixed.

Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a ball; flatten to 1/2 inch. Wrap each half in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours).

Heat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-half at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with 3-inch round cookie cutters. Place onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Using fingers, pinch up ears at top of each circle. Place 2 pieces candy corn onto cookies for eyes and 1 red cinnamon candy for nose. Press tines of fork on each side of cookie below eyes to form whiskers.

Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are set. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire cooling rack.

* If you want your cookies to be served on a stick (see above picture), carefully insert popsicle sticks into the bottom of your cookies before baking.

Love it!

ABC Paper Party Cups

2011-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came across a fun Etsy find and just had to share. Check out these ABC Paper Party Cups from Isakay Boutique. Aren't they great!

These paper party cups come in packages of 30 cups with 2 different letters on each cup (one on each side), plus a heart and a period symbol. If you are looking for an easy and unique way to personalize your next shindig, these cups may be your answer. I love the idea of using them for a word party banner...

To help "label" your food...

Or, to just help you get your message across.

What would you say with your ABC Paper Party Cups?

{Halloween} SpOOky BOO Bags

2011-10-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

After posting about the fun Halloween tradition of BOOing yesterday, I came across these SpOOky BOO Bags from the girls over at How Does She? and found myself wishing that I was crafty with the sewing machine. How cute are these! I am orange with bag envy. I want one of each!

You can make these spooky felt bags and leave them, filled with treats, on the doors of your unsuspecting friends and/or neighbors when you BOO them this year. They would also make great teacher gifts, party favors, or trick-or-treating bags for your kiddos. Stop by How Does She?, here, for the diy directions.

And for those of us who aren't gifted with the sewing machine.... the pumpkin pattern was done by hand with a blanket stitch. Feeling crafty?

Have You Been BOO'ed?

2011-10-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Any day now, our street's traditional Halloween BOOing should begin. Up until about 4 1/2 years ago, when we moved into our house, I had never heard of this Halloween tradition. One October night our doorbell rang right around bath time and when we went to answer the door we were greeted by a mysterious basket of Halloween goodies and a cute little "You have been BOO'ed" poem. My kids thought that it was the coolest thing ever and since then they look forward to it every year.

There are some great printable BOO'ed signs out there, however this is the first BOO'ed door hanger that I have come across and I LOVE IT! Skip to my Lou designed this adorable printable door hanger that has a BOO'ed poem on one side and a "We've Been Boo'ed" sign on the other side. So smart and creative!

To create, simply download the free door hanger printable, here, and follow Skip to my Lou's easy directions, which can be found here. Once you have made your door hanger, start the BOOing! Hang the hanger on your friend's door and leave some treats for them to enjoy. Once they have been BOO'ed, they can turn the door hanger around and continue the tradition by BOOing another unsuspecting friend. It is so much fun. Just trust me!

A Halloween BOOfast Celebration

2011-10-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner! Are you ready to celebrate with your little ghosts and goblins? If you are a regular follower, you know that breakfast is BIG at our house. It is my husband's and kids' favorite meal of the day, which has led me to the tendency of styling breakfast themed tables in place of the popular dessert tables on occasion. I liked the idea of a Halloween BOOfast Celebration because it allows guests to celebrate Halloween and the autumn season without the focus being on candy. Don't get me wrong, I know how important candy is to young and old alike on Halloween. I'm not trying to veto the candy! This just allows for a festive celebration before the main event (Trick-or-Treating!) without the sugar overload.

I wanted to make the Halloween BOOfast table simple and easy to re-create, healthy enough to satisfy my fellow moms, and appealing to even the littlest party guest. This breakfast themed table would be perfect for a Halloween party, playdate/playgroup celebration, or even to surprise your little ones on Halloween morning.

The BOOfast menu included pumpkin muffins, a variety of cereals, yogurt parfaits with various topping choices, and milk. Everything was "dressed-up" so that the kids wouldn't even notice that the candy and sweets were missing.

It's amazing how a little wrapper and cupcake topper can transform a muffin! The kids won't even notice that the extra sugar or icing is missing from these pumpkin muffins.

I found these adorable mini tins a few years ago in the Target Dollar Spot and I have gotten so much use out of them. I decided that they would be perfect for getting the kids excited about having a bowl of cereal. Don't be fooled...these cereal choices are healthy and light on sugar content as well (Fiber One, Whole Wheat Chex, and Gorilla Munch). Just don't tell the kids!

Milk in a plain glass just won't do for this celebration. Instead, I transformed empty jars into a Ghostly Glass of Milk! My kids LOVED these and they are so incredibly easy to make.

I used small, paper-wrapped canning jars to serve yogurt & fruit cups while the ceramic pumpkin containers held granola, dried fruit, slivered almonds, and other topping choices for the guests to choose from.

To dress up the serving table, I covered two lamp shades with black card stock and added some buntings for fun. This is an inexpensive way to temporarily transform an item that you already have at home (in this case, a lamp) to add to your table's decor and the overall presentation. I also made some paper rosettes and used a few Halloween decorations that I had at home (the cute witch and the spiders on each end) to finish things off.

I hope that this BOOfast Table has inspired you to start your day off with a little Halloween Celebration!

Autumn Craft Ideas

2011-10-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I took my youngest two for their first autumn nature walk of the season. We had so much fun collecting "treasures" along our walk. Five days later,however, we have had two bags full of leaves, sticks, and acorns sitting in our garage, waiting to be put to use. This afternoon we did some traditional leaf rubbings which were fun, but short-lived. I decided to look for some other fun, crafty uses for our treasures and this is what I came up with:

How beautiful is this Autumn Tree craft from Full Circle! I love the simplicity of the project and it is the perfect craft for making use of our crunchy leaves.

These Leaf Ghosts from SheKnows.com are just so cute. Not only will your little one have fun painting their leaves, but you will get an early start on your Halloween decorations, too!

Let everyone create a few mini trial versions of their jack-o-lantern design with these Acorn Pumpkins from Family Fun. When everyone is done, vote on the best designs for when the real deal rolls around.

Let your little one help add a festive touch to your holiday decor with these Acorn Picture Frames from Better Homes and Gardens.

Looks like we are going to be busy crafting this week. I hope that I have inspired you to get out with your kids, collect some treasures, and have fun crafting!

{What's Cooking?} Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee

2011-09-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't hold out any longer. I started bringing out some of my fall decorations yesterday and I am now officially in "fall mode". Love it! There are so many wonderful things that I associate with the fall season: cooler weather, colorful leaves, watching football as a family (okay, I really have no interest in watching football, but I love cuddling with my family while they watch and making fun snacks for everyone to enjoy), and the smell and taste of anything pumpkin. Pumpkin just takes me to that comfy, cozy feeling that I associate with fall. The sight, the smell, the taste...even the thought of anything pumpkin. So, while on a quest today to find a new pumpkin recipe to help kick off this wonderful season, I came across this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens for Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee. The recipe itself sounds great, but the presentation of the dessert is what got my attention. I love the idea of serving dessert in miniature pumpkins!

Image: Better Homes and Gardens

Wouldn't these dessert filled mini pumpkins be perfect on your Thanksgiving table. They are definitely going on my "possibilities list" for this year.

Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee

Ingredients:

2 cups whipping cream (no substitutes)
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
10 baby pumpkins
1/4 cup sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan, heat whipping cream over medium heat just until bubbly. Remove from heat; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, eggs, the 1/2 cup sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves. Beat with a whisk or rotary beater just until combined. Slowly whisk the hot whipping cream into the egg mixture.
3. Use a small serrated knife to cut off the top 1/2-inch of the baby pumpkins. Discard the tops. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
4. Place the pumpkins in a roasting pan. Divide custard mixture evenly among the pumpkins. Place roasting pan on oven rack. Pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the pumpkins.
5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until centers appear nearly set when gently shaken. Carefully remove pan from oven. Remove pumpkins from water; cool on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
6. Before serving, let custards stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. **Meanwhile, for caramelized sugar: in a heavy 8-inch skillet, heat the 1/4 cup sugar over medium-high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking skillet occasionally to heat sugar evenly. Do not stir. Once sugar starts to melt, reduce heat to low; cook 3 to 5 minutes more or until all of the sugar is melted and golden brown, stirring as needed with a wooden spoon.
7. Quickly drizzle caramelized sugar over the custards. (If sugar starts to harden in the skillet, return to heat, stirring until melted.) Serve immediately. Makes 10 filled pumpkins or 6 custard cups.
* Instead of the pumpkins, you can use six 3/4-cup souffle dishes or 6-ounce custard cups. Place the souffle dishes or custard cups in a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
**Culinary Torch Method: Instead of caramelizing the sugar in the skillet as directed in steps 6 and 7, sprinkle sugar evenly over custards. Use a culinary torch to caramelize the sugar.

Operation Shower: Sea to Shining Sea

2011-09-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of helping out with my second Operation Shower event, this time in Norfolk, VA. This event was organized to "shower" expecting women whose husbands were deployed and serving on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN77) and was given a coordinating nautical "Sea to Shining Sea" theme.

Operation Shower's Chief Event Organizer, Amy Belle Isle, did another fabulous job designing the event. Nautical elements were incorporated throughout, including the graphic designs, table centerpieces, and food and dessert tables. One of my absolute favorites designed all of the graphics for the shower, Lindi of Love the Day. She rocks! Other amazing talents that were helping out with the event included Chris of Celebrations At Home, Ebony of Sparkling Events and Designs, and Deanna of 5 to 9 Events. These women made an already worth-while event a complete joy to be a part of. It is so nice to be able to come together and work with such a talented group of women for an amazing organization AND have so much FUN at the same time. Love them all!

Any guesses what Amy used to create the dessert table's backdrop? Place mats! It was such a creative idea and it looked great at the event. Not so much fun hanging it, though :) Sugarland Bakery came all the way from Chapel Hill the morning of the shower to deliver the adorable nautical themed cake that they created for the event. These girls are seriously talented and equally as sweet themselves! Just Pop In donated the mini popcorn bags and Firefly Confections sent the cutest little cookies for the event.

Many generous vendors came together and donated so many wonderful items for this event. In addition to the "showers in a box" that each mother received, everyone was gifted a stroller, bath tub, clothing, diaper bags, boppy's, handmade booties and hats, diapers, and much, much more. It was an amazing day full of celebrating, honoring, and truly "showering" these women. They are part of a much larger group of men, women, and families that sacrifice so much for our country every day and I hope that they felt the love, appreciation, and support that everyone involved with Operation Shower strives to bestow upon them on their special day . I truly feel blessed and am grateful to have been able to participate in another Operation Shower event.

Also, a big thank you to Stephanie of Lifeography for all of the wonderful photographs. You can learn more about Operation Shower, what they do, and how you can help, here.

The girls: Chris (Celebrations At Home), Amy (Operation Shower), me (Sheek Shindigs), Ebony (Sparkling Events and Designs), and Lindi (Love the Day).

A Vintage Home Art Giveaway!

2011-09-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

This dreary Friday needs a little cheer so how about another fabulous Giveaway! This week's Giveaway is being sponsored by Ayesha Atelier and her etsy shop, Vintage Home Art. Vintage Home Art has much to offer, including beautiful cakestands, dessert pedestals, cupcake stands handcrafted from vintage china, elegant vintage teacups, milk jugs, sugar bowls, "and a smattering of upcycled serving stands!".

Ayesha loves vintage fine china. In her words, "it's light yet strong, beautiful yet functional. And, of course, they literally don't make them like that any more! My cake stands bring lovely vintage plates, each with its own charm, history and beauty into people's homes, where they can be admired and enjoyed for years to come".

Ayesha's studio overflows with vintage china cakestands, hand-decorated pottery, upcycled homewares, a collection of bone china, paintings of all kinds, and stack of old linens. Ayesha also designs and sells cushion covers, tableclothes, and throws.

Ayesha and Vintage Home Art is offering this week's Giveaway winner a $50 shop credit which can be used towards the purchase of any item in the Vintage Home Art etsy shop! Not only would one of these items be a wonderful addition to your own collection of serving pieces, but they would make amazing gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Stop by Vintage Home Art, here, and check out what Ayesha has to offer. This is one of my personal favorites... I just adore the teacup topped, tiered cakestand!

To ENTER THIS WEEK'S GIVEAWAY:
Become a follower of the Sheek Shindigs blog if you aren't already and...

1. Leave a comment on this post about your favorite item/items.
2. Follow Sheek Shindigs on Facebook, here.
3 Follow Ayesha and Vintage Home Art on Facebook, here.

You may enter to win up to 3 separate times. Giveaway winner must be a Sheek Shindigs follower (so if you aren't, simply become one!). All entries must be made by 11:59 on Thursday, September 29, 2011. A random giveaway winner will be selected and announced on Friday, September 30, 2011. Good luck and thanks for following!

{Party Inspiration} Apples, Apples!

2011-09-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

I love Fall! The colorful leaves, the crisp air, and all of the delicious APPLES! Yes, I said apples. There is just something so wonderful to me about fresh, fall apples. Don't you agree? I was inspired by the recent cool down in Virginia and ready to style a Fall-themed party. My mind naturally focused on an APPLE theme (apple cider, candy apples, cider donuts...) and this is what I came up with for my inspiration:

An Apples, Apples! Themed Party Inspiration Board

This apple-themed party would be fun for a back-to-school celebration, an apple picking party, a fall birthday, or just to celebrate the season with your family and friends. What comes to mind when you think of Fall?

Image Credits:
1. Apple Cupcakes: What's New, Cupcake? 2. Apple Invitation: The Homespun Hostess 3. Candy Apples: Wedding by Color 4. Apples Sign: Hello Naomi 5. Cider Donuts: Handmade Simple 6. Apple Wreath: Faux Flora 7. Apple Plates Craft: Two Shades of Pink 8. Apple/Floral Centerpiece: Style Me Pretty 9. Apple Cider: Google

{Halloween} A Ghostly Glass of Milk

2011-09-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Although we still have well over a month until Halloween arrives, I couldn't help but share a little sneak peek of a Halloween Breakfast that I have been working on to go along with some new Halloween party items coming to the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop this week. Aren't these Ghostly Glasses of Milk cute! They would be a fun option for any type of Halloween celebration, whether it be a playdate, costume party, or just to great your little goblings on Halloween morning.

These are incredibly easy to re-create. Your litte ones could even help out!

Supplies

- Glass or plastic bottles/jars ( I used empty Starbuck's Frappuccino bottles)
- Plastic googly eyes (I used the self-adhesive kind)
- Black paper, scissors, and your imagination
- Glue
- Milk!

Directions

Fill your beverage container with milk. Place googly eyes on container and glue if necessary. Using your black paper, cut out a mouth and glue it to the container (you could also get creative and add eyebrows and other funny expressions if you wanted to).

Enjoy a Ghostly Glass of Milk!

Heading Out for Operation Shower

2011-09-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning I will be heading to Norfolk, VA bright and early to help out an AMAZING organization called Operation Shower this weekend. If you have followed me for awhile, you may remember that I was fortunate enough to be able to be a small part of another Operation Shower event last October in Washington, DC. Being able to help out with that event was such a positive experience, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to come back and help out this time around.

For those of you that aren't familiar with Operation Shower:

"Operation Shower is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides joyful baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment.

For military families who are expecting a new baby and are experiencing or have recently experienced deployment, we accomplish our mission through:

hosting amazing baby showers
delivering high-quality products
creating a shared experience
partnering with organizations to provide value-added services, such as health-related information

Operation Shower was founded specifically because we know that moms in a military family who hold it all together at home — moms who go through a pregnancy without their spouse by their side, deployed to a another part of the world, proudly serving our country, but wishing they could do more for those at home — these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love and of course, they deserve a party!".

Here are a few pictures from a shower that Operation Shower held back in April at Camp LeJeune, NC. Pretty amazing!

I am looking so forward to this weekend and can't wait to share details and pictures with you later next week. In the meantime, you can learn more about Operation Shower and how you can help out this amazing organization over at their website or on facebook.

Pretty Printable Place Cards

2011-09-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

Pretty Printable Place cards....now say that 3 times fast!

Amy of Delightful Distractions created these sweet printable placecards/gift tags/ note cards that you can download for FREE and put to use in so many different ways. Don't you love them!

So many fun ideas for how to use these come to my mind. Most involve celebrating something special with my little girl... they remind me of her. You can download you own set of these printables, here. And, don't forget to stop by Delightful Distractions, here, to follow Amy and see more of her wonderful creations. Thank you for sharing these, Amy!

{DIY} Party with Paper Rosettes!

2011-09-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed one of the newest party paper decor trends? Time to move over tissue paper pom poms... Paper Rosettes are taking over the party scene!

Image: KayLice Events

Image: Martha Stewart

Image: Source

Image: Frog Prince Paperie

While I loved the tissue paper pom poms, paper rosettes are quickly winning me over. They are extremely versatile and in my opinion, easier to make than the pom poms. Paper Source offers a great tutorial for a basic paper rosette and Martha Stewart offers one for a paper rosette with more of a flower-like feel. You can also make mini versions for accessorizing just about anything that your heart desires (favor bags, party hats, banners, tables...).

Any other fun ideas for the paper rosette?

Enjoy, and happy crafting!

{Crafty Ideas} A Colorful Pencil Necklace

2011-09-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

I came across this fun, colorful craft project a few weeks ago and thought that this would be a perfect time to share it with the start of school and the need for a little sunshine in our neck of the woods. It has been raining almost non-stop for an entire week here! We need some rainbows and bright skies!

Kate of Mini-eco created this fun pencil necklace using a junior hacksaw, tiny drill bit, sandpaper and some string. Each pencil-bead is 0.6mm in length.

To create, hold pencil firmly and cut a .6mm length section using a junior hacksaw. Once pieces are cut, lightly sand each end of each piece smooth. Drill a small hole through each pencil piece and string with your thread/string. While you will have to do the "heavy" crafting work, little ones will enjoy helping you create the pattern and stringing them as you go.

These would be a cute craft or favor for a rainbow or art themed party, don't you think? I hope that you enjoy!

And, just as I am wrapping this post up, sunny skies are trying to peak through. Hooray!

Carnival Mini Edible Designs

2011-09-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop is in the process of adding some great new products to help make your next Shindig one to remember! One of my favorite new products are these Carnival Mini Edible Designs. These edible decorations are flat-printed edible designs that can be applied to many food items (cakes, cookies, cupcakes, ice cream cakes) for a finished, professional look. They are prepared with edible food colors and absorb moisture from food products, becoming soft and melding with the food item that it is being applied to. They DO NOT contain: wheat, milk, eggs, fish, shell-fish (crustaceans) peanuts and/or tree nuts, are gluten free, and Kosher Certified.

So, what can you do with these fun, edible designs? Here is a suggestion: Upgrade your favorite small cookie!

White Chocolate Carnival Mini Cookies

1. Prepare your favorite cookies or use pre-made. TIP: make sure the cookies are no larger than 1.5” in diameter to fit into a chocolate or candy mold with 2” cavities.

2. Place Carnival Mini designs face down in the cavities of your candy mold.

3. Fill a parchment triangle with a melted chocolate to fill the mold. TIP: don’t use a metal tip in the bag, as its coolness will stiffen the chocolate too quickly.

4. Press cookies into the chocolate before it sets up; top off with melted chocolate if necessary. TIP: tap the entire mold on a counter top to level the chocolate.

5. Let set, and then remove coated cookies from the mold.

The final result is sure to impress!

Visit the Sheek Shindigs Etsy shop, here, to view this product and others, here. And don't forget to check back...more are coming soon!

Banana Split Mini Bites

2011-09-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

What a fun little twist on a classic ice cream dessert! These Banana Split Mini Bites created by Naomi of Bakers Royale are not only super adorable, but they allow your little ones to have a special sweet treat without completely overloading on sugar.

Image: Bakers Royale

Here are Naomi's simple instructions:

Use firm bananas and cut into 1 inch sections. Leave the peel on for easy handling, and with a melon baller, dig a well in the middle of each banana section.

Melt chocolate in the microwave and dip the bottom portion of the banana in chocolate and then dip it once again in either non-pareils or chopped peanuts. To quickly harden the chocolate, place dipped bananas in the freezer for five minutes.

Fill each well with ice cream (I filled mine with vanilla chocolate chip) and top with whip cream and a maraschino cherry.

What a fun, kid-friendly dessert idea. I hope that you enjoy. Stop by Bakers Royale for other great recipes and ideas, here.

{Real Parties} A Picnic Party

2011-09-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am sharing a party submission from Jozen of Lola's Girl. Jozen recently celebrated her daughter's 6th birthday by incorporating one of her favorite summertime activites and throwing her a Picnic Party!

Guests were asked to bring their own picnic blankets or lawn chairs and were treated to quite a picnic spread for the birthday celebration.The menu included hot dogs, hamburgers, traditional Filipino barbecue on sticks, salad, and fresh fruit.

A diy lemonade stand provided guests the opportunity to create their own picnic beverage....I love this idea and I would image that it was a hit with the kids as well!

Jozen put together a mini dessert table which featured mini cupcakes, donut holes, brownie bites, oreos, and mini cinnamon buns. So cute and sooo yummy!

Every birthday girls needs a cake! This cake was extra special because the birthday girl's aunt baked it for her. Isn't it beautiful!

The birthday celebration ended with a movie under the stars for all of the guests to enjoy. What a great way to finish off a special day and a wonderful celebration!

Jozen, thank you for sharing your daughter's party with Sheek Shindigs. You did a wonderful job. You can see more of the details from this party at Lola's Girl, here.

Back To School (Sweet Treats) Idea Round-Up

2011-08-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well, hurricane Irene forced us to head home a little bit earlier than planned. We are still enjoying our vacation time, only now we are enjoying it at home. With just a little over one week away from the start of school, I thought that I would share some of my favorite Back To School Sweet Treat Ideas with you:

Oreo Apple Pops:
What a fun way to brighten a teacher's day on the first day of school! Amanda of Shindig Parties To Go! created some fun, FREE Back to School printables as well a wonderful tutorial for these amazing Oreo Apple Pops and Pencil Vase. These would also be a great little treat for the kids to come home to after their first day back, don't you think?!? Thank you for sharing this, Amanda!

Image: Shindig Parties To Go!

Pencil Treats:
Adorable! Just grab some Rollos, scrapbook paper, foil, and a Hershey Kiss to create this fun little treat. I couldn't find the original source for this idea, but Everyday Celebrating offers a supply list and a few details, here. These would be cute for both teachers and students!

Back to School Apple:
One Charming Party is helping you send your kids back to school with a fun little lunchbox treat. Simply print out their bookworm printable, cut out and punch a hole into the apple, and string with a cereal "worm". You can get the printable and directions over at One Charming Party, here.

Image: One Charming Party

Rice Krispy Apple Treats:
Turn a traditional snacktime favorite into a Back to School treat! Gourmet Mom on-the-Go created these yummy Rice Krispy Apple Treats to celebrate the start of the school year. Click here for the recipe and directions.

Image: Gourmet Mom on-the-Go

Enjoy!

On Vacation!

2011-08-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am off to enjoy some fun in the sun with my family before our summer comes to an end. Promise to return soon, though, relaxed and ready to share some fresh new ideas with you.

{Local Talent} With Love Photography

2011-08-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

This past July, I had the honor of working with a wonderful new photographer in the Northern Virginia area, Kerri Gibbs of With Love Photography. Kerri was extremely easy to work with and the results were equally as pleasing (my 4th of July table design and Kerri's photos were featured over at The Tomkat Studio, here). With Love Photography uses Kerri's blended style of portrait and lifestyle photography to capture some of your family's most precious moments and preserve them in photos that will last a lifetime.

For a limited time, With Love Photography is offering a Portfolio Building Special. If you live locally, this is a great opportunity, whether updating your family portrait, capturing a special event, or getting an amazing stand-out photo for this year's holiday card. In addition to the special, With Love Photography will also be hosting fall mini-sessions on Saturday, October 1st. Visit With Love Photography, here, for all of the details and contact information.

{Party Inspiration} Back To School Party

2011-08-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that the summer has already slipped away? I am savoring the final two weeks before we have to jump back into the school year grind. Why not have a little fun celebrating while you help your kids (and yourself) make a happy, smooth transition back into the school routine? Host a Back To School Party! One Charming Party has once again put together a fabulous party-scape full of inspiration and tutorials to get you moving in the right direction. I love all of it and I am pretty sure that you will as well.

Brittany and Sara of One Charming Party created this faux dessert table using school supplies as both the decorations and party favors. Brilliant!

Did you fall in love with the pencil cake as quickly as I did? Yep, head-over-heels impressed! Lucky for us, Brittany and Sara have included a cake tutorial and many more fabulous ideas over at their blog, One Charming Party.

This one deserves an A+. Love it!

{Recycled} Bottle Beauties

2011-08-15T03:59:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do with all of those empty glass jars that are stashed away, waiting for a second chance to be useful again? Martha Stewart offers a great DIY tutorial for transforming your recyclables into Bottle Beauties with the help of enamel paint.

Any clean and empty glass jar or bottle will work for this fun project. For the jars pictured above, white enamel was used, which yielded different shades of green depending on the tint of the glass. You can used colored enamel, however, to achieve whichever color and look suits your fancy. Have fun with it!

Here are Martha's DIY instructions:

Enameled Bottle How-ToDishwasher-safe enamel paint is sold at most crafts stores. Wash the bottle inside and out with soapy water; let dry. Pour in a small amount of the paint's surface conditioner, which primes the glass for the enamel. Swirl to coat fully, then pour out excess. Stand bottle upright, and dry for an hour.

Pour in enough enamel to easily coat the inside. Swirl, and return excess to container for reuse. Dry bottle upside down on a paper towel for 48 hours, periodically wiping excess enamel from the rim with a damp cloth during the first hour.

A Candlelit Cake Stand Centerpiece

2011-08-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a great way to put your cake stands to good use when they are not displaying your latest sweet treats: turn them into the foundation for a stunning Candlelit Cake Stand Centerpiece! I love this idea from Perpetually Engaged!

Not only will it light up your table, but it is super easy to create. Simply stack a small, medium, and large cake stand on top of one another and top each layer with glass votives. Now, light the votives, sit back, and enjoy your stunning centerpiece. So easy. Love it!

{Party Ideas} End of Summer Celebrations, Part 3

2011-08-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

The third, and final, End of Summer Celebration idea that I wanted to share with you is a favorite that I have been saving for some time. Although I am quite sure that having two boys has something to do with its appeal to me, this celebration idea is perfect for any summer-themed party and it is inexpensive and easy to DIY.

Today's End of Summer Celebration Idea: Host A Bug Hunt Party!

Bug themed parties have been circulating for quite some time but I though that there was just something special about this one created by Parents.com. I love the creativity involved in putting this simple little party together and the fact that it can easily be re-created at an extremely affordable price! What a fun way to celebrate the end of summer with your children and a few of their friends. Other than some kid-friendly munchies, you only really need a few other inexpensive extras to pull of this Summer Celebration.

Start with a Bug Hunt: Get the party started with a Bug Hunt! Buy a bulk bag of plastic bugs and scatter them around your yard before guests arrive. Provide each guest with their own magnifying glass and set them off on their hunt! So easy, so simple, and so fun! And, if it's too hot outside, the hunt can easily be done inside.

Image: Parents

The Snack Table: Don't underestimate the power of crepe paper! This wonderfully creative table skirt was created by layering different shades of green crepe paper streamers and gluing a few plastic bugs on here and there. This definitely isn't a 5 minute project, but I bet that your kids would love to help out with creating it. At least mine would! Cover the top of your table with a green tablecloth and attach the skirt using glue, staples, or heavy tape. Then, get creative with your buggy snacks.

Image: Parents

A Few Snack Ideas: I found a few buggy snack ideas to get your started. I tried to look for some healthy choices that the kids would be excited about and that the moms would appreciate.

Wormy Cheese Dip: Wormy cheese sticks make the perfect dipper for this Spider dip holder. You can find the details on how to make this, here.

Ladybug Crackers: A little more time consuming but so cute! Click here for the recipe.

Build-a-Bug Snack Station: I love this idea from Party Ideas from Mell and Sarah. They made an idea-starter display for the table and provided all the ingredients for guests to make their own!

Image: Party Ideas By Mell and Sarah

Dirt Cup Dessert: Kids will delight when dessert time rolls around. Who doesn't love a dirt cup full of chewy worms! Visit Family Focus Blog for the recipe and how-to.

Image: Family Focus Blog

Bug Jar Favors: Put your empty mayo and peanut butter jars to good use! By adding a little grass/moss and a stick or two, you can create Bug Jar favors for your guests to take home. How cute!

Image: Parents

Have fun with this one. This is definitely going on my favorites list!

{Party Ideas} End of Summer Celebrations, Part 2

2011-08-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today's Summer Celebration Idea: Host a Pink Lemonade Party For a Cause!

Image: Pinterest

Invite all of your girlfriends over for a Pink Lemonade Party to celebrate the summer as it comes to an end. Whether you make it a small, intimate affair or one for the entire street, keep it light and cheery, serving cool summer drinks and desserts to your guests. Much like the End of Summer Picnic party idea, this party allows you to prepare everything before your guests arrive so that you are able to enjoy the celebration, too!

Set-Up: Take full advantage of any shady spots that you have in your backyard to set-up your Pink Lemonade Party. Use items that you already have around your house to create an inviting area for you guests to gather and enjoy a cool drink and a sweet treat. Pen n' Paper Flowers created this lovely and inspiring setting for a lemonade party last year. LOvE iT!

Image: Pen n' Paper Flowers

For a Cause: Why not invite your guests to put on their best pink for your celebration and support a good cause as well. Instead of providing favors to your guests, a donation can be made to a national breast cancer organization, a local pink cause, or to support an event participant. You can even provide an area for guests to make their own donations if they wish to do so. I promise that this will make your Summer Celebration even sweeter.

Since you will all be wearing pink and celebrating summer for a good cause, a yummy pink dessert is a must!

Dessert: This easy to prepare and economical (only 85 cents per slice!) Pink Lemonade Cake from Ladies Home Journal is light, delicious, and sure to please. Click here for the recipe and instructions.

Image: Recipe.com

Drinks: Don't forget the Pink Lemondae!

Image: Pinterest

{Party Ideas} End of Summer Celebrations

2011-08-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

With only a month left of summer vacation, this is the perfect time to start planning an End of Summer Celebration. Over the next few days, I will be sharing some fun, easy, and inexpensive ideas to help make your Summer Celebration a memorable one.

Today's Summer Celebration Idea: Host an End Of Summer Picnic

Image: myrecipes.com

Throw down your best plaid blanket and get ready to celebrate! The relaxed style of a Summer Picnic will allow you and your guests to casually celebrate the summer as it comes to an end. Highlight some of the season's best, offering fresh salads, juicy watermelon, and some easy-to-prepare (and handle) wraps and sandwiches. Here are a few menu ideas to get you started on the right track: A Three Bean Salad, Mediterranean Layered Sandwich and a Sweet Chili Wrap, and Watermelon Sticks.

Help your guests cool down with some favorite warm-weather beverages. Whether serving lemonade, iced-tea, or fun chilled cocktails, be creative with your presentation while trying to stick with the relaxed, Summer Picnic theme. Mason jars or empty jelly jars, for example, are an inexpensive and fun way to serve beverages and are much more sheek than a paper cup!

Image: Mixing Bowl

Don't forget dessert! There are so many options for Summer Picnic themed desserts. Homemade ice cream, a fresh fruit cobbler, strawberry shortcake... or how about Chocolate Almond Ant Cupcakes?!?! I love this cupcake idea from What's New, Cupcake? , which I came across over at Hostess With the Mostess. Not only are they relatively easy to put together, but they go along with the picnicn theme and are sure to be a hit with young and old alike. To create, frost cupcakes with green icing and roll the edges in colored coconut (use food coloring). Use chocolate-covered almonds and dark chocolate frosting to create the ant toppers and accessorize a few with purchased watermelon candy fruit. Love it!

Image: Hostess With The Mostess

Remember to keep things simple and relaxed so that you are able to enjoy the party, too. And don't forget to have fun!

I'm Back!

2011-08-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry, once again, for my lack of post lately. My husband and I just returned from a much needed trip alone, without any kids, for the first time in almost 8 years. We explored Alaska for 10 days and loved every single minute of it! Now that I am back, I promise begin posting again on a more consistent basis.

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer vacation...it is slipping away so quickly!

{What's Cooking?} Double Chocolate S'mores Cupcakes

2011-07-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

No summer is complete without a few S'mores filled nights, especially if children are involved. While I have indulged in my share of the original form, I just recently tried my hand at the newly popular cupcake version. The other week I came across an original s'mores cupcake recipe over at Martha Stewart from Jennifer Shea of Trophy Cupcakes. While Jennifer's recipe is AMAZING, I wanted to simplify her version, making it a little easier for my kids to help out with the preparation process and allowing us more time to enjoy the yummy treat. I combined Jennifer's graham cracker/chocolate crust and topping with a box of Devil's Food Cake and an easy-to-whip-up Marshmallow Frosting. Here is what I came up with:

Double Chocolate S'mores Cupcakes

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 20 squares...I used my food processor)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- miniature Hersey bars
- 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips, coarsely chopped
- 1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix
- 1 8 ounce container Marshmallow Cream
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- about 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl. Stir until combined.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup and pack using the bottom of a small glass. Reserve the remaining graham cracker mixture for the topping.

- Place a miniature Hersey bar in each muffin cup on top of graham cracker crust. Place muffin tins in the oven for about 5 minutes, until crust is golden and chocolate is melted (the chocolate may hold its shape...just spread the melted chocolate out over the graham cracker crust). Remove tins from the oven.

- Prepare Devil's Food Cake mix as directed and fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with cake mixture.
- Combine remaining graham cracker mixture with chopped chocolate chips and sprinkle over each muffin tin, completely covering the top.

- Return muffin tins to the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, until tops are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place muffins on a wire rack to cool completely.

- Prepare Marshmallow Frosting: Mix 8 oz of Marshmallow Cream with softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla using an electric mixer on low speed until thick and creamy. Top cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting and Enjoy!

* A facebook follower suggested filling the cupcakes with the Marshmallow Frosting instead of topping them with it. I love this idea as well!

The Homespun Hostess Giveaway Winner....

2011-07-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

This week's Giveaway winner is Kimbra. Congratulations to you and a special thank you to Sara of The Homespun Hostess for sponsoring this week's Giveaway!

Go Green!

2011-07-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Want your next Shindig (and all of the others to follow) to be Sheek and eco-friendly? Investing in some basic reusable party goods is a great way to begin your future of Green Entertaining. Not only will these reusable party items save you money in the long-run, but they are earth-friendly as well. Double score! Parents.com has some great suggestions for a starter kit:

Image: Parents

Durable plastic tumblers: ikea.com
Melamine divided plates: amazon.com
Cloth drawstring good bags: bagsplus.com
Fabric banner: landofnod.com
Felt party hats: partypartnershop.com

{What's Cooking?} Ice Cream Cone Cakes!

2011-07-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun twist for your next Ice Cream Party: Ice Cream Cone Cakes! Get the look of an ice cream cone without worrying about the melted mess. I want one!

Image: My Recipes

These would be perfect for a summer party, playdate, or just because you want to brighten someone's day. They will definitely be making an appearance at our house before the end of the summer! Here's how you can make some to enjoy yourself:

Ingredients:

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup baking cocoa
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg white
10 flat-bottomed ice-cream cones
Frosting (see recipe, below)
Optional: colored sprinkles, 10 maraschino cherries with stems

Directions
- Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat at low speed after each addition just until blended. Stir in vanilla. Add egg white, mixing well.
- Fill cones to within 1/2 inch of the top; carefully place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes; cool completely on wire racks. Spread evenly with Frosting. Top with colored sprinkles and a cherry, if desired.

Frosting Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add buttermilk; beat until spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla.

Recipe and images from myrecipes.com

The Homespun Hostess Giveaway!

2011-07-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my absence this past week. Keeping 3 precious kids occupied for the summer is hard work (and lots of fun!). I am still trying to figure out my summer "work" schedule. Anyway, this week's GIVEAWAY is a great one sponsored by Sara of The Homespun Hostess. A few months ago I featured two of Sara's fabulous parties, a Cupcake Themed Party and A Candy Shoppe Party. Not only can Sara put together an amazing party, but she also offers adorable printed party papers and digital DIY party collections in her Etsy shop to help make your next Shindig a fabulous one!

Sara is generously offering this week's Giveaway winner a free printed or printable party package of their choice. Pretty awesome, huh! There are so many great themes to choose from, whether you want to host a summer Pool Party, an Under the Sea Birthday Party, or a Backyard BBQ! Visit The Homespun Hostess Etsy Shop, here, to check out everything that Sara has to offer.

To enter this week's Giveaway, become a follower of the Sheek Shindigs blog if you aren't already and...

1. Visit The Homespun Hostess esty shop and leave a comment here.

2. Become a follower of The Homespun Hostess on facebook.

3. Become a follower of Sheek Shindigs on facebook.

You may enter to win up to 3 times. This Giveaway will be open for entries until Thursday, July 14th at midnight. A random winner will be chosen and announced on Friday, July 15th. Good luck and as always, thanks for following!!

Pottery Barn's Entertaining Ideas

2011-07-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

As a HUGE Pottery Barn fan, I am always thumbing through the season's newest catalog for great decorating and entertaining ideas. I was recently looking at their online site when I came across the Pottery Barn Entertaining Ideas section. Have you seen this? They offer some great entertaining ideas which include themes, a party overview, how-to's, recipes, invitations, videos...even a playlist! It is worth stopping by and checking it out, here. Here are a few of my favorite themes:

A Farmhouse Brunch

Mojitos and Tacos

A Wine and Cheese Tasting

A Red, White, & Blue Polka Dotted Breakfast Celebration

2011-07-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

I am excited to finally be able to share the 4th of July Breakfast Celebration that I created to inspire you for the upcoming holiday. I wanted to create something that was patriotic, fun, budget friendly, and easy to re-create. Since breakfast is a favorite in our house, I decided to design a 4th of July Breakfast Celebration. After all, what better way to start your July 4th celebrations than with a fun and patriotic breakfast with your family!

I created this Red, White, and Blue Polka Dotted Breakfast table by using items that I already had at home (small blue-rimmed plates, white milk glasses, red ribbon, red and white striped napkins, blue polka dotted fabric, a white and blue striped pitcher) and some inexpensive extras (white and blue striped straws, marching children cupcake wrappers, fun candles, gumballs). Then I dressed up some of my kids favorite breakfast foods with a little red, white, and blue flair to turn them into the stars of this patriotic breakfast party.

To liven-up our outdoor table, I used blue and white polka dot fabric that I already had (from my son’s pirate themed party last fall) to make place mats and beverage towels. For a fun table centerpiece, I filled a glass apothecary jar with red, white, and blue gumballs. So inexpensive and super easy! I used small canning jars dressed up with star wire garland (bought at my local craft store for $1.49) for vases at each place setting and used freshly cut hydrangeas from my garden to dress up the table.

The breakfast menu featured homemade blueberry muffins with a dollop of whipped cream on top, cinnamon buns sprinkled with red, white, and blue, a patriotic fruit and yogurt parfait, mini waffles, and fresh fruit. I added candles to the muffins and cinnamon buns for a little something “extra” that reflected the spirit of the 4th!

My two youngest are still not ready to handle the traditional 4th of July sparklers so I created these kid-friendly "sparklers" for the kids to play with and enjoy. They are extremely easy to re-create and very budget friendly. Wouldn't they be cute as party favors?! Check out the DIY tutorial, here.

And lastly, I set up a decorative metal flag that we already had in our home to serve as a photo backdrop for the celebration. You could re-create this by using an actual American flag or by simply providing small flags for your guests to hold while they have their photo taken. My two youngest cuties thought that this part was so much fun and I will cherish this photo for many years to come.

Feeling inspired to create your own July 4th shindig now? I hope so!

A special thank you to Kerri Gibbs of With Love Photography and Design for taking all of the amazing photos! Kerri was great to work with and made this celebration set-up really shine. Thank you, Kerri!

Vendor Information:

- Design, set-up, tablescape, baked goods, DIY Sparklers - Sheek Shindigs

- Photography by With Love Photography and Design

- Cupcake wrappers, candles, and wooden cutlery – Sheek Shindigs Party Shop

JP Creatibles Giveaway Winner....

2011-07-01T01:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to this week's JP Creatibles Giveaway winner, Lindsay. I would love to see what you end up using your credit towards. Happy Celebrating!

Featured: A Patriotic 4th of July Breakfast

2011-06-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have the 4th of July Breakfast celebration that I recently designed featured over at The Tomkat Studio today! Thrilled!! Stop by, here, and check it out when you get a chance. And, stay tuned for more pictures and details in the coming days.

Photo taken by With Love Photography and Design

{DIY} July 4th Kid-friendly "Sparklers"

2011-06-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I designed a fun and budget friendly July 4th celebration which I will be sharing with you in the next few days. In the meantime, I thought that I would share a DIY tutorial for some kid-friendly "sparklers" that I created for the celebration. Since my two youngest are still not quite ready to handle sparklers (or at least I am not ready for them to!) I thought that I would create something that would be fun and SAFE for them to have in hand during our July 4th festivities this year. These are what I came up with: July 4th "Sparklers"!

Pretty cute, right? My kids were excited to run around, waving them in the air and the 4th isn't even here yet! These July 4th "Sparklers" are extremely easy to re-create and a handful can be made for less than $10! Here's what you need to get started:

Supplies:

- Wooden dial rods (1 for each sparkler that you want to create)

- Patriotic wire garland ( I purchased mine for $1.49 at my local craft store)

- Decorative ribbon of your choice

- Hot glue gun

Directions:

1. Glue one end of ribbon to one end of the dial rod. Wrap ribbon around the entire length of the rod and glue the finishing end in place. Cut off excess ribbon.

2. Cut 5 strips of wire garland, each measuring about 7 inches long. Hot glue one end of each piece of garland to the top portion of your rod, trying to space them around the rod evenly.

3. Play around with garland pieces to make them resemble a fiery sparkler. I twisted some of my pieces around my finger for a spiral effect. Next, pass the "sparklers" out, sit back, relax, and enjoy the 4th!