Inspiration

Some people wonder how I come up with my inspiration.  Truely, there is no one thing.  It maybe something someone says in passing.  Perhaps something catches my eye and my imagniation gets carried away with it.  What I can tell you is that it is usually my children or other children that really get me doing something.  Most of my incitation designs have come from parties that my children would LOVE to have.  We could have a party every day the way they think.  I wonder where they get that from????  I also love to hear from fans.
So what's your most favourite source of inspiration and what are you crushing on lately?

Happy Birthday

You can lick them, dip them and munch and crunch them  There really is nothing like an OREO.  I was shocked to learn that Oreo's are now 100 years old.  That is a long time for one cookie.  Of course, I am pretty sure that there aren't too many of us out there that hasn't had them at least once.  (some of us more than we should)  Golden Oreo's got me through my pregnancy with my daughter - copious amounts of them. !!!
Oreo's have come a long way from just dipping.  There are so many different ways they have been re-invented by some of the most creative minds around.  If you are having a party and are looking for some unique ideas for treats try some of these.

photo credit - Lovin' from the Oven

Now I've got your attention!!  Ya, who wouldn't love a Chocolate Chip cookie wrapped around an Oreo!!  I made these puppies last year - wow.  They were amazing!!  There is a lot of power packed into one these.  One cookie and you are done - plus they have no calories wink wink.  This recipe is a must try.   Such fun.

Oreo Cookie Balls - Bakerella

Oreo cookie Balls.  I was a little hesitant at first, but seriously these little gems are so addictive - (Maybe that's not a selling point)  They are super easy to make and so flexible.  Like cake pops they can be put on a stick and decorated for any holiday, theme or season.  They would be a great addition to any party.

Finally, the newest way I have found to use Oreo's is to dress them up with a chocolate coating.  These are so darn cute and would dress up a loot bag in style.

Photo- Shindig Parties TO GO

Now seriously who wouldn't love one of these beautiful works of art.  I hear they are easy to do and they make such a statement!!

Regardless of what you choose to do with your Oreo's one things for sure - they will be yummy no matter what.  Happy Birthday Oreo.

Check out Nabisco for more wonderful recipes

The reviews are in

The girls had a great time. All went well. YAY. I love happy children!! Some wouldn't take off the skirts, the treasure hunt was a success, they danced, they ate and everyone left happy. Even mom was happy. Now that's what I call a great party.

Super Pops

Wow, how fun are these? I came across these a few weeks back and HAD to have them for someones party.... will it be you? I looked around and found that everyone was out of stock ---ug. Then I found the wonderful Kate from CupKatesEventDesign on Etsy. Thank goodness for her. She sent me a whole wack of them and in no time flat. I think I received the order withing 5 days. Not too shabby. Thank you Kate.

These are called Push ups (no not the female kind). These hold yummy delish cake and icing. They fit any theme and can be customized with lables, bow and whatever else your imagination desires. I have seen them used for pirate parties and princess parties, but they can also be used for adult parties. The flexibility of use here is never ending.

One thing that I think will be popular with them is that they reduce mess and waste. They have lids, so that if children don't finish all their cake (can you imagine NOT finishing cake) they can put the lid on and take it home. Also, the crumbs stay in the container reducing the chance of having to chase those nasty cake crumbs all over the place after the party. (Nice eh!!)

We are not limited to just cake here either. I am thinking ice cream, pudding parfaits...oooh the list goes on. Can you tell I'm excited about this one? Yup I am. Are you too?

Recipes For Fun

Bubbles - Spring and Bubbles, For some reason I think the two go together. Call me crazy. If you are planning a spring party or even anytime of the year (outdoor) party, this bubble recipe will add a little extra fun.

1/4 Joy dish detergent - or any really inexpensive dishwashing liquid. (the cheaper the better)
3/4 cup water
5 drops of glycerin Do Not Skip this part. (available at pharmacies)

Mix it all together.
You will probably need to double or more the recipe and place in serveral containers. Shallow dishes work best. I like tin pie plates.

Next you will need to make some bubble blowers. Feel free to pick some up at the store, but for added punch it would be very impressive to have some hand crafted ones. Kids can make these as well.

• Pipe cleaners are great, bendable, flexible. Bend them into any shape.
• Wire works well too.
• Very inexpensive toilet paper rolls are easy for little hands to handle and while they work only until they get soggy, the blow great bubbles.
• For a more impressive bubble (you will need a bigger container for this) Tie a long length of string onto a dowel (tie both ends on so they will slide back and forth. Close loop, put tied ends together, dip in solution. Slowly open the string, slide on end back and swing the string through the air (boy I hope this makes sense!!)
• Another easier way is to get two straws the same length and a lenght of string. Put string through the straws and tie two ends together. Put knot end inside straw. If you hold the straws apart you will have a square or rectangle. Dip in the solution and blow.

This should keep young and old amused for a few hours. It really works best on a humid day.

If this is all too much, you can buy or rent a bubble machine. Any under the sea, princess or bubble party will be complete.

Photography

In starting my blog and website, I went looking for all those wonderful pictures that were taken of the parties I had thrown. Much to my chagrin there weren't many. Most of the details were over looked, the guests were just a blob of backs of heads, the beautiful candy buffet I did, wasn't even present and the lighting don't even get me started. OHHH dear, what to do. Well I'll tell you. Do your photography research. I know I am going to need great pictures from now on. Not only to have fabulous memories for my children, but also for the business. This madness cannot continue.

So, here's the plan. I am reading and learning a lot about how to take pictures at parties, which I see from photographers sites, is not an easy task (thank goodness, I thought it was just me). I plan to practice in advance and make sure I know what pictures to take instead of running around like a mad woman just clicking when I can.

Here is what I have learned so far;

• Get down to the child's level and take pictures from there. It is ok to take a few from the usual adult hight, but the most effective pictures (those that will capture the true feeling of the day) will be take low to ground where the action is.


• Nominate someone to do it for you. If you know someone who is going to be at the party that has experience in photography or just alway seems to have the best pictures, let them do the picture taking. I am a big fan of getting parents who attend parties to be active and participate. "Camera chief" can be a great role for someone who wants to do something. This way you will be hands free to attend to all the details you have planned. Deligate, deligate.


• Hire a photographer. If you can afford it and are willing to go to the expense then hire a professional. I am sure that you won't regret it. There is also the less expensive option of having a photography student or amateur photographer to do the pictures. I have found some of my favourite photographers on sites like "USEDEVERYWHERE" and "KIJIJI" Hey, sometimes they are free!! Nothing beats free.


• Lastly, for tonight anyways, get the detail. The tule skirts, the design on the cake, the fabulous paper straws. It could be anything. I had a friend who took a picture of the candy necklaces I had wrapped around the napkins and cutlery. I thought she was silly at the time, but now I am so happy to have memory of the details that I created. I only wish I had a picture of that cute candy bar....next time.