flip-flop mini cupcakes

This past weekend, I had a beach themed wedding shower dessert table.  Here's a little sneak peek...  I think I like these little mini cupcakes because they remind me of the spring / summer months that are right around the corner!  Here's to wearing flip-flops again soon...

red carpet cocktail

Ready for the Oscar's this weekend?  I just happened upon the perfect drink to accompany any Oscar soiree.  I love this!

The Red Carpet Cocktail
(image and recipe found here)
-1 1/2 oz. Vodka
-1 oz. Campari
-1 oz. Pomegranate Schnapps
-1 oz. pomegranate juice
-1/2 oz. simple syrup
-lemon slice for garnish

Combine the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon slice and serve.

Sounds good right!?

walnut baby shower game :: part two

I have to start by saying thanks to those of you who participated - I chuckled at each of your guesses!

And the answer is......

twenty seven!!!!  

Can you believe it!?  I wish I could see all your faces right now - that's the best part of this game by the way.  Yes, 27!  Now some items might be a little "subjective" to some, but I just left it how my grandmother had it. (So don't send me nasty emails how you don't agree with this or that. :)) You can pick and choose what to put in your shell.  I have also thought of a couple more things that could be used - listed below.  One thing I really like about this game is it will be new to all your guests.  I can pretty much guarantee no one will have seen it or played it.  My grandmother made this and played it 50-60 years ago!!!!  So, it is a new and fresh idea.  

Here is a photo breakdown so you can see it all come together.  First up, the bow.  Use blue or pink depending on the sex.  Or if they aren't finding out the sex, any multi-colored baby ribbon would be perfect. 

Next up, the rubber banding.  You would have to do this regardless if there were items in the shell or not.  It's two halves and they won't stay together by themselves.  Then when you add 27 items you definitely need a rubber band.

This photo is just the nut as soon as I take the rubber band off.  I just wanted you to see how tightly it's all stuffed in there.  You have to get creative.  Tuck things here, tuck things there.  Anyone who is a good packer would be good at this job.  

This next picture shows a good example of how tight you have to be.  My grandma stacked all the flat items together, used the thread (one of the items) to hold them all together, then tucked the stack into one side of the shell. 

 

Next is all the items spread out and the list.

1. safety  pin

2. cotton ball

3. gauze

4. baby asprin

5. baby tooth

6. baby bracelet (the pink and white beads - this was actually my mom's hospital id bracelet!)

7. baby picture

8. cherrio (I bet that tastes fresh!)

9. toy

10. miniature clothes pin

11. miniature bottle 

12. newspaper birth announcement clipping

13. lock of baby's hair (I put it on a little piece of paper so you could see it better)

14. heart locket necklace 

15. key to baby's bank 

16. money (need lots of this to have a baby - definitely more than just the dime shown!)

17. baby ring

**Next 3 items related to devout Catholics like my grandmother

18. baby rosary

19. Guardian Angel baby prayer

20. mother and baby medallion 

**Next 7 items are obviously a sign of the times when women made their children's clothes / blankets

21. thread

22. ribbon

23. elastic

24. baby button

25. yarn

26. ric-rack (apparently a prevalent detail on baby's clothes years ago)

27. snap fastener (you know, on onesies) 

So there you have it!  A fun, new and creative baby shower game.  Thanks Grandma Riedel - I miss you!  

I also thought of a couple more items you could add...
- rice cereal (put it in tape like the hair clipping)
- a baby fingernail clipping (but maybe kinda gross!?)

And onto the winner... Angel who said "I am going to be brave and guess 8."  Angel, I don't have your email so you'll have to email me (apowers.apartystyle@gmail.com) to receive your prize.  

walnut baby shower game

I'm so excited to share this baby shower game with you guys! Now, I love a good shower game every so often, but sometimes there is a need for a non-cheesy baby shower game. (Especially when the daddy-to-be and his buddies are part of the guest list.) And this one is great! My grandmother, who was a genius party diva in her day, made this and used it years ago. She gave it to me and it's a keeper!

It's call "The Walnut Game". You take a walnut shell, hollow it out, and fill it with baby items - as many as possible.

As I write this, I'm deciding to turn this into a two part post. Let's have some fun! First post, we'll have a little friendly competition! Comment with your guess as to how many baby items are in this walnut. Whoever is first to answer correctly (or closest without going over) will win a prize - I don't know what that prize is yet - I just now decided to do this. Just means, I'll have to go shopping! (And my husband says I'm not spontaneous!) Make sure to include your email so I can contact you in case you win.

On Wednesday, I'll post the answer and show the "behind-the-scenes" of this game. So tell me, how many things do you think are in this walnut?

top hat wine bucket

On a recent trip to the party store, I saw this top hat wine bucket.  Wouldn't it be fun for the upcoming Oscar's!?  Very festive!  It was only $12.99.  I like to buy pieces that I can use for more than one theme/party.  With the top hat there are a slew of other holidays/celebrations you could use this for.  To name a few...

-New Year's

-Oscar Party

-Hollywood Theme Party

-Snowman/Winter Party (use it as the base for snowman centerpieces)

-Alice in Wonderland Party (Mad Hatter)

-Prom

-Weddings

-Halloween (spook it up for decoration or use as a candy bowl)

You could also use this in lieu of a basket the next time you are giving a gift basket.  Say like a movie themed gift - movie tickets, popcorn, candy, etc. all tucked into this hat.  Cute!

Any other ideas???

And look at this "fancy" one available here.  More expensive obviously, but so p-p-pretty!

   

feature :: mermaid party

I recently received a party submission that definitely needed to be shared - lots of hard work, planning and cute details!  Stephe out did herself for her daughter's third birthday.  Check out her blog for more photos and details about this great mermaid party.  Here are a few of my favorite details from the event.  Great job, Stephe!  Thanks for sharing with all of us!

I just love this pettiskirt with the starfish detail.  (And would you look at that smile!)

Festive mermaid wands for all the invitees. 

Look at the "Seaweed Banister".  Love it!

Okay, here's where it gets really good - Look at that backdrop!  And the enlarged, framed photo of the birthday girl is just icing on the cake! 

Speaking of cake, look at these cupcake toppers!  Now, that's personalized!    

And finally, would you just look at those clam cookies!  Adorable!  

happy v-day

Much love to all you wonderful readers!  I love you all!  Your comments and emails are what keep me blogging.  Each one sweeter than the last - Thank you!

Okay, now check out this candy sculpture by Nathan Sawaya called "Sweet Heart".  I can't decide if I like it or not???  Kinda gross, kinda interesting.  

(image source)

And, of course, a special Happy V-Day message to my honey!  I love you, Jeromy!