Puppy Love...A Grrrl's Best's Friend

I know you're probably thinking, "where have you been for the past six month?" Well:

• I completed my master's degree, officially have a Master's of Sciences in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University:-)
• Went to Hawaii as a graduation/birthday/Christmas present...best trip EVER
• Slowly adapted to a single lifestyle. I even considered chronicling my efforts in a book...
• Haven't been in the kitchen as much as I wanted. Found out that my oven doesn't work, tried to replicate my infamous piña colada cupcakes to no avail. I eventually baked them over a friend's house and they came out perfect. 
• My best friend, Lucky, a German/Belgian Shepard mix of 13 years passed. Don't think I'll ever have another pet like him.

Couple of days ago, I wondered into a pet store to waste some time and play with puppies. I played with a Siberian Husky that was too cute for words. It wasn't five minutes before he tried to eat my purse, shoes, and scarf (which caused me to choke). The nerve, an outfit is all about the accessories! Needless to say, we handed that him back pretty quickly.

Photo Credit: Say Anything

Trying to Conquer a Fear

One of the things I love about Spring is all of the colorful party ideas, themes, and celebrations. However, if there is one thing that I hate fear most, its bugs! Unfortunately,  the Spring brings Butterfly birthday parties and Ladybug Luncheons. Things that I could never participate in because I have a HUGE phobia of all creepy crawlers (and fliers). 

I see all the gorgeous decorations and ideas, but hate to see these supposedly graceful winged insects and cringe. I hope to get over this fear someday, but for now its paralyzing. 

Despite this fear, I found these gorgeous party ideas and decorations.

This hanging butterfly (also available in orange, pictured above) comes from Save On Crafts. Its perfect for a fun eye-catching hanging decoration. 

Karate Kid Bash

Earlier this week, Victoria Beckham was on "The View" discussing possible birthday party ideas for her son. She mentioned a martial arts theme and that got my gears working! This would be an awesome theme for kids enrolled in martial arts classes or celebrating the various degrees of belts.

Create an Asian inspired tablescape with a red tablecover. Buy black plates, cups, and cutlery for contrast. Check out this beautiful cake (pictured above) by Paula Surrette. You can find Asian-inspired tea votive holders just about anywhere.

Color Me Bold: Lisa Frank Inspired Party

I was in the store the other day and saw a set of Lisa Frank folders. Aside from swooning right there in aisle four, I became inspired to post this bright, bold post inspired by the artist!

This is a fun theme for children's parties, especially ones that include arts and craft activities.

Use bright shades of purple, pink, blue, and yellow to unify splashes of color for your party.

Guests will surely love this rainbow Sprite cake. I found the recipe over at Onomicon for all those brave chefs out there. Find it here. Rainbow lollipops and rainbow sherbet also provide treats for the mouth and eyes!

Give attendees gift bags filled with Lisa Frank activity books, pencils, rainbow stretch bracelets, and porcupine balls.

Make funky centerpieces with these button bouquets. These can be found on Etsy. You can check out my earlier post on button themed party ideas here.

Music playlist inspired by this post:
Prince "Pink Cadillac"
Prince "Purple Rain"
Aerosmith "Pink "
Beyonce "Greenlight"
Kelly Clarkson "Behind these Hazel Eyes"
Beatles "Blackbird" <-- one of my faves! Donovan "Mellow Yellow" Michael Jackson "Black or White"

I am personally grateful to this artist. I used these folders to learn about aesthetics, especially how to draw. Earlier on in elementary school, we would showcase our Lisa Frank school supplies proudly. Any girly girl growing up in the 90s should understand! By the way, this marks her 30th anniversary, congratulations!

Cute as a Button

Celebrate your little one's birthday or arrival in style with this "Cute as a Button" theme. Here is theme that is ideal for a baby shower or early birthday party that you can do on a relatively small budget.

You can create garland like the one pictured here by cutting flowers out of felt material. Secure the floral layers with a hot glue gun (3 to 4 max). Attach felt flowers to ribbon, which can be tied to arrangements for hanging. Recommended for mantles, doorways, and chairs.

Place picture frames with your adorable guest-of-honor on tables and on the walls around the party. This can be another crafty decorative project, glue assorted buttons on the frames. Accent with ribbon to make those pictures pop.

Make guests comfortable with these pillows (pictured right) by Letter Perfect Design. Place on couches, sofas, and arm chairs. You can contact the designer for custom pillows. Pick a design that incorporates personalization by using your little one's first initial.

Make it a tea time affair with this adorable and affordable centerpiece by Really Bad Kitty. Place atop a pink table runner sprinkled with buttons. You can also add coiled floral reeds or curled colored pipe cleaner to spruce up your attention getting centerpiece.

NOTE: If small children will be in attendance, you should secure the buttons with glue dots or a glue gun to avoid choking.

Want a unique favor? Try these flower magnets (pictured below), also by Really Bad Kitty. Couple with a personalized card thanking each guest for attending. Serve brownie pops for a tasty alternative to a traditional cake. Check out my post on the benefits of these unique desserts here.

Cute+Edible=Brownie Pops

Occasionally, I come across something that is truly inspirational and I must type my fingertips off to blab about it! Party City has launched Favors In The City, a website dedicated to contemporary favors, favor kits, and party accessories. This is a great resource for people planning weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations on a budget.

During my browsing, I found these Brownie Pops. These chocolate dipped designs are elegant and the favors make for a unique treat for every occasion. The pops are wrapped in cellophane, but you get the option to pick out a ribbon of your choice.

Good idea, but too formal? These treats aren't limited to weddings. Try these animal themed brownie pops for a child's "farmhouse-themed" birthday parties. Pick up chick and sheep covered pops for a Easter themed celebration.

NOTE: When ordering edibles (especially chocolate) online, make sure you budget for express delivery to avoid melting and ensure some semblance of freshness.

Basket of Greek Love: DIY Instructions

When it comes to Greek paraphernalia, you can never have too much! There is always a hat, shirt, jacket that provides the opportunity to brandish letters proudly. Last year, I made this basket for my friend with all the basis Greek letter items to begin her journey.