Fruity Summer Snack Ideas

Looking for some kid-friendly Summer Snack Ideas that are as healthy as they are fun? Take advantage of the season's freshest produce and wow your littlest fans with these fruity ideas:

Fruit Pops: Move over fruit kabobs, these adorable FRUIT POPS from Bakers Royale are ready to steal the show! Not only are they pretty to look at, but they are healthy and super easy to make. Just grab your favorite fruits (watermelon and cantaloupe are pictured below), a cookie cutter, and a few pop sticks to put together this kid-friendly snack.

{Image: Bakers Royale}

Fruit Punch Popsicles: I've never met a kid that doesn't enjoy cooling off with a cold popsicle on a hot summer day. These frozen Fruit Punch Popsicles will not disappoint! Packed with a serving of fruit per popsicle, they will please young and old alike at your next summer shindig! To make, combine 3 cups of sliced fruit into a large mixing bowl. Spoon the fruit mixture into 8 popsicle molds and then fill each mold with your choice of juice. Place a popsicle stick into each mold and freeze for at least 4 hours, until frozen solid.

{Image: Kitchen Daily}

 

Waffle Cone Fruit Cups: Okay, these fruit-filled cones may not produce that same reaction as they would if they were filled with ice cream BUT they will provide your guests with a healthy dessert option. Waffle Cone Fruit Cups are easy to serve, won't melt, and are sure to make one of the day's daily fruit servings a little bit sweeter!

{Image: Pinterest}

Shark Fruit Bowl: If you are hosting a pool-side party this summer, this Shark Fruit Bowl is a must! While it appears to require some creative cutting skills and a little time, the finished product is sure to be a hit. Sun Scholars offers a great tutorial on recreating this watermelon masterpiece.

{Image: Pinterest}

Any other fun fruity summer snack ideas?? Please share!

{Real Parties} An Orange, Aqua, and Blue Circus Celebration

I am thrilled to be able to share this week's {Real Parties} submission. Mae of Mae Armstrong Designs sent me this ADORABLE Orange, Aqua, and Blue Circus Party that she created for her precious twin boys AND her husband (they all have the same birthday...how cool!).  Mae was inspired by all of the DIY parties that she had seen online and decided to challenge herself.

The party's theme was inspired by a paper Meri Meri elephant carousel that had been given to the twins. Mae created the invitations (LOVE!) and "sewed a simple elephant themed fabric pennant and a crochet banner...re purposed old baby food jars into pretty little containers for Jelly Beans... whipped up some homemade caramel popcorn  and added a jar full of animal crackers and goldfish to our dessert table". Mae also made birthday shirts, pj's and bibs for the boys, party hats, and three giant smash cakes. I am so impressed!

As an added touch, Mae's husband "hired his co-worker to play 'Happy Birthday' and some other songs on his bagpipes. It was an ode to the boys half-Scottish heritage and filled the neighborhood with some pretty cool tunes". What an awesome idea!

Thank you for sharing your impressive party with Sheek Shindigs, Mae. Job well done!! You can see more of Mae Armstrong Designs here and here.

Vendor Information:

Sweet Zugar Cakes: Main birthday cake

email: sweetzugarcakes@hotmail.com
website: http://www.sweetzugarcakes.com

Katie Cakes: Giant smash cupcakes
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Katie-Cakes/168834879840539?sk=wall

Free Father's Day Printables

Are you ready to celebrate the special men in your life this Father's Day? Amanda of Shindig Parties To Go is generously providing FREE Father's Day Printables to help you make this Sunday a special day for your father, husband, grandfather, and anyone else that deserves being celebrated!

The set includes a cute tie-shaped "Happy Father's Day" banner, tie-shaped centerpiece signs, and cupcake topper sized ties as well. Visit Shindig Parties To Go, here, to download. Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing these fabulous printables, Amanda!

{DIY} The Paper Lantern Makeover

I LOVE this DIY tutorial from The Crafts Dept. (Martha Stewart). Give your plain paper lanterns a much needed makeover! With the help of tissue paper circles and double-sided tape, you can create these lovely hanging beauties for your next shindig. For a full tutorial and pictures, visit The Crafts Dept. here.

Light Up Your Outdoor Party

Outdoor parties and Summer go hand-in-hand. Here are some creative Outdoor Lighting Ideas to keep your party going strong long after the sun goes down.

An Abundance of Lanterns: The more the better!
Group a cluster of lit lanterns together to create a romantic midsummer night's mood.

{Image: La Sweet Settings}

Electric Lighting Options:
There are so many great electric lighting options out there if the element of fire is not a safe party option (especially if small children are going to be running around!). Bring a table lamp outdoors to brighten up a buffet. Use string lights to add color and glow to your setting and get out those stored away holiday lights to wrap columns and trees for some added fun!

{Image: Real Simple}

Eco-Friendly Lighting:

Grab some glass jars and wire that you already have at home to create this Eco-friendly lighting option. Simply wrap wire around the lips of your glass jars, bending a length of wire over the top to use as a handle, and then tie each wire handle to the length of twine, string, or small chains at even intervals and hang.

{Image: Country Living}

A Faux Glow:
Faux candles and lanterns (OXO Candela DemiGlow Rechargeable LED Lights) are another alternative option if you plan on staying away from candles. They can provide hours of illumination to your outdoor shindig and can be recharged and reused again and again.

{Image: Martha Stewart}

Origami Lanterns:

These colorful lanterns are origami "balloons" that have been fashioned around battery-operated lights, hung from bamboo poles, and finished off with ribbons. You can find DIY directions at Martha Stewart, here.

{Image: Martha Stewart}

Large Hanging Lanterns:

Fill various lanterns with votives, tea lights, and tapers and hang to create a warm glow over your guests. Sand, rocks, and rose petals are just some "filler" options to help secure your candles and dress up the bottom of your lanterns.

(Image: Martha Stewart}

A Purple and Key Lime Inspiration Board

A couple of months ago I was asked to design a dessert table for an upcoming bridal shower. I have been especially excited about this project since the bride-to-be was one of my best childhood friends and we have been fortunate enough to stay in touch over the years. Since the shower is being held next weekend, I thought that I would give a sneak peak at what's to come. I chose a purple and gray color scheme for the dessert table with a touch of key lime green (key lime pie is the bride-to-be's favorite and will be featured on the dessert table). I wanted the table to have a modern, feminine feel and to reflect the shower's purpose...to celebrate LOVE. Here is the inspiration board that I created for the event. I can't wait to share my photos after the special day.

{Free Printables} 101 Bits of Summer Fun!

Are you ready for summer? I am! With only few short weeks left until summer vacation offically begins in our house, I have been trying to plan some fun activites and day trips that the kids and I can enjoy together over the next couple of months. The other day I came across this inspirational 101 Bits of Summer Fun printable that was created by Laura Winslow. Laura compiled a list of fun, simple things to do with her kids this summer and turned it into a free downloadable printable for you and your family to enjoy as well. Print it out, post it up, and become inspired to enjoy some real quality time with your family this summer.