Featured: A Patriotic 4th of July Breakfast

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"

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!

4th of July Favor and Decoration Ideas

There is less than 1 week left to finish planning your July 4th celebration. Are you ready? Here are a few fun ideas from Martha Stewart to help you out:

Whether taking part in your town parade or just cruising the neighborhood, your kids are sure to have the most patriotic ride around with these festive clip-art medallions, spoke covers, pennants, and labels. Click here to download the free clip-art.

Every great holiday celebration should end with a fabulous take-home treat, like these Candy Bag Flag Favors . I love this idea! To create, start by partially filling a 2-by-10-inch cellophane bag with blue candies to stand in for stars. Then add red and white candy sticks to mimic stripes. Tie the bag with red waxed twine and be prepared to thrill the crowd.

Festive Star Medallions will add sparkle to any celebration.

These Rocket Favors are sure to get everyone in a celebrating mood! For directions on how to make these, click here.

{Sheek Events} A Purple and Key Lime Dessert Table

The other weekend I had the pleasure of helping out with a bridal shower for one of my dearest friends. I was honored to be able to design a dessert table for the shower and had so much fun throughout the entire planning process. The bride-to-be holds Key Lime Pie pretty high on her "favorites" list, so I decided to make it the main attraction on the dessert table. Purple and gray were the main colors that I chose for the dessert table and I added a touch of Key Lime green for fun! The end result was a Purple and Key Lime Dessert Table.

The dessert table was set in front of a row of windows with a beautiful view, so I wanted to keep the look pretty clean and simple. Key Lime Cuplets were the featured dessert, accompanied by Double Chocolate Cake Balls, Grape Candy Sticks, personalized {E + D} Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies, and Mini -Mint Gum Balls. Champagne was also included on the table for a pre-dessert toast to the bride-to-be.

The table was a small part of a wonderful celebration for the bride-to-be. I am so happy that I was able to be a part of her special day!

Vendor Information:

Event design, set-up: Sheek Shindigs

Floral arrangement: Sheek Shindigs

Desserts (Key Lime Cuplets, Cake Balls, Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies): Sheek Shindigs

Personalized Shortbread toppers {E + D}: Parker's Flour Patch

Grape Candy Sticks: Candy Warehouse

A JP Creatibles Giveaway!

I am so excited to introduce this week's Giveaway sponsor, the talented Jen of JP Creatibles. JP Creatibles is a local, Northern VA based business that "specializes in custom designed and hand-decorated cookies for any occasion. Each edible creation is 100% made-to-order, so each "creatible" is just for you.. Just Perfect. ♥". And yes, JP Creatibles does offer shipping!

 I have been an adoring fan of Jen's work ever since I came across JP Creatibles about 6 months ago and was so excited when she agreed to sponsor this week's Sheek Shindigs Giveaway. Here is a sampling of what JP Creatibles has to offer:

JP Creatibles is awarding the winner of this week's Sheek Shindigs Giveaway a $25 JP Creatibles credit towards a custom cookie order. No matter the occasion, JP Creatibles is sure to make your celebration a little bit sweeter! To enter to win:

 Become a fan of the Sheek Shindigs blog if you aren't already and ...

1. Visit JP Creatibles online, here, or on Facebook, here, and leave a comment at this post about one of your favorite designs.

2. "Like" Sheek Shindigs on facebook and leave a comment that you did so.

3. "Like"JP Creatibles on facebook and leave a  comment that you did so.

You may enter up to 3 times. This Giveaway is open for entries from now until Thurday, June 30th at midnight. A random winner will be chosen and announced on Friday, July 1st 2011. Good luck!

{DIY} An Outdoor Dining Oasis

If this image doesn't put you in the mood for an outdoor summer party, nothing will! When I came across this photograph from the archives of Decor Amor I immediately fell in love and wanted to re-create this Outdoor Dining Oasis.

Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I think that a re-creation would really be quite simple. Here is my DIY plan for the GORGEOUS outdoor canopy and dining set-up that is making me want to plan an outdoor party of my own right now!

Supplies:
- 4 PVC poles or metal poles
- fabric of your choice (you could use a tablecloth, sheet, or cut fabric)
- streamers
- table and chairs (or whatever you have on hand. Be creative!)
- colorful table settings, pillows, accessories

Directions:
- Secure 4 poles into the ground. Attach fabric to each end of the pole, draping to resemble a canopy. Add colorful streamers, fabric, bows, etc. to the canopy. Fill your dining area with a table and chairs/benches, pillows, flowers, and colorful accessories. Food and drinks wouldn't hurt either!

Once I actually put my plan to the test, I will follow up with DIY feedback. If you try it out for yourself in the meantime, let me know how it turns out.

Patriotic Dessert Ideas

Need some Patriotic Dessert Ideas to help inspire you as you gear up to celebrate the 4th? Not only are these super cute, but they require very little prep time, allowing you more freedom to enjoy the festivities along with everyone else. Here are a few of my favorites. Dessert doesn't get much easier than this!

Patriotic Berry Medley: Everyone loves a little berries and cream! Gather some of your favorite glasses or dessert dishes and layer fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and blueberries to create this light layered dessert.

{Image: Supernatural Botanicals}

Spangled Sandwich Pops:  To create these Spangled Sandwich Pops, simply skewer a mini ice-cream sandwich onto a popsicle stick and adorn with patriotic sprinkles. Place in a colorful cupcake liner and sit back and relax!

{Image: Family Fun}

Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles: Yum! These Strawberry Shortcake Popsicles from Bakers Royale will satisfy young and old alike. The only ingredients that you will need are strawberries, vanilla oreos, and yogurt. Visit Bakers Royale, here, for the recipe and instructions.

{Image: Bakers Royale}

Watermelon Pop Stars: Watermelon is a summer-time staple (at least it is in our house). Why not make it the star of your July 4th celebration? To create these yummy pops, use a cookie cutter to cut star-shaped pieces of watermelon from 1-inch slices. Place star on a popsicle stick and lay onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover with foil and freeze for 1 hour or until firm.

{Image: Family Fun}

 What are you serving on the 4th?

The Sheek Shindigs Party Shop!

I am so excited to FINALLY announce that The Sheek Shindigs Party Shop is officially open! Hooray! Please stop by, check it out, and let me know what you think. New items will be added on a regular basis so check back often. Click here to visit the shop. And as always, thank you to all of my followers for your support!

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.