Theme of the Day: Fish

We are away at the beach and having a wonderful time.  Building sand castles, playing in the surf, and enjoying time together... it's been a relaxing beak.  And inspired by Katherine Marie's Theme Weeks, I thought it would be fun to do some mini theme afternoons, based on our vacation.  Our first theme... FISH.

Our starting point... Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale by Marcus Pfister, picked up at the local Manteo Booksellers.

From there we decided to have a little fun...

(1) Goldfish for snacks, parmesan and honey since Mommy doesn't like the original
(2 & 3)  Fish in Water, aka Blue Jello with Honey Goldfish
(4) Grilled Cheese "Fish" with Blueberry "Bubbles" (idea absolutely from Katherine Marie)

Now back to swimming in the sea and building sand castles.


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Red, White & Summer Free Downloadables

Here are a few downloadables from the party if you want to create your own summertime party...

Thank you Notes
Here are some simple little thank you notes that emulate the red and white bunting from the party.

Thank You Notes

Food Labels
These are just basic cards that you can write your own menu items on.  Attach with red clothespins and you are set.

Food Labels


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Embroidery Hoop Food Guards

I can't claim credit for this idea.  It came from the ever-fabulous Martha Stewart.  The only thing I can claim credit for is spray painting the hoops red to match my birthday party.  However, I am now a huge fan and will be using this for all outdoor gatherings.

Cost... minimal. Effort... minimal.  Keeping bugs off your food... priceless.

Supplies:

• Embroidery hoops
• Red spray paint
• Cheesecloth

Instructions:

• Remove the screw from the embroidery hoop
• Spray paint both hoops, covering completely
• Replace the screw
• Cut two pieces of cheesecloth larger than the embroidery hoop.
• Place the cheesecloth, double layered, between the two hoops and tighten until secure

It's that easy!

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Red, White, and Summer Birthday Celebration

Well, our month long of celebrations has finally ended.  And the concluding event was a birthday celebration my husband threw for me.  It started a little hectic as the weather was not cooperating.  We planned the event for outside, and the morning of the party, we knew there was a 40% chance of thunderstorms at 5pm, exactly when we were scheduled to start.

     4:00pm:  Start setting up outside. 

     4:30pm:  Winds pick up and begin watching sky nervously

     4:45pm:  A few drops fall, so move everything inside

     5:00pm:  Guests arrive, reminding me why we were having the party outside

     5:30pm:  Realize that outside is beautiful and everyone pitches in to move the party outside

Perhaps it is because I am a July baby with ruby red running deep within me. Perhaps it is because red, white, and blue prevail this time of year. Perhaps it is just the image of red and white picnic blankets. Whatever the cause, I wanted a playful red and white party that embraced summer. Thus, this party was born.

It was a great night.  The kids had a great time on the playset while the adults relaxed on the deck.  The menu was simple... a Burger Bar.  My husband fired up the grill and we put out a variety of ingredients so that everyone could have their own custom burger.  We even included a few suggestions to help folks out.

Suggestions for Burger Creations

I was allowed a few hand-crafted details, but only a few.  After all, my husband was throwing this party.  Some of those additions included red clothespins with food labels and wrapping the utensils and napkins in fun polka-dot paper (Michaels) and a little red and white baker's twine (Paper and Parcel). 

Bouquet from my Mother that matched perfectly

(Funny enough, the other bouquet on the table was from another friend and also matched.  I apparently inspire sunflowers, which I loved!)

Cucumber Water and Lemonade to beat the heat

Celebrating Summer... blueberries and watermelon, plus some peppers and onions for the burger bar

Vintage Paper Straws from HeyYoYo

Red bicycle on top of a lemon pound cake  (Bike from HeyYoYo)

"Ant" cupcakes in fun red gingham cupcake wrappers (from HeyYoYo)

Sunflowers inside

Red and White Pennant Banner hanging inside (meant for outside but ended up inside due to the weather)

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I interrupt these regularly scheduled posts to offer my overdue thanks to several lovely ladies.

The Sew*er, the Caker, the CopyCat Maker was so wonderfully sweet in mentioning me in her awards for "Blogs with Substance."  I am so jealous of her sewing skills (isn't this red and blue shirt adorable), cake decorating skills (I want this cake for my husband... plus thanks for validating that marshmallow fondant actually works), and her Kid Wash.  Don't know what a Kid Wash is?  Well, you can read all about it on her blog.

Straight Stitches recognized me for "the versatile blogger" award.  Once again I am so envious of people who can actually sew.  This continues to be the primary skill I need to learn.  And besides her adorable creations, she has such a sense of humour in her writing.  Case in point... her lovely floor candlesticks and their practicality in situations with recently mobile children, a situation I am struggling with daily as my little one gets closer and closer to crawling.  (And as a final side... hooray for Virginia)

Stepping Thru Crazy also recognized me with "the versatile blogger" award.  (Sarah, if you are reading this, I so want those blue ballet flats in your header)   I LOVE this ladies tank she created.  (Have I mentioned that I REALLY need to learn how to sew?)  And her house sign... too cute, particularly since it is flanked by my beloved red geraniums.  She has so many diverse projects that you can never get bored.  And she does it all with three daughters.  Absolutely amazing.

Thank you ladies so much for your recognition.  I greatly appreciate it and can offer no excuse for my tardiness in expressing my thanks.


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Happy Birthday To Me

This is what greeted me for my birthday today.  Those cupcakes... pink champagne cupcakes my husband made.  A little parade of pink fluffiness greeted me when I walked in the door tonight, accented by a beautiful floral bouquet my mother had left for me.  I am one blessed woman.

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Red, White, and Summer

For those of you wondering when this became a party blog, this is my life these days.  In exactly a one month period we have my husband's birthday, my daughter's birthday, our wedding anniversary, and my birthday, not to mention Father's Day and the Fourth of July.  Needless to say, we have had a number of cakes (or cupcakes) recently.

Generally my birthday celebrations have been low key due to summer plans.  Don't get me wrong... they have been wonderful birthdays.  But last week my husband and I were talking and I decided I wanted a party this year.  Since that was two weeks before my birthday (and since we left on vacation the next day), it will be a relaxed gathering.  The rules:  I can dictate the theme and ideas, but my husband is throwing the party and I can only do as many "details" as bring me joy and not stress.  I am a blessed woman.

Here's the inspiration:

Row 1:  Martha Stewart Classic Lemonade;  Poms from Etsy; Red Gingham Oilcloth; Bicycle Cake Topper from HeyYoYo

Rows 2&3:  Chocolate Dipped Rice Crispy Popsicles from Twig & Thistle; Evite Picnic; Martha Stewart Pretzel Sparklers; Martha Stewart Classic Burger; Red Stripe Paper Straws from HeyYoYo

Row 4:  Paper Flag Bunting from Etsy; Red Balloons; Firecracker Flowers from BHG; Red Polka Dot Oil Cloth

I'll share more as it comes together in the next week.  I hope you are all having a lovely summer (or winter, depending on your hemisphere).

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