DIY- Chocolate Cups

Spoiler Alert! I will be making these little gems for Bella's 2nd Birthday Party in a few weeks. These chocolate cups are super easy and can be made in a variety of colors. Simply purchase your favorite meltable dipping chips from the grocery store, Michael's or Hobby Lobby.

1. You'll need to blow up a number of small balloons to about the size of a coffee cup.

2. Melt your favorite dipping chocolates or chips in a large bowl whose depth of the melted chocolate is approx 3-4 inches deep to ensure the balloons can be dipped to their half mark.

3. Holding where the balloon closes, dip balloon's bottom into the chocolate to coat it. You can also marbleize the chocolate before dipping. Be fun an creative and mix some colors together!

4. Place the balloon on a lined cookie sheet holding it at the top so the excess chocolate starts to settle to create a bottom. The balloon will eventually stand on its own. Repeat the process for as many cups as you'd like to make. Then place the pan into the refrigerator for 5 to 8 minutes. When you remove the pan from the refrigerator, the chocolate surrounding the balloons should be hard.

5. Prick the balloon with a pin to deflate it. Carefully remove from the chocolate cup. If the room is warm, store in the refrigerator before filling.

6. When you're done, you can fill the cups with fruit (berries work well) and whipped cream, chocolate ganache mousse, cold pudding or ice cream.

Enjoy! Super fun to make as well!

Vintage Raggedy Ann & Andy: The Tradition

Several decades ago a tradition was born. Little did my mom know it at the time, but she was setting the party stage for generations to come. My middle sister had a Raggedy Ann & Andy 1st birthday theme in the 70’s. When she had her first daughter she had the perfect theme already in mind for that 1st birthday. Raggedy Ann & Andy! Well here we are the year 2010; and once again my sister held onto her tradition of the Raggedy Ann & Andy 1st Birthday theme for her youngest daughter.

My mom and sister did an amazing job pulling together a vintage themed birthday party. Some of the décor pieces are vintage from my sister’s room growing up as a child. It is not easy to find Raggedy Ann & Andy party supplies these days. With a little imagination and a lot of creativity from my mom, they were able to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Everything was made by hand and customized for the special occasion. My mom is my muse and inspiration. There is nothing she can’t do or make by hand. So much love goes into her work.

Here are the 1st birthday girls from far right to left: My sister, her oldest daughter, and her youngest daughter. They are all complete with their own hand-sewn Raggedy Ann & Andy dresses. Tradition is a beautiful thing!

Welcome to the Big Top!

I fell in love today! Not with a person, but with a Vintage Circus inspired party theme. An absolute must have for your child’s next Birthday Party.

Come one! Come all! Step right up and have a ball! Here’s your ticket! You’re on your way! Let’s celebrate (Insert Name Here)’s Birthday!

Cheers, and here's to clowning around!

Credits: http://www.etsy.com/ and http://www.vintagebella.net/

Party Planning Begins – Bella’s 2nd Birthday!

One of my best and favorite clients is my daughter Bella. She is an easy going little girl and easy to please. :-)

Bella’s second birthday is coming up at the end of August. The idea for Bella’s party actually came to me as inspiration from another blogger “Punky Parties” when she planned a Tutu Party for her daughter a few years ago. I absolutely loved her theme and told her up front that when my daughter turned two I would copy her idea. As always I am holding up my promise! Bella’s favorite characters are Sesame Street’s Elmo and Abby Cadabby. I wanted to incorporate the Tutu theme into the party as well as add the vibrant rich colors from Sesame Street.

The color palette for the party: Bright Pink, Teal, Yellow, Purple...and a sprinkle of Fairy Dust! I started shopping and hoarding party supplies over two months ago. I have learned the hard way one too many times...You have to buy something when you see it or it won’t be there when you need it (hence the reason for my premature shopping for the party). If you ask me, it’s never too early to start planning!

Step one of course are the invitations. I wanted to share my design with you. Can’t wait to show you more once the party actually happens!

The Loot:

The Finished Product:

Favor Friday

If you have ever attended one of my parties, you know that my number one favorite party detail is the party favor! I LOVE party favors! You absolutely will not catch me without party favors at any soiree that I coordinate. I love to search the internet for new ideas. One of my favorite websites is http://www.beau-coup.com/.

Here are a few favors you might consider for that next Birthday Party you are planning:

Child’s Birthday Party - Mini Classic Gumball Machine:

There's nothing like a classic gumball machine to bring out your inner child. These mini classic gumball machine favors will be a crowd pleaser!

Teenage Birthday Party - Chocolate Couture LolliDress:

Who knew chocolate could be this chic? This chocolate couture LolliDress is a one-of-a-kind design available exclusively at Beau-coup. These runway-ready treats are gorgeous for Sweet 16 and Quinceaneras.

Adult Birthday Party - Cocktail Infusions:

Choose from three taste bud friendly blends of herbs and spices: Lavender Citrus, Lemongrass Mint, and Silkroad Chai. Each natural infuser creates an instant mixed drink: just slip a sleek tea bag into your glass and add the alcohol of your choice then top with ice, a splash of juice or a decorative fruit wedge. Each favor is attractively packaged and can be personalized with our custom-printed oval labels.

Happy Party Planning!