Party Prep: Will You Be my Valentine?

On Friday I hosted a small {last minute} Valentine's Day craft party. I was thinking of hosting one but that dates weren't quite working out right so I never fully planned anything. But on Friday evening Annie and I gathered our craft supplies, V grabbed some hummus and pitas and Jen grabbed some cupcakes and we got crafting.
Glitter is always a must.
And thanks to Annie, I now need the Martha Glitter pen set!

Since the party was set the night before, I didn't get to go all out on the decorations.
Instead I gathered anything that was pink, red or heart-shaped and placed them strategically around to act as decorations.


I cut a heart out of construction paper {elementary school style} and dusted the hummus with paprika.
Heart shaped hummus was the perfect Valentines Day party crafting snack!

Red, pink, purple glitter and crafting supplies were set up for guests to get creative with.
Martha was there in spirit to inspire.


We were all happy campers.

Some of the crafts from the night.

We hope the recipients of our handmade cards will enjoy our crafts.
Who doesn't enjoy a fun treat in their mail box?

Dreaming Of: Retro Pool Parties

This morning I started to get the hankering for throwing a retro pool party.
Is it too early to be planning my pool parties?

I imagine I would have to have some chilled Coke in glass bottles, and perhaps a punch bowl - just don't blame me if it gets spiked!
And I'll be sure to serve some '50's appetizers before I fire up the grill.

Naturally, I'll don some cat eyes and a retro inspired swimsuit.
Perhaps this look, a 'la the original '59 Barbie.

Via http://everybodysfree.tumblr.com/
click photos to be linked to their sources

So darlings, who wants to join me? Just don't forget your beach ball.

Bonus points if you arrive in a '57 turquoise Bel Air!

Halloween Party: Pumpkin PANDA-Monium 2010

This is a big week for me. Not only is Halloween quickly approaching, my beloved Giants have made it back to the World Series after 8 years of struggles. I pretty much expect this week to be a straight up party and celebration. And we kicked off the week with our big win and my Pumpkin Party.
This week I plan on sharing my all my Halloween ideas. From my menu, decorations, costumes to pumpkins, this week is all about celebrating! I just love a holiday that involves costume changes.

Here are a few of my from this year's pumpkin Party otherwise known as:
Pumpkin PANDA-Monium 2010.

Casey's Mom Shelia brought over th adorable little glitter pumpkin she made,
I thought she bought it!


Annie brought over wine that she put cool labels on. Such a fun addition!

Menus, Costumes, and pumpkins to come.

Party Prep: I'ma Let You Finish

I like to be festive. I like to party. I like to dress up. And I like to celebrate the biggest and smallest things in life. So when the VMA's are on, I don't just block off my Sunday night. I plan VMA themed menu, rock my 2002 Eminem concert tee, and utilize the heck out of anything I have around that reminds me of anything Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

So excited that Chelsea hosted! It was my favorite, but the opening making fun of Gaga was pretty classic.

Of course I had lots of M&M's around.



Pre-VMA's entertainment--in honor of my fellow California Girl, Katie Perry.



Moon Men Mahi Mahi Burgers.

There really wasn't any omg did that just happen moments this year.
I also thought that last year's performance's by Pink, Gaga and Beyonce's KILLED it compared to year's performances.

And I don't think this year's Lady Gaga wore an outfit I could recreate, but I loved how she honored Alexander McQueen, who is rumored to have designed all her crazy looks from last year.

Did you watch? What did you think?

Party Prep: Do They Still Really Have Prizes in Cracker Jack Boxes?

Go big or Go home is often my motto. I've mentioned countless times before that when I do something like to I go all out. I also love to document every, little element, 500 pictures in one night occurs often. Yes, my poor over worked hard-rive is crammed with pictures, but that's not stopping me.
So when I host party, last minute or not, I like to include as many fun details as I can. But that doesn't necessarily mean running out to buy all new items. So I made a list of all things Breakfast at Tiffany's and tried to include as many elements as I could, and by using as much as I could from my own stock. From cigarette holders, to Cracker Jacks, to the movie sound track, I tried to cover all my ground.

Here are some of the fun details I included at my
Breakfast At Tiffany's Party:

By the door I filled a basket with cigarette holders, cat eye glasses, necklaces, turbins and the cat mask like the one Holly steals. I like people to grab things and get in the mood!
It's a great way to get a party started and the $1.oo cigarette holders from the party store were the only thing I purchased.

Holly even drank her milk out of her champagne coupes so you know we busted these out!

Cracker Jacks with Tiffany blue ribbons served as decorations and favors.
Ode to Holly of course.

Flowers are always a must. And they are a green and cheap way to decorate.
Ribbons are also a great way to incorporate color.

My Mom made trivia games for me.
And using her graphic design skills, she made them pretty!!

She also made me a Amber & Co party sign!!

Books are another way to decorate on the cheap.
I used Truman Capote's Three and Sam Wasson's Fifth Ave at 5 am to add to the everything Breakfast At Tiffany's theme.

And all cellphones had to go in the suitcase, because that is where Holly kept her phone.

And Pennie Lane ended the night on cue.
She kept running outside, and forced all us girls to frantically yell "Cat! Cat! Ohh Cat!!"
Silly Pennie Lane!And thanks to all the lovely ladies who entered my current giveaway !