10 Must Have Stocking Stuffers For The Party Girl

One of my favorite things to shop for at the holidays are stocking stuffers. (I figure, it's only fair to help the big man out with an item or two.) I think stocking stuffers are so fun and many times more personal than the main attraction gifts. So after Jennifer at Passion for Parties wrote a post about the 10 Things that Every Party Girl Should Have On Her Christmas List, I decided to make my own list to compliment hers.

Below is my list of  10 Must Have Stocking Stuffers For The Party Girl.


10. Believe by Dan Zadra & Kobi Yamada- $12.95
I love being able to flip open a book and read an encouraging word. I keep this in my kitchen and thumb through many times a week.

9. Proctor Silex 33015 1-1/2-Quart Round Slow Cooker- $19.35
Please form a single file line when you all arrive to my house to kiss me on my face. : P A crock pot on the warm setting is the EASIEST and quickest way to melt chocolate (again, use the warm setting!). It stays at the perfect temperature for the entire time you dip and the smaller size of the mini crock pot makes your dipping well deeper. Plus, this is also handy when serving a warm dip (think Superbowl parties, ladies).

8. Himalayan pink salt truffles, 15 pc. by Vintage Confections on Etsy- $17
I don't think this needs much explanation. The combination of the sweet and the salty is so totally out of this world. Include these on a dessert table for a sophisticated treat, or keep them as a secret stash for after your party guests go. ; )

7. OPI Pretty and Privileged Nail Lacquer- $6.99
I don't really enjoy getting a manicure. Isn't that terrible? But I do LOVE having my nails painted for a special event. I think it's the final touch on putting a party and yourself together. This bright red is always a fav of mine and perfect for the holidays.

6. Ellia C. Naturals One Lump Or Two Sugar Scrub- $10
I'm feeling relaxed and pampered just reading about this sugar scrub! I would love to see anything from the Ellia C. Naturals product line in my stocking, but the idea of a single serving of body scrub tickles my fancy.

5. Curly Girl Design Iphone Skin- $6
My phone has basically become a part of my body. What sweet and simple reminder to carry around with you where ever you may go.

4. PSA Essentials Personalized Stamp- $40

Why spend all of the time and money on a beautiful invitation or card only to add a sloppy return address? (I won't lie, I'm guilty of this.) For you local Marylanders, you can purchase one at my favorite spot, Paper in the Park.

3. Wild Hibiscus in Syrup- $11
What a beautiful way to dress up champagne! You'll love these at your New Years Eve Soiree or any fancy pants party.

2. Dainty Paper Flower Ring by Blush Envy- $25
Well, this is just adorable. This would be fun to wear while hostessing a party, but I love this enough to wear it every day.

1. Wish Lanterns- $27.99 for a set of 10
I saw these in action at a rehearsal dinner recently. What fun! And the perfect way to start off the New Year.

I'm a little late on this post, but I hope it benefits someone, somewhere. Happy Shopping to one and all!

Pink and Red Holiday Dessert Table

I recently put together a dessert table for a tasting event held by our local Chamber of Commerce. Below are the pictures, I hope you enjoy!

The Paisley Cookies were done by Ally of Allyson Jane.

Those Goregous Oreos are thanks to Kim at Sweeties.

The classic holiday cookies made by Rory at the Cookie Diva.

Beautiful Paper Products thanks to Paper in the Park.

And as always, amazing photography courtesy of Destinee at Cellar Door Photography!

Paper Nook Giveaway!

Have you found me on facebook yet? If not, become a fan today and enter to win a set of EIGHT super adorable holiday favor bags from Paper Nook! These little favor bags are my new favorite party item, I can't imagine doing another children's party without them! You can read all about my (some what obsessive) love for these bags on my facebook page under the "notes" section.

You have until Friday, December 3rd at Midnight to enter and as it stands now, your chances are good with only 4 entries so far. What the heck?! 4 enteries?? Come enter!!

Happy 1st Day of Adventing to you all. : )

Kate

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

I have to be honest, I'm a traditions girl. Even the thought of a Family Tradition feels warm and cozy to me.

One of my favorites as a child was when my mom would start an advent calendar with us. Oh heavens, is there anything more exciting than opening that little window and finding a sweet piece of chocolate inside?? Well, it turns out, yes there is. My (much) older sister (hehehehe), started an advent calendar with her children many years ago. Instead of including sweets or special treat, she wrote an activity for the family to do together that day. So for everyday in the month of December, the family all participated in some spirited event. When I married my husband, Becky gifted us with our very own Advent calendar. The. Most. Fun. Thing. Ever!! Holy smokes, we now have 24 days of traditions leading up to the main event!

The activities you choose to do with your family are totally up to you. Extravagant or simple. Here is the calendar I've put together for our family this year. Since Jackson and Adelynn are really getting into the years of understanding and loving the Christmas magic, I can't wait to get started! Ahem... Please note that I wrote all of these to be read to my 3 and 1 year old. Please don't judge my over excitement and/or goofy wording. ; )

Wednesday, December 1st- Hooray! Only 24 more days until Christmas. To kick off the season, choose your favorite Christmas carol and sing it for the family after dinner.

Thursday, December 2nd- Let's snuggle up with hot chocolate and watch ELF.

Friday, December 3rd- Severna Park is lighting the community Christmas tree tonight. We will be there!

Saturday, December 4th- Santa is flying in from the North Pole!
http://www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com/Add_Events/Santa_Fly-In.htm

Sunday, December 5th- Let's all go help Dad cut down our Christmas tree. Maybe we'll even see Reindeer today!
http://www.applewoodfarm.org/applewoodchristmas.htm

Monday, December 6th- Take a minute to remember how blessed we are this Holiday. Pick a toy out at the store and donate it to Toys For Tots.
http://www.toysfortots.org/

Tuesday, December 7th- It's Jack's special day. Pick your favorite thing for Mom to make for dinner tonight.

Wednesday, December 8th- Today is Adelynn's lucky day! Pick your favorite thing for Mom to make for dinner tonight.

Thursday, December 9th- Get out the flour and sprinkles galore, it's time to bake some Christmas cookies!

Friday, December 10th- It's our Playgroup Cookie Exchange!

Saturday, December 11th- Bundle up! Tonight is the Parade of Lights in Annapolis!
http://www.eastportyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=243&Itemid=32


Sunday, December 12th- Toot! Toot! All aboard the Santa Train!
http://www.wsrr.org/events.htm


Monday, December 13th- Could that be Santa whizzing by on the Fire Truck? Listen close all day so we don't miss the big man in red!

Tuesday, December 14th- Mom's turn to pick her favorite! Mmm, what will I make??

Wednesday, December 15th- Hop in the car, we're off to see the Lights on the Bay!
http://www.annapolis.com/events/lights-bay-illumination/

Thursday, December 16th- Jackson is a super star! Let's go see our boy perform at his preschool show!

Friday, December 17th- Another awesome Christmas light display! Let's go check out the "Christmas Street"!
http://www.christmasstreet.com/

Saturday, December 18th- Can you hear the jingle bells ringing? Let's go see the Polar Express in 4D!
http://www.aqua.org/4d-nowplaying.html


Sunday, December 19th- Today is the big day! I hope you've been nice... We will go tell Santa our wish list this year.

Monday, December 20th- Our town looks so beautiful for the holidays! Get in the car and drive around to look at the lights. When you see something spectacular, leave the family a thank you note!

Tuesday, December 21st- Invite your friends over to decorate gingerbread houses. Try not to eat all the gumdrops, please.

Wednesday, December 22nd- What would Dad like for dinner tonight? It's his turn to pick his favorite!

Thursday, December 23rd- A special day with Grandpa, Didi, Carly and Kyle!

Friday, December 24th- Merry Christmas, to our little Family! Enjoy the day and be good to one another. Wait to see if the Jammie Fairy will come tonight, then ask Daddy to read you "Twas the Night Before Christmas" before bed.

However you celebrate the holiday season with your family, I sincerely hope it's a magical one!

Kate

Under the Sea Birthday Bash!

My little boy Jackson turned three last month and to celebrate I put together an Under the Sea party that I hope he won't soon forget. Since the beginning of time, Jack has loved everything that involves the water. In fact, his first birthday was a rubber ducky themed party since he loved bath time so much! I guess his obsession with ocean life was then a natural progression. : )

The Dessert Table doubled as the Party Favor Bar. I wanted to cut down on the amount of sweets at the party since my "clients" were only three ; ), so I did the favor bar in conjunction with the desserts. The kids took a bucket and were able to pick and choose prizes to take home. Since we live in Maryland, home of the blue crab, I obviously HAD to use a crab basket as a cake stand and centerpiece.

Cupcake Cookie Toppers by The Cookie Jar

"Shark Attack Snack Mix. Includes Sharks, Fish and Life Preservers. Don't swim too far from the shore!"

Cookies to match the Cupcake Toppers, also by The Cookie Jar!

Fresh Sushi

 Many of the children had a younger sibling that came to the party. A beanie baby and a book were for our youngest guests.

And then our Menu:

Sand Dollars, also known as Pop Chips.

Sparkling Octopus Ink

A re-purposed Halloween Trick or Treat bag from PBKids became our napkin & utensil holder

And of course, nothing better to wash your lunch down with than "Freshly Bottled Ocean Water"

The Party Space, Game & Craft:

Jelly Fish floating above the table.

 "GOLD FISH BAR: Take a box and make a mix, Sea creatures are the perfect hunger fix!"

The kids each made their own "mini" ocean to take home.

So there you have it, we all had fun and I am now the very proud Mommy of a THREE year old!! Oh my gosh, how is he three already??... Look out for A Super Jackson Saves The Day Party... in another 11 or so months. : )

All photographs courtesy of Destinee Thurston, Cellar Door Photography!