Push Pop Cupcakes

These are the little Valentine's I put together for my Son's preschool class. If you would like to reserve your Push Pop Cupcakes for an upcoming birthday or celebration, email me at Contact me at CupKatesEventDesign@yahoo.com.

Valentine's Day Is So Much Fun!

Maybe this is too much information about myself, BUT... Growing up our Family had a little Valentine's Day song that goes a little something like... "Valentine's Day is so much fun. Sending cards to everyone. Big red hearts, so bright and gay, I love you, I LOVE you, that's what they say!". This is the tune my Mom woke us up with each Valentine's morning and once our eyes finished blurring we would find our Sees Chocolate candy Valentine's boxes, complete with a chocolate marshmallow, left for us by our dearest Valentine of all, our Dad.

Here are the current front runners for Valentine's my little guy Jackson might take to school with him. However... Before we start... Let it be known that I am no great photographer. I also lack graphic design skills. And finally, I nearly pulled my hair out trying to get these three "prototypes" made and photographed while my kids pulled every single naughty trick in the book. With that being said...

I spotted these Valentine's when I google searched "ice cream cone candy". So stinkin' cute! But in keeping with the tradition of the day, I thought it isn't really completed without a catchy heart felt phrase. I give you...

You Make Me Melt!

Then, as we were browsing through Wal-Mart one day, I came across these mini water painting sets. Everything mini is adorable, as far as I'm concerned. And in this case, a cute alternative to candy. I give you...

Our Friendship is a MasterPiece!

Last, but not least...

You PUSH my buttons and make my heart POP!





So there are our homemade Valentine options for this year. I'm leaning toward the Push Pop Cupcakes. With a different label for his teachers that reads, "Thank you for PUSHING me to learn." Whadda think?

I'm in full fledged planning mode for my Daughter's 2nd birthday on April 1st. I wrote last year that I thought I might do a Sock Hop this year. If only I knew then how wildly opinionated she would be at the tender age of 2...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kate

My Insanity's Party Party

Hi Everyone!

I entered two of my parties from last year into My Insanity's Party Party, which will name the Top 5 Parties of the Year! Both were selected as finalists, but now I need your help making my way to placing a spot in the top 5. With 2 days left to vote, Jackson's Under the Sea Bash is in 4th place, but I would obviously love love LOVE to improve that number (and keep myself from falling off the list!).

Will you help a fellow party girl out and vote for your top 3 parties? (Hopefully Under the Sea and Pinkies Out are included in your list.) Hehe. I will repay you with some pretty adorable Valentine ideas to send your kids to school with tomorrow. ; )

Thanks for supporting CupKate's Event Design!

Click here to vote!

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