Party Prep for a Party for Adults!

So yes, I am having what some would contend is a politically incorrect party.  But, it wasn't my idea :)  Last October my fabulous hair stylist told me about a Trailer Park Party she was having for Halloween.  After hearing all of her ideas, I was hooked and determined I needed to have one of those!  So, we planned to have our Trailer Park Princess Party in early March.  However, the party had to be postponed due certain tumultuous events taking place here in Wisconsin - you may have seen the news...

So, with life not yet back to normal, but in need of a break from this awful reality we are living in, the party is back on for August.  I'll admit, it hasn't received as much attention as I give the kids' parties.  But then again, how much party prep can you do for this theme?  Isn't the point not to do too much party prep? 

I have my menu:  Mac and Cheese, Hot Dogs, Pork Rines, Cheese Puffs, Bologna and Cheese Sandwiches, Spaghettios, Easy Cheese and Ritz Crackers and Beef Jerky.  For the desserts, of course nothing less than a Hostess treats cake. 

Source

For the adult beverages, my husband insists that he get some sort of beer that people will actually drink.  I was pushing for Milwaukee's Best or Pabst Blue Ribbon (or as we call it in Wisconsin, PBR).  No go...  Of course for the ladies, I can think of nothing better than a fine box of Franzia and some Wapatoolie.  (If you've never heard of Wapatoolie - it seems to be a Midwest college party drink, (although some call it Trash Can Punch) here is some information to enlighten you.)  For those who prefer the non-alcoholic beverages, Mountain Dew and a fine Kool-Aid seems appropriate.

But what can my guests drink these fine beverages in?  I happened to stumble across the perfect solution when I was in our local chocolatier (no less) looking for treats for Ethan's carnival candy table.  There these were - Redneck Wine Glasses!!!

Okay, so the $13.95 price tag was just a little steep for me.  Upon further inspection, it was apparent I could make these fine treasures myself.  For my supplies, I needed glass candlesticks from the dollar store, Mason jars and some epoxy glue. So for less than $2.00 a wine glass, here is what I made!

Actually, I think they are kind of cute.  If you have any fun ideas for this fun, adult party, I'd love to hear them!  Happy party planning!

Here Comes the Carnival!

Ethan's 4th birthday is just under two months away and I already feel like I am running out of time to get things done!  This year he is having a carnival party.  What a fun, fun, fun theme!!!!  I have to tell you he is SO excited!  The poor boy has to suffer through his cousins' birthdays (all girls) and his sister's before his rolls around.  After every girly themed birthday party, he'll say to me in the sweetest voice, "My party next Momma?"  And I say, "Yes, Ethan, your party is next." 

Ethan is really one of THE sweetest little boys.  He will defend and protect his Momma with all his heart and is kind to everyone.  He can make friends at the McDonald's playland.  I am just in love with him!  So, as every momma wants to do, I really want to make his birthday party special.

In case it wasn't obvious with the ice cream party we had, I am in LOVE with the color combo of light blue/teal and red.  That is the color theme we I we are going with for the party :)  I also want to try and give it a vintage fell.  Not sure if I'll succeed at that, but I am up to the challenge!

Fortunately, I was lucky enough to win a giveaway by Pink Peppermint Paper and was able to get the most adorable carnival invites for the party.  Eleanor was so great to work with and I couldn't be happier with how the invites turned out! 

I also turned to my friend Betsy from Belly Feathers for adorable vintage carnival signs for the parties.  These are just the cutest.  You really need to check her shop out!  I can't wait to receive these.

Unfortunately, I cannot pair down the amount of great ideas running in my head for this party, so this blog is going to be consumed by carnival party ideas in the coming months :)

{Real Party} Look Whoooo's 3!

Amidst the absolutely sweltering heat we are now experiencing here in Wisconsin, my girlfriend Tina held an adorable birthday party for her sweet little guy, Griffin, this past weekend.  She had a lot of super cute DIY touches which prove that moms can put some really great stuff together to make their kids parties special.  I just love her Owl theme!  Here are some of the cute ideas she put together.

The cutie birthday boy Griffin and his adorable sister Olivia.  You can't see all of her dress, but it was adorable!  Griffin's shirt and Olivia's dress are from Etsy.

Tina MADE this centerpiece herself!  She made a tissue pom and then used a Cricut to make the owl and the number 3.  She then attached the owl and the 3 to the pom.  So adorable!!!  I'm trying to convince her to go into business :)

Tina made a poster for Griffin showing a pic or two from each month during the year to show how he changed throughout the year.  (Wonder where she got that idea from :)

How cute is that cake?  Tina has been using the same local baker for all of her kids' parties.  Love it!  And I bet it was yummy!

Okay, so these amazed me!  Tina made these owl cake pops herself (and the sprinkle ones too)!  She used her babycakes cake pop maker and then dipped the cake pops in chocolate, added mini-chocolate chips for the ears, mini M&M's for the hands, dipped the cake pop again and used pieces of a candy necklace for the eyes.  I have to say, she may not be Bakerella, but these are pretty close! 

Great job Tina!  What a great example of some fun, inexpensive and great DIY things ALL moms can do to make their child's birthday party special.  You don't need to be a professional party planner to do some amazing things!