party

Summer Pool Party Essentials | 2015

Happy July everyone! With the long holiday weekend approaching, I am planning on spending as much time as possible soaking up the sunshine! My ideal July is full of pool parties and fun in the sun!

I pulled together some serious must haves for throwing an awesome summer pool party! Check out this Waterproof Speaker and Radio that you can trust to keep your music loud and your iPod dry! And how about this adorable Soda Shaped Change Purse? No one will find my snack money in there! And lastly, how perfect is this giant Flamingo Pool Float? I could float around on it for days! Basically, for any pool party you need sunscreen, cute sunnies, a beach tote and games! Check out all my favorites below and have fun!

Summer Pool Party Essentials

shop summer pool party essentials:

Inflatable Ball ($34) / Turkish Pestemal Towel ($34) / Blue Sunglasses ($38) / Soda Shaped Change Purse ($8) / Straw Hat ($15) / Sunscreen Spray ($16) / Patterned Headband ($7) / Ping Pong Set ($28) / Wet Bikini Storage Bag ($6) / Drink Cozy ($14) / Waterproof Speaker/Radio ($48) / Beach Tote ($45) / Birkenstock Slide Sandal ($30) / Underwater Camera ($21) / Flamingo Pool Float ($75)

Prepare the Perfect Candy Buffet in 4 Steps

Candy Buffet 2

photo by Phillippo Photo- Indiana

April is here and wedding season is upon us! These days it’s not enough to just have a cake at your wedding, candy buffets are a must! Brides have been getting super creative with their dessert offerings and candy buffets are a fabulous, fun option to take care of even the biggest sweet tooth on your big day!

How to Create the Perfect Candy Buffet:

  1. Pick a color scheme- This may seem obvious, but before you do anything you need to nail down your color scheme. For most, this will simply be your wedding colors, but sometimes you need to add a color to compliment your pop color (like the white in the pictures shown). I love focusing on shades of colors rather than being too matchy-matchy. This gives your candy buffet dimension and can even give you flavor variety!
  2. Get your canisters- Now you need to figure out placement in your venue and the size of your table. This will help you get an idea of how many canisters you can fit. I ended up with room for seven canisters (all from Michaels) and took the pyramid approach. Symmetry is key! I bought one big canister for the middle and built the table out from there. Play with the set-up! I chose to keep my candy buffet simple, but you can do a big floral arrangement in the middle, your wedding cake or even a display of cupcakes. One last note on canisters, make sure it’s easy to get candy out of them for your guests, you want to make sure your guests spend more time dancing than in line for candy!
  3. Pick your candies- This step is crucial. It can make or break a candy buffet. Let start with the variety. Even though I wish everything all the time was chocolate, you have to have variety for your guests. A few of the favorite candies from my wedding were taffy (people loved to just grab them out of the jar since they were wrapped), Sixlets (similar to M&M’s) and yogurt covered pretzels. I ended up getting most of my candy from Oh Nuts!, they have a huge variety and you can shop by color or flavor and can even schedule your delivery. It made shopping a breeze! Now for the big question, how much do you buy? I found this to be the hardest part of the candy buffet! There are a lot of guidelines out there about how many pounds/guest you should buy, but when I really started to think through it those guidelines are so arbitrary! Since it’s based on weight, one pound of yogurt covered pretzels is going to be much different than one pound of M&M’s. To solve for this, I created a simple spreadsheet to help visual what I was actually ordering. Check it out here! This spreadsheet really helped me decide if a candy was worth it from a cost perspective and if I would have enough candy per person to fill up my favor boxes!
  4. Candy Buffet 1Time for accessories!- Now it’s time to glam up that candy table! First you need favor bags/boxes. I ended up ordering my pink chinese takeout boxes pictured from Amazon, but there are a ton of options out there. When ordering candy, consider how large your favor bags will be. The bigger the bag, the more candy the guest is likely to take. Most people seem to fill it up to the brim! If you are opting for a bigger option like me, make sure to air on the more generous calculations of candy/person. You will also need scoops and/or tongs. Your catering company might provide these, but if not I found these great silver utensils from Party City. Just be mindful of the type of candy people need to get their hands on. I found for the candy I bought, I needed a mixture of scoops and tongs, and it doesn’t hurt to get extras! Now for the fun stuff, labels and decorations. I chose to keep mine simple with a matching tablecloth, a sparkly banner, homemade labels, some balloons and personalized napkins, but the sky is the limit here! Have fun with it, just don’t forget the essentials!

Creating your own candy buffet and have questions or do you just have ideas to share from doing your own candy buffet? Please share in the comments below! And for more candy buffet fun check out the blue candy buffet below we put together for my sister’s baby shower!

 

Garden Party Ready | Spring Dressy

Well, it’s finally here. Happy first day of spring!

Lately I’ve been inspired by super feminine “spring dressy” looks. I’ve been dying to get dolled up for really any reason ever since Lauren Conrad’s launch of her Cinderella Collection. Adding to my obsession, I recently came across this J. Crew Laser-cut Midi Skirt and cannot stop thinking about it! At $128, it’s more expensive than I normally spend on such an impractical purchase, but I couldn’t resist including it in today’s Garden Party collection. It doesn’t hurt to look right?

With Easter right around the corner, retailers are starting to shift their assortment to spring apparel, so it’s about time our closets start following suite! This spring is all about pretty pastels, texture and florals, and my favorite items seem to be all about texture. Check out the embellished clutches, textured skirts and even cut-out shoes below! There are tons of tiny details built into these pieces that make them feel perfectly delicate, ultra feminine and spring forward. How could you possibly resist them?

Whether you are headed to a garden party, celebrating Easter with your family or just dressing up in front of your mirror at home, the collection below is too good to pass up. Spring forward with spring dressy!
Garden Party- Spring Dressy

shop spring dressy:

Forever 21 Crochet Trim Dress ($25) / LC by Lauren Conrad Tulle Skirt ($48) / Old Navy Floral Dress ($25) / Accessorize White Embellished Clutch ($44) / H&M Crepe Jacket ($25) / ASOS Blue Slanted Clutch ($27) / Forever 21 White Mesh Paneled Skirt ($20) / H&M Pink Suede Pumps ($60) / J. Crew Laser-cut Midi Skirt ($128) / Guess Babbitta Floral Pumps ($99) / ModCloth Rosette Clutch ($40) / ASOS 3D Floral Clutch ($63) / LC by Lauren Conrad Floral Cut-Out Heels ($55)

Valentine’s Day Home Must Haves

Valentine’s Day is one of the cheeriest holidays. When I was younger, Valentine’s Day was all about sending “warm fuzzies” to your classmates. What’s a warm fuzzy? It’s just that, a note that makes you feel warm and fuzzy when you read it! What’s better than that?

Valentine’s Day is a day all about love and letting people know how much they mean to you. I mean… candy, hearts, cupid, what’s not to love? Want to make this Valentine’s Day special? I have an amazing collection of Valentine’s Day home must haves below! My dream? Making Valentine’s Day treats in my heart apron using my heart measuring spoons and spatulas! Check them out below!

Valentine's Day Decor

Valentine’s Day Heart Garland ($10) / Sur la Table Heart Measuring Spoons ($5) / Sur la Table Spatulas ($11) / Kohl’s Heart Chalkboard ($12) / Sur la Table Valentine’s Crackers ($15) / Pier 1 Ombre Heart Pillow ($30) / Kohl’s ‘to the moon and back’ Pillow ($18) / Pier 1 Cupid Owl ($13) / Sur la Table ‘Love Bugs’ Baking Liners ($5) / Kohl’s Hearts Apron ($16) / boldLoft His & Hers Mugs ($27) / Kohl’s Nesting Baskets ($12) / Kohl’s ‘I woof you’ Kitchen Towels ($7) / Heart Pancake Rings ($7) / Valentine’s Day Vase ($11)

Lilly Pulitzer for Target- Ticket to Sunshine

Feeling down about those chilly winter temps? I’ve got just what you need to brighten your day and put a smile on your face!

Target just announced their newest collaboration, Lilly Pulitzer for Target!

Target is never one to disappoint with their collaboration partners and their latest choice, Lilly Pulitzer, is no exception. This limited edition collection launches April 19th and includes 250 pieces, ranging from clothing, accessories and shoes for both women (including plus size!) and girls, as well as home decor, outdoor accessories and beach travel essentials! What more could a girl want? The 15 exclusive collaboration prints are bright, playful and true to the Lilly Pulitzer brand esthetic.

This collaboration is already creating a ton of buzz! Click through the slideshow below to check out pictures of yesterday’s announcement party and do some pre-shopping! Share your favorite prints and products in the comments below!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

New Year’s Eve Party Dresses Under $100 | 2015

Now that I have all my Christmas shopping wrapped up, It’s time for me to focus on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is a magical holiday where we spend the night sipping champagne and contemplating new year’s resolutions. Every year it’s a great opportunity to hit the reset button and start the next year off fresh with some new goals.

Even if you haven’t decided what your new year’s resolutions are yet, you need to pick a dress. There are so many fun trends floating around this season that it’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve pulled together some of my favorite party dresses for 2015. A few of my favorites include the sequin ombre dressthe glitter jumpsuit and feather hem dress. Check out my picks below and share your favorites with me in the comments.

New Year's Eve Party Dresses 2015

Nasty Gal Fringe Dress ($68) / Sequin Hearts Embellished Sweetheart Dress ($66) / Topshop Feather Hem Dress ($75) / Nasty Gal Sequin Ombre Dress ($88) / ASOS TFNC Embellished Neck Dress ($91) / H&M Blue Ruffle Dress ($60) / Nasty Gal Red Fit and Flare Dress ($88) / Topshop Tuxedo Dress ($82) / Hommage Lace Sleeve Romper ($52) / Topshop Pleated Foil Romper ($38) / H&M Glitter Jumpsuit ($50) / Glamorous Sequin Mini Dress ($98) / Nasty Gal Sequin Dress ($78) / Forever 21 Red Sequin Dress ($30) / Topshop Lace Hem Cut Out Dress ($75) / Forever 21 Sequin and Fringe Dress ($30) / Nasty Gal Icy Sequin Dress ($98)

Halloween Must Haves

I can hardly believe it, but Halloween is right around the corner! As you start to decorate for this spooooky holiday please remember, halloween decor doesn’t need to be pricey OR tacky!

I love getting some glam pieces, like the gold foil pumpkins, and mixing them with some fun and unexpected things, like the AMAZING skeleton yard flamingo and skeleton hand servers. Don’t take it too seriously, if it makes you smile or chuckle then it’s a great choice!

I pulled together some great decorating options for whatever is on your Halloween agenda. Throwing a dinner party? Check out the dare to dine section! Celebrating day of the dead? Skip to the skeletons! Just keeping it real this Halloween? Go for the modern take on classic pumpkin decor! Whichever you choose, have fun with it and make sure to have a party to show off all your hard work! 🙂


pumped about pumpkins:

Pier 1 Check & Chevron Pumpkins ($12.95 each) / Target Burlap Pumpkin ($10) / Pier 1 Confetti Glass Pumpkins ($11.95 – $16.95) / Pier 1 Gold Foil Pumpkins ($5.95 – $9.95) / Target Chevron Pumpkin ($6)


dare to dine:

Crate and Barrel Tier Graveyard Server ($39.95) / Crate and Barrel Bat Bowl Set ($7.95) / Crate and Barrel Pumpkin Placecard Holder ($3.95) / Kohl’s Owl Salt and Pepper Shaker ($11.19) / Pottery Barn Skeleton Hand Servers ($19.50)


don’t skip the skeletons!:

Oriental Trading Skeleton Yard Flamingo ($15) / World Market Jeweled Eye Skull Set ($19.98) / World Market Los Muertos Candle Set ($19.98) / World Market Cat Skeleton-Set of Two ($39.98) / Crate and Barrel Morelia Plates ($3.95 each)

Happily Ever After

Today my husband and I are celebrating a very happy six month anniversary! I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to finally share wedding photos from our big day!

kissing under veil

Every moment of our wedding was amazing. Below I’ve included some of my favorite memories of the day, from start to finish! We are so grateful for our incredible wedding party and parents who helped us with every step along the way. We couldn’t be happier with how the day turned out and these pictures help us relive it over and over!

Oh Joy! for Target

I love a good party, but who doesn’t? With Labor Day approaching, I have to assume many of you will be hosting end of summer bashes this weekend. For some party inspiration, I’m sharing some fun festive pieces I came across at Target to help accent any party!

Oh Joy! has partnered with Target to release a line of party supplies and décor. The fall collection was just released on Aug 17th and is only available for a limited time, so act fast! There’s a ton of adorable items to choose from at great prices. This collection brings party supplies to the next level, even the disposable plates sparkle! I love all the items, but my favorites are definitely the tiny party hats, the ceramic pitcher and the fun stackable mugs! Which ones are your favorites?

Oh Joy! for Target Fall Collection

Oh Joy! for Target Fall Collection

Oh Joy! for Target Fall Collection

 

photos by Oh Joy! 

Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps

Nothing feels more summer than a backyard barbecue. I love being outside, playing yard games and grilling out with friends. But what usually comes with a barbecue is unhealthy foods- like burgers, ribs and hotdogs. Don’t freak out! I’m not suggesting to get rid of burgers, (I love burgers as much as the next girl) I’m just offering a healthy alternative- Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps!

turkey burger lettuce wraps glamourita.com

With some easy substitutions, burgers become a healthy option you can feel good about eating. Just look how fresh and delicious they look!

First, you need to make your “bun”. To help keep these burgers healthy we ditched the bread. We love veggies, so swapping out the bun for a lettuce wrap was a no-brainer! These large romaine hearts work great for this. Make sure to cut up several leaves and layer them to give you the added crunch and to hold the burger together.

turkey burger lettuce wraps glamourita.com

Next calorie-saving substitution- choose turkey over beef burgers. They are much leaner and still taste great! We love the Jennie-O turkey patties. These patties are already molded, you just have to throw them on the grill!

Now you have a bun and a burger, time to add your toppings. Get creative! We stayed classic for this one with pepperjack, ketchup, mustard and pickles. But other great options include a slice of turkey bacon, barbecue sauce, tortilla strips, etc.

turkey burger lettuce wraps glamourita.com

We finished this meal with a side of fresh strawberries. Although chips are an easy side for a burger, fresh fruit is a much better option. You save calories and get WAY more nutrients. And summer is a great time to take advantage of all the delicious fruits that are in season.

With all the calories I saved on swapping out an ordinary burger for this turkey burger lettuce wrap, I think I earned myself a beer!

Now this is my ideal summer meal:

turkey burger lettuce wraps glamourita.com