Imagine my delight when Clare requested a Peacock-themed party for her 6th birthday. We had some fun handmade ideas but also found many cute peacock products on the market. During our research (a-hem, shopping) we found beautiful items for not only birthday festivities but bridal showers, graduation parties and weddings. Classic peacock motifs don’t seem to be going anywhere soon.
Today I’m going to give you a peek at the party. In another post I’ll share all of the product sources. I’m also happy to turn any of the handmade items into a tutorial although everything we did was pretty simple! Just let me know what you would like to know more about in the comments.
A few days before the party Clare threw a wrench in the peacock party by requesting a classic “doll” cake. Since I had one for my own sixth birthday and it was one of my favorite birthday memories, I was happy to oblige. I think we pulled in the peacock-theme pretty well. Yes,the peacock princess has a bird on a leash. ha
One of Clare’s contributions to the decor was a peacock palace bird house.
With our leftover cake batter, I made these easy peacock mini-cupcakes. I really love them. So cute!
All of the girls painted and decorated their own birdhouse to take home. I was impress with how hard they all worked on them. I wanted to keep them in a row here on my windowsill.
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Surprising South Africa: Part 1, KwaZulu Natal
If you follow me on instagram or facebook, then you had a taste of my amazing journey through South Africa earlier this month.
My blessed husband held down the fort while I joined Isoul Harris, Chadner Navarro, and Colleen Friesen for two weeks touring this wonderful country and experiencing so much of the culture and activities it has to offer.
We started in KwaZulu Natal, then on to Cape Town, and finally four mind-blowing days on safari in Limpopo.
I’d like to share some of my journey with you; I hope it inspires you to visit South Africa – it truly is an amazing experience. I am already planning to go back with my daughter. Today I’ll start with the first leg of our Journey, the province of KwaZulu Natal, including the city of Durban and the South Coast. Come away with me to South Africa after the jump… (more…)
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Coleslaw
A little while back we introduced you to the LA street-food specialty, bacon wrapped hot dogs and put a little spin on it by adding coleslaw with Marzetti Light Slaw Salad Dressing. Speaking of, have you tried making them yet? Today we will be announcing the winner of the gift set giveaway from Marzetti, including:
· 5 Marzetti coupons to purchase Classics dressings
· Marzetti branded stainless knife set with cutting board
· Acacia wood salad platter and plates (3 10″ plates and 3 5″ plates)
· $35 Visa gift card for grocery shopping
· Marzetti branded apron
Check out the Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Coleslaw recipe after the jump…
Trends We Love: Chambray
Chambray is so versatile it’s quickly becoming a closet staple you just can’t live without. It mixes with patterns, textures, and colors effortlessly. You can dress it up with a lace skirt or wear it causally open over a tank dress.
Target’s polka dot chambray skirt looks comfortable and fashionable. Wear it with a summer tank or simple tee for a dinner out or just running errands. Imagining that outfit makes me want to stroll on the beach with the sand in my toes.
This chambray floral tote is adorable and perfect for a family picnic. Throw it over your shoulder and strap on these matching sandals to complete the look. They have a slight heel to make you feel sexy, but still able to juggle day-to-day activities.
A bicycle printed dress is a hipster spin on chambray for little ones. It would make a great gift for the girl who is opinionated enough about clothing to dress ahead of the toddler curve.
Our friends at Fabricworm have a great selection of chambray fabrics including this one. The ruffle shorts tutorial would be perfect in chambray.
Don’t forget chambray for the home, since it’s soft and durable it makes a lovely duvet cover. It’s inviting and summery, but will still hide the stains from those breakfast in bed spills (or late night ice cream drips). Even give the bathroom some love by adding a set of neutral, polka dot towels for your guests.
DIY Reversible Petal Skirt (Free Pattern)
Summer always reminds me of my mom’s blooming rose garden, which is where the inspiration came from for the DIY Reversible Petal Skirt. I wanted to make a skirt that was light and airy like a rose, but could keep up with an active little girl. She can easily put this over any outfit, even a bathing suit. Since it’s reversible, you can have a lot of fun with color schemes. I’d love to try out an ombre skirt next.
To start off the project, you should either collect your scrap fabrics or pick up some of the prettiest new fabrics from Fabricworm. Next, you’ll download the pattern and start sewing the petals together. Ready to get started?
Check out the DIY Reversible Petal Skirt tutorial after the jump…
Upcycled T-Shirt Projects for Summer
Spring cleaning has left a pile of clothes hanging around waiting to be repurposed. Here are some clever projects to upcycle your shirts.
One of the cutest T-shirt upcycles is this sundress. It’s easy and turns a shirt you can’t part with into an adorable option you can hand down to your daughter now.
Sew a T-shirt dress in 2-minutes! It’s a quick project for an adorable summer dress option.
Repurpose two shirts to make a nightgown for your little one. This tutorial is great for your solid colored T-shirts.
Don’t leave the boys out! Make your little man a pair of shorts from a T-shirt. Perfect for lounging and playing.
Or turn a white T-shirt into a football jersey.
If you’re working with clothes your child has outgrown, making a French pouf is a great option. You can embellish an outfit or make a hair clip from one of your child’s favorite jersey outfits.
And sew up a Hot Mess T-Shirt Dress just for you.
DIY Zipper Top from a T-Shirt
Upcycled T-shirt projects come in handy those days when I look in my closet and think, I have nothing to wear! Sound familiar? Laura, from Trash to Couture, came up with this pretty DIY Zipper Top and has a real knack for turning something old into something new. She’s also transformed T-shirts into a Women’s Dolman Top and the Butterfly Twist Tee that is great for summer.
While you’re at it, sew up the Hot Mess T-shirt Dress, or put your zippers to use with the Zipper and Bow Clutch.
Check out the DIY Zipper T-Shirt tutorial after the jump…
Friday I’m in Love…with Easy & Healthy Recipes
This year I’ve been trying to make more of an effort to ditch the preservatives and move to organic, however, at times that feels a whole lot harder than it really is. I usually come home with all intentions of making a colorful and nutrient-filled dish. When I find the most mouth-watering Pinterest photo I click the recipe and usually get overwhelmed by the long list of unfamiliar ingredients. With a little more effort, I’ve started to find some very delicious recipes that are super easy to make and very healthy…
I have been eyeing this Life-Changing Loaf of Bread recipe from My New Roots for a good while now. Not only is it insanely healthy and full of nutrients, but it doesn’t require all the meticulous effort a standard loaf of bread can have. Simply mix the ingredients together, let it sit for two-hours, and bake. The name says it all with this life-changing recipe.
Bleubird posted this delicious Balsamic Farro Salad. It’s been made many-a-times in my home since she posted it. The great thing about this is that you can make it with several different variations. I’ve used bulgur instead of farro before, and last night we used Goddess dressing from Trader Joe’s instead of balsamic. Bon appetit!
I was introduced to 101 Cookbooks a couple years back and frequently check it for new recipes. Although I’ve had some wins and fails in the kitchen, I’d have to say the Coconut Red Lentil Soup is pretty tried and true. I usually double the recipe and then freeze half of it to thaw out later. Sometimes we just eat it as a piping hot bowl of goodness, or we pour it over rice.
One of my favorite meals yet, are the Crispy Quinoa and Mole Sweet Potato Tacos that Naturally Ella shared on A House in the Hills. I’ve also made these with roasted onions and squash on top. While you’re at it, try your hand at making homemade corn tortillas.
Get your boost of potassium with the Sultry Summer Peaches & Cream Recipe from My New Roots. This dessert is incredibly simple to whip up for a party or as an afternoon treat. The coconut ice cream used is also vegan, which is perfect for any lactose intolerant ladies out there like me.
How about we swap recipes? What are your favorites?
