FREE! Tropical Party Printables!

As promised, I'm sharing the FREE printables I designed for the tropical party.  Here's the invitation:

 To personalize, follow these steps:

DIY Tropical Chocolate-covered Oreo Treat!

Last month (in this post), I shared the tutorial for creating fabulous chocolate-covered Oreo cookies using candy molds.  I was so excited to reuse the mold for Munch's tropical party and I can't wait to share what I came up with!

Start with chocolate-covered Oreo cookies ( I used bright pink and yellow).  To learn more about the candy mold specifics and how to dip the cookies, check out the original post here.  Once you have covered cookies, here's how you decorate them to look like flamingos and pineapples.

Hey, Hula Girl! A Tropical Water Bottle Tutorial

Hi, Islanders!  We’ve talked about the favors, the fab décor, and the fun.  Today, I’m sharing a quick and easy tutorial to take water bottles from simply hydrating to positively Hula HOT!

Munch's 10th Tropical Party: The Fun!

We've spoken about the favors and fab decor.  Today, I'm sharing images of the party fun!

Everyone had a blast... Well, almost everyone.  Some of the littles weren't happy to learn they couldn't go down the big slides.

Simple and Chic Tropical Party Decor!

Hi, Islanders!  Yesterday, we talked about the easy and fabulous favors.  Now, because the favors covered the majority of the guest table, I figured today would be the perfect time to share the party decor (sources linked below).  Let's get to it!

As guests arrived, you couldn't miss our party pavilion.  It was so festive that it caught your eye immediately upon entry into the park!  In front of the pavilion was the gift table.

Didn't the basket with the [flamingo] pink towels and towel clips look super cute?  

With the sun shining bright, we didn't need to plug in the flamingo lights, the light string was the perfect trimming for the table.  The other party pavilion feature decor was the DIY balloon arch and tablescape.

The arch eliminated the requirement for helium balloons.  If the event were to be hosted indoors, I would've gone all out with the arch.  However, because the event was hosted outside... in 100 degree weather, I played it super safe.  I simply inflated balloons in varying sizes, tied many of them to the frame of the arch and used glue dots to hold the 'filler' balloons and faux tropical leaves in place.  I'll share a tutorial for the arch in the future.  Don't worry!

The guest of honor had a seat closest to the arch and she picked out her special cup (it was striped with a gold pineapple on it).  Here's a pic she took:

DIY Tropical Party Favor Ideas!

With summer coming to an end, I thought I’d start our massive update with Munch’s Tropical Pool Party wrap-up.  As I told you in the party plan post here, I only had 30 minutes for set-up and a small space to decorate.

In addition to having a tight party set-up schedule, I had a tight planning schedule too! It was two weeks before the party and I had nothing – no venue, no invitations, no décor, nothing. Nada.  Zipp-o.

Well, not nothing.  I had pins on my Pinterest page and, I mean, pinning is life, right?!

I told you when I shared this party's inspiration board how my mommy came through with the venue!

I decided every element of this event would have to pack a punch.  The water park was the fun and activities; I didn't need to plan for crafts or games.  I didn't need linen because little wet hands and bottoms would sit at a picnic table in the shade.  I didn't need flowers that would wilt in the sun and I didn't have time for a bunch of decorations to hang from the ceiling.  What I needed was for party items to serve double duty.

Munch made a request that her party be all about fun.  She loves the fun colors in tropical prints, she loves to splash at the pool and she really didn’t want to have a big ol’ fancy event.  She was, however, drawn to anything tropical.  I knew having quality cups, cool favors and color-coordinating towels would meet the kid’s wants and, Islanders, you won’t believe the amazing deals I found on the takeaways!

You see the original price of $4! The lighted flamingo and palm tree necklaces were a really good quality and a really good deal priced at only $1! Then, in the same section, I found towel clips (to prevent them from blowing off of chairs), sold 2/pack, on clearance for $1 – BOUGHT!

I found towels for less than $3/each at Walmart.  I picked a few.

Each towel had one clip.  Not only did the single clip keep the towel just fine but, because they came with two in each pack, I only needed to purchase half of the amount!

As I prepared to check out with my tropical finds, the Five Below store manager mentioned that she appreciated me clearing the summer selection for her staff.  We shared a laugh but, when she offered to let me have the NOT ON SALE AND PRICED AT $5 A PIECE tropical-themed insulated cups at the clearance price of $1, we shared a happy dance too!

High-quality coconut and tiki cups for $1/each?  ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

I found cute boxes at Dollar Tree and, with 2 bags of pink paper shred and a few bags of Munch’s favorite candy, I created an easy favor that packed a huge décor punch.  

To assemble, I removed the necklace from the packaging, folded it to fit the box, surrounded the necklace with paper shred and a few candies.  Once closed, I used the black and white ribbon to complete the look.  I also designed and topped them with a tag:

How cute would this gift be as a thank you for a tutor or summertime care provider?  I've got some long-distance littles and I think they would LOVE getting a small gift like this from me!  The boxes are a great quality and could be used after the party!  Honestly, the possibilities are endless and the price tag is the best part!

With such a short set-up time, I needed everything to be functional and fabulous (and the frugal-friendly price tag was a plus too).  In the case of the guest takeaways, I had cups and favor boxes that would serve as table décor while towels and towel clips would serve as functional party items and a great takeaway! 

Functional.  Fabulous.  Frugal. 

I'd say this was a mom win, wouldn't you?

So Much to Share!

OMG! Islanders! It's been awhile and I have SO much to tell you about!  There's the Dream Big boho baby shower.

Munch's Splish Splash Tropical Pool Bash.

Progress in Munch's tropical-themed new room.

My littles!  There's my newest little's introduction and Maseface's baby dedication.  There's summer time fun updates and back-to-school shopping.  I've got tutorials, thrifty finds, events, babies, home decor, and more comin' your way!  There's just a LOT going on.  I have so many things to share I don't know where to start but... we will start!  TOMORROW!!

Talk to you soon!

WW: Tropical Party Success!

WW: Munch's Party Invites Were a Hit!

Maya Mondays: A Product of Their Dreams

"A person is the product of their dreams. So make sure to dream great dreams.  And then try to live your dream." ~ Maya Angelou

Happy Shower Day!

Today, we're showering baby Avery's parents, Amalia and John, with love and gifts in preparation for arrival!  Care to guess the theme based on our Instagram post?

Munch Turns 10: A Tropical Splish Splash Bash!

OMG! Life has been so upside down and right-side up that we are less than two weeks away from Munchface’s birthday party and I haven’t shared any details!  

Much like her room, Munch mentioned she wanted a pool party mid-summer and it was virtually impossible to find one in our area with her date available.  Just when I was about to give up, my fabulous mommy found a pool!  The local YMCA has a water park and she was able to reserve our date!  OMG! The party is on!

If you’ve been following me on Pinterest, you’ve probably seen my tropical party pins (they’re really cool!  Follow along here).  In addition to a pool party, Munch has been obsessed with the tropics.  Remember the sneak peek of her new room awhile back?

Things I Love: Himalayan Salt Lamp Review

Yesterday, I shared my love for the essential oil diffusers I purchased awhile back.  Today, we’re talking about another natural way to freshen and purify your air.

Source

When a co-worker first told me about the Himalayan Salt benefits, I was skeptical.  I mean, I enjoyed the pleasant glow of the rock in her office but -- a rock?  With all those benefits?  

Source

Couldn’t be true.  Could it?

If you know me, you know I research.  Seriously, Islanders.  When in doubt, find it out!  I researched and found the benefits of Himalayan salt to be astounding.  You can learn more here.

I planned to buy one when I saw it on sale at Bed Bath and Beyond but the sale passed and, with it, so did my desire to purchase.  As you know, I frequent my local thrift shops and I was pleasantly surprised to find one priced at $4.90 on a half-off day!  Islanders! THAT’S $2.45!!! OMG!  I rushed home, wiped it down with a damp cloth, then with a dry one and excitedly plugged in my new Himalayan salt lamp!

The ambient glow is great in the space at night.  Yep, now the dog can see when he quickly jumps off the sofa whenever I enter in the room (rolls eyes... my REAL life).

Source

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to the things listed above, do your research and search for one on sale (they are heavy so shipping may cost more).

Things I Love: Skyroku Oil Diffuser Review

Hi! I’ve shared how the smell of my home can instantly make or break my mood when I walk through the door.  I will wash a load of whites for the scent (because you know I ain't interested in laundry - haha),  I use fabric softener in my homemade Febreez recipe, I have placed vanilla extract into a small foil “bowl” and baked it, I have plug-ins, I burn candles, and more!  I go to great lengths to ensure my house smells as fresh as possible.

Then, I got a dog.  I love my dog but I hate how my dog smells... especially after a walk in the summer heat.

Like, I hate it.  I hate how my dog makes my house smell after a walk or when he farts or burps or ugh. I hate it.  I hate it. I hate it!

My boo, Sheena, always keeps me up on the latest and greatest cleaning products.  She told me about the lemon- and then the lavender- scented Pine-Sol cleaning solutions when they first hit the shelves.  She told me the benefits of hiring a cleaning service to clean the areas of the home often neglected (like ceiling fans, windows and door frames).  One day, she sent me the above picture to start the conversation about her latest gadget that was a game-changer in her house.  What's that, you ask?

It’s an essential oil diffuser and, Islanders, it’s awesome.  I went to Amazon and ordered two Skyroku brand diffusers for less than $30 total.

The Skyroku diffusers have two diffusing settings, continuous and 30-second intervals.  Oh, and Munchface loves them!  Her favorite part is the many lighting options.  She has the option to select one of many color options, the light show option (it cycles through all colors) or to have no light at all.

 That's a video of the light show captured while Munch was sleeping.

Another favorite part for Munch is choosing her oil.  We especially enjoy the peppermint, lemon and lavender scents.  We got the above set for $17!  If you've ever purchased essential oils, you know they cost anywhere from $5-$12 each so, a set of 6 for that price is a great deal!  Here's how it works:

1.  You remove the top and fill the cup like portion with water to the Fill Line.

2.  Add 3-5 drops (more if you have a larger space) to the water.
3.  Return the top to its place and align the 'lock'
4.  Press the power button and design a setting (green for intervals or red for continuous)
5.  Enjoy the fresh scent using oils known for their health benefits and functionality.

An added bonus?  The increased moisture in the air has similar effects to a humidifier and can help with allergies, colds and restless sleeping habits.  I placed one in Munch's room and the other in our family room.  We love the functionality and freshness!