Last Years Fall Decor

I was looking though some old photos on my phone and found these from last year:

This should help- It also reminds me of what I have still in storage ;)

www.itsapartyfullife.com

Fall, my favorite time of the year...

I usually start decorating for fall around mid September, and then add Halloween in here and there around the first week of October.  I love the weather, the change in colors, the cider mills, pumpkins, and the food!
Here are some of my favorite ideas that I want to use this year...

We are in between homes right now, so a lot of my decor is still in storage.  So, let's see what I can find and what I can do- I love to shop estate sales, garage sales, consignment shops, and farms for items.  Here is the inspiration that I am using- I will upload my photos when I am finished...stay tuned =D

Outdoor Fall Decor:

This is a great idea!  Just find a beautiful urn planter, spread out some cornhusks, Add a pumpkin on top! 

Better Homes and Gardens

Gorgeous, welcoming front porch: A great place for a cup of pumpkin spiced coffee.
www.therefindedrelic.com

LOVE the colors- you could also put these in an old wagon, etc...
www.lushome.com

Indoor Fall Decor:

Love using natural elements to create a centerpiece for fall.
theheartoftheseahome.typepad.com

The lanterns, the lamps, the colors, all perfect for fall-I have seen most of this at Hobby Lobby.  Did you know that most anything you find online or in stores can be found at Amazon.com, usually with free shipping.  www.houzz.com

Ok, I am ready to go do some of my decorating and shopping now.... how 'bout you?

You can also search my blog for other fall ideas from years past and visit www.itsapartyfullife.com

Back to School

Back to School is on my mind.  Here are some cute ideas that we have found to celebrate it and get the kids geared up for it too!

Meri Meri School Days Cupcake Decorating Kit from Amazon.com

• Invite all of the neighborhood kids over.
• Host party outside at picnic tables one last time before temps drop.
• Serve fruit salad, bottled water, mini sandwiches, pretzels, and cupcakes. You could even put lunch items in brown paper sacks with each child's name on them.
• School supplies, such as, paper, pencils, erasers, crayons & markers make great party favors.
• Use pencil cases or boxes personalized with each child's name on them for party favor containers.

Inspired by Familia

• Use what you have for decor- chalkboard, school or school bus related toys, a globe, books, crayons, etc.  Use primary colors also.  Fabric with letters and/or numbers would be perfect for a table cover.
• Have a table set up with all of the age-appropriate reading material that you can find and let the kids have a read-a-thon.
• Decorate using school posters, and flash cards from the dollar store.

Here is a pencil that they CAN chew on! 

Back to school party snacks from Spoonful!

• Make pony bead key chains to hang on their backpacks for back to school.  Here is a link to find a great kit: Pony Bead Kit from Amazon.

Cute and easy idea from Confetti Couture

Great school themed party favor ideas and other supplies at Century Novelty. 

First Birthday Parties

Planning a first birthday party for your little one? Here are some ideas and helpful tips for a fun and hassle-free party! 

SUPER- cute party favors for baby's first birthday party from: Kroma Design Studio

There are many different options to choose from and many different things to consider in doing so. 

• First, and most important, you will want to plan the party around naptime.  You and the guest of honor will be much happier in doing this.
• Next, you will want to evaluate what kind of party to have, ie: indoor, outdoor, etc..- You will want to have plenty of room for the high chair to be set up and for tables and chairs....
  

  
  Make sure to create a backdrop for the high chair (hang fabric on wall behind, or just streamers and balloons) and even decorate the high chair itself.  You will be taking many pics of this and you want it to look great!  We found some great accessories at Birthday Express.

  
  
• Have a camera and/or a video camera charged and  ready to catch all of those precious memories on film...granted, your child may not really remember this special day, but will love to see the photos later.
• There are pros and cons to inviting a big group of family and friends to a 1st birthday party ~ but if you have the room, I say 'the more the merrier' ~ There are those who would disagree, that the baby would be overwhelmed.. but just use your own judgement.~
• As far as typical child parties having games and prizes.. We agree that that is not really necessary.  There will be enough entertainment just seeing the guest of honor taking it all in!
• As far as food is concerned, The easier the better.. it's hard enough to clean, decorate, shop, wrap gifts, and care for a 12 month old baby!  We suggest crockpot food, such as, meatballs, etc., or subs or pizzas ordered in and cans of soda and bottled water. 

Don't forget the "smash cake" for your little one to enjoy all on his/her own!  These cute ones are from https://www.facebook.com/JennifersEdibleCreations

• and last and most important~ set up reinforcements for the day (someone to cut the cake, prepare the food, help care for the baby, set up, take down, video tape. take pictures, etc..)~you will need all the help you can get!

For more tips and party supplies, visit us at www.itsapartyfullife.com/first_birthdays

Halloween is not far off...

Ok, don't be mad at me, but Halloween is really not that far off.  Party planners know that they must start now to compile their ideas to host an unforgettable shindig for Halloween!

So here are just a few photos of what we did last year at my house:

After the little kids went trick or treating, they came in for dinner.  Friends brought a dish to pass and I had the table set up with plates, napkins, silverware, veggies and dip, cupcakes and few other spooky samplings...

This was so easy to make and turned out great!  Just mix onion soup mix with cream cheese.  Form head, Cut strips of Swiss Cheese and layer over head.  Add olives for eyes and slivered almonds for teeth.  I toasted pita triangles with oregano to serve with. Viola!

Made the bats from Wilton candy molds and let the frosting melt sloppily over the cupcakes.

This skeleton was repainted since it had gotten quite marked up over the years. Still lights up though!

For more great Halloween ideas for recipes, decorations, costumes, activities, and more, check out www.itsapartyfullife.com/halloween_party_ideas

Summer Inspiration

Before summer is over... Let's plan a party!! Here are some must-do's for it!

• BBQ! Burgers, dogs, potato salad, corn-on-the-cob, and frosty drinks!
• Water! Beach, pool, sprinkler ,or water balloon fights!
• Games! Volleyball, croquet, horseshoes, or bocce ball!
• Keep cool! Icy beverages, Popsicles, and ice cream!

Summer Memories are made when you make them! Invite old and new friends over to enjoy our last few days left of summer!

For more great summer party themes and party supplies, check out www.itsapartyfullife.com

Monsters University Party Ideas

My son just went to see Monsters University and LOVED it!  So he inspired me to post some fun Monsters University party ideas:

Decorate with official Monsters University Party Tableware from Shindigz.com

Add sky blue and lime green balloons and streamers.

 

Check out this awesome cake!

 

These are perfect for decoration and for take home party favors!

Instructions from Spoonful.com

 

What a perfect game to play at your Monsters University Party!

Find this one at Amazon!

 

 

Go to http://www.itsapartyfullife.com/monsters_university for more fun ideas!

 

 

Hawaiian Chicken

It was beautiful out today, so I decided to make a tropical dinner and eat on the patio.

Mango salsa:
Chop mango, onion, jalepeno, cilantro, bell pepper, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and salt and pepper.

Marinade chicken breasts and cook slow in skillet over low/medium heat. Add pineapple rings to the tops toward the end.

Cook long grain rice and add fresh lime juice, and top with cilantro.