Spa Water...

Herbal Water...

Citrus Water...

Fruit Water...

Botanical Water...

Whatever you choose to call it...

I've been toying with the idea for some time now...
to get out one of my pretty drink dispensers...
fill it up with some water...
and infuse the water with some citrus, herbs and/or fruit.

With Summer approaching...
the idea sounds more and more appealing everyday.

Not only will it look pretty on my countertop...
it'll be a great way to encourage myself and my family to drink more water!

I decided to do a little search on Pinterest to see what I could find...
and I thought you might be inspired to create your own in your favorite flavor combos.
There really are no rules!

Here are a few of my favorites...

Lemon Mint Cucumber Water

by Sweet Designs

DiSCOVER | HWTM Call for Submissions

Hello party people...
I wanted to share some exciting information with you today!

Today's post is specifically for YOU...
And when I say you...
I mean those of you who love hosting parties, entertaining, styling dessert tables, crafting party decor, etc.
and who LOVE (or would love) to have your creativity featured on HWTM! (Hostess with the Mostess).

Check out the exciting announcement made yesterday on the HWTM blog:

MONTHLY CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

That's right!!

There's a NEW Monthly call that will be posted on the first of each month looking for specific parties, crafts, recipes, diys and more related to the +Hostess with the Mostess  monthly theme!

These ideas don't have to be exclusive either. 

Meaning...if you have a brand-new OR already-been-featured party, cute party craft, fabulous recipe, fun DIY, etc. 

SEND IN YOUR SUBMISSIONS!

Submissions can be super simple...

or they can be insanely creative over-the-top...

All ideas are welcome!

Here's the party call for May 2013...

CLICK HERE to check out the full announcement and submission details on HWTM.

Looking forward to seeing your creative ideas featured on HWTM!!

SiMPLE | Sweetheart Sandwich

I thought we'd start things off this week with something sweet and simple.

If you follow me on Pinterest or Instagram, you saw me post this last week...

Sweetheart Sandwich

FOR VALENTINE'S DAY AND MORE...

I had a couple of inquiries as to how to make it...

so I thought I'd share how quickly you can turn an ordinary pb&j into something extra special!
I'll let the photos do all of the talking...

MAKE iT | Quick Game Day Banner

We kicked off the Promise Me 2013 earlier today...
now it's time to get ready for Game Day Kickoff!!

With only a day or two left for Super Bowl Sunday party preps...
how about creating a super easy Game Day Banner...

Referee/Penalty Flag Party Banner

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

– Black and White Striped Favor Bags - referee shirts

– Yellow Napkins - penalty flags

– Referee Whistle

– String or ribbon for displaying

– Tacks or tape for hanging/securing

– Mini Clothespins - for attaching flags and shirts to string

Simply pick a spot you want to display the banner.
Secure the string/ribbon in the fashion you prefer.
Attach the "referee shirts" and "penalty flags" using mini clothespins.
Create a focal point by adding a referee whistle to the middle shirt.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS
Party Favor Banner :: Tuck party favors in the bags to give guests as they leave.
Make it a Game :: Turn the banner into a game.  Attach a Referee Call (see suggestions below) to each Referee Shirt. 
When a call is made during the game...first person to open the corresponding Referee Shirt gets the hidden prize tucked inside. Or you can open the bag to reveal a surprise party task for one or all guests to do. 

Referee Call Suggestions:
Face Mask, Delay of Game, Illegal Contact, Holding, Intentional Grounding, False Start, Illegal Celebration, etc.

Don't have the cute black and white bags to create a banner?
1. Print out your own black and white striped paper and trim to size.
2. Create a "penalty flag only" banner - nothin' but yellow napkins! *wink*

And if you REALLY want to have some fun...
how about picking up some of these to hand out as guests arrive...

CUSTOMIZABLE EYE BLACK STICKERS

Here's to a great weekend...
and a fabulous Game Day for us all.

RESOURCES
Black and White Favor Bags - The TomKat Studio Party Shop
Yellow Napkins - local party store
Whistle - WalMart - camping section - you'll pay double in the Sporting Section.
Mini Clothespins - WalMart - office section
Eye Black Stickers - WalMart - sporting section

KEEPiNG iT REAL
We aren't having a Super Bowl party...
but you better believe I'll be handing out the Eye Black Stickers for my little family to wear here at the house.
I'll be keeping the leftover stickers for us to wear for our Operation Phantom Pumpkin in the Fall! *wink*

Oh! Funny Story.
When I originally created the banner...it just didn't look right.
I kept looking at it and couldn't figure out what it was.
THEN...
it dawned on me!
I had originally hung the bags upright - with the stripes running horizontally.
Horizontal Black and White Stripes = Prison Uniform.
Oops!!

STYLiNG | The Pastry Pedestal • Sparkle + Shine Style

For the girl who has loved all-things-silver and platinum for most of my life...

especially the last 20 years...

I'm quite surprised by my gravitation towards the "gold" trend in fashion, home decor and style that has resurfaced.

You've seen bits and pieces of my pink + gold color palette HERE and HERE...

as I've been planning and prepping for a sweet Valentine's Day celebration.

Today...I'm hoping to inspire you with this super-easy technique 

for adding a little glitz and glam to your next showcase of sweets.

The Pastry Pedestal • Sparkle + Shine Style

This easy technique doesn't require much time or skill...
you'll be tapping into your inner child when you get out the glitter and adult-style glue.

Supplies needed:
• The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit
• Glue Dots 1" Glue Lines (or use the Continuous Glue Lines if you prefer).
• Glitter of your choice  (see RESOURCES below for links to the ones I'm using today)

DIRECTIONS:
Prepare to use Glue Lines by separating them from the roll. (approx. 9 lines for every Pastry Pedestal™ Round) 

APPLY
Apply Glue Dots Glue Lines by pressing onto the edge of The Pastry Pedestal™ Round.
Peel away the Glue Dots liner.
Continue until the entire edge of the The Pastry Pedestal™ Round has been covered with Glue Lines.

PREP GLITTER
Pour glitter onto a flat surface.
Paper or plate or better yet...a paper plate since you can easily fold it up to pour excess glitter back into its original container.

ROLL
Roll the edges of the The Pastry Pedestal™ Round into the glitter, pressing as you roll.

REMOVE EXCESS
Remove any excess glitter by shaking, tapping and even blowing on the edges.
You can even try using a small paintbrush to remove any excess? I didn't.
This will help prevent glitter from coming into contact with food items you'll be displaying - or making a mess of the rest of  your dessert table/display. *wink*

EXPERIMENT
Try using different glitter grain sizes and colors too. The one above was created using fine gold glitter. This one below is shown with a larger grain glitter.

In my opinion, I'm in love with both options!!
It really just depends on your preference for the end result.

ADD AN EDIBLE
After adding some sparkle to The Pastry Pedestal™, top it off with a pretty pastry of your choice.

Do you love them?

I can't stop staring at them!!

For me, they are "squeal-worthy" results, do you agree?

I HOPE you agree! *wink*

Last day of January!! Can you believe it?

Already one month out of our NEW YEAR - gone! Just like that!!

I'm excited to join you back here tomorrow with another simple DIY

AND...

for the official kickoff to Promise Me 2013!!!

REMINDER!!

Last day to enter to be chosen as one of THREE WiNNERS for the inspiring 52 Weeks of Gratitude Kit!

Go here for the full details about the kit itself  --------> 52 Weeks of Gratitude Kit by Live-Inspired

Go here to actually enter the giveaway --------> Enter to WiN!!

RESOURCES

The Pastry Pedestal™- www.thepastrypedestal.com 

Glue Dots Glue Lines - JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores

Fine Gold Glitter - Florentine Gold from the 3-pack glitter kit via The TomKat Studio Party Shop

Large Gold Glitter - JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores

Polka Dot Baking Cups - JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores (Easter section)

Vintage Pink Cupcake Sprinkles - The TomKat Studio Party Shop

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Those pretty cupcakes I took photos of are STiLL sitting out - displayed in my office.

I'm surprised ants haven't found them yet...

although I would guess being displayed on The Pastry Pedestal™ makes it a challenge to get to?

SHARE | Game Day Ideas

With Super Bowl Sunday on our heels...
I thought I'd share with you a couple of my favorite ideas/finds you may want to tackle on Game Day!

Whether you are a die-hard football fan that goes all out on game day...
or someone who watches the SuperBowl for the fabulous commercials and half-time show...
I'm certain you'll be inspired to try one or two of these fun ideas...

MINI PIGS IN A BLANKET

Creatively served on a shot glass filled with your favorite beverage/soda

source: Belle the Magazine 

GAME DAY PASTA BAR

So many creative finger food ideas on this table, like these cheese tortellini and basil pesto shooters

source: Under the Table and Dreaming 

MINI BURGERS/SLIDERS

With single serving french fries - complete with ketchup

source: 1 Nation 

DIY REFEREE BACKDROP AND FREE PRINTABLES

Create an easy backdrop for fun photo opportunities!

source: Hostess with the Mostess (HWTM) 

BANH MI DOGS

A variety of topping ideas to create a fun Hot Dog Bar

source: Martha Stewart

GRILLED CHEESE AND TOMATO SOUP SHOOTERS

Such a clever presentation!

source: Style Me Pretty

Are you ready to rumble? Ha!!

So which one(s) are you going to try out?
Find more ideas here >>>>> Game Day Pinterest Board!

If you've found some ideas you'll be doing I'd love to see them!
Leave a comment, share a link or send me an email: pnpflowers@live.com

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

Promise Me starts on Friday, February 1st!!
Are you in??

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Hoping to share a DIY Game Day Banner with you.
Although, I have to admit...
the first try was quite comical - I'll share details soon.

EMPOWER | How To String A Banner

Stringing a banner is simple enough, right?
What if I told you there's a little secret I use for making the process super quick?

The secret?
A large eye needle.
Using the Cookie Exchange Banner shown in the Packaging Station I shared here yesterday...
here's the step-by-step - using photos...

How to Quickly String a Banner

If you haven't tried this little trick yet...
you won't believe how much time you'll save!!

THE PROCESS:
Using a small hole punch, create holes in the upper corner of each banner panel.
String your large eye needle with the string, ribbon or yarn you'll be using.
Start stringing by going "down" the first hole and coming "up" through the second hole.
This keeps the string, ribbon or yarn to the back of each banner panel instead of having it run across the front.
Continue until all banner panels have been strung together.
Trim your string - leaving plenty of extra on both ends of the banner for hanging.

RESOURCES/LiNKS:
• Small hole punch - Fiskars
• Large Eye Needle - JoAnn Fabric & Crafts
  - this Plastic Kid's Needle works too!
• Cookie Exchange Banner - Pen N' Paperflowers

The other option is to use mini clothespins and skip the stringing process altogether! *wink*
I recommend stringing your banner if it's going to be exposed to the elements for an outside celebration...
- you never know when the wind will pick up!

I hope you'll use this technique the next time you've got a banner to put together.
Sometimes it's the littlest things that make the biggest difference.
Am I right?

KEEPiNG iT REAL
If you've got small children...
I'd invest in a pack of the Plastic Kid's Needles for future craft projects.

CRAFT | Scotch® Duct Tape Decor

The good folks at Scotch® sent me some of their fabulous NEW Duct Tape Designs...
and I'm here to share with you some fun, simple ways to incorporate it...
into your home decor,  entertaining and party decor.

Although these ideas are geared towards the upcoming Halloween festivities...
simply change up the fabulous color combinations and designer patterns and you
can adapt these easy diys for any holiday or celebration.

Scotch® Color & Pattern Duct Tapes

Shown here: "Plaid to Meet You", Green Apple, Tangerine Orange and Black

Double-sided decor is a cinch. 

Great for creating mini banners (see below), food picks and cupcake toppers

Mini Banners

Great for outdoor displays too since the Scotch® Duct Tape is weather-resistant

Tissue Tassles

Wrap a small piece of Scotch® Duct tape to add a splash of color and secure your homemade tassles

Decorative Water Bottle Wraps

Shown here: "Lace Vegas"

Tissue Roll Party Favors

Add some pizzazz by simply wrapping some Scotch® Duct Tape to the center of favors 

 Secure ends with an additional smaller strip of Scotch® Duct Tape

Wacky & Whimsical Gum Ball Party Favors

Secure a cupcake liner to the top of a gumball tube with a small strip of Scotch® Colored Duct Tape

Use scissors for fringing the cupcake liner.

I hope you're inspired to get creative with the many patterns and vibrant, colorful duct tapes available from Scotch®.
If you try them out...email your results to: pnpflowers AT live DOT com

And if you've already created some fun things of your own - I'd love to see them.
Include a link in the comments section and I'll go check them out.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

My week so far?

My 13 year old is on crutches for the next 3 weeks (result of her spraining her ankle skateboarding)

My 3 year old woke up this morning with an icky tummy.

With that said...
Scotch® Duct Tape is so FUN to use...
even my "hop-along" 13 year old daughter contributed something creative...
with her ankle elevated, of course.

Scotch® Color & Pattern Duct Tape Witch Hat

Shown here: "Plaid to Meet You" + Black

She's finishing up a wallet she started too! *wink*

STYLiNG | Tissue Paper Water Bottle Wraps

I love trying new things...
Especially when they relate to dessert table styling and entertaining...
and if the results are cute.

Well hello cute...

• Decorative Tissue Paper-Wrapped Bottle Wraps •

THE CONCEPT IS SIMPLE

Select a patterned tissue paper of choice to coordinate with your celebration

 and create your own personalized water bottle wraps

REMOVE PRE-PRINTED LABEL FROM WATER BOTTLES

UNFOLD AND TRIM

Using scissors, cut the unfolded piece of tissue paper right down the middle, length-wise.

TAPE IT

Run strips of clear packing tape across the top of the tissue paper.

The 2" width of the packing tape is a perfect size for creating custom labels to fit Zephyrhills water bottles,

IMPORTANT: Leave a 1" overhang of tape to both the beginning and end of each strip you create.

Also, leave room between each strip of tape to allow for margin of error when taping and cutting.

LiFT & TRiM

Lift CAREFULLY up on your large taped piece of tissue...

 allowing a single strip to dangle off the edge of your work surface as you cut each of the labels to size.

You can see the tape easier this way and makes cutting easier too.

TIP: Hang your cut strips from the edge of the countertop until you are ready to apply them.

WRAP IT

Using the "built-in" pieces of tape on the ends of your strips, 

start on one side of your water bottle and wrap it completely around.
Don't worry about the overlapping - unless it's completely obvious - at which point you can trim to size.

DONE!

Using packing tape to create custom water bottle labels is a cinch...

and it also make the labels a bit more "water-resistant" when serving them cold/on ice.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Imperfection. 

• STATIC CLING.  As you go to apply the tape strips, the tissue paper will rise up to meet the tape.

• Wrinkles. They are bound to happen but really shouldn't alter the finished look of the wraps 

   especially if your desired results coincide with a "rustic", "worn" or "aged" vibe 

   or as long as your selected print pattern is conducive to "hiding" small imperfections

HELPFUL TiPS:

• You MUST work on a surface that will allow you to easily remove the taped tissue strips, like a counter top.

• Use extreme caution when lifting the large, taped piece of tissue paper from your work surface, in preparation for cutting. 

Just in case you didn't know, tissue paper tears easily. *wink*

• Select a pattern WiTHOUT stripes or distinct horizontal or vertical patterns to avoid driving yourself nuts while applying the tape strips.

WHERE DiD I GET MY TiSSUE PAPER?

This a fabulous vintage-inspired paper from 7Gypsies - one of my favorite paper crafting companies.

I got it from The Shoppe at Somerset. my favorite crafting supply store and magazine publisher.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Yes...I sell custom/coordinating Water Bottle Wraps in my Esty shoppe...

so why on Earth would I be sharing an idea like this?

Because frankly...

sometimes I just don't like "matchy-match" celebrations.

Sometimes I like to throw in an unexpected dimension...

using things I already have on hand.

And to be honest...

I LOVE tissue paper and will use every opportunity to get creative with it. *wink*