Have you been anxiously awaiting the recipes I've been promising you from the Rainbow Unicorn Party?  The first one I want to share is for these...

Chocolate Sprinkles Cookies

I was inspired to make these after seeing THIS POST from Rosie at Sweetapolita.
These are SUPER chocolaty but oh so delicious! They weren't hard to make at all but you'll need to double the recipe if you are looking to feed a crowd. (and yet for me, the batter got a bit dry pretty quickly, so if you make a big batch you'll need to keep the dough covered while you've got your first batch in the oven).

I opted to use the pastel colored round sprinkles - to keep with the party theme a little better. (Not that the other ones wouldn't work just fine). BUT…I did have to pick out every purple sprinkle so they matched the party color palette perfectly. Ha!! GET THE RECIPE HERE.

Next up…the recipe for this...

Rainbow Sprinkles Popcorn

This is actually considered "Cake Batter Popcorn". It looked adorable sprinkled with the same candy sprinkles used on the Chocolate Cookies. It's SUPER sweet and it keeps the popcorn soft…not crunchy. (I personally prefer crunch). But the kids loved it and it looked cute on the dessert table. I'm honestly not a huge fan of boxed cake mix, which is what the recipe calls for, but it sure makes things simple.

The recipe came from my Popcorn Flavor Round-Up Post - 9th flavor down in the post. 
Really easy to make and since you can change out the colors of the sprinkles this treat works for ANY celebration you are having. I just filled up some white party cups and popped the clear lucite table labels (coming to the shop soon) in front and called it done!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Had you noticed there was no purple in the party scheme until I mentioned having picked out the purple sprinkles from the bottle I used for the cookies? (and popcorn too).

I'm not a big fan of purple in the first place. (cringing when I say that because I have so many friends/fans that love it and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings - *wink*). I'm trying to warm up to it again. My room was painted lavender when I was in middle school so I'm not sure what happened between now and then? I think you either love pink or purple. And I just happen to prefer pink.

Anyway…not only did I have to sort through the sprinkles, I also sifted through the shimmer sixlets and candy pearls from Sweetworks too - removing all of the lavender pastel pieces. I created my own custom mix of colors I call the "Ella Collection" - Ha! The tedious behind-the-scenes tasks that no one ever really knows about…until now.

POPCORN | Popcorn Cupcake Recipe, Kernel Season's Giveaway + TRYditions

I've got POPCORN on the brain this week - for several different reasons.

It all started with posting the Restyled Chalkboard Popcorn Bar last week. I received so many emails about how much you all loved the new edition to the original Rustic Popcorn Bar I styled - sweet, sweet emails from brides asking for tips on incorporating this idea into their wedding. I even gave out 3 FREE SETS of the new Chalkboard Style Popcorn Bar printables here on the blog!

All of this popcorn talk reminded me of a recipe I'd been wanting to make. I discovered the recipe in the September issue of Food Network Magazine. There was actually an entire section dedicated to "Fun Popcorn Treats" and the Golden Butter Popcorn Cupcakes recipe was what caught my eye and made me purchase the magazine. Not to mention the cute Kids Mini Mag inside. (there were some ideas in the mini mag I was going to use for Ella's 5th birthday party but I ended up not having time to execute the ideas - a recurring theme in my life).

Needless to say I was very intrigued by the thought of a Popcorn Cupcake! So just last week, after posting the long-awaited Restyled Popcorn Bar - I knew it was time to finally try out the cupcake recipe.

Golden Butter Popcorn Cupcakes

If you'd like to try out the recipe HERE'S THE LINK.
Also, here are some of my recommendations

TIPS:
1. The popcorn topping I used on these Golden Butter Popcorn Cupcakes was made using Kernel Season's Popping Corn and it popped perfectly!

2. I did not crush up the white chocolate covered popcorn to incorporate into the whipped topping as recommended. I didn't think it would look as pretty when I piped it onto the cupcake and honestly, I didn't see any chunks in the photo of the cupcake shown in the magazine. The chocolate covered popcorn was a little on the chewy side for my tastes. I would've liked it to be more crunchy. (Which is another reason I didn't add it to the whipped topping).

3. I think I would wait to add the popcorn topping just before serving. Like I mentioned above, the popcorn tasted a little chewy to me so I'm not sure if it was because of sitting in the whipped topping or if it's just from the white chocolate coating?

4. I personally would add a little fleur de sel to the popcorn topping - maybe just after you've added it to the cupcake just before serving?  I prefer the salty & sweet combination. In fact, I'm thinking instead of adding a white chocolate coated popcorn topping, I'd probably prefer to add some kettle corn instead. (See this recipe) That would satisfy both my salty & sweet craving along with giving it more crunch.

Now that you've got a fun Popcorn Cupcake recipe to try out…it's time for more POPCORN fun!

How about a FUN GIVEAWAY sponsored by the awesome people at Kernel Season's! After posting the Restyled Chalkboard Popcorn Bar last week, Kernel Season's reached out to me to extend a FUN offer to my PNPF blog readers! 

Would you like to be one of FOUR WINNERS 

to receive one of these adorable Party Popcorn Gift Sets?

Kernel Season's is generously offering up TWO of these...

 8 Seasoning Gift Baskets

and TWO of these…

Popcorn Party Packs

Here's a peek at what's inside the 8 Seasoning Gift Baskets
8 bottles of seasonings + 2 bags of microwave popcorn 
packaged in an ADORABLE OVERSIZED POPCORN BOX!

And here's a closer look at the Popcorn Party Packs
3 mini bottles of popcorn seasoning, 1 popcorn spritzer + 1 bag of popping corn
Those MINI seasoning bottles are so adorable!! LOVE them!!

These party packs will be perfect for the popcorn we'll be popping on New Year's Eve!
If you'd like to win one of these Popcorn Party Packs or Gift Baskets

use the Rafflecopter app below to enter.
Each task has a certain number of points associated with it.
Each point represents your name "in the hat". Do one task or do ALL of them. You choose!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And here's one more reason to LOVE Kernel Season's…

Buy any Gift Pack in December and they will send one to our troops overseas!

I just LOVE that!!! I'll be purchasing a couple myself knowing my purchases will allow a couple of packs to be sent to those who sacrifice so much for us!!

Good luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!

And thank you to Kernel Season's for offering up such a fun treat to PNPF blog readers and fans!

One final thought on popcorn…

Ema has requested we do our annual "TRYdition" of stringing cranberry and popcorn. I call it a "try"dition because there are some family traditions I've started over the years that we LOVE doing (or maybe it's just me that loves doing them?) but sometimes we just aren't able to squeeze in every year. So I guess since these traditions don't actually occur every. single. year.  they can't truly be considered a tradition in the authentic sense of the word. So I just made up the word "TRYdition" - anyone else have some tryditions of your own you'd like to share? (because I'm curious and also because I'm looking to eliminate some of the guilt I feel for not being able to follow through on every single brilliant, cute, fun tradition I've ever started - which would be absolutely impossible, by the way). *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I was really hesitant about what the turnout would be when making the Golden Butter Popcorn Cupcakes. I brought 8 of them to a church activity and let some of our church friends taste-test them.

They all gave them a thumbs up and agreed a little fleur de sel might be a good addition otherwise they had great flavor and the "cake" part was nice and moist.

RESTYLE | Chalkboard Popcorn Bar Collection

At long last I am finally posting the pictures of the re-styled Rustic Popcorn Bar I created for our Neighborhood Fall Family Picnic. (See the original version HERE).

I'm loving the versatility of this new "Fancy Chalkboard" Edition Popcorn Bar.
I've had so many people purchase the original Rustic Popcorn Bar Printables for weddings…
I decided to create this chalkboard version specifically for brides (and party planners) to be able to incorporate this fun idea into the wedding details, (or birthday party, anniversary, family reunion, fall festival), while still being able to tie in the wedding/event colors - or at least have it blend nicely. 

I did a few simple things to alter the look of the original cart...

BEHIND THE SCENES | Family Picnic Popcorn Bar

While it seems I'm being pulled in 100 different directions...
I want to share with you one of the things I'm working on behind the scenes.

I mentioned I'm in charge of the Fall Family Picnic for our neighborhood this Saturday.
One of the elements I thought would be fun to incorporate is the Popcorn Bar I created for a Family Reunion over 2 years ago! (Yes, it's been that long - craziness I tell ya!)

The original "Rustic" rendition of the Popcorn Bar (shown above) has been one of my post popular posts and a hot seller in my shoppe. I get requests to customize the printables for weddings and birthday parties all of the time.

Take for instance this awesome customized version I did awhile back for a customer hosting a birthday party for her son...

  

Blue, Orange and Charcoal Grey Textured Edition

I've been working on releasing a NEW Chalkboard version of this collection for some time now - working on it as time allows. Prepping for the Fall Family picnic was just the push I needed to finish up the new collection so I can use these new printables on Saturday!

Popcorn Bar - Chalkboard Edition 

I LOVE how this updated version is even more versatile than the original - lending itself to so many more celebration types.

It can be fancy if you want it to be or it can also be casual, fun or even whimsical.
The neutral color palette of black and white allow you to blend it with any color scheme too!

On one hand I can see this blending beautifully with that Halloween Party you've got coming up.
On the other hand....it's beautiful enough for a wedding.

See what I mean about the versatility?

I can't wait to share the SIMPLE re-styled popcorn cart - along with all of the other fun SIMPLE ideas we've got planned for the big day! (trying to keep things SIMPLE)! *wink* 
Follow me on Instagram for daily updates and behind-the-scenes peeks as to what I'm doing!
I'll try not to include any photos of me pulling my hair out! Ha!!

This NEW Chalkboard Edition has NOT been loaded in the shop yet as an INSTANT DOWNLOAD so if you are interested in purchasing this new updated version now, just shoot me an email:  pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com

Here's to a GREAT busy day ahead.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I've been up since 2:00 a.m. today.
Too much on my mind.
Too many things to get done.
NOT good.
These are all indications I need to simplify!!

So I finally got up at 3:00a.m. and went to work on the computer.
Now I'm headed to the printer and then to take "Ella Pie" to Pre-School!

I cannot believe it is the first day of October!
FREAKING out!!
Ella's birthday is next month...
and although I've been planning for months...
I haven't done much "doing"!
I'd better get to work!

Besides that...the holidays are fast approaching and I am NO WHERE ready for that yet!
Anyone else with me?
And I wonder why I can't sleep!

BEHIND THE SCENES | Fall Family Picnic and Fun Fall Craft

I wish I could give you all a peek into my brain sometimes although that would actually be pretty scary considering how scattered my brain is a lot of the time.

Come to think of it...if I just took a photo of my messy office that would be like getting a glimpse into my brain because the two look a lot alike. (organized chaos). *wink*

I have some fun things coming which means I'm doing prep work behind the scenes to make sure the "fun" actually happens.

Neighborhood Fall Family Picnic

I somehow got put in charge of organizing this for our neighborhood.
All along I have been thinking I'm keeping things pretty simple...
BUT NOW with only one weekend away...all of a sudden things are becoming frightfully overwhelming. Eeeps!!

I'm re-creating the Rustic Popcorn Bar for the Family Picnic and I'm SO HAPPY to say I'm stocked up on things I need to make that happen thanks to this box that arrived last week...  

Kernel Seasons Popcorn Seasonings, Movie Theatre Popcorn Butter, 

Popcorn Kernels and Popcorn Spritzer

Details of this fun craft coming tomorrow...

  A little something I created for a special project at the end of the week.

More details to come - and if you let me know which one art print you prefer...

 I just MIGHT be offering it up as a free printable/download. *wink*

And since we are on the topic of "Rainbows" with the Art Print I just shared...

I'm also working on Ella's 5th birthday party coming up in November.

(FREAKING out that she is turning 5!! Nooooo!!!) *sniffle*

I let her pick the theme about a month and 1/2 ago and guess what she's chosen?

A "Rainbow Unicorn" party!!

(Not surprising since she's obsessed with Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle  

from My Little Pony and she's constantly drawing and painting rainbows everywhere). 

I'm actually excited about it and can't wait to dive into the party preps.

Thank goodness I had already started working on the invitation last month - 

otherwise I'd be FREAKING out right now with all of the other fun stuff I've got going on!

I'll be back soon...

just wanted to give you a quick update on what's going on around here! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Talk about coincidence...

The folks at Kernel Seasons reached out me to tell me they still receive tons of customers from the Rustic Popcorn Bar I did featuring their products. They wanted to thank me and asked if they could send a box of new flavors and seasons. I absolutely accepted since I was already planning the Family Picnic! Awesome timing!! Thanks Kernel Seasons!! You Rock!!

RECIPE RADAR | Flavored Popcorn

Today's "Recipe Radar" post may have you craving couch-time with your favorite movie...
or perhaps even motivate you to host a movie night with your family.
Shoot!
You may be SO inspired by this collection of delicious flavored popcorn recipes...
I'll go out on a limb and say you just might decide to host a popcorn themed party.
(or at least consider putting together a Popcorn Bar  for your next celebration)?

Sweet and Spicy Wasabi Popcorn

by Kitchen Confidante

Chocolate Peanut Butter Popcorn

by Sumptuous Spoonfuls

Sweet or Savory...

whatever you might be looking for...

I've got you covered with 20 MORE flavor selections to make your

RECiPE RADAR | Party Popcorn by My Baking Addiction

Looking for a quick treat for St. Patty's day?
Need to send something in with your little one for that class party?
Thinking of surprising the office with a festive treat?
Or just want to do a little something special for your sweet family?
Well you are in LUCK!

Party Popcorn from My Baking Addiction

What I LOVE about this:
– only 3 ingredients
– quick prep time
– adorable outcome
– versatile for all occasions

This is definitely on my RECiPE RADAR!!
Go HERE for the recipe and instructions.

If you haven't checked out Jamie from My Baking Addiction yet...you are truly missing out.
She's been my go-to source for recipes since stumbling upon these delicious morsels I made
for the Lemonade and Sunshine Party I hosted for my two older girls.

Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese frosting

Any recipe posted on My Baking Addiction I've ever tried has never disappointed...

I encourage you to 

Friend her...

Follow her...

Find her...

Here's all of the My Baking Addiction social media links to feed my your ADDICTION:

Website - www.mybakingaddiction.com

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/bakingaddiction/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/bakingaddiction

Instagram - http://followgram.me/jamiemba/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybakingaddiction

I'll be back this week with the follow up on the RECiPE RADAR post from last week...

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend...

KEEPiNG iT REAL
My weekend turned out kind of quirky!?
J and Ella were gone all weekend - a short visit to Illinois with J's family.
I had grand plans for accomplishing all sorts of things while they were gone.
Instead,  I found myself in the middle of things I wasn't planning on;
...purchasing a bed for Ella.
...an unexpected afternoon visit with my mom that turned into a visit to Williams-Sonoma followed by dinner out with her.
...several trips to JoAnn's for things I never planned on purchasing.
...random last minute running around that turned out to be a HUGE time-waster
and quite unproductive.
None of it really made any sense.

However, I did manage to paint my nails with gold confetti!
Which may or may not make any sense either? *wink*

STYLiNG | Witch Themed Halloween Snack Table

I'm so excited to share with you...

the Halloween Snack Table I styled and was recently featured on Hostess with the Mostess.

I thought I'd TRiCK you by not including any TREATS on this festive table.

I figured some salty snacks were in order to help balance out the sugar rush from the excessive amounts of candy we'll all be consuming.

I hope you'll find some inspiration for your upcoming Halloween festivities.

Toil & Trouble Witch Themed Snack Table

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT
This snack table was designed to provide a festive salty grab-and-go snack station for Halloween.
The snacks were kept simple so you can spend your time enjoying the festivities that await.
Guests (and little ones) can quickly grab some salty snacks...
to off-set the sugar-induced comas they are likely to fall into either before or after the Trick-or-Treating begins.

The great thing about this table?
Set it up in your home at the beginning of October as part of your Halloween decorations.
Just add the snacks mentioned below on party night. 
OR create an interactive Halloween focal point in your home for the entire month of October...
Simply package up the snacks individually in cellophane bags.
This allows your kids or any guests that pop by to grab a quick snack on their way in or out.

FOOD and BEVERAGES
Snacks were kept super simple and included edible broom handles (mini pretzel rods...)
curdled screams (popcorn)...
and frightful fingernails (pumpkin seeds). 
If you want to serve something a bit more savory...
you could try crackers, chips, cheese trays and hot appetizers.
Customized Water Bottles...
bottles wrapped in decorative tissue paper...
keep things simple as well as provide another way to wash down all that sugar.

DIYS and CRAFTS
Decorative tissue paper water bottle wraps along with a simple Black Magic book cover are a couple of ways you can easily add some pizzazz to your decor. See links to tutorials:
• Black Magic Book Cover
• Tissue Paper Water Bottle Wraps

SOURCES/CREDiTS
• Styling, Photography and Apothecary Jar Labels: Pen N’ Paperflowers
• Decorative Tissue Paper: 7Gypsies

INSTAGRAM + BLOG FOLLOWERS

FREE Apothecary Jar Labels just for you Wednesday - Friday at midnight!
Grab them here while they are available ---> FREE Printable Apothecary Jar Labels


KEEPiNG iT REAL
Even though the original snacks for this photo shoot sat out for about 2 weeks in prep for the photo shoot...
(everyone knows not to touch things until Mom gives the "okay")
I still caught everyone snacking on stale popcorn and stale pumpkin seeds. Ha!!
Even Ella, (my 3 year old), kept grabbing the pretzel cups to take with her
as snacks in the car.

I will obviously replenish everything with FRESH snacks for Halloween night. *wink*