DIY Bathroom Makeover

 You all know I'm a lover of DIY party crafts! Did you know I also love DIY home projects?? Yes, I've shared a few over the last 3 years with you. However, normally I do a home projects and don't think to share. Well, I am in love with so many blogs not just party blogs but home decor and craft blogs! One of my favorite blogs is The Idea Room by Amy Huntley. I've met Amy a few times at blog conferences and she is as sweet and genuine as she seems on her blog! LOVE HER! Anyway, a while back she did a couple of DIY bathroom projects on her girl's bathroom. I said to myself....Missy (that's my family nickname...don't ask)....you can do that too! It only took me over a year to finally get started!! Here was Madison's bathroom before. I didn't start taking IPhone pics until I was already into the process but her bathroom was a jungle theme.

 Love that builder stock towel rack. NOT! Dark brown walls ~I had some cute pictures up and towels but didn't get a shot. However, I was so sick of the dark brown. It totally made the bathroom seem dark all the time. So the first thing I did was paint the bathroom a neutral beige.

 I can't stand my huge long mirrors in my bathrooms. However to replace would cost way more than I'm willing to spend. Amy framed out her mirror with baseboard. I totally copied her whole bathroom makeover. I went to Home Improvement store and bought baseboards and silicone. I followed the directions per Amy's blog and painted halfway down the back of baseboard. The mirror does reflect the other side of the baseboard and that would be totally ugly to have the unpainted surface showing! It's really not hard to cut 45 degree angles. You just need the proper tools. Let's just say the main thing I learned is to measure and remeasure before cutting anything!!

 I did this when my hubby was out of town and had no help holding up my moldings. So I used a shower curtain rod...it worked. 

 I also copied how to do DIY Faux Wainscotting from The Idea Room as well....thanks AMY!! Click on the link for step by step directions.

 My finished DIY framed mirror. I kept the paint neutral so I can add color with decor.

 I'm thinking of painting the frame black. Your thoughts?

Sorry for the quality of pics...I need to work on my home improvement shots! I still have to cover nail holes and caulk around edges. It's been like this for 2 weeks now. It's time for me to add some color and decor to this bathroom. I will keep you update you on my progress.

Current Party Trends~Vintage and Modern

Vintage AND Modern– a combination of vintage beauty and a modern flare is a huge trend this year. As seen on Bella Swan to Kate Middleton wearing long sleeves and lace has influenced this trend. I'm seeing elegant lace overlays on tables and chairs.

Lace wrapped around flower vases and mimicked in lace patterned fondant on cakes.
The super romantic use of delicate lace paired with a contemporary accent is how to achieve this trend.

I really love this look. I really haven't used this style in any of my events so I think it's time I do!!

Current Party Trends~Hollywood Glamour

Today's Current Party Trend is Hollywood Glamour

Inspired by movies like My Week with Marilyn and The Artist, there is a huge resurgence of Hollywood glamour inspired receptions and parties. Hollywood inspired receptions feature long dramatic tables for dinner as well as luxurious lounges for after dinner cocktails. Many times there is a combination of the round tables with long tables. 

 Long tables are everywhere in parties and events right now.

These extra wide tables are easily created by putting two 8 foot tables parallel to each other. I love using this method. It gives your guests lots of space and it looks really dramatic.

Even a party out by the pool can be jazzed up with a long table and some beautiful linen and chairs.

Smaller bite sized food doesn't seem to be going anywhere! I love miniature food because this way your guests get to sample multiple items and not feel so stuffed! Food presentations are becoming increasingly so much more creative than just plating food on a platter!

If you are trying to achieve these awesome creations and beautiful miniature food displays MY FAVORITE book is by Peter Callahan called Bite by Bite. This book is full of gorgeous, delicious party bites and beautiful ways to display your miniature creations by down-sizing your buffets.

Cakes for Hollywood glamour are all about the bling baby and sugar flowers. I'm not a huge sugar flower cake fan just because I can't imagine eating all of those sugar flowers. I would hate to waste those beautiful flowers however they really are gorgeous and take so much skill! I really love the look of the bling cake so sleek and elegant.
I'm getting so excited for the new launch of Maddycakes Muse in the next couple of weeks! I've always shared with you my own party world...meaning my home parties but I will start to share more of my "event' party world. I will share with you event planner secrets and how to use them in your events and home parties.

Current Party Trends~ Fairy Tale-Inspired

Being in the event industry I attend many events and conferences to stay current with what is hot. Just like fashion, event design changes each year. The next couple of days I will share with you the current trends.  

 Fairy Tale-Inspired. This trend is inspired by movies like Snow White and the Huntsman and designer wedding gowns that feature light and gauzy skirts fit for a princess. Terrariums are landing on fairy tale inspired reception tables with whimsical woodland vignettes. This is perfect for any Fall or Autumnal party. I'm also seeing seeing spun sugar on wedding cakes and cupcakes.

The ribbons on this cake is actually spun sugar....just amazing!
Popsicles have made a major comeback not just in kids parties but adds whimsy and nostalgic factor in adult parties. Generally the Popsicles at adult parties contain alcohol so watch out! 

Popsicles in champagne and a pomegranate Popsicle in shot glass. Will be sharing more trends tomorrow. Yes, I am going back to blogging on Saturday! The launch of the new and improved daily Maddycakes Muse blog is just a couple of weeks away! My third blogiversary is next week so ready for a change. I have some amazing contributors and I know you will love the new format of the blog which will provide tons of muses, DIY party crafts and activities. 

Children's Party Events: Video Series for eHow.com

If you follow my Facebook page (and you really should ~ I update it daily with tons of stuff) then you already know that I did a video series for eHow. I was contacted by a talent agent and I thought it was a gimmick but luckily I answered the email and it was legit! The series was Children's Party Events and eHow chose the topics. It was a lot of hard work but I'm really glad for the opportunity. I have been asked by eHow to do another series. My schedule is so full right now that I had to decline for right now but will probably do another series this Fall. I see all sorts of mistakes but I was hot (We had to turn off my air conditioner because the motor unit was behind the wall where I am standing and it made too much noise. It was over 85 degrees in the house!) and delirious by the 7th straight hour of nonstop working. Next time...I will stop to eat and maybe change my outfit! LOL Let me know what you think???
Can see all the videos HERE.

$100 Back To School Party Challenge

My friend and fellow party gal Tonya from Soiree Event Design challenged me to do a Back To School party spending only $100! You know that was right up my alley, right?? We both had just one week to use $100 to pull together our Budget Chic “Back to School” party design for four guests while shopping in just one store. I chose to shop in Dollar Tree and Tonya chose to shop in Target. We could interpret the “Back to School” theme any way we wanted. I love seeing how different both parties turned out. We have such different styles and creative processes. To see both parties head over to Hostess with the Mostess HERE! Make sure to go to the end of the post to see our budget breakdown at the end of the HWTM post! 

DIY Moon Sand

Today I finished up my styled photo shoot for the $100 Back to School challenge against Tonya from Soiree Event Designs! As you already know I chose Dollar Tree as my store of choice and Tonya chose Target. For the activity for my back to school party I made moon sand. Madison really enjoyed this one! This activity would be great for any space theme party or just to make for fun.

You need 2 cups of sand, 1 cup of corn starch and 1/2 cup of water. Add more water if too dry. I had blue sand on hand but any sand would work.

Madison loved pouring the ingredients in the tub and mixing with her hands! So easy to do and the kiddos will love!

Stay tuned for our finished Back to School $100 challenge coming soon on Hostess with the Mostess blog. 

$100 Back to School Party Challenge!

If you follow me on Facebook (and you should I update it DAILY) then you know I have been challenged by Tonya Coleman of Soiree Event Design to style a party only using $100 and 1 store. The theme is Back to School. My store is Dollar Tree (of course) and she chose Target. I had no idea what direction I was going with this Back to School theme. When I get in a creative rut~I just go into the store and let whatever is there speak to me. Crazy I know but it works every time! The wall stickers was my "muse" and everything else is falling into place.

I found everything I needed at Dollar Tree!

I've had company all weekend so didn't get much crafting done but here is a couple of things I worked on.

Can you tell the direction I am going? I think I know the direction my designing friend Tonya is going!

Are you more of a crafter or designer when for your parties?? Stay tuned as we reveal the final $100 party which will be featured on Hostess with the Mostess. 

DIY Edible Garden Bridal Shower

I am loving this DIY Edible Garden Bridal Shower found on Kleinfeld blog. This bridal shower was done in a very small space (the whole apartment was less than 700 square feet) for 25 people. Just goes to show you that you can still have fab in small spaces. I love how they used the height of the flowers to add dimension and fullness of space. I am so into using desks for displays....no need for tablecloths and skirts!

Love the eclectic mix of desserts! Just like a real garden.

My absolute favorite is the use of the lattice and flowers!! These flowers were all hand made by taking 20 x 24 Bristol art paper and forming a rose shape by tearing sheets and folding them from the inside out, a glue gun comes in handy for this project. The leaves are just tissue paper folded in accordion folds and twisted under the flowers and the lattice pattern on the wall is made with white ribbon! An indoor garden in an NYC apartment, no dirt necessary. GENIUS!I am on a serious kick of homemade marshmallows!! So yummo!! Mojito marshmallows---yes, please!

Peace Love Kindergarten ~ Back to School Party

 Madison's Welcome to Kindergarten play date was on Friday. If you read my Facebook then you know I totally changed the theme and everything the day before. Here is the school wreath I made. In case you missed the post tutorial here.

 Initially I was going with a vintage back to school theme but realized that I was going in the same direction that I've seen so much in blogland of apples, red and black so you know me ~ I totally changed everything (the day before....yikes)!  I came up with Peace Love Kindergarten as my theme and wanted to use bright colors.

 Here is the sweets table. I emailed my friend Abigail from Paper and Cake to get her awesome Peace, Love, and Party Printable set. I knew that it would work perfect and it did!! I love the banner I made from them!!

Simply pinned flowers and Peace, Love and Party Printables right onto tablecloth....easy!

Like my old school bulletin board as backdrop?

Here was the class schedule. During "art class" we made name bracelets and necklaces. For Show & Tell the kids were asked to bring in an item of a favorite summer memory. It was so cute watching the kids during Show and Tell! For Recess the kids swam in pool.
 Art Class- making name bracelets and necklaces.

 Composition Book favor bags I found at Dollar Tree. I posted this on Facebook, remember?

 Found these cool Peace and Love folders at Office Max to go inside favor bags...too cool, right? Favor bags had additional school supplies in them.

Packed kids lunches in old school paper bags....anyone remember using those???

 Old school lunch boxes on display.

 The Mom packs I made .... post here.

 Chalkboard cookies with Peace, Love and Kindergarten.

 They tasted as good as they looked!

 Used a flash card as a label for cupcakes.

Found these groovy tied dyed containers on clearance at Hobby Lobby...unbelievable~ such great luck! Remember the pencil gumball tubes idea that I stole got from Petite Party Studio here?

 Love these rubber band lollitpops I found at Office Max. Labels from Paper and Cake.

 Put ice cream in cupcake wrappers prior to party. Put them on a cookie sheet and placed in freezer until time to make ice cream sandwiches.

 I found this large notebook paper poster board and knew I had to have it....but didn't know what for? End up using it for a Class of 2025 and had the Kindergartners sign it. So cute!

Chalkboard cookies~ Lizzy's Sweets and Treats
Peace, Love, and Party Printables~ Paper & Cake
Pencil Tubes, Notebook paper favor bag, and pencil printable~ Petite Party Studio
Photography~ Andrea Crawley Photography