Category Archives: Birthday

Book Review: Push-up Pops by Courtney Whitmore

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Hello Beauties

Push-up Pops by Courtney Whitmore is an instant classic for anyone that loves entertaining.  Her new book has made it easy to impress with unique desserts.  A Push-up Pop is a little plastic device that can hold anything from cake and pudding to sorbet, cheesecake or pie filling.

Courtney Whitmore and her book, Push-up Pops

The book is divided into chapters for tips and techniques, cake push-up pops, pie push-up pops, frozen push-up pops and cookies, candies and more.

Courtney suggests using sheet pans for the cake layers.  If you turn one of the plastic pops upside down and press it into the sheet cake, you will have perfect circles that fit wonderfully into the layered push-up pops.  Plus, she provides measurements and their conversions, which is extremely helpful when determining how much to make for your guest count.

Mocha Madness

The recipes in Push-up Pops are easy and fun to make.  I do not always make my desserts from scratch but, Courtney has made it impossible to mess up the most fickle  recipes.  I love cheesecake and I love the fact that I can have my own little no-bake cheesecake treat in less than 10 minutes.

Dreamy Chocoholic

Rainbow Cupcake Party

Dreamsicle Daiquiri

Key Lime Pie

Birthday Brownie Sundae

I I have already ordered my set of push-up pops and I can’t wait to incorporate them into my next event.  Push-up Pops is available on Amazon and Courtney’s new book Candy Making for Kids is now available for Pre-order.

Also, be sure visit Courtney’s amazing site Pizzazzerie! It is on my daily must-read list because of the adorable party inspiration, recipes and DIY projects.  

Book Review: Amy Atlas Sweet Designs

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Hello Beauties

I am back from the most relaxing vacation.  I took a long weekend to unplug and get some much-needed R&R.  On the first night of my time off, I received Amy Atlas’ book, Sweet Design, from the UPS man.  I had been waiting to get my hands on it ever since I pre-ordered with Amazon. 

I was lucky enough to indulge my inner crafting goddess by reading 5 books total over my vacation: Amy Atlas- Sweet Designs; Handmade Weddings-Eunice Moyle, Sabrina Moyle and Shauna Faust; The DIY Bride- Khris Cochran; Push-up Pops, Courtney Dial Whitmore; Simply Divine Lisa Vanderpump.  I will begin a series of book reviews so stay tuned for these and new reviews each week.

Amy Atlas, Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft it, Style it

Amy Atals- Sweet Designs: Bake it, Craft it, Style it

This book is quite massive at 375 pages.  It has chapter after chapter filled with ideas for creating tablescapes.  The majority of the designs focus on the sweets table but a little imagination can inspire ideas for the whole party.  There are fourteen chapters that focus on a specific theme, such as Game Night (Ch.8), Pastel Pretty (Ch. 5), Honey, I Love you (Ch.7), and Vineyard Afternoon (Ch.12).  

Each chapter provides Amy’s initial inspiration for the tablescape, a Bake It section with a recipe for each home-made dessert featured, a Craft It section explaining how to create the DIY elements of the table (runners, backdrops, favor bags, etc) and a Style It section which explains how to pull everything together (use all ruffled elements, for example).  Plus, it offers ways to switch it up by making the beverages more adult or advising of a different color scheme that would work equally as well.  It also has advice on what to purchase pre-made (candies, cakes, decorations, etc.).  This book is a must have for anyone that loves bringing a wow factor to everyday events.

Vineyard Afternoon

Pastel Pretty

Amy Atlas includes a lot of great tips for creating a tablescape that is pleasing to the eye.  For example, use different heights and sizes for the vessels on the table.  Put the tallest containers in the back of the table so that it is easy for everyone to grab their treat.  Also, when styling your sweets table, be sure to use a few different textures to create an exciting experience.  For example, use light fluffy cotton candy, crystalized rock candy and gummy bears for the candy.  Then use, a textured table-cloth with a DIY streamer and pom backdrop. 

 

Amy Atlas hits it out of the park with her first book, Sweet Designs.  It is an instant classic and a must have for anyone that entertains in their home. 

 Have you picked up your copy of Sweet Designs?  What are your favorite chapters?

Venue Spotlight: RS/LA

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Hello Beauties

Choosing the perfect venue is critical to the overall ambiance of an event.  I love exploring new event spaces and I had the opportunity to attend an amazing party at the Rolling Stone Lounge (RS/LA) for a Clique Group, LLC networking event.  RS/LA is located at the famous Hollywood and Highland shopping center in the heart of Hollywood.

The venue offers a full restaurant and bar on the main floor, but once you go down the dark stairwell you will enter a sexy lounge that offers plenty of style.  A huge, modern chandelier dominates the main seating area and plush booths surround a circular dance floor where the hottest DJs spin every weekend.

Chill out in a private booth or dance the night away

Just a few steps away is a great bar that serves up specialty cocktails, wine and beer.  There is also more seating near this bar for a more relaxed vibe.  This venue would be perfect for a bachelorette party with your closest girlfriends or a huge birthday blowout.  There are multiple spaces to reserve, no matter the size of your event.  The decor is ridiculously hip but the attitude is relaxed and unpretentious.  Beautiful servers walk around with specialty appetizers and the bartenders are model material.

The RS/LA bar has an amazing selection of cocktails, wine and beer

RS/LA is a hidden gem in an area known for tourists and gift shops but the real surprise is the super glam, super VIP, speakeasy hidden behind the bar.  It is the real deal and if you want a glimpse of it you will have to come see what everyone is talking about for yourself.

If you are interested in booking an event at RS/LA shoot me an email (mlmworldwidellc@gmail.com) and I will work my magic! 

How to Host a Tequila Tasting Party

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 Hello Beauties

Today is my dad’s birthday so I wanted to showcase a festive party idea and what is more festive than Tequila?!  My dad taught me the importance of good tequila and how it should be sipped and enjoyed.  A Tequila tasting should be a long, luxurious event and  it definitely should not be poured from an industrial-sized plastic jug.

Drinks:

A variety of ages and styles will keep eveyone happy

The party will revolve around a bar stocked with various types of tequila.  Tequila Source describes the Five Classes of Tequila and it would be a great conversation starter, framed near the bar or written on a large chalkboard wall in the main party space.

Be sure to include a variety of aged tequila to give the guests the opportunity to pick their favorite.

I personally enjoy Patron tequila but have really enjoyed 1800, Cabo Wabo, Don Julio and Sauza.  Find a great list of the top tequila brands on Brands of Tequila‘s site.

Decor: 

A buffet style table allows guests to eat at their leisure

Muted shades of green and orange against a backdrop of white would be my color palette of choice for this party.  Sleek and modern with Cactus and succulent centerpieces can also double as party favors.

Keep things fun and festive with these amazing Pinatas from Confetti Systems.  You can order them in various shapes and colors.  They come stuffed with confetti but you can always add more treats (like mini bottles of booze, but that’s just me) through the hinged flap.

A Magical Gold Pinata is Always in Style

Food:  

A large array of warm weather snacks would be the perfect pairing to the tequila.  A giant bowl of fresh guacamole and salty tortilla chips would be delicious.  I also would create a taco station, where people can make steak, chicken or veggie tacos in warm corn tortillas.  I always like to have a big green salad at parties for guests that would rather have something a little lighter.

Ceviche is an amazing pairing because the lime juice is a great way to emphasize the flavors of the tequila.  Simply Recipes has a large selection of ceviche recipes but this one made my mouth water.

Ceviche Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes to prepare, 3-4 hours to let sit. Always use the freshest fish possible. Make the same day you purchase fresh fish.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of firm, fresh red snapper fillets (or other firm-fleshed fish), cut into 1/2 inch pieces, completely deboned
  • 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup of chopped fresh seeded tomatoes
  • 1 serrano chili, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • Dash of ground oregano
  • Dash of Tabasco or a light pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Tortillas or tortilla chips

Method

In a non-reactive casserole dish, either Pyrex or ceramic, place the fish, onion, tomatoes, chili, salt, Tabasco, and oregano. Cover with lime and lemon juice. Let sit covered in the refrigerator for an hour, then stir, making sure more of the fish gets exposed to the acidic lime and lemon juices. Let sit for several hours, giving time for the flavors to blend.

During the marinating process the fish will change from pinkish grey and translucent, to whiter in color and opaque.

Serve with chopped cilantro and slices of avocado with heated tortillas for ceviche tacos or with tortilla chips.

Serves 4-8.

Remember you can turn this bithday party into any type of event.  This would be a great house warming party, retirement party, bachelor or bachelorette party.  Take the inspiration and alter it to fit almost any occasion.

 What elements would you include at your tasting party?

Signature Cocktail: Girls Night Out

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Hello Beauties

It is Friday and that means Girls Night Out!  I will be hitting the town with my girlfriends to celebrate 2 birthdays this evening.  With our jobs, relationships and kids, our girl’s nights aren’t every weekend like they were in college, but when everyone gets together it is well worth the wait. 

First stop is my girlfriend’s townhouse for appetizers, cocktails and giggles.  Then it is off to Tantalum in Long Beach, CA for dinner at 9pm.  Tantalum is a sexy restaurant right on the water and it feels like you are on an exotic vacation while there.  It is a great venue and would work well for engagement parties and bridal showers.

The entryway and lounge area at Tantalum Restaurant in Long Beach, CA

It seems like everyone I know has a go-to cocktail.  I love a fresh, crisp glass of white wine when socializing.  I always want to try the new and exciting, specialty cocktail but it is often too strong for my tastes. 

What is your signature cocktail?  Do you usually order a beer or try something different each time?

Custom Banner Giveaway!

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Hello Beauties!

I am so excited to announce my very first Giveaway!! Yes that’s right, you have the chance to win a Customized Banner in any color, shape, theme that you want.  I love creating handmade, paper banners for all of my events and I will create a custom banner for one lucky reader.  You can use the banners as decor in a child’s room, in your classroom if you are a teacher, in wedding pictures, as a decor element at your next party or as seasonal decor in your home!!

All you have to do is Subscribe (just enter in your email address on the right), then leave a comment on what type of banner you would like if you won.  For extra entries Like MLM Worldwide on Facebook, Follow me on Twitter and/ or Follow me on Pintrest.  ALSO, if you are a teacher you will automatically get an extra entry, just leave a seperate comment advising that you are a teacher.

HOW TO ENTER:

  1. Subscribe to MLM Worldwide Event Planning Blog- Then leave a comment advising what type of banner you would choose with your email address

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

  1. Like MLM Worldwide on Facebook  -Then leave a comment
  2. Follow MLM Worldwide on Twitter and give a shout out to @MLM_Worldwide letting everyone know about this giveaway- Then leave a comment with your email address
  3. Follow me on Pintrest- Then leave a comment with your email address

BONUS ENTRY

  1. You are a Teacher- Leave a comment

So, in other words each comment will count as an entry.  There are 5 potential entries per person. Be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if you win. I will randomly choose a winner on Monday April 9, 2012!

Wonderful examples of Banners on Pinterest

I can create anything you can imagine!

GOOD LUCK!!

Happy Birthday Duchess Catherine

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Happy Birthday to the Bachelorette of the Decade
Kate Middleton

She has the class and style to make any prince weak in the knees.  It took her 8 long year to seal the deal, but this just shows that good things come to those who wait!! (I hope, lol)  It’s her 30th Birthday today and she looks as ravishing as ever.   

How do you feel about her wedding day look?