Dreamin' N Details

{TASTY TUESDAY} 'Perfect For a Chilly Day' Chili

2012-02-28T09:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Tasty Tuesday, Friends!

The smell of a big pot of chili on the stove, immediatley makes

me feel like I'm a kid again. My mom always seemed to have

something bubbling on the stove or baking in the oven.

My mom's chili is still one of my favorite 'chilly day' go-to dinners...

and has quickly become one of my family's favorites as well.

Like with almost everything that I cook, I rarely follow

recipes exactly. I like to alter ingredients depending

on what I may have handy in the cabinets or on what

our particular tastes may be that day. Sometimes I may

add a little extra cayanne for a kick...or throw in extra veggies

for the munchkin.

To me, that's the most fun part of cooking...experimenting with

flavors and ingredients to make it the 'perfect' dish for YOU!

Today I'm sharing (part of) my version of my momma's

famous chili.

{Momma's Famous Spicy Chili}

Ingredients:

1 lb low-fat ground beef
1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, undrained
1 15 oz can chili beans, undrained
1 15 oz can diced or crushed tomatoes, undrained
*I have a top-secret chili seasoning mix that I use, but
1 package of chili seasoning mix will work perfectly
1 cup spicy tomato juice (regular tomato juice will aalso work)
2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
**I also like to add 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped**

Directions:

Brown hamburger and garlic in large pot
Drain cooked hamburger and return to pot
Add beans, tomatoes, seasoning mix & tomato juice
Allow chili to simmer on low heat for atleast 45 minutes, stirring occasionally
Garnish with sour cream, cheese & fritos or tortilla chips

ENJOY!!

XOXO~ CINECA

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Banana Daiquiri

2012-02-23T09:16:00.000-06:00

HAPPY THIRSTY THURSDAY!!

Today is National Banana Bread Day...so we're celebrating

with a rich & creamy Banana Daiquiri! Time to pull out the blender

& do the Daiquiri Dance {What??!? You don't do a little dance

when blending a delicious Daiquiri??!?} HeeHee!

I may even bake some actual Banana Nut Bread later! ;)

{BANANA DAIQUIRI}

{Source}

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Light Rum
1 tsp Triple sec
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Banana Liqueur
1 Medium Banana
1/2 oz Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Crushed ice

Directions:

Pour all the ingredients into a blender
Blend until smooth
Pour into a hurricane cocktail glass
Garnish with a cherry, lemon or pineapple wedge

POUR...ENJOY...REPEAT

XOXO~ CINECA

{TASTY TUESDAY} Savory Crab Beignets

2012-02-21T08:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Fat Tuesday, Friends!

In honor of Mardi Gras, I thought a delicious New Orleans recipe was in order.

This savory spin on the traditional sweet beignet is from Mr. New Orleans

himself, Emeril Lagasse. You will be amazed at how easy &

YUMMY these savory beignets are!

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!!

{Savory Crab Beignets}

{source}

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup chopped onions

Salt

Cayenne

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

1/2 pound fresh crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage

3 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups milk

2 teaspoons baking powder

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Dash of Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Vegetable oil or Peanut oil for deep frying

Directions:

Combine the eggs, milk, and baking powder in a mixing bowl
Mix well
Add the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, beating until all of the flour is used and the batter is smooth.
Season with salt, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well
Stir in the parsley.
Add crab mixture to the batter and fold to mix.
Heat the oil to 360 degrees F
Drop the batter, a heaping tablespoon at a time, into the hot oil.
When the beignets pop to the surface, roll them around with a slotted spoon in the oil to brown them evenly Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve with Remoulade sauce (recipe below)

{Remoulade Sauce}

1 1/4 cups mayonnaise

1/4 cup Creole mustard

1 Tbsp sweet paprika

1-2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon dill pickle juice

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 large clove garlic, minced and smashed

Directions

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl

The remoulade is better if left for a few hours to let the flavors meld

Keep refrigerated

XOXO~ CINECA

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini

2012-02-16T14:27:00.001-06:00

HAPPY THIRSTY THURSDAY!

I LOVE chocolate...and I LOVE cherries!

So in honor of LOVE WEEK...

{Valentine's Day lasts a week in our house...that's how we roll}

I thought a Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini would be appropriate!

This is a very traditional Chocolate~Cherry Martini recipe,

but you could substitute a cherry liquore for the cherry vodka.

{CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY MARTINI}

{Source}

Ingredients: (makes 1 drink)

1 shot Chocolate Vodka

1 shot Cherry Vodka

1 shot Creme de Cacao

1 shot Half & Half

Grenadine

Chocolate Syrup

Maraschino Cherries for Garnish

Directions:

Chill martini glasses before mixing cocktails

Fill a shaker with ice

Add both vodkas, creme de cacao and half & half

Mix well

Drizzle chocolate sauce around the chilled martini glass

Add a {small} dash of grenadine to bottom of the glass

Pour mixture into glass

Garnish with cherries

POUR...ENJOY...REPEAT

XOXO~ CINECA

{Photo Source~ The Sweetest Temptations}

{DIY} Burlap & Doilie Pennant Banner

2012-02-13T11:05:00.000-06:00

Over the last few weeks, the Piggy Bank Parties Crew has been brainstorming & crafting for

our very first Crew Collaboration. We chose to use the Vintage Valentine Collection from

Piggy Bank Parties as our inspiration. I am VERY excited about this Vintage Valentine's Party!

Especially since Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays!

I adore burlap and I knew I wanted to incorporate it into our Vintage Valentine's Party

somehow. As part of my contribution, I created a pennant banner. I added doilie hearts to

help tie it into our Vintage theme. This banner was super easy & super adorable!

I began by cutting out a pennant template from white card stock.

Than I used my templateto cut the burlap pieces. Don't worry if your pennants

aren't perfect...burlap is meant to be imperfect {LOL}

For the hearts, I used a paper doilie. I folded the doilie in half, cut down the crease,

and then cut out 6 small hearts. The rounded edges of the doilies made perfect

guides for the shape of the hearts.

Using a glue stick, I attached the hearts to the center of the burlap pennants.

Since burlap frays so easily, I had to hot glue the pennants to the twine.

After all of the pennants were attached to the twine, I cut pink ribbon into 8 inch strips. I then folded the ribbon over the twine, in between each pennant, and let it dangle.

Here is the finished banner...AND a little sneak peek of the Piggy Bank Parties' Crew Collab

{A Vintage Valentine} See the full party here.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

XOXO~ CINECA

*Finished banner photos from Piggy Bank Partties

{VALENTINE'S INSPIRATION} Rustic Love

2012-02-10T16:56:00.000-06:00

{RUSTIC LOVE}

My mission was to put together a simple & adorable Rustic Love display,

using items I had on hand & spending very little money...and

still whip up a fun Valentine's table full of 'mini' treats for the 'mini' munchkins.

I used my favorite red desk and my grandmothers lace tablecloth. The

backdrop was created from an old broken mirror

frame, pages from a book of love poems, and a few red heart-shaped doilies.

But...as I stood there looking at my {now favorite} backdrop...I

couldn't help but think that something was missing.

And...BAM! Piggy Bank Parties saved the day with the cutest

mini banner! The alternating colors & patterns remind me of an old,

handmade quilt. I adore the banner! It made all the difference in the world!

'Have A Kiss'

The goodies included mini marshmallows, old-fashion taffy,

cherry sours, chocolate heart-shaped mini cakes, chocolate kisses,

roasted coconut marshmallows, and pink lemonade.

My sweet munchkin wanted to send Love Notes to his best friends.

To make our own rustic Valentines, we cut hearts out of red construction

paper, the book of love poems that I used for the backdrop & doilies.

He helped me glue the hearts together & write sweet notes on the Valentine's.

AAAAWWWW!!!

These adorable mini brown paper sacks would make perfect goodie bags for

the kiddos. They could load up all of the leftover sweets ;)

The munchkin loved stamping Happy Valentine's Day on the bags!

He's such a great helper!

XOXO~ CINECA

The Goods:

Mini Banner- Piggy Bank Parties

'All You Need Is Love' Toppers- Truly Chic Inspirations

Tree Bark Pencils- Pretty Little Party

Mini Paper Sacks- I received from Not Just A Mommy

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Key Lime Martini

2012-02-09T17:11:00.000-06:00

Key Lime week comes to an end with a frothy & tangy 'Pie In A Glass'

I have adapted this amazing Key Lime Pie Martini recipe many

times along the years. You can add an extra splash here & there to

create a flavor combo all your own.

{Key Lime Pie Martini}

{Source}

Ingredients:
1 1/2 shots Vanilla Vodka
3 tbs Key Lime Juice
1/2 shot Key Lime Liqueur
1 tbs cool whip
Finely Ground Graham Crackers
1 Lime, sliced for garnish

Directions:

Fill a shaker with ice
Add vodka, lime juice, key lime liqueur & cool whip
Cover and shake until well combined & chilled
Moisten the edge of a martini glass with the juice of a lime wedge
Dip martini glass into graham crackers
Strain cocktail into glass
Garnish with slice of lime

Pour...Enjoy...Repeat

XOXO~ Cineca

{TASTY TUESDAY} Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes

2012-02-07T17:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Tasty Tuesday!

It's Key Lime week in DreamLand. I LOVE anything Key Lime! My wedding cake was

Coconut Milk Cake with Key Lime Filling. And it was amazing :)

My hubby...he also LOVES Key Lime! I'll be making these Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes

for him on LOVE DAY. I think I'll use my heart shaped baking tins. Aaawww!! HeeHee

This recipe is super simple! I saw Sandra Lee make it a few years ago and

I've been making it ever since. {Gotta love Sandra Lee...Semi-Homemade, baby}

These make the perfect bite-size desserts for parties, showers or

dinner night with the fam.

*I like to add a little more key lime curd to give it a strong key lime taste*

ENJOY!!

{Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes}

{source}

Ingredients:

I package cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

3-5 tablespoons lime curd (I'm in the 5 tbs group)

6 premade mini graham cracker crusts

whipped topping

1 key lime, sliced for garnish

Directions:

Mix cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy

Mix in the lime curd

Spoon the mixture into the graham cracker crusts

Place in the refrigerator for atleast 15-20 minutes.

Just before serving, top with a small dollip of whipped cream and a lime wedge

XOXO~ CINECA

{REAL PARTY} 'I'm With The Band' Rock Star Birthday Bash

2012-02-05T21:39:00.000-06:00

{I'M WITH THE BAND}

I was so excited to help plan one of my best friend's surprise party,

We knew immediately that it had to be a VIP, Rock Star Extravaganza!

Melissa, of Truly Chic Inspirations, and I had been planning a 'Dreamin Chic'

collaboration...this party was the perfect way to combine our love for music & parties.

We decided to go with a dramatic color scheme of purple, red, black & silver.

Melissa created sparkly stars in our colors, which i hung from the ceiling over the bar.

I then turned to my friend, Laura at Eye Candy Event Details, to design a

custom Rock Star Collection. She created the concert ticket invite, VIP passes,

and food labels.

Food included a Spinach Dip with Bacon & Cheddar, Corn & Black Bean Salsa,

Carne con Queso, BBQ Lil' Smokies, Ham & Cheddar Pinwheels, a cheese

and cracker tray & a combination of crudite for dipping.

There were two Signature Cocktails at the party...

A shot, Rockstar Punch & Groupie Champagne Cocktail

The birthday girl's husband is a musician...I thought it would be

perfect to display her darling photo birthday cake in his guitar case.

Rockstar Vendors:

Collaboration, Inspiration Board, Sparkly Stars- Truly Chic Inspirations

Invite, VIP pass, food labels- Eye Candy Event Details

Photography- Stephanie Henderson Photography

Food, Cocktails, Signs, Styling- Dreamin' N Details

{WEDDING} Crystal & Brian's Fairy Tale Wedding

2012-02-04T22:15:00.000-06:00

I was beyond excited to work on Crystal & Brian's June wedding. They were an absolutely

adorable couple & just oozed love every time I was around them.

During our first meeting, Crystal told me she had finally found her Prince Charming

and that she wanted to feel like a princess on her wedding day. We

created a dramatic feel with bright bold colors of Royal Blue, Red & Silver...

and sparkle! A lot of sparkle!

{FAIRY TALE WEDDING}

The Maid of Honor & I created the attendants bouquets using red roses.

The bride carried a large bouquet of hydrangeas & carnations. It was wrapped

in silver ribbon and a rosary belonging to her late grandfather.

The bride's childhood friend served as officiant and sang the

bride's aisle song, 'It's Your Love'

Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins

The bride and her lovely girls

The groom and his boys.

I surprised the happy couple and added a little bling to their red champagne flutes.

The beautiful 3 tiered cake was covered in blue fondant and each tier was lined

with sparkly ribbon.

Coordinating, Design &Styling- Dreamin' N Details

DJ- Shane Logan

Videography- Vinson Productions

Photography- Rachel Tate Photography

Cake- Bizzy B's Bakery

Chapel- Chapel On The Creek

Reception- Savor Restaurant

XOXO~ CINECA

{RECIPE} Pina Colada Cake Pops

2012-02-04T12:37:00.000-06:00

This is one of my all-time favorite cake pop flavors! {The other is Chocolate Covered Cherry!}
There's something about the combination of Coconut & Pineapple that immediately transforms me to a tropical paradise! They're like little fruity beverages...on a stick! And these delicious bite-size pieces of heaven can be kid-friendly...or adult-friendly!

Ingredients:

For Cake:
1 pineapple (or vanilla) flavored cake mix
1 can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/3 cup light rum (optional)
1 container vanilla icing

For Coating:
1 package white chocolate, candy melts, or almond bark
1- 1 1/2 large tbs Crisco
remaining bag of shredded coconut

Directions:

-Mix cake as directed
-Add pineapple, coconut & rum (if desired) into batter
-Bake as directed in foil lined cake pan
-Allow cake to cool
-Once cooled, crumble cake into large bowl
-Add 1/3 container icing
-Mix well (dig your hands in and get messy)
-Once fully combined, begin rolling into 2 inch round balls
-Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet
-After all of the cake mixture is rolled, place in refrigerator
(you should get apx 20-24 cake balls per cake mix)
-Melt the coating, in a glass bowl, in 15 second intervals
-When your coating has melted, stir in a heaping tbs of Crisco *important step*
(this will keep your coating thin & easy to work with)
-Remove cake balls from refrigerator
-Dip the sticks into the melted coating before inserting into cake balls
-Allow to harden for a few minutes
-Hold cake pop over the bowl of coating and, using a spoon, coat well.
-Turn your cake pop as you coat it so the coating will spread evenly
-Lightly tap off any excess coating
-Cover cake pop with coconut
-Place on parchment paper and allow to harden in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes-1 hour

*Your cake pops will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator*

XOXO~ CINECA

{REAL PARTY} Candy, Cake & Cocktails

2012-02-03T19:24:00.001-06:00

Every year in December, my close-nit group of friends and I throw a party to celebrate Christmas and all of our December Birthdays {6 of us all have birthdays in the same week}

This year, the theme was Candy, Cake & Cocktails.

I wanted the party to be colorful & fun and really celebrate the time of year and all of our unique personalities.

{Candy, Cake & Cocktails}

I turned to one of my favorite designers, Laura at Eye Candy Event Details, for the printable collection.

Laura took my vision and nailed it with the festive invitations, food labels, favor tags, party cards & welcome sign! She even created a beautiful free subway art that happened to match perfectly...SCORE!

My sweet friend, Carmen at Pom Flair, sent me this wonderful pom-pom cake bunting! LOVE!

These were a few of the goodies that I served for the 'Candy' portion of the party. Chocolate Covered Bacon {you can find the recipe here} Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Shooters & of course Skittles.

The gorgeous...and delicious...Champagne Cookies were from the uber talented, Linda at

Frog Prince Cake & Cookies, the amazingly life-like Cupcake Ornaments were from Kam N Co,

and the cake was Chocolate Coconut.

We had homemade Peppermint Bark & Chocolate Covered Pretzels.

These miniature Fondant Cupcake Topper works of art were created by the wonderful, Maria

at Love & Sugar Kisses. They were absolutely adorable & absolutely delicious! And here's a closer look at the custom Faux-Cupcake Ornaments that I used as favors.

For the 'Cocktails' portion of the party, we had two Signature Cocktails...

Rudolph Red Champagne Punch & this blue beauty, Silent Night Martini!

You can get the recipe for Cin's Silent Night Martini here. It was a BIG hit!

As a special treat for all of the birthday boys & girls, I wrapped up mini gift bags of Salted Caramels

from Sandy at Firefly Confections. Believe me when I say these caramels were AMAZING!

I definitely kept plenty for myself & will be ordering more in the future!

The food consisted of BBQ Chicken Sliders, Turkey Bacon & Cheddar Pinwheels,

Sun dried Tomato & Provolone Pinwheels, BBQ Lil Smokies, and

Bacon Wrapped Herbed Lil Smokies.

Rockstar Vendors:

Photography- Krista Campbell Photography

Styling, Food & Desserts- Dreamin' N Details

Printables- Eye Candy Event Details

Champagne Glass Cookies- Frog Prince Cake & Cookies

Tissue Pom Cake Bunting- Pom Flair

Faux Cupcake Ornaments- Kam N Co

Fondant Cupcake Toppers- Love & Sugar Kisses

Salted Caramels- Firefly Confections

{Love & Thanks to Jeannie Robinson, Brian & Jennifer Batchelor & Chris Strobel}

XOXO~ CINECA

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Red Wine Sangria

2012-02-02T15:10:00.000-06:00

Happy Thirsty Thursday!

And...Happy Groundhog Day! Punxsutaney Phil may have seen his shadow...and we may be in for 6 more weeks of winter...but with 60 degree days so far this year...thats fine with me!

The sun is shining, there's a slight breeze in the air, and I cant stop thinking about sitting on the patio at one of our favorite local restaurants, drinking their famous homemade Sangria.

My friends and I would sit in the sun, on this cute little patio, and people watch in the funky downtown area of our college town. We quickly fell in love with their fruity & festive Red Wine Sangria. Over the last few years, the hubby & I had become friends with the owner and bartender. Needless to say, we were bummed to find out the restaurant would be closing! No more famous Sangria???

So...on their last day in business, the hubs & I went in for one last dinner & pitcher of Sangria. At the end of the night we were excited to see that the owner had slipped the recipe in with our bill. WooHoo!

This is a very basic recipe and can be altered to fit your taste. Any mixture of fruit & berries would be delicious!

{Fruity Red Wine Sangria}

Ingredients:

1 bottle Red Wine (any brand or flavor you prefer)
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 pear, diced
1 red apple, diced
1/2 cup green or red grapes, cut in half
1/2 cup orange juice
2 oz triple sec
3-4 cups ginger ale or sprite

Directions:

-Pour wine into a large pitcher
-Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds if possible)
-Add orange juice and triple sec.
-Chill 4-5 hours, overnight if possible
-Add ginger ale and ice just before serving.

Pour...Enjoy...Repeat!!

XOXO~ CINECA

{photo credit Cow Town Chow}

{Football Food Frenzy} Super Bowl Snack Ideas

2012-02-02T12:30:00.000-06:00

Football is a BIG deal in our house. The hubby & his football-lovin buddies take over the living room, load up the fridge with cold beverages & shout at the TV. You can't celebrate Super Bowl Sunday without friends, fun & of course...Food!

Traditional football food is always a big hit...but I love to put an unexpected twist on everyday burgers & potato skins. Here are a few of my favorite Football Foods...with a KICK! Serve these yummy appetizers at your Super Bowl Party & you're guaranteed to score a TOUCHDOWN!

Pepperoni Pizza Dip is an interesting twist on the normal chips & dips & can be customized with all of your favorite toppings. Serve with crusty bread, crackers or chips.
And my favorite, Loaded Nachos with beef, jalapenos, tomatoes, melted cheese sauce & sour cream. {For a change of pace, try BBQ Chicken Nachos...YUM!!}

To add a KICK to your chicken wings, try these delicious Asian Zing Wings. They are amazing with a Peanut Soy or Teriyaki dipping sauce.
These BBQ Chicken Pig Skins are a must at all of our football celebrations. Loaded with chicken, BBQ sauce, bacon & sour cream....who could resist?!

I'm a huge fan of mini foods! Cheeseburger Sliders pack a serious punch in a small portion! Your guests can customize their sliders with their favorite toppings...and how cute is the presentation of a baby dill for garnish?!

Another favorite in our house, Super Bowl Sunday or any day, are Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos.
These spicy & delicious jalapeno poppers can be stuffed with your favorite cheeses, chicken, pork...the possibilities are endless.

What football game would be complete without a cold beverage?! I love displaying drinks in metal tubs...and how cool are these Football Jersey Koozies??!! LOVE them!! {Especially since my 49ers made me so proud this year!!}

Let's not forget the sweet treats!! I'm in love with these amazing 'Football' Truffles from Pizzazzerie & Chocolate Covered Football Strawberries. Such easy & adorable football themed desserts!

I hope you are inspired to add your own twist to the traditional {but delicious} football food that we've all come to know & love. Happy Super Bowl Sunday!!

Photo Sources:

Pizza Dip: www.mybakingaddiction.com
Loaded Nachos: www.budgetbytes.blogspot.com
Asian Zing Wings: www.relish.com
BBQ Chicken Pig Skins: www.savoryreviews.com
Cheeseburger Sliders: www.fishfoodblog.com
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalepenos: www.armidacooks.blogspot.com
Metal Tub: www.amazon.co.uk (Portable Fridge)
Football Jersey Koozies: www.fansedge.com
Football Truffles: www.pizzazzerie.com
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: www.berries.com

{RECIPE} Oreo Cupcakes with Oreo Buttercream

2012-02-01T12:30:00.000-06:00

For my Cupcake Lovin' Friends...Melissa from Truly Chic Inspirations

is sharing a DELICIOUS Oreo Cupcake Recipe!

ENJOY!! xoxo

Inspired by a recipe I recently came across I created some delish chocolate Oreo cupcakes with an Oreo butter cream frosting. My husband was in sweets heaven!

Cupcake Ingredients: Chocolate fudge cake mix & 1 package of double stuff Oreos

Directions: Mix the cake batter as directed, add 6 crushed Oreos to the batter, line each cupcake wrapper with 1 Oreo (optional), pour in batter and bake as directed.

Frosting: You can find my butter cream frosting here. Using the food processor I added 6 double stuff Oreos to the frosting mix. Simple and so yummy!

{TASTY TUESDAY} Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

2012-01-31T17:05:00.000-06:00

Happy Tasty Tuesday!

Today's recipe makes an amazing appetizer or meal. Serve with a yummy Cilantro-Lime Rice and some Grilled Veggies ...and you have a delicious dinner. The shrimp can also be replaced by scallops (although the cooking time will be a little longer depending on the size of your scallops)

{Grilled Bacon Wrapped Shrimp}

{Photo Source}

Ingredients:

18-20 medium shrimp (apx 1 lb) *I buy deveined & peeled shrimp*
1 lb of good quality bacon
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (found is Asian food aisle)
juice of 1 medium sized lime
3-4 garlic cloves, diced
1 tbs spicy mustard
sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Wooden Skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning)

Directions:

-In a large bowl or zip lock baggie, combine oil, teriyake, lime juice, garlic,
mustard, salt, pepper & shrimp
-Marinate at least 1 hour (but no longer than 3 hours)
-Before removing shrimp from marinade, cut bacon strips in half and
cook until partially done
-Allow bacon to cool for a few minutes
-Remove shrimp from marinade
-Wrap each shrimp with a half of a piece of partially cooked bacon
-Slide 5-6 shrimp onto each water soaked skewer
-Grill shrimp over medium heat, 3 minutes on each side. It will turn a light pink color
*Shrimp cooks very fast and will get tough if it's over cooked*

Serve with a spicy cocktail sauce or Asian peanut dressing for dipping. ENJOY!!

XOXO~ CINECA

Photo Source- Savory Reviews

{HOW-TO} Valentine's Day Cookies-N-Cream Cake Pops

2012-01-30T17:22:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that Cake Pops are a party trend that won't be going anywhere soon.
Adorable, delicious, individual cake balls on a stick...who wouldn't love them?!?!

One of the most popular flavors of cake pops in our house
(next to Strawberry & Pina Colada) is Cookies-N-Cream. My 3 year old runs
around the house chanting 'cake pops...cake pops...cake pops'

So, for Valentine's Day, I'll be making cute, little heart shaped cake pops for
my two loves.

I start off by baking a {boxed} chocolate cake. Then I finely crush half of a package of Oreos.
Once the cake has cooled, crumble into a large bowl, add 1/3 can of vanilla frosting,
the crushed Oreos and mix well. Don't be afraid to dig your hands in and get messy!

To create heart shaped pops, I use a silicone ice cube tray and cute cookie cutters. I also keep plenty of sprinkles & icing on hand.

Fill your mold with the cake & cookie mixture. Place in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to let

them set and become firm enough to work with.

Remove from the mold & begin melting your coating. You can use colored candy melts,

chocolate chips or almond bark.

Once your coating is melted {and this is VERY important} add one tablespoon of Crisco.

The Crisco will keep your coating smooth and much easier to work with.

-Dip your sticks into the coating before inserting into the cake pops.
-Give them a few minutes to harden
-Then, using a spoon, coat your cake pop.
-Lightly tap the stick on the edge of your bowl to let the excess coating drip off.
-Place on wax paper or stick in a styrofoam brick to dry.

*I like to put them back in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before I decorate them*

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

xoxo~ Cineca

{BLOG LOVE} And The Award Goes To...

2012-01-28T23:48:00.000-06:00

A BIG Thank You to my friend, Lisa at The SweetTalk Shop

She is so sweet & supportive...that she chose to award my little

{often times ignored...by me!) blog with the

Liebster Award.

Liebster is German and means 'dearest' or 'beloved' but it can also mean 'favorite'. The idea of the Liebster Award is to bring attention to blogs with less than 200 followers. So, in the spirit of good fun I am passing this award on to 5 other bloggers.

Please click over and visit them. Then decide if they may be one of your new favorite blogs!

The RULES are:

Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.
Post the award on your blog.
Bask in the love from the most supportive people in the blog world-other bloggers.
Finally and the best rule of all.......have fun and spread the love!

It's now my turn to pass the award along. And the Liebster Award goes to.....in No Particular Order!!!

Melissa at Truly Chic Inspirations

Maria at Love & Sugar Kisses

Mayra at In Flight

Meli at Blush & Jelly

Jennifer at Inspiring Giggles

**Honorable Mention goes to an amazingly talented crafter & blogger

(even though she has more than the cut-off of 200 followers) xoxo

Staci {The Crafty Queen} at Lizard & Ladybug

Please stop by their pages & show them some blog LOVE!! Trust me...they ROCK!!

XOXO~ CINECA

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Sparkling Pear Martini

2012-01-26T19:20:00.001-06:00

This unique & delicious martini is a MUST-TRY! The refreshing taste of pear along with the bubbly burst of champagne, creates a cocktail celebration in your mouth!

{Sparkling Pear Martini}

{Source}

Ingredients:

1 oz Pear Flavored Vodka
1/2 oz Pear Juice
Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Sliced Pear for Garnish
Sugar to Rim the Glass

Directions:

In a shaker, add ice cubes, vodka & pear juice
Shake well
Strain into sugar rimmed martini glass
Top off with Champagne
Garnish with slice of pear

Pour...Enjoy...Repeat

XOXO~ CINECA

{TASTY TUESDAY} Momma's Chicken Corn Chowder

2012-01-24T12:24:00.000-06:00

For today's Tasty Tuesday, I'm sharing one of my family's favorite dinners... Momma's Chicken Corn Chowder

This easy & delicious chowder is the perfect comfort food for those chilly, winter nights. I often play around with the ingredients to give this dish a whole new taste. Feel free to put your own spin on it! Enjoy!

{Chicken Corn Chowder}

Ingredients:

2 pieces bacon, diced
1 medium potato, diced
3 cups corn
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt & fresh ground pepper, to taste

Directions:
Boil chicken & Set aside broth
(You can substitute a fully cooked rotisserie chicken)
Shred cooked chicken
Cook Bacon. Set aside
Reserve 1 tbs bacon grease in pan
Add potato, corn, salt & pepper
Saute over medium heat until potato softens, apx 10minutes
Add chicken stock, cooked chicken
& bacon.
Simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in milk & cheese.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Garnish with bacon & cheese.

XOXO~ CINECA

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Cucumber Bloody Mary

2012-01-19T15:10:00.001-06:00

Happy Thirsty Thursday!

It has been a long crazy week, my friends! Today I find myself thinking about traveling. When I travel to new cities, one of the first things I do is search for the BEST Bloody Mary in town.

I've had delicious Bloody Marys in Memphis, Key West, San Diego, Austin & Myrtle Beach. But luckily, my all-time favorite Bloody Mary is 45 minutes away...in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Last summer, my friend, Gray, served up a tasty twist on my traditional meal-in-a glass. I've been hooked ever since! Enjoy!

{Cucumber Bloody Mary}

{Source}

Fill a pint glass with ice
Add 1 1/2 oz Cucumber Vodka
Fill glass with Tomato Juice
(I prefer a nice spicy premade mix)
Sprinkle of Celery Salt
Dash of Worcestershire Sauce
Dash of Hot Sauce (to taste)
Stir completely

Garnish with celery stalk,
olives & a lime wedge.

XOXO~ CINECA

{TASTY TUESDAY} Chocolate Covered Bacon & Fried Pickles

2012-01-17T17:53:00.000-06:00

I LOVE food! It doesn't matter if it's sweet, savory, spicy or somewhere in between...I'm a full-blown Foodie! I even read cookbooks just for fun!
On this {Tasty Tuesday}, I'm sharing two amazingly delicious appetizers. They may sound a littlE different...but trust me when I say...You'll thank me later!

{Chocolate Covered Bacon}
{photo by Krista Campbell Photography}

I became hooked on this AWESOME appetizer while planning a wedding last June. {300 guests...that was a LOT of bacon!}

This super easy & super yummy appetizer is always a crowd pleaser...if you have 3 people or 300 people.

-Start with a good quality, thick bacon
-Cook in skillet, or in over, until crispy
-Dip in melted milk chocolate
-Let chocolate harden on wax paper
-Then prepare for the stampede to
the table

**For an extra punch, provide caramel for dipping**

{Fried Pickles}
{source}

Fried pickles are a staple in the south. I've been eating them since I was old enough to chew...maybe even before.

I like to try different flavors of pickles & to experiment with different seasonings to give my fried pickles a kick.

-Drain pickles (slices or spears) in
a colander & lightly pat dry with a
paper towel
-In one bowl add apx 1 cup of flour,
season to taste (ex: Cajun)
-In a separate bowl, whisk 3 eggs
-Heat approximately 2 inches of
cooking oil in a large skillet
-Using tongs, dip each pickle into egg, then flour -Allow to fry 2-3 minutes on each side -Drain on paper towel

Serve with ranch (I LOVE spicy ranch) and ENJOY!!

XOXO~CINECA

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Black Cherry Mojito

2012-01-12T20:16:00.001-06:00

It's cold & yucky outside, but all I can think about is sitting on the beach...my toes in the sand...a good book by my side...and a chilly beverage in my hand! Tonight, I'll be pretending that I'm on a beach...join me!

One of my favorite beach drinks is a refreshing & minty mojito. Lately, I've been experimenting with new flavors to give my traditional mojito a little kick. Right now I'm hooked on the Black Cherry Mojito.

INGREDIENTS:

1 part Black Cherry Rum
1 part Light Rum
Juice of 1 whole Llime
½ part Simple Syrup
10-12 Mint Leaves

Black Cherries
Lemon-Lime Soda

Lightly smash mint and a few cherries

in bottom of a glass.

Add lime juicse and simple syrup.

Fill glass with ice and add both types of rum
Top off with soda

Garnish with mint & cherries

Pour...Enjoy....Repeat...

{source}

XOXO~ Cineca

{GIVEAWAY} 'Push-Up Pops' by Courtney Dial

2012-01-12T16:21:00.001-06:00

Happy Thursday Party Friends!

I'm so excited to bring this amazing giveaway to you!

The uber sweet...and uber talented...Courtney Dial of Pizzazzerie, will be releasing her first book...Push-Up Pops...in March!! I couldn't be happier for Miss. Courtney!

{Check out the book's website, here, for a full description, book tour info & ordering details}

AND...Im very excited to announce that one lucky duck will be winning an

autographed copy!!! {WOOHOO}

Entering will be very easy!

1) Leave a comment here letting me know what kind of Push-Up Pop

you would love to make!

It's that simple!!

**BONUS ENTRIES**
1) Become a fan of Dreamin' N Details on Facebook & leave a comment with your FB profile name.

2) Follow my blog & leave another comment telling me that you joined the party.

3) Share this giveaway on twitter, FB, or your own blog & leave another comment with the link. Be sure to tag me when you share (by using the @ symbol before Dreamin' N Details)

GOOD LUCK!!

xoxo~ Cineca

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} Signature Cocktails~ Cin's Silent Night Martini

2012-01-05T14:59:00.000-06:00

Its not a surprise that I love throwing adult parties
just as much as I love throwing kid parties!

Yummy food, good music, cocktails & adult conversation is a
welcomed change to the everyday routine of snack time,
endless Buzz Lightyear, picking up toys & a spoiled 3 year old.

One of my favorite elements of adult parties...are the Signature Cocktails.

{And yes, they usually involve Champagne}

Recently, on Pinterest, I found a beautiful BLUE cocktail for a
'Candy, Cake & Cocktails' Christmas Party.

It was called a SILENT NIGHT MARTINI {by grin and bake it}

I played with the original recipe and put my own spin on it...

Cin's Silent Night Martini

INGREDIENTS:

Mailbu Rum

Pineapple Juice

Blue Curacao

Cherries & Pineapple Wedges

DIRECTIONS:

Mix equal parts of Malibu & Pineapple juice, with a

generous splash of Blue Curacao, and ice in a shaker.

Pour into a sugar rimmed martini glass.

Garnish with Cherries and/or Pineapple Wedges

Enjoy...Repeat...

**Candy, Cake & Cocktails printables
designed by Eye Candy Event Details &
photography by Krista Campbell Photography**

Here are a few of the Signature Cocktails I've done in the past.

Rudolph's Red Champagne Punch
for the 'Candy, Cake & Cocktails' Christmas Party

'Cin Capone' Champagne & Prohibition Punch

for a Roaring 20's Christmas Party

Rockstar Punch & Groupie Champagne Cocktail

for an "Im With The Band" Birthday Party

xoxo~ Cineca

{2011 REWIND} A Year in Dreamin' Parties 2011

2012-01-02T10:10:00.000-06:00

2011...A Year of BIG Dreams!

I was lucky enough to work on some AMAZING events, parties & weddings,

meet some AMAZING party chicks, make some AMAZING friends & create AMAZING memories!

{Yes...it was an AMAZING year}

Here it is...My crazy, busy, FUN year of Dreamin' N Details parties.

I started the year making A LOT of Cake Pops!

My cake pops made appearances at a Whimsical Valentine's Shoot designed

by Khalia at The Party Muse

A traditional Korean Dol Celebration (a 1st Birthday) designed by Ellen of Ellen Bessette Events

A colorful & sparkly Tie-Dyed 1st Birthday designed by Talia at Luxe, Event Design

The 1st Sunshine State Dreamers into Doers meet & greet, organized by Melissa at Truly Chic Inspirations

A Super Hero Birthday Party designed by Anders Ruff.

I loved making the cake pops, but to be honest, they were a LOT of work!

And thankfully, in February, I was overloaded with new clients and special events.

The cake pops took a back seat and I got busy planning!

The first party of the year was a Little Sweet Peas Valentine's Party

for my munchkin and his best friends. I still love the fun colors of this party!

In April, I collaborated with Melissa, at Truly Chic Inspirations to design an awesome

"I'm With The Band" 32nd Birthday Party for a client and friend.

Also in April, I put together a super fun Zebra Chic Dance Party for a client's 13 year old daughter.

Complete with DJ, lighting, a graffiti wall, disco ball & punch fountain.

May brought another super fun and colorful client birthday party. I was so excited to work on

this 'We Are All Mad' Tea Party. My client's daughter was turning 15 years old and LOVED

Alice In Wonderland...but she wanted to add a funky twist. I adore every details of this party!

In June, I worked on two amazing weddings {both on the same day} I was more than happy with how

they turned out. This 'Fairytale Wedding' was all about the sparkle. My bride & groom had found their Happily Ever After, and they wanted their big day to reflect that storybook feeling. They chose Royal Blue, Red & Silver as their colors and I added Sparkle to everything! The cake is still my favorite element!

September was a fun month of parties! The first party was a

Surprise 50ish Wine & Cheese UnBirthday for my sweet momma! It was held on a beautiful Sunday evening

in my backyard, was a small gathering of family & friends, and was a wonderful day!

I made an array of Tuscan inspired appetizers & desserts and we drank wine well into the night.

The second party of September was my munchkin's 'Scooby Dooby Doo-Rific' 3rd Birthday. He loves Scooby Doo, so that was an obvious choice for his BIG day! Although it thunder stormed for a week straight before the party & I had to scramble to move the entire party inside, it turned out perfectly! We had a fruit & dessert 'Scooby Snacks' table, Scooby-inspired favors & a 'Build Your Own Scooby Dog' buffet.

*This might be one of my favorite parties of the year* ;)

In October, I put together a memorial benefit for a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. The Cody Theiss "Live It Then Give It" Organ Donation Benefit was held in honor of my late brother, who helped improve or save the lives of countless people through the beautiful & selfless gift of organ, eye & tissue donation. We celebrated his life that day with music from our closest friends, food, a silent auction & raffle. The proceeds were all donated to the Arkansas Donor Family Council. <3

Also in October, I participated in a Family Harvest Day at a local pumpkin patch and corn maze.

I set up a cute little Halloween display, gave out candy &

loved watching all of the little kiddos run around the corn maze!

I know I've talked endlessly about the CPN 'Party Girls Rock Memphis' Meet & Greet in November,

but it really was one of the highlights of 2011 for me. My fabulous co-hosts {Laura & Brittany} and I worked to plan a VIP night of mingling, networking & FUN for 20 of the coolest chicks in the party world! The event was held on Saturday, November 5th at a local Memphis restaurant,

Automatic Slims. A few of us met on Friday and Rocked Memphis for the whole weekend!

I made some wonderful friends & had one of the most fun weekends of the year!
Thank you Children's Party Network {Natalie & Kristy} for your support!

And last, but certainly not least, was the 'Candy, Cake & Cocktails' Christmas/ Birthday Shindig. There were two signature cocktails, delicious mini appetizers, and enough candy and desserts to last well into the new year! This party exceeded my expectations & was a perfect party finale for

Dreamin' N Details.

xoxo~ Cineca

{DIY} Christmas Ornaments, Gifts & Crafts

2011-12-15T22:03:00.000-06:00

This year, I decided I would take on the challenge of making ALL of our Christmas gifts myself (except for the munchkin's presents from Santa)

Of course, my first stop was PINTEREST. I found so many adorable...and easy...ideas there!

{Santa's Belt Ornaments}

These are the easiest homemade ornaments EVER!

All you need is:

Clear Craft Ornaments

Red Filler (I used gift confetti)

A Glue Stick

Silver or Gold Glitter (for the buckel)

Strips of Black Felt (long enough to wrap around the ornament)

Simply remove the ornament topper, stuff with your filler, glue the felt around 'Santa's belly' and

paint on the belt buckel with the glitter...WAH-LAH!!

{Snowman Soup}

This idea & the adorable printables came from the fabulous, Kori,

at Paper & Pigtails {THANK YOU, KORI!}

I gave these delicious Hot Chocolate jars to our neighbors and friends.

Needless to say, they were a BIG hit...and so so yummy!!

{Candy Cane Label Holders}

These fun label holders were created after another DIY project failed.

I simply glued two small candy canes together, leaving enough room between

the two canes to slide in a food label or place card. I LOVE how these turned out!

{Peppermint Candy Tree}

This fun & easy Candy Cane Tree was created last year by the

uber talented, Chris Nease, at Celebrations At Home. I love her

amazing style & attention to detail! XOXO

Merry Christmas xoxo~Cineca

{RECIPE} Pumpkin Spiced Latte

2011-11-28T14:23:00.000-06:00

I recently shared ONE of my favorite fall beverages on Piggy Bank Parties' blog OINK...Im finally sharing it with you!

**Favorite Drink #2 will be coming next week {And It has a kick}!**

Fall is my FAVORITE time of the year! The trees begin to turn vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow & purple, the breeze gains a crisp chill, and I can finally pull out the fuzzy socks, sweaters & blankets.
As soon as I see that first leaf fall from the trees & feel that first chilly breeze, I begin to crave pumpkin. Not pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread...but a warm, delicious Pumpkin Latte,

Like many of us, I like to save a buck or two whenever possible. The easiest way to 'trim the fat' (pardon the pork pun) is to make my own lattes.

I was introduced to the pumpkin spiced latte at a bonfire cookout last winter, and have been hooked ever since. I have tried many variations of this recipe, and this is by far my favorite. I like to grab a comfy blanket, the newest Bon Appetit or Real Simple magazine, and cuddle up on the porch with a warm, yummy Pumpkin latte. I prefer mine without the whipped cream :)

**Disclaimer, I like my lattes to be very sweet & have a strong pumpkin flavor. And I don't measure precisely when I'm cooking LOL...But I do have the measurements here for everyone else's benefit**

Ingredients:

2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup strongly brewed coffee
(whipped cream for garnish, if you live on the wild side)

Preparation:

In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, add coffee and milk. (Try to keep mixture from boiling)
Whisk in pumpkin, spices, vanilla & sugar.
Simmer for 30 minutes, whisking periodically.

This mixture makes enough for 2 large mugs, or 3 smaller mugs. I often double the recipe if I have guests coming over.

Simply garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Beautiful & Delicious!

xoxo~Cineca@ Dreamin' N Details

{GIVEAWAY} CPN Rockin Memphis Super Swag Bag

2011-11-12T16:46:00.000-06:00

Hello my party friends! First, I have to admit that I'm wearing my Rockin Elvis glasses as I write this post. Channeling a little 'spirit' of Memphis! LOL

I know you've all read the posts & have seen {some} of the pictures!! But unless you were there...I can't even begin to tell you how much fun we had, the amount of inspiration that was gained & the friendships that were made! I will, however, along with many of the other girls, be sharing blog posts with more details & pictures...SOON!!

{The Party Girls}

{The hostesses, Brittany of GreyGrey Designs, Cineca of Dreamin' N Details

& Laura of Eye Candy Event Details

with our Special Guest, Miss. Courtney of Pizzazzerie}

SO...without further ado...who's ready to win the ROCKIN MEMPHIS SWAG BAG #2??!!? Trust me when I tell you...this thing is crammed full of party AWESOMENESS!! More than 25 Generous Party Vendors contributed goodies!! {P.S...opportunity #3 will begin next week with Eye Candy Event Details}

Here are the easy-peasy rules:

1) You MUST be a member of Children's Party Network to win. Not a member?

No worries, you can join here. It's FREE & it's AWESOME!

2) "LIKE" the hostesses' Facebook pages, Dreamin' N Details,

Eye Candy Event Details & GreyGrey Designs...Then share this giveaway,

with links to our pages, with your friends! LEAVE A COMMENT HERE

letting me know that you have 'Liked' and shared all 3 pages.

*The contest will run until Monday, Nov 14th at 11pm Central/ Standard Time*

GOOD LUCK!!! XOXO

{Superstar Sponsor Spotlight} ~Piggy Bank Parties~

2011-11-02T18:38:00.000-05:00

My sweet friends, Do & J, make up the dynamic duo that IS PIGGY BANK PARTIES. If you love throwing amazing parties on a piggy bank budget (and honestly, who doesn't) then you will LOVE Piggy Bank Parties! They are my go-to design team for everything fun, funky & unique! {Im particularly in-love with the Mad Hatter, Zebra Chic & Scooby Doo Collections...HeeHee} Not only do they design & hand-draw custom invitations & partyware, they also provide crazy inspiration on their blog, Oink!

Straight from the piggies mouth:

"I am the co-creative director and co-owner of Piggy Bank Parties along with my husband, J. My job titles also include lead designer, event planner and stylist, marketing manager, editor and head writer of Oink! and all-around top pig! I have always loved handcrafting cards for family and friends using whatever supplies were readily available–construction paper, glue, tape, scissors, crayons and markers. I have a B.A. in Music and Communications and my background includes corporate and social event planning, invitation and stationery design, hand and digital calligraphy, logo and custom artwork design and photo styling.

Piggy Bank Parties wouldn't be possible without my business partner and hubs, J. He is our lead artist, photographer, webmaster and the real man behind the pig! J has a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering and his background includes software development and website design, invitation and partyware design, logo and custom artwork design and book cover illustrations. As a creative duo, it has been our dream to create a place where we could help people plan and execute easy, fun and memorable parties on a Piggy Bank budget. Our motto is…a little piggy bank + a little inspiration = a Piggy Bank Party!

We also own Piggy Bank Parties’ parent company, Autumn Writings: Digital Calligraphy & Stationery for All Seasons, which we started in 2000. The Piggy Bank Parties’ printable division launched in 2010 as a way to offer our custom designs at affordable prices. Our work has been featured on Hostess with the Mostess, Pizzazzerie, Celebrations at Home, Kara’s Party Ideas, Catch My Party, Children's Party Network…and Oink! to name a few."

1) What is your favorite Elvis song? During college we performed a silly dance number to "Jailhouse Rock" for our Fall Banquet, "Escape from Alcatraz." Special memories of planning the banquet and hangin' with my friends come flooding back whenever I hear it.

2) Do you have any tattoos? If so, what are they? No tats on this pork chop...just a Grade A stamp!

3) Who is the ONE famous person you would LOVE to design a party for? Tough question. I'm not a person who gets star struck and I'd love to plan a party for anyone who'd let me. If I had to choose though, I would want to plan a 50s inspired Christmas party for Bing Crosby in hopes he would sing all the songs from "White Christmas" and "Holiday Inn."

4) Where is your dream vacation spot? My magical vacation spot is Disney World. One day you can travel to Africa and the next to Hawaii. It's also where J and I spent our honeymoon so it has a very special place in my heart!

5) Tell us one thing that we would never guess about you. I was a college music professor and my class schedule included bowling which I team taught with another faculty member!

6) Who is one of the FIRST people you connected with online...and are still friends with? Kristy, The Purple Pug. I was totally drawn to her clever wit and endless support of party chicks! She is real, hilarious and one of my closest confidants.

7) What is your favorite candy/dessert/food? That's a toss up between anything dark chocolate and warm homemade bread. One of my favorite treats on a cold night is warm homemade bread with peanut butter and a mug of hot cocoa...yum!

8) What is your ALL time favorite concert you've attended? Being a former musician, it's hard to narrow it down to one but it would have to be a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. The first summer we were dating, J planned a surprise trip to the Kane County Fairgrounds for an all-day concert event. He packed an amazing picnic and after the concert I went backstage to meet Steven. It was a perfect day!

9) If you weren't doing this job, what would you be doing? Teaching music and theater.

10) The BIG BBQ Question: Dry Rub or BBQ Sauce?? BBQ Sauce...the sweeter the better for these pork loins!

{Superstar Sponsor Spotlight) ~Malu Boutiques~

2011-10-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

Sweet Maylene from Malu Boutiques blows me away with the beautiful handmade party decor in her shop and party inspiration on her blog! Her shop is full of cuteness!! {P.S....I LOVE the Vintage Baby Girl Collection} Check out her selection of Invitations, Party Favors, Party Hats, Thank You Cards, Cupcake Toppers, Signs & Banners! You'll be in love also! xoxo

And now a little about Maylene & Malu Boutiques...in her own words...

"Welcome to the blog of Malu Boutiques, handmade party decor. I am Maylene and I work with my mom, Lourdes (thus the name: Malu.) We work together in making party favors and little trinkets. Ever since I was a child I've enjoyed doing ANYTHING crafty with my mom. I have been married for 8 years and we have 2 children, my son who is 8 and my daughter who is 2. I also work full time in an Gyn/Onc office. I'm an obsessive scrapbooker and my mom and I both LOVE to throw posh parties and make beautiful party favors."

1) What is your favorite Elvis song? I'm really not an Elvis fan. Think he's cute, but songs no thank you.

2) Do you have any tattoos? If so, what are they? NO, but would love to get one if I wasn't a chicken

3) Who is the ONE famous person you would LOVE to design a party for? Celine Dion

4) Where is your dream vacation spot? Hawaii

5) Tell us one thing that we would never guess about you. I was born in Germany

6) Who is one of the FIRST people you connected with online...and are still friends with? G "Superchick"

7) What is you favorite candy/dessert/food? Anything with chocolate.

8) What is your ALL time favorite concert you've attended? Celine Dion

9) If you weren't doing this job, what would you be doing? I do both. I work fulltime as an Ultrasound Technician ina gyn oncology office then this is my night fulltime job ;)

10) The BIG BBQ Question: Dry Rub or BBQ Sauce?? BBQ Sauce

{Superstar Spotlight} ~In Flight~

2011-10-24T17:11:00.000-05:00

I "met" Mayra when she purchased her ticket for the CPN 'Party Girls Rock Memphis' event. She immediatly struck me as a super SWEET and FUN Party Girl, and I LOVED her adorable party ideas & inspiration blog. I was thrilled when I learned that we both were chosen as members for the brand new Piggy Bank Partie's Crew.

This is when I learned that Mayra was taking her inspirational blog, In Flight, to the next level and launching a full- service event planning business, In Flight Celebrations, LLC. I know she will do an amzing job & I can NOT wait to meet this creative, party planning momma in Memphis!! xoxo

Here is a little that Mayra wanted you to know about her:

"My name is Mayra Rivera and I'm the proud mother of three. Married to my high school sweetheart and living in Knoxville, Tennessee. I started In Flight as a Party Ideas and Inspirations blog in October 2010 to share my own ideas as a Mom and it has become my dream come true to have my own business and do what I love, party planning! I am launching that business as In Flight Celebrations LLC officially in November this year. If there's room for more dreams, and I know there is, then I hope to have my own established event venue one day and a fabulous shop to go with it!"

**I wanted to have a little fun with our {Superstar Spotlight} questions. Here are Mayra's answers:

1) What is your favorite Elvis song?

Shame on me for not being a big fan, I consider Elvis to be before my time and I'm not familiar with his songs but I know he's never forgotten and still rocks!!!

2) Do you have any tattoos? If so, what are they?

Am I consider a good girl if I don't have any? I don't! Always wanted a dragonfly but it might be too late, lol!

3) Who is the ONE famous person you would LOVE to design a party for?

Ohh my, lots to think about on this one! But I'd love to design a stylish table to enjoy delicious food from a famous chef like Tom Colicchio, or Tyler Florence.

4) Where is your dream vacation spot?

Venice, Italy in a few years when the kids are gone :)

5) Tell us one thing that we would never guess about you.

ha! that I don't like to cook!

6) Who is one of the FIRST people you connected with online...and are still friends with?

The only person I have had the pleasure to meet it's Lori in Florida from Lori's Place on Etsy. I did first connected with Susan Schrock from Susan's Greetings and Brandy Faulkner from Brandywine Designs and they are still the first people I think about when I have to shop on Etsy. I can't wait to meet with Kori from Paper and Pigtails one day because she was the first designer I bought from and still my fav!

7) What is you favorite candy/dessert/food?

Tiramisu and Pecan Ice Cream are tied on my list...

8) What is your ALL time favorite concert you've attended?

Shakira!!

9) If you weren't doing this job, what would you be doing?

I love being a 'stay at home mom' which this job brings me the opportunity to do too so I always say that I have the best of both worlds!

10) The BIG BBQ Question: Dry Rub or BBQ Sauce??

BBQ should be good enough not to need it, as the hubby always says...Dry Rub!!

{REAL PARTY} Scooby Dooby Doo-Rific 3rd Birthday

2011-09-30T22:42:00.000-05:00

For my munchkin's 3rd Birthday, I wanted to give him a party that HE would love. Big question...how do you make a 3 year old happy?? Well my 3 year old LOVES Scooby Doo, so the party theme was a no-brainer. I had very high hopes for this party and began planning MONTHS ago! I spent hours making tissue tassels...{THANK YOU Purple Pug for the rad tassel tutorial}...paper chains...and planning adorable & fun details.

You can imagine my stress (full blown freak-out) when it decided to thunderstorm for the whole week & day of the party. I went into scramble mode to move the entire party...and 30 guests...inside. I could do an entire blog post on the projects, games, kid's tables & details that had to be scrapped. HOWEVER...the party came together and the kids had a great time! {Happy munchkin= Happy momma}

The AMAZING custom invite & gift tags

Entry table full of goodies for the kiddos. Scooby Doo 'dog tag' bracelets, homemade Scooby crayons, Scooby Snacks & Glow necklaces

My Sweet Boy

The CRAZY Scooby cake ;)

The Scooby Snacks Fruit & Dessert Table included fruit kabobs, banana pudding cups, pineapple fruit dip, dog bone pineapple & cantaloupe, fruit salad cones & Scooby lollipops.

{Reused} Kandy Kones

Mystery Punch

The Popcorn Table

'Build Your Own Scooby Dog' Table

This cutie was suppose to be for an outdoor 'Toss the bone in Scooby's Mouth' game

Lennon & his new girlfriend...too cute!

Party Rockstars

The munchkin's adorable custom invitation, banners, stickers by Piggy Bank Parties

The cutest Scooby Lollipops from The Whimsical Boutique

Awesome retro Hot Dog & Popcorn banners, food tents & stickers from Simply Creative Printables

Adorable gift tags from Truly Chic Inspirations

All painted signs...giant hot dog, front porch sign & Scooby by my uber talented sister Savannah Cloud

Killer Kandy Kones by Celebrate Today...The Superchick Way

'Lennon's Momma' Blinged-out T (for me) by TiniPosh

Fondant Scooby Works of Art by Lynlee's Petite Cakes

Scooby cake from SugarMama Cakes

{REAL PARTY} Wine & Cheese 50ish UnBirthday

2011-09-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

For my first PIGGY BANK PARTIES post, I chose to go with my momma's 50ish UnBirthday Wine & Cheese Shindig. Sadly, we lost our brother 6 years ago, on our mom's birthday in November. Since that tragic day, my mom has refused to acknowledge, let alone celebrate, her birthday. This year, my sister and I decided we would pick a random day in September and throw her a surprise party! What better way to enjoy a lovely September evening UnBirthday than with Wine & Cheese??!!?

I made an array of goodies for us to snack on while we enjoyed our wine. The main table displayed a meat & cheese tray, homemade Spicy Olive Tapenade, Parmesan & Garlic Crostini & a Balsamic Vinaigrette Dip for the bread.

The desserts included mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes, Wild Berry Tarts & Fresh Fruit.

In order to achieve the rustic, old-world "feel" I was going for, I played on a neutral color scheme of olive green, brown & tan, and added pops of color with bouquets of wild flowers. I also incorporated a lot of burlap, twine & raffia. The flower vases and hanging jars are old Mason jars wrapped in burlap and tied with twine & the tables were covered in burlap.

I've been collecting wine corks for a very long time. They came in very handy for this party. I used them in several different ways. They looked adorable in vases for decoration, and they served as food label holders. I saw the cutest wine cork place cards in a magazine, and thought "Duh, I can make those!" I cut a slit in one side of the cork, and then shaved approximately 1/4 inch off of the bottom (so they would sit flat) I cut out squares of brown, green & tan card stock and tied them together with a few pieces of raffia. I hand wrote the food names to keep the rustic feel. WHA~LA...the cutest food labels EVER ;) LOL

The adorable Eleanor at Pink Peppermint Paper made the cutest invitation for my mom's surprise Wine & Cheese shindig. I was so happy with the proofs she sent me, I could barely pick just one :) I think this invite set the tone perfectly. Thanks Doll xoxo

I am so happy with the outcome....and I am even happier that my sister and I were able to celebrate our momma's UnBirthday with such a fun...and Yummy...Wine & Cheese Party ;)

P.S. That cork collection was years in the making...I'm not a total wino! HeeHee

xoxo~ Cineca

Party Girls Rock Memphis

2011-08-21T13:15:00.001-05:00

Saturday November 5th

Party Planning Chicks, Bloggers & Party Lovin' Mommas...Join us for a Girl's Night Out in Fun & Funky Memphis, Tennessee

We have a delicious dinner planned, amazing swag bags, door prizes & a night of party talk with some amazing party girls!

$45 inclusive/ CPN member

Hosted By

Cineca Newburn

Laura Londergen

Brittany Schwaigert

With Special Guest Courtney Dial

of Pizzazzerie.Com

{Superstar Elvis Sponsors}

{VIP BBQ Sponsors}

Intrigue Design Studio

Pom Flair

The Party Muse

{Swag Sponsors}

This event is open to all CPN members. Not a member yet? Join for free here.

TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT!!

(REAL PARTY) Hog Wild 1st Birthday

2011-03-31T16:41:00.000-05:00

{HOG WILD 1ST BIRTHDAY}

For this lucky little boy's First Birthday, his Arkansas football-lovin parents, wanted him to go HOG WILD!

The kids 'Called The Hogs', chowed down on an array of goodies, including a cookie cake & an amazing Razorback smash cake, pigged out on some delicious BBQ, and played touch football & Pin the Tail on the Hog. This Hog Wild party scored a TOUCHDOWN with the kids & adults!

WOOOO PIG SOOOIEEE!!!

Razorback Cake- Cakes By Raylene

Cookie Cake- Cookies & Co.

The Invites & Hog Chow labels were created by the party momma

Wedding Inspiration Board

2011-03-11T20:58:00.000-06:00

Always & Forever

This beautiful, afternoon wedding puts a spin on classic BLACK & WHITE with modern hints of Hot Pink.

images from TheKnot.com

{Mompreneur...Party Girl...Rockstar} Having It All?

2011-03-08T16:32:00.000-06:00

Right now I'm taking a break from the Craziness that is my life...looking at a million toys scattered on the floor...watching emails pile up...and thinking..."Can I Have It All...Can I Do It All?"

As a self-proclaimed RockStar, I usually feel like I can take on the world. I want to be front row at the coolest concerts...jammin my favorite songs with the windows down...staying up late enjoying cocktails with the coolest chicks I know.

But as a mommy, wife & business owner, I often question if I can keep up. Have I read a book to LC today...what am I going to cook my family for dinner tonight...did I remember to call the caterer today...when was the last time I washed my hair??

I absolutely love my life!! I have a wonderful husband...the cutest, craziest little munchkin...a job that I LOVE (and often get to do in my PJ's.) My worry is that I won't be "the best" at everything I do...my fear is that I won't get everything done today...my struggle is to get the laundry folded while trying to keep my clients happy...and thanks to the inspiration from the ever-sweet & uber-talented Do, at Piggy Bank Parties...my goal for the day is to paint my nails ;) xoxo, DO!

When I start to feel frazzled and think that I seriously CAN NOT look at another table setting or cupcake topper...I take a deep breath, step away from the computer, and hug my sweet munchkin. How lucky am I that I get to plan happy days for my sweet clients...and play peek-a-boo at the same time?!?!! P.S...A nice glass of wine doesn't hurt either! ;)

Keep Dreamin' Big, Party Mommas...Cause We Can Have It All !!

xoxo~ cineca spring

"I WANT MY MTV"

2011-03-07T16:37:00.000-06:00

So today...like most days...Im feeling nostalgic! I LOVE music...couldn't live a day without it! But what I really love...are music videos!! Who remembers music videos?

In the good ol' days, MTV actually meant Music TV. And it actually played MUSIC! (Not to mention some really great shows...Headbanger's Ball, Remote Control, Beavis & Butthead...)

MTV debuted in 1981. I was almost 2 years old, for the record ;) The first music video shown was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles...The second video was Pat Benatar's "You Better Run." And in true rockstar fashion, "Carouselanbra" by Led Zeppelin was played as the closing credits rolled on MTV's first broadcast.

Sadly, MTV took a serious nose-dive sometime around the mid 90's...and has never been the same!

I know I'm not the only party girl chanting..."I WANT MY MTV"

Whimsical Love Birds

2011-03-03T15:25:00.000-06:00

The amazing Khalia at The Party Muse put together this beautiful Valentine's Table. I was lucky enough to be included with an amazing group of party girls! xoxo

Styling- The Party Muse & Dahlia Galas

Printables- Ann-Margaret's SpeacialTea Shoppe

Cake Pops- Dreamin' N Details

Cupcakes- Lic-a-riche

Marshmallow Pops-Stix N Pop's

Cookies- Dandy Delights

{REAL PARTY} Splish Splash Birthday Bash

2011-03-02T21:08:00.000-06:00

Our munchkin, Lennon Cody, turned 2 in September. What better time to have a beach
bash! It was 98 degrees...even the grown ups ended up in the sprinklers!

My plan was to have a really cool cake, yummy snacks & an ice cream sundae bar. But it was so hot, I was scared to death to bring the cake and the ice cream outside. So I waited until the very last minute...as everyone began to sing Happy Birthday...to run inside and finally bring out the super cool cake. And it turned out perfect!

Since it WAS a beach party...the kiddos needed the necessities...water guns, sunglasses, sidewalk chalk, tropical leis. bubbles, swirly straws...and a purple octopus & a yellow submarine, of course!!

It was a great party all the way around! The kiddos were loving the pools and sprinklers...and really loving the ice cream sundaes, chocolate dipped Rice Krispies, Swedish Fish, M&M's & Cheddar Sharks!

To see many more pictures, please visit Dreamin' N Details on Facebook

Photography by Rachel Tate Photography

Cake by Cakes by Raylene

Snacks & Styling by Dreamin' N Details

{REAL LIFE} Party Planning & Potty Training

2011-03-02T20:37:00.000-06:00

Starting a new business is hard...for anyone! Add in sleepless nights and long days with an energetic two year old, and it can feel almost impossible.

I have wanted to plan parties since I was a little girl. I love entertaining my friends and family with food, music, and a festive atmosphere. However, after my son was born, I had to take some time off to put on my "mommy" hat. Dinner parties were replaced with late night feedings, cocktail hour was replaced with bath time, and concerts were replaced with "Itsy Bitsy Spider."

Even with all of the changes in our schedules, our routines, and our lives, watching Lennon grown, learn and become his own independent little person has been the single most rewarding thing in my life.

Now that he is two, I have decided its time for mommy to follow her passions. But where do I begin? My excitement literally boils over! I sometimes have 20 ideas swirling through my head all at once. The problem is that most of the time, those ideas pop up when I'm chasing around a rambunctious toddler...cooking dinner...or cleaning up potty "accidents."

It can be very difficult to devote the much needed time blogging, making contacts on Twitter, keeping up-to-date on facebook, designing a website, attracting clients, organizing parties, and remaining a present and involved wife and mother. It often means missing story time, spending late nights on the computer, and working when you would much rather be playing.

The flip side is...Im so happy with my new business venture! Im so excited to have a fun and rewarding career opportunity. I love what I do and I know that a fulfilled (hopefully successful) and happy mom will benefit my family. Its going to take work and practice to learn how to juggle wife, mommy and business owner. But once I master that, this whole throwing parties gig...will be a breeze :)

{REAL PARTY} Roaring 20's Weekend

2011-03-02T20:25:00.000-06:00

{The Newburn Speakeasy}

In December my husband & I had a Roaring 20's Christmas/Birthday Party for 15 of our closest friends. We spent the weekend at the most amazing & beautiful lodge, The Cedar Crest Lodge on The Buffalo River. It was the perfect setting for The Newburn Speakeasy!

You cant have a Roaring 20's Party without Flappers, Gangsters, delicious food, champagne &

martinis. So we had it all!! Starting with our two signature cocktails...

{"Cin Capone" Champagne Cocktails & Prohibition Punch}

We served Grilled Jalapenos Wrapped with Bacon & Stuffed with Chicken & Cheese, Sesame Steak Skewers, Stuffed Mushrooms, Mini Muffaletta Sandwiches, Mini Crab Cakes with Cajun Remoulade, Shrimp Cocktail served in Martini Glasses & Spinach, Bacon & Cheddar Dip. It was so yummy...and all gone at the end of the night! In the morning, we recovered with a Bloody Mary & Bagel Bar.

And last but not least...dessert! We served Oreo Cheesecake Pops, Chocolate Covered

Cherry Cake Pops, Mini Eclairs & three different Roaring 20's inspired cakes.

I can definitely say that a good time was had by all...and that it was an amazing Birthday Weekeend!!

To see many, many more pictures from this party, please visit Dreamin' N Details on Facebook.

Photography by Brian Batchelor & Jeannie Robinson.

Lips & Mustache Props available at Living Locurto

Food, Desserts & Styling by Dreamin' N Details

Cakes by Jennifer Wallace

Dreamin' BIG in 2011

2011-03-02T19:52:00.000-06:00

2011 is all about DREAMIN BIG!!

So...here's a quick recap of 2010...

Since I started this blog, in September, so much has happened! I've gotten to know some amazing party girls...I joined the Children's Party Network...I became a Cake Pop maker...I planned some really fun parties...and I learned so much about (attempting) to juggle raising a 2 year old & running a business.

The Crazy Awesome Party Girls

There are some people that are just cool, supportive & fun! I have been lucky enough to connect with some of these party chicks...and I am so glad that I did!

{Melissa @ Truly Chic Inspirations} You were such a sweetheart from day one...you are always so supportive...and you love music as much as I do! It was so heart-waming to see how hard you and {Carri @ The Sweet Spot Candy Bar} worked to create, market & sell the Holiday Sweets Cookbook. With all benefits going to St. Jude Children's Hospital, I feel very proud to be a part of such a wonderful cause! Good job girls!
Melissa, you have such a talent and I am so happy to call you a friend! I expect great things from you! I cant wait to see what we scheme up together in 2011! Oh...and...you sent me the coolest ornaments EVER!! <3 <3 <3!!! Thank you!

{Kristy @ The Purple Pug} Girl, your honesty and "tell it like it is" attitude made me adore you from the beginning! Not only are you the purply, sparkly, queen of glitter...you are so helpful & supportive to everyone in the party biz! I can't even tell you how happy (ok giddy) I was when you made me your 14th "Pug Crush of The Day" And on Halloween...how awesome is that!! I look forward to much more glittery awesomeNESS & inspiration from you!! You make me want to be a better, more badass party girl! xoxo

{Nikki @ The Sweetest Thing} My Sweet & talented twitter & facebook friend, you can make an amazing cookie!! Im so glad we ran across each other and decided to team up for a giveaway! I have had a blast getting to know you and watching you blow up in the last couple of months! I cant wait to see what you have up your sleeve for 2011

The Children's Party Network

I was lucky enough to join the Children's Party Network the first week it was created. In just a few short months, Creator of CPN & Owner of Little Shindigs, {Natalie Robles}, has developed the CPN into a children's party heaven...with over 1,000 members! It was through the Children's Party Network that I was able to participate in an amazing collaboration with some of the most talented women in the party business. The idea was 1 party theme...A Black & White Children's New Year's Eve Party. 2 teams...East Coast vs. West Coast....and 2 totally unique & amazing designs. I partied for the West Coast, along with Party Starters, The Sweet Spot Candy Bar, Not Just A Mommy, The Paper Cupcake, Little Shindigs, Piggy Bank Parties, Frog Prince Paperie, Hank & Hunt, Grey Grey Designs, Cupcakes & Cutlery, Oh Goodie Designs, Terri's Treasures . Our theme was "Movie Matinee with The Little Rascals"

You can see many more West Coast Team pics on the CPN: http://bit.ly/goVyP5

The East Coast Team, led by the famous Purple Pug, did an equally amazing job! Their concept was a "Black & White Comic Strip New Year's Eve

This photo, and many more, from The Head Pug @ http://bit.ly/iftwOn

{WEDDING} Everlong

2011-03-02T15:11:00.000-06:00

{EVERLONG}

Joshua & I were engaged in January and chose October 16th as the date. Our wedding had to be planned in 9 months...and on a budget! I had to take the ideas in my head and make them work on a realistic level. Luckily, I have some amazing (and talented) friends and family. I knew how I wanted our wedding to "feel," I just had to figure out how we would make it come to life.

I worked very closely with one of my maids of honor, Shauna, and we designed and created nearly every aspect of the wedding ourselves. She is a genius on the computer, so she came up with the most beautiful invitations, response cards, stickers and VIP passes for the wedding party. Her mother designed a monogram that we put everywhere! From the guest's Chinese take-out favor boxes, to the Message in a Bottle Programs, to the cake and hand-made champagne flutes. Joshua and I even had the monogram tattooed on us after the wedding

My other maid of honor, Katrice, and my bridesmaids, Jeannie, Jennifer, Stephanie & Daisy, were amazing during the whole process! Katrice performed Otis Redding's "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" at our reception, as well as helped to create my hand-made bouquet and the boutonnieres. Jennifer made the most beautiful origami cranes and Jeannie helped to design a yummy Candy Buffet and an amazing Memory Table. I wouldn't have made it through the wedding without them xoxo LOVE YOU GIRLS!

Our cakes were made by Food Network's award-winning, Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe. Our cake was a delicious Coconut Milk Cake with Key Lime Filling...simply decorated with bamboo shoots, brown ribbon and our monogram. The Groom's cake was a replica of his 1955 Championship Wooden Duck Call. (My hubby is a big duck hunter)

My sister, Savannah Cloud, was ordained as a Revrend in order to marry us. Our dear friend, Shene Robinson, played the acoustic versions of "Everlong" by Foo Fighters as I walked down the isle and Van Morrisson's "Into the Mystic" for our first dance. Joshua and I wrote our own vows and promised to love each other "Through the Good & the Bad...the Beautiful & the Ugly"

Our family and friends were so supportive and involved in every aspect of planning our amazing day! It was absolutly perfect! We put our own unique spin on every aspect of our wedding...and we wouldnt have changed a minute!

Photography- Laura Fickett Photography, Brian Batchelor, Jeannie Robinson & Joe Purdy

Bride & Groom's Cakes- Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe

Venue- The Garden Room in Fayetteville, AR

Styling & Planning- Dreamin' N Details, LLC