Wedding Planning: How SMASHing

I have been using websites like Pinterest, to help me search the internet for ideas when it comes to party planning, home organization, and fashion.  However, I still like the old fashioned, skimming through a magazine and tearing out the pictures of what I like!  

During the wedding planning process, I have been using one of my FAVORITE offline tools:  the SMASH book.  This book is a classy spiral bound book with scrap book paper already inside!   

I realize that Pinterest is so easy to use when scouring the internet, while planning an event, but I really like the fact that with this book, I can write notes to myself, keep a list of things to do in the handy back pocket, or keep it in my purse for the improptu "light bulb" idea with the half ink/half glue pen!

Note:  I was in no way compensated for this post!  I really just like SMASH books!!

    

Here it my SMASHing in progress:

  

 

Party Lighting - High and Low Light

Just like with music, lighting is a vital part of a party’s atmosphere.  Bright stage lights would be weird during an intimate date night dinner at home…. and low lights would be just as awkward during a large birthday party. 

Major lighting changes are hard to make with out buying new lamps, or re-wiring light switches to dimmer switchs (although dimmer switches are REALLY COOL!).  However, you can certainly alter the mood of the room with a few minor changes….

To create low light:

• Put a thin scarf over lamps to darken the light (Possible fire hazard, so please only do this with CFLs or LEDs, they do not get hot!)
• Use candles, or flameless candles around your event’s area to give light, but not bright bold light.
• Use side lamps, rather than over head lights, this way lighting is coming from the side, and not from over head.
• Keep colors of décor darker.

To create “high” light:

• If it’s a sunny day, open up all the blinds, curtains, and window treatments that you can! Its FREE light!!
• Use White Light bulbs, it creates a “brighter” feel
• Use bright colors or white for décor colors, they won’t take away from the “bright light”

Note:  I tried SO HARD to get pictures of lighting for this post, however I totally failed!  Here is what happened:

Cheese Cake Truffles

A while back, I shared an idea of how to turn left over cake (if you had that problem) into cake pops.  I used that same idea with a different type of dessert:  Cheese Cake!  

Look how they turned out:

I mashed up the cheese cake (crust and everything!) into a bowl and then scooped it into truffle sized balls.  Once they were frozen, I melted some chocolate and then dipped & decorated.  

If you are a Cheese Cake fan, these are DELICIOUS!

This just goes to show that, with a bit of creativity and some chocolate, left overs can be turned into decadant party treats!

Party Planning - Refrigerator Space

I don’t have a huge refrigerator… in fact, I think my fridge is smaller than most "normal" sized refrigerators (that's usually what happens in an apartment).  Soooo sometimes I run out of room in the fridge while making food for a party.  (I really hope I’m not the only one with this problem!!) 

{Note:  This is NOT my refridgerator, oh but how I would love this much space!!}

While trying to work on a solution to this problem, I have figured out a few tips on how to utilize all the space in your fridge and perhaps some tips on how to keep your party essentials “cool”.

1.       Clean out your fridge before you start making food, or buying beverages, this way you can use all the free room, rather than taking up valuable space with old and half empty food containers

2.       Think about what types of food and drinks you are going to be putting in your fridge/freezer.  It is possible by thinking prior to putting all the items in the fridge and playing tetris, you could save space by being smart!

3.       Put it in ICE…  Put your beverages on ice just a few hours before the party, this way they are chilled, but haven’t taken valuable space in the fridge.

4.       Do you have a chilly basement or garage?  Put stuff in these places if possible…

Note:  Be mindful of ALL food safety tips!  Some food may be harmful to your health if not stored at the appropriate temperature.

Fourth of July Treats!

Think of all the awesome treats you could make with this Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Cake mix.

{And only $0.99 at Aldi!!}

Cake Pops

Cake Mix Brownies

Cake Mix Cookies

Cup Cakes


Can you think of anything else to do with some awesome cake mix?