[DIY] Party Life

Who decided that adult parties can’t be just as thoughtful, creative and entertaining as kid’s parties? Most of us have either attended or had our share of themed kid’s celebrations, with plates and napkins emblazoned with popular cartoon characters or a cake shaped like your favorite sports equipment. A little thought and creativity can go a long way. The fun doesn’t have to stop earlier in life! Plan an adult themed party like this one for instance…

Jay-Z Themed Celebration

[Invitations]

Use your favorite artist’s album covers or themes to invite your guests. One of my favorite Jay albums is The Blueprint. What better way to inform your guests about your celebration than to create a special “blueprint” detailing all the who, what, where, when and why. You can also print actual outlines in blue on tracing paper to layer inside your paper contents.

[Attire]

[“My favorite hue is Jay-Z Blue.”] Did you know Jay really has his own color? Have your guests join you in their favorite touches of blue in honor of your Mr. Carter themed celebration. Though I love Jay, blue S. Dot’s need not apply!

[Decor]

Create tablescapes using shades that will complement your guests’ touches of blue. Name each of your tables after a favorite song from any album. Some of my faves include “Reasonable Doubt,” “Politics As Usual,” “Allure,” “Sunshine,” and “Forever Young.” Don’t forget to include menu cards detailing some of the creative food and drink choices available.

[Food and Drinks]

Ty Ty Mai Tai

Say what up to Ty Ty…Still sippin’ Mai Tais. You don’t need a best friend named Ty Ty to enjoy Mai Tais with your guest. Pay homage to a lifelong friend with a signature drink, the “Ty Ty Mai Tai.”

Sweet drinks not your thing? Other acceptable options from Mr. Carter himself, “That D’usse is the ish if I do say so myself”…. “Gold bottles of the Ace of Spades“…. and if you really want to throw it back, “Armadale poppin now, only bring a jigga more”

Banana Pudding Cups

….Plus she fed me…banana puddin’ was in the hood then. Spark up some Shawn Carter nostalgia for your guests by including this classic dessert in a miniature serving size. Bonus points for which guest can rap the verses to Momma Loves Me and eat the banana pudding at the same time.

Queen Bey Cake Pops

Watch out for the BeyHive. What’s a Jay function without his leading lady? Give your guests some of Jay’s honey by featuring a “Bey” Cake Pop option.

Empire State Pizza

A bite from the Big Apple. Although, NY pizza is usually foldable and comes in a large slice, these bite sized pizza cupcakes will have your guests with an “Empire State of Mind.”

[Favors]

I think this goes without saying but, MAKE A PLAYLIST! The best part of this party will be the tracks you self select for your guests to enjoy. Create a special playlist using a site like spotify and send it to all of your guests as a thank you for a memorable night. Also feel free to give out special gifts like copies of “Carlito’s Way, “Streets is Watching,” or “Reasonable Doubt” for the best touch of blue ensemble and the guest who could finish the most Jay lyrics. If you really want to impress, deliver a Cohiba to a few privileged guests.

Lastly, invite me and have fun! Remember, “When you’re blue, you got nothin’ to do…head into the party life.”

Seasonal Soirée

Halloween is cool, costumes can be cute, but I’m more of a soirée type of girl. My favorite season is Fall. I love admiring the changes that take place in weather, clothing, and overall mood. Most of us prepare our minds and stomachs for family oriented holidays like Thanksgiving, and the coveted super shopping family tradition of many, Black Friday. If you love Fall as well or just need an excuse to spend time with your favorite people, minus the costumes, bring in the Fall season by hosting a fabulous Fall Soiree!

[DECOR]

Use warm colors like deep oranges, browns and golds to accent your soiree. Tablescapes featuring familiar autumn touches like branches, leaves and pumpkins will definitely show your appreciation for fall. Don’t forget to have your favorite fall scents, like Pumpkin Spice or Cinnamon Apple Cider permeating throughout your venue.

[ATTIRE]

Things are warming up! Invite your guests to wear their favorite chunky sweaters and flyest boots to bring in fall in a festive way. Show out in a chic fur vest or your softest scarf. Add a touch of sparkle with a scarf pin.

[BEVERAGES]

What’s a soiree without a signature drink or two or three? Once your guests arrive greet them a festive fall beverage. Here are two of my suggestions.

Spiced Blood Orange Champagne Punch

Rosé Sangria with Cranberries and Apples

[BITES]

After testing out some of those festive beverages, curb your guests’ appetites with a few of these fall bites.

Caramel Apple Bar

Kale Salad with Roasted Pumpkin, Cranberries and Goat Cheese

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

[CREATE]

Sprinkle a little Fall cheer with these sparkling pumpkins. At the start of your event, help your guests create personalized pumpkins with glitter, acrylic paint and school glue. Then, place the dried pumpkins in paper bags for easy transport with their owners.

Will you  be using any of these ideas at your next seasonal soirée?

baby, baby, baby

Baby wipes are lifesavers! Besides, the intended purpose they are a really effective quick fix for any girl on the go. I recommend the sensitive skin, fragrance-free kind. They are mild for your skin, pretty inexpensive and come in many varieties and counts. Here are a few ways I use baby wipes on a daily basis.

Makeup Remover Wipes

Although they serve the purpose, make up remover wipes can be costly and aren’t all purpose. Plus, you can get more baby wipes for the cost of a pack of makeup remover wipes. They are also gentle to use on the eye area without any irritation or stinging to your peepers.

Also use baby wipes to clean lip and eyeliner brushes when you want to quickly swap color choices or clean up any smudges.

Spot Cleaner

I’m a mess. I always manage to spill something on myself just before it’s time to rush out the door. Instead of the routine panic session or having to change clothes, grab a baby wipe. It will help to remove the spot in a flash and have you on your way in no time.

Hand Wipes

Cold and flu season is among us. Soap and hot water are always best, but baby wipes help keep your hands as clean as possible even if soap and water aren’t around.

Teeth Stain Remover [Red Wine]

“Hi, yes I’ll have a second a glass. Hold the red teeth!” If you’re like me and rarely turn down a glass of Shiraz or Cabernet, I’m sure you’ve had the red teeth to go along with it. A quick swipe with an unscented baby wipe will have your pearly whites shining in no time.

What are some of the ways you like to use this popular household item?  x kennie