Miss Party Mom's: Five For Friday {8.23.13}

Well hello! 

It's been a crazy week here at the MPM blog! We made history with a post that hit nearly nearly 800 views within a 24 hour period... (yes, that's a lot for this blog- do you think I'd be mentioning if it wasn't?!) We made some friends/fans and lost a few in the process... it is what it is! I will always write about what I'm feeling, whether or not I'm a party planner with a mainly 'party blog' doesn't really matter to me!

Whether you agreed with me or not- just remember my parties have no religious affiliation OR political views, they're just innocent bi-standers... I at least hope we can all agree that these next 5 choices in my top 5 categories are KILLLLL-ING it!

xo Party or Die xo
                                                                         kenna

1.) Party Planning

If you're in to parties, chances are you like Martha Stewart... I know I do! When I saw this party line she put out for JCPenney: MarthaCelebrations I was pretty excited about it. Lanterns, poms, fringe garland, candy dishes and more. The woman is on trend and serving up some great prices- plus, almost everyone has JCPenney in town... I mean, even I do...

2.) Home Decor

Not that I like zebras specifically or anything- but goodness I love this pillow ($23) from JazzberryBlue. I actually love a lot of the things in this shop that I stumbled across on Etsy and had a hard time choosing which image to use! They have these super cool big-city wall art maps that I'm planning a spot for in my house, including one of Los Angeles (where the shop is located, halla!) If you're in to ultra-modern meets surreal meets pop art meets abstract (I mean, who isn't?)... you just might love this shop too.

3.) Kids

Ok, so there's a little story here. Back in 2011 when Cormac turned two I ordered him a personalized tee for his Motorcycle Party from a shop on Etsy called Fly Duds. The tee got lost in the mail- I let the shop owner know and she overnighted me a new tee so I'd have it for my party- free of charge. (Btw, the other tee came a week later in a tattered envelope that looked like it had been to China and back). I loved the way the tee gave Cormac a sweet little personal touch to match his party (this was a year before I was going crazy with parties- pic to prove it.) 

I think these tees are cute for any child milestone- the simple number tees are my fave and perfect for a yearly age picture. They have everything from birthday, big brother/sister, last name sports tee, Halloween, etc... 

4.) Myself

In the last week I have seen more overalls pinned on Pinterest than I did my entire year of 6th grade! Ok, ok- exaggeration alert... that would be damn near impossible. I have seen a ton though and thank God they're WAY more stylish and remarkably flattering as well... I'd quite like a pair actually. This pair is from ShopBop.com, ($81: a little pricey for me!) but they should give you some inspiration as to what we're looking for when I say overalls... as in, I'm not talking Dickies... so don't even think about it.

      

5.) Husband

Anyone else have a somewhat embarrassing husband? Like the kind who gets on Facebook and asks people where on earth he can find a Speedo for our vacation? Oh, just me... Great. I guess I should be thanking his friend, who actually found him one. So yes, this is what he asked me to Five For Friday him this week... and I figured, why not... I'll give the man his choice, it's been a long week... Speedo by URT, sold on Swell.com

We leave this Monday for Cabo San Lucas... I know- we suck. I'm going to try and blog from the road but we'll see how that goes!

Miss Party Mom's: Five For Friday {8.16.13) Back-to-School ADD+ITION

Next week is Back-to-School week for a lot of schools around the world- so I thought it would be fitting for me to put together a little list of fun and affordable Back-To-School finds...

In my own home we've had Cormac (my 4 year old) in the Summer program at his preschool but now we're quickly approaching the first day of his last year of preschool, amen- hallelujah! If there was ever a boy ready to take on Kinder, it's this kid. Here's to hoping his Momma can take all the preschool homework seriously this year... I think we both need an incentive program... Think charts and candy. I'm in.

Last year's 1st day of preschool pic!

xo Too School For Cool xo

kenna

Some (but not all) of these posts may be sponsored, which doesn't mean I love them any less- it just means Momma's gettin' paid for blogging about the things she loves...

1.) Party Planning

Before we start- if you haven't read how I feel about teacher gifts... you should. I am the last Momma on the planet that wants to place any sort of Pinterest-pressure on another Mom, trust me. I didn't even know teacher's got gifts aside from Christmas until Pinterest began... Learning curve! (There's a pun in there...) 

However I stumbled upon this little gem of an idea from Lil' Luna on Pinterest this week and I mean... how much cuter can Back-to-School get? I didn't even know pencils needed a jar until I saw this and now I know- obviously they do. I read through the tutorial and it's crazy easy and inexpensive... plus the printable is free. If you were ever gonna craft a teacher gift...? Just sayin'. 

Another thing to note- since this is under my Party Planning category and all... This same technique would be great at a County Fair Party, Vintage Barnyard theme, etc.

2.) Home Decor

Want to give the kids a reason to get their homework done? How about a new cozy (and extremely awesome looking) bean bag chair from MyHabit? I love this thing so much- and at $99 it's a pretty great steal! It comes in multiple prints but the polka dots are so my fave. This would be great in kid or tween's room- as well as the living room- especially if that living room is mine! Since this is on the daily deals site- this particular deal ends Tuesday, August 20th! (ad below)

3.) Kids

I came across this totally cute and kid-friendly website called Posy Lane and they sell some of the coolest back packs I've ever seen. Their selection is huge and they're just about all $20 or less! This alphabet backpack ($17) is one of my favorites, purely based on the fact it screams Back-to-School and has an awesome little vintage vibe going on... but they also have Day of the Dead, Matryosha Dolls, Robots, and more- as well as matching lunch bags to go with each of them!

4.) Myself

I know, I know... who would actually wear these amazingly fashion forward platforms (called: Ariana) from Sole Society to Back to School night? Trust me, I know a woman- you can read about her here... I couldn't resist choosing them because a) they're black and white b) they're the fraternal twin to my 33rd Birthday heels! and c) they're on SALE for $40! Shoe fate if you ask me... (and they also come in pink!) Talk about an ice-breaker in to the PTA- who isn't going to ask you were you got these?! 

*Sole Society also has an awesome deal where if you spend $75 you get to design your own iPhone case! Think of it this way: 2 pairs of shoes = a free iPhone case with a design all your own. Um, yes please.*

5.) Husband

Shawn works across the street from Cormac's preschool and he tends to pick him up on his skateboard (naturally)... I'm sure he wouldn't mind arriving to greet the toddler crowd on this awesome line of sick looking boards by Salemtown Board Co. This specific model is called the Rufio... which I have to say- makes perfect sense.

Have fun this week taking those kids either Back-to-School shopping or just plain Back-to-School!

Miss Party Mom's: Five For Friday {8.9.12}

Welcome to the end of the work week... where I shower you with my 5 favorite items in my 5 favorite categories. I'm sure, like me- you had trouble falling asleep last night because you were so excited about my picks for today. I don't blame you... I'm really coming in to the zone with FFF- tell a friend (or 100?) will ya?! Last week let's just say ROSS started running a commercial featuring the exact black and white striped jeans I posted about for FFF. Coincidence? Ya right ROSS. 

Now let's get this round up started! Shall we?

xo Party or Die xo
kenna

1.) Party Planning

"Another all black item?!" I know what you're thinking... that I've gone like totally chic on you. Don't worry... I still live for color! But this cake plate by H&M Home is $9.95 and I also live for a great deal! I am contemplating buying a few white ones (they come in black and white) and spray painting the heck out of them so I can have 3 or 4 great colors to choose from. I mean, at $10 a pop... a rainbow of them sounds about right?

2.) Home Decor

I came across this line of kitchen appliances ($35-$75) at Target yesterday (prints by French Bull) and I found myself doing the, "NO! NOOOO!" thing right in front of them mid-isle. "NOOO!" in case you didn't know is very much, "YESSS!" Duh. I mean, prints on kitchen appliances! And not just any print- French Bull prints! Sheer brilliance. I don't know why these couldn't have been out when I got married so I could have registered for 2 of them each- so I'd always have them. Not like I spend much time in the kitchen... but these could totally change that... Oh, who are we kidding...

                       

3.) Kids

I normally don't like to put crazy expensive things in this line up- because I want everything to be something I'd be able to afford on any given day... but here's one exception: The Balance Bike (ours was by Strider, about $80). Our friends gave one to Cormac when he was a newly turned 3 year old and he road the thing religiously until he was 3.5 when one day he hopped on a 2 wheel bike and road it like it was magic. His Strider bike even made an appearance last year as part of his Halloween costume as Evil Knievel. I think these little bikes serve a great purpose and with Christmas coming... something to consider...

4.) Myself

I love super quirky things, especially in fashion. When I saw this muscle tee at Forever 21 for $13.80 (who cares if it falls apart after 5 washes!) it screamed Kenna. Well it actually screamed French Fries... but if you know how much I love french fries then you'd also have heard my name in there too... Even though I'm trying to not be a "jeans and tees" girl- this tee is the exception to the rule! Imagine this with my b/w striped pants from last post... and my new combat boots! Gosh I'm so cool... in theory...

                     Combat boots: TJ Maxx: $39.99
                          Rayon Blazer: Ross $12.99

5.) Husband

The husband is hard on shoes. I buy them and 3 days later they look 5 years old. Blame the skateboarding, the actual scuffing them up to make them look old, the working under the car... Somehow he goes through Vans like a toddler outgrows them. That doesn't mean I give up on searching for new, cool ones though- and let me tell you, Vans never disappoints. They currently have a killer selection of prints, these being my fave.Catch ya next week & Happy Shopping this weekend! If you see something great, let me know- who knows, it might make a FFF appearance...

Miss Party Mom's: Five For Friday {8.2.13} Black & White Edition

If you know me at all- in person or on the blog- you know I LOVE some black and white stripes. From the party I just threw (yes- it was fab!) to the wall in my house... to that little piece of the logo above- I am a big fan of the contrast black and white brings. I also love a good "punk" vibe, and black and white stripes really lend to that. Come along with me as I highlight my 5 favorite Black and White finds of the week!

 xo Party or Die xo
  kenna

Photo by Moments Captured Photography Fascinator by Cupcake Wishes and Birthday Dreams

 1.) Party Planning

I went on a massive search for these for my recent 33rd birthday. I saw them, loved them, held them and then put them back. Two weeks later I decided on my party theme: B/W Stripes. {Kicks Herself}. Couldn't get them online (sold out) so another party planner (TaniaFischerDesign.com) actually went out and purchased (and shipped them to me!) at Z Gallerie- where they still had a ton left (in yellow stripes too). Thank goodness she was sweet enough to do this because the bigger of the 2 was a main piece of decor hanging over my set up and it looked amazing. At $6.95 for the smaller (17") one and $8.95 for the big one (21")- these are really quite a deal... I'm thinking about hanging one in the corner above our couch!

2.) Home Decor

I purchased these curtains at Target a few months back and have gotten more use out of them than I ever would have imagined. When I saw the IN STORE price tag I totally squealed... they were $4.99 a panel. Online, they're much more ($20)- and I don't know why. I checked THIS WEEK if they've gone up in price and they're still $4.99. I have been using these as everything from curtains to table cloths... They're really worth it if you can get your hands on a pair (in each color of course). My friend just hung the white in her nursery and they're adorable!

Entire party here

3.) Kids

I die. I feel like to understand this one you need to have been a HUGE Bjork back in the day... Oh- and if you weren't, we so wouldn't have been friends in high school... just so you know...
Birdie pretty much needs this. Like yesterday.
                                  Toddler Swan Dress/Legging set by AliExpress.com

She was so punk rock and fearless! I mean, it was a SWAN people!!

 4.) Myself

Ok, so Momma got a few much-needed gift cards for her birthday and let me tell you, I KNOW how to spend gift cards- free money?? Spent. None of this keep it in my wallet and risk losing it (you know it's happened to you). I went to Ross a couple of days ago and Insta'd (@misspartymom) this image of me trying on these pants saying I thought, "I *might* be getting too old for crazy pants"... and then the people spoke: "BUY THEM!" So I did, for $15.99 without a regretful bone in my body! I came home and did a little research and oh ya... VERY cool people (like this gal below left) wear striped pants... so count me in. I've also seen them at Forever 21 and this pair from lulus.com on the right. Punk. Rock. Chic.

 

5.) Husband

LOVING this awesome tee from TopMan, not sure why everything I love is always sold out (oh, because I'm still "on the pulse" maybe!? Take that 33!) I'm inspired to find Shawn something like this- it is SO him... and it's cool/trendy. This rarely happens. TopMan actually has a few awesome b/w tees, I'd totally buy them all if I wasn't sure Shawn would wonder why he's not wearing color anymore...

Catch you next Friday when I WILL bring back the color- you know I can't stay away from it TOO long!

Miss Party Mom's: Five For Friday {7.12.13}

Happy Friday YOU! I'm here again to start your Friday off with 5 really fun items in the following categories- Party Planning, Home Decor, Kids, My Style & The Husband (which is the order in which I like to shop for them- most days anyway...)

I've been in the coming down stages of Birdie's Puppy Parlor Party all week.. and to ease my post-party blues I headed down to LA to cuddle my new niece and TWO good friend's new babies! It's like baby nation in LA- I better stay outta here!

As usual, if you love it- PIN it!

Let's get it started!

xo Party or Die xo

kenna

Some of the products in this post have been sponsored. That doesn't mean I don't still LOVE them!

1.) Party Planning

I'm loving this trend in party planning: yarn poufs. I've seen yarn garland before but I've just stumbled upon these yarn wands by Cupcake Wishes and Birthday Dreams and I'm so in love! I'm even having some at my Favorite Things birthday party coming up in a few weeks- I mean what 30 something woman doesn't need a yarn pouf fairy wand?! Exactly. 

2.) Home Decor

How absolutely adorable is this idea from the emag Sweet Paul? I just stocked up on a nesting set of 3 of these embroidery hoops for less than $10.00 at my local craft store. I can't wait to put some of my favorite fabrics to use and hang them on my wall- I'm thinking Birdie's room is the perfect fit! I love that these ones are displaying Liberty of London prints- only my favorite floral ever!

I'm pretty sure it's a decor match made in Birdie Room Heaven!

3.) Kids

This one is inspired from a real purchase I made- TODAY! I've been looking for a pair of shorter style trunks for Cormac for over a year with no luck! My kids both love the water and we always have wet swim suits laying around our house all day every day- so we can never have enough swimwear in my opinion. My husband has been rocking shorter trunks since forever and I really wanted Cormac to have some as well. I stumbled across these in the H&M Kids department and for $12.95 and might have let out a little squeal... I mean- I couldn't have hand designed them better myself! The only sad thing about them is H&M STILL doesn't sell online. What gives?? (Side Note: When my bestie sees these she's going to kick herself for not going in to H&M with me...)

Ya, this kid is gorg.

4.) Myself

Sole Society was sweet enough to offer me a blog sponsor this week and good thing because after looking around on their incredibly tempting site I am dying over this pink striped purse! It has Kenna's "Favorite Things" Birthday Party 2013 written all over it- helll-o! Have I mentioned I have a birthday coming up? And that I have no problem throwing myself a party? Yes and yes... all true... the 28th of July... don't forget it. I'm attaching a little sneaky peeky of the printables inspiration Party On! Designs is creating for me... are you dying yet?! Do I need this purse or what?!

5.) The Husband

Don't even ask me how I came across this idea. Ok, go ahead- ask. Somehow ebay suggested a bunch of VW Westfalia CampMobiles to me via email this week... which is pretty freaky (like it knows my families inner wants and desires freaky) because I swear I don't think I've ever even looked for a camper on ebay... UNLESS, unless some husband of mine is snooping around ebay on my account... hmmm... Anyway for those of you who don't know Shawn and I love to hit the road with our family. We've taken quite a few lengthy road trips (I have an entire category on the blog about our trips) and we even own an old run down (literally) motor home that used to work and now doesn't. Now it just sits in our drive way and bums us out on a daily basis reminding us that we used to camp. (I will say it makes an awesome Party Cave backup). But this? THIS Shawn would love. POP TOP!