RECIPE :: AMERICANA FRUIT TRIFLE

Hello everyone!

Welcome to day #3 on my 4th of July Party IDEAS series!
If you missed the IDEA from DAY #1 on how to make CUPCAKE CONES then make sure to check it out as they are so easy to make!

And if you need an amazing cocktail for your patriotic celebrations, then may I suggest this idea from DAY #2 Americana Pina Colada!

Today I am bringing you one of my all time favorite recipes to bring to a party!

AMERICANA FRUIT TRIFLE! 

There are lots of variations on this classic but I thought I would share MY recipe with you today. You just need to know a couple things though . . .it is super EASY and it's super delish . . . if you are okay with both of those things then you are good to go! ;)

Here's the recipe for Americana Fruit Trifle:

its soooooo QUICK & SIMPLE . . . This is it!

 Ingredients:

~ 1 {big} tub of cool whip

~ 1 angel food cake

~ strawberries & blueberries

I broke up the pieces of angel food cake, dropped them in the trifle bowl then repeated layers of angel food cake, whip cream, strawberries, cake, whip cream, blueberries . . . until I got to the top. Spread another layer of cool whip (to create my 'blank' canvas) made a "star" shape out of the strawberries & then filled in with the blueberries. Simple + delish!

Hope you are enjoying these tips/ ideas for 4th of July Dessert! 

Stay tuned for the #4 IDEA for the 4th of July - see you then!

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

{Party Feature} Redbook Happy Hour [My Party Passion]

Today I want to FEATURE one of the latest parties from my new blog contributor Melissa, of Melissa Newell Party Stylist and Planner/My Party Passion!

Here is what she had to say about her latest event . . .  

 

What a blast I had over the weekend with some gal pals!  Styling and hosting parties is something I have  a TRUE Passion for!  This Summer Happy Hour was NO exception!

This party had some very special sponsors! House Party, Redbook Magazine, L’Oreal Paris and Lipton.  

The gals were treated to some great food, conversation, laughter and some great giveaways.

Using the color palette of white, black and hot pink it was easy to incorporate Laura’s Damask collection at her Etsy Shop! (Eye Candy Event Details) As well as using items I already had in my shop.

Some of my budget friendly ideas that I used for this party:  reusing my chalkboard signs (ALWAYS a MUST).  So easy and fun to use and reuse. 

A quart of the chalkboard paint lasted me over a year!  I also use the Chalk Ink Wet Wipe Markers to make the writing POP!

Something that I don’t always do, and should, to save a few bucks – baked my own desserts!  I am not a baker at all and usually go to my go to gal for some fresh themed cookies or cakes, however, I really wanted the personal touch and wanted to try out this new Sugar Sheet by Wilton that I found at Hobby Lobby!  Worked great! (watch for a blog post on how to use these!)

Flowers – I bought carnations and mixed them with roses from my own garden!  Inexpensive and just the right POP of color! 

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For more highlights and details, check out Melissa’s blog post over at My PartyPassion!  


And the BEST part is that there is a GIVEAWAY going on there until next wednesday for a $100 SWAG BAG from the party INCLUDING a gift certificate to my sister shop Skylar Raine!

Make sure to go check out her page for LOTS more party inspiration PLUS you do NOT want to miss this awesome GIVEAWAY!

Make sure to tell her I sent ya! ;)

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Party Tips Contributor: Melissa Newell

Melissa Newell has been planning and executing parties for over 20 years - parties have always been a passion of hers.

Melissa’s motto is Go Big or Go Home! She celebrates with her children every chance they get - making each day a celebration of Life!

Creativity on a budget and the attention to the smallest of details is what she is known for. Her blog, My Party Passion, highlights all of the parties that she throws!

You can follow Melissa

blog | website | Facebook | Twitter

 

THANKS so much to Melissa for letting me share this FUN & amazing party!

SIPS :: Americana Pina Colada drink recipe

Hello there!
Welcome to day #2 on my 4th of July Party IDEAS series!
If you missed the IDEA from DAY #1 just click HERE!

Today I am bringing you one of my favorite summer beverages!

AMERICANA PINA COLADA!

I am sure that most of you at one time or another have had this popular yummy tasting fruity drink. BUT why not make it a little more fun & add it into a carved out pineapple! I PROMISE you - it DOES taste better! ;)

Here's my IDEA on this fun Americana Pina Colada:

Here's a recipe for Americana Pina Colada:

 You will need:

~ 1 pineapple

~ pineapple juice - 4 oz

~ 3 oz. rum

~ 2 oz. coconut cream

~ 2 cups crushed ice

Prepare:

~ Cut the top of your pineapple & hollow out the inside just enough to fit in your drink. Pour all the ingredients into a blender & blend on high speed. Pour into your hollowed out pineapple & serve. You made add some garnish to your drink: drink umbrella, slice of kiwi, pineapple, etc. ENJOY!

Hope you enjoyed these tips/ ideas for 4th of July Dessert IDEAS! 

We'll be back for the #3 IDEA for the 4th of July - hope to see you!

Are you loving the "eye candy" here?

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

EATS :: CUPCAKE CONES + ROCKCANDY CUPCAKES

Happy (almost) 4th of July everyone!

It's about that time! Time to start planning out all of those 4th of July party ideas but if you haven't thought about it yet, no worries, I have some great ideas to get you going.
This week, we will be bringing you inspiration on QUICK & EASY  
4th of July PARTY IDEAS!

Today we are focusing on some fun 4th of July dessert ideas! Which, in my opinion, are the best kind! ;)

IDEA #1 - First up: CUPCAKE CONES!

I know most of you have probably seen a version of this idea before but this one of mine is by far - the easiest, . . . as it requires NO BAKING!

Here's my IDEA on fun Americana Cupcake Cones:

 
Here's a recipe for Americana Cupcake Cones:

 Need a super fast FUN food for the kids? They always LOVE this one!

 Ingredients:

~ box of {jumbo} size cake cones

~ {premade} cupcakes

Take the cupcake wrapper off the cupcake & pushed them down into the cones. No worries if you mess up the icing - either fix it the best you can or re-ice them. I just took a small spatula to fix it - they are so CUTE, no one will care if they aren't perfect! Oh - btw - I also added some patriotic sprinkles to them to "hide" any flaws! heehee  That's IT!

If you would like to see this amazing party that these shots are from, just take a peek into the Americana Luau party and let me know what you think! Lots of ideas for the 4th or ANY of the patriotic holiday celebrations!

And my second idea . . . 

How about some ROCKcandy cupcakes? Whaaaaaaat?

 How to create ROCKcandy cupcakes:

here's what you will need:

~ premade cupcakes

~ ribbon or ric rac to tie around cupcakes

~ rock candy

~ optional: pkg. of red, white & blue mini fans from Target Dollar Spot

This is the perfect idea when you are in a rush but have no time to bake. Simply buy premade cupcakes & some rock candy. Sprinkle rock candy on top. Tie ribbon or ric rac around the cupcakes. Add patriotic fan if you're feeling really crazy. DONE. Simple. Cute & festive!

Hope you enjoyed these tips/ ideas for 4th of July Dessert IDEAS! 

We'll be back for the #2 IDEA for the 4th of July - hope to see you!

Want to download this FREE art print? Just get your ROCK the 4th art print here.

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

{Team EYE CANDY} Meet my new contributors!

TEAM Eye Candy!!!

I am so thrilled to introduce you to my brand new Eye Candy Event Details contributor team! These girls know how to inspire and they will be bringing it in their contributions to the blog! 

I have ALOT of changes that will be coming over the next few months to Eye Candy Event Details as we are growing little by little every day. Some of the changes I am launching now . . . my TEAM E.C. contributors, sponsorship opportunities, new services . . .and SOME that you will have to wait & see . . .new look on the blog, website/shop launch, & some other surprises. You know me, I ALWAYS have something up my sleeve! ;)

I am so honored & thrilled that they want to work with me on my team & I truly respect them & love their many talents. So here we go, let's meet them . . .

 Party Tips Contributor: Melissa Newell

Melissa Newell has been planning and executing parties for over 20 years. Whether it was in her previous career, outside the home, as a Human Resource Director or in her current career as a homeschooling mother to her three youngest children - parties have always been a passion of hers.

Melissa’s motto is Go Big or Go Home! She celebrates with her children every chance they get - making each day a celebration of Life!

Creativity on a budget and the attention to the smallest of details is what she is known for. Keeping up the top trends in children’s party themes while keeping the trusted and true themes in the mix is something that is very important to her.

Her blog, My Party Passion, highlights all of the parties that she throws!

 

Melissa’s parties have been featured at such blogs as: The Party Wagon, Catch My Party, The Huffington Post,  Tip Junkie, Babylifestyles, Birds Party and more….

Melissa resides in southern New York with her husband and their three children and their cat.  She has an older son and soon to be Daughter In Law!

1. What are 3 things you MUST have when throwing a party?

- glue dots, tissue paper & TONS of table coverings (use for so many things)

2. Please share 3 random facts people may not know about you: 

- I once was a ballgirl for John McEnroe

- my youngest child just turned 3 and my oldest is 23

- I have NEVER tried coffee a day in MY life! (all this energy is natural) lol

3. What has been your FAVORITE party you have thrown to date?

- my favorite one to STYLE was my sons 7th birthday 'Backyard Beach Bash'

- my favorite that I ENJOYED the most was our annual Halloween Bash as we now have over 120 people come + have added a DJ! 

You can follow Melissa

blog | website | Facebook | Twitter

Party Food/Drinks Contributor: Cineca Newburn

Cineca is a mommy, wife, lover of music and traveling, and a self-proclaimed food junkie. When not experimenting with new recipes, watching cooking shows, and building tent forts, she’s a busy wedding and event planner. 

Her company, Dreamin’ N Details, was founded in 2009 and serves the Northwest, Arkansas area. You can also find Cineca sharing recipes, party trends, real parties, and inspiration on the Entertaining sites, Piggy Bank Parties + The Bakery Spot.

1. What are 3 things you MUST have when throwing a party?

- ribbon, tissue paper & white platters

2. Please share 3 random facts people may not know about you: 

- I'm OBSESSED with earrings!

- I dropped out of culinary school

- I believe in ghosts

3. What has been your FAVORITE party you have thrown to date?

- my favorite one . . .can it be MY wedding? (yes cineca- lol)

- she also LOVES her 'Mad Hatter UnBirthday & the 'Candy, Cake & Cocktails Christmas party!

You can follow Cineca

blog | google + | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Aren't they AWESOME? I am so excited too as Melissa will be sharing her first guest post later this week & Cineca will be bringing us one for next week so stay tuned for some FAB ideas!

Make sure to go visit them on their blogs too so you don't miss anything they may post in between visits here!

THANK YOU so much girls as I am so excited to have you here on my team. xoxo

{SALE} Americana Luau Collection for a 4th of July Party

I wanted to offer you all a deal on this popular party collection that I designed last year, as some of you may have missed it or weren't around for the fun! This is the perfect theme for those of you who want to have a 4th of July party but do something a little different, so why not add a luau in the mix? Everyone LOVES a luau! The "Americana Luau" collection is one of my favorites & I want to share some of the photos as well. I also have an offer for you to take advantage of & get it just in time for the 4th of July! To see the WHOLE blog post about this party, just check out this link.

This collection is PERFECT for any American holiday: 

Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day (as I kept it generic & can be used more than once) . . .also use for a summer BBQ & a military send-off or a Military Homecoming party! Ideas are endless . . . 

This collection comes with the following:  

 . . toppers, tabletents, mini flags, circles - 4"with 4 designs, 

2 banners - pendant style: one that says "USA and one that says LUAU" 

with additional accents, drink Umbrellas - 4" in 4 designs  

& a Paper Pack of 6 designs/color combinations

You can find the entire collection here in my Etsy shop.

Now through Saturday June 30th you can take 40% OFF this collection 

& it's already on SALE - no code required!

This week I will be doing a round-up of tips on how to do a party like this on a dime - I did! . .  & I will show you how. Plus some recipes that are super quick & easy!

Keep on eye on my this space & my page this week as I have a TON of SURPRISES in store for you all. ;)

{I LOVE weeks like this! heehee}

FREEBIE :: Rock the 4th Art Print

Hey y'all!

Can you believe that the 4th of JULY is coming so SOON! As usual, this summer is flying by already and there are sooooo many things left to do! lol

Today I want to share with you an art print that is perfect for the 4th, for those that like to stir things up a little. ;) As you know I shared the one I designed from last year & if you missed it, you can download it here.

But I wanted you to have this one as well - it's simple, to the point & very eye-catching! It would look perfect sitting in a frame on all of those 4th of July party tables this summer . . .perfect 'eye candy.!

 

This print is sized for an 8 x 10 frame but could easily be enlarged to fit an 11 x 14 or whatever size you needed. Print it out at home or take it to a printer for a larger size.

Just download your  
ROCK the 4th Subway Art here & ENJOY!
**by clicking & downloading this subway art you ARE agreeing to the RULES & copyright guidelines below! 
 

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RULES for FREE DOWNLOADS:

• Eye Candy Creative Studio printables are designed for your PERSONAL USE only. Please do not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
• I encourage you to share with your fans, friends, on your blog and all I ask is to PLEASE, {be kind} & post/ tag a link back to this website so I know who's enjoying them. Thanks - I appreciate it! =)
• And PLEASE do NOT remove the copyright mark - thanks!

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And what's a little "ROCKin the 4th" without some rockcandy cupcakes?

Make sure that whatever your plans are this year, that you come back and print this out to help decorate your table for all of your festivities!

What are your plans for the 4th this year?

Are you loving the "eye candy" here?

 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop!