Party DIY {Blood Dripped Candles}

There are certainly those holidays where my decor could be considered a bit over the top. Usually these holidays consist of Christmas, Cinco de Mayo and of course birthdays. Unfortunately, Halloween is just not one of them. However, I do like to do a little something to incorporate the spooky spirit into my everyday fall decorations. Usually this is a scull head here or there, maybe a giant fake spider, or even a few loose eyeballs tucked around the house. This year though, I did something a little more fun to make, DIY blood dripped candles. These candles give the appearance that blood is running down the sides and make a great centerpiece for Halloween get togethers. They are a little bit creepy yet incredibly chic and the perfect subtle addition to my decor. Not to mention, they are fairly simple to make. Here's the DIY...

:: Supplies ::
3 White Pillar Candles, varying sizes
1 Red Pillar Candle
Lighter

:: Directions ::
1. Light the red pillar candle and allow for part of the candle to melt forming liquid wax.
2. Over a piece of newspaper, hold one white pillar candle in your hand while tilting the red pillar candle over the top. Let the wax drip down the side of the white candle, turning to form various size drips. Repeat with remaining white pillar candles.

Party DIY {Housewarming Basket}

It's that time of year again...moving season. Maybe it's because we are still living in a college town, but July and August come around ad it seems as if almost everyone is moving. That means house warming parties galore are on the horizon. But, by this time in outlives, people ave just about all the necessary items they need to make their house a home. So, what do you bring as a gift? While a nice bottle of wine is always appropriate, I've put together a basket full of little treats with a nice meaning. It's easy to put together, appropriate for all, and incredibly thoughtful. Here's what to include and the meaning behind each item. 

1. Candles: So your home may always have light

2. Wine: So you may always be in a good cheer

3. Bread: So you may never be hungry

4. Salt: So your life may always have flavor

5. Dishtowels: So you may wipe away bad luck

Have a meaningful Tuesday!

Essentially {Birthdays}

This week has been all about sharing my favorite things from blood orange margaritas to cupcakes and more. So, to finish out the week, I wanted to share with you the things that make any birthday of mine perfect. These are a few of my favorite things that I couldn't imagine celebrating without. From red wine to confetti, and everything in between, here's my selection of birthday (or party) must haves!

What are some of your must haves for celebrating a birthday?

Oh Happy Day!

It's no secret I love birthdays. I believe everybody's birthday should be their biggest celebration of the year, and I fully believe in joining them in their celebration. But, it can be hard when those you love to celebrate with most don't live near you. That's why I came up with the most ingenious "Birthday in a Box". Filled with all the birthday essentials like cake, balloons, streamers, sprinkles, candles and more, this box has everything for your friend or loved one to celebrate their birthday just as if you were there! I'm sending this box to a friend now living all the away across Canada (she's in Alaska...). After many birthdays spent together, I'm hoping this box will bring back all the fun memories we had and remind her that I'm celebrating in spirit right beside her! Here's the run down of what's in the box...

:: Supplies ::
Box Cake
Icing
Sprinkles
Balloons
Streamers
Plates
Napkins
Candles
Bunting
Birthday Hat
Blow Outs

:: Directions ::
Assemble in a box, wrap in tissue, tape the box and mail to a friend!

Essentially Relaxed

I tell you all the time that life is about celebrating the little things. Well, sometimes that includes celebrating you! Not just for an accomplishment at work or a milestone in your life, just you. You deserve a celebration sometimes for just making through a rough week, or even just because you can. Sometimes you have to take a step back, take a deep breath, unwind, and just celebrate the fact that you are you and that makes you special. My favorite way to do this is to throw on my robe, lay in the bed, and throw away my to-do list of chores and errands for a day. I did that very thing this weekend, and I feel completely refreshed. Here is my list of essentials for the perfect "you" day!

1. Comfort: Whether the most comfortable place for you be in the bed, on the couch, or cuddled in the oversized chair in the corner, the best place to relax is wherever you feel most comfortable. For me it's my bed surrounded by a bunch of super soft pillows, like these from Caitlin Wilson Textiles.

2. Nails: When I feel pretty, I feel happy. Sometimes, you get so caught up in the everyday and the hecticness of life that you forget to make yourself feel pretty. One of the things that makes me feel the prettiest is when my nails are done and not looking ratty. Whether I do them myself or go to a professional, a bright shade of nail polish is always the key the happiness. 

3. Cocktails: No surprise here. This girl loves a good cocktail. This past weekend, nothing beat lying in bed and drinking a beer (My bar is in much need of restocking.). It's good to just throw the diet out the window every now and then and maybe have a drink, or two, before happy hour. 

4. Eye Mask: Who doesn't love an afternoon nap, because I sure do! But, it's incredibly hard to fall asleep with the sunshine beaming through the windows. I keep an eye mask in my bedside table just for days like this!

5. Candles: Capri Blue Volcano is my personal favorite. Just lighting the candle puts me in a better mood and makes my house smell incredible! 

6. Terry Cloth Robe: Hands down the best gift I ever received. I wear it every chance I can. It's just so comfy cozy that I instantly decompress the minute I put it on and nothing compares to lounging in it all day!

7. Stack of Magazines: No matter what you like to flip through, turn the TV off for the day and open a book (or magazine). Reading my favorites always inspires me for new, new recipes, new party ideas, new decorating ideas, etc. 

This Week I Feel...Spooky

Happy Halloween! Almost. Halloween is exactly a week away and whether you are throwing your party this weekend or on Monday, it's time for a little inspiration for your spookiest bash yet! Set the spooktacular scene with spider webs draped over all the surfaces in your house. Turn off all the lights and light the way by candlelight. My favorite part about a Halloween bash though is all the creepy things you can do with your food! I love that skull wrapped in prosciutto and the viles filled with red shots and labeled as blood. Even better, the cupcakes with shards of "glass" and dripping in "blood"!  How are you celebrating Halloween? Party or Trick-or-Treating?

xo

*Images: {Row 1} 1, 2, 3 {Row 2} 1, 2, 3 {Row 3} 1, 2, 3

Get Creative {Branching Out}

You go to a wedding or a party and everybody expects there to be an abundance of flowers everywhere. Well how about this time, there's not. We are going (technically everybody else is in it) into fall, and branches are abundant. And, I'm feeling for my next party I want to walk outside, pick some up off the ground, or maybe rip them from the tree, decorate them and use them as a center piece. How gorgeous would it be to have branches lying on the table with little votive candles stuck between each little branch? I promise that's not considered a fire hazard. Or maybe roll them in glitter and stream crystals through them. Talk about glitzy glam. Seriously, there are a thousand different ways you could use branches, and as long as you branch out, it doesn't really matter. 

*Images: {Row 1} 1, 2, 3 {Row 2} 1, 2 {Row} 1, 2