It's A Surprise Party!

 Surprise!! Did I get you?! I hope so!

I am over the moon to welcome you to the “Surprise Party” I am throwing today as a co-hosted blog event with my dear friend Megan from The Fresh Exchange!

Today we are launching our brand spankin’ new website Blog Brunch, and since we are both a bit glitzy and are suckers for planning a good party, we thought it only fitting that we kick off our new venture with a giant celebration! 

What is Blog Brunch You Ask? 

Blog Brunch is a community tailor made for design, food, lifestyle and creative bloggers. Megan and I first came to work with one another because of our love for what we do, and we find many bloggers share that same sentiment. As Megan and I bonded over our passion for blogging and creating, we had an urge to grow our circle and learn other tips and tricks fellow bloggers had mastered. Once these new relationships were formed- I kid you not, new worlds opened! We were improving our blogs, brands and networks at the speed of light. That idea of "sharing and growing as a group" planted a seed in our minds, and after months of planning (and skyping) we chose to create a special place for bloggers and host free events for everyday bloggers like you and me. This is a formal invitation to our first live Blog Brunch October 1^st, 2011 hosted on twitter with the hashtag #blogbrunch. Ideally we hope you can wake up on a Saturday morning, grab a coffee or mimosa, log on to twitter and follow along with that month's topic of discussion with bloggers all over the world with varying degrees of expertise. From there you can "follow" and connect with other like-minded bloggers.

What better way to launch our new site than to bring together over 40 of the blog community’s best and brightest! Below you will find some of our most inspiring, creative and talented bloggers we been fortunately enough to read. Please take time to visit all of them and feel free to pin, tweet and facebook whatever you see that inspires your appetite to blog, after all that’s what Blog Brunch is all about! ;) 

**As a special thank you for stopping by our Surprise Party please enjoy some party favor giveaways during the "dance break" midway through the post. 

 

The second best thing to a surprise party.... besides the obvious surprise..... is obviously the food!

Confetti pretzels are quick, easy to make and are the perfect combination of salty, crunchy and sweet. Plus, you can make large quantities on a dime which helps you save money for that party dress you've been eyeballing!

Prep Time: 10min
Total Time: 20min

Meet your ingredients:

 1 package (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
 1 tbsp shortening
 2 dozen pretzel rods or twists
 Sprinkles, candies, coconut flakes or crushed peanuts



Steps:

1)  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This is where you will be placing the rods to dry.
2)  Combine the chocolate chips and the shortening into a large microwave safe bowl.
3) Microwave the chocolate for 20 seconds, take it out and stir, place back into the microwave for another 20 seconds and repeat until chocolate is melted. Word to the wise, watch your chocolate very very carefully..... when chocolate gets overheated it thickens and will not work.
4) Remove the chocolate from the microwave while there are still unmelted chips remaining, stir until the final chips are melted.
5) Hold the pretzel rod at one end and dip in the chocolate, leaving an inch or two uncovered, shake excess chocolate and place the pretzel onto the baking sheet.
6) Repeat with all remaining pretzels.
7) Add sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
8) Place the pretzels in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to set the chocolate. Resist eating before they are done..... so tempting!

Confetti pretzels are the answer to the quick, easy and fun treat to bring along to any party. Plus, if you're like me, this is the kind of recipe that is impossible to mess up!

Enjoy!

Amy Anderson
Parker, Etc.
follow: @parkeretc
blog & shop: www.parkeretc.com

Welcome to the party! I'm Kristin from {ten scenic drive}, a blog about fashion, food, and all of the random things that inspire me. I am so excited to join in on today's surprise party event hosted by Ms. Pink and Megan! Surprise parties are one of my favorite events! (Even though keeping the secret is incredibly stressful). This summer I threw a surprise party for my boyfriend's 30th birthday and it was such a blast! We pulled of the surprise perfectly and he was completely shocked. I like to think I can throw a pretty rocking fiesta :-) For today's event I've pulled together some of my go to party essentials for the ultimate glam-tastic bash, from champagne to cupcakes (mint chocolate...YUM!) to fabulous dancing shoes. So bust out your bling and get your party dress ready, because you are all invited!

All images via {Pinterest}

Hello loves, this is Amanne from Urban Bedou Girl and I am honored to be a part of this surprise party! There is nothing I love more than dressing up and dolling up. If I could come to work everyday in a sparkly evening gown I probably would. So when I was asked to be a part of this party I decided to share my dream party outfit with everyone.

1. As a Middle Eastern woman I cannot resist animal print and sequins, toss in some feathers and I'm done. This Matthew Williamson dress is a bit over the top (and way out of my price range at $3,995) but what is the point of going out if you're not going to go all out? I would always rather be the most over dressed person at a party than the most under dressed.

 2. The dress is a statement piece all in itself so lets keep the accessories simple, but simple doesn't mean boring. I love this Alexander McQueen leather knuckle clutch. The knuckles serve as rings and the perfect way to hold your clutch throughout the night. Don't pretend like you don't get tired of carrying your clutch under your arms.

3. Christian Louboutin Larissa Plato 150 Suede Sandals ... chic and classic. Enough said.

4. I love jewelry but personally I can't wear too much at once. All you need are these Miu Miu clip-on earrings and you're done. Like I said before, the dress is it's own statement piece. 5. Last but not least comes the beauty portion of your outfit.

5. Just because you have a jaw dropping outfit on doesn't mean you can walk out of the house neglecting everything else. Your face and nails (and your hair) are all a part of your outfit. When I have on anything blue I love to use a soft orange gloss on my lips. It is the perfect way to complete the blue while being subtle. Try Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Pure Lipgloss in Pure Peach. A nice cat eye using Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink and dust your face using the very popular NARS Blush & Bronzer Cheek Trio. Complete your beauty routine with Essie in Aruba Blue and you're done.

Yes, I may be the most over dressed person at the party but isn't that the fun of being a woman? Let me know what your dream party outfit is on Urban Bedou Girl and on Twitter.
--
Amanne Sharif

UrbanBedouGirl.com | Twitter | Tumblr

Hi, Partygoers! Meg here, from Meganthology.  When Ms. Pink and Megan asked me contribute to this super awesome shindig, I knew I wanted help create the design for the space. It was an exciting challenge for me becaue this isn't the kind of space I normally design.  It's not for living in, it's for partying in.  I envisioned a party that was full of Festive Glamour. I wanted the fun and glamour to be built into the space, so I included elements from killer creatives that make it their job to produce the kind of products that are both beautiful and outspoken: Confetti System, Kate Spade and Madeline Weinrib.  This space was designed to make the Partygoers feel like a million bucks, so I'm glad you came!

products via / confetti system / kate spade / madeline weinrib / 1st dibs / svpply / rablabs / beeline /

Surprise Parties: Let’s Sweeten This Party!

 

Hello! Meli here, from Blush + Jelly. I want to start off by giving a big thank you to the darling Ms. Pink and Miss Megan for having me here today. I don't know about you, but I am super curious to see the big surprise these two ladies have in store for us.

 

I love surprise parties, but honestly I am the worst when it comes to surprising people. My poker face is terrible and I always get caught trying to surprise others - but that doesn't mean I don't try! So this surprise party by Ms. Pink and Miss Megan will be my first successful surprise. ;) 

Of course, no party is official without some sweets. Especially if chocolate is involved! 

Cookie in a Skillet

Chocolate, Chili, and Dulce de Leche Cookies

Champagne Cake Pops

Mini Chocolate Oreo Cakes

S'Mores Cupcakes

Blueberry Mascarpone Cheesecake with Amaretti Crust

 

xo,

Meli

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest

 

Leather (Or Pleather) Hair Bow Tutorial

Hello everyone! I'm Alli from One Pearl Button, and I'm so happy to be here today to share a simple tutorial for a leather hair bow that will add a little something special to any party outfit!

Supplies: Two strips of leather (or pleather, or any other fairly stiff fabric; I'm using scraps from a pair of gold leather pants I found on the 99 cent rack at the thrift store) - one 10x2", the other 3.5x3/4"; a hair clip; and glue.

Step 1: Trim the corners off the larger leather strip. You don't need to be careful or precise about it - just snip them off. 

Step 2: Fold both short ends of the larger strip to the center, and glue them in place one on top of the other. Hot glue is perfect for this, but my glue gun had an unfortunate accident, so I'm using plain old craft glue. 

Step 3: Pinch the center of the folded strip into a bow shape. Apply some glue to the fold to help it hold its shape. 

Step 4: Run a line of glue down the center of the smaller strip and wrap it around the bow. You might need to trim it down a little. 

Step 5: Wait for everything to dry, then glue or stitch the bow onto a hair clip. That's it - now you'll be extra fancy (and cute!) for any party. 

Thanks so much to Ms. Pink and Megan for inviting me to contribute, I hope everyone will stop by and see me at One Pearl Button! 

Hi everyone! It's Audrey from Audrey Allure, and if you're a follower of my blog you'll know that I love music. (I post a song of the day, and haven't repeated one since!) So below, is a playlist I decided to create for this amazing surprise party - because really, what is better than having a group of bloggers coming together without some good music? :) Hope you enjoy!

“Tonight Tonight” – Hot Chelle Rae
“Last Friday Night” – Katy Perry
“I’ll Be Yours” – Those Dancing Days
“Pumped Up Kicks” – Foster the People
“Fall in Love” – Estelle feat. John Legend
“Party All Night” – Sean Kingston
“Love On Top” – Beyonce

“To the Beat of Our Noisy Hearts” – Matt Nathanson
“All the Lovers” – Kylie Minogue
“Not Fade Away” – Buddy Holiday
“Electric Twist” – A Fine Frenzy
“In Ruins” – Fol Chen
“Bad Reputation” – Joan Jett
“Bringing it Back” – Master Shortie
“If I Ever Feel Better” - Phoenix
“Hello Brooklyn” – All Time Low
“The Con” – Tegan and Sara
“Valerie” – Amy Winehouse
“I Do” – Colbie Caillat
“Sunshowers” - MIA
“All or Nothing” – Hit the Lights
“Up, Up, and Away” – Kid Cudi
“I’ve Got Your Number” – Passion Pit
“Dancing On My Own” – Robyn
“Damn Girl” – All American Rejects
“Never Forget You” – The Noisettes

Best,
Audrey

It wouldn’t be a party without a dance break! And we are about half what through the posts, so turn on your favorite jam, throw on your tutu and glittery heels and get down (maybe jam to the tunes above)! After that, enter these amazing giveaways we have for you today!

Visit Windy City Glassblower, Piktorama, and Just Noey and leave a comment below with your favorite item from one or more shops for your chance to win!

For extra entries, tweet or facebook me with your favorite moment of the #surpriseparty or if you will be at the first #blogbrunch October 1^st!

For even MORE points follow Blog Brunch on twitter and facebook. Now back to the rest of the party!

OH! and also, Champagne Maker below is giving away away her adorable shoe clips, see how to enter below!

A party @ Ms. Pink's?!

Well, get your party shoes on and let's go!

I wouldn't miss it, and I'll bring the party favours!

Win these sweet little shoe clips by coming to my Party too!

~ CRUSH PARTY ~

"Like" Crush Party on Facebook to enter HERE!

(These bows can be clipped anywhere!)

...purse...sweater...heels...and toes...

...headband...bobbie pin...

...anywhere goes...

thanks for including me ms pink!

xov ~ kiss hug stitch ~

Surprise!  These flowers are not only place-cards or a pretty centerpiece, they are dessert, too!  That little pot of dirt is really a cleverly disguised cupcake topped with Oreo crumbs.  The best part?  They are impossible to mess up - even for the most un-crafty non-baker types.  It starts with a cake mix cupcake, topped with frosting (no decorating skills necessary) and then dipped in Oreo crumbs.  Insert the flower (peonies work great because they are edible... as are many other flowers) just before the party.  You can use them as the table centerpiece, placecards for each setting, favors or escort cards.  For all of the tips, recipe and DIY instructions for the Peony Cupcake Placecards visit Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffens.

 
Faberuna is thrilled to help celebrate 1 year of fabulous living with The Pink and Blue Blog. We are all about handmade and so what a splendid opportunity to get all gussied up with some of the best handmade goods on the web. Here are our picks for the perfect attire for the party of the year:

FOR HER

{1} A french cotton masterpiece from Sunday Brunch. Their Mel and Stel Desert Rose Dress is a showstopper!

{2} Add a touch of golden bling with this fantastic ring from Vanessa Coppes. Full of pearls and gold wire, how can you go wrong?

{3} Nadinoo is one of our favorite designers. You'll be won over too when you slip into this Pixie Adventure Cape. It's 100% wool and just darling, darling!

{4} Are these leather-punched Dreamcatcher earrings from Mika Modiggard just delicious? Yes, they are.

{5} Amma Gyam and her Me collection is a fan favorite over in our neck of the web. Her limited edition Honey Tote bag is just the perfect accessory for our swank shindig.

{6} Last but not least are these stunning little numbers from Aase Hopstock. As if the rest of your outfit isn't fab enough, Aase's red and honey Bilboa heels will make you the talk of the party!

FOR HIM

{1} We start with an upcycled jacket from that crafty duo over at JandHP. They took a nice vintage jacket and gave it some Southern charm with a touch of white pipping. Perfect, isn't it?

{2} We've got your head covered with this Gold Coast Classic Fedora, handmade in Brooklyn by Tracey Watts.

{3} Pull that jacket and hat together with a great bow from Wickham House. It's called the Selvedge and has the perfect combination of colors.

{4} Yes, those socks are crazy but this dapper dan is man enough to pull them off. They are the handiwork of Ashi Dashi. As if you can have enough houndstooth in your life?

{5} We just had to toss in this handsome Riveted Cuff from Jen Burrall. It's the perfect piece of silver for a well-dressed man.

{6} Lastly, how about a pair of boots from Wrism. I have no idea why they call them the Transgressor boots. Or at least I ain't telling!

Once again, we say Congrats to the gang over at The Pink and Blue Blog. Remember to try to go handmade when you can. We aim for once a month and we believe that you can too. Ciao!

Faberuna

Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Fancy

When there's a surprise party, my prime concern is my outfit, but my second priority is what to make, because it's just not a party without a deliciously decadent treat. With a rich, fudge-like center and hard candy-coated shell, these cake balls look pretty and taste mouthwateringly indulgent. They're so good they may just steal the show, and no one even has to know how easy they were to make.
Tweet me @RavingFashion and let me know how your cake ball treats turn out!

www.ravingfashionista.com

here's a fun little outfit i think is pretty party-worthy. a little joan holloway, even. the look: silk-jersey dress from halston, velvet heels from ruche, leopard clutch from patkas, cat stud earrings from betsey johnson, lynx necklace from kate spade. plus: some matte red lipstick and an unexpected—but still complementary to the clutch—color for the nails.

thank you, ms. pink, for inviting greedy girl to the party! i can't wait to see what you have to unveil!

best,
caroline

Do you love parties? Ok, that was a rhetorical question. Parties are super special because they create a gathering of people, whether friends, family, peers or like-minded individuals. Daytime, nighttime, anytime is a great time for a party and when it's a surprise the excitement is, well, far more dramatic so come along... we're having a party! Let's start with the venue shall we? I image this party taking place in a room like this one photographed by Tim Walker. The high ceilings and fabulous architecture create a beautiful yet simple backdrop. I'll be wearing this Diane Von Furstenberg dress, with or without the sunglasses (I haven't decided yet) and these killer Gucci heals will adorn my feet. I'll bring a little hostess gift of course, perhaps acrylic demitasse spoons available in a rainbow of colors. No party is complete without balloons and I love the idea of cut crystal wine glasses with a hint of color, how fabulous! I think cake pops are the perfect dessert to serve, mess free and so cute and pretty! Orchids floating in a clear glass vase on the tables next to painted garden chairs would be divine so at least we'll have a place to rest our tired feet after standing in the fabulous heels we're all wearing. Now, to set the stage for the party, let's not forget about the invitations. I would love see a card with a soft yet graphic polka-dot pattern and floral embellishments arrive in my mailbox. 

Wouldn't you? 

Thanks to Ms. Pink of The Pink and Blue Blog and Megan from The Fresh Exchange for inviting me to be a part of their special day and big news!

Tim Walker image via: Cakehead Loves Evil blog

  

Website/Blog link: Nyla Free Designs

Twitter: @nylafree

Facebook: Nyla Free Designs

Pinterest: nylafree

First things first, I'd love to give a big shout out to my gal pal, Ms. Pink for the fabulous invite!  Put yer hands in the air, Ms. Pink!

I'm Laura (hi, y'all!).  I'm a girl who likes her stuff.  And I thought you might like my stuff, too.  [Or, if we're being really honest, I thought I'd curb my spending habits by posting instead of buying.  And I did!  Score.]  I'm supah excited to be here; I love making new friends at a partay.  That's you!  Yeah, you. 

Does anyone else picture the end of Sixteen Candles too when they read that?  Who wouldn't want a sexy man in a fast red car waiting outside of their sister's wedding ceremony?  I always did wonder why no one seemed to care that Sam TOTALLY blew off her sister's reception, but I guess they want to make up for TOTALLY forgetting her birthday.  So, yeah.  There's that.

And that, my friends, is called a tangent.

You guys.  I know.  There's a lot going on here, especially color-wise!  But what time would be better for a fiesta of an outfit than a SURPRISE PARTY?!  Throw on some bold colors and a pretty dress and you're ready to go.

I'm especially drawn to turquoise and red, but the added citrine was the clincher.  And how fantastic is that pyramid bag??  I'm in love.  Too bad it's more than my rent.

Let's all throw our heels in the air and pretend we don't care!

xo
Laura

Oh, hey!  If you want to make this Facebook official you can find me at the links below (said the desperate girl).  Please do stop by, it'll put a big ol' smile on my face.

just a girl and her stuff  <--------- blog
@justagirlLaura  <------------------- twitter
just a girl and her stuff  <--------- facebook

image sources: Decor: Lindsay Banner via Hostess with the Mostess, Dress: Ruche, Favor: oh!party, Glasses: Paper Source

My Blog: Dancing Branflakes My Twitter: dancinbranflake

 

"Ms. Pink, Monsieur Dior, Mrs, Parker, Miss Megan & Me"

What does a Style Maniac wear to a party hosted by Ms. Pink and Miss Megan, a virtual gathering to celebrate a virtual undertaking? Well, why be practical?  In the virtual world we can do whatever we like.  So let's slip on a little something from Monsieur Dior; palest pink silk satin vintage Dior, with not a single tear or stain.  It will fit us perfectly, no alteration needed.  We'll top it with flawless hair that just fell into place, a pillbox hat of the most flattering proportions, and elbow-length gloves that never show a smudge.  From crystalline rose-colored glasses we'll sip fizzy champagne that won't make us drunk, from blush china we'll nibble petits fours that have not a calorie.  Our conversation will sparkle so brightly even Mrs. Parker would have taken notes.  And no one will ever have to know what we're really wearing for our blog brunch is this.

Cheers to you both, Ms. Pink & Miss Megan, and all the best with your upcoming project--I'll be there, typing and tweeting away in my p.j.'s but channeling couture -- Doreen Creede / Style Maniac Photo by Mark Shaw via My Vintage Vogue

Hi, everyone! I'm Elle, from Elle Sees, a lifestyle blog featuring beauty, style, and DIY. I'm so pleased to be part of the SURPRISE PARTY for The Pink and Blue Blog! Now let's get this party started with my dazzling outfit:

• I started off with this pink sequin tank, because what adds more pizzazz to an outfit than sequins?
• Next, I added a fitted linen blazer, which is perfect for the weather as we transition into fall.
• For those beauty essentials, like this lip gloss I'm loving, I use this pink quilted clutch.
• Every girl needs a signature scent, and Miss Dior Cherie has notes of caramel popcorn and violet!
• Complete the outfit with a pair of fun shoes--these peeptoe feature delicate sequin bows!

I am so excited to be a part of this Surprise Party today, orchestrated by The Pink and Blue Blog and The Fresh Exchange because lately, I have been obsessed with party planning! And who doesn't love a chance to plan and design a party from scratch.

 For today's party, I will be using a fun colour scheme that I think all of you girls will like - pink and gold! Enjoy!

1. Pink Chivari Chairs -These happen to be my favourite event chairs...and I never knew they came in bright pink! Perfect!

2. Flowers - Like every other girl on the planet, I love a big bunch of peonies. The bigger the better!

3. Glass Containers - I have been meaning to do a DIY like this. All you would need to do is tape off your container and use gold spray paint. They would act as centerpieces for the flowers

4. Gold Booties - Do I really need to explain this one?

5. Pink Floral Tablecloth - I think every design needs a little vintage thrown in there, so this tablecloth is this pink and gold party's vintage

6. Watermelon Juice - What would I serve at my pink and gold party? Well, watermelon juice of course!

7. Invitations - Guests would first be introduced to the theme when they received the invitations. I adore that calligraphy!

8. Gold Sequined Backdrop - And finally, the showstopper, a giant gold sequined wall that casts off glints of light onto the party guests...beautiful!

Thanks so much again for including me! SURPRISE!!

http://www.whatsupwhimsy.com/

I am SO excited to be attending this surprise party to help celebrate Ms. Pink from The The Pink and Blue Blog and megan from The Fresh Exchange for their big announcement!! i'm whitney from cheeriosandbeer. my blog is based around the idea of balance in life. if you drink too much beer...no bueno. but too many cheerios, you might not have enough fun in life. i by no means am an expert on balance in life. i work too much and play too little...but it is the effort that counts right? so i decided to put together my idea of a surprise party i would plan for one of my friends birthday. take a look:

isn't that perfect??? so to break it down, i wanted to provide some hints and pointers for the perfect party:

1. my inspiration fabric. it is always a good idea to pick something that you can 'theme' the party around. even if you don't want a theme. birthday parties made me realize i was done with themes...for a while at least. pick something that you can pull colors from. design ideas. anything really. something that gives you a starting point is the main idea.

2. fun food! you don't have to make these amazing fruit pops but something that gives the guests excitement. all parties come with desserts and finger foods, but something unique will help your guests remember your party...and maybe even take some ideas for their own [copying is the best form of flattery right?]

3. booze. not everyone is a heavy drinker [like me] so when hosting a get together, make sure you have something for everyone. i don't know a whole lot of people that will turn down champagne. unless it is bottom of the shelf kind. you can even great creative by adding some fruit puree [mango, peach, etc.] to the bottom before the champagne...and you've got yourself a high end cocktail right at your fingertips!

4. desserts. duh! a party can't be a party unless there are desserts. i am always on the lookout for something new to bake. just make sure you test the recipe before the day of the party. because if you are like me, sometimes my baking doesn't always turn out the prettiest...or the tastiest. so test it please!

5. my favorite: candy. this is more of a take away for your guest. the latest craze is little candy bags. i am a huge fan of giving something to your guests to thank them for taking time out of their schedules to come to your party. time is money people. so make it count. :) other ideas can be little gift bags that go along with the theme or some favorite items of the guest of honor [favorite scent samples, favorite candy, favorite liquor samples, etc] but remember, it all about presentation on this item. this is what you will be remembered for.

6. something fun to do! photo booths are a HUGE hit for parties like this. when you get your friends together, everyone ends up taking pictures anyway! so why not facilitate that? and most companies will give you a deal to print two of each photo and you automatically have pictures for your scrapbook. PERFECT birthday present for the guest of honor. i hope can use some of these ideas for your next party planning endeavor. anytime you get friends together, you will have fun regardless. just make sure you have something to do! and sitting around staring at eachother...doesn't count :) thanks Ms. Pink and Megan for the opportunity to share my favorite ideas for surprises! so, if you like sarcasm and the occasional funny story about my life, i think you should follow me on twitter and probably read my blog. i think you would like it. just guessing.

------------------------------------------------------

**That's a wrap everybody! I want to personally thank all of you for participating in the party, especially the blog collaborators. Please over to Megan's blog, The Fresh Exchange for even more posts by some truly extraordinary bloggers!