What's a pirate themed event without a fun pirate themed cocktail? This cocktail will have you ready to  go treasure hunting after just one sip! 

To make a Pirate's Treasure you will need:
   - 1 oz. coconut rum
   - 1 oz. spiced rum
   - 1 tsp grenadine
   - 2 oz. orange juice
   - 2 oz. pineapple juice

Pour all ingredients into a shaker, shake, and pour over ice into a standard old fashion glass. Enjoy!! What snack would you pair with this Pirate's Treasure cocktail?

To keep up with all things Preppy Planner follow me on Twitter @PreppyPlanner or by signing up for the daily email. All these ideas and more can be found on my Pinterest page @PreppyPlanner. Have a treasure filled weekend!!

xoxo
Megan
 
Ahoy Thar Matey!! Did you know that next Wednesday, September 19th is National Talk Like a Pirate Day. Too get you ready, I have put together a pirate themed party that also includes some great ideas that you can use just for fun next Wednesday. 

When it comes to getting your decorations for a pirate party you can't go wrong with red, white, black and gold. Throw in some write stripes and dots and you can create your perfect pirate party. You can easily find plates, napkins, tablecloths, cups, etc. at any party or dollar store in these basic colors. With scrapbook paper and ribbon you can just about any DIY decoration, like this party banner (picture taken by Vicki Lynn Photography).
Once you have the decorations now you are ready for some fun and food! Anything with a pirate or ship theme is perfect when putting together this pirate party. 
Pirate Pops made by etsy owner Entirely Sweet
Candy Jars and Decorations from Kara's Party Ideas
Pirate Hat Pinata from Kara's Party Ideas
And you can't forget about the your guest's pirate booty. You can have set-up for your guests right when they walk in. Let your guests dig up some buried treasure to wear at the pirate party and of course you can't forget the eye patch!
Buried Treasure from The Fickle Pickle
Pirate Eye Patch from Kara's Party Ideas

Now you are ready to strap on that eye patch, grab your sword and set out to find where “X” marks the spot! What are you going to do for National Talk Like a Pirate Day? You can find these pirate ideas as well as other great party themes on my Pinterest page @PreppyPlanner.

xoxo
Megan

 
As a guest to a wedding the first thing you are normally handed is the wedding program. At most weddings you will probably be presented with the basic one sheet or the folded pamphlet. However, if you want to get a little creative with your wedding program there are a number of options you can choose from. I have pulled together a few of my favorites for you today.

1. Matchbook Programs
This DIY is beyond creative. This oversized matchbook is simple in design while also letting you store your send-off confetti right inside. If you have a custom monogram or stamp you can add that to the outside cover too. Programs were found at 100 Layer Cake.
2. Meet the Wedding Party
Instead of listing just the names and then having people try to match up who each person is, add some graphics. The meet the wedding party format adds a graphic element to your program while also informing the guests who is who. Program created by etsy store owner Peacock Printing.
3. Humorous Programs
When it comes to creating your wedding program, you can't go wrong with adding a little humor. These are still the basic format (which won't cost you much) but adds a little humor to the occasion. Programs were found on Style Me Pretty.
Each of these wedding program ideas have their own unique aspect that any guest would love to see when handed a wedding program. Which creative technique would you like to add to your next wedding or event program? 

xoxo
Megan
 
Today is the 11th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. It is always nice to take a moment to remember those who were lost on this day and who risked their lives to stop and help others. I will always remember exactly what I was doing when the first attack happened and I know I will never forget.

Even though it has been 11 years since that sad day, it is always nice to know that we are part of a country that will come together, no matter what, during a time of need.

So when you have a moment today, pause to remember all those that were affected by the tragedy and to also thank those that help to protect the place you call home. What were you doing on this day 11 years ago?

xoxo
Megan

 
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a fun filled event weekend. This past weekend was a crazy one for me as I hopped from one event to another. Saturday I went to not one, but two tailgates (my favorite part of the fall football season) for UVA and JMU. And then Saturday evening I drove up to D.C. as I ran in The D.C. Color Run on Sunday morning.

The D.C. Color Run was so much fun and quite a mess! If you haven’t heard of The Color Run you need to check out this video that the event staff for the event put together.

The Color Run color packets for post-race color party #PreppyPlanner
This was a 5K run (not race as it was not timed) that you signup for with a bunch of your friends and be prepared to be covered in a colorful mess. Rule number one for Color Runs: must wear a white shirt. During the run there are 5 color stations where volunteers will throw colored cornstarch at you. Also, in your race packet you receive a pouch of colored cornstarch to bring with you on race day for the post-race color throw. 

I ran with my sister, a friend from JMU and two other girls. You can tell from our pre and post-race picture that we had lots of fun. We even saw people that stayed in the post-race color throw a bit too long and became covered from head to toe in every color possible.


We had so much fun and I would totally recommend to everyone that if a Color Run is coming to a city near you that you need to sign up for it! Have you taken part in a fun run like this before? If not, what fun event did you take part in this weekend?

xoxo
Megan 

 
Happy Friday Everyone!! Yesterday’s post about the back to school party theme really got me wondering why we connect apples to a common teacher gift. I did some hunting and found out that the connection between apples and teachers originated in Denmark and Sweden around the 16th century? Teachers were not paid enough during those times so parents of the students sent in apples to the teachers to help feed them. Today in the US when it comes to back to school, classroom decorations, and school themed parties you will find apples on just about everything.

With that in mind, today I have found an amazing apple treat that students, parents and teachers can all enjoy. These apple caramel pops satisfy that apple caramel craving without all the mess. I found this recipe from Home Made Simple and cannot wait to try it out!! 

To make these apple caramel pops you will need:
   - 1 cup granulated sugar
   - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
   - 1/4 cup water
   - 1/2 teaspoon apple candy flavoring oil
   - 3 drops green or red food coloring or food gel, or more for darker color
   - 1 bag caramel squares, unwrapped (store bought just saves a little time!)
   - Lollipop sticks
   - a candy thermometer
   - a heat-resistant measuring jug with a pouring spout (portable pouring spout)

Instructions 
1. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, or parchment paper coated in cooking spray. 
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a large, heavy saucepot over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. 
3. Bring to a boil, then clip your candy thermometer to the side. Let boil, without stirring, until thermometer reads 295°F, about 3-5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat. 
4. Once the bubbling slows down, stir in candy flavoring oil and food coloring/gel. Transfer to a heat-resistant jug with a pouring spout, or clip a portable pouring spout to the side of the pan. 
5. Working quickly and very, very carefully, pour syrup onto prepared baking sheet in 1” circles. It will spread a bit. Be sure to leave enough space between each for the lollipop sticks. 
6. While the circles are still warm, press lollipop sticks into them. To secure, gently twist each so the entire top of the stick is coated with candy. Let cool completely. 
7. Place unwrapped caramel squares in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup and add 1 teaspoon water. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and melted, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 30 seconds. 
8. Dip lollipops halfway into caramel and return to baking sheet to cool. Enjoy immediately. Or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, then wrap in cellophane, tie off with ribbon and store in an airtight container for up to one month. 
Tip: Both the lollipop syrup and caramel can quickly harden onto dishes. For easier cleaning, immediately soak them in very hot water. Soak and rinse until it comes off, then finish cleaning with dishwashing liquid.



So this year instead of sending in the traditional apple, send in one of these apple caramel pops and your student will go to the front of the class. What is your favorite apple treat? And for the teachers out there what was the best treat you ever received?

xoxo
Megan

 
For many, the week after Labor Day means it is time for school to start back up. Whether you are going back to school or you have family heading back to school it is always hard to transition from a summer of fun to a school day schedule. To help make that transition a little easier I have some great back to school party ideas for all ages. Teachers can even use some of these ideas for fun classroom crafts and decoration.
Anything apple themed can help in the inspiration for this party. Give your cupcakes the A+ treatment or decorate with some back to school party printables from etsy store owner Lauren Haddox Designs. You can create some fun chocolate and water bottle wrappers for the teachers or kids going back to school. 
Create a Back to School centerpiece for your party or classroom with alphabet letter or votives filled with crayons. Kara's Party Ideas has even more Back to School party ideas than these I found here. And don't forget your party favor bag or first day of school gift for the teacher. Adorable apple notebooks, back to school goodie bags and decorated candy are great gifts.
And for all those teachers in your life you can always go with the classic apple and an adorable ribbon tied around it. Would you give this Back to School Party an A+?

xoxo
Megan
 
Over the years I have loved watching Ace of Cakes, Cake Wars and Cupcake Wars on TV just to see what kind of cake creation the bakers come up with. I am still in awe at how some of those cakes are made with all the intricate details and the hundreds of hours that go into some of them. However, when it comes to a wedding cake I am a sucker for some classic touches. Most recently I have seen some outstanding cake decorations with a lace inspiration. 

If your dress has lace on it this is a great way to incorporate the pattern into other aspects of your wedding. You can directly use the lace fabric or ribbon and overlay it onto your cake or you can have your decorator use certain pieces of the pattern and create a pattern onto the cake. I have put together some great examples of different ways that you can incorporate the lace theme into your wedding cake.
Cake by Unknown

From white on white, to two-toned to a modern take on the trend, lace is and always will be a classic inspiration for the wedding cake decoration. Between the color options, a full cover and the pattern the options are endless for a lace wedding cake design. And you don't have to limit the use of the lace to a wedding cake. You can have a single layered cake made for a bridal shower, baby shower, tea party or birthday celebration.

What decoration inspiration would you use when it comes to decorating your cake?

xoxo
Megan
 
When it comes to the end of the evening at wedding it is always fun when the host selects a fun way to send off the new married couple. There are so many different ways that you can send of the newlyweds. Today I have put together ten of my favorite wedding send offs.  

1. Balloons. Use balloon arches for the wedding send off that the bride and groom can run through. Picture from We Heart Photography.
2. Ribbon Wands. Customize your wedding send off with coordinating colored ribbon wands. Also serves as a cute favor for your guests. Ribbon Wands by etsy shop Craft Up Your Life.
3. Bubbles. This is an easy 2 in 1 favor and send off option. And the best part is there is no clean up! 
4. Bird Seed/Rice. What better way to send off the happy couple than with some love bird bird seed. Bird Seed Send Off Favors by etsy shop Jacquelyn Vaccaro.
5. Poppers/Streamers. Send the happy couple off with a bang! You can get custom wedding poppers or standard poppers for the send off.
6. Beach Balls. These mini beach balls are lots of fun, creative and go great with a beach themed wedding. Picture by Meg Baisden Photography.
7. Paper Airplanes. Write your well wishes to the happy couple on the plane and send it flying during their exit! Picture from Chelsea Elizabeth.
8. Confetti. Make paper cones and fill with confetti for all the guest to toss when the bride and groom run by.
9. Sparklers. This is a fun option for a wedding exit, especially at night and always gets great pictures. Picture by Swensen Photography.
10. Silly String. If you want a truly unique idea and don't mind a little mess, silly string is the perfect send off option. Picture from 
I think the silly string is my favorite creative send off idea. Outside of these send off ideas you can also learn about send off traditions that different religions and cultures have and are sure to make any day special. What kind of send off would you want for your grand exit? Share your favorite idea below. You can find these and more great send off ideas on my Pinterest page @PreppyPlanner

xoxo
Megan
 
With this being the last day of summer it is important that you go all out when it comes to celebrating the last of the summer red, white and blue themed holidays. Make sure that your celebration is decked out in  true USA red, white and blue style while you enjoy a few red, white and blue cocktails. And of course, no party is complete without an amazing USA party playlist.

No matter where you are celebrating today, these party planning ideas will get you ready. What are you doing to celebrate the last day of summer and Labor Day?

Happy Labor Day!!

xoxo
Megan