do it yourself divas: June 2013

Backyard Pool Party with World Market

10:00 AM

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of World Market for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

This past weekend the Diva kiddos had a little "Summer Getaway" thanks to...

Pop, Popsicles, Pom Poms, a kiddie Pool, and Pretty Patterns were all part of this Picnic Party.

DIY Rag Quilt Tutorial Here

Firecracker Cookies

DIY Tissue Paper Pom Poms

All the beverages found at World Market are perfect for Outdoor Entertaining and Outdoor Dining. The kids absolutely loved each and ever flavor.

DIY Striped Rag Quilts

Check out all the darling Beach gear.

Vibrant Beach Umbrella and Chairs

This Beach gear is to die for. I especially love the colorful and vibrant patterend sun unbrellas.

Take a look at our Bathing Beauties... Aren't they adorable in their little beach chairs sipping on ice cold beverages?!

Baby and Kids

DIY: Firecracker Cookies

7:42 PM

My sister-in-law texted me the other day with this BRILLIANT idea! Thanks for sharing! These are perfect for the 4th of July. All you do is make sugar cookies and sprinkle some pop rocks on top for an explosive party in your mouth!

Here are the kids' reactions...

Priceless! Here is my recipe for these delicious Sugar Cookies with Almond and Vanilla Frosting.

Sugar Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

6 cups of Flour

2 teaspoons of Baking Soda

1 teaspoon of Salt

(mix together is small bowl)

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup Shortening

2 cups Sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup Sour Cream (or 1 cup milk with 1 T vinegar, aka sour milk)

(Blend wet ingredients until smooth in large bowl)

Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Roll out amazing cookie dough. Use your favorite/festive cookie cutters.

Bake @ 400 degrees for 7-8 min.

Let cool.

Almond and Vanilla Frosting

Blend together the following:

1/2 cup Shortening

1/2 cup Butter

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

4 cups powder sugar

2 Tablespoons milk

Dye the frosting whatever color your heart desires.. and taste the beaters if you like :)

Once the cookies are cooled... frost away!

Shabby Apple Giveaway

2:00 AM

We were beyond thrilled when

, the fabulous and fashionable online women's store, contacted us and asked if we would like to host a giveaway on our blog. Heck yes we would!!

Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses.

One of our lucky readers will win the grand prize of a $50 dollar gift card by simply entering! This is an AMAZING gift, and allows the winner to choose anything they want from the entire Shabby Apple website!

You could buy this darling vintage inspired striped sheath dress...