Last-Minute Halloween Inspiration with Hello Boho Babe

Last-Minute Halloween Inspiration

“Double, double, toil and trouble…something wicked this way comes!” Halloween is just a few short days away and with it will come a night of tricks, treats, and enough candy to give your dentist nightmares. Have you found your costume yet? Carved your pumpkin? We hope this post inspires you to finalize your Halloween plans. We also have a few sales going on that will only make your Halloween better.

First of all, we have our BOGO Glow Sale for all glow items. Glow products are great for Halloween. You can use them to keep track of your brood, light a pumpkin, and even accent your haunted house. Check out this Harry Potter themed haunted house that used quite a few glow products and LED ice cubes. We also have our Diwali Sale where you can get your sparklers discounted at 15% off for any number of celebrations. And last but not least, our Gender Reveal cannons are on sale for just $9.95. If you were on the fence about using these for your event, run, do not walk to our shop and snag them while they are reduced!

We just put together a really fun collaboration with one of our favorite shops, Hello Boho Babe. This shop features amazing kids fashion that is unique, adorable, and totally on trend. From rugged jeans, to jaunty beanies, to fabulous fur vests, this store has everything you need to turn your little one into an iconic fashionista. Nicole, the owner, has a vivid imagination and her creativity knows no limits. She put together some amazing costumes that are sure to inspire. Using every day items she makes the most fashionable piggy, bat, ghost, and unicorn you ever saw. If you haven’t grabbed a costume yet, check out her Instagram and take note: your kid will be the most chic kid on the block. And isn’t that what we all want?

Nicole used some of our products in recent photo shoots and we couldn’t be more happy with the result! In her hands, sparklers become magical wands, and smoke bombs transform a photo into a ghostly and artsy scene. With holiday photos coming up, you’re sure to want to follow her lead and use smoke bombs, confetti cannons, and even sparklers to accent your holiday greeting cards. P.S. Get them now while they are on sale.

Nicole’s take on a little piggy is the cutest ever. A tutu, face mask, and headband ears accent the ensemble. The fur vest just makes it look like something from fashion week. Don’t you think this is the cutest little piggy you ever did see? She used our pink color smoke to achieve this look.

piggy two

Harry Potter is always a costume that’s in high demand. The other thing that’s in high demand is a photo to do the costume justice. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows just doesn’t have the right ring to it unless it’s shrouded in ghostly smoke, right?

harry potter

For this shot, she used orange and white and her Harry Potter looks positively delighted to be cloaked in ghoulish smoke. We guarantee it, if you take any photo with this smoke, your Halloween costumes will look 100% on point.

Have you carved a pumpkin yet? The jury’s out and color smoke is waaaaaaay cooler than a simple tea lights most folks stick inside of them. Give your neighbors something to talk about and stick a smoke bomb inside. Save the boring lights for the dark ages and move on already.

Pumpkin green

The color smoke is richly pigmented, and the photographic effect is quite dramatic. Your kids (and their friends) will be talking about that smoking pumpkin for days so take our advice and go for the coolest option on the market.

pumpkin blue

 

Check out that blue! If you’re deliberating, Halloween is a great night to host your gender reveal party! What better way to announce your baby’s gender than through your own jack-o-lantern?

Finally, it wouldn’t be fair if we only showcased Nicole’s Halloween designs. Her clothes are designed for everyday wear. That includes playtime, eating, and moving around. She has the cutest clothes on the market and if you don’t take advantage…well, your kids will later question your choices.

sparklers

Yes, ponchos are perfect for kids. They have the advantage of using their arms, while still staying warm. And they look adorable to boot. It was so fun letting Nicole use her creative genius and showcase our products in a way we haven’t seen before. We truly hope for more dramatic and creative shots to take place as a result. If you need a gift for a friend, a relative, or just want to cloak your own kid in adorable clothing please take a look at her shop and let her style your child. She’ll do a darn good job.

We had so much fun working with Nicole and her brand. If you would please give her a follow and a like on Facebook we would be so happy. Also, if you want to collaborate please reach out to hillary@superiorcelebrations.com and we’ll give your business the props it needs to take it to the next level!

Posted in Holidays

Customer Spotlight: Let Me Run

Customer Spotlight: Let Me Run

Today we have the privilege of shining the spotlight on an organization that is truly making this world a better place by empowering young boys with exercise, encouragement, and community. Let Me Run is a non-profit boys running program for ages 4th to 8th grade. They offer a Fall and Spring season, with programs that meet twice a week and culminate in a 5k. We learned about this organization when they shared some photos of our confetti cannons at a race. Since then, we grew intrigued by their mission and want to share with you because whether you’re a parent of boys, an avid runner, a teacher, or just someone who wants to help make the world a better one, Let Me Run might just be for you.

Let Me Run

Empowering Boys With Running

How it all started

Let Me Run is the result of one mom, founder Ashley Armistead, realizing she needed to challenge the concept of the Boy Code. What is Boy Code? As Ashley explains, there’s a whole catalogue of phrases like,

“Boys will be boys.”

“Suck it up.”

“Don’t be a sissy.”

“Men don’t cry”

Let Me Run

Sounds familiar, right? Ashley recounts:

“I kept thinking about my caring, compassionate, and tough boys. Would they be able to stay spirited and full of wonder with these cultural challenges?”

Ashley saw a problem and sought a solution. She was already a coach for Girls On The Run and was unable to find a similar program for her boys. She held a town hall meeting and invited coaches, physicians, teachers, and businessmen to help her formulate a unique program for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. She started her first after-school running club in the spring of 2008 and by July 2009 they became a non-profit. Today, there are programs available in 27 different states and a summer camp offered in Charlotte. They hope to serve over 3,000 boys nationwide this season and have served over 23,500 boys since the inception of their program in 2009.

Talk about momentum!

Let Me Run

The Program

On their website, Let Me Run clearly states their purpose:

We hope to reduce the challenges associated with a lack of emotional expression in pre-teen and teenage boys, which can lead to stress, sickness, disease, addiction, and violence.

Teams are comprised of six to fourteen boys and two coaches. They practice twice a week for an hour and fifteen minutes, and each practice follows a specific curriculum. While practice is of course mostly running, it is full of activities that encourage emotional well-being, inclusivity, and friendship.

Let Me Run

And what’s even more wonderful is that it’s open to kids of all abilities. One testimonial is particularly inspiring and will possibly get you a little misty in the eyes. 4th grader Julian from Charlotte joined for exercise and the opportunity to make new friends. He shares his experience:

 I was a little nervous. I thought I wasn’t fast enough like the other kids. I thought they might not like me because I was in a wheelchair.  Once I got started, I was happy and that it was fun.  I met new friends.  It was a lot of work, but it was okay because I got to exercise my bones.  It’s not about winning, it doesn’t matter if you’re fast or not, or in a wheelchair, you still can race.

Boys Running Program

The program ends in a 5k race in which all boys run together and receive medals. While medals are fun for kids to collect, the biggest takeaway from their experience is the mindset growth and confidence they receive upon completion. If you take a few minutes and read some of their Let Me Run Boy Spotlights you’ll see almost every boy talk about their new friendships, their sense of accomplishment, and their new-found love of running.

34268585_1890074507711844_2625725181213016064_n

Get Involved

What’s so exciting about Let Me Run is that anyone can get involved. You can become a coach, you can petition to get it added to your school as an after school program, or even work to hold it at your church. It does require that one coach participate in a training and one coach will need to run. Coaches can be male or female. There is a small financial commitment for the season to cover a race shirt, medal, and the actual 5k, but there are scholarships available to ensure all kids get a chance to participate.

Let Me Run

If you’re interested in starting up your own chapter of Let Me Run you can search here for what’s available in your area, and will find information about starting a new one.

Also, be sure to follow them on social media to watch them grow and cheer on these young men!

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Let Me Run

A huge thanks to Let Me Run, for letting us share the awesomeness that you are sending out into the world!

 

Posted in Customer Stories & Product Reviews Tagged with: ,

December Bucket List

December Bucket List

Happy December! December is by far the busiest month in the year, and oftentimes it slips past us without allowing us to do everything we were dreaming of all year long. We have 25 days until Christmas, so lets maximize our time spent with family and friends and make some wonderful memories. We’ve put together a bucket list for the 25 days leading up until Christmas!

December Bucket List

1. Play in the Snow

First of all, try to have a snow day. Maybe you’re like us and you live in Florida, the Sunshine State. Guess what? There are places that pack in a bunch of ice and snow and give you the opportunity to have a snow day. Even Disneyland and Disney World have Olaf’s Snow Playground to give your kids a taste of snow.

15 Fun Activities for December

Source: GeekDad

2. Get Outdoors

If the weather permits, head outdoors and take your family on a hike. December is undoubtedly the most expensive and stressful time of the year. Just being outside gives everyone a nice boost of vitamin D and physical activity is a shot of feel-good endorphins. The best part is it’s free!

15 Fun Activities for December

3. Do Good

Go and do some good in the world. Whether it’s finding all the bell ringers in town and dropping money in the bucket, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or leaving a huge tip, this is the time to spread cheer. Find a cause that resonates with you and your family, and get involved! Last month we talked about ways to give back to veterans for Veteran’s Day. Guess what? Christmas is still a great time to give back to veterans. Take a peek at that post for some inspiration.

15 Fun Activities for December

4. Ice Skate

Take your family ice-skating. Even though you can do this any old time of the year, ice skating at Christmas is something special. Wear scarves and beanies and go find your inner figure skater, or hockey player…whichever speaks to you.

15 Fun Activities for December

5. See a Play

Watch a Christmas musical or play. White Christmas is a really fun musical to see, and The Christmas Carol is always moving. You can’t watch Scrooge transform from jerk to jolly and not be filled with the Christmas spirit. “God bless us everyone,” right?

Source: Weekend Notes

Source: Weekend Notes

6. Christmas Candy

Make Christmas candy! This is the only time of the year where making candy is a thing. You do not want to miss out on it. If you’re not super confident in the kitchen, you can do something super easy and make Christmas Crack. Oh my word, this stuff is ridiculously delicious and addicting. That’s why it’s called crack. If you feel up to the task, Peppermint Patties are also absolutely delicious. Pack up your treats and divvy them out to your friends and neighbors!

7. Movie Marathon

If you’re not able to get out to watch an actual play you can have a Christmas movie marathon. My family always kicks off December with Elf and The Santa Claus. We pretty much have those movies memorized. The Home Alone franchise is also a great one to watch in a marathon, although I personally think they go downhill after they replace Macaulay Culkin.

Source: Moviefone

Source: Moviefone

8. Game Night

Host a game night. You can get a large crowd together and have an old fashioned Bunco night. Or if you have younger children a really fun game is Pie Face. Actually, this game is fun for adults too. Games can be your salvation when your kids are on winter break. Stock up on things like Jenga, Uno, and Checkers to keep your kids from turning into screen zombies.

Source: Walmart

Source: Walmart

9. Random Acts of Kindness

Go do some random acts of kindness. Get your kids to make some cards and take $30 (or more) worth of quarters to a laundry mat. Fill up the slots and leave the cards on the machines. It won’t cost you much, but you will serve a bunch of people in a sweet and unexpected way.

15 Fun Family Activities

10. Tacky Party

Have a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party. Every year thrift stores get to charge ridiculous prices for hideous Christmas sweaters. Why? Because Tacky Christmas Sweater parties are always one of the biggest highlights of the season. Know one really knows why, exactly, so just embrace the ugly sweater and drink some punch.

Source: Esquire

Source: Jason Yormark

11. Scavenger Hunt

Go on a photo scavenger hunt! Whether it be Nativity scenes, Disney montages, or just plain old Santa Claus, set a goal and see if you can get X amount of photos in X amount of time. You can use this printable to get you started!

12. Spice Ornaments

Making spice ornaments is perhaps the easiest activity you could do with your kids this Christmas. They require three ingredients: applesauce, glue, and a boatload of cinnamon. They smell amazing and make really cute gifts for teachers and neighbors. You can even use them as gift tags. Check out this recipe and instructions to feel like you won Pinterest.

13. Progressive Dinner

Get some friends, neighbors, or family members to help you put together a progressive dinner. This is a fun way to have a party without having to spend a ton of money. It’s also a great way to see each other’s homes decorated for Christmas. If you need ideas on how to get started Taste of Home is a great resource for learning how to put together a successful progressive dinner party.

15 Fun Family Activities

14. Letter Writing

Write a really funny Christmas Letter. You know those letters that basically tell of all the successes of a family? Yeah, why not write one that is both realistic and funny? Letter writing is a lost art, and with social media most people do not feel it is necessary to update people on what is going on in their lives. Chances are you are already sending out a holiday card–why not include a little letter? This post is really helpful in planning out your Christmas letter and includes tips on how to not appear “braggy.”

15. Gingerbread House

Make a gingerbread house. I have had some major gingerbread fails in my day, but it doesn’t stop me from trying again each year. There’s something so fun about building a tiny house made of cookies, frosting, and candy. My kids enjoy it even more than I do and it’s an activity that gives everyone great memories. Want some gingerbread inspiration? Check out The Decorated Cookie’s roundup of gingerbread creations.

16. See the Lights.

I recently heard someone say that her favorite holiday memory as a child was getting in pajamas, bundling into the car, grabbing Jack in the Box, and then seeing all the Christmas lights on display. Jack in the Box isn’t essential, but do get something yummy and make those memories with your kids and loved ones!

See the Christmas Lights

17. Get Fancy

Whether it’s for a party, Christmas Eve service, or just at home with your family, have a night dedicated to formal holiday wear. You know the type? Get the guys to put on a tie, dress your daughter in a concoction of velvet and tulle, and deck yourself out in something with sequins. Don’t forget a bold red lip. The photos will make it all worth it.

18. Roast Chestnuts

Does anyone actually do this here in America? You can buy them year round on the streets of London, but it’s not quite a thing here in the states. We hear the lyrics, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” so much between November and December that we ought to just commit and try it out. You can learn all about how to do it (without an open fire) right here. Since most of us don’t eat chestnuts on a regular basis–beware of the shell. THAT you do not want to eat.

Photo and recipe by In Search of Yummyness

Photo and recipe by In Search of Yummyness

19. Take Someone Shopping.

Ok, we’ve already covered the random act of kindness category, however, we all have someone in our life who needs to be blessed beyond the “random act.” We’re talking single moms, dads who just lost their job, or people going through a health, emotional, or financial crises. The sad fact is, we all know people who fall into those categories and the holidays are the perfect time to DO something. This isn’t charity, this is stepping in as a friend and loving your neighbor. Don’t have much to give? That’s OK. Even taking someone to Toys R Us and spending $30 would be a blessing. So think about it: who in your life could use a little boost this December? Now is the time to invest in that family by sharing your resources and making room in your heart.

20. Have a Pajama Day.

If there is one month in the year that EVERYONE gets overtired in it’s December. Declare a day of personal care for your entire family and allow everyone to rest. This means: no regular clothing, only pajamas. No cooking, only takeout. No cleaning–tomorrow will take care of it. Even if you have young kids, they can benefit from a day of resting. Put on some movie marathons, pop the popcorn, read some stories, and play some games. Most important? Go to bed early. After all, everyone knows that flu season follows the holidays, so give your family that extra boost with a legitimate day of rest.

21. Make Wassail

What’s loaded with sugar, smells amazing, and tastes like Christmas? Wassail! This recipe is great because you can make it in the slow cooker. Just dump the ingredients in and within a few hours your house will smell delicious.

Recipe and Photo by Your Home Based Mom

Recipe and Photo by Your Home Based Mom

22. Have a Bonfire Night

Gather some friends together and have a good old fashioned bonfire night. Make s’mores, sing campfire songs, and tell scary stories.

23. Host a Christmas Cookie Swap

Invite some friends and neighbors to bring at least two dozen of their favorite cookies. Now swap! Everyone should go home with a huge pile of assorted cookies.

24. Make Holiday Slime

If you have kids between the ages of 6-12 you are well acquainted with the slime craze. Have you ever bought so much Elmer’s glue in your life? No. Do you know the difference between Butter Slime and Cereal Slime? No. But your kids do. Well, guess what? Your kids will be ecstatic to know that there is such thing as Holiday Slime. This slime is the ultimate: it smells like peppermint, and is super sparkly. Yes, your kids will love it. Get the recipe here.

Photo and recipe by Momdot.com

Photo and recipe by Momdot.com

25. Host a White Elephant Bingo Night

There’s something so delightful about finding a perfectly awful gift and watching your friends squabble over it. A white elephant party takes all the stress of buying presents and turns it into a night of laughter and fun. Adding the bingo element is an extra twist to determine who gets to swap and steal. You can find the details here.

We hope this bucket list inspires you to make some awesome memories this December! If you do any of these activities and share on social media, be sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram! You can use #superiorcelebrations and we will share your photo with our followers. Let the Christmas cheer begin!

Posted in Holidays

“Get the Scoop” Gender Reveal Party

"Get the Scoop" Gender Reveal Party

“First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage!” It’s always fun when a love story arrives full circle from the wedding day to a gender reveal party. Lately, it seems like many people tagging us with gender reveal photos are return customers who used confetti cannons, sparklers, or lanterns for their wedding. When I found out that Katie and Jami–who happen to have one of the BEST wedding confetti exits, ever–used our Gender Reveal Confetti Cannons, I just had to follow up and see the whole party.

It should be no surprise that the couple who had such a dreamy wedding and spectacular carnival-themed reception would settle for nothing less than a magnificent gender reveal party. Well, they blew me away with the theme, details, and gorgeous photography! Another fun fact: they used their wedding photographer, Blake McCollum to capture this happily ever after event. I got the “scoop” from Katie and am excited to let her share their beautiful event.

The Wedding

We got married on October 1st, 2016 at Kingfisher Lodge in Tupelo, Mississippi. Blake McCollum was our photographer and our videographer was Rex Harsin. We had a carnival-themed reception that included everything from funnel cakes, a ferris wheel, cotton candy and everything in-between. It was everything I hoped it would be.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal

We used the confetti cannons for our wedding and the pictures were out of this world amazing. We knew celebrating our reveal would be perfect with them as well.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

How She Announced Her Pregnancy

My sister is currently living in Austin, Texas working on her doctorate degree. My husband and I went to visit her and while I was there I found out I was expecting. I wanted the reveal to my husband to be very special for him. My sister and I found Graffiti Park online and it was only about 20 minutes from her house. I told my husband, Jami, and my sister’s finance, Drew, “I have an idea! Let’s buy spray paint and who ever has the best painting wins.” That’s when the smack talking started as if their paintings could top mine. So we started with Jami’s, then Drew’s, and then it was time for the big reveal. I was so nervous and hot (that Texas heat ain’t no joke). I told Jami to walk inside and see which painting he thought was mine. The video of him was priceless and I will cherish it for a lifetime.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

The Party

Our family and friends attended the big reveal. We did an ice cream theme–Come get the scoop! Is Baby Boland a boy or girl? We went all out on everything blue and pink.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Our favors were “winey bears,” gummy bears soaked in wine.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

We spent hours working on a life size ice cream cone for decoration.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Besides a cake and dessert bar, we also had a Sundae bar with a bunch of toppings. It was a huge hit.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

My husband and I both felt like we were having a boy, but with a family full of girls we kept second-guessing ourselves. With a family ratio 10 girls and 2 boys, it just didn’t seem likely.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

The Confetti Cannons

When the confetti cannons went off we were in shock! It was a total explosion of blue.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

There was lots of jumping, hugging, and even Facetiming the people who couldn’t be there.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party Katie-jami-genderreveal101 Katie-jami-genderreveal096 Katie-jami-genderreveal085

I think we are still reeling over the fact that we get to love on a sweet baby boy forever! He still doesn’t have a name, but hopefully soon it will come to us.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Baby Boland is due February 19th, 2019. We can’t wait to love him and be the best parents to our sweet angel.

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

Get the Scoop Gender Reveal Party

********

Congratulations, Katie and Jami! We are so thrilled to share your special event here on our blog. Looking forward to seeing gorgeous photos of that sweet boy in February!

This post would not have ever come to light without Katie tagging us on Instagram. If you’re getting ready to celebrate a gender reveal party, anniversary, or wedding please tag us @superiorcelebrations or use the #superiorcelebrations so that we can follow along.

Posted in Customer Stories & Product Reviews

Ruby Red 40th Anniversary Party

Ruby Red 40th Anniversary Party

When we feature customer stories we are typically looking at the beginning of “happily ever after,” whether that is a wedding or a gender reveal party. Today, we’re taking a look at a couple who celebrated 40 years of marriage with a knock down anniversary party. This party was especially fun for me as the couple happens to be my fabulous in-laws! So allow me to introduce you to two of my favorite people in the world, Jack and Leann.

Featured Anniversary Party: Jack and Leann

How they met

It was at St. Francis Elementary School in Bakersfield, CA. Amidst nuns and uniforms, something magical happened. He was in third grade, she in second. He saw that vibrant, smiling blonde and vowed he fell in nine-year-old love. But before either one could act on the crush, she was gone.

They met again in college, and after two weeks of dating he asked her to marry him. Nine months later, on August 18, 1978, they tied the knot.

Featured Anniversary Party: Jack and Leann

Forty years, two kids, and five grandkids later they are still caught up in their whirlwind romance.

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

Pardon the scowling child. He is my son 😉

Most folks describe marriage as a 50/50 relationship. Both parties meet halfway, and it’s in the middle where the magic happens. This isn’t true for Jack and Leann. This couple shows up with a 100% on each side. They are completely invested in each other’s outcome, and that’s why we had to celebrate their beautiful marriage with a truly epic party.

The party

Leann’s parents, Maryann and Jerry–known to all as Nama and Pop–have a great, big backyard that is used by the family for every holiday and event. Even with Bakersfield’s notorious August heat, we managed to power through and have a blast outside. Heat hack: we rented a few gigantic fans to help offset the heat. Leann’s daughter, also named Maryanne, was in charge of the decorations and she did a stellar job. The color/symbol for a 40th wedding anniversary is “Ruby Red.” We had fun incorporating what happens to be one of Leann’s favorite colors. Using repurposed pallets, Maryanne made a photo display to highlight different milestones in their marriage.

Featured Wedding: Jack and Leann

Balloon creations by Paradise Balloons were set up all over the yard for ambiance. What was so wonderful about this company is they brought everything in, set it up, and came the next morning to clear them away. If you’re planning a party and want instant ambiance, I highly recommend you find a company like Paradise Balloons.

Featured Anniversary Party: Jack and Leann

Featured Wedding: Jack and Leann

We kept it simple and actually purchased centerpieces from the local Vons grocery store. They did a fantastic job. It’s nice to know you don’t have to secure a high-end florist to get beautiful results. While I’m a huge fan of said high-end florists, the budget doesn’t always allow for them. So if you’re looking for floral options, keep in mind that grocery store florists can be a great resource!

Featured Anniversary Party: Jack and Leann

The food

If there is one thing you want to splurge on at any party, it’s the food. We secured catering from three of Bakersfield’s best restaurants. Like I said, we splurged. Leann and Jack’s kids and spouses were in charge of serving. That said, I did not get to enjoy eating until around 10 PM, and even so Jake’s Tex Mex was heaven.

Featured Anniversary Party: Jack and Leann

Featured Anniversary Party: Jack and Leann

Jack, ever the constant Grandpa, enjoyed his meal with his youngest grandson, Ezra, on his lap. Leann, always the life of a party, probably didn’t take time away from the dance floor to actually eat.

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

My one culinary contribution was this Sparkling White Peach Sangria. My husband voiced his doubts, “peach??” But yes, after finding the recipe on Pinterest it will now be my go-to beverage to bring to parties.

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

The dancing

Beyond eating, toasting, and kids running amok, the best part of the evening was the dancing. Somehow, we managed to book the most sought-after DJ in Bakersfield. I have never seen someone quite like DJ Donald. He manages to get every last guest out there on the dance floor and even choreographs dances throughout the night.

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

Of course, working for a company like Superior Celebrations, I knew without a doubt we needed confetti cannons. As it was a surprise for everyone, it happened to be quite the feat to coordinate. I left my husband, Matt, in charge of the ten cannons and he now believes he has a future in event productions. {Insert eye roll}.

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

Ruby Red Anniversary Party

When the confetti went off, everyone was screaming and jumping around. It was absolutely magical and I had at least fifteen different people tell me it MADE the evening. I can now say without any bias that confetti cannons enhance every event. We used the biodegradable Multicolored Wedding Confetti for easy clean up.

Overall, it was like attending the very best wedding reception: good food, good friends, and great dancing. It was a blast to celebrate two people who work at keeping their marriage strong, and make the world better just by being together.

A huge shoutout to Keri, from Keriography.com for capturing all the photos from this wonderful event. Follow her on Instagram to see her fabulous work.

Posted in Customer Stories & Product Reviews

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

Featured Wedding: Sabrina & Corey

It’s such a joy to see how customers use our products to enhance their day. We’re blown away by the creativity and vision of every wedding, party, and gender reveal. Today, we get to share a fun wedding story with you from our customers Sabrina and Corey, who tied the knot back in October 2017. Sabrina captivated me with their love story and the inspiration for her backyard wedding. Their gorgeous micro-wedding is full of amazing details that will inspire you to seriously consider a small wedding. So without further adieu, here’s Sabrina Rowe!

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

Flower Crown by Amy Marie Events

How They Met

One of my favorite things about our story is that we met as freshmen at Denbigh High School, in Newport News, Virginia. Corey’s best friend, Josh, approached my locker because I was the “new girl” at school. I was quickly distracted by this curly haired, shy, brunette boy, Corey, who could barely look at me. And at that moment I just knew I HAD to know him. Turns out he felt the same way. We spent all of our high school years hanging out, but always secretly admiring each other. It wasn’t until we were 18 and graduated when we finally kissed and he asked me to be his girlfriend. Unfortunately, I turned him down! I felt we were too young, and knew our relationship would be too strong. We both needed to grow up some more. My exact words were, “I really do believe one day we’ll cross paths again and be ready for each other.”

Featured Wedding

High School Graduates!

We remained great friends, and then on a what felt like it was “meant to be night” 6 years later, we rekindled. He asked me out and I knew I would be stupid to say no. It was like our feelings never stopped, and it was love at second chance. September of 2012 we made it official and never looked back! We managed to have 2 sons, buy a home, and 5 years later we married!

How He Asked

Our proposal story is very simple. We spend many nights enjoying each other’s company by the fireplace in our home.  On July 5, 2017 he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I cried yes, then held and kissed him. It wasn’t until 10 minutes later he put his head down and said, “I’m so sorry…..I don’t have a ring.” I laughed and told him that was the last thing I ever thought of. Spoiler alert: he later surprised me with a beautiful rose gold morganite ring.

Why They Had A Micro-Wedding

It’s a newer term, but a micro-wedding is basically a traditional wedding on a much, much smaller scale. While it may have bothered some people that we didn’t invite everyone, it was a no brainer for us to have a micro-wedding. Our primary goal was to finally celebrate “us.” Not our family, not our friends, but Corey Rowell and Sabrina Figueroa. We had a guest list of 30 people including of our parents, siblings, his grandmother, and our wedding party. We chose our closet friends to make up our wedding party and it was perfect.

One really special thing about our wedding party is that it was full of surprises. No one knew we were engaged until we sent out invitations by mail. Then they surprised us as one by one they began to pay for our vendors. It was extremely overwhelming, and so very generous.

The Best Part of the Day

Our wedding took place in our backyard, and our family took the boys for the night before so could prepare everything. I remember being terrified that the weather would turn bad, but we woke up early and discovered we would have a beautiful 73 degree day. I know this is untraditional, but we spent the whole morning together doing finishing touches. Our whole relationship has always been about being a team, and that is what we were on the morning of our wedding.

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

My favorite memory is the moment we finally stopped and  looked around at the finished product. We were both sweaty and flustered, but also blown away by the beautiful result. Corey looked at me and said, “Sabrina, look at what you created. Our wedding is going to be beautiful!” That’s when I cried.

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

The Details

Whenever I used to dream about my wedding I envisioned it as a Mamma Mia style wedding. Boho is my absolute favorite decor motif, and I wanted to incorporate that in our big day. My very talented florist, Amy, from Amy Marie Events totally made my vision come to life.

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

Bouquet by Amy Marie Events

I helped with the decorations and centerpieces, and Corey built our gorgeous wedding arch.

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

Centerpiece by Sabrina

Featured Wedding: Corey and Sabrina

Custom arch by Corey

Deanna Miner turned my hair into something rivaling Rapunzel’s, and Maria, from Maria Grace Photography took all of our photos.

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

 

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

Cake by Bella Cakes

The Grand Finale

I remember telling Corey that we absolutely HAD to have confetti cannons. My argument was because our wedding was so small it would blow it up.  And…I was right! I left our officiant in charge of handing them out, and thank God I did because I completely forgot to lay them out. We were pronounced husband and wife, and as we kissed THEY BLEW UP! Confetti blossomed everywhere, and it was beautiful. Our first married kiss will always be remembered that way.

Featured Wedding: Sabrina and Corey

We spent the rest of our evening eating BBQ, dancing, and enjoying our friends and family. It was absolutely everything I dreamed of for my wedding.

A huge thank you to Sabrina for sharing your story with us. It’s so fun to connect with customers and learn the back story of one beautiful day. Your wedding is the perfect example of love, community, and collaboration. We wouldn’t have been able to connect if not for tagging us, so if you’re interested in featuring a wedding or event please tag @superiorcelebrations on Instagram or just use the #superiorcelebrations so that we can connect!

Posted in Customer Stories & Product Reviews, Weddings

5 Fabulous Gifts for the Father of the Bride

Five Fabulous Gifts for the Father of the Bride

There’s a whole score of wedding movies that lend perspective to the various players in any wedding. The Wedding Planner, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Bridesmaids, and The Wedding Singer all tell you exactly who they are representing in their titles. My personal favorite wedding movie is the timeless classic Father of the Bride. Besides the hilarious exchanges between Steve Martin and Martin Short, the movie offers a poignant look at the often overlooked father of the bride. I have it on good authority that dads with daughters cannot make it through this movie without shedding a tear. It’s scientific fact.

Image via Amazon

Image via Amazon

We thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the father of the bride and figure out how to make him feel special. He really only gets two moments of attention during the whole day. There’s the dramatically charged question, “Who gives this woman to be married today?” and then there’s the sentimental father-daughter dance.  Of course, the day is not about dad, but it’s a pretty big deal for him. Don’t believe me? Just watch Father of the Bride and you’ll get it.

So brides, we’ve got five thoughtful gifts that knock dad’s socks off.

Gifts for the Father of the Bride

Socks

Speaking of socks, this personalized pair is both practical and sweet. I love that it plays up on that major moment for him–walking his girl down the aisle. He can wear them on your big day and save them for special occasions after. There are a number of stores that sell this footwear, but we prefer It’s Your Turn Socks because they even have an option to gift to the father of the groom. You’re welcome, new daughter in law.

Available for purchase on Etsy

Available for purchase on Etsy

Handkerchief

If your dad is prone to waterworks, you might as well make sure he’s prepared. A customized handkerchief is a perfectly thoughtful way to show him you care. Bonus tip: get a matching one for mom, too!

Photo and handkerchief by Snugaheart

Photo and handkerchief by Snugaheart

Tie Patch

Another sweet accessory you could gift your dad is a patch for his tie. Like the socks, no one but you two will know it’s there, but it is a very sentimental gesture. You can also gift one to the father of the groom.

Photo by Snugahug

Photo by Snugahug

Art Piece

Do you have a special song to dance to with your dad? Everyone knows the father-daughter dance is one of the sweetest parts of the reception. Whether you choreograph an elaborate dance that ends up going viral (wink) or choose to slow dance with dad, the song lyrics from your dance will always be special to him. Wait for your photographer to give back your photos, and then you can make a personalized print with your dance lyrics. This is one of those gifts that will be enjoyed forever.

Wedding Souvenir

If you watch Father of the Bride, you’ll notice that the two biggest conflicts for George Banks (Steve Martin) are losing his little girl and paying for the wedding. Much of the hilarity arises from his inability to accept that weddings cost a fortune. This theme is nothing new in the world of wedding planning, and you can have some fun with it when it comes to your father of the bride gift. A word of caution would be to only play up this joke if your dad has a solid sense of humor.

You don’t have to spend much to go the extra mile with your gift for father of the bride. What really matters is that you show him your love and appreciation. Whether it be a pair of socks, a cheesy mug, or a handwritten letter just make sure he understands how you value him. We hope these ideas help you as you plan your wedding. As always, be sure to share with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag #superiorcelebrations.

Posted in Weddings

The Best Fourth of July. Ever.

The Best 4th of July. Ever.

It’s never too early to be thinking about America’s birthday. It has a way of sneaking up on you–probably because of how lazy we tend to be during summer–and this is just one of those holidays you don’t want to miss. That said, we have a fantastic sale going on to help you celebrate the Fourth in full force!

Today we’re featuring some of our favorite food, activities, and decor for the perfect Fourth of July celebration.

The Best Fourth of July Food

Let’s start out with the most important item on the agenda: food. The Fourth is a holiday where Americans momentarily part with their diets and restrictions and indulge in outrageously decadent summer food. You could say it’s very much like Thanksgiving in that way.

Meats

By far the most popular Fourth of July menu option is BBQ. You can keep it as simple or complicated as you like. Most people with kids opt for burgers and hotdogs, but if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious we recommend these Fall Off the Bone BBQ Ribs.

What is interesting about these ribs is that they tenderize all day long in a slow-cooker and then get nice and charred on the grill after.

If you have a lot of mouths to feed and don’t want to slave away over a hot grill this recipe for Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is a dream. Cooked in a Dutch Oven or crock pot, this meal serves up to 18 people! Eat it in a sandwich, taco, or by itself, you can satisfy that BBQ craving without even turning on the grill.

Sides

An excellent and easy side dish to serve are BBQ Deviled Eggs. This recipe combines two of the most glorious foods–BBQ and deviled eggs. You’ll need to make about twice as many as you *think* you’ll need. They are sure to go fast!

If you want to give your guests something to talk about long after the Fourth is over, check out this recipe for Hot Corn Dip. This is one of those foods that I know without even tasting it would be like Kryptonite for me. If you have stronger will power than me, I beg you to make it. I want to spend the Fourth knowing that somewhere out there, there are people indulging in this heavenly dish. I just don’t think I can be one of them *sob.

Desserts

Let’s move along to the sweeter side of things, shall we? We recommend you keep desserts simple and transportable as they will be most likely be consumed around the time you watch the fireworks show. Like the idea of making something that is both salty and sweet? Check out this Patriotic Popcorn which combines popcorn, marshmallows, M’n’Ms and Pretzel M’n’Ms. To die for!


Another sweet and simple dessert idea are these cheesecake bites from The Kitchen is My Playground. Red, white, blue and just a hint of healthy these are great for adults and kids alike. The cheesecake base is a simple concoction of confectioner’s sugar, cream cheese, and almond extract. A super simple recipe, this is one that you can let your kids “help” with by lining up blueberries.


Finally, if you want to really dazzle your younger crowd and please the adults chocolate dipped Oreos are the way to go. Slide them onto a stick and you have Oreo Pops! These are sure to be a crowd pleaser and while they may look intimidating–they are a cinch to make.

The Best Fourth of July Activities for Kids

If you’re like me, and are a parent to small children, you know that a day long event that leads up to fireworks is going to have your kids antsy. “Mom, when is it time for fireworks?” “Mom! Can we do fireworks now?” “Mom! Is it time for the fireworks to start yet?” I have found that the easiest way to field these questions is to have plenty of activities to keep them busy. After all, I want to spend the day enjoying friends and family, not getting irritated by my very persistent five-year-old.

Coloring Station

I recommend having a craft table set up with various projects your kids can do with minimal guidance. For example, having a small coloring station lined up will keep your littles busy for hours. With endless free printables out there, you can print pages off ahead of time and surprise your kids with new coloring “books.”

[Click HERE for free printables]

Chalk

Another simple but fun activity for kids is to have a chalk-work fireworks challenge. My kids perk up to anything with the word “challenge” attached to it. “Bet you can’t fill the whole driveway up with chalk fireworks!” That’s all it would take to send my two kids out for a solid hour of chalk-work fun.

Crafts

For an activity that might require a *little* adult supervision/help, check out this fun fireworks craft that incorporates salt, glue, and food color for a 3-dimensional result.

Sparklers

Now, this last activity will DEFINITELY require adult supervision, but this will be the thing they talk about and remember for years to come.

Enter sparklers.

Our color sparklers are 10″ long and burn for about 40 seconds. These are guaranteed to make your kid squeal with glee.

Color sparklers: perfect for your kids to enjoy on the 4th of July

If you want to have a longer-lasting effect then we suggest the 20″ wedding sparklers. Don’t let the word “wedding” deter you. These babies will burn for 120 seconds and will absolutely mesmerize your kids!

image1 (2)

A third option are the Fluorescent Sparkler Torches. These 17″ long sparklers deliver more of a glow than an actual sparkler effect. Just make sure your  little Jedis know not to use them as light sabers 😉

We also have patriotic LED foam stickspatriotic glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets for your kids to enjoy while they watch the fireworks show. I like these items because they help me locate my kids in the dark and my kids get a huge kick out them!

The Best Fourth of July Decor

It doesn’t take much to spruce up your house or yard for July Fourth entertaining. A few flags here, a couple stars there and BAM! You’re Uncle Sam approved. However, should you want to go the extra mile we have found a few ideas that deliver big with minimal effort.

Painted Lawn Stars

That’s right, you can totally paint your lawn. I know my kids would flip a lid if we did this. They would also probably think that its totally ok to paint the lawn whenever they want to…so make sure you communicate that this is a once-a-year kind of thing.

Fourth of July Decor Painted Lawn Stars 3

[photo and tutorial: The Concrete Cottage]

 Patriotic Mantel

While you have the spray paint out for your lawn you can easily whip up this adorable mantel look. Jars, twigs, and spray paint oh my! It’s so easy it’s ridiculous. These would also be very cute as centerpieces.

4th-of-July-Fireworks-Mantel

[photo and tutorial: Landee Lu]

 Fireworks Centerpiece

We have a special place in our heart for anything fireworks related. This adorable paper fireworks centerpiece is perfect in every way. The best thing about this decor piece is that it’s just paper and straws! How easy is that?

[photo and tutorial: Design Improvised]

We could go on and on, but as you can see the possibilities are endless when it comes to your July 4th celebration. We hope you walk away inspired and ready to make this Fourth of July the best one yet!

Posted in Holidays

Our Best Tips for a July 4th Wedding

Our Best Tips for a July 4th Wedding

For most Americans, the 4th of July conjures up images of BBQ, country music, friends, family, and fireworks. What happens when you have an Independence Day themed wedding? Pure Americana magic, that’s what.

Today we’re sharing how to get the most from your 4th-of-July-themed wedding. From flowers, to food, to fireworks, we’re covering all the bases for your magical day.

Floral Inspiration

4th of July Wedding Flowers and Inspiration

With a July 4th wedding you will obviously want to incorporate red, white, and blue in your flower scheme. However, there are some fun and surprising touches you can add for some extra romance.

What’s fun about this little red, white, and blue floral arrangement are the pops of yellow from the Billy Balls flowers. Yes, they are called Billy Balls. You can geek out with the best of botanists talking about these rad little flowers.

Another way to showcase your Independence Day flowers is to tone down the traditional colors and really play up the white. The white flowers enhance the wedding theme and let the Americana concept take the back seat.

4th of July wedding flowers. Great ideas here!

[photo: Sarah Shreves]

The sky-blue streamers hanging from the bouquets add a nice contrast to the navy blue dresses. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the bride’s bouquet eliminates all colors outside of white and ivory. Her streamers are white and the overall effect makes her the dominating focal point for the photo. This is a beautiful and classy way to stay within a July 4th theme.

July 4th wedding inspiration. Beautiful flower ideas!

[photo: Sarah Shreves]

There is a final, and bold way to deliver on the Independence Day theme. Using only red roses, this Pennsylvania wedding knocked the ball out of the park with this bold and dramatic choice.

What happens when you use only red for your florals? THIS happens. Absolute, total, epic drama. We love it. Boots aside, there is nothing quaint about this photo. The color here speaks volumes. Such a gorgeous assembly of contrasting colors.

Food Inspiration

July 4th wedding food

July 4th is the absolute best date to showcase summer foods. The possibilities are endless, which makes planning all the more fun. We recommend starting with a BBQ base, as most of your guests expect BBQ on Independence Day.

BBQ gives you the perfect foundation from which to brag. We love this bold and outrageous menu that pulls from all the best of the bbq world.

Another fun detail to incorporate is the classic Coca Cola bottle. Serving them as a beverage acts as both a decor piece and cute favor for your guests.

What’s more American than apple pie? A fun twist on traditional wedding cake is to serve pie instead. Pies pair deliciously with BBQ, and just look at how gorgeous this spread is!

Serve pies at a July 4th Wedding instead of cake!

Mini pies are perfect for guests who want to hurry up and get back on the dance floor. You could fill your dessert table with pies, eclairs, cookies, and even popcorn.

Decor Inspiration

July 4th wedding decor ideas

When it comes to July 4th wedding decor being playful and imaginative is your best bet. For example, if you choose to have a photo booth for your guests, consider making it a focal point for your reception decor. This California couple decked out an old VW van to be a darling photo booth. The marquee light signs really draw the eye to this fun and unique take on the photo booth.

If the bride and groom are from different states a fun decor piece to use is a state sign. This couple highlighted the journey of their love story with state cut-outs on an adorable sign.

Perhaps the easiest and most obvious decor piece to use at your July 4th wedding is the American flag! This serves as a reminder to your guests that not only are they celebrating your wedding, but their country’s independence. The flag is also a great backdrop for stunning photos.

Fireworks InspirationJuly 4th wedding fireworks

Ok, if you’re having the a July 4th wedding, hands-down the most important element of your event is the fireworks display. You HAVE to have great fireworks. Not only will this be the highlight of the evening, but it will be the optimum time to get photos.

Our wholesale division at Superior Fireworks can supply all your fireworks needs. Here are some of our favorite shots from a customer with a beautiful venue in Louisiana, Southern Oaks Plantation.

Fireworks at a 4th of July wedding

How’s that for some red, white and blue? Your guests will get the very best fireworks show in the country! Choreograph it with your favorite love songs and you’ve got the perfect, romantic finale for your big day.

Fireworks at a July 4th wedding

For information regarding our fireworks, please visit our sister site and take a look around. Additionally, sparklers are another fun element to include in your July 4th reception. Check out How to Photograph a Sparkler Wedding Sparkler Exit to get the very best out of your sparkler photos.

Posted in Holidays, Weddings

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

Summer is in full swing! Have you made your bucket list yet? Here are a few ideas to get the most out of your summer!

1. Movie marathon days.

Summer is the perfect time to revisit family favorites like Toy Story 1, 2, and 3, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. There are also so many great shows on Netflix and Hulu to binge-watch!

Summer Bucket List Ideas

2. Beach day.

If you’re close to one, plan on several beach days this summer. Building sandcastles, catching sand crabs, and boogie boarding are some of our family favorites. And did you know that everything tastes better at the beach? Well, as long as you can keep the sand out of your food, that is.

3. Outdoor nap.

There’s nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating as taking a nap outside. Whether it’s by the pool, at the beach, or in your own backyard, make it a goal to get some shuteye outside.

4. Make S’mores.

S’mores are an iconic part of summer. If you can’t make them over a fire, there are so many fantastic recipes on Pinterest to bake them indoors. I like this S’mores dip for a less-messy option.

Recipe from Cleverly Simple

Recipe from Cleverly Simple

5. Make a bonfire.

Speaking of s’mores, bonfires provide a fun, and unique way to hang out with friends and family. At the beach, in the desert, or at a campsite, bonfires give you the perfect reason to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, bust out the cheesy camp songs, and stay up late with friends.

6. Fly a kite.

When is the last time you played with a kite? I honestly cannot remember the last time I did, so that’s going on the to-do list.

7. Reading challenge.

Can I get an amen from all the moms? When your kids got out of school for summer, chances are they joined friends in a reading challenge. Why not have the adults jump in, too? Set a goal and discover some new favorite books this summer. Here’s a great list to get you started!

Head over to Everyday Reading to grab your list!

Head over to Everyday Reading to grab your list!

8. Watch a baseball game.

Sure, it’s hot and the price for a hot dog is outrageous, but watching baseball game in the summer is a must!

9. Concert in the park.

Most communities have various concerts and movie nights that are totally free to attend. Bring your own chairs and blankets and enjoy entertainment outside.

10. Glow in the dark party.

We’ve talked about this a few times on the blog. Whether you’re planning a fun party for your tween, or wanting to jump on the latest trend for glow-in-the-dark fitness classes, summer is a great time to try it out!

Summer Bucket List Ideas

11. Launch a confetti cannon.

Seriously, if you have little kids and don’t mind a little “controlled chaos” confetti cannons provide a solid hour of entertainment for them.

12. Visit a water park.

There’s nothing quite like sharing gallons of chlorine with a thousand people, is there? I personally love water parks because they tire my kids out for days, and amusement park food is sinfully delicious.

13. Volunteer.

Summer is a great time to focus on giving back to your community. Volunteer your time and energy at church, your local rec center, a library, or a homeless shelter. See how you can get involved and encourage your kids to do so too. If you’re not too sure how to get started check out this post on how to find volunteer opportunities.

14. Eat from a food truck.

From Find LA Food Trucks

From Find LA Food Trucks

You can find some fantastic food by visiting farmers markets and local food truck nights. Burgers, falafal, lobster rolls, grilled cheese, shaved ice and street tacos are just a few of the dishes you’ll find from food trucks.

15.  Unplug for 24 hours.

It’s a real challenge to get away from technology and social media, but it is so good for the soul when you do. Have a day where you completely unplug and just enjoy nature and each other.

So how’s that for some summer fun? We hope you feel inspired to get out there and make more fabulous memories for Summer 2017!

Posted in Holidays

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About Us

Superior Celebrations is a division of Superior Fireworks that specializes in products such as sparklers, confetti, and sky lanterns that make for special moments at weddings, parties, and other special events. Essentially, our expertise is in being the highlight of the party; we sell the products that everyone will talk about long after the party is over. Many of our products, such as our 20” Wedding Sparklers, our Heart Sparklers, and our Confetti Cannons, are designed and manufactured exclusively for us, to ensure we sell only the highest quality items.