“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 Confetti 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.

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?

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 way 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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected] and we’ll give your business the props it needs to take it to the next level!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

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

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

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.

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: 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!

Source: Someday Crafts

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.

Source: Creative Me, Inspired You

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.

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.”

Source: How Many Days Until Christmas 2016

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.

Source: The Decorated Cookie

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!

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

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

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.

Photo by Handle the Heat

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

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!

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.

[photo: Six Sisters’ Stuff]

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.

[photo: The Pioneer Woman]

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!

[source: Bubbly Nature Creations]

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.

[photo: The Pioneer Woman]

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!

[photo: Two Sisters Crafting]

[photo: The Kitchen is My Playground]

[photo: Happiness is Homemade]

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.

[photo: Almost Unschooled]

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.

[photo: Busy Mommy Media]

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.

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!

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 sticks, patriotic 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.

[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.

[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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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!