Birthday Wish: Strawberry Themed Party Menu
by Tania
Filed under Entertaining, Family & Parenting, Pure Natural Living
Birthday Wish: Healthier Party Food
Just because you’re serving up cake doesn’t mean you can’t treat your guests to healthier choices next time you throw a party. For inspiration – check out this menu from Lil Diva’s recent Water Celebration 6th Birthday Party!
Birthday Wish: Summer Inspired Strawberry Theme
Strawberries are Lil Diva’s favorite fruit. They are also gorgeous and the perfect fruit to feature for the fete. We placed heaping bowls everywhere. They made a stunning edible focal point and the perfect healthy summertime snack option for our guests. We kept the strawberries chilled & fresh all day by placing a cup full of ice in each vase – the glass was then hidden by the berries.
Birthday Wish: Healthier Menu
Healthier Snacks,
- Featuring Strawberries… everywhere.
- Watermelon and Grapes.
- Veggie Platter with Baby Carrots, Snap Peas, Mushrooms & Baby Tomatoes
- Whole Grain Pita Chips, Organic Tortilla Chips and Veggies Straws
- Dips; Hummus, Guacamole, and Salsa.
Dinner
- Hamburgers made with Grass Fed Beef, and micro Diced Veggies on Whole Wheat Buns – Recipe Posting Sept 22, 2011!
- Hot Dogs made with all natural uncured beef hot dogs on Whole Wheat Buns.
- Tossed Salad with Dressing
- Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese & Fresh Strawberry, served with a raspberry vinaigrette.
- Macaroni and Cheese made with 100% whole grain pasta, and real sharp cheddar.
- Onion Rings, Sweet Potato Fries and Sweet Potato Waffle Fries from Alexia Natural Foods.
- Vanilla Cake with Custard Filling and Butter Cream Frosting.
Beverages
We borrowed 2 – 3 Gallon Drink Dispensers from a neighbor and filled them with:
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Water
Birthday Wish: Edible Centerpieces
Because we were raising funds for Charity Water. The California Strawberry Commission sent gorgeous strawberries. They truly inspired the theme and became a gorgeous focal point for the event!
This event was made more successful due to the participation of our brand partners.
- Episencial donated $125, and sent bubble bath for everyone – if you need a super pure baby skincare products be sure to check them out!
- Mabel’s Labels sent the cutest individually named loot bag label packs
- The California Strawberry Commission sent 42 pounds of strawberries
- Alexia Foods sent some sweet potato fries & onion rings
- Rudi’s Bakery sent bread products for the Barbecue!
What is your Birthday Wish?
Birthday Wish: A Celebration of Water
by Tania
Filed under Family & Parenting, Pure Natural Living
Charity Water: A Birthday Wish
I’ve officially recovered from all the fun EVERYONE had at Lil’ Diva’s 6th Birthday Party, and I’m thrilled to share it was a great success.
Lil Diva asked for a Pool Party, and in an effort to bring more meaning to the occasion, we decided to take advantage of our water theme and raise money for Charity Water.
The invites were sent, the pool glimmered and the sun was out for what promised to be one of the last lazy days of summer. We set a goal to raise $1000 for Charity Water.
The Cause
We chose Charity Water largely because it fit with our pool party theme, but there were other good reasons too! 100% of all funds raised to go well building projects. They cover their administration costs through other means.
Why is Clean, Safe Water Such an Important Cause?
Diseases from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren’t strong enough to fight diarrhea, dysentery and other illnesses.
90% of the 30,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and unhygienic living conditions are of children under five years old. Many of these diseases are preventable. The UN predicts that one tenth of the global disease burden can be prevented simply by improving water supply and sanitation.
The Plan
We carefully worded the invitation, inviting guest to consider a donation to Charity Water, without obligating them to do so. Now… I’m keenly aware that my child is no more altruistic than the next, she wanted presents, cake and friends. While the idea of raising money for Charity Water wasn’t her idea – it did teach a valuable lesson.
The response from guests was heartwarming!
- “Happy Birthday! what a fantastic idea.”
- “Happy Birthday, Lil Diva, and thank you for being so generous and helping others!”
- “You’re the coolest! Great idea helping the villages.”
We reached out to brands, as a family we made a $380 donation to Charity Water for items that were provided for the party that we didn’t have to purchase.
- Episencial donated $125, and sent bubble bath for everyone – if you need a super pure baby skincare products be sure to check them out!
- Mabel’s Labels sent the cutest individually named loot bag label packs
- The California Strawberry Commission sent 42 pounds of strawberries
- Alexia Foods sent some sweet potato fries & onion rings
- Rudi’s Bakery sent bread products for the Barbecue!
The Results
We raised a total of $1285 for Charity Water! These donations mean 64 people will have clean, safe drinking water… from a birthday party!
The feedback from the party has been amazing. It only takes a glance at the pictures to see that everyone had a great time…
Birthday Wish Granted: Fun For All
The Details
Check out more of our the Strawberry Inspired Decor – Posting Sept 19, 2011
The Food
Check out our Strawberry Inspired Menu – Posting Sept 19, 2011!
