Naturally-Sweet Spa Party :: Book Review & Giveaway!!

When I was growing up, birthday parties were simple and sweet… a small gathering of friends came to the house, mom made a cake, we’d have a dance party in the living room and open presents. Now, kids’ parties are more complicated, more commercialized, and less, well, personal. So I was thrilled when I read Naturally Fun Parties for Kids by Anni Daulter & Heather Fontenot. This book beautifully brings eco-conscious, homespun style to simple seasonal celebrations kids will love!

Perfect for little ladies, the “Natural Spa Party” inspired my daughter’s 8th birthday celebration this summer. A small group of girls was invited to join her poolside for a homespun little girls’ spa day. They were pampered head to toe with homemade, natural spa products – from a Lavender and Rose Petal Foot Soak, to a wildly-popular, edible Chocolate Facial. (Six naturally-sweet spa recipes are included in the book.)
In addition to a dozen creative celebrations presented in Naturally Fun Parties for Kids, the authors offer easy-to-follow timelines, projects & materials lists, tutorials, and recipes for each party. This made planning and preparation simple; and the suggested ideas allowed plenty of opportunity to involve my birthday girl. Together, we hand-crafted the invitations, the spa product signs (as well as the products themselves), and a banner to hang above the spa table).

After looking through the book, which is full of stunning photography, my girl decided upon making a fabric banner like one featured in the “Egg-Dyeing Spring Garden Party.” We tore thrifted pillowcases into strips, tied them to a jute string, and added a homemade “Girls R Beautiful” sign. The fabric strips were also tied to the invitations, the party favors, and around flower arrangements. Colorful tablecloths and garden-fresh flowers completed the party décor.

For nibbling, my daughter selected easy-to-eat foods inspired by the book, including cheese quesadillas, blue corn chips and salsa, Sweet & Savory Strawberry Apricot Tarts, and Garden Cooler Lemon-Mint Ice Pops (another idea pulled from the spring garden party). We also served fresh sweet cherries, veggies with ranch dip, pink lemonade cupcakes, and fresh strawberry & lemon infused “spa water”.

After a few hours of poolside pampering, water play, snacking, backyard exploring (complete with tadpole catching!), and present opening, the girls went home with a Rosemary and Mint Sea Salt Bath Mix, handmade by my daughter. Guests tucked their bath salts into provided goodie bags, along with a small, pretty manicure set and a homemade sugar cookie. A simple, sweet ending to a naturally- fun spa party!

Garden Cooler Lemon Mint Ice Pops from Naturally Fun Parties for Kids

4 cups fresh lemonade (juice of 8 lemons, mixed with 1 quart water and 4 tablespoons raw agave nectar)
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup grated lemon zest

Pour lemonade into blender, add mint and blend together. Pour mixture into 4-oz pop molds and add lemon zest for texture. Add sticks to pops & freeze. (If using paper cups, you’ll need to let the mixture freeze halfway before adding the stick.)

Makes 8 (4-oz) pops 

(All images courtesy of Christy Tozzo.)

 

**Giveaway** (comments closed)

 

Congratulations to WINNER:

Muffin Mama! 

 

Thank you to everyone who participated... I know you still really want this book!  You can order it on Amazon right now for $12.03 (limited copies available)!! It's worth every penny!  

http://www.amazon.com/Naturally-Creating-Earth-Friendly-Celebrations-Occasions/dp/1416206566

 

 

 

Want your own copy of Naturally Fun Parties for Kids? The authors are giving one away to one lucky reader! Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win; stop by and "like" A Natural Nester on Facebook for another chance (be sure to leave another comment here and let me know!). While you're at it, "like" Naturally Fun Parties for Kids too (again, leave a separate comment here to let me know) for yet another chance at winning. A winner will be announced next Friday, September 7th.