A Simple Beach Themed Display + Sand Dollar Cookie Recipe

This past weekend I popped up at the Rossmoor Community festival, what a blast! The weather was gorgeous so I decided on a beach theme. I thought I'd share a few pictures, shopping links for decorations, some die cut files and the super easy recipe I used for sand dollar cookies.

I had just a week to throw it together since I'd just gotten back from a company incentive trip to Paris. If you find yourself in a bind to put together a last minute vendor event display, I've got you covered!

First, you can't have a beach party without some seashells. My go to for last minute supplies is Amazon Prime. I was excited to find a big assortment of nautical items to pick from, even better, with a one day shipping option.

The Chloe + Isabel summer collection Côte D'Azur is all about starfish, mermaids, shells and pearls so that was my inspiration. Versatility is key. First thing I grabbed was a set of four 4 inch baking shells. I may or may not ever bake with these, but how cute are they with the grey pearl shimmer sixlets I found for just a dollar at Walmart?! Later on I'll likely use them for stud earrings or rings.

Let's talk just a second about those little grey pearls though. This was the perfect conversation starter. People did not believe me when I said they were chocolate, I felt like I was bean boozling them! A simple treat can go along way in breaking the ice.

The grey was a perfect contrast to the white shells, but they come in a ton of colors if you need something else.

I saw the phrase "Mermaid Kisses and Starfish Wishes" all over Pinterest when I started planning and was just so happy to find a stand up sign for my table display with this quote. It's 12 x 6 inches, perfect for a table top. The turquoise color sealed the deal for me, it's our signature jewelry color!

I also ordered the Darice 6 foot natural clam shell garland. I honestly thought all these shells would arrive with a little damage and was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy they were. I hung the garland down the side of my pop up canopy tent (secured with an alligator clip, a must have for these events) and the length was perfect.

I'm sure you could use it to drape across the front of a table or top of the tent. I just liked the way it looked hanging and thought it was a good balance since my second, smaller table was on the other side of the tent.

I try to keep costs at a minimum when doing a vendor event as they traditionally aren't great for same day sales, so I decided to make cookies from scratch instead of giving away goody bags. I had all of the ingredients on hand to make this sand dollar cookie recipe except almonds and cinnamon. I found cinnamon at Walmart for $1, as well as a lace table cloth I needed last second.

I picked up the honey roasted almonds from Trader Joes. If you ever need nuts, you'll find the best variety there. I could eat these by the handful, so good!

Here's the recipe I used

Sand Dollar Cookies

Yield 15 - 3 inch cookies (I made 2 batches). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Beat wet ingredients in a medium bowl until whipped:
1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg

Mix in blendedm dry ingredients until a shortbread type dough forms:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda

Use a pampered chef cookie scoop (buy one here) and drop the batter on a parchment lined cookie sheet with 3 inches between. Press the dough down with a mason jar and use your fingers to press down any sections that aren't even in the center. Leave the raw edges as is for the look you see in the pictures.

Sprinkle the tops of the pressed cookies with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. I went easy on the cinnamon for a more natural color, and because I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon. 

Finish by pressing 5 honey roasted almond slivers in center of the cookie, forming a star. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browning. Cool on a cookie rack. Fini! 

When we had down time I handed cookies out to my fellow vendors. They were a hit!

I added last minute touches to the table with some simple die cuts using my Silhouette Cameo and some shimmer and kraft paper I had on hand. I've uploaded the files for the shells here and the starfish border here.

     

If you just so happen to need a fabulous mermaid bib necklace to wear, look no further! You can find this whimsical must-have for summer here:
https://www.chloeandisabel.com/products/N131G/layered-scales-metal-bib-necklace?m=melanierhoades

If you need something a little more subtle, or saw something else in this post you can't live without, view the entire under the sea collection here:
https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/melanierhoades/shop/collection/105732/new-arrivals-d4123df1-5072-4cf8-a4ce-e04313a3901b

If you'd like to Pin the recipe, die cut files or shopping links, here's a link to my Pinterest profile: https://www.pinterest.com/moderntypo/

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your beach party is a blast. "Sea" you again soon.

Beat the Winter Blues: Stock up & Save on Staples

It feels like summer in southern California, so it seems kind of funny buying winter jackets and scarves. But you can't beat the prices. As long as you stick to classic styles and neutral fabrics, they won't go out of style. And I think I found some things that will work for cool spring nights as well. I think navy blue is a great color for the transition.

I just picked up this navy Larry Levine lightweight quilted jacket on Amazon. I wanted something that would keep me warm without weighing me down and this one is perfect. I like that the hood is removable. I was worried that the quilting might make me look bigger, but the quilting is small and the seams flattering.

Larry Levine Lightweight Quilted Jacket

I also picked up this cozy marled infinity scarf from the Loft final sale rack. $13, score! I love the complexity of the colors, and it will dress up my plain black tops. Unfortunately it's no longer available online.

I got this 100% cotton colorblock softened shirt from Loft, too. I'd been looking for a chambray or denim shirt for quite some time, but couldn't find one that worked with my jeans and fit properly. At $15 I couldn't resist!

Loft Colorblock Softened Shirt

I can't wait to wear this Julian Taylor Textured Knit Fit and Flare Dress. If you don't have Amazon Prime I highly recommend it. I use it for my business, but I also love the free 2 day shipping and free returns and exchanges on just about everything.

Julian Taylor Dress

I almost ordered the petite, but the 6 fit just right. If you are between sizes order down. It also comes in plus sizes. The dress has a kind of funky zipper up the back, which you can see by watching the 360 degree video on Amazon, another great reason to try Amazon.

This isn't a heavy ponte type material like I was anticipating, but it has structure and give. Just not quite as soft. It has a waffle texture. I love the modest neckline and length, I know I'll wear it because I don't have to worry about these things.

And for the warmer days I bought this light rayon tunic by Grand & Greene at Marshalls for $17, as seen here with my favorite "accessory", and the reason for my new wardrobe :)

Grand & Greene Tunic

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, because I love Amazon Prime. I never recommend anything unless I love it!