// How To Throw An Epic Shark Week Party

I moved the August giveaway yet again (to tomorrow!) because duh! SHARK WEEK! It starts tomorrow! And if you know anything about me, you know that I basically live for shark week! It's a religion in our house. Mike and I threw a Shark Week premier party in 2011 and we've been itching to do it again ever since. I was out of town last year (but still caught the premier at a bar with my best friend in Indianapolis... dedication!) and this year we're 2 hours away from all of our friends. I'm thinking 2014 will mark the return of the Flynn's Shark Week party... yeah? Who's coming?!

Since we can't whip up a big to-do this year, we're planning on celebrating in our own way. Just the three of us and some snacks. Can't really argue with that! I wanted to share my tips on throwing the best shark-inspired bash, that way YOU can celebrate the greatest animal to ever live! ;)

The food and drink at any party is crucial. But when you're talking shark theme, you really need to theme it up!

A few handy things we always have on hand for Shark Week include:

1. Goldfish crackers!

2. Swedish fish (I'm totally not a fan of the taste, but hey, some people are!)

3. Shark cupcakes! (Our 2009 version was all gore... these are a lot nicer hey?)

4. Lifesaver candy (Bonus points if you spring for the gummies!)

5. Salsa. It may not sound as appetizing when you think of chum, but it's perfect and delicious!

6. Tortilla chips. There's something swimming in your salsa!

7. Shark cookies. Everyone needs a shark shaped cookie cutter in their pantry!

8. Land Shark lager. The perfect beer for Shark Week!

If you're getting really fancy and want to go all out, you can add some sushi to your menu, too! We usually have small finger foods and sandwiches (cut into triangles... naturally) since I'm not really a sushi person. But I'm sure you can see how it fits the theme!

When we're having an actual party with guests and all that jazz, we tend to whip up an "Ocean Water" punch to serve our guests. You can make it as a cocktail or mocktail! We like to serve both since we have some friends who don't drink, or they volunteer to DD!

Ocean Water (cocktail) Punch

3 cups Malibu (coconut) Rum

3/4 cups Blue Curacao

2L Sprite

Garnish with Lifesaver gummies + Swedish Fish

Ocean Water (mocktail) Punch

5 cups coconut water

2L Sprite

~5 drops blue food coloring (or until you reach desired hue)

Juice of 1 fresh orange

Garnish with Lifesaver gummies + Swedish Fish

Once the food and drink have been taken care of, it's time to think about entertainment! Of course Shark Week in itself is plenty good entertainment, but sometimes it's fun to spice it up a bit. If you're having an adult-only shindig, you can play the Shark Week drinking game (below!). Regardless of the age range in attendance, you can also play Shark Week Bingo! Just change up the rules and prizes accordingly. (Click here for several Shark Week Bingo cards!) Psst... Goldfish crackers make great bingo chips! I'm also not above playing some drunken/blindfolded "Pin the fin on the shark" haha! That's a great DIY game to whip up. Or even a costume contest! Everyone loves an excuse to dress up!

(click here to download + print the drinking game rules)

If you need some decorations for your party, toss out some crepe streamers in various shades of blue. If it's a kids' bash, let your littles craft some fish out of paper plates and paint! You can even download the shark infographic I made back in 2010 and teach your guests a few things while entertaining! (Shark trivia, anyone?!)

The great thing about Shark Week is that it appeals to such a wide variety of viewers! Shark fanatics, casual observers, and people who just love a good party! You can tailor your Shark Week fete to fit kids and adults of all ages! I can't wait for tomorrow's premier... but I really can't wait until next year so I can get back in the groove of throwing a massive Shark Week bonanza! You're all invited! haha

Would you attend a Shark Week party?! Happy Shark Week!

// Dream Travel Destination...

This whole Big Blog Exchange competition has really got me thinking. Thinking about travel, culture, and where my dream destination would be, along with plenty of other scenarios that make my brain spin. While I know the BBX winners don't get to choose where they're sent to, I still couldn't help but narrow down my top choices (emphasis on the #1 though). There are so many wonderful things to see out there, but without a doubt, if I were given the opportunity to pick, I think I'd choose South Africa. 

I'll admit my reasonings are incredibly selfish and super transparent... I'd love to visit Cape Town, then ride over to False Bay and see Great White Sharks breeching from the water. This is the only place in the world they do it. South Africa has been high on my list of dream trips, but considering this competition and everything involved, it really made itself apparent to me just how big of a deal it'd be to witness. Of course my dream in life is to free dive with a Great White, but I'd certainly want plenty (many!) of cage diving experiences under my belt first. South Africa would be the prime place to do it, too! I'd also jump at the chance if I were visiting the coast of Australia. Two truly wonderful places  to experience white sharks in their natural environment.

Can you imagine being THIS CLOSE to a Great White?!
Dream. Come. True!

Once I thought of this, I immediately started watching YouTube videos of cage diving and white shark breeching. There are no words to even describe how much I love white sharks. Seriously. Planned parties for the premier of Shark Week? I'm your girl! I do wish I had discovered my adoration for them earlier so I could have gone to school for marine biology (It's never too late!). Shark conservation is so so important. So many people have an unnecessary fear of them and all it takes is proper education. With that being said, if I had the opportunity to cage dive with Great Whites, I'd want to make sure the company hosting the dive was ethical and responsible in it's practice. (For instance: No chumming or using live bait to draw in the sharks) Even though I wouldn't be free diving, it would still be a dream come true! One of the most amazing dreams, at that!

I don't even know what I would do with myself if I had the chance to experience white sharks at Seal Island, South Africa. I know the opportunity doesn't expire with the contest, but it certainly gets me amped at all of the possibilities out there.

In addition to South Africa, I'd also love to visit somewhere in Asia. The culture is so vastly different than here in America. Or maybe somewhere in the tropics, with lush jungle and a white coastline? Just dreaming here! To be honest, the trip in itself (regardless of the destination) would be a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I hope the lucky winners soak up every bit of it!

Putting sharks and sand aside for a moment, just thinking about the opportunity in general is pretty mind boggling. 16 bloggers from around the world will trade countries, cultures and blogs for 10 days. You could be introduced to a new blogger here on LCH -- maybe a travel expert, or food writer, or a lifestyle blogger from the farthest end of the globe. You'd get to read about his/her experience in America, and then see how I handled life in a foreign land. I'd love especially to see how women are treated and the daily roles they play in society. Maybe the chosen country has a female president or leader, who knows! Being able to experience the cuisine, entertainment, fashion and everyday lifestyle of someone so far away... it just sounds so cool! 

I know I've asked y'all to vote for me on multiple occasions (thank you to everyone who has! It means so much to me!), but don't be fooled into thinking the winners will be the 16 bloggers with the most votes! Votes certainly help, but at the end of the contest, BBX will choose the 16 bloggers who participate based on their Motivation (in the entry form!) and the content of their blogs. With that being said, it's not too late to enter! I seriously think all of you interested should give it a go! What do you have to lose?! Even though I'd love to win, I'd love for one of my readers to experience it, even if I couldn't! I think the unique perspectives will really make this worth watching.

Even if you don't choose to enter yourself, pop on over and read the Motivations of the other entrants. Maybe you'll find someone who really resonates with you. You can browse by region, or using the search box. You're welcome to vote for as many people as you want, but only one vote per candidate per email address. Each entry also has a link to his/her blog, too! There are loads of travel blogs out there so if you're looking to learn more about various parts of the globe, definitely give those a gander. (Tip: use Chrome as your browser and it'll translate the blogs into English for you!)

Even though I'm not primarily a travel blog, I think I could bring a unique perspective to the city/country I experienced. There are so many huge factors that play into culture and society. I'd be so incredibly honored (and stoked!) to share that here on LCH.

The BBX contest is open until April 15th (and I'll probably shamelessly beg for votes until then... I would just really love to participate!). If you're at all keen to the idea of seeing LCH abroad, you can pass a vote my way by clicking HERE! If you'd like to leave a link to your entry, please feel free to drop it in the comments! I'd be more than happy to vote for you!

If you were given the chance to pick anywhere in the world to spend 10 days and immerse yourself in the culture, where would you choose to go? Would you go somewhere in Europe, or somewhere a bit more off the radar like a country in middle Africa? Are there any specific sights or cultures you'd love to seek out and experience for yourself?

Shark Week 2011

If you've been reading my blog for a while then you may already be well aware of my fascination with all things shark related. Everything. I live, breathe, and sleep sharks. My life goal is to free dive with a Great White (after many many many cage diving experiences, of course!). Some people get excited for Harry Potter (or did, I should say), Twilight or maybe even the newest Judd Apatow film... but me... I get excited for Shark Week. I have all of the DVDs, books, and even a collection of plush sharks to commemorate the annual event. Last year we rushed to move into our new place and had cable installed the day of Shark Week's premier so we wouldn't miss it.

Last year's Shark Week set up!

My love for sharks doesn't stop at the jaw-dropping entertainment on Discovery. Instead of just watching the shows or learning about them, we should also make a conscious effort to help keep them alive. With overfishing, finning, and sport, Great Whites are now more endangered than tigers! That's kind of huge. The population of white sharks have dropped 90% in the last 2 decades. Since I've been alive! To think that I may not have the chance to educate my children on the incredible creature that lives in our oceans is a horrifying thought. Sharks have been around for 400 million years! And we're managing to wipe them out without a second thought. With the booming popularity of Shark Week, other shows have made a break in mainstream media such as Expedition Great White. These shows help educate the general public that white sharks don't eat people for fun. They're actually very very intelligent creatures. We all need to do our part to help.

Whether it's donating money to a conservation organization, adopting a shark of your own, or signing a petition to help stop shark finning, we can do so much with so little. (Sharks aren't the only sea creatures that need our help. Please check out the above links and do what you can to help save our waters!)

Tonight we're throwing a Shark Week party. Shark and ocean themed food and drink. Balloons, decorations, and some Andy Samberg. Hopefully our guests will finally be able to see just how passionate I am about these mysterious but magical creatures! (And I have a petition here for all of the guests to sign, too!) 

I urge you all to check out Shark Week, check out various resources around the web, and to get involved! (and swing by our party if you're in Nashville!) Happy Shark Week! 

PS; Here's my shark infographic from my final semester of college! I can't seem to find the version where all of the typos are fixed so you'll have to make due with this one! (Click to view it larger!)

SHARK WEEK 2010!

It is my favorite time of year! Shark Week has bestowed upon us 7 glorious days of entertainment and fascination. (This is like my Christmas!) I'm taking a break from putting together the house to ring in Shark Week with 100%, undivided attention. Ultimate Air Jaws in just 47 minutes! Yes... I AM excited!

xoxo

Mid-Week Inspo-Post!

Here's a little mid-week pick-me-up Inspiration post! Full of goodies that have caught my eye. Enjoy!

my desktop

Mint Green Nail Polish (Anyone know the exact color?)

Hilarious Urinals! So Chic, though!

THE BEAST!

(All tattoo photos courtesy of FuckYeahTattoos)

Funny animal illustrations from Animals Have Problems, Too.

Hope your week is going well!

xoxo

Jean-Charles De Castelbajac

Okay okay okay, So maybe I'm a million years behind on this whole thing but contrary to popular belief, I don't get all crazy gaga over fashion week or anything like that, but I just caught wind of Jean-Charles De Castelbajac's Spring 2010 collection (I KNOW! LIKE I SAID, SO BEHIND!)... I'll start you off with a picture of the man himself (who oddly resembles Jack Nicholson in the face).... BUT THEN.....

BEHOLD! SHARK HIGH HEELS! WHAT?!?!

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection... I would seriously be ALL OVER this stuff!

And the mack daddy of them all....

THE SHARK DRESS!

MIA wore the shark dress to the launching of Jimmy Choo H&M and man alive, I NEED THAT DRESS! I'm not huge on the cobalt blue going on (well, the runway picture has so much contrast applied) but I guess I'm not a fan of the sheer-ness. HOWEVER, a little bit goes a long way. I would never ever take this off.

So my question goes....

IS ANYONE CAPABLE OF REPLICATING THIS IN ANY WAY!??! It does not have to be *perfect* or *dead on*... I'm really just super drawn to the giant great white face in the front. The rest could be open for interpretation. SERIOUSLY. NAME YOUR PRICE. I will buy it. and wear it 24/7/365. :)

anyway, I have a tattoo consultation downtown in Nashville today for the back of my calves. and then I have a TON of homework to do. I'll return later! xo

SHARKZ!

this is baby g right now. she jsut ripped all of my sheets off my bed
and then passed out immediately thereafter. amazing.

i spent most of today in stores... i know i shouldn't have.. but i did. i acquired new fabrics, an eyelet kit, new threads, lots of new patterned paper, christmas ornaments, wreaths, lots and lots of spray paint, twinkle lights, wooden shelves (which i spray painted 'ballet slipper' pink tonight), several ADORABLE dresses, a few cardigans and a sweater. i have a cute new outfit to wear every single day until the semester is over! ill try to take pictures but knowing me and my amount of stress currently, ill go to school in jeans and a hoodie (ew, i know!).

i can't wait to show you all what i've been crafting lately and i can't wait to redo my room! its literally the driving force for the next week and a half to fly by! i think i might get a headboard or a new bed for christmas. right now i only have a frame but i think it'll be a nice new touch. i'm also looking for an L-shaped desk that isnt TOO big so i can get rid of all my small desks/bookshelves and put it all on one. that way i can use the small side for sewing and then the larger side for my computer, etc.

anyway, i need to sleep because i promised myself i'd be up at 7am (yeah right) and be SERIOUSLY productive tomorrow! i have so much to get done, especially if i want to see josh while he's in town. then it's back to the grind. luckily school is open 24 hours this week. huzzah!

i'll leave you with some epic pictures of my favorite animal. goodnight!