Basketball 
What are the first things that come to your mind when you think of Memorial Day weekend? The first things that come to our minds are: barbecuing, drinking, going to block parties, driving down to the beach, and remembering the people who died while serving the country’s armed forces. Our favorite part about Memorial Day is relaxing and having a delicious drink at a BBQ or the beach. We’ve rounded up 7 of our favorite mocktail and cocktail recipes for our munamommys!
Tropical Bay Breeze Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz of coconut malibu rum
- splash of grenadine
Directions:
Combine all ingredients. Pour over ice and garnish with oranges, pineapple, and cherries.
Source:
Spendswithpennies.com
Blueberry Mojito Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh blueberries
- A handful of mint leaves
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- juice of 2 limes
- club soda
- crushed ice
Directions:
First, puree blueberries in blender, and set aside. In cocktail shaker, muddle leaves and sugar. Add the lime juice and pureed blueberries. Shake well. Pour mixture into two tall glasses. Fill glasses with crushed ice. Top with club soda and stir. Lastly, garnish with lime wedge, blueberries, and mint spring.
Source:
TheMerryThought.com
Rosemary Blueberry Smash Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 8 blueberries
- 1 rosemary spring, stripped
- 1 oz honey syrup
- 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, strained
- 4 oz of sparkling water
Directions:
First, gently muddle blueberries, rosemary leaves, and honey syrup in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add lemon juice and shake, covered with ice fast for ten seconds. Strain through a mesh strainer into a tall glass of fresh ice. Top with sparkling water.
Source:
Townandcountrymag.com
Pineapple Cobbler Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 oz strawberry juice
- 0.5 oz of lime juice
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- club soda
Directions:
In a mixing tin, combine the lime and pineapple juice. Shake well. Strain the contents into a highball glass over clean ice. Top with club soda and float the strawberry juice on top. Lastly, garnish with strawberry.
Source:
Townandcountrymag.com
Blood Orange Margarita
Ingredients for Blood Orange Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup blood orange juice
Ingredients for Blood Orange Margaritas:
- 1 1/2 cup of blood orange syrup
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 16 ounces triple sec
- 16 ounces high quality tequila
- garnishes: lime, salt, blood orange wedges
Directions:
Blood orange syrup: combine sugar, water, and blood orange juice over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take off the burner and cool.
Blood orange margaritas: In a blender, add the blood orange syrup, lime juice, orange liquor, and tequila and mix until combined for 30 seconds. Then pour in a salt rimmed glass filled with ice. Lastly, garnish with lime wedges or blood oranges.
Source:
Bestandbites.com
Blueberry Pineapple Margaritas
Ingredients for Blueberry Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh blueberries plus more to garnish
Ingredients for Blueberry Simple Syrup:
- 3 cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup white tequila
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 to 1 cup of blueberry syrup
- lime wedges of for of garnish
Directions:
- To start, make the blueberry simple syrup. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add in the blueberries and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook until the blueberries have let off their juices and are easily mashed with a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Strain out the solids and reserve the syrup. Refrigerate until cooled and ready to use.
- Dip the rims of your glasses into the lime juice and then into the kosher salt, turning to coat. Set aside.
- In a large pitcher, combine the pineapple juice, tequila, and remaining lime juice, and stir well to combine. Place blueberries and ice in each glass and fill ¾ of the glass with the pineapple mixture. Slowly pour 1-2 tablespoons of the blueberry simple syrup down the inside of each glass, allowing it to settle on the bottom slightly to create the gradient. Garnish with lime wedges and serve.
Source: Hostthetoast.com
Kiwi and White Wine 
Ingredients:
- 1 Bottle (750 ml) of Chardonnay 2 Cups of Club Soda
- 1⁄3 Cup of Orange-Flavor Liqueur
- 2 Tablespoons of White Sugar
- 1 Cup of Seedless Green Grapes 2 Kiwis, Peeled and Sliced
- 1 Large Pear, Thinly Sliced 1 Honey Dew Melon, Peeled and Sliced
Instructions:
Mix the Chardonnay, Club Soda, Liqueur, and the Sugar in a Large Pitcher. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add the fruit. Refrigerate (Preferably for 4 to 6 hours)
Source: Recipe by Howerton + Wooten Events, Photographer: Natarsha Wright Photography
Which one of these delicious mocktails and cocktails will you be drinking on Memorial Day Weekend?
About the Author: Dana Miller
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Welcome to MunaMommy!
It’s here! It’s finally here:). And I couldn’t be happier to share this much anticipated and happy place we call the MunaMommy blog. Just like entrepreneurship, motherhood comes with it’s up and downs, it’s high and it’s lows. But at the end of the ever busy day, it’s the one thing that keep us going. I welcome you to our newest extension of the Munaluchi Brand.
At MunaMommy you can expect to see well curated maternity shoots, newborn sessions, and family shoots. We’ll also showcase the most creative kids parties and celebrations. And we’ll provide motherhood advice and featured articles with moms that inspire you. You’ll also be able to source vendors in our coterieToo directory. Take a scroll around our new blog, and tell me what you think in the comments. I look forward to building this community with you!
xoxo
Jackie Nwobu
photo by Creative Soul Photo
Tune in to the blog tomorrow to see more from this shoot
Stewart Family Session
Family photo sessions are not what they used to be. Remember back in the day when your parents would take you to sears or whatever local photo studio and you would have to sit in front of that hideous backdrop and fake smile? These days, family photo sessions are more about capturing the family in their element. Well lit, well styled, and truly candid.
We shared a photo on our instagram a while ago that went viral. It was liked over 11,000 times and received hundreds of shares on facebook. So it’s only right that we interview the gorgeous family that has everyone in awe. Meet the Stewarts, our first family featured on MunaMommy.
How did you meet?
We actually met at the gym. People are often surprised, but we like to think we’re just an example that a healthy lifestyle can pay off in more ways than one!
Tell us about the proposal.
My husband actually flew across the country to surprise me at home on Christmas Eve. All my family was in on it, and our tradition is opening gifts at midnight. His present was a pair of heels, and when I opened it he offered to help me try them on. Down on one knee he opened the box, and on one of the heels was a ring. He proposed and I was in tears. It was definitely my Cinderella moment!
When did you get married?
We got married in 2006 and we’re celebrating our 10 year anniversary this July!
What is your occupation?
I am a stay at home mom and a fashion/lifestyle blogger.
What’s an average day like in the life of the Stewart family?
An average day for the Stewart family starts with the kiddos waking up by 7am. Once they’re up they spend some time playing with toys. Eventually we eat breakfast, the hubby is off to work and I head out with the kids for a walk around our neighborhood. Afterwards, the baby takes a nap and I get some one on one time with my big boy. We color, read, learn site words and numbers and before you know it it’s lunch time. Naps for both come after lunch and I try to get some work done while they rest. When the kiddos wake up, we usually head into their nook to have snacks and read. Eventually I leave while they play together and I start preparing dinner. Daddy comes home from work around 5pm, we eat together and then head to the park for some evening fun. We play with the soccer ball, or baseball or blow bubbles, we come back home for the kids bath time and then they’re ready for bed. The hubby and I cap the night off by spending time together talking, watching a movie or even working.
How do you find a balance between family, work, and life?
What is the key to successfully raising children?
Do you have any tips/daily routines to share with other parents that you find has helped create a healthy balance or positive behaviors in your child’s(or children’s) life?
What are three things that parents can do to build a strong relationship with their children?
What is one of your favorite memories you share with your child/children?
Anything else you would like to share?
Photos by
Thanks for sharing your family with us Vonette! Keep us with Vonette and her husband on instagram @vmarie401 and @tylerstewart12
If you’d like to have your family session featured, click here.
Bow-Ties & Buttons Themed Baby Shower
A little gentleman is on the way. So what better way to celebrate Tyler’s arrival than with an adorably themed shower. The shower’s planner and designer, Elle’s Couture Events, derived dapper details from the concept of being a little gentlemen and included lots of bow-ties and buttons to showcase the theme. This sweet shower also featured cute teddy bear center pieces, framed quotes and even a signature drink – “Bow-Tie Bubbly”, too cute! And of course, every shower must have games – this shower featured three cutely themed games that you can grab inspiration from when creating your baby shower itinerary. Read on for more details from this charming Bow Ties & Button themed celebration.
Theme: Bow Ties & Buttons (Little Gentlemen)
Unique Design Ideas: All of the design ideas where derived from being a little gentlemen and bow-ties and buttons
- Color scheme: Mint Green, Burnt Orange, Yellow & White
- Favors: Picture frames of the mommy to be’s pregnancy photos
- Centerpieces: Flowers, Teddy Bears wearing bow-tie onsies and framed quotes about how to be a gentlemen
- napkins were tied as bow ties and the linens were buttons and chevron to match the invitation/stationary
- Wishing Tree: Wising tree tags were green and included hello mustaches
- Dessert Table & Cake: bow tie cookies, button cupcakes, bow tie cake pops, chocolate covered strawberries and the cake was a brief case
- Signature Drink: Bow- Tie Bubbly (Bartenders also wore mint green bow-ties!)
- Mommy to be section: The MTB was set up to mirror a nursery. The MYB sat in a ivory club chair, crib filled with baby gifts, night stand with chevron lap, picture of her pregnancy photo, teddy bears, and chevron pillows.
- Instagram station: Included props and the hashtag #BabyTyler
Games:
- Purse Game: Whoever has the most items in their purse wins
- Baby Bottle: Who can drink the juice the fastest out of the baby bottle
- Fake Being Pregnant: We picked three guys to fake being pregnant. Each guy had to have laced shoes/sneakers which had to be removed. They then had to put a large pillow under their shirts and have a seat in a chair. Once seated the men were required to put back on their shoes/laces and tie them. Whoever did this the fastest without crushing the pillow (baby) won.
Vendors:
Event Planner & Designer: Elle’s Couture Events
Stationery: E- Three Designs
Desserts: Elle’s Pastry Boutique
Venue: Brooklyn Party Space
Photographer: Yanqi Chang Photography
Linens: The Finishing Touch NY
10 Fun Playgrounds and Treehouses For Your Backyard
Everyone wants their own space in a home. Whether its a dad who wants a man cave, a teenager who wants the basement to play video games, a mom who wants the office to get work done peacefully, or a toddler who needs a playroom to play with his or her toys and puzzles. Playgrounds and treehouses are fun and entertaining places where kids can run around, explore, move, and play. It’s the one area at the house that they get to rule! With summer quickly approaching, we’ve rounded up 10 great playgrounds and treehouses that will turn your backyard into a fun area for your kids!
Photo Credit: Home Bunch
Photo Credit: Home Bunch
Photo Credit: Made With Happy
Photo Credit: Brit + Co
Photo Credit: The Old House
Photo Credit: Live Love In The Home
Photo Credit: Live Love In The Home
Photo Credit: Country Living
Photo Credit: School Playground Designers
Photo Credit: School Playground Designers
We would love for you to share which one of these playgrounds and treehouses is your child’s favorite!
Princess Myla’s “Wonderland of Fun” Birthday Party is #birthdaypartygoals
Princess Myla was turning five and her mother wanted to give her a party she would never forget. Being the little princess she is why not give her a party entitled “Myla’s Wonderland of Fun”. The design was totally inspired by concept. We wanted to create an experience that she was familiar with. As the guests arrived, the children were presented with bags that had princess costumes for the girls and knight costumes for the boys. While the children were mingling and waiting on Princess Myla, there were guest appearances by the most popular princesses. You could feel the excitement in the room! Finally Princess Myla arrived in her carriage escorted by her handsome brother Prince MJ and beautiful mother, Queen Jaunika Ellis!
Once Princess Myla arrived, all guests had an opportunity to have fun in the Wonderland of Fun that consisted of face painting, balloon station, build a bear station and photos with the princesses. So much excitement but it only gets better. Now it is time to enter the princess ballroom to partake in lunch. As the guests were led into the beautiful purple draped ballroom through the custom built castle front by the princesses, each guest was seated at a table where custom princess chargers were designed by Ten23Designs and blind menu cards by Lepenn Designs. The tables were draped with blush linens, lined with beautiful florals, confetti filled balloons and gorgeous tutus for the chairs. The princess table was the highlight of the party! Princess Myla was seated in a custom built plush purple princess chair and Prince MJ, who was seated next to her, tuxedo chair back was designed by Wildflower Linens.The room was absolutely gorgeous! From the sequin linens to the beautiful florals BUT the day does not end there! After the serving of lunch and cutting of the cake, the guests were led into the theater for one more surprise. Princess Myla loves to dance, so why not have one of her favorite musical artists to appear. As the DJ begin playing “Hit the Quan”, I Heart Memphis appeared from behind the curtain and the children went wild! It was certainly a joy to see Princess Myla and her guest dance the day away. This is one party Princess Myla will never forget and I am truly honored and grateful that my team and I was allowed to be apart of this wonderful occasion.”
Thanks for sharing your event with us Tyron and thanks to all the vendors involved.
- Location – Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education – Memphis, Tennessee
Planner – Tyron Wells of Wells Consulting Design Company - Caterer – Donelson Catering Company
- Draping – Curtain Call
- Cake Designer – The Flour Garden
- Entertainment/Princesses – Parties with Pizazz
- Stationery/Invitations/
Branding – LePenn Designs - Wood Artwork – Ten23Designs
- Linens/Tutu Chairbacks – iDo Linens
- Tuxedo Chairback – Wildflower Linens
- Event Planner/Designer – Wells Consulting Design Company
- Event Planner – Stacey Nickens
- Rentals – Studio1524 – White Door Events and Classic Party Rentals
- Photography: April Tolbert | April Tolbert Photography
Nia’s Modern Art Themed Birthday Party by Pretty Posh Events
If you’re looking for a unique and modern birthday experience for a child who loves art, then Abby Ayeh of Pretty Posh Events‘ modern art themed birthday will leave you completely inspired! With the assistance of numerous creative minds, including MunaLuchi Bride Coterie members Oda Creative & Ten23 Designs, this stylish celebration is an unforgettable experience.
Read all about Abby’s experience in bringing this party together for her daughter’s 6th year birthday party, and enjoy the complete image gallery below.
“My daughter Nia loves art and I wanted to produce a party that was unique and modern but still keeping the art theme alive. I started off by picking my favorite colors black and white and one of Nia’s favorite colors purple and added a pop of yellow for a unique color scheme. I had purchased an outfit for her a while back that had a pair of black shorts with vertical and horizontal white lines. This became the basis of the clean lined modern designscape.
I worked extensively with my vendor team, starting with my talented graphic designer Ndidi of Oda creative. We incorporated a watercolor pattern in shades of purple and plum to tie in the art theme. Ndidi created so many spectacular pieces; from the ‘Welcome to Nia’s Art Studio poster’, to large thank you labels that I put on paint cans for the favors, no detail was spared in this party.
My daughter is a bit sassy and fashion conscious so we wanted to make sure that her personality was incorporated in every aspect of the event. I had Ndidi create a sassy silhouette of her that was incorporated in all the stationery including her acrylic watercolor and glitter cake topper. I also had several of the glitter silhouettes cut out and I used them in various aspects of the dessert table styling, including highlighting the cookies.
Nia helped me come up with one thing that described each of her friends and we had that printed on each girl’s place card – she dubbed herself as the Fashionista and her friends were characterized as The Queen, The Supermodel, The Adorable Diva, the Rare Jewel, the Little Angel, amongst others.
Since it was an art theme, I wanted the backdrop of the dessert table to be handmade art work, so I hand painted the same pattern of purple and plum watercolor elements from the invitation suite on 4 large canvases and hang them. I spent a significant amount of time with my cake artist, Jade of Whimsical Baker going over the design patterns and she did a tremendous job bringing the concepts to life. We used paint brushes for the cake pop sticks and displayed the cookies on mini easels.
The petite ghost chairs from Petite Seats were personalized with decals from Ten23 Designs, bearing the letter N for Nia, and I displayed French Macarons from The Flair Factory on mini ghost chairs to match the chairs the girls sat on.
I set up an art station in my backyard where the girls painted on canvases in their black and white striped tank tops and yellow French beret hats that were part of their favors. After art we went back inside to the ‘Art Studio’ for food, dancing and dessert. The girls were so excited and had such a great time at the event.”
Vendors:
Planning, Design & Florals, Canvas backdrop (dessert table) – Pretty Posh Events
Photography – Aida Malik Photography
Stationery – Oda Creative
Vinyl Decals – Ten 23 Designs
Cakes & Desserts – Whimsical Baker
French Macarons – The Flair Factor
Ghost Chairs – Petit Seats
15 Fun Birthday Party Ideas for Girls
With planning your daughter’s birthday party comes: choosing the theme, selecting the right venue, picking complimentary decorations, deciding on the perfect cake, contemplating over the entertainment, and of course, the balloon details. Planning a birthday party can be taxing and overwhelming, yet so much fun! Are you ready to start planning? We rounded up 15 fun birthday ideas, designs, and themes for you to plan the best girl party.
Pastel Theme
Instagram: @theeventrentalcompany
Slumber Party Theme
Instagram: @elari_events
Slime Theme
Instagram: @lilimarieparties
Pretty Pastel Theme
Instagram: @partywithlenzo
Bake Shop Theme
Instagram: @theartoffinesse
Donuts Theme
Instagram: @viablossomshop
Lemonade Theme
Instagram: @lilimarieparties
Wild “One” Theme
Instagram: @elari_events
Girls Lego Theme
Event Planner: Wrap It Up Parties
Candy Shop Theme
Instagram: @fiestadepotevents
Science Theme
Instagram: @fiestadepotevents
Slumber Party Teepee Theme
Instagram: @joycoevents
Swan Soiree Theme
Instagram: @theartoffinesse
Marie Antoinette Tea Party Theme
Instagram: @theartoffinesse
Butterfly Theme
Instagram: @wrapitupparties_celebrations
Which one of these birthday party ideas would you pick for your daughter?
14 Summer Backyard Barbecue Party Ideas and Inspirations
As summer quickly approaches we are excited for summer barbecues, block parties, backyard cookouts, and gathering at the shore with family and friends. If you have decided that you would like to host and plan a summer barbecue/party, we’ve got you covered! Throwing a terrific barbecue means amazing food, beautiful decorations, fun entertainment and games, and delicious drinks. To ensure your summer barbecue is successful, we’ve selected 14 of our favorite ideas that your guests will love for all budgets and themes. Fire up your grill, and let’s start planning!
Hang String Lights
Photo Credit: Cheetah is the New Black
Charred Gem Lettuce
Recipe: Country Living
Cute Campbell’s Center Pieces
Photo Credit: Ashley Ann Photography
Pretty in Plaid
Photo Credit: Karen Hill Photography
Boozy Popsicles
Photo Credit: Bakers Royale
Fun Lawn Games
Photo Credit: Jessica Sparks Photography
Grilled Salmon with Basil Butter and Broccolini
Recipe: Kitchen Swagger
Picnic Style with Crates
Photo Credit: Tara Milk Tea
Condiment Wall
Photo Credit: Natalie Frank Photography
Delectable Bacon Deviled Eggs
Recipe: Live Simply
Rustic BBQ Style
Photo Credit: Carina Skrobecki
Fun and Bright Placesettings
Photo Credit: David Tsay
Watermelon Wedges Food Display
Photo Credit: Catch My Party
Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Slushies
Recipe: Delish
What’s your favorite outdoor summertime activity?
Atarah’s Fun Birthday Cake Smash
We are beyond excited and delighted to share this fun birthday cake smash photoshoot for adorable Atarah Olatunji’s first birthday celebration. Her mother is Beth Olatunji, a Coterie member and Creative Director/Owner of Beth Jacobs Wedding and Events, and her father is Ayo Olatunji (she is his twin, a spitting image). Atarah is the couple’s triple rainbow baby and their only child. In case you are asking, “What is a rainbow baby?” Rainbow babies are those born to couples who have experienced a previous loss. Rainbows symbolize renewal. This little cutie is truly special and her birthday cake smash was a beloved and precious way to celebrate. Beth describes her daughter as a “mama’s girl” that brings a side of herself that she forgot she had. She cherishes their bond. Beth states, “She follows me around like we’re best friends and I hope we never lose that.”
When we think of a birthday cake smash, we immediately think of a one-year-old enjoying and smashing their first taste of cake, and of course, getting messy from delicious cake crumbles and sticky icing. We love how Beth perfectly executed Atarah’s birthday cake smash with incredible pink monochrome balloons, a lovely arrangement of assorted flowers, beautiful complimentary decorations, and mouthwatering sweet treats, including chocolate-covered strawberries and cupcakes. While Atarah was asleep for some of her celebration, for the most part, she was all smiles and filled with happiness and joy. Please check out the photos of this incredible, fun, and well designed birthday cake smash below!
Thanks for sharing your event with us Beth, and thank you to all the vendors involved.
Planner: Beth Jacobs Weddings & Events
Photography: Westend Studio
Balloons: We Balloonz
Florist / Decor: CA Flowers
Sweets Cart & ONE Letters: Soho Sweet Carts
Cake & Desserts: Love Patisserie
#1 Sign: Pic-A-Booth Toronto
Venue: Mint Room Studios
Makeup: Makeup by Angelina W
Princess Myla’s “Wonderland of Fun” Birthday Party is #birthdaypartygoals 
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