die hard popcorn bar

This past weekend we celebrated my husband's 26th birthday with two of his favorite things: movies and sweets! We transformed the back porch into an outdoor movie theater, complete with a fully stocked concession stand.

The weather is perfect right now, mid 80s during the day and low 70s in the evening. Arizona has a short but very delightful spring. We wanted a genuine summer blockbuster feel, with every movie candy you could possibly think of as well as an extreme popcorn bar. We had plain, kettle and homemade caramel popcorns to choose from, as well as a plethora of seasonings and toppings for a truly versatile popcorn experience. We also had a friend bring a ton of old school boxes of candy, including Raisinets, Sugar Babies, Junior Mints, Red Hots, etc. We finished off the buffet with a giant container of cheese puffs (because obviously) and a few bags of chips. We were pretty lucky that Easter was the next morning because we had a LOT of candy left over. We're not too mad about it, though. I currently have a whole sheath of Almond Snickers in my purse and I may have had peanut M&Ms for breakfast.

After everyone arrived and swarmed our concession stand, we lit the fire pit, gathered in our chairs and underneath our throw blankets, and got ready for a lively viewing of Die Hard. 

On Instagram

Popcorn seasonings: Popcorn salt, Butter, Garlic Parmesan,
Nacho Cheddar, White Cheddar, Spicy Jalapeno

I absolutely love birthdays. I think the worst part about getting older is having people care less and less about your birthday, and having to resign to only celebrating every other decade or so for the big milestone events. There's this point in your twenties where it feels like you have to pass the torch to the younger generations because their birthdays are more important and should be more memorable. I mean, that's true...and I understand the necessity of it...but it's still painful to let go. I'm no Elsa. I'm a birthday month kind of gal and I try to take advantage of celebrating as long as humanly possible. I'm glad that my husband feels the same way, so that we can hopefully continue to throw these silly and fantastic themed birthday parties every year. Especially when it involves vintage Bruce Willis and strings of twinkle lights.

bar of s'mores {frocktober, day 3}

This outfit is a replica of one I wore during my first Frocktober in 2012, but I was in Virginia so I also added boots, a cozy vest and a big purple coat. Now that we're in desertland my Frocktober is looking quite different!

Yesterday at work I was surprised with this fun teal happy birthday necklace, a big happy birthday banner, confetti, and of course a giant box of cupcakes. I can't contain my glee that I work in an office that loves to celebrate with food. 

Then came my birthday party, which was also all about the food and I'm still savoring the memory of it this morning. Happy sigh. 

Everybody knows that s'mores are the sweet heavenly angels of childhood desserts.
Sure, they're a pain to make because they're sticky and messy and time-consuming, but that's part of the righteous victory of making them.
They're best eaten while camping, permeated with smoke and freedom.
Last night we recreated the brilliant exhilaration of the wilderness for my birthday, but we upped the ante a bit. We added a gypsyland of twinkle lights.

We had a s'mores bar, guys. It was such a genius idea, and I'm gonna go ahead and say I came up with it, and that Pinterest had no part in it whatsoever. I'm a terrible liar, but that's the nice thing about blogging - you can't even see my lying face.

To be honest this was nothing like camping because there was an actual bathroom available, the fire was huge (which would maybe mean death in the woods), and we had a fancy s'mores bar table with recipe cards and everythang. Baron Von Bacon, anyone?

NUTTY BANANA: 

Graham Cracker + Reese's Cup + Sliced Bananas + Marshmallow

CHOCOBERRY: 

Graham Cracker + Dark Chocolate + Sliced Strawberries + Marshmallow

BLACK & WHITE: 

Graham Cracker + White Chocolate + Mashed Blackberries + Marshmallow

SAMOA, PLEASE!: 

Graham Cracker + Mounds Bar + Caramel Drizzle + Marshmallow

THE GRASSHOPPER: 

Graham Cracker + Mint Chocolate + Marshmallow

BARON VON BACON: 

Graham Cracker + Caramel-filled Chocolate + Bacon + Marshmallow

There was a perfect little group of us, friends and family alike. The backyard was home base. There were chairs spread out in the desert around a mini marshmallow roasting fire. Because trying to marshmallow roast on a bonfire is the ultimate doom. You will never succeed. If you're lucky, your armhairs will be the only burn victims.
There was also gypsyland, which was an ideal lounge area because it's close to the kitchen and feels like a close cousin to neverland.

I think my favorite s'more combinations were the Black & White and the Baron Von Bacon. They were the most unusual and the most surprisingly delicious of the bunch! You definitely can't go wrong with a traditional s'more, or the Nutty Banana. Those sliced bananas add a delightful creaminess to the whole experience.

It was such a beautiful night. I loved every second. Gathering together for creative s'more-making is my idea of a very merry un-birthday in heaven. (Because we won't age there. Huzzah!).