Category Archives: parties

09.09.11

Not Optimal.

So, things have not exactly been working in my favor lately.  It has seriously been raining for 500 days here in NoVa.  We have had major flooding, and a lot of the local schools are closed.   E’s birthday party is tomorrow and here is the weather forecast:
Despite the rain cloud and accompanying thunderbolt in this forecast, there is only a 30% chance of rain tomorrow, which is 70% more optimistically dry that it has been in a week.
A few weeks ago I ordered 100 guitar picks online (originally black) and they won’t be ready for another week. The company shipped me 100 picks in this white material at a 50% discount and overnighted them.  Mike was at the house today when they arrived and sent me this pic… They look a little blurry to me.  
Did I mention that I couldn’t cancel the other order?… So I will have 200 guitar picks.  If you have a little guitar player, let me know!
Lastly I spent an hour cutting and putting together these back stage passes for E to hand out to her guests as they arrive.
See anything that is wrong?  The date at the top says September 10 (correct date) and the date at the bottom says 9/1 (incorrect date.)  I know what you are thinking– nobody will notice (at least that’s what Mike tells me) but the perfectionist in me cannot let it go.  Back to the drawing board on that project.  
My darling husband always seems to keep me grounded in my neuroses.  As he would tell me “it’s just a party, and the most important thing is that we are all together and having fun…” and he is right!  So to all of you party people, bring your galoshes- this party will go on!

09.08.11

Back To School Party

It’s that time of year again.  While searching for inspiration for another party, I stumbled upon this Back To School Soiree.  This party was created by Leoni of Just Call Me Martha.  Isn’t it unbelievable!  I love all of the colors.  

Leoni used free printables from Bird’s Party for the tags.

These pops of color are giving me some serious inspiration….

08.15.11

How to Line an Envelope.

After a post on Anna’s inviations, many of you asked about how to create envelope liners.  My apologies, I promised to give you a tutorial over two months ago.  So, here it is… better late than never!
  This is one of my favorite ways to dress up a homemade invitation or note.
The first step is buying the envelope liner kit from Paper Source.
   Next choose a paper, and trace the desired envelope size, face down.  (I took these pictures one handed, while performing the demo, so they are not the best.)
 Cut out the liners.
 Slide the liners into your envelope.
 Press down and fold to create a sharp crease.
Apply glue to top portion.
Press firmly, smooth out any bumps.
 Repeat as many times as needed.
And voila!
Now you’re ready to mail.

08.12.11

Truly Outrageous.

Does anyone remember JEM?  Well, the cartoon has made a comeback and there is no bigger fan than my E-Burger.  So, I’ll give you one guess what she chose for the theme of her next birthday party…   I love a good challenge.

05.16.11

Lou’s Tinker Bell Party

A few weeks ago, I clued you all in on the theme of Lou’s third birthday party.
Courtesy of my friend and neighbor, Amber of Little Moon Photography, we have some amazing pictures to share…
 My friend Kristy Patterson of Sweet Nothings worked meticulously on the candy table.  Those of you who know me, know how obsessive  I am over the details.  Kristy is just as detail-oriented and was open to all of my crazy ideas.  She was an absolute pleasure to work with.
 I just love how everything turned out!
I created the tags in MS Word, and all of the glitter ribbon is from Michaels.  The backboard fabric is from Heather Bailey.

 

 Once again, Kristy Stone of Tastefully Treated hit a home run with the cake… Kristy is someone who understands and tolerates my OCD.  After I decided I wanted a log slice for a cake stand, she went to several different mill yards in the area to find just the right one.  She’s a genius!
 Many of you had questions on the flowers… I actually special ordered them from Wegmans.  I looked a little weathered (you’ll see below) as I was up until 3 am doing the arrangements.  So worth it!
The fairies in jars were made from Christmas ornaments, Ikea Rajtan jars, fishing wire and wooden toadstools.  The rainbow circles were cut from glitter paper.
The tablecloths were made in this green linen, and sewn by Windows by Melissa .  One thing to note.. the linen wasn’t easy to iron.  Please excuse my mismatched valance (next on the list to be replaced…)
The large toadstools are from Pier 1.
The Ninja-like fairies on the mantle are from Target.  On Friday night as I was arranging them, I called Mike over to take a look (mature, I know) because of the not-so-lady-like positions that they were in.  I tried my best to give them some decorum.
We had a mean game of Pixie Tag. I bought the “Pixie Dust” here.
As you can see, someone finally got her Imperial Trellis shades hung in the kitchen… I love them!  The wreaths, wood chips and moss rocks are from Save On Crafts.
 The goody bags are from Michael’s.  I created the iron-ons in Word.
 The Peter Pan hats are from Good’s Place, the fairy wings, wands, swords and tutus are from Designed2BSweet.
The moon bounce was a surprise from her Daddy.  He was so proud that he found a TINKER BELL moon bounce.  It was priceless, when she saw it in the backyard, she gasped and grabbed his hand.  I think I may have seen a little tear well up in his eye.
 Everyone had a ball, including Bailey.
The kids loved playing Fairy Freeze Dance.
Lou kept thanking us saying “this is the best birthday party ever.”
A week later, our house still sparkles with Pixie dust, I think a little will always remain, but it will always remind of us the magical party that we had for our sweet little Anna Lou.