Just wanted to share a little something fun...
before we all officially begin our weekend...

Adorable "Glow in the Dark" Bottles of Halloween Handsoap...

J picked these up from the grocery store last weekend and brought them home as a surprise...

(if you didn't know this, he does all of the grocery shopping every Saturday - his request believe it or not).

These are SO fun...
and such a SUPER easy, no-fuss way to add some Halloween decor around the house.
(and the bottles REALLY do glow in the dark - I tested them immediately) *wink*
If you are looking for A LOT of "glow"...the ghost version is the one you want.

Here's to a wonderful weekend everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Two silly admissions...

FIRST ADMISSION

I've tortured my kids, (mainly Ella), by not letting anyone use the Halloween Handsoaps until October 1st. 

(We have to AT LEAST be in the same month of the holiday, right?)

SECOND ADMISSION

I'm looking forward to tackling a lot of projects while J and Ella are in Illinois. (Saturday thru Tuesday)

But the reality of missing them has been tugging at my heartstrings all week...

I've never been without my sweet Ella.

I cried myself to sleep lastnight...

I'm SUCH a baby. *wink*

styling | DiY Centerpiece

I just know you've been in suspense...
awaiting the DiY Centerpiece I told you I would be posting soon.

Well the wait is over my friends...

I'm sharing a simple technique for creating a super easy foundation for a centerpiece for any special occasion

This one just happens to be perfect for Halloween...and a bit on the GLAM side...

Start with a container of your choice.

I used a clear glass cylinder and then wrapped it with a strip of wrapping paper - securing with double stick tape.

(You could use tissue paper, scrapbooking paper, or even fabric).

Fill it with sugar...just below the rim of the wrapping paper.



Add some festive candy of your choice...
(I chose to use Double Bubble Gumballs I picked up at Cracker Barrel.)
And since sugar fills most of the container - less decorative candy needed! *wink*



Add a strip of black ribbon.
I inserted my pre-decorated Pastry Pedestals™  (using THESE Halloween printables)...
and then I added these FABULOUS and FUN
Diamond Accent Picks from David Tutera's Bridal Collection found at JoAnn's.




You could add a little spider if you'd like?
But most importantly...you need to add your choice of a petite sweets/treats/desserts...


How about saving yourself from baking and just top them with
Snickers Peanut Butter Squared? (like I did the other day)


And did you notice I swapped out the gumballs for candy corn?
I did that especially for my mom...she LOVES candy corn!! *wink*



It's that easy.
And even if you don't have The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit....
 you can still create a FUN bouquet of things using this as the foundation for
displaying faux floral picks, fabric tied onto wooden skewers,  paper or fabric flowers, etc.
You can do so many different things with this simple technique.

I hope you are inspired!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I really am all about using what you have on hand when you can.

Look closely at the black ribbon I wrapped around the container...

It's really a black and white polka dot piece of ribbon I inverted...

You can see the polka dots peeking through...

just a tiny bit - but I think it totally worked!! 

They almost look silver! *wink*

coming up | DiY Centerpiece...

Good Morning Everyone!!
It's already been a busy morning for me...
and the day is only going to get busier.

I wanted to give you a preview of what's coming up...

How to create a quick...simple DiY Centerpiece

It's super simple and pretty darn glamtacular!! *wink*
Stay tuned...

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Big news.

Ella and J will be leaving Saturday to visit family in Illinois.

That means I'll have Monday and Tuesday completely FREE

to focus on work and enjoy a little down time.

There's no denying I'm excited.

Although...

I've never been away from Ella since she was born. 

(and she's almost three years old).

Nope...not even just for an overnight stay.

I'm ready...

I think?! *wink*

crafts | Glam Spiders

So yesterday...
I decided to carve out some time in the day...
to do a couple of craft projects with Ella.
(my sweet, almost-three-year-old daughter).

Simple projects that wouldn't take a lot of time...
but enough time to make Ella feel special...
and just the right amount of time to help eliminate a little bit of the guilt I've been feeling for being SO busy with work.

Today...I'm sharing one of the fun...
silly little projects we did together.

Remember these spiders from this post?

Well I decided they needed a little something to make them special...

A little bit of rhinestones and a cute pink felt heart...
and you've got some super girly...super cute ...not-so-scary
GLAM spiders!! *wink*

Believe it or not...it was Ella's idea to add the pink felt heart...
Which I believe was the perfect touch!!

We then went into the kitchen for a very different project...
I'm keeping that one a secret for right now though! *wink*

Before heading off for the weekend...
Remember today is the last day to snatch up those adorable 3" Halloween Paper Rounds for $2.50!

AND...
If you'd like to win The Pastry Pedestal™ starter kit...
among 5 other fabulous gifts from participating vendors...
Enter Bella Grey's Birthday giveaway!
The contest ends tonight at midnight!!
Don't miss out!!

Have a FUN weekend everyone.
I'm learning you just have to SCHEDULE the fun...
otherwise, it's just not going to happen!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Ella got to pick out the color rhinestones she wanted for her spider.

I was secretly hoping she would choose this really pretty aqua blue color.

And I also thought she would choose to adorn the entire backside of her spider

with a rainbow of colored gems.

To my surprise...

she kept it quite simple...

and her request for the pink felt hearts was too perfect.

By the way...

I burned the heck out of two of my fingers because I used my Bejeweler tool. 

The top of my thumb is actually blistered still! *ouch*

Oh...and I was going to add a cute little hair bow to my spider too...

Still not ruling that out.*wink*

the pastry pedestal™ | Creative Styling - Halloween 2011

I've been feeling the "slight" difference in the air over the past couple of days...
Trust me...
It's still hot here in Florida...
But there's a definitive difference in the way it feels when I step outside...
Which gets me excited for Fall!!

I'm even more excited to share with you my "gremlin-sized" Halloween creation using The Pastry Pedestal™...

Using the 2011 Halloween Paper Pedestal Rounds...
I just so happened to showcase the other day, 

a little bit of webbing, spiders and some netting I picked up from the Dollar Store...
COMPLETE cuteness!!!

The Mini Sized Brownie Bite "Bon Bons" I purchased from the bakery at my local grocery store are cute...
BUT...
want to see what I've been itchin' to put on The Pastry Pedestal™???





Snickers Peanut Butter Squared....
The candy I have found myself hopelessly addicted to...*sigh*

How easy is that?!
The Pastry Pedestal™ isn't JUST for petite pastries, people...
Pre-packaged candy like this works like a charm too!
And they are SUPER CUTE!!!

Now that I've shown you how adorable the 2011 Halloween Paper Rounds look on The Pastry Pedestal™...

Be sure to take advantage of the 50% off dealio I've got going on in the shoppe right now!!

It ends tomorrow - so snatch up these little gems for a steal before the clock runs out! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Shhhh.....

Do NOT laugh...

I'm about to make a ridiculous confession.

Those Snickers Peanut Butter Squared Candies you see displayed...

Those are from the THiRD bag that I purchased over the past several weeks...
in anticipation of this photoshoot.

Yes...
somehow...
although I'm not fully committed on admitting to the "How"...

the first two bags disappeared!? *gasp*
Yes...

They are THAT good.

And yes...

It may also be true that I'm just THAT undisciplined when it comes to peanut butter and chocolate?! *wink*

holiday | Gettin' tricked out...

Picked up a few things over the weekend from the Dollar Store...

A couple of things that will help to "trick out" (or treat)...

some of my halloween decor.

Wait'll you see what all of this turns into...

With just a few little creeks tweaks...

this will all be turned into a ghoulishous display of monstrous proportions...*wink*

(Okay...I'm exaggerating...it'll be more like "gremlin-sized proportions"...do you remember those little creatures from the 80's?)

I ADORE the color scheme and designs I've created for Halloween 2011.
Silver, Orange and Black...
Perfect combination, don't you think?

Do you own The Pastry Pedestal™?
You can snatch up these printable Pastry Pedestal Paper Rounds in my shoppe right now...
At 50% off...
Now until Friday, September 23rd.

Don't have The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit yet?
No worries...you are not doomed...
You can still get in on the deal...
Make a cute eeky little banner with these 3" circles too!
So clever. So simple.

Enjoy your Tuesday everyone!!


KEEPiNG iT REAL
Random but appropriate...
With Halloween on our heels, I thought it was
apropos to find a term for something I found interesting...
and honestly...
something I have been dealing with personally.

"Energy Vampires" (taken from this website and this one)
I'd never heard the term until today and thought I'd share with you
what I've learned as far as how to recognize these particular people in your life right away...


• you experience a sense of being demeaned, constricted or attacked.
• you intuitively feel unsafe, tense or on guard.
• you sense prickly, off-putting vibes. 
• You can't wait to get away from them.
• Your energy starts to fizzle. 
• You may feel beleaguered or ill.


Bottom line is this... 
"Negative people [energy vampires] are like human black holes which
suddenly come out of nowhere and just suck the life out of you.
You try to stay positive and remain strong but their negativity ends 
up just completely draining you and you're left feeling exhausted."


One of the many suggestions for dealing with these types of people that I found particularly comforting?
Smile and stay detached! *wink*


I'd love to hear how you ward off the Energy Vampires in your life...

working from home | time management

Working from home has got to be one of the most challenging things a woman/mother can do.
(It is for me anyway)...


You've heard me mention the word "balance" many times...(here, here and here)
and how the word seems so "elusive" when you are trying to juggle so many different things.


Juggle...
Such a funny little word to use when referring to life...
isn't it?
What exactly does it mean?  
Here's a great definition I found from Jane S. Gould:

"to handle or deal with usually several things (as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements"


What stood out to me about that definition?
"so as to satisfy often competing requirements"....


Those "competing requirements" for me are all of the things I feel I should be doing as a mom...
as a daughter....
as a sister....
as a spouse...
as a friend...
as a business owner...
and as an individual...trying to maintain her sense of identity in the midst of it all.


I know there are many others of you out there who struggle with it as well.
The guilt felt when you think you've dropped a couple of the balls...
(and we know EVERY ball is important...otherwise we wouldn't include it)...
Right?
Or would we?
It's important to step back (often)...
and re-evaluate what's REALLY important.
(and the answers will be different for each of us).


Today...
I want to share with you a list I found recently from Becky Higgins...
(a long-time inspiration for me from WAY back in the day when scrapbooking was merely a concept vs. a way of life)
These are notes she took from Julie Morgenstern regarding time management tips..
Tips I believe will help me (and maybe you), re-evaluate...

There are several things on this list that really spoke to me.
Perhaps there are some things that will lift and inspire you as well...
While you too are juggling the things in your own life...




KEEPiNG iT REAL
As I'm trying to finish this post...
Ella, (my almost 3 year old)...
sleepily wanders into my studio...
holding her blanket...
in a grumpy mood, mind you...
a bit whiny and needy...
and so my day begins...*wink*

real parties | Jammin' with Jack Birthday Party • Intrigue Design

Today's real party feature is "JAM"packed with adorable details...
Michele from Intrigue Design orchestrated the amazing elements of this "Jammin' with Jack" music-themed 4th birthday party she hosted for her son.

The fabulous dessert table was filled with music-themed goodies with the drum cake taking center stage.  (cleverly displayed on a toy drum used as a make-shift cake stand.)  The licorice "Guitar Stings", "Kickin' Krispie Treats,  Eighth Note brownie pops, "Musical Munchies" and Marshmallow drum sticks were the perfect treats to offer groupies and guests.  The "Jam Session" allowed Jack to showcase his mad skills on the drums too...what more could a little boy ask for!?

Party Host - Michele of Intrigue Design
Celebration Type: 4th Birthday Party
Party Theme: Music - "Jammin' with Jack
Inspiration: Her son's LOVE of music - (the drums, in particular)
Color Palette: Blue and Green (with Black, Red & Silver Accents)
Party Style: Edgy with a touch of Toddler whimsy...

You don't need sheet music or site-reading skills to get lost in the rockin' melody of details this party has to offer.
Keep reading for more inspiration and photos like these customized guitar and drum sugar cookies from Bee's Knees Creative...

press | The Party Dress Magazine • September 2011

Remember me mentioning the Rustic Popcorn Bar I created for a family reunion from over the summer? (here & here)
Well...I'm happy to announce the details have officially been published in

the Fall issue of The Party Dress Magazine...

                           

The entire issue is filled with absolute eye candy and Fall inspiration from other fabulous contributors:
Beth Beattie Branding, PR
Christi Bennett - P is for Party
Christina Nease - Celebrations at Home
Glory Albin - Glorious Treats
Kim Stoegbauer - The TomKat Studio
Maggie Hemsworth - Delish Catering Chicago
Rebecca Propes & Shannon Helliker - Fresh Chick Designs
Vana Chupp - Le Papier Studio

Be sure to check out all of the pages...

You'll be itchin' to get your "creative" on...trust me!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

It's with a grateful heart that I'm happy to be able to start off the week with a post filled with some fun news!

The weekend was filled with so many emotions...

related to the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

It's amazing that although it was 10 years ago...

the rush of emotions from the ceremonies and documentaries...
well...
it made it seem it was just yesterday.

It's certainly a day I will never forget...

A somber day that has profoundly effected me forever...

as well as our entire country.
Sending Prayers of Peace for us all...

it's been 10 years...

This coming Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11...
A day that forever changed the lives of so many of us...
in so many VERY different ways.

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news...
(as I'm keenly aware so many of you do too).
I remember the feelings of disbelief...
The heartache...
The sick feeling in my stomach...
The intense anxiety within myself...
Being glued to the television for hours...
and ultimately sensing the fear felt around the world.

I also remember the "coming together"...
The resurgence of American pride...
The houses, cars, and businesses proudly adorning American Flags...
The sense that despite the tragedy...
we would prevail...
we would be stronger...
we would heal as a people...
and as a nation.

I felt I needed to do SOMETHiNG to commemorate the 10th Anniversary...
I was torn about how to do something respectfully...
tactfully...

I certainly didn't want to feel as though I was encouraging people to host a party...
But I do feel it important to encourage each of us...
to take time to reflect and recount the events of that day - with each other.
The loss of lives...
The acts of heroism...
Our feelings then...
and our feelings now.
Engage in conversation with your family...
especially with your children.

I want to honor those who lost their lives...
Remember the many who sacrificed so much...
Reflect on those who performed acts of heroism...
Pray silently for children who lost parents...
and for parents who lost children.

A horrific day in the history of the United States of America.
And here we are...
10 years later...
Still healing...
For that...
there is cause for celebration....

I hope these free printables will inspire you to take a few minutes to remember and reflect...

(download .pdf here)

as well as to be grateful for the blessings we enjoy living in this country...

If you own The Pastry Pedestal™, use these to create a bouquet of patriotic petite pastries as a memorial
and then serve them up after dinner Sunday evening!

Otherwise, you can use these to create a quick banner to display somewhere in your home that will

serve as a reminder and perhaps spark some conversation between you and your loved ones.

Sending out a heartfelt thank you to those men and women who have served...

are serving...

and those that are preparing to serve our country...

I am indebted to your sacrifices...

as well as to the sacrifices that are silently made behind the scenes by your loved ones, family members and friends.

Thank you...

the Pastry Pedestal™ | Creative Styling - Pink Trim

If you follow Pen N' Paperflowers on Facebook or The Pastry Pedestal™ on facebook...
You'll recognize these photos I shared last week...








I mentioned these would be perfect for a ballerina party...
Afterall...
the trimming I picked up from JoAnn's resembles a little tutu...
doesn't it?




But then....
after creating this Carousel-Themed birthday party invitation for a customer...

I immediately thought of how perfect

these would be for that party too!
Especially if you wrap The Pastry Pedestal rods with some pink ribbon to mimic the pole of the Carousel horse...

SO cute!!

What you'll need to recreate this look:

• The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit (12 lucite rounds, 12 lucite rods and 12 rubber rings)

• white and pink petit fours or petite pastry of your choice. (store bought or homemade)

• pink fabric trim from JoAnn's

• white paper doily (like these)

• pink and white polka dot wrapping paper (or coordinating paper of your choice)

• styrofoam square or rectangle (similar to this from Hobby Lobby)

• double-stick tape

Directions:

1. Assemble The Pastry Pedestal™

2. Cut pink trim to fit around perimeter of The Pastry Pedestal round.

3. Use double-stick tape (folded in half lengthwise) to wrap and secure trim to the edge of The Pastry Pedestal Round.  

4. Wrap styrofoam with wrapping paper. (Just as you would a gift).

5. Poke a hole in the center of doily using a toothpick.

6. Place doily on wrapped styrofoam base and insert The Pastry Pedestal, (already assembled and decorated), through the pre-punched hole in the doily.

7. Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the bottom center of your petite pastry of choice.

8. Push petite pastry onto The Pastry Pedestal rod to secure.

9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 until you are satisfied with your display.

I hope you feel inspired to dress up The Pastry Pedestal for your next event.

The endless assortment of trims available make it easy to change up the look SO easily!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I was going to photograph a cluster of these together...

but after realizing the petit fours had a rough ride home due to poor packaging from the bakery...

I could only salvage one to photograph.

(and even that one was questionable...if you look closely)...

But hey...

you get the idea...

right?! *wink*

promise ME | 1/2 way point...

Can you believe it's been six months ago I (we) started our promise ME journey?

Source: penandpaperflowers.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I've received emails and notes from those of you participating and your progress and goals inspire me!!

And that's what this year-long adventure is all about...
inspiration to be motivated to do that ONE thing...
(or those 42 things)...
you've got on your list. *wink*

And ultimately...

the things on your list are YOURS.

The promises you've made are to YOURSELF.

No one else will ever know if you accomplished what you've set out to do...

But YOU will.

So how are you doing?
Where are you at compared to Day One of this adventure?

Source: the-running-girl.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Take a minute today and re-evaluate where you are in your journey...

Pat yourself on the back for the things you've accomplished. (promise #33 for me)

High-five yourself for the little steps you've taken to get you closer to keeping your promise(s). (promise #10 for me)

And if you happen to find you've allowed six months to pass without so much as taking a step...

There's still time.

You've got, (we've got), six more months to keep our promises to ourselves.

So...
If you've been stuck...
or have found yourself procrastinating...
it's time to look ahead and move on.

Source: whi.s3.prod.lg1x8.simplecdn.net via Jessica on Pinterest

You aren't answering to anyone but yourself on this journey.

And that's the beauty of it.
We can motivate each other...
Lift one another...
Encourage...

However...
When it all comes down to it...
it's on YOU!!
And it's important to make YOU a priority.
Afterall...YOU are the "main thing" it's going to take to keep your promises...



Remember to have FUN along the way...
(this is SUPPOSED to be joyful)

and for those of you feeling defeated...

Source: angslittlethings.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I hope you enjoyed your holiday yesterday!!!
It's a short work week...
Let's make the very most of it!!
See you back here tomorrow!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Although it was Labor Day yesterday...
I took it literally and labored away on some design projects I needed to catch up on.
J had to work 1/2 day and the girls ended up hanging out with their cousin for the day.
As strange as it may sound...
It was actually really nice to have everyone else in the world enjoying a day off...
while I got caught up on work.
That meant less emails and distractions for me! *wink*

find your sunshine...

I've posted photos here before of the beautiful roses I'm fortunate to have growing in my yard...

As simple as it sounds...

slipping on my garden gloves in the morning...

grabbing the garden shears...

snipping a few of these beautiful flowers...

and bringing them inside the house...

Well...

it's like bringing in a little sunshine...

and it just makes my heart happy.

And for me...

for some reason...

the vintage bottles I use as bud vases make my heart even happier.

What's the one simple pleasure in your life that makes YOUR heart happy?

What's YOUR sunshine?

If you aren't sure...

pay careful attention as you go about your day.

When you feel a little warmth in your heart...

or a quiet little peace fills your soul...

stop for a minute to find out what's causing the sensation(s).

And you will have discovered your sunshine...*wink*

I really needed this little bit of sunshine today...so I'm grateful!!

And I'm wishing you all LOTS of sunshine of your own!!

hugs!!