••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
THiRSTY THURSDAY
defined as a day to...
share something...ANYTHING... 
that makes my mouth water...
quenches my creative tastebuds...
satisfies my thirst for inspiration...
or leaves me "creatively parched" 
and ultimately wanting for more...
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I did it again.

That thing I do sometimes...

That spontaneous, overwhelming response to take action...

to rescue something from certain demise.

I was simply minding my own business...

Full-focused on delightful conversation with my 13 year old daughter...

Finishing up our 3 mile walk together through the neighborhood.

Who cares that it was 9:30 at night...

When all of a sudden...

it was upon us.

Sitting there in the dimly lit street...
in the company of two garbage cans...

THE ABANDONED DRESSER

My heart was racing.

Not from the walking...

but rather from the "thrill of the find".

That abandoned dresser...

just sitting there...

quietly counting down the hours until daybreak...

at which time imminent departure from this world would occur.

Or would it?

I'm always inspired by the "potential" of things.

Especially FREE things.

Yes...

you know what's coming next.

I surely could've stopped right then and there...

throwing my plans for finishing my three miles right out the window.

But no...

I'm a pro at this now.

Having surveyed the situation...

(c'mon...it's 9:30 in the evening...the likelihood of someone else coming by and snagging our find is slim to none)...

I pressed forward on my 3 mile walk...

Casually planning the rescue mission when we were done.

(and hoping J would agree to help).

And so...

finishing the walk at 10 o'clock in the evening...

As we made our way back to the house...

I pulled out my phone to make the call to J.

Following a brief conversation of complaining (on his part)

and some convincing (on my part)...

He agreed to help.

So...

In the dark, quiet hours of the evening...

as my unsuspecting neighbors were preparing for sleep...

We took her home.

We rescued her.

Oh the possibilities that await her...
• paint?
• new hardware?

I can't explain to you how excited I am to breathe new life into her.
(I forgot to mention there's a mirror that came with it too - Bonus!).


KEEPiNG iT REAL
Although there are some people who may be put off by my actions...
and even some who may consider it a "problem" I need help with...
I've decided to view the pleasure I receive from my ongoing desire to restore/rescue abandoned furniture
and home decor items as a gift.
That's right.
A gift... 
because I'm simply unlocking the potential of something no one else found value in.
My little "green" gift of recycling??
Right?
Anyone? *wink*

behind the scenes | The show must go on...

Because I've officially been bitten by the cold I've been desperately trying to avoid...*grumbling*
Because I've got a low level of energy...
And because I've got to use every little bit of time and lack of energy I have left...
to finalize everything for Ella's birthday party tomorrow...

I'm not sharing the wreath or flower tutorial yet. *wincing*
(Truth be told...I've got all of the photos ready for you...
I'm just too exhausted to finish the post *sigh*)

But the show must go on...
Right?!
I've got to make things happen around here.
It's time to give everything I've got to do this thing!! (Ella's party)

So...
I'm going to turn things around today.
How about a little fun?
How about I send you off into the weekend with a little game.
A game in which you could WiN something!!!
Woo Hoo!!

The very first person to guess what this photo is all about...

will WiN what this photo is all about!!

How's that for a game?
You've got no idea what I'm working on...
But you're going to win it!? *wink*

Who doesn't LOVE surprises?

Just leave your guess as a comment here on the blog.
Ready?
Set?
Go....

I promise to let you know as soon as we have a winner!!

ONE rule:
You can't "kind-of-sort-of" make a guess.
The guess has to be "right-on-the-nose".
The guess has to be "exact". *wink*

Make it a WONDERFUL weekend everyone!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Okay...so here's where I'm allowed to whine a little...
• I feel like doo-doo train (anyone else use that term?)
• I've got 1,000+ things to do and I'm about to FREAK!
• I've already missed a deadline for HWTM that was due yesterday! (sorry Jenn)
• my head is spinning right now
• All I want to do is curl up in a ball and fall asleep
• I could totally cancel Ella's party tomorrow and not care right now.

BUT...
I'll SO care later...
and so the show must go on!!
Let's ROCK THiS OUT Jessica!
You. Can. Do. This!!!
And I will...

tutorial | Tea Stained Paper Doilies

There's something magical to me about the process of tea-staining.
More than likely it's just the fact that new objects suddenly appear vintage...
And it just so happens, anything shabby, vintage, or farmhouse-chic completely rocks my world!!

Take for instance these tea-stained paper doilies...
(The contrast between the original white doily and the three variety of tea-stained doilies is gorgeous!)

I've cut small tea-stained doilies in half 
and used them as decorative wraps for shot glasses...

I've turned them into flowers...
(see the doily flower tutorial)

And then used the flowers to adorn dessert tables...

Wreaths...
(wreath tutorial here)

And added some to Ella's hat to go with her 
"Vintage Good Witch" costume this year.

If you are interested in learning all about the simple technique of tea staining...
keep reading!!

You'll need some white doilies and a large pot of tea.
I bought my doilies HERE - 
a fabulous kit containing both square and round varieties.

TEA STAINING PROCESS

1. Fill a large pot with water and place on stove.

2. Bring water to a boil, add your choice of 5 tea bags to the boiling water. (I used peppermint tea, which tends to be a bit lighter than normal tea. But you can use whatever tea you like). 

3. Turn off stove and let pot cool completely. (VERY IMPORTANT or your doilies will tear)

4. Remove the tea bags once you think you've achieved a deep enough stain for your taste.

5. Add 1-3 doilies at a time to the pot - depending on their size. (They will try to float on top so push them under the water with a pair of tongs to attain even staining).

6. Remove doilies to a drying/cooling rack when you've achieved the desired results.

• 5 minutes - very faint stain

• 20-30 minutes - a nice apparent aged stain

• 1 or more hours - a richer stain

• overnight - a deep stain

I have found my favorite soaking time seems to be between 30 minutes to an hour.
(Again, this is based on my selection of peppermint tea).

7.  Once the doilies have dried completely, it's time to get creative!!

I'll be back with the tutorial for the flowers and wreath later this week...

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I have been M.I.A. due to a house full of sickos...*wink*
Ella got sick last week with a cold/cough. (still has the cough)
She then gave it to Jay, Clara and Ema.
And then Ema woke up Sunday night/Monday morning with a stomach bug.
Plug your ears and close your eyes...
I've never seen so much vomit...
You can open your eyes and unplug your ears now.

Despite all of that we've managed to:
• get our Christmas tree up - fully decorated as of last night.
• attend the local Christmas Parade that both of my older girls participated in.
• watch/listen to the Christmas Choir program on Sunday evening that Clara has been preparing for. (sore throat and all).
• go to Jay's company Christmas party on Saturday evening

I've been the only one spared from the illnesses...
Thank you Airborne and Vitamin C!!
(please continue to get me through this very important weekend coming up)!!

And then there's the news I received yesterday...
A sweet friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
She was actually Clara's 3rd grade teacher.
That's how we met and became friends.
I've photographed her beautiful family several times.
She's got two gorgeous girls and a sweet husband.
We've been out of touch for awhile due to our busy lives...
so the news that she was diagnosed at the end of October
and has already lost her hair due to chemo was quite devastating.
I'd love for you to send some prayers her way...

building family ties | Dear Daughter

It's official...

The "Dear Daughter" journey 

has officially begun in my home!!

(Go here to see where I got the inspiration from and what this is all about exactly)

 I strategically purchased spiral-bound journals to fit perfectly in the mailboxes I created for the girls.
(I love it that I'm able to combine the two projects together).

I'm very excited to begin this journey with my girls.

I expect our relationships to blossom in ways I never even imagined!!

What are you doing to strengthen relationships in your home...

with your children...

with your family?

I'd love for you to share some traditions or projects you've embarked on with your own family.

Inspire me!!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Off to whip up some cupcakes for a fabulous ceremony I'm attending today!

My 17 year old cousin - senior in high school...

is having an official "signing" ceremony for being recruited by The Citadel.

He's got some MAD Baseball Skills...among other amazing athletic talent...

PLUS...

he's super smart...

handsome...

and humble.

He is SUCH a gem!!

LOVE him and I'm so very proud of him!!

Congrats Nate!!!

On My Radar | Family Projects to Inspire

Before diving into the tasks ahead of me today...
I felt a STRONG desire to share with you a few projects/diys I've come across recently...
The type of projects that deeply inspire me because they are family-focused.
They are the type of projects I want to do RIGHT. NOW.
The kind of projects I feel if I don't drop everything I'm doing...
right.
this.
second...
and do these instead...
I could miss out on some SERIOUS opportunities to connect with my family.

These are the type of inspirational ideas that make my heart sing...
They bring me back to what's most important...
They clear away the cobwebs of life that quietly inhibit my view of all that I love...
all that REALLY matters...
and they are a perfectly beautiful blend of tapping into my creativity...
all while adding tremendous value to my own life...
and especially to the life of my children.

The first two projects are from Becky Higgins and the third is from How Does She?

Click on the links for all of the information on each project.

PROJECT ONE:

Grateful Poster

PROJECT TWO:

"I love you because" Wall Art

PROJECT THREE:

Dear Daughter Diary

I hope you'll take some time to find out what each project is all about...

The Grateful Poster is the PERFECT way to get your November started off right.

The "I love you because" Wall Art is something every child should have

And the Dear Daughter Diary is just SUCH a precious keepsake...

a wonderful way to connect in a very magical way.

I'm so inspired...

Thank you SO much Becky Higgins and How Does She?

If you aren't following these sites...

you are MiSSiNG out!!

Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

Do I REALLY have time for more projects?

No.

But these...

these are time-sensitive projects...

My children are growing up.

Opportunities for teaching, strengthening, fortifying, connecting, lifting and loving...

those are opportunities I should ALWAYS make time for.

They are the opportunities that matter most.

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*

life | Happy 1st week back-to-school

Earlier last week...
I saw Rhonna's post about her annual tradition of creating a candy-filled poster for her kids' 1st day back-to-school.
I was completely inspired...
but it was already the 2nd day of school here. *frown*

So...
I adapted the idea to celebrate  my two older daughters completing their first WEEK back to school!

I started with a piece of poster board, some tape, a sharpie and a bucket of assorted candy...

and with a little bit of creativity, I ended up with this CANDY POSTER...

It was a complete surprise when they came home Friday afternoon...

(especially since I'm usually always saying no to candy). *wink*

They LOVED it!!
And I LOVED making it.

If you don't feel like you are creative enough to come up with wording on your own...
Here's what I came up with...just to help inspire you...*wink*

"Summer seemed like such a FAST BREAK and now here you are...
your first week of school already under your belts. Just wanted to say I 
love you two little FIREBALLS to PIECES!  You both are SMARTIES
so probably what I have to say...you already know.  Take your education 
seriously and work EXTRA hard to keep your grades up! It's not cool to 
act like AIRHEADS or BLOW an exam. Make time to really study. I know
at times you'll need to TAKE 5 from the pressure of MOUNDS of homework.
But if you stay on top of your assignments instead of chillin' to your favorite
M&M song, you won't get yourself in a CRUNCH and SKOR a big, fat, ugly ZERO.


More than all of that though...
I want you to be yourself!!
(despite the SNICKERS you think you might get).
Be confident in who you are,  otherwise you are just TWIX-ing yourself.
Choose your friends wisely and be a true friend.
And remember, sisters can be LIFESAVERS.
Be very wary of the WHATCHAMACALIT(S)! (defined as boys)
You'll thank me NOW & LATER.
Make it a fantastic 2011-2012 school year!
Come to me for anything and everything...
I'm here to listen always.
And I promise to make a few trips to Donnelly and 5TH AVENUE
for some ice cream and treats.


Claracakes and Emalove...
I love you both tremendously and 
wish you nothing but happiness.
Hugs & KISSES...Mom!"
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


This idea could also be used for:
• birthdays
• teacher gifts
• school office staff
• father's day, etc.

You can even make a much smaller poster and not have to use so much candy! *wink*

Thanks for the inspiration Rhonna!
I hope you all are inspired as well!

Have a fantastic Monday!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Ella, (my very sweet, almost three year old),
was here to help me while I was creating the poster.
I tried putting her in charge of putting the tape on the candy
and then putting it on the posterboard.
Unfortunately, she was only interested in the two Blow Pops and
insisted that she "borrow" them while I completed the project.
Lucky for me, (and Clara & Ema), she actually listened and did not
unwrap them and try to steal a few licks. (which is what I know
in her heart of hearts she REALLY wanted to do). *wink*

crafting | wooden mailboxes

I absolutely LOVE to paint.
And it really doesn't matter what it is I'm painting...
furniture
walls
canvas
objects
frames
fingernails & toes...

There's just something therapeutic about it for me.
So...
Ella and I took some time on Friday to get a little crafty together by doing some painting:

It felt tremendously good to spend quality time with Ella doing something fun...

all while working towards accomplishing something I've been excited about...

#33 on my "promise ME" list...

Since these aren't finished, I don't want to give away all of the details just yet.
I'll be back later this week to fill you in on my thoughts behind this project...
and ultimately the finished details.

I hope you all thoroughly enjoyed your weekend...
Mine was "gorgeous"...


KEEPiNG iT REAL
I didn't say my gorgeous weekend was perfect.
I dealt with major attitude from my two older girls while at the neighborhood family picnic.
It was torture for them to be there...*rolling my eyes*

But I tried REALLY hard to maintain my gorgeous attitude and focus on having fun and being social.
(which I admit is not something we do often enough around here lately). *wink*

it's a circus around here...

It's been a real CIRCUS around here lately...
literally and figuratively.

Literally speaking...
I've been working on a new CIRCUS themed collection.
and I must tell you it's turning out to be quite adorable.

Here's how it all started...

Remember the Circus Birthday Party I posted that was styled by a VERY creative woman named Nancy McPherson?

Since that post, I've had several people contact me requesting party accessories...

(I've even put one of those people in direct contact with Nancy to purchase all of her remaining fabric & paper)

I'd only designed the circus tent silhouette for Nancy - not intending on creating a circus collection at all.

That all quickly changed when I first had a very sweet customer request some celebration circles and table labels...

I was then contacted by yet another customer looking for "full-service printing" 

for invitations and coordinating party accessories...

That's how the invitation was given life...

When the same customer requested return labels for her envelopes,

I made the suggestion of using envelope wraps...and she LOVED the idea.

I'm happy to say the first portion of the order was shipped yesterday.

(invitations and envelope wraps included).

I'm still working on finishing up the other accessories to the collection but was anxious to share what's already finished.

Ready for the "figurative" part of the "CIRCUS" that's been going on around here?
I am definitely in the middle of the biggest juggling act I've ever put on...

I've been up to my eyeballs in custom design work lately.
To the point that I feel like I'm eating, breathing, sleeping, dreaming, and even coughing design work.
(Yes...I still have an annoying cough from the flu I got in January).

• I've got "craft projects" I need to finish for Valentine's Day...
• I've got recipes I'm dyin' to try...
• I still need to create my separate "promise ME" page for the blog to keep you updated...(making progress by the way)
• I really need to catch up on emails (personal & business)
• I must respond to the unanswered inquiries in my etsy shoppe

• and there's a lot of bits and pieces of unrelated news I want to share with you but can't find a creative way to tie them all together...

nor can I seem to find a minute to actually post about them. 

Among all of that, I still need to find time to fill orders...

Cook dinner...

Exercise...

and pay attention to my family. (this being of utmost importance of course).

A lot of multi-tasking...
A lot of "juggling".
And of course I'm always in search of that elusive word: Balance

As for the design work that's been consuming every bit of my time...
I've done everything from
• recreate the Chutes and Ladders themed birthday invitation I created to accommodate a baby shower
• redesign the BUGS! themed birthday invitation for a brother/sister birthday party...
• create several different color schemes for the "Bubbles" themed shower invitation
• design a Dr. Suess themed birthday invitation
• update the ABC Collection invitation in FIVE different color schemes at the request of customers
• create a Bridal Shower Invitation
• update the Penelope Collection for several customers to coordinate with upcoming baby showers
• work on two different logo designs - and take on another one.
• create a handful of EXCLUSIVE silhouettes
• accept some more custom design work for some REALLY cute party themes

AND...
• do some design work that may potentially be published in an upcoming issue of the Nest.
(sister company to the magazine the Knot).
I'm so very excited about this opportunity!!

It's really HAS been a CIRCUS around here...
trying to juggle all of these various things.

I haven't even mentioned the Orlando Martha Stewart Dreamers Into Doers meeting...
organized by Melissa from Truly Chic Inspirations.
We've got about 20 local gals meeting up on the 19th of February at downtown Disney.
I'm REALLY excited about getting to meet up with everyone attending.


Even with a very full plate...
I've been cognizant of accomplishing things on my "promise ME" list... 
Promise #10 - 2 pieces of Janet Hill Studio art are on the way
Promise #21 - Saturday morning breakfast at First Watch with Clara & Ema
Promise #24 - New shirt in...old shirt out
Promise #33 - Mailboxes purchased. One 1/2 painted.
Promise #39 - organizing dinner with friends to meet once a month - rotating who decides on the NEW place to eat
Promise #40 - found a new music artist
Promise #43 - attempted my first video for the blog
Promise #45 - have my submission ready for the "ReMARTHAble" contest

Other random thoughts:

• Waiting on HWTM to post Ella's 2nd birthday party so that I can finally share it here on the blog. 

• Finalizing packaging for the product I'm having patented that I mentioned WAY back...

I share all of this to accomplish two things.
#1: to keep with my original intention for keeping a blog which is to journal & record my life/journey
#2: to justify to friends, family & "customers-in-waiting" that I really am jam-packed busy in hopes they'll continue to be patient with me!

I'm really only kidding about #2...unless you happen to be Ally...
or anyone else who happens to be anxiously awaiting to hear back from me. *wink*

I hope you all are FANTASTIC!!!
I also hope your promise ME journey has been inspiring thus far.
With a week and one day into it...how are you doing?
What are you doing to keep your promises?
What are you doing to at least move yourself closer to being ABLE to keep those promises?
Think about it.
Hugs everyone!!


KEEPING IT REAL
Notice I didn't mention "cleaning" in my list of to-dos...
That's pretty much taken the back burner to everything else at this point.
Aside from their normal chores, lucky for me my two older girls, (Clara & Ema) are looking for things to do to earn allowance. *wink*

And I have a confession...
Ella has been getting WAY too much television-time lately in my attempts to keep up with my design work. *frown*

CRAFT | "LOVE" letters

I am crazy-excited to share with you this clever little craft project I absolutely LOVE!!

It started out pretty generic with me purchasing wooden LOVE letters for Valentine's Day.
Not an original idea in the least so far, right?
After contemplating what crafting method to use to decorate them...(with paint or mod podge as the primary options)
I finally decided to paint them.

I chose black paint to coordinate with the other black decorative accent pieces around my home...
which also allows me to be "non-committal" on my color scheme selection for Valentine's Day.
(we all know this time next year I'll be wanting something different).
With the letters being black, I can now add whatever accent color I want through the use of various ribbon.

red gingham ribbon for a "classic" Valentine's feel...

very cute. and very simple.

The fun doesn't end there folks...we're just getting started.
Here's where the REAL creative ingenuity comes into play...

I wouldn't consider myself a frugal person...
BUT with that said...
I am always very conscientious as to whether or not a purchase will offer a variety of uses.
So it was bothering me that I was going to spend time painting these letters...
display them for Valentine's Day and then box them up until next year.

That's when this came to mind...

By printing out a variety of "accent" words...

I could do any of the following options for Valentine's Day...

or swap out the ribbon color to pink and white polka dots & add it to only one letter for a different look.

see how it's just tucked up underneath the ribbon - easy!

AND HERE'S the BRILLIANT PART!!!

change up the ribbon color and accent word to reflect the current season...

like this one for SUMMER...  "

or this one for Halloween?

a play on words from the phrase "a fool for love"...*wink*
LOVE this whole concept!!!

There are SO many different things you can do with this one word to personalize it for your home...

This one has a special place in my heart because our big thing with Ella right now is asking her...

"Guess what?"  and she responds "Love You!" Sooo...cute.

(Actually, Ella is now running up to us asking "Guess what?"...and then she responds for us with a resounding "Love You"!)

I kept the concept REALLY simple but feel free to get as creative as you like...
• paint it whatever neutral color you prefer to match your home decor (white, black, vintage blue, etc.)

• wrap the letters with any type of ribbon, fabric, scrapbook paper or just leave it plain

• add any word or a combination of words to make an entire phrase/sentence.
• make the "accent words" fancy by backing them with colored cardstock or turning them into cute tags to hang from your wooden letters.

and guess what...

you can use this same concept using a DIFFERENT word to display in your home year-round...

like "FAMILY"?!

I hope you are inspired.

This is SUCH an easy craft project that will be worth every bit of your time.

And because I ADORE you to pieces...

I created an entire 2 page .pdf of "LOVE" letter accent words
for each month of the year...just for YOU!!! (your version won't have the months written in) *wink*
FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

I'm in LOVE with this idea.

I hope you'll feel moved to try incorporating this into your own home decor.

You can even get your kids involved in the painting process...
Or have them come up with your own family words to print out...

You can even put someone in charge of changing out the word every month. *wink*

Tips/Suggetions:

• I purchased my letters from JoAnn's - they finally have a new selection of letters to choose from.

• I painted my letters with black acrylic paint...spray painting is an option too and will probably be a faster method.

• I sealed my letters after painting with a light mist of "matte" finish acrylic sealer. (like this)

• Attach your accent words by tucking them into your ribbon, punching a hole and dangling them from your ribbon or using tape that won't leave residue behind.
• Because the letters don't "free stand" very well, I lean my letters slightly back against a surface and then nestle them close together to keep them balanced.

KEEPING IT REAL

I completely left out the month of January in the .pdf...oops.

I decided to use the acrylic spray sealer on my letters after realizing during the first 1/2 of the photo shoot that the black paint was showing tiny scratches, smudges and painting imperfections. (reference the "love deeply" photos above).

In fact, I added another coat of paint and THEN used the sealer. MUCH better results.

coming up...

Find out what this is all about in tomorrow's post...

Until then...

I'll just keep you guessing...

and anticipating! *wink*

KEEPING IT REAL

I'm buried in design work...

Wasn't even going to post today but just HAD to 

give you a sneak peek of what's coming tomorrow!

{in the studio} bubbles and moon dust

Time to unveil the invitations for the two baby showers I've been helping to organize over the past couple of months.

If you follow my facebook fan page than you got a peek at this invitation yesterday:

"She's going to POP" baby shower (Nov. 6th)

Although the concept of a "She's going to POP" baby shower isn't new...

focusing on "bubbles" gives this shower theme a whole new twist.

And I'm in love with the color scheme!

The jumbo 2" lollipops were custom designed by Heather over at Vintage Confections.

And they came out PERFECT!

Not only do the lollipop colors coordinate with the "POP" invitation...

At my request, Heather created soda POP flavors for them too!! (Vanilla Cola, Dr. Pepper, & Cream Soda)

LOVE them!!!

Speaking of "LOVE"....

"Love you to the Moon & Back" baby shower (Nov. 14th)

This theme was based completely on the phrase the couple exchange to each other on a daily basis.

And we HAD to incorporate plaid since it's a favorite pattern of the dad-to-be. (see this post)

Think star dust wishes and sweet baby kisses...

this shower is going to be darling!

Although the two showers have completely different vibes...

they've been equally fun to plan and prepare for.

As you can imagine, there has been a lot of "behind the scenes" going on over the last couple of months.

Not to mention Ella's birthday party that was supposed to be happening on November 13th.

I said "supposed to be" for a reason.

Ella's grandparents from Illinois want to be a part of her birthday AND Thanksgiving...

So we've had to move the party to Thanksgiving weekend.

UNfortunately...

• this is going to result in a lot of phone calls to all of the recipients who received invitations.

• I'm going to have to contact vendors to have them change the shipping dates of the items they are sending.

• one of Ella's friends isn't going to be able to come now. (and that stinks since she only has two...*wink*)

Fortunately...

• this move in her party date will relieve some of the pressure of having her birthday and a baby shower on the same weekend.

• will ultimately buy me some more time for preparations.

• and of course...allows Ella's grandparents, who love her to pieces, to be part of her birthday celebration!!

So, it's all good!

More preparation time is always better. *wink*

Both of the baby shower invitations above will be available in my shoppe.

If you are interested in either one before they are listed, just send me an email: pnpflowers@live.com

It's Wednesday everyone!

THREE WINNERS will be announced on Friday for the Compendium giveaway.

If you haven't already entered to win...tomorrow is the last day!

Enter THREE times to increase your chances of being one of THREE WINNERS!

Go HERE for details and to enter!!

KEEPING IT REAL

I had no idea the colors for the 2" lollipops from Vintage Confections were going to turn out SO amazing!

It was one of those things that you just take your chances on...

and you are SO happy you did!!