To be honest . . . . .

1. I haven't posted a recap of the shower because I'm disappointed with the lack of pictures I got.
2. I'm doing a half marathon training program for the one here in early November, but I'm so afraid to actually sign up for the race out of fear that I will jinx myself about being able to finish the program.
3. I'm really ready for fall to be here already, the heat is really getting to me.  I'm looking forward to cool crisp days.  Light weight sweaters and jeans vs. what's the most work appropriate coolest thing I can wear.  (Any recommendations for some new flats, I'm struggling to find some.)
   
4. Softball and Soccer are starting up soon, through October we have something every Mon, Tues, and Wed and KC has something on Thurs nights.  Holy moly we're going to be busy, and it makes time fly!
   
5. I'm really excited for football season so that it can be time for fantasy football.  I love Sundays in the fall, sitting around, watching football and checking out my team!
   
6. I'm feeling the need to do some painting and house organization, but it feels like money is flying out of the bank account and not back in as quickly so I might have to just do it with what's on hand.  No trips to the container store for me.
   
7. I've changed my blog design weekly lately.  I just need to man up and find someone to do it for me, I'm just being cheap! (Though I know they all do great work and I'm sure they're worth the $$)  I want to make sure I'm set on a blog name first though.
   
8. I bought fabric for my first quilt, but I'm terrified to start, I don't want to mess it up.  I've laid out the strips and paired them so far.  My goal is to start sewing this week.  Eek!
   
9. Tomorrow's my 100th post and just *might* feature my Pay It Forward post (hint, hint).
   
10. I bought 2 of each of these shirts this weekend in different colors and really just want to go back and get them in the remaining colors.  How many is too many of the same shirt in different colors?
    
11. All these new comments and followers have made me really excited about blogging lately!

Hope you're having a great day!

Luau Shower Invitations

We will be hosting a couples shower in a few weeks and I finally finished the invitations Thursday night.  I had posted about some Stampin' Up supplies that I had intended on using but time just go away from me to have them ordered, etc.  I had some things starred in my Google Reader so I went back to check them out.  I had these three invitations saved and I was on a mission.

First up was to find some fabric.  KC agreed to go to Joanns with me and helped me pick out some fabric for the invitations.  Picked up some adhesive and I was ready to get to work.  I wanted to use some old paper I had from our wedding that we weren't going to use, so I cut it in 4 (4.25 x 5.5).  I then cut fabric about an inch wider all around (6.25 x 7.5) and then ironed it.

Armed with spray adhesive, I attached the base sheet to the fabric.  I've never used spray adhesive before but I quickly found out that it is sticky and gets everywhere! I advise that you cover your table or whatever with newspaper if you're going to use it.   (If you're wondering how to get adhesive off your kitchen table, try Orange-Glo - not that I'd know or anything :-) - Just don't ask me how to get it off your hands, it's still here 2 days later! )

I then cut the corners out of the fabric.  The adhesive was so sticky, I decided to do that before I glued one set of sides down.

I sprayed the long sides down first.  Then folded the corners in and then folded the edges up.  I find it easier to do things in an assembly line so this felt like it took forever!

Here's the final product of the backing piece after the edged are folded up.

And here's the back of the invitation.

I decided I couldn't find an image I liked for the front and that's where the other invitations came into play.  I started cutting out flowers from the fabric and then adhered them to the fronts.  A glue stick worked great for this.  Unfortunately I then ran out of fabric and had to fend off the old ladies at Joanns the next Sunday, but it was worth it.  I adhered the front with the spray adhesive again, it seemed to be the best option for the surface area it needed to cover. 

Here's the final product.  So sad that I had to blur it out, but I love the way that they turned out.  Even better that they are all different and no 2 look the same.  I did about 40 invitations, they took about 4 nights to do (1 - cutting, 2 - gluing the backs, 1 - gluing the fronts).  Overall it was worth it and I really hope they like them and the shower!

I wanted to share the other shower invitations I did for the bride's shower with her family, because they were a labor of love as well.

 I cut out all 50+ dresses by hand!  It was quite the task.  Next time I will not volunteer to do both sets of invitations!

Jack & Jill Shower Inspiration #2

If you remember back to this post, I'm planning a Jack & Jill shower for some friends who are getting married in October.  Since our summer is filling up quickly, I'm trying to do some planning early.  We've finally set a date of early August.


The new Summer Mini for Stampin' Up has arrived and it gave me another great idea that I am really excited about.  A Hawaiian Luau themed shower.  When I saw pages 26 & 27 of the catalog I was immediately inspired.  That, with the birthday party that I read about Running from the Law throwing for her husband, I was inspired to give it a try!


The beautiful Designer Series Paper and Tropical Party stamp set will help to create some cute invitations.

 Source

Also the matching party favor boxes and the same stamp set will be great for some favors!  I think the boxes would be cute with some flip flop or flower shaped chocolates or cookies!

 

Source

This SU Designer Printed Album would make a great scrapbook for the couple to add pictures from the shower to and even for the guests to sign!

Source

Party City to the rescue again for the other supplies!
(All image below from Source)


For the yard, how about some strings of Round Lantern Lights to hang on the trees and some Tiki Torches strewn throughout the yard.

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We'll decorate the tables with some coconut bowl candle holders and maybe some table skirts.

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I'm still looking for game suggestions and prizes will probably be some little liquor bottles or something similar but doesn't pineapple bowling sound like fun for a kids (or neighborhood) Luau party?!?!

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We've definitely got some music options to choose from if we can't come up with some on our own.

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And plenty of tableware options as well.

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The decoration choices are endless! I would like to make sure that it doesn't look like everything was just purchased and put up (I hate strongly dislike the word 'tacky' but that's what comes to mind as to what I'm avoiding).  Nothing too loud or anything that screams 'Kid!' but something that is fun and 'classy' (this word seems kinda silly to describe a Luau) at the same time!


Now I'd need to figure out a menu.  The Pig Roast idea wouldn't sit well with some of the attendees so we're going to pass on that.


Googling provided me with a few ideas:

• Ham and Glazed Pineapple Snacks
• Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
• Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken
• Pineapple Chicken kabobs
• Hawaiian Lemonade 

There were lots of other ideas here as well!


Have you ever thrown a Luau themed party?  Any other suggestions?  Any other Jack & Jill shower theme suggestions?

Jack and Jill Shower Inspiration

Update: Candra if you do find this, please don't read it!  Thanks!

My friend is getting married in October and would like to have a shower here for guys and girls in addition to her shower up north with her family.  Since most of the other Bridesmaids live north, I've taken on the task of planning this shower and leaving the other one to them (plus it doesn't appear that the MOH's (sisters)) really want much input, but that's another story.  She asked for something fun and mostly just for people to have a good time and hang out.

I'm looking for ideas for "themes" or types of showers that go well with both guys and girls there.  My first thought is a "Mexican Fiesta" theme.  What makes this more appealing is that my friends owns Fiesta ware in practically every color.

Here's the inspiration board I've put together for the shower.  (This is my first one ever, so please don't judge :-), I didn't even do one for my own wedding!)

Source 1 - 6 & 10, 7, 8-9 & 11

I think I might have hit the jackpot at Party-City for most of my supplies if we go this route.

I'm looking for other suggestions for a Jack-and-Jill themed shower.  I'm also looking for 'games' or things to do.  We were looking at mini liquor bottles as 'prizes'.