Party planning....
That's the topic. So let me ask you this. Do you do themed parties? You know, like is there a theme when you plan a birthday party, or summer bash? Jungle, rainbow, beach scene...
I have done themes for all of the large parties I have recently hosted. And to my surprise, I love planning them. It is a lot of work. Searching, deciding, planning. But it is totally worth it.
The thought has even crossed my mind to start blogging, making, and selling items and such for party planning. Thoughts..... Would you consider using a party planner for your parties to get the effect that you are looking for? Would you purchase supplies off ETSY for a themed party?
Just asking.....
Our Family
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Barefoot Basket
Since becoming laid off in November of last year, I have found myself trying to find ways to live frugal. I recently sat down with a notebook and pen to jot down where we spend wasteful money. A lot of it is spent by the hubby on food and such since he struggles to pack lunches, but I found an even greater amount that was leak through the cracks.
Holidays, birthdays, and celebrates have been causing our money to pour from between our fingers. Of course, I still want to get family and friends gifts and celebrate with them. But there has to be a less expensive way.
After searching many websites and Pinterest (of course), I have found many many ways to save money when it comes to gift giving.
Today I tested my techniques by making a gift for my sister-in-law. I will not list the amount I spent but I will say that I saved myself $45.00. She likes socks and I found a pair of nice fuzzy ones that looked very comfy. After getting the socks, I decided the theme would be feet. Yes, I know, an odd theme but it seemed to work out nicely.
Holidays, birthdays, and celebrates have been causing our money to pour from between our fingers. Of course, I still want to get family and friends gifts and celebrate with them. But there has to be a less expensive way.
After searching many websites and Pinterest (of course), I have found many many ways to save money when it comes to gift giving.
Today I tested my techniques by making a gift for my sister-in-law. I will not list the amount I spent but I will say that I saved myself $45.00. She likes socks and I found a pair of nice fuzzy ones that looked very comfy. After getting the socks, I decided the theme would be feet. Yes, I know, an odd theme but it seemed to work out nicely.
Gift contents:
Fuzzy socks
Shower foot scrubber
Nail files and clipper
Nail polish
Toes separators
Bath foam
Bath gel
and... to top it all off a national bestseller book titled.... "BAREFOOT"
I added two cards made from card stock, free printables, and cut outs from some scrapbook pages I had.... I wrote "Feet in the Sand" on one and "Happy Birthday" on the other.
Other ideas for this basket could include:
Flip flops
Additional pairs of socks
Gift certificate for a pedi
Shower puff
Beach towel
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What If Something Were To Happen?
Nothing like opening your eyes after witnessing a nightmare and realizing it was all just a dream. Shew! That was me this morning and talk about waking up suddenly, oh my gosh.
The nightmare was so real. We were in an apartment like structure at the beach and the waves continued to get bigger and bigger. The coast was covered with water, which is normal for the Delaware beaches during high tide. People around were taking picture because the sea foam was blowing on shore. There were a bunch of crazies in the water trying to "catch a wave". At first we were standing outside the complex and when we realized the water was getting closer we casually walked inside and headed up to the room. For whatever reason, Nolan was upstairs in the room playing with his uncle. Upon walking up the last flight of steps, I saw Nolan crawling on the ground trying to get down the steps. After my heart was in my throat, I realized that his uncle was there playing and crawling with him. We got ready to head back up to the room and that's when it happened.
I heard people outside yell "it's coming.. hurry up". The sound of people screaming and running to high ground was incredible, that was all you could hear. The sound of the waves had stopped, no birds chirping, no breeze blowing. Mother nature had silenced herself. You could however, feel the ground shaking, the floor moving beneath our feet, and the windows were shattering. I remember hearing a voice counting down "Five, Four.." I recall reaching into some sort of organizer and grabbing for a key and a cell phone. And then I remember swimming, swimming as fast as I could to reach the top.
The wave had crashed and covered everything. After the water retracted I realized I was back in our room. Nolan was in his car seat (not sure how that happened) and everything was soaked and covered in sand. The cell phone I grabbed was working, but I realized quickly it wasn't mine. Mine wouldn't allow me to view anything, as the screen was destroyed by the water. I started going through stuff and I remember finding photos, all which were destroyed.
Then... I woke up.
Wow, talk about waking up and appreciating everything that you have. Yea, that was me this morning. Thanking God for allowing me to have all my possessions with me, my family, our memories, even small things that I always take for granted.
I think the dream was a result of watching too much Doomsday Preppers last night. But after "living through this nightmare" it honestly has me second guessing. What if something were to happen??
The nightmare was so real. We were in an apartment like structure at the beach and the waves continued to get bigger and bigger. The coast was covered with water, which is normal for the Delaware beaches during high tide. People around were taking picture because the sea foam was blowing on shore. There were a bunch of crazies in the water trying to "catch a wave". At first we were standing outside the complex and when we realized the water was getting closer we casually walked inside and headed up to the room. For whatever reason, Nolan was upstairs in the room playing with his uncle. Upon walking up the last flight of steps, I saw Nolan crawling on the ground trying to get down the steps. After my heart was in my throat, I realized that his uncle was there playing and crawling with him. We got ready to head back up to the room and that's when it happened.
I heard people outside yell "it's coming.. hurry up". The sound of people screaming and running to high ground was incredible, that was all you could hear. The sound of the waves had stopped, no birds chirping, no breeze blowing. Mother nature had silenced herself. You could however, feel the ground shaking, the floor moving beneath our feet, and the windows were shattering. I remember hearing a voice counting down "Five, Four.." I recall reaching into some sort of organizer and grabbing for a key and a cell phone. And then I remember swimming, swimming as fast as I could to reach the top.
The wave had crashed and covered everything. After the water retracted I realized I was back in our room. Nolan was in his car seat (not sure how that happened) and everything was soaked and covered in sand. The cell phone I grabbed was working, but I realized quickly it wasn't mine. Mine wouldn't allow me to view anything, as the screen was destroyed by the water. I started going through stuff and I remember finding photos, all which were destroyed.
Then... I woke up.
Wow, talk about waking up and appreciating everything that you have. Yea, that was me this morning. Thanking God for allowing me to have all my possessions with me, my family, our memories, even small things that I always take for granted.
I think the dream was a result of watching too much Doomsday Preppers last night. But after "living through this nightmare" it honestly has me second guessing. What if something were to happen??
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Eraser Marks
So I have been thinking a lot lately (cause I have plenty of time to do so since I have been laid off of work) about life and things in general. I have come to realize that all things are meant to be regardless of how it feels when they happen. Something that can cause the greatest pain will eventually bring peace while something that creates a smile can eventually bring sadness. Of course, what is meant to be will happen.
I drove past a little "back woods" church the other day. (I say back woods because it seriously is in the back of a woods) There was a sign out front that said, "Write your life plans in pencil and hand God the eraser." I don't know why, but that sign has stuck with me for the past few days. The saying is one that I believe to be so true.
I was a person who had to plan everything, everything down to the last microscopic detail. When something didn't go as planned I had to redo it until it was perfect. This theory of mine was applied to everything in my life. My schooling, my career, my home.... it was even applied to the creation of my family.
But if I sit here now and think about my past 31 years - the good, the bad, and everything in between; I find myself left with a piece of paper that is covered with only eraser marks. Is this bad? I thought so. I then realized that although none of my plans worked out the way I wanted them to, they had worked out. Isn't that all that matters?
So, as I sit here and ponder what could happen since I am laid off and my severance is nearing an end, I am taken back to that blank piece of paper with the eraser marks. I am reminded that I can create the plan but in the end the only thing on the paper will be eraser marks and I am okay with that!
I drove past a little "back woods" church the other day. (I say back woods because it seriously is in the back of a woods) There was a sign out front that said, "Write your life plans in pencil and hand God the eraser." I don't know why, but that sign has stuck with me for the past few days. The saying is one that I believe to be so true.
I was a person who had to plan everything, everything down to the last microscopic detail. When something didn't go as planned I had to redo it until it was perfect. This theory of mine was applied to everything in my life. My schooling, my career, my home.... it was even applied to the creation of my family.
But if I sit here now and think about my past 31 years - the good, the bad, and everything in between; I find myself left with a piece of paper that is covered with only eraser marks. Is this bad? I thought so. I then realized that although none of my plans worked out the way I wanted them to, they had worked out. Isn't that all that matters?
So, as I sit here and ponder what could happen since I am laid off and my severance is nearing an end, I am taken back to that blank piece of paper with the eraser marks. I am reminded that I can create the plan but in the end the only thing on the paper will be eraser marks and I am okay with that!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Oh... I just may have it!
I have an idea that is brewing in my head, something that if it works would be a lifesaver to me and to countless others. It's something that I could, with a lot of work, make work. Some how some way I would make it work.
I have the starts of what I would need, though I would need to get more, I have enough to start. I would need to put in a lot of work to get noticed but I would be the only one in this area doing this. I could start from my home and eventually venture into a commercial lot, oh that would be awesome. I could have fun and do something that I would feel passionate about. I would be able to incorporate my crochet items and blankets.
If I can get this idea onto paper with details, a plan, and a timeline.... it just may work. Obviously, nothing will work if I don't try and right now I have plenty of time to try anything.
So off I go to start a possible plan....
I have the starts of what I would need, though I would need to get more, I have enough to start. I would need to put in a lot of work to get noticed but I would be the only one in this area doing this. I could start from my home and eventually venture into a commercial lot, oh that would be awesome. I could have fun and do something that I would feel passionate about. I would be able to incorporate my crochet items and blankets.
If I can get this idea onto paper with details, a plan, and a timeline.... it just may work. Obviously, nothing will work if I don't try and right now I have plenty of time to try anything.
So off I go to start a possible plan....
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I Have My Dreams
I read this post today, courtesy of a Facebook share, but it really made me stop and think. The post can be accessed HERE and I would highly recommend reading it if you are contemplating a possible career change.
I have wanted to have my own business forever. I remember going on an interview when I was just starting out (like still in high school and I was about 17). The question was asked, "where do you see yourself in 20 years?" I responded, "I will own my own business." Of course that was the worst answer I could have given during the interview, but something that has stuck in my mind for years.
So here I sit, unemployed and looking for work. I have been exploring everything over the past few months, but nothing is that PERFECT job. Of course I know that work sucks, but there needs to be something out there that makes me love what I do.
There is... and I found it after my life changed in 2010. I love to crochet and make things... I like to make DIY crafts and projects. I enjoy making cards and candies. I must figure out a way to make what I love to do become my reality, my job. Like the post says, "Dreams don't work unless you do". I have my dreams, they have been with me all this time. Now I just need to work hard to make them come true.
I have wanted to have my own business forever. I remember going on an interview when I was just starting out (like still in high school and I was about 17). The question was asked, "where do you see yourself in 20 years?" I responded, "I will own my own business." Of course that was the worst answer I could have given during the interview, but something that has stuck in my mind for years.
So here I sit, unemployed and looking for work. I have been exploring everything over the past few months, but nothing is that PERFECT job. Of course I know that work sucks, but there needs to be something out there that makes me love what I do.
There is... and I found it after my life changed in 2010. I love to crochet and make things... I like to make DIY crafts and projects. I enjoy making cards and candies. I must figure out a way to make what I love to do become my reality, my job. Like the post says, "Dreams don't work unless you do". I have my dreams, they have been with me all this time. Now I just need to work hard to make them come true.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Dreamality
Ever have a dream that when you wake up you wish you hadn't? Or that you honestly felt like you were really there, in your dream? A dreamality, I like to call it. Part dream, part reality.
I had one of those this morning. I say this morning because I had already woken up several times in the middle of the night with my little one. This dream was so real to the point that when I woke up I had to tell myself it was only a dream. I don't plan on going into the details of this dream. Mainly because the details are like most dreams after you wake up, they are very blurred. But I recall the overall dream and it was just WEIRD.
It was a dream that had me asking why I even had it. It was one that brought the past to the present. In a strange way I wanted to go back to sleep to see how it ended, but I just couldn't fall back to sleep. I was so awake from the awkwardness of the situation that there was no way I could go back into a sound sleep to pick up with this dream. It is definitely better not knowing the end of it anyways because what I saw I probably shouldn't have seen at all.
Like I said past brought to the present, something that shouldn't be done.. EVER.
There have been a lot of moments of the past year and a half when I wish I could go back to the days before finding out something was wrong with our first son's heart. There have been days when I have wanted to have my entire family here with me. Many times I think about how life could have been different if different doors were opened and others shut. But these are merely wishes, not reality, for the reality is our family will never be fully together. Our first son had to return home because if he didn't he would be living a life of pain. And as for doors being opened and shut, do we really have full control over them or are the set for us before we exist?
My dream this morning felt more like a reality and I can honestly say that I awoke feeling blessed for everything that I have been given, the choices I have made, and the family that I have with me and up above.
I had one of those this morning. I say this morning because I had already woken up several times in the middle of the night with my little one. This dream was so real to the point that when I woke up I had to tell myself it was only a dream. I don't plan on going into the details of this dream. Mainly because the details are like most dreams after you wake up, they are very blurred. But I recall the overall dream and it was just WEIRD.
It was a dream that had me asking why I even had it. It was one that brought the past to the present. In a strange way I wanted to go back to sleep to see how it ended, but I just couldn't fall back to sleep. I was so awake from the awkwardness of the situation that there was no way I could go back into a sound sleep to pick up with this dream. It is definitely better not knowing the end of it anyways because what I saw I probably shouldn't have seen at all.
Like I said past brought to the present, something that shouldn't be done.. EVER.
There have been a lot of moments of the past year and a half when I wish I could go back to the days before finding out something was wrong with our first son's heart. There have been days when I have wanted to have my entire family here with me. Many times I think about how life could have been different if different doors were opened and others shut. But these are merely wishes, not reality, for the reality is our family will never be fully together. Our first son had to return home because if he didn't he would be living a life of pain. And as for doors being opened and shut, do we really have full control over them or are the set for us before we exist?
My dream this morning felt more like a reality and I can honestly say that I awoke feeling blessed for everything that I have been given, the choices I have made, and the family that I have with me and up above.
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