the time has come…

for me to officially stop posting on this blog. Almost five full years ago I started it as a place for me to share things I loved doing or finding, a creative outlet of sorts. (I have never had intentions of turning into anything more.) But things have changed and I have change.

In recent months I have done a lot of thinking about being true to myself before I commit to things outside my life as wife and mother, and ‘getting rid of’ or ‘saying no to’ things that just don’t feel right to me anymore. (Hopefully that makes sense.) This blog has become one of those things. While I will still love decorating, cooking, planning a party, record keeping, and photography I don’t feel I need this spot to share those things. I have Pinterest, Instagram, and my private family blog that currently fill those needs. Finally, thanks to all my friends and family who have read this blog through the years, and lately for those who have pinned my ideas on Pinterest.

Note: For now I am planning to leave this blog rather than delete it. You never know, I may feel like posting here again one day.

Science-themed Birthday Party

My oldest turned 10 a few weeks ago and this year to celebrate we decided to have an official party. After a little thought and some searching around the internet he and I decided on a science theme. My mom, a high-school science teacher,  was going to be in town during the event so I asked for her help. She selected and planned each of the stations (that’s what we will call them) and I worked on the smaller details like favors, food, and invites.

 

We started things off with the activities…the boys made silly putty, learned what happens when Mentos mix with Diet Coke, had balloon races, and even checked out living organisms under a microscope. I made each of them a lab coat (A cheap large tee shirt cut in half up the middle.) to wear during the party. I honestly thought they would protest this idea but instead found that they seemed to think it pretty cool.

Since our party happened during lunch, after the activities concluded we served pizza, orange soda (my son’s favorite), and cupcakes.

As for the smaller details…invites were purchased via Dimpleprints; she customized the colors for me. For favors, I filled petri dishes with candy. I  held them together with a homemade label. I made these myself via Photoshop and once printed I used my Xyron to turn them into stickers. I also made similar stickers for the invites, as you can see in the photo.

The were a couple bumps in the road but overall the party was a huge hit with all the boys that attended. And a huge thank you goes out to my mom because with out her it wouldn’t have been nearly as good.

Perfection: Martha Stewart+Avery

So I haven’t seen them in person yet…the store release date isn’t till February. But I am loving what I can see online from the Avery&Martha Stewart collaboration. For some time I have been using the Martha Stewart Crafts labels found at Michaels but the options from this new line are even better. Can’t wait!

Image via Oh Happy Day

To Follow On Pinterest: Autumn Clemons

 

Pinterest has exploded since I first blogged about it many months ago. But to really get the most of this awesome site you really should fine tune who you are willing to follow and one of those people should be Autumn from Design Dump. Her interior ‘Affordable Finds’ board is a great resource for any person trying to get the look for less or is your on a budget. (Who isn’t?) Check it out here.

January…

There really aren’t too many things to look forward to in January, truth be told for years it was by far by least favorite month of the year. But as I’ve grow older I have come to appreciate and like this month so much more. Currently my two favorite aspects of the month are 1.) finding Meyers Lemons in stock once again and 2.) tuning in to a new season of Masterpiece Classics. Stephanie’s favorite lemon bar recipe is superb and a perfect way to use up those lemons. The only thing that makes them better is eating one while watching Masterpiece Classic. The season kicks off this Sunday with a new installment of Downton Abbey. (And if you didn’t catch the first you can find it online or via Netflix.)

Image via Stephmodo