Did you ever get the feeling like somethings are not meant to be? Last week my husband and I planned to make a family trip over to the west coast to the Woodland Park Zoo. My mother offered to take the kids a couple days earlier, giving me time to get ready for the JBF Sale this March. Yay! It's perfect timing because I also registered for my first craft show this March!
But things did not work out. Tuesday, I packed the kids up, and was ready to take the six hour drive with the kids. But twenty mintues beforw I was suppose to leave, Rusty called me. His engine blew up! Being that we just spent nearly 2K on the truck for regular maintance, and his truck is a `06 it is pretty upsetting. To our benefit, the engine blew up because the mechanic who worked on his truck ten days ago is at fault- but it means his truck stays in the shop for a few days.
Then it snowed...and snowed......and snowed. Rusty and I knew that going over the mountains in a 2wd van was not going to happen. It's frustrating because I do not have any way to getting four leaf clovers right now, other than going over to the west coast (It's too cold over here). I've run out of clovers that are the appropiate size for jewelry. With a show coming up; that's not a good thing.
It is a good thing that we stayed, because this weekend, Tyler had a fever. I think this is the first fever he was able to express how he is feeling through words. "I shaking" he said..."I icky".
*sigh* Less than a month left, I have to prep for JBF and the craft show. ....still trying to figure out how to cut costs without losing effects of a good booth. Right now, I've got it down to $160 for the supplies I need, but I'm hoping to cut it down even more.
So....if you're wondering where I've been! That's where I am at! Crazy! In the meantime, don't forget to enter the giveaway at Bacon Time ! One of the prizes is my four leaf clover necklaces! Also, take the time to bid on a few items at Luck O' The Irish Auction including my clover locket and belt buckle!
I'll be in touch soon!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Elephants Never Forget
In honor of Alicia's (My brother's girlfriend), Today's themed party is Elephants. I'll admit I had a little trouble making this more age appropriate, so I apologize if this looks too babyish! Most elephant parties are held for baby's first or showers.
invitations:
These note cards are available at Petite Paperie
Decorations:
Naturally, most pick out gray and blue as color scheme, but I opted for something a little different. Don't let me ramble on about how badly I wanted to make the theme purple and gray after seeing these. But once I saw the napkins below a safari feel came about, and I am hooked. I'm suggesting deep green table cloth, with cream place setting. Centerpieces containing long grass in a hand painted elephant on a clear vase.
If you have ever seen those ceiling banners with mobiles hanging down, I'm envisioning this from this photograph originally from velocity art and design. Sadly, this mobile is no longer available, but surely a talented estian could draw inspiration from it to make it come to life!
Food:
My food suggestions, surprisingly came easy! Animal crackers, peanuts, and cupcakes with elephant toppers all came to mind. I was overjoyed to find this on pinterest:
Games:
Elephant Never Forgets: Pretty simple memory game, won't need much to pull this off.
Supplies:
whole peanuts
feather (dumbo's feather)
small circus ball or elephant hat
elephant figurine
elephant napkin (featured above!)
Circus animal cookies
elephant necklace (featured below!)
Party Invitation (featured above!)
Elephant soap (Featured below!)
Something from the Guest of honor (like something from her purse)
Something from the Host (again, something she has on her)
A serving tray
paper
pencils
Set all items on the serving tray, except for paper and pencils. Let guests view this for a full minute. Take away the tray out of sight. Hand each guest a paper and pencil and ask them to write down all ten items. Give them another minute to complete this task, if everyone is really struggling, you can add minutes.
The person with the most correct guesses wins!
The White Elephant Game: I know, I know, I'm not exactly original on this one. But Come on! No one plays this at a birthday party! What a fun way to get the guests involved with each other, and no more worrying about what to give the guest of honor. A basic google search will give you several variations of this game!
Favors
Here's the fun part where guests get to take home a little memory of the event! My pick is these adorable soaps made by soapsational favors.
Thanks for coming! Be sure to comment below and wish Alicia a happy birthday!
*if you would like me to design a birthday/bridal party/ wedding/ etc for you or a friend, please email me with the details at meetupdiva@gmail.com
invitations:
Decorations:
Naturally, most pick out gray and blue as color scheme, but I opted for something a little different. Don't let me ramble on about how badly I wanted to make the theme purple and gray after seeing these. But once I saw the napkins below a safari feel came about, and I am hooked. I'm suggesting deep green table cloth, with cream place setting. Centerpieces containing long grass in a hand painted elephant on a clear vase.
If you have ever seen those ceiling banners with mobiles hanging down, I'm envisioning this from this photograph originally from velocity art and design. Sadly, this mobile is no longer available, but surely a talented estian could draw inspiration from it to make it come to life!
Napkins available from: Fly Trap
Food:
My food suggestions, surprisingly came easy! Animal crackers, peanuts, and cupcakes with elephant toppers all came to mind. I was overjoyed to find this on pinterest:
Games:
Elephant Never Forgets: Pretty simple memory game, won't need much to pull this off.
Supplies:
whole peanuts
feather (dumbo's feather)
small circus ball or elephant hat
elephant figurine
elephant napkin (featured above!)
Circus animal cookies
elephant necklace (featured below!)
Party Invitation (featured above!)
Elephant soap (Featured below!)
Something from the Guest of honor (like something from her purse)
Something from the Host (again, something she has on her)
A serving tray
paper
pencils
Set all items on the serving tray, except for paper and pencils. Let guests view this for a full minute. Take away the tray out of sight. Hand each guest a paper and pencil and ask them to write down all ten items. Give them another minute to complete this task, if everyone is really struggling, you can add minutes.
The person with the most correct guesses wins!
The White Elephant Game: I know, I know, I'm not exactly original on this one. But Come on! No one plays this at a birthday party! What a fun way to get the guests involved with each other, and no more worrying about what to give the guest of honor. A basic google search will give you several variations of this game!
Favors
Here's the fun part where guests get to take home a little memory of the event! My pick is these adorable soaps made by soapsational favors.
Thanks for coming! Be sure to comment below and wish Alicia a happy birthday!
*if you would like me to design a birthday/bridal party/ wedding/ etc for you or a friend, please email me with the details at meetupdiva@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Photo Album Covers
So, I had to take a week off, as I really started to focus changing my shop. I have to start over on alot of things, but not worry, I'm getting back into it, and more ready that ever!
Here's my tri chem post for the week. I'm not entirely sure if I am finished with this or not. I would really like a border around the picture frame.
Unfortunately I can't sell this one. It has a few spots of dirt smears on it, that I don't where from.
But nonetheless, It's fun to learn how to play with the trichem pens. I'm getting really close to have my first class!
Here's my tri chem post for the week. I'm not entirely sure if I am finished with this or not. I would really like a border around the picture frame.
Unfortunately I can't sell this one. It has a few spots of dirt smears on it, that I don't where from.
But nonetheless, It's fun to learn how to play with the trichem pens. I'm getting really close to have my first class!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Color the snow
Most of you have probably heard about filling spray bottles with water and food coloring on a snowy day. You take the kids and make colors in the snow. I wanted to have a little more control with the paint, so I decided to use eye wash bottles (they have smaller openings than dish soap and ketchup bottles.)
I didn't get any pictures of the kids playing with the paint, as I was too busy making sure they painted only the snow.... but I did have a wonder idea for my high school friends who recently got engaged. So what turned out to be playtime for the kids, actually turned out to be playtime for me too (BTW, the inconsistant lighting is due to the fact that I was taking photos in the eveing as the sun was setting.)
I think this would be similar to the idea of drawing on chalk and taking photos, so I'm kind of wondering, if we will get enough snow again for me to do more artwork. I'd like to try something like this!
I didn't get any pictures of the kids playing with the paint, as I was too busy making sure they painted only the snow.... but I did have a wonder idea for my high school friends who recently got engaged. So what turned out to be playtime for the kids, actually turned out to be playtime for me too (BTW, the inconsistant lighting is due to the fact that I was taking photos in the eveing as the sun was setting.)
I think this would be similar to the idea of drawing on chalk and taking photos, so I'm kind of wondering, if we will get enough snow again for me to do more artwork. I'd like to try something like this!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Stepping Out of Comfort
I'm a fairytale enthusiast, I'm not a fan of bittersweet endings, horror movies, or event natural disaster movies. Chuck had it's series finale Friday, to which I'm unsatisfied with the final scene: because it's bittersweet. Last week, I had a friend ask me for ideas on planning her birthday party, which of course, I was more than obliged to help with.
Then she told me the theme. My stomach turned in a knot. SAW. Yep, the horror movie of the physco Jigsaw, and his weird twisted ways of torturing people. I did my best from not ever seeing any movie like it, so I read the synopsis on Wikipedia . I couldn't stop my stomach from turning, I felt so uncomfortable even reading it.
BUT. This would prove to be an ultimate challenge for me. Pushing myself out of the comfortable zone and being creative for someone else. One more step to becoming an event planner!
The biggest problem she had was coming up with games to play. So I thought I would share with you the two games I came up with, and see you all could contribute more ideas!
GAME 1
Supplies:
Barbie Doll (Ken)
A symbolic hacksaw (you can get a mini minder saw at hobby stores, or home improvement stores)
A symbolic pistol
Bowls, or "Drawing Bags"
Index Cards
Marker
Object: Find their team's item and the hidden doll or out live the other team.
Prep:
Count enough index cards (1 per every two guests), and mark an X on just one. Place in one of the drawing bags, and set aside.
With remaining index cards, separate into two piles. On one pile, write riddles or trivia questions. On the other, write out 'loses' (i.e. Your arm is chopped off: tie arm behind back, or acid poured on eyes or in mouth ; blindfolded or must be silent). Place in another drawing bag.
Hide the saw, the gun, and the doll.
To play:
Separate into two teams, team one will team Adam, the other team Lawrence. Team Adam's object will be to find the pistol, and Lawrence is to find the saw. Ask one riddle/trivia to one of the teams, they have 30 secs to look for their item (more on that later). If they fail, one of their teammates must die (cannot play anymore). To determine which teammate dies, have the team draw cards from the drawing bag. The person with the X bites the dust!
If the team answers a question correctly, they get 30 secs to search (you may want to adjust the time according to how well the items are hidden. ) for their item. But every time they do get question correct, one teammate must suffer a loss. Again, with the bag containing the 'X' is drawn by each teammate. The one who receives the "X" must draw from the loss bag. Whatever the card says, is what happens to that player.
When the team finds their item, they can then search for the doll (to set him free or kill him)
The end of the game will either be
a) when all players of one team is gone
b) When one team finds their item, and the doll.
GAME 2
This is a pretty simple game, popular at Halloween, but added twist.
Supplies
handcuffs with keys
blindfolds
timer
Bowls with sensory items (skinned grapes; eyeballs. stewed tomatoes; chopped organs, etc)
Hand cuff together and blindfold two players. Set one of the bowls in front of them, and drop the keys inside. Tell them they must look for the key and unlock the cuffs before the timer runs out.
It may not be my cup of tea, but I actually do think these games would be fun, and might include them in a Halloween party one day. It was nice to get out of my comfort zone, but I'm still not planning on seeing a horror movie anytime soon.
Then she told me the theme. My stomach turned in a knot. SAW. Yep, the horror movie of the physco Jigsaw, and his weird twisted ways of torturing people. I did my best from not ever seeing any movie like it, so I read the synopsis on Wikipedia . I couldn't stop my stomach from turning, I felt so uncomfortable even reading it.
BUT. This would prove to be an ultimate challenge for me. Pushing myself out of the comfortable zone and being creative for someone else. One more step to becoming an event planner!
The biggest problem she had was coming up with games to play. So I thought I would share with you the two games I came up with, and see you all could contribute more ideas!
GAME 1
Supplies:
Barbie Doll (Ken)
A symbolic hacksaw (you can get a mini minder saw at hobby stores, or home improvement stores)
A symbolic pistol
Bowls, or "Drawing Bags"
Index Cards
Marker
Object: Find their team's item and the hidden doll or out live the other team.
Prep:
Count enough index cards (1 per every two guests), and mark an X on just one. Place in one of the drawing bags, and set aside.
With remaining index cards, separate into two piles. On one pile, write riddles or trivia questions. On the other, write out 'loses' (i.e. Your arm is chopped off: tie arm behind back, or acid poured on eyes or in mouth ; blindfolded or must be silent). Place in another drawing bag.
Hide the saw, the gun, and the doll.
To play:
Separate into two teams, team one will team Adam, the other team Lawrence. Team Adam's object will be to find the pistol, and Lawrence is to find the saw. Ask one riddle/trivia to one of the teams, they have 30 secs to look for their item (more on that later). If they fail, one of their teammates must die (cannot play anymore). To determine which teammate dies, have the team draw cards from the drawing bag. The person with the X bites the dust!
If the team answers a question correctly, they get 30 secs to search (you may want to adjust the time according to how well the items are hidden. ) for their item. But every time they do get question correct, one teammate must suffer a loss. Again, with the bag containing the 'X' is drawn by each teammate. The one who receives the "X" must draw from the loss bag. Whatever the card says, is what happens to that player.
When the team finds their item, they can then search for the doll (to set him free or kill him)
The end of the game will either be
a) when all players of one team is gone
b) When one team finds their item, and the doll.
GAME 2
This is a pretty simple game, popular at Halloween, but added twist.
Supplies
handcuffs with keys
blindfolds
timer
Bowls with sensory items (skinned grapes; eyeballs. stewed tomatoes; chopped organs, etc)
Hand cuff together and blindfold two players. Set one of the bowls in front of them, and drop the keys inside. Tell them they must look for the key and unlock the cuffs before the timer runs out.
It may not be my cup of tea, but I actually do think these games would be fun, and might include them in a Halloween party one day. It was nice to get out of my comfort zone, but I'm still not planning on seeing a horror movie anytime soon.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Why it's the greatest love story. EVER.
Everyone has a favorite. There's no doubt about that. I know why people would argue about why Beauty and The Beast is my favorite story....and why Disney is my favorite version. It came out during my childhood. It was nominated for best picture; it's every one's favorite. I am very much like the character Belle (in interests, not looks). But really; it's not any of that.
I was not planning to have a Beauty and the Beast Themed Wedding, until I saw these invitations. It was probably my biggest splurge aside from the food. Aren't they just beautiful?
The inside of the invitation reads : Love has the power to transform us. Boy, does it ever. Maybe not in the way the beast transformed, but I think there is a greater transformation that happens with true love: You want to be a better person. At least, I do. I feel so unworthy of the love I've been given that each day I strive better to be more deserving of the love I've already received.
In commentary of the 2nd edition of Disney Beauty and The Beast It's explained that the writers of the story struggled for a while of deciding who the story belongs to: Belle, or the The Beast? When based off the old tale, It's clear to see the hero (or heroine as it may be) is Belle. She learns the true beauty is on the inside. Only when Beast is on his death bed that she realizes it.
As the story developed for the animators and writers at Disney, they introduced new characters (such as Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth), new scenarios (such as Gaston, and Belle's love of books), and twists (such as the enchantress an the rose). With all the changes the viewer's attachment shifted from Belle to the Beast. He learns to love, firstly, but also learns how to treat others with respect (as Belle demands this), and change his behaviors. But what I'm most attached to is something some people fail to realize about Beast.
I didn't realize until a visit to Disneyland where I finally met Belle (in her yellow gown) for the first time. (You know that Disney does intense Character development in these cast members; they have extensive knowledge on who the character is, and how they will act). In our short conversation, I told the cast member that we (my husband and I) are newlyweds. She responded with "You know, Beast has not asked me to marry him yet."
I honestly didn't know what to say; so I scoffed "Oh he's probably just in a bad mood."
She responds "No, he's just really shy, he doesn't mean to seem so put off."
It really made me rethink the entire character in the movie. Suddenly it occurred to me that Beast was never mean, he just didn't know any other way of provoking loyalty other than fear. His demanding Belle to come down to dinner was not because he is bossy, but because he was afraid a request would end in rejection (which it did, but only because Belle did not understand the roots of his behavior either), so he only knew how to demand. I understand his character now, and I have an explanation for every irrational thing he does.
This is beast's story, not of his physical transformation, but his behavioral/emotional transformation.
The musical version transformed the story once again. Beast once again learns how to love, but this time, Belle goes through a transformation of her own. With her head filled with daydreams and fairytale pinning, Beast teaches her that real love takes work but its far better than any fairytale. At the end, when Beast lay dying on the floor, Belle sings "Home" reprise, expressing to him how he has changed her. Belle finally embraces reality as her dream and casts away her pinning for a fairytale.
This speaks volumes to me as I can relate it to my own life: Being the daydreamer and fairytale enthusiast, I only came down to reality when someone (i.e. m husband) showed me real love is better than a fairytale. Love can transform you. That's why this is the greatest love story ever. It feels real.
I was not planning to have a Beauty and the Beast Themed Wedding, until I saw these invitations. It was probably my biggest splurge aside from the food. Aren't they just beautiful?
The inside of the invitation reads : Love has the power to transform us. Boy, does it ever. Maybe not in the way the beast transformed, but I think there is a greater transformation that happens with true love: You want to be a better person. At least, I do. I feel so unworthy of the love I've been given that each day I strive better to be more deserving of the love I've already received.
In commentary of the 2nd edition of Disney Beauty and The Beast It's explained that the writers of the story struggled for a while of deciding who the story belongs to: Belle, or the The Beast? When based off the old tale, It's clear to see the hero (or heroine as it may be) is Belle. She learns the true beauty is on the inside. Only when Beast is on his death bed that she realizes it.
As the story developed for the animators and writers at Disney, they introduced new characters (such as Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth), new scenarios (such as Gaston, and Belle's love of books), and twists (such as the enchantress an the rose). With all the changes the viewer's attachment shifted from Belle to the Beast. He learns to love, firstly, but also learns how to treat others with respect (as Belle demands this), and change his behaviors. But what I'm most attached to is something some people fail to realize about Beast.
I didn't realize until a visit to Disneyland where I finally met Belle (in her yellow gown) for the first time. (You know that Disney does intense Character development in these cast members; they have extensive knowledge on who the character is, and how they will act). In our short conversation, I told the cast member that we (my husband and I) are newlyweds. She responded with "You know, Beast has not asked me to marry him yet."
I honestly didn't know what to say; so I scoffed "Oh he's probably just in a bad mood."
She responds "No, he's just really shy, he doesn't mean to seem so put off."
It really made me rethink the entire character in the movie. Suddenly it occurred to me that Beast was never mean, he just didn't know any other way of provoking loyalty other than fear. His demanding Belle to come down to dinner was not because he is bossy, but because he was afraid a request would end in rejection (which it did, but only because Belle did not understand the roots of his behavior either), so he only knew how to demand. I understand his character now, and I have an explanation for every irrational thing he does.
This is beast's story, not of his physical transformation, but his behavioral/emotional transformation.
The musical version transformed the story once again. Beast once again learns how to love, but this time, Belle goes through a transformation of her own. With her head filled with daydreams and fairytale pinning, Beast teaches her that real love takes work but its far better than any fairytale. At the end, when Beast lay dying on the floor, Belle sings "Home" reprise, expressing to him how he has changed her. Belle finally embraces reality as her dream and casts away her pinning for a fairytale.
This speaks volumes to me as I can relate it to my own life: Being the daydreamer and fairytale enthusiast, I only came down to reality when someone (i.e. m husband) showed me real love is better than a fairytale. Love can transform you. That's why this is the greatest love story ever. It feels real.
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