Y’all… My birthday was last Wednesday. Although it pains me to say this, I turned… 28. I thought it would be a lot worse of a feeling, but thankfully, I just feel the same!

And, I also feel super loved. The reason for the sentiment is because of all of the amazing friends and family I have. Each year (starting with last) I throw a “GIRLS ONLY” sleepover party for my birthday. All my favorite girls come over for the night to watch rom-coms, get chatty, and snack on all-things bad for you, of course. Our significant others do whatever guys do when they get the night off (that would be fishing for my husband).

This year, I wanted to throw an Emoji party. I know what you are thinking… “This girl is going through a quarter life crisis.” However, I do not currently have little ones. And, I also can’t wait on those little ones to throw awesome birthday parties. So, I did it!

I checked out Pinterest for some great ideas that I could put my own spin on, and I think everyone loved it. So much. Check it out!

All of the Emoji decorations came from all over the place. The adorable pillow was found at Walmart for about five bucks! And, I found an Emoji poster at my school’s book fair. I cut all of them out and used them all over the house.

Scentsy Party... And, A New Obsession

A couple of Saturdays ago, I threw a small get-together with close friends and family. Why you ask? My friend from school, Kristin, is an independent consultant for Scentsy. I’ve never tried their products before, but on a planning day a little while ago, she brought all of her amazing scent samples, and all day I smelled amazing smells (and lesson planned…).

I fell in love with everything that came close to my nose, so of course, I wanted to host a party!

She is a busy mommy of two, so I told her I would get everything together for her to just show up, show off her scents, and make some moolah. Because it was just a little party, I didn’t have to decorate too much, but I wanted to be sure that the product was the star of the show.

Happy Late Easter! (And a Recipe, Too)

Hello everyone!

I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter! Jordan, Jack, and my day were filled with a lot of rain (thanks a lot, Florida...), but it was also full of laughter, love, and plenty of food. Nothing can get better than that.

Let Me "Teal" You About a Great Gift Idea

My sister recently celebrated her 26th birthday. I can't believe my baby sister is in her later 20s. That makes me feel incredibly old. My parents probably feel even worse... Ouch.

But, I digress.

Her birthday was on a weekday, sadly. Meaning that she went and worked on one of the best days a person should have. I knew to ease this depressing situation for her I had to secretly get a gift to her office so she could be filled with joy from the beginning of the day. #bestsisterever

I searched and searched for a small, cute present that any twenty-something would enjoy receiving. Then, I found an idea that I knew she would love from the blog, Crazy Little Projects.

It was a goodie Mason jar filled with all things teal and an amazing pun. And, the best part about it was that there was a printable tag for you to attach to your basket, jar, bag, anything! There are different wording options, too, depending on what occasion you want to "teal" your special someone. So dang cute. 

I headed to my nearest Target (only 5 minutes away) and walked up and down each aisle looking for awesome things that matched this darling idea.  Here is what I found, all items I knew she could and would use- always keep that in mind!

-Lindt Truffles with coconut

-bubbles (because why not?)

-notepads and pen

-paper straws

-Sally Hanson nail polish

-Twine

-Tic-Tacs

Lucky You... St. Patrick's Day Freebie

You’ve found your pot o’ gold! In the form of paper.

As we move into the month of March, I can’t help but be a little giddy for St. Paddy’s Day!

A Simple Bridal Shower

O.M.G. Our first submitted party! YAY!!!

It came from family, but I am still thrilled about it!

Remember that post a couple weeks ago about my bridal shower invitation inspiration? Well, from that card came a wonderful shower for a special friend. 

My sister-in-law, Annie, and her mom finally threw their long-time friend, Kristin, a bridal shower. I say “finally” because I feel like I have been waiting forever for it!

Before all the guests arrived, I snuck over to take a few pictures and help out just a bit. I love how everything came together. And, I heard through the grapevine that the bride enjoyed everything, too! She even asked Annie if she could borrow some of her décor for her big day in just a few short weeks.

My favorite part of the party? The dining table décor. Annie took a large piece of burlap, cut it up, and turned them into 3 table runners placed horizontally. Then, she placed 3 different white floral arrangements on top. (Be sure to notice the other arrangements around the party. I love them all!)

Masquerade Prints Freebie

For my sister’s 25^th masquerade birthday party, I created three separate prints. And, boy, did people just love them! 

A Masquerade 25th Birthday

My not-so-little, little sister turned the big 2-5 last year. A whole quarter of the century. Actually, it has almost been an entire year since her last birthday. In just one month, she will be 26! Eek!

My Top 5 Party Must-Haves

Parties are the best, aren't they? And, I will find any excuse to have one. I love to throw them for friends, my boo thing (that would be my dog), and myself, of course! Parties are a way for me to be creative. It is such a fun outlet.

On the other hand, parties can be pretty stressful. Especially if you are a last minute girl like me! Planning them usually takes quite a bit of time. However, if I have my basic party essentials, it makes it that much easier… and faster. Long story short, I get to party much quicker!

So, below is a list of my Top 5 absolute must-haves. A lot of them may be pretty trendy right now, but until something changes in today's current style, I have them and will continue to use them until they are worn out. Then, I’ll buy them all over again.

1.     Tassel garlands

I don’t know who invented these things, but thank you to whomever did! Who would have guessed that such a simple DIY could make a party so festive, shiny, and wonderful? All you need to do is grab some gift tissue paper in your party’s color scheme and some baker’s twine, and you have an eye-catching party decoration. You can always buy your own tassel garland, but because of its popularity these days, they’re getting quite expensive!

Currently, I have 2 different colors of this stuff. One is light pink, white, and gold Mylar. The other is black, white, and gold Mylar. I bit the bullet and bought these because I knew I would use these colors the most. But, I think I could tackle making my own one day. I’ll keep you posted!

You can use them almost anywhere. I typically hang them from curtain rods, but I have also seem them adorning dessert tables or drink stations. They can even be seen hanging from balloons.

Tassel Garland from Etsy Shop, BringYourOwnCake

Invitation Inspiration

I find inspiration in so many things. 

But, it usually only takes one thing out of the blue that catches my eye to be totally inspired for an entire party. It allows me to visualize the primary colors I want to use, the food and drinks I want to serve, and even the centerpiece I want to put together to create a beautiful tablescape. Once I have it all planned out in my head that means I get to go shopping. And, isn't that the most exciting part of parties?!?

The one thing inspiring me right now is this bridal shower invitation by Mixbook.

Mixbook Bridal Invitation, Whimsy Florals

Sister-Friend Valentine-Making Party

(Try saying that five times fast…)

So, we did it. We had our 5^th Annual Sister-Friend Valentine-Making Party. And, in my opinion, it was the best one yet!