Erica's Shower

I recently helped out my cousin with a family bridal shower, so I wanted to share a few photos from the decor today...

All the decorations were either vintage, or made with scrapbooking materials.  It was so FUN to create using what I had--and I loved the challenge!!

 

The above train case was found in my cousin's closet, and dressed up to use as the card box.  The mirrored area was dressed up with a few lollies, and a mini banner.  A vintage doillie (made by my mom when she was younger) draped over the side added a special touch.

 

 The XL black foam core backdrops worked well against the tables.  They added a great touch.

 I recycled cans used from veggies and such in my kitchen, and used the containers to house pennants, lollies and photos.  I took a vintage frame and painted the glass of the frame with chalkboard paint, and put it on an easel for a little chalkboard.  Totally doing that craft again in the near future!

 

 Here, I added a few fabric (felt and burlap) flowers to a vintage chalkboard.  So fun, playing and using found objects around the house!! 

 

Can't wait for the wedding in a few weeks...

 

Enjoy your day!

 

 

Kari & Jeremy's Wedding

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being a second shooter at a wedding for Caruso Photography. Today, I wanted to share a few of the photos with you...

The bride and groom wanted to meet privately before the ceremony...

The bride's niece...

Her grandmother's hankercheif.  They share the same initial...

Her mom and best friend...

And her parents...

The House of Blues was a beautiful venue.  The groom is in the music industry, so this place meant something to them.  I love the personal touches everywhere...

The groom and his mom...

The artwork, the different levels, the food and the general atmosphere really added to the occasion...

It was a memorable evening for all...

A very special thank you to Frank for asking me to play along for the evening.  It was a great experience!!

Enjoy your day!

Our Second Annual Outdoor Movie Night

Last year, we started a new tradition.  The  weekend before going back to school, we put together a gathering of friends--old and new--for one last hurrah before school starts, and fall begins...

 

Since there were no children under 4, we elected to watch Zookeeper as the movie.  Excellent choice for the crowd on hand.

We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, brats and sausages.  Friends took care of desserts and side dishes...

 We played the Candy Bar Game--a homemade game that can be played with 3-100 children--and it was a hit.

 We had 24 children in the game, and everyone left with a bag filled with loot.  It was timed perfectly, so they had snacks to munch on for the movie...

 My hubs and son put a big tent up in the backyard, and it was great for playing and hanging out.

 The dog hung out with everyone, and was in heaven with all the attention.

We had smores, of course.  And they were hand-delivered by the very special waitress in charge--Miss Molly.  Man, I love this kid.  I wish I could bottle and sell her sweet disposition.  And she worked like a dog to get treats to everyone!!

Well, she had to make sure they tasted good first, right?  I can't say I blame her!

 And my friends brought crazy delish goodies.  CRAZY...

 

How about these gems?  Cookies, made in mini cupcake liners.  The "hamburger" consists of a grasshopper cookie, green icing to hold the Nilla Wafers together, and potato sticks made to look like french fries.  How FUN!!  She took sugar water and created a syrup to hold the sesame seeds to the top of the "bun."

Can I just say I love my crafty, foodie friends?  They rock my world.

Over-the-top awesomeness.

 

 

 

 And this was the sleeper hit of the evening.  A corn dip made with Chili flavored Fritos that are used to season the dip.  MAN...it was wonderful...

 

Thanks to Judy for sharing the recipe...
Spicy Corn Salad; serves 6

• 2 cans of corn (drained)
• ½ of a red pepper, diced
• ½ of a green pepper, diced
• ½ of a yellow pepper, diced
• 1/2 of a red onion, chopped OR about 5 green onions, diced
• 1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup light sour cream
• 3 tbs. mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
• a few handfuls of chili flavored Fritos, crushed
• pinch of cayenne to add heat, if you want!

1. Saute peppers and onion until soft. Cool for 5-10 minutes.
2. Combine first 7 ingredient (through cheese) and refrigerate. If you want to add cayenne, now’s a good time.
3. Just before serving, add Fritos!

And to my husband, who spent the night in a folding lawn chair in this tent with 5 boys under 10, you are my hero.  Perfect ending to a wonderful evening with friends...

Enjoy your day!!