Graduation Party Ideas

Tis the season for Grad parties, and this year, my bff Jen is throwing a huge party for her daughter. So you know what that means? We're kicking it into high gear...

Here are a few of the many awesome ideas found on Pinterest...

Celebrations At Home Blog found here.

Big Dog of Happiness had tons and tons of chalkboard grad party ideas found here.

These look fairly easy to make.  Just dip rice krispie treats into chocolate, and add a stick to the end!!  Top it off by adding ribbon to decorate and you're good to go!

I'm OBSESSED with this idea.  How awesome for pictures!!

And how about this idea using simple black and white photos with doillies for mounting??

And these decorative water bottles from Design Dazzle are simply made with duct tape.  How CUTE!!

More ideas tomorrow.  Can't wait to get started!!

Enjoy your day!!

 

My Mom.

 

Carol Ann Phillips

February 22, 1942-May 14, 2013

 

At some point, I'd like to be able to write something in depth about my mom.  I wish I was able to express how much I miss her, how much she meant to me, how much she meant to my entire family.  But those words aren't coming to me yet.  It's still too painful.

 

Many years ago, a good friend of mine once told me, "No matter how old you are, you never get over the death of your mother."  Sadly, I understand what she meant by that now.  A piece of me went with her as she left this life.  Although I'm grieving, I am also profoundly grateful for so much love and support from family and friends.  My husband and children have especially been a source of strength, and they've provided me with a light in my life that keeps me focused on the future.  We will all be okay.

 

This Memorial Day, my hope for you is that you remember those loved ones who have gone before you, and somehow left an impact on your life, whether it be large or small.  Peace.

 

 

App Alert: PicLab

 

You can check it out here.

 

Enjoy your day!!

Thought for the day.

 

Enjoy your day!!

App Alert: Photolettering

 

You can check out this awesome app here.

 

Enjoy your day!!

Thought for the day...

 

Enjoy your day.

Living Room Decorating Ideas

This blog article made me stop in my tracks. Wow. Loads of wonderful ideas, along with a before/after redo. Check it out!! And be inspired to tear apart your whole house like me... Enjoy your day!!

First Communion--"I Hope" Carousel revisited.

Years ago, when my daughter made her own First Communion, I made her an "I Hope" carousel. She is 13 now, and it still sits on her desk because she loves it. She said it serves as inspiration to her. I love that...

This year, a close family friend made her own First Communion.  I decided to make her an "I Hope" carousel, in honor of the momentous event.

I had most of the statements saved in a Word document, so I simply printed them out on cardstock.

I did a photo shoot with her a few weeks before the actual event, so I could have pictures to add.

Our family created our own personal statements and added them to the carousel.  I encouraged the kids to write something from the heart for our friend, Maddyn, and they went to work.

I added a few embellishments.  Many included felt flowers of some sort...

I gave it to her before her party, so that her own family members could include their wishes for her during her party.

And I included a few photos of the church by itself.  I think sometimes we forget to step back and include those types of things.  Who knows what it will look like as time goes by, right?

Thanks for letting me share.  Feel free to lift the idea!  It would be perfect for a graduation or a confirmation as well!!

 

Enjoy your day!

Thank a Teacher.

I saw the idea on Pinterest, of course.  I took a chalkboard and some chalk, and compiled this collage for my son's teacher, for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Because of her, these kids have a future.

 

Enjoy your day!

Homemade Apple Fritters

Apple Fritters
1 cup all purpose flour
 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
 1/3 cup milk
1 egg
 1 cup chopped apple

Glaze:
•2 cups powdered sugar
•1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon. Stir in milk and egg until just combined. Fold in apple. Pour oil into skillet so that it is approximately 1 1/2 deep. Heat oil on high. Oil is ready when a little dough thrown in floats to top. Carefully add dough to oil in heaping teaspoons. Cook until brown, about 2 minutes, then flip. Cook another 1-2 minutes, until both sides are browned. Transfer briefly to paper towels to absorb excess oil, then transfer to cooling rack. Make glaze by stirring milk and powdered sugar together in a small bowl. Drizzle over apple fritters. Wait approximately 3 minutes for glaze to harden, then flip fritters and drizzle glaze over the other side. Best served warm.