Pirate Party

Harrison and the Never Land Pirates

I had so much putting together the decorations for my nephew Harrison's 1st birthday party.  His older brothers are big fans of the cartoon 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates' so I took the theme chosen by his parents and gave it a more personalized touch.  Such a great theme choice because it was fun for all ages.  

Adorable cake from Publix bakery.

I found a few ideas on Pinterest like the 'Fish n' chips' with gold fish and potato chips.

 Free printable Birthday sign and cake tray template after the Jump...

Turkey Day Centerpiece

I am visiting my sister this year for Thanksgiving and since she knows cooking is not my specialty she put me in charge of the centerpiece. I may have taken the job a little too seriously and came up with a few different ideas for the dinner table, serving table and dessert table. But all are very thrifty!

Dining Table Decor:

I found several old and tarnished brass candlesticks at a thrift store. They ranged in price from $.50- $2! Then I used three different metallic paints to give them a fresh look, gold, bronze and copper. I used Martha Stewarts gilding paints but a spray paint would work just as well and be much easier. (I'm staying away from spray paint right now since I am pregnant)

I just used simple white candle sticks and let the fall colors of the holders really shine.

Ribbon Wreath- GO GATORS

Here is a super simple craft project I did for our friends/neighbors for football season.  Just used a store bought wreath form (this one was straw but foam would work better), you can find them at most craft stores.   I found several different fun ribbons in Gator colors but I guess it would work for any team or holiday.  Secure the ribbons on the back with pins and start wrapping randomly, making sure to keep the ribbon pulled tight and pin periodically.  Would look great in red and green for Christmas!

Baby News

I announced a few days ago that we are expecting our first baby in just a couple months!! This will be the first grandchild on my husband's side so we knew they would be excited no matter how we told them but on my side this will make grand-baby number 12! To make sure the 12th baby was just as exciting news as the first 11 we came up with a clever way to announce the news to my parents.

My husband bought a dozen donuts (and even coordinated a different kind for each family) and I printed a picture of each grandchild to put on them with our little 'sweetie' as the 12th. For the first time ever, we had to force my parent's to open the box (they usually can't resist a donut) and it took them both a minute to process what was happening but the end result was exactly what we hoped for. Tears!! Success!

I would love to hear the creative ways you made a big announcement to your family.

Please ignore the mess in the background. These pictures were taken during construction of my parent's new house (which I will be sharing more pictures of soon)

Grand kids in order- Ella, Clayton, Owen, Isabella, Anna, Caleb, Carter, Charlie, Amelia, Lucy, Harrison and Our Baby (name tbd) - don't ask me all their birthdays.

Tears from Papa!! Very proud of our tear jerking announcement.

Fort Carter- Moving Box Fun

Make the most out of that moving experience for the whole family.  Before you throw out those used moving boxes, have a little fun with them for the little ones in the family.  My nephew really enjoyed his own Fort Carter for a few days.  The best part, it was pretty much a free toy.