Birds of a feather

When my son requested a Spiderman themed birthday party, I had to order stuff from the States in order to make that happen.

When he wanted Ben 10 as the theme, shipping prices had sky rocketed, and no one in the country had any Ben 10 supplies. Of course, the patchwork Ben 10 party I created from scratch was quite a hit with the kids!

Now, of course, every store around that carries party supplies is over run with Spiderman and Ben 10. So great that they got on the ball after I needed that stuff!

So this year, when he requested Rio as his theme, well, I died a little inside.

If you haven't seen the movie, it's really cute! I loved it. Possibly more than he did, but not by much. When I took him to the theatre to see the movie, he sat through the end credits stating that he was going to stay there and watch it again! It was only the fact that we went to the last show of the day that finally convinced him to leave.

And of course, McDonald's had all the happy meal toys at the ready before the movie was even released.

So why? Why why why WHY are there no party supplies?

I checked local shops. No. (I didn't actually expect them to due to my previous experiences.)

I checked online. No.

I checked online in the States! No.

I've now set my Mom to work to see if she can find anything, but the majority of the party will be patchwork.

I'm not really complaining too bitterly, though. I kind of enjoy finding the creative solutions to life's little conundrums. And I'm not trying to make this party the talk of the year. I don't think this is going to gain my son any friends he doesn't already have (most of whom are girls with huge crushes on him! Ugh.), or influence people in lofty positions on the playground. Simple=good. Stress free=FUN!

And this year, the party is NOT at the house! BOOYA! Little to no clean up. Why didn't I think of this before?

Oh right. It's expensive to rent places. Nothing to stop us just showing up for a bar-b-que, though. And who doesn't bring tropical decorations to a mid-winter bar-b-que?

Yeah, tropical decorations are actually pretty easy to find. I stumbled across plates, napkins, cups, and ceiling danglies all with a tropical theme this morning. Half my work is done already!

As for the invitation, take a look:

Google picture from the movie + Microsoft Publisher = FABULOUS!

The back of the invitation has all the details about the when, where, what the party is.

Next step: set up a playlist on my ipod with music from artists such as Carlos Santana, and probably download the Rio Soundtrack and include it on the playlist as well.

Then, plan out goodie bags.

After that, plan a cake.

And finally, enjoy the party! 

Keeping warm

Outside my window this morning it's a world of white. Well, more of a platinum or silver. No, it's not snow, thank goodness, it's just rainy, misty, drizzly, crap weather. So I'm sitting here in direct line from the heater with my coffee and a candle going to help me stay positive....looking at pictures of when crafts attack.

And you know who doesn't have the benefit of coming indoors to get warm when the icy weather descends on the world like a hawk descends on a gopher? 

That's right, trees!

I'll bet you never give a thought about the trees in your garden out there shivering in the elements. 

Although, I'm not sure humiliating them is much better. I'll bet this tree goes home with a black eye after school and a nickname that will follow it for the rest of it's life.

For a tree that's way worse because they can live for a very long time!



Now, I can hear the snickering from the northern hemisphere crowd. Y'all are heading into summer. Heat waves, days at the beach, picnics in the park, and....

 backyard bar-b-ques!

When that summer sun dips below the horizon, the temperature can drop quite quickly and it's good to have a stylish wrap handy at such a time.

Won't you just be the life of the neighborhood watch party in this get-up?

But even before the sun dips down, you can be sure to stay stylin' all summer long!




There's just no words for this.








And hey! Let's not forget the kids! I know school is out in some areas, but being from California, school always went until just before Father's Day. So, I know that some schools must still be in prom season. And for all of you who are past prom season, here's an idea for next year:






Because, you know, those strapless dresses can get quite chilly late at night, and as long as you keep your wrist warm with this lovely corsage, you'll be just fine to dance the night away!









Happy crafting!