tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41186759556675743532024-03-15T20:09:27.581-05:00stem * fabulous parties start here *amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.comBlogger494125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-70816629596479637992011-06-15T12:38:00.005-05:002011-06-15T12:45:31.597-05:00Thanks and See Ya?<p align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pwX_UnHDj5uEzp4w1WnIbR48R0_idiBWTVirmfQy4TzyC6xibSnRFEUZSJc9K512Q2RuKuR57ZUhjZcWVk08_2vQFQvYVAy15UzppCvNQjsEtPgc3KXxxWVZN19AAC8tP0cnwGDXGekq/s1600/thanks.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618503771435547058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pwX_UnHDj5uEzp4w1WnIbR48R0_idiBWTVirmfQy4TzyC6xibSnRFEUZSJc9K512Q2RuKuR57ZUhjZcWVk08_2vQFQvYVAy15UzppCvNQjsEtPgc3KXxxWVZN19AAC8tP0cnwGDXGekq/s400/thanks.jpg" /></a></p><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Let me start with Thank You! Thank you to all of you who have commented or sent me personal emails during this hiatus. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the kind words and loving thoughts!<br /><br />What started out as a little break has clearly become much longer-lived than anticipated. Funny how the weeks go by, isn’t it? To that, I’ve come to realize that there are only so many weeks in a month, days in a week, etc. I know you all know what I’m talking about! I think party people are some of the most over-committed people I know because we can’t ever turn down a creative adventure!<br /><br />But, since there is only so much time in a day, and I’ve been dealing with things for awhile that necessitated that I take more of that time to take care of myself, I’ve had to make some decisions.<br /><br />A lot of you know that Stem has been my side gig for some time now. I’ve yet to make the leap from leaving my full-time job. Were it just those two, I would have kept up that pace until I got the nerve to leave my job. Then a funny thing happened…I fell in love. (It’s okay, my husband is very understanding.)<br /><br />Yep, I fell big-time, head over heels, goo goo gaga if you will over <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.operationshower.org"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>Operation Shower</strong></span></a>. Most everyone reading this realizes by now that I’m the Chief Event Planner for Operation Shower. As my love and responsibilities for it grew and my own personal issues reared their ugly heads time and again, it became clear something had to give. And, while I hate to give up Stem and any personal aspirations I have for it and what it could become, when it comes to me or the joy on the moms’ faces at an Operation Shower event, well, it’s kind of a no-brainer. (And a little selfish on some level because of the joy I get seeing them and I still get to plan parties!)<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYh1v7pkN2Fx_ycEKFRNnxuAizhfCPpiFUzsKBI-XVwFQTkKxqSLK1lIRWfW4K47Gy-pzhGjS78LTrb59LH1Q_d97gIc6-XuvqkDgD-jmCu2atcoviBRbNnJRel1xzSb2sm8IpSZt1Q4o/s1600/Op_Shower_Color_Hi-Res.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618503169853009106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYh1v7pkN2Fx_ycEKFRNnxuAizhfCPpiFUzsKBI-XVwFQTkKxqSLK1lIRWfW4K47Gy-pzhGjS78LTrb59LH1Q_d97gIc6-XuvqkDgD-jmCu2atcoviBRbNnJRel1xzSb2sm8IpSZt1Q4o/s400/Op_Shower_Color_Hi-Res.jpg" /></a></p><br />The good news is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.operationshower.org"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Operation Shower</span></strong></a> is gaining more and more momentum!!! I don’t for one second forget to be grateful for many of you for making that happen. So many of you have been so supportive and continue to be, and I am forever grateful.<br /><br />I may be back here one day. Who knows? It’s still pretty hard to hold back on whipping up some random project to post, but I have to remind myself that sometimes you make hard choices for the greater good. No doubt about it, Operation Shower is the greatest, most rewarding thing in my life. (Family/friends not included…settle down.) I am honored to be a part of it and honored that so many of you have followed me there with your support. I hope you continue to do so. (I mean, stick around...upcoming showers are full of help from some of your favorite party girls..seriously..good stuff!)<br /><br />For you I have big thanks and big love.<br /><br />Party on,<br />Amy </span>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com217tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-76148109335834372022011-03-10T18:53:00.004-06:002011-03-10T19:09:54.251-06:00Go To The Source<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />PaperSource has a growing collection of <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/invitations/printable-party-invitations.html">DIY printable invitations</a> just in time for Spring. These floral beauties have me longing for warmer weather to gather the girls outside for a simple Spring Brunch!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8ycBHs4nnuoI6EniTsBcwW9Gxc-sAyRVV_9aMAV-NTnbBHsmou0BPmPmbrn6bWbI3pYo4HHFe9XCGQoAL3_MI_KaQ9y8ha5CfPAMR9NHh4YmZH6MNzZHy3rWg8pPHPy3kpfTKjm2iIcH/s1600/ps2.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8ycBHs4nnuoI6EniTsBcwW9Gxc-sAyRVV_9aMAV-NTnbBHsmou0BPmPmbrn6bWbI3pYo4HHFe9XCGQoAL3_MI_KaQ9y8ha5CfPAMR9NHh4YmZH6MNzZHy3rWg8pPHPy3kpfTKjm2iIcH/s400/ps2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582619722986209586" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />I also love the simple, whimsical yet classic approach Paper Source designers take to children's parties and baby showers. There is just something so right about the simplicity.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGVF9dkSPWgOgzMYVTwmeweOD3DsjCNZ789QZ2QIQ6jlTmW30jqT0abiqRyIebiZH6AXlb6MJOWdNG6_xSWhYjwuRSfp0Zow8YXbkWC9S2EZE5ETRQ1Xxch0CkdxOFHikB5sel8cAaTWV/s1600/ps1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGVF9dkSPWgOgzMYVTwmeweOD3DsjCNZ789QZ2QIQ6jlTmW30jqT0abiqRyIebiZH6AXlb6MJOWdNG6_xSWhYjwuRSfp0Zow8YXbkWC9S2EZE5ETRQ1Xxch0CkdxOFHikB5sel8cAaTWV/s400/ps1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582619714006539442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Someone have a baby so I can do carousel striped hanging mobiles. Or, do I feel a new <a href="www.operationshower.org">Operation Shower </a>theme coming on??? Hmmmm.....<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQPZEbzPNKmVLefzx2cSM5IDikRPSLZd2ll19rPQr1oRtvbsMN6BeyliowlzYPgxQNraF_-lMJakgyeGJs_gSpErnBFidIoyVKa_jMbdz-Hn_AMkcAiYbqUC0T4RAogzgVZ4sayHXud-t/s1600/ps3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQPZEbzPNKmVLefzx2cSM5IDikRPSLZd2ll19rPQr1oRtvbsMN6BeyliowlzYPgxQNraF_-lMJakgyeGJs_gSpErnBFidIoyVKa_jMbdz-Hn_AMkcAiYbqUC0T4RAogzgVZ4sayHXud-t/s400/ps3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582619728301943698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-81688575683516757352011-03-08T07:07:00.000-06:002011-03-08T07:07:00.183-06:00Lovelies from Just Lei<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Several months ago, a sweet reader sent me an email asking for advice. It was such a treat last week to get some pictures from her about what she's been up to since. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nothing much. Just the cutest, happiest little garden party. How much do we love those flower poms at each place setting? </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuw3nAYHIUQ8Hwco5L5IATuKk4kAluZgwKKwLoVZmXvGmUTge0vl4uzs1v3_7_Shm3JdnhxKeYHOTMC_vsbhlEr615Pw4JwsP-Nncv_Ba_sZ6cFKjLfGafIxbcE2M9YIgoFzXqB08jzBm/s1600/lei4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuw3nAYHIUQ8Hwco5L5IATuKk4kAluZgwKKwLoVZmXvGmUTge0vl4uzs1v3_7_Shm3JdnhxKeYHOTMC_vsbhlEr615Pw4JwsP-Nncv_Ba_sZ6cFKjLfGafIxbcE2M9YIgoFzXqB08jzBm/s400/lei4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578510151718432258" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lucky little Leiah got the playground party any little girl would want!</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtSzx3o4tadV49P5WaQPSSepN5GHgNciRXQ7I6jsgBsx7Jf4C7QF2UGh2aw35sDnNRtvmBJXUek0telaqAc5k-uRz3BwDj0Nq0azpjKIOXUBoFoJ_GZBeW_WtZZ_mSetDQsPGRtx3i3rQ/s1600/lei3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtSzx3o4tadV49P5WaQPSSepN5GHgNciRXQ7I6jsgBsx7Jf4C7QF2UGh2aw35sDnNRtvmBJXUek0telaqAc5k-uRz3BwDj0Nq0azpjKIOXUBoFoJ_GZBeW_WtZZ_mSetDQsPGRtx3i3rQ/s400/lei3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578510148934259586" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not to be overlooked, a cute pirate party was in order for the party dudes. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCLMt-pOvw6_EBTu2iU0TaHUdKVIgsFrEdsBwnqd0s3_kF64WVYntrLCbx62sELvE00G3Fyu95YtmRdneDk3IYZTEEtiRN5zphyHANYr6eL2sPwCqJpbq302zuCALe8RV5-HO6a_Up85N/s1600/lei2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 444px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCLMt-pOvw6_EBTu2iU0TaHUdKVIgsFrEdsBwnqd0s3_kF64WVYntrLCbx62sELvE00G3Fyu95YtmRdneDk3IYZTEEtiRN5zphyHANYr6eL2sPwCqJpbq302zuCALe8RV5-HO6a_Up85N/s400/lei2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578510146974659586" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJB62cab1Izph-1r3527AiIqeeSGLsZWd8x_sbKoWC9yGWrbPUTpPYt0U3zyKaclFnwMwLVNwbI_e91OwOVYFnfXvv4Bqj26pOgyyEErpwwgz0dcPmtF81yUHZfWV3Ms9yoL3InOxcnsV/s1600/lei1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJB62cab1Izph-1r3527AiIqeeSGLsZWd8x_sbKoWC9yGWrbPUTpPYt0U3zyKaclFnwMwLVNwbI_e91OwOVYFnfXvv4Bqj26pOgyyEErpwwgz0dcPmtF81yUHZfWV3Ms9yoL3InOxcnsV/s400/lei1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578510142433751810" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thanks again for sharing, Alanna. Wishing you continued success! </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For more info and pictures, visit </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.justlei.com/default.html">Just Lei </a><span style="font-family: verdana;">for yourself. You're gonna want to see the cake that went with the cute garden party for sure!</span></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-16910248611644304942011-03-03T07:48:00.001-06:002011-03-03T09:54:50.455-06:00I Can't<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I can't pick a favorite from the new issue of </span><a href="http://www.nonpareilmag.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Nonpareil magazine</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> inspired by fashion.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I can't find the words to express how incredible every issue is, actually.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I can't possibly do these justice, so will just show you some glorious inspiration.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I can't wait for you to head over and see the rest of the issue for yourself and find all the fantastic resources behind these beauties. </span></div><strong></strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19a_sAJFNQf1jYYAm5ms3aNPTsc3dIWNXFDnDmEVJuT2wLCrHODtMg332hWJRWs3WEHvG-KzCfH01BwMM3VgzPkB7d4ABC7wfXfMx5pXlb5wNCORE1nEkdyZ8oLkTCmrMgbDhbzi_6M7U/s1600/Picture11.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881320629566242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19a_sAJFNQf1jYYAm5ms3aNPTsc3dIWNXFDnDmEVJuT2wLCrHODtMg332hWJRWs3WEHvG-KzCfH01BwMM3VgzPkB7d4ABC7wfXfMx5pXlb5wNCORE1nEkdyZ8oLkTCmrMgbDhbzi_6M7U/s400/Picture11.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZrlPvSnd1OrN-kECy6L3U5yuA0c7bsO25tJGev4QC4UsA8t8biu9OvxazDl5DI7aqGR3ThD0q5NLS3zOdbjxu133-Mt30Bd74I-MKUdJwLQN27Zkm-lJEI_t6g0dGUVgh1PGOqrEUn3L/s1600/Picture10.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881271082248978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZrlPvSnd1OrN-kECy6L3U5yuA0c7bsO25tJGev4QC4UsA8t8biu9OvxazDl5DI7aqGR3ThD0q5NLS3zOdbjxu133-Mt30Bd74I-MKUdJwLQN27Zkm-lJEI_t6g0dGUVgh1PGOqrEUn3L/s400/Picture10.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF33Z7PdNGIzJozHY-pXDoyyv1R1CIzC4dknf5YWz0baiXPfq3Z6Zu2cGlWrsxwrLaaj0_zH8huWpcesxhwyRQm9dGU82kl1t32QW20DNYd9RQeHDmDSc3DiquBcz0aFx94tiLuN-TOZ8/s1600/Picture9.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881263177850130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF33Z7PdNGIzJozHY-pXDoyyv1R1CIzC4dknf5YWz0baiXPfq3Z6Zu2cGlWrsxwrLaaj0_zH8huWpcesxhwyRQm9dGU82kl1t32QW20DNYd9RQeHDmDSc3DiquBcz0aFx94tiLuN-TOZ8/s400/Picture9.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br />.<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecTU9aSRik2aeWjsbY5pbg17rXJj0KsPlOO-xZ8iM5rwSgPnC-4hl_8aP91eZIriRt5yYpPTZaptn3dAim5_Ld5feWcQOPI7uYlg0UGh4YEoiiBw3PnUfA75DEgG0_Xg7RIOSJ_eXGyBF/s1600/Picture8.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881261253266834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecTU9aSRik2aeWjsbY5pbg17rXJj0KsPlOO-xZ8iM5rwSgPnC-4hl_8aP91eZIriRt5yYpPTZaptn3dAim5_Ld5feWcQOPI7uYlg0UGh4YEoiiBw3PnUfA75DEgG0_Xg7RIOSJ_eXGyBF/s400/Picture8.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br />.<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzhkluRwcy-Ta5ZmgjzeHMs1IdeJAQQ3hVoThmZcSf4DysB2qf3cYQKmITyIxxNDDnPtEX3obKavIqFZLRN29sSkWZ4zscnNRvtWVMB6ZLwUKaTKi-WPMuctbdG63S1_oqV0gkfsIRWm7/s1600/Picture7.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881260284457314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzhkluRwcy-Ta5ZmgjzeHMs1IdeJAQQ3hVoThmZcSf4DysB2qf3cYQKmITyIxxNDDnPtEX3obKavIqFZLRN29sSkWZ4zscnNRvtWVMB6ZLwUKaTKi-WPMuctbdG63S1_oqV0gkfsIRWm7/s400/Picture7.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br />.<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u8RylztBKIvqU7wxQxz4hzAMbtYrKUjDmL3tgARWhTA-_bz-5J279UlpfvD4wmEFbWDnpq0ESDr-ipBSCv33zFkmWX52sYXtlP3x2tXHz7slK5B5wLFhvAs4fLaBtZO__NocBndB5rQv/s1600/Picture6.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881256990707394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u8RylztBKIvqU7wxQxz4hzAMbtYrKUjDmL3tgARWhTA-_bz-5J279UlpfvD4wmEFbWDnpq0ESDr-ipBSCv33zFkmWX52sYXtlP3x2tXHz7slK5B5wLFhvAs4fLaBtZO__NocBndB5rQv/s400/Picture6.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZBtVY1FljOjOPqYUNihFkIJrdubJlXsd5YFgEF9VUxzOyLlHRhakdsHfe4JbTGVkDcKtMayU16a3HyyHrMRbQvciOGm4YlL7UF3eGClvyDSHOUu1bnJmC-4yyPc8YtElgLHljFsOYP8T/s1600/Picture5.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881140021566322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZBtVY1FljOjOPqYUNihFkIJrdubJlXsd5YFgEF9VUxzOyLlHRhakdsHfe4JbTGVkDcKtMayU16a3HyyHrMRbQvciOGm4YlL7UF3eGClvyDSHOUu1bnJmC-4yyPc8YtElgLHljFsOYP8T/s400/Picture5.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgaDvydXGt8usn4ZIp_vZRUVim_WDyWlUh1h-70RSYJvo9CjSKmj-VEFaGsLgZ8_dWav8ofsRfFLV8aNxaOVLzaaz5Wnj4sY-YK-rMKZvbeZS2vauWnWZ4tPzCjQGnhyphenhyphen6r33223CL7SUE/s1600/Picture4.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881135331808578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgaDvydXGt8usn4ZIp_vZRUVim_WDyWlUh1h-70RSYJvo9CjSKmj-VEFaGsLgZ8_dWav8ofsRfFLV8aNxaOVLzaaz5Wnj4sY-YK-rMKZvbeZS2vauWnWZ4tPzCjQGnhyphenhyphen6r33223CL7SUE/s400/Picture4.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFwa16yUjk8Tph98A2-gXazfkd9a774ik-fgPUJDwuW5Y9Zjc8GIuipyBnTlygpEu4D7YZ6qdQlB7ZeplKUZ-toWVCNumqvX8o4Osu2hueh7y5YPkKtt9WcC2S8n8sre-0NUv3kSHGDFX/s1600/Picture3.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881125777294114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFwa16yUjk8Tph98A2-gXazfkd9a774ik-fgPUJDwuW5Y9Zjc8GIuipyBnTlygpEu4D7YZ6qdQlB7ZeplKUZ-toWVCNumqvX8o4Osu2hueh7y5YPkKtt9WcC2S8n8sre-0NUv3kSHGDFX/s400/Picture3.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvbCcT2-H5wZ7GSYenaUykfjF87gtsmDgqUhOvjg0AkXhxTfHNO2ksuHDr5DSS6OBlK48dbscfb7R5MQjViTgpb1XyuCzakiYnpiYIkzzFZcglKLPsLwXZmb-_smRBKpifiBH7Z7kT1b9/s1600/Picture2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881128615349330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvbCcT2-H5wZ7GSYenaUykfjF87gtsmDgqUhOvjg0AkXhxTfHNO2ksuHDr5DSS6OBlK48dbscfb7R5MQjViTgpb1XyuCzakiYnpiYIkzzFZcglKLPsLwXZmb-_smRBKpifiBH7Z7kT1b9/s400/Picture2.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JQpLKCXdguxXNvfxtSf4q9AoEWCSVS_Tav41Hs1M4HZQK-6x9Uj5BffRMaAhbFcCVG24NCAS6balrYSjuYGg_4eUp4JSLf7ynsaKAQliu_lxZjLna9uANkM8fYIdka6aqFQ8VHkqBQqj/s1600/Picture1.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579881127831765170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JQpLKCXdguxXNvfxtSf4q9AoEWCSVS_Tav41Hs1M4HZQK-6x9Uj5BffRMaAhbFcCVG24NCAS6balrYSjuYGg_4eUp4JSLf7ynsaKAQliu_lxZjLna9uANkM8fYIdka6aqFQ8VHkqBQqj/s400/Picture1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I can't wait for the next issue!</span></div></div></div></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-21860963703630220392011-02-28T05:25:00.000-06:002011-02-28T05:25:00.111-06:00Paper Pick Me Up<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Excuse the lack of posting. We're experiencing some family health issues here in our world. </span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGowloyhzZYLE-31Ff_Yb0nVi3KinF5IOZESSedYja00pJ_PZc6FVfcWG5ZupjepyeFdXMAsLB_HwUpv1UPNpOS5i_y2LAUrhQmISGIBXK23pJfFxrEFnnVEAg0Sm9DgtfkLLHu5NBWyzv/s1600/ps3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGowloyhzZYLE-31Ff_Yb0nVi3KinF5IOZESSedYja00pJ_PZc6FVfcWG5ZupjepyeFdXMAsLB_HwUpv1UPNpOS5i_y2LAUrhQmISGIBXK23pJfFxrEFnnVEAg0Sm9DgtfkLLHu5NBWyzv/s400/ps3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578514706507388594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These bright and cheery floral crafts from </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Paper Source</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> are definitely what the doctor ordered for a bright pick me up! </span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVEzWAbRpcg_Bw9muaRwzbX-ldn6gxyj1BFlmNMMOCpJ36HA1VWs3VOi-tmtwR2Z0upHfQBFyQ-20vOkDEX6e9sLz4Rt1QNwItR38lwsPLl-x5IAixQPlIx8wdIP_EGej6o3_x9sylX8G/s1600/ps2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVEzWAbRpcg_Bw9muaRwzbX-ldn6gxyj1BFlmNMMOCpJ36HA1VWs3VOi-tmtwR2Z0upHfQBFyQ-20vOkDEX6e9sLz4Rt1QNwItR38lwsPLl-x5IAixQPlIx8wdIP_EGej6o3_x9sylX8G/s400/ps2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578514705910980946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hopefully these images will brighten your day as well!</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-u0JonggXnPf7sAZXfo93sGNTSFcbJMbIk5AlGthixAyuT-RdNmHqaFLiAU21nTHRhDgUDQ1c9Mxs1ArjrgSNtPKNJ0UVu7bHyyHUxXVUZ_q1tcZPplNA_iV7ZfxZqwaSkLTEs2zVBgj/s1600/ps1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-u0JonggXnPf7sAZXfo93sGNTSFcbJMbIk5AlGthixAyuT-RdNmHqaFLiAU21nTHRhDgUDQ1c9Mxs1ArjrgSNtPKNJ0UVu7bHyyHUxXVUZ_q1tcZPplNA_iV7ZfxZqwaSkLTEs2zVBgj/s400/ps1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578514700890693090" border="0" /></a>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-28819935144653757492011-02-21T16:20:00.004-06:002011-02-21T16:29:50.049-06:00G_ME ON!<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Lost in an endless spiral of blogs, I ran across some Scrabble-inspired <a href="http://www.craftcuts.com/wood-wall-letter-tiles.html">wall tiles</a>. Couple that with the fact that the Mr. and I always have a game of Wordfeud going on our phones and it seemed logical to see what else was out there.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXvgKTUcizZejJLYzjGSR4STyAHhehYu9MqYH_37WJoAxqkLCIITKSak_tqWyI2UmVVF9uvWM-63J7JC3m73HU61pXrhtd1KATdGULZQ1WkWFfFV7kKGmxpiT6Ouy7RjdH6VO8-_teslA/s1600/s1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXvgKTUcizZejJLYzjGSR4STyAHhehYu9MqYH_37WJoAxqkLCIITKSak_tqWyI2UmVVF9uvWM-63J7JC3m73HU61pXrhtd1KATdGULZQ1WkWFfFV7kKGmxpiT6Ouy7RjdH6VO8-_teslA/s400/s1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576272163673430434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Wouldn't you know it? The fabulous Dawn has it all<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://dawnypoo.blogspot.com/2008/09/fiesta-friday-on-wednesday-mind-your-ps.html"> right here from this old post</a> that still reads just as relevant today. Just look at the cupcakes she posted about for starters!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-oi6COcv2xsRbpVd1Seq3G_ALfWfztQRWy2r_r0L8EV8cGqvzdJXbla_9oZn6_uzdOLuKlE0e0PPgLwH-xrNqq27xlTudYLZF6pgmixzvU5p1nz1GdVyzr-gBiy9ngMsRFJXntcAOiND/s1600/s4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-oi6COcv2xsRbpVd1Seq3G_ALfWfztQRWy2r_r0L8EV8cGqvzdJXbla_9oZn6_uzdOLuKlE0e0PPgLwH-xrNqq27xlTudYLZF6pgmixzvU5p1nz1GdVyzr-gBiy9ngMsRFJXntcAOiND/s400/s4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576272614236120210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />A quick search on Etsy turned up more scrabble goodies. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68058806/scrabble-tile-wine-charms-set-of-4?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=scrabble&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fhousewares%2Fkitchen%2Fwine_charm">Drink charms</a>...<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcLcLDLBvxMQ_5KG1bYE2k6MYDC0b-LBt4TLaA_GBhYloEl1iX7OCHsSTEKFq_OeFNFdh8IUcoXTKi7ArfyeK9sHRqJA3u4K10pQCKuV344ByUvHNDb1reA71AHm2YiLewDhfNL7pRpPE/s1600/s3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcLcLDLBvxMQ_5KG1bYE2k6MYDC0b-LBt4TLaA_GBhYloEl1iX7OCHsSTEKFq_OeFNFdh8IUcoXTKi7ArfyeK9sHRqJA3u4K10pQCKuV344ByUvHNDb1reA71AHm2YiLewDhfNL7pRpPE/s400/s3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576272174959044338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62722979/beer-inspired-scrabble-tile-coasters?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=scrabble&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade%2Fhousewares">coasters</a> are just the tip of the iceberg!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kW7n_jdCVu9d47tAyaVvmCk9pHCtE0Y6XAfAwMa9xWY0QxeDmMpHlk1y9g7IjqDyo4xotdxHtqx3mS6OqOEKdt0HMZTt_XvsvpIrhj-hRGah0xhIIATTpC44uA3r5alxUHoLHozTrZdk/s1600/s2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kW7n_jdCVu9d47tAyaVvmCk9pHCtE0Y6XAfAwMa9xWY0QxeDmMpHlk1y9g7IjqDyo4xotdxHtqx3mS6OqOEKdt0HMZTt_XvsvpIrhj-hRGah0xhIIATTpC44uA3r5alxUHoLHozTrZdk/s400/s2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576272167896724082" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Whether you buy or DIY some of these, here are some simple ideas on how to have a fun night in with friends. (Have I mentioned I am a total game nerd? T_ue st_ry.)<br /></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-54725231220197871902011-02-10T07:05:00.001-06:002011-02-10T09:21:29.045-06:00A Perfect Pair {Contest}<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Ahhh, Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate with wine and chocolate. Or, as I like to call it, "every day."</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD3BPofLHNgXzRFtzxVIL1dorh-igoK6iqxaTPT7MLb5jFRJwFjOKHtqhPUvaIXZa64agl-TLMPYejeNDWRz2JUIUu551FvYgzGGqW-He13bZ7aaNc8SZ8wbQ9etGrQu9G0XLd1F_HLMa/s1600/santarita1.bmp"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572079010450784050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD3BPofLHNgXzRFtzxVIL1dorh-igoK6iqxaTPT7MLb5jFRJwFjOKHtqhPUvaIXZa64agl-TLMPYejeNDWRz2JUIUu551FvYgzGGqW-He13bZ7aaNc8SZ8wbQ9etGrQu9G0XLd1F_HLMa/s400/santarita1.bmp" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">To celebrate the Valentine’s season, Santa Rita Wines has paired up with Ghirardelli Chocolate to thank some special Facebook fans. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf8iIyFznohfeVoXzGvV30bOk_88S1xov5s7iu8NY4tKIzFSoX_G9HYIacyePYe65qZdmetHUszdCoI4k2uojQxoSfLh1QzQ6K95Pv-W9QFTZeIa93XtvYVZ2iXmWYdKkYZAP3m8gGBbs/s1600/santarita.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 366px; HEIGHT: 380px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572079010469429778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf8iIyFznohfeVoXzGvV30bOk_88S1xov5s7iu8NY4tKIzFSoX_G9HYIacyePYe65qZdmetHUszdCoI4k2uojQxoSfLh1QzQ6K95Pv-W9QFTZeIa93XtvYVZ2iXmWYdKkYZAP3m8gGBbs/s400/santarita.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">What is better than wine and chocolate? Free wine and chocolate!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY6V7dCYBm_ORnJ4p4Vh3n-hT-gLw-ymli-fnLK3UfXpXfSQ2Dq6qJupIRdIs22Rf3NIhQe9vga9vRMuWD2pcw0XD52uk6JMBB2VmRVXLiR0ksmRVTLediNcQOpjipkUaM09SGDIS3xUS/s1600/ghirardelli_300x225.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 369px; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572079016920939938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY6V7dCYBm_ORnJ4p4Vh3n-hT-gLw-ymli-fnLK3UfXpXfSQ2Dq6qJupIRdIs22Rf3NIhQe9vga9vRMuWD2pcw0XD52uk6JMBB2VmRVXLiR0ksmRVTLediNcQOpjipkUaM09SGDIS3xUS/s400/ghirardelli_300x225.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Fans will randomly be selected to receive a Santa Rita/Ghirardelli gift basket full of goodies. Simply go here and become a Facebook fan of </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/santaritawines"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Santa Rita Wines</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> for your chance to win. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Deliciously simple! Good luck!</span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-22133886063119817042011-02-07T05:31:00.006-06:002011-02-26T10:06:18.931-06:00Sunshine Farms Gets A Whole Lot Sweeter!<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >One of the biggest treats of this blogworld is the opportunity to make friends and hopefully meet them in person and work together one day.<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.operationshower.org"> Operation Shower </a>holding events all over the country is allowing me to do just that and I have to say, it is FUN! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >One such instance is the sheer pleasure and honor of working with Marie from <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sweetsindeed.com">Sweets Indeed.</a> You know her work. She is just as amazing as a person as she is as a designer. She's gone above and beyond helping with so much more that just desserts. She's now a huge Operation Shower cheerleader and networker. Thanks, Marie!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >I know what you really want to see though is her work. I can't blame. Girl is GOOD! </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24HalyLsfxHqW4o_yCPxxjQqIgr8AUsi9x7XCKFq8eoyVdiPJyESbs9jbOm8k-0Gx6SYgnhnabeDoq6WVT8P4T1Prf0NSy61Sr-YkoP1mZiCZfm10HY9wZ1CXuksivEWYB6JzevKlyPMF/s1600/s1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24HalyLsfxHqW4o_yCPxxjQqIgr8AUsi9x7XCKFq8eoyVdiPJyESbs9jbOm8k-0Gx6SYgnhnabeDoq6WVT8P4T1Prf0NSy61Sr-YkoP1mZiCZfm10HY9wZ1CXuksivEWYB6JzevKlyPMF/s400/s1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570661653037603522" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Isn't it stunning? Just look at all the hand cut out work alone! Those mini cupcakes in egg cartons, the mini banana pudding, the gorgeous cookies...it's all just too much! </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTDy6T8X7pB8yRgNEDFyHQ_gnObICSEPIq7J4dL6j1me6JuiY6C-PfMQGCvYq_iUFq_XP7qFz-owRuDu0-wz7vYWQ487EQjIe8cl2-18W7T0lHOPOKVZuTdQWfy87ZiO5ZSWGkL0Pa_jj/s1600/s7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 528px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTDy6T8X7pB8yRgNEDFyHQ_gnObICSEPIq7J4dL6j1me6JuiY6C-PfMQGCvYq_iUFq_XP7qFz-owRuDu0-wz7vYWQ487EQjIe8cl2-18W7T0lHOPOKVZuTdQWfy87ZiO5ZSWGkL0Pa_jj/s400/s7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570661762948355442" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >I love how Marie took the printable elements that Jenn of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.hostessblog.com">Hostess With The Mostess</a> designed and used them to embellish her sweets area. Superb collaboration! </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQye8bxYPKl6uERUgKQ6Mdzunv6FtlQQMZ56OhRTeWeVAi8tq0OtzsaWD_gAR2M6FzVxXcueNBESQ-0Gdiy1cJ-qGGx1pE9Z_B9cSRBbgEu5jmuIXDEYEC1-_LgVgC-PJ6VbyE3Cx9pT3n/s1600/s6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 528px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQye8bxYPKl6uERUgKQ6Mdzunv6FtlQQMZ56OhRTeWeVAi8tq0OtzsaWD_gAR2M6FzVxXcueNBESQ-0Gdiy1cJ-qGGx1pE9Z_B9cSRBbgEu5jmuIXDEYEC1-_LgVgC-PJ6VbyE3Cx9pT3n/s400/s6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570661757468365634" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Loving that old wine rack used to hold caramel corn cones. Great reuse! </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A7QSpzwCZUlSZr4ABwuWyQE22jrjxkYm-qnvZFej3DVLFdnHkSnEteeOXHdMntsbNI1SfrpC_ssFg44kDHPv1il5vqreVO5fESH1YTmLQEV6IEufkS6LNxjFfrkF_I0OeAwWf6O2HmlZ/s1600/s5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A7QSpzwCZUlSZr4ABwuWyQE22jrjxkYm-qnvZFej3DVLFdnHkSnEteeOXHdMntsbNI1SfrpC_ssFg44kDHPv1il5vqreVO5fESH1YTmLQEV6IEufkS6LNxjFfrkF_I0OeAwWf6O2HmlZ/s400/s5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570661668997137602" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Click on the pictures to enlarge, because you will want to see all the detail on that fondant cow and those amazing cookies!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IBxdTc4lliUUTl4AMK7p3ypSpiAXLIDNUTbbqPGTESQURSRrcg2x5sXQjfMlU6iZRDZmSJFjHVWcCIg83SeQ41iqeQwKO8zLOZ5RWoise2PZNwugR3R_rzLmJ-VkzrbASvBW3PT9fa4s/s1600/s4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IBxdTc4lliUUTl4AMK7p3ypSpiAXLIDNUTbbqPGTESQURSRrcg2x5sXQjfMlU6iZRDZmSJFjHVWcCIg83SeQ41iqeQwKO8zLOZ5RWoise2PZNwugR3R_rzLmJ-VkzrbASvBW3PT9fa4s/s400/s4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570661661577880514" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Miniature pies for the shower weren't enough for Marie. Nope. She worked with her vendor to create pies to go for all the moms! Check out all of Marie's vendors below for all the sweet scoop!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzBI7M7VOZtK-ev2WNxLcBqCIerkriuP-Vx7UVsyx9riwAMLDDBgsKvd-c8h573fPgiyuzODnA0Mc7BILR8rCBg9JSGoNeor0DhKKk8w4LRF7Nv8N9E77qEGzB1ChAtygP_QreB9Ebg9W/s1600/s3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzBI7M7VOZtK-ev2WNxLcBqCIerkriuP-Vx7UVsyx9riwAMLDDBgsKvd-c8h573fPgiyuzODnA0Mc7BILR8rCBg9JSGoNeor0DhKKk8w4LRF7Nv8N9E77qEGzB1ChAtygP_QreB9Ebg9W/s400/s3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570661656294942642" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: verdana;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;font-size:85%;" >Thank you again, Marie. You helped take this event to another level! Thanks to all of your fabulous vendors who donated as well!</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Vintage prop pieces:<a href="http://www.vintage-rentals.com/"> Found Vintage Rentals</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Southern Banana Pudding Dessert Shots:<a href="http://www.vanillabakeshop.com/"> Vanilla Bake Shop</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Strawberry Cheesecake Fudge: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelofthelion">Jewel of the Lion</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Mini Cupcakes: <a href="http://www.heavenscentcakesonline.com/">Heavenscent</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Fondant Cow: <a href="http://www.halfbaked.co/halfbaked/Welcome.html">Half Baked Co</a>.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Decorated Cookies: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Rizza-Raglin/724469140#%21/group.php?gid=110969485596271">Rizza Raglin</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Mini Pies and Take-away pies: <a href="http://porchpies.com/">Porch Pies</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Sweets Indeed provided the popcorn and all decor, etc.</span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-90456461680716958462011-02-02T08:11:00.008-06:002011-02-02T09:08:31.845-06:00Welcome To Sunshine Farms<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />The most recent <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.operationshower.org">Operation Shower</a> event, "Sunshine Farms", was a smashing success. This shower was held at The Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on January 25th.<br /><br />There are so many pictures to share that I will break this down into a couple of posts! Click on any picture to enlarge!<br /><br />Today's posts will focus on some of the decor. You will want to come back tomorrow though for the adorable sweets station by none other than,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.sweetsindeed.com"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sweets Indeed</span></a>!<br /><br />Let's get started!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />When guests entered they immediately saw a veritable bounty of gifts in our "Gift Garden" and "Raffle Ranch" areas.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo-wWZYa7zY302HpOKsZkPZnTTqBut7Wib1KVcPJCOio5s9EkgTVzPhJzliK2rgb229BjWw6Jtkgf9CZnFxMTmU067aqvsrgeKax1j20386ceTvr2KKQJeE0RBn9jKN8u953sTcPLsMhz/s1600/sf1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo-wWZYa7zY302HpOKsZkPZnTTqBut7Wib1KVcPJCOio5s9EkgTVzPhJzliK2rgb229BjWw6Jtkgf9CZnFxMTmU067aqvsrgeKax1j20386ceTvr2KKQJeE0RBn9jKN8u953sTcPLsMhz/s400/sf1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569095845463561282" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Don't you love that signage? A big thank you to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.hostessblog.com">Hostess With The Mostess</a> herself, Jenn, for doing all the printables and graphic design for this shower and for coming out to help!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbHbRS2iLyXQMx68R5WxDduSLZCCZB-1esZP0VrtbDyH5Py1k7yWePdYFLFMnGAo-4_B4ZlALOXgHOXMwyzI4tjiNYWvoloXzt9qBq_hwDlk3ZidhrVsxz7fq3eFUxtUH-5IIB_3wROJs/s1600/jennamy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbHbRS2iLyXQMx68R5WxDduSLZCCZB-1esZP0VrtbDyH5Py1k7yWePdYFLFMnGAo-4_B4ZlALOXgHOXMwyzI4tjiNYWvoloXzt9qBq_hwDlk3ZidhrVsxz7fq3eFUxtUH-5IIB_3wROJs/s400/jennamy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569108927162458162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />(An exhausted but excited pair...Jenn and yours truly)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />The Gift Garden included diapers, adorable and cuddly items from<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.cloudb.com"> Cloud B</a> and the mos</span><span style="font-size:85%;">t lovely handmade blankets for each mom, made by a local mom and her teenage daughter. Thank you, all!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpK0pg5udLT7OZfbjHymO21s2vUXRqDTE1oSJv8Ere33cYz3SYc3z3KQ5chj6COHCSQz-hqNiDTrhNQlVhHKkV7J4Dte4T6QRULMHYKGsGWTKEfk_Lh3GIoaEPGsoJkQmJlG19GMQ-5V_/s1600/sf14.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpK0pg5udLT7OZfbjHymO21s2vUXRqDTE1oSJv8Ere33cYz3SYc3z3KQ5chj6COHCSQz-hqNiDTrhNQlVhHKkV7J4Dte4T6QRULMHYKGsGWTKEfk_Lh3GIoaEPGsoJkQmJlG19GMQ-5V_/s400/sf14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569095158962009154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Thanks for having such great Raffle Ranch handwriting, Andrea! Don't you love that little chair by <a href="http://www.jenniferdelonge.com/">Jennifer Delonge</a>? <a href="http://www.kirbyink.com/">Kirby Ink</a> created a special "Sunshine Farms" print for one lucky mom, too.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Sun setting on set up day over the 14th green at Torrey Pines.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ww-F_NMz6dEYS54MF4tgQLdVOsFtudLYovO0y4JRotaxBNvtB0jRSJfSHde-N1sqbYlqgmVjZxG2ryueL-SUeMttFJVbfngjH3KVnkhMOEbMii7VeRGo7e7FZMBZS05Gkvgh-iJlvlW1/s1600/sf5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ww-F_NMz6dEYS54MF4tgQLdVOsFtudLYovO0y4JRotaxBNvtB0jRSJfSHde-N1sqbYlqgmVjZxG2ryueL-SUeMttFJVbfngjH3KVnkhMOEbMii7VeRGo7e7FZMBZS05Gkvgh-iJlvlW1/s400/sf5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569095150029934466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />The next morning. Get ready...here we go!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIytmWNOGNnR_oRArwKU5mNZavIYzA8QtS7_k5dbaW98hcft4kHU11s_eqMcOr1osLgVTLEW_4YK5Bqnr7nhS00bFJ4hIhflMGPaqv4CsqlGjD2JvW4Yib8d7GZCeJKnzjO3SIn-HfByKm/s1600/sf6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIytmWNOGNnR_oRArwKU5mNZavIYzA8QtS7_k5dbaW98hcft4kHU11s_eqMcOr1osLgVTLEW_4YK5Bqnr7nhS00bFJ4hIhflMGPaqv4CsqlGjD2JvW4Yib8d7GZCeJKnzjO3SIn-HfByKm/s400/sf6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569095148991100018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a href="http://www.heavenlybloomsdesigns.com/">Heavenly Blooms</a> went above and beyond in donating all the gorgeous florals you see. When they all arrived in boxes it was a stunning sight to see. Thank you, Jaclyne!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zkI5o5879c7wfbpSn4ziFH4PMng-PdCW_s8rGvaRbLj6sWpEilWl2Jq7tcZiUbYuv-BrqfLIw3aQdsyAE2vR-IGF5-2ZNGaGZwmhn8Ku1vEVPmezhGylhutsnMsvIHZfpTJEjRuYgya6/s1600/sf4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zkI5o5879c7wfbpSn4ziFH4PMng-PdCW_s8rGvaRbLj6sWpEilWl2Jq7tcZiUbYuv-BrqfLIw3aQdsyAE2vR-IGF5-2ZNGaGZwmhn8Ku1vEVPmezhGylhutsnMsvIHZfpTJEjRuYgya6/s400/sf4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569095140846526034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Centerpieces were a mix of pails with kid sized garden tools, toy wheelbarrows filled with hay and fresh veggies and florals with mini haybales. We mixed all of that with basic black and white linens donated by <a href="http://www.sdcelebrityweddings.com/">Celebrity Weddings, </a>runners made from burlap, sushine yellow plates, mason jars for drinking glasses and Jenn's fabulous printables. (Details of printables to come soon)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJf0Y7kBPusEcKKfnyFaKEDE88tV3YWJ_2xcCe78ZaBLoMXgGRVG-24Jgkzm1XUuab3e9rRnWWJRVmmASXcFHcwouAze4E0_PcOEjSff1VFhuxGWa8IKyDhO8u19ehPD4Dyw252MsIVrd/s1600/sf3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJf0Y7kBPusEcKKfnyFaKEDE88tV3YWJ_2xcCe78ZaBLoMXgGRVG-24Jgkzm1XUuab3e9rRnWWJRVmmASXcFHcwouAze4E0_PcOEjSff1VFhuxGWa8IKyDhO8u19ehPD4Dyw252MsIVrd/s400/sf3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569095136165836274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Don't you love these aerial shots? All photos are by my friend of over 25 years, LeeAnn Widyn. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.widynphotography.com">Widyn Photography </a>is based out of Dallas, Texas so if you live there, check her out. She's amazing.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo608D2mHsrmwoB1NZOjL8HN1Fux51aDVWRJ87FIUxn74yDHFpfovnNJeYxuUTV78fQn8F46XNQGRCH_zhlCag4Q9KheTLXPCbf9WyOi5Lrjyz7pLV7weJcmV7xdWgyJOr6N7PltvF2Q1/s1600/sf15.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo608D2mHsrmwoB1NZOjL8HN1Fux51aDVWRJ87FIUxn74yDHFpfovnNJeYxuUTV78fQn8F46XNQGRCH_zhlCag4Q9KheTLXPCbf9WyOi5Lrjyz7pLV7weJcmV7xdWgyJOr6N7PltvF2Q1/s400/sf15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569104172565591954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg9KfoBx31hgK1CkRJjzIcmu36a5dj9KmS3lc35XpniZdHcg25xzIHh0Mn6reyycL1UBNSDbRESqYh27JIB-qLW2XR0S7g10opKN7eDFipht_OBfKajs9ym4MkmaMdbuyTjGda0siBu-4/s1600/sf16.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg9KfoBx31hgK1CkRJjzIcmu36a5dj9KmS3lc35XpniZdHcg25xzIHh0Mn6reyycL1UBNSDbRESqYh27JIB-qLW2XR0S7g10opKN7eDFipht_OBfKajs9ym4MkmaMdbuyTjGda0siBu-4/s400/sf16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569104178866448434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn_FtCgFkuwr8rD4vClZd1xVRAOXk2-rn6x9bUGIKdJVdvwN3ee57MlI19QdblJ4IcTL57ndLe4lR1NdDpJfOq86ru2BYYWIzgvTPhDTrlmNCwXkRQdsIoO-rgPIRiLtFOJ6yPC5NtHLe/s1600/sf17.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn_FtCgFkuwr8rD4vClZd1xVRAOXk2-rn6x9bUGIKdJVdvwN3ee57MlI19QdblJ4IcTL57ndLe4lR1NdDpJfOq86ru2BYYWIzgvTPhDTrlmNCwXkRQdsIoO-rgPIRiLtFOJ6yPC5NtHLe/s400/sf17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569104191884393794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Thanks to our friends and partners at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.marchofdimes.com">March of Dimes</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.kmart.com">Kmart</a> for everything you do and everything we do together! Additional thanks to The PGA TOUR, Farmers Insurance, Ashford University and AT&T.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Okay, that is post #1. I promise there is so much more to come. To see all the photos, head over to<a href="http://www.facebook.com/robynbomar/posts/10150391534480114#%21/OperationShower"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Operation Shower's Facebook page</span></a> and become a fan while you are there!<br /><br /><br /></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-2874325102301620092011-02-01T06:57:00.005-06:002011-02-01T07:10:37.373-06:00Beautiful Be Mine On A Budget<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sorting through all of the Operation Shower photos today to share with you all, and while I do, I had to share this adorable</span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.thebusybudgetingmama.com/2011/01/sweets-for-my-sweetie-budget-friendly.html?utm_source=BP_recent"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Valentine shoo</span></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;">t</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.thebusybudgetingmama.com/2011/01/valentines-day-diy-paper-heart-garland.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">garland tutorial </span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">sent in by The Busy Budgeting Mama. Isn't it precious? </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTbP0NlqRoUAUwdMOl0XUoBMIlkBaYJtpgrdgvlO1UN7ZX0ijVs9zV81xhUBYGckPqH3Xs8WtgpSmff4ga5K9E_tIhPJqrBSaVAs7UX5X727mvaBDKnQlEMdQCOifY7hKLhAoJgZTuyls/s1600/budget3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTbP0NlqRoUAUwdMOl0XUoBMIlkBaYJtpgrdgvlO1UN7ZX0ijVs9zV81xhUBYGckPqH3Xs8WtgpSmff4ga5K9E_tIhPJqrBSaVAs7UX5X727mvaBDKnQlEMdQCOifY7hKLhAoJgZTuyls/s400/budget3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568704543267163954" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once again The Busy Budgeting Mama shows us how to create a lot of cute for a little cash. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLdCjf1a8BPfF-oocp7bRzM9Jb2OP6SibXEhCD6TQS9HqzTJn54NpETYADMMenFIYDScArLkqP9hof07CuiyxIscdYPM02pJPhoE0cyIdwjoNcb6CwJ00goUe4XMWnRMs7Ly1nKiwqIdx/s1600/budget7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLdCjf1a8BPfF-oocp7bRzM9Jb2OP6SibXEhCD6TQS9HqzTJn54NpETYADMMenFIYDScArLkqP9hof07CuiyxIscdYPM02pJPhoE0cyIdwjoNcb6CwJ00goUe4XMWnRMs7Ly1nKiwqIdx/s400/budget7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568704675885783922" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She even posted this sweet tutorial to show everyone how to make their own garland at home. I love the mix of the cut out hearts, circles and inexpensive doilies.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /></span><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP0ti5w3GIlo8gcl9nURTyFeJI2Ti2cN20Eg2Ljw-cwqUwdjUp1eApppic_NmkWce3pmOFaGyXdnrEjcXl87_r13fyaAwppxis92ZxsfxgSLQ5j5I-hSFzJJwAMdSdKUnmpnFGiuWySoD/s1600/budget6.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP0ti5w3GIlo8gcl9nURTyFeJI2Ti2cN20Eg2Ljw-cwqUwdjUp1eApppic_NmkWce3pmOFaGyXdnrEjcXl87_r13fyaAwppxis92ZxsfxgSLQ5j5I-hSFzJJwAMdSdKUnmpnFGiuWySoD/s400/budget6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568704673931451906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Heart doilies are one of my favorite budget Valentine's day decor items. Love it when old is new again! </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajJPNt_GcYV45E3MEShyeVzCKMoHAG4Zo0YnjhFxnb33oi4iLlDVnqYGvmOWPHEoRzzsjSsNZQ3wyyzvuKuBfzyRTEYJqc45DiPFFEvX7HtZKtTovmqEg2KZXSXQzstcwBjue6pwWLOPE/s1600/budget5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajJPNt_GcYV45E3MEShyeVzCKMoHAG4Zo0YnjhFxnb33oi4iLlDVnqYGvmOWPHEoRzzsjSsNZQ3wyyzvuKuBfzyRTEYJqc45DiPFFEvX7HtZKtTovmqEg2KZXSXQzstcwBjue6pwWLOPE/s400/budget5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568704552719535906" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj63gTsh0Q6GXFou15lIVgWc6Vyju4muo_jUyFIyI5YKA6q06cAEMzGI7LtE-5AZjcRUIVco4oCabt553tUvg3A6_hk727NbZV_ix-ji1IFOT73xEWqfv7AnlL5ptZw-R31mhgEq-HOO8/s1600/budget4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj63gTsh0Q6GXFou15lIVgWc6Vyju4muo_jUyFIyI5YKA6q06cAEMzGI7LtE-5AZjcRUIVco4oCabt553tUvg3A6_hk727NbZV_ix-ji1IFOT73xEWqfv7AnlL5ptZw-R31mhgEq-HOO8/s400/budget4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568704549675198722" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sophia sure seems to be pleased with mom's work!</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-family: verdana;"></span><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9rdCgWEtwYUI2-9WnMSc20XMdjjis16ke2hafxT2FaVmdti55AoleifBwP_De5iQoLVREax0W97xztYjZnjnIT2dI2sLhI7xCBeUs7_tZBfL57C32iSh1MCpODSS-rkvfKLPrq7meNz6/s1600/budget2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9rdCgWEtwYUI2-9WnMSc20XMdjjis16ke2hafxT2FaVmdti55AoleifBwP_De5iQoLVREax0W97xztYjZnjnIT2dI2sLhI7xCBeUs7_tZBfL57C32iSh1MCpODSS-rkvfKLPrq7meNz6/s400/budget2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568704541372656002" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.thebusybudgetingmama.com/2011/01/sweets-for-my-sweetie-budget-friendly.html?utm_source=BP_recent"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pop over</span></a> to see more photos and all the 411 on how to recreate all of this yourself for your own Valentine's party. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKVo_6tyi1cOSLGt4_PKOdZQDrA0ydIsiqp9j0lySGDVIGsSrsBsZ2VrcGJL3IyN9qf-JfnmoFpUI723iGEW48IfhmjIZ9C3MFAwkojuqD4sE2hwt66_NWrD0QTxTQSFKP_H5o2C5uRU3/s1600/budget1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKVo_6tyi1cOSLGt4_PKOdZQDrA0ydIsiqp9j0lySGDVIGsSrsBsZ2VrcGJL3IyN9qf-JfnmoFpUI723iGEW48IfhmjIZ9C3MFAwkojuqD4sE2hwt66_NWrD0QTxTQSFKP_H5o2C5uRU3/s400/budget1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568704537234275602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Thanks for sharing!</span></span><br /></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-4278477481032632972011-01-31T07:47:00.002-06:002011-01-31T09:56:14.596-06:00Coming Soon!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">See this adorable, happy mom-to-be? She was one of our special guests at <a href="http://operationshower.org/2010/12/next-stop-san-diego/">"Sunshine Farms</a>" Operation Shower event last week. I love that smile! </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT0PkYGgnnEQHkEVYPXTsxVNdPZl4NePr3xZwXNu6FzG8MdtcZ6ygYGYtJTZyknnVRZ1PPBHBoXbeAowWsw8sVVz1YNBgaA_8CEA7XYWm9CFotvq_0_lzGmSmnv4mONyjR8KRtoyDnuD4/s1600/000204.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568377501359266402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT0PkYGgnnEQHkEVYPXTsxVNdPZl4NePr3xZwXNu6FzG8MdtcZ6ygYGYtJTZyknnVRZ1PPBHBoXbeAowWsw8sVVz1YNBgaA_8CEA7XYWm9CFotvq_0_lzGmSmnv4mONyjR8KRtoyDnuD4/s400/000204.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I cannot WAIT to show you all the pictures and share all the details and talent behind this shower. All the pictures should be in soon so do come back for more Sunshine Farms, ya hear?!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span>.</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Photography by my talented friend, LeeAnn, of </span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.widynphotography.com">Widyn Photography</a>.</span></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-5006973022262835862011-01-27T07:51:00.002-06:002011-01-27T09:31:00.707-06:00We LOVE these Operation Give Thanks for Valentine's!<span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">.</span><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">All New 2011 Custom Printables From Some of Our Favorite Party Sites for Operation Give Thanks!</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We’ve once again teamed with some amazing party printable talent to bring you sets specially designed to benefit Operation Give Thanks.<br /><br />For a small $5.00 donation, you can download these simply incredible sets for Valentine’s Day. For as little as $5 you can kick off an amazing Valentine's Day party and give back to some deserving military families at the same time! </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />Big kids or little kids...there is something for everyone with these sets. Just </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-family:verdana;" >follow the links</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> to the respective sites to download and donate. Or, </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana" href="http://operationshower.org/donation/donate/"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">donate here! </span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Take </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">a</span> look at the amazing sets by </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana" href="http://paperandpigtailsparty.com/2011/01/operation-shower-valentine-printables/">Paper & Pigtails</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> and <a href="http://birdcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-party-printables-for.html">Bird Crafts</a>.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="http://paperandpigtailsparty.com/2011/01/operation-shower-valentine-printables/"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 86px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379498288207746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwbIsOju77Dsuo6ngCdVQnLdcSEsxcSTYGVp7UDebImIfjncWU_c9zf7lpnInUM86ruHYp_Q4WVB6B3lbocWnBiByqtvFjxAnKS0VxsIwikr5nxzw8IjY58GSnCb3hc1vcd5ylsUQdm_1/s400/ppbanner.png" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:verdana;" >Paper & Pigtails...perfect for a Girls' Night In!</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2NbgiGxy5uqQjo7w2VHrGn4s1-024rz45oRzDCYAoajJdnyWYtOI0UKnjtjzQ4s1IDtCaYCHCvuZIy5CHmQGHmVUB8lUPUOCWP44UnunkFjP2uxVUQCXENoA7zWgq9yeW15IlYlvfoxN/s1600/pp1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379333587731394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2NbgiGxy5uqQjo7w2VHrGn4s1-024rz45oRzDCYAoajJdnyWYtOI0UKnjtjzQ4s1IDtCaYCHCvuZIy5CHmQGHmVUB8lUPUOCWP44UnunkFjP2uxVUQCXENoA7zWgq9yeW15IlYlvfoxN/s400/pp1.jpg" /></a></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;" >..</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRTrOBHeSKlqHVnsS7v90fdFdaLJUAgt5556cqVmOmI5IXCy06-WOwX_trzYBQoU5VMPGm95BGsU6ieeHE457269Bh24h9xT78jrjbBNQrP_Xs4-AjCNCR2qraYxI_90xOw6XRvRqjzdi/s1600/pp3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 549px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379453527273682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRTrOBHeSKlqHVnsS7v90fdFdaLJUAgt5556cqVmOmI5IXCy06-WOwX_trzYBQoU5VMPGm95BGsU6ieeHE457269Bh24h9xT78jrjbBNQrP_Xs4-AjCNCR2qraYxI_90xOw6XRvRqjzdi/s400/pp3.jpg" /></a></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bird's Party can Be<a href="http://birdcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-party-printables-for.html">e Mine</a> anytime of year! </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="http://birdcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-party-printables-for.html"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379732351490530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6CSZEKrYzUH6TIUdtWuARjD7_htmqFJwsRRLmCLYUyqvtW0lQH4rDQUZovPqjx17L4bEv9WMebPdQdw3tHXFht01H-JWp1xQ67fRfpHsKJCuH87zN9xG6uq3gG9c6NYkHRCpO_b_a82J/s400/birdbanner.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuB8Iw8s3Tet2n3E-wg0WwQQkHbfd8tK48zyZnN3vuIS6PwCBZ55CTbTaSkZhcfpm-mW8gfwvfbpQf38r-ddXC5EYmKjNccyggh9ZpAvLoUzr6xY0ALNRVnQJ9af4riT32rwTGT5V-JGe/s1600/bee+my+valentine+party+for+kids+supplies+printables.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379618305457522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuB8Iw8s3Tet2n3E-wg0WwQQkHbfd8tK48zyZnN3vuIS6PwCBZ55CTbTaSkZhcfpm-mW8gfwvfbpQf38r-ddXC5EYmKjNccyggh9ZpAvLoUzr6xY0ALNRVnQJ9af4riT32rwTGT5V-JGe/s400/bee+my+valentine+party+for+kids+supplies+printables.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAoHTrkgaTMSFTZhbWuEkau_VsQO3Ax71V4lY3npUlgivziut7nlSmq8qzgVLeLyy1GLBKz12IwA31bWJjBN70xh6UGizG79lXKjDZ33zzff_3Y18IdPXznPOO2Ohad9XXX-cvS7BvuOw/s1600/bee+my+valentine+free+printable+party+for+kids+valentines+day.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 398px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379722386236418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAoHTrkgaTMSFTZhbWuEkau_VsQO3Ax71V4lY3npUlgivziut7nlSmq8qzgVLeLyy1GLBKz12IwA31bWJjBN70xh6UGizG79lXKjDZ33zzff_3Y18IdPXznPOO2Ohad9XXX-cvS7BvuOw/s400/bee+my+valentine+free+printable+party+for+kids+valentines+day.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_jr33qLwlVYWUmEdYoXY3eJjetEBmVKqEc_30kCfpWm75COnNbferWf7_ItfHET_2QFGrLLIt6keTffq6qGUBmqErgxA5KVXoZhm6QgQrQk9Imx8-sF-3DBuABElUqUlW8QPT5gR2hxi/s1600/bee06.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379617322615490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_jr33qLwlVYWUmEdYoXY3eJjetEBmVKqEc_30kCfpWm75COnNbferWf7_ItfHET_2QFGrLLIt6keTffq6qGUBmqErgxA5KVXoZhm6QgQrQk9Imx8-sF-3DBuABElUqUlW8QPT5gR2hxi/s400/bee06.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xV_JCYafMGt7KuFojcmxyvP7mISd2JWRXJiuv_bPvtnEAtN6KFI5JuloK2CVfS30We0V_MQuCZeL_P9lu6_36X9ULgqvfrJd-26YgwhOjHaPwTZswCvCxm76Q_d7f5a6zequ7-1aBszK/s1600/bee05.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564379611868458898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xV_JCYafMGt7KuFojcmxyvP7mISd2JWRXJiuv_bPvtnEAtN6KFI5JuloK2CVfS30We0V_MQuCZeL_P9lu6_36X9ULgqvfrJd-26YgwhOjHaPwTZswCvCxm76Q_d7f5a6zequ7-1aBszK/s400/bee05.jpg" /></a></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />In case you don't know...</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">What Is </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://operationshower.org/2010thanks/">Operation Give Thanks</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana" href="http://operationshower.org/2010thanks/">Operation Give Thanks</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> is a nation-wide fundraising campaign to help </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.operationshower.org">Operation Shower </a><span style="font-family:verdana;">continue our mission to throw amazing baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment.</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We are often asked how to best help Operation Shower. We decided that since Operation Shower gives back to our military families through parties, so can YOU!<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">.</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">We are asking people across the nation to host parties, big or small, to raise money for Operation Shower. Already hosting a party for a holiday or special event? Why not simply ask guests for a small donation to Operation Shower’s Operation Give Thanks while you are it? What a wonderful way to express your gratitude and thanks at this special time of year — and have fun!</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">.</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)"></span><br />Our long-term goal is to reach every military base in the nation. Our short-term goal is to raise $50,000 through Operation Give Thanks to enable us to shower over 200 more moms-to-be! </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">That’s right, if you raise $250 for Operation Shower, that helps us to throw a full amazing baby shower with gifts for a military mom to be whose spouse is deployed!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Donate Now!</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://operationshower.org/donation/donate/"><img style="WIDTH: 336px; HEIGHT: 74px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564382800526252578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR-LL56XH4AcmVmf4RbswYE05WgwVDhz3VyBb-qO4igtsFcMrHCEgK13S6WmQ4CONqVBeq9Epd0m1IUuo9SVFldVBfoLCJKp37Ph1gxlFI108B52ZYudkGwbj_ysY2uVHsKOvtdxg2qrP/s400/donate.png" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Huge thanks to Paper&Pigtails and Bird Crafts for creating these sets for us. Don't forget, you can still download the 2010 sets <a href="http://operationshower.org/2010thanks/">here. </a>Many are still perfect for your next party!</span> </div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-35577436333787267242011-01-17T07:03:00.001-06:002011-01-17T15:16:13.004-06:00Cool Baby Products to Go Ga Ga (Goo) Over<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">That is a really lame title for some really cool, funny and hip baby products.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://egg2cake.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Egg2Cake</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> seriously has some of the cutest, most entertaining things for new moms or moms-to-be.<br /><br />A clever mom dictionary with all kinds of funny terms is just the start.<br /><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjQRIRdkDaowDwJu4iZd3cHC1nyhBPPPDDZVhyb1mbcdPxuvEI0SF5OmTpRbf1-m6ItWFifsep541lWKfg_mxzekPSUO847y-czBLMEdAwrOfCIrIu1WEqgwpDlwGlxDPlmSJppz2w-3q/s1600/mom1.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 350px; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563263518359200482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjQRIRdkDaowDwJu4iZd3cHC1nyhBPPPDDZVhyb1mbcdPxuvEI0SF5OmTpRbf1-m6ItWFifsep541lWKfg_mxzekPSUO847y-czBLMEdAwrOfCIrIu1WEqgwpDlwGlxDPlmSJppz2w-3q/s400/mom1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-OXj4vqtmqc837TqyCtC3hXfHlD4fANY5bB2giC8CzSmtuOX98kpVazrD4uhiCKi2To7ugan8L3wkCycCdLFF8Lp8JZXpcT1hFwOLrPACUYveqhA9BprOghoj5BQe6f-UJn0A43WCVlx/s1600/mom2.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563263518263191202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-OXj4vqtmqc837TqyCtC3hXfHlD4fANY5bB2giC8CzSmtuOX98kpVazrD4uhiCKi2To7ugan8L3wkCycCdLFF8Lp8JZXpcT1hFwOLrPACUYveqhA9BprOghoj5BQe6f-UJn0A43WCVlx/s400/mom2.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Mama needs her sleep and so does baby. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYzjGvmcswDNg8dT7Z-Qxl3LqkgxsIIIuPEy4YwmzYxLaptkBBljBTZwnQsVntxXnu3ZqOLIc-a2gmuX6DwIX2cRSmg0KGjQyRnCRqPg2TLsFGh8n1Rq_vkf0yn1XYhcQAYS0W1a7uYW-/s1600/mom3.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 350px; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563263519242713938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYzjGvmcswDNg8dT7Z-Qxl3LqkgxsIIIuPEy4YwmzYxLaptkBBljBTZwnQsVntxXnu3ZqOLIc-a2gmuX6DwIX2cRSmg0KGjQyRnCRqPg2TLsFGh8n1Rq_vkf0yn1XYhcQAYS0W1a7uYW-/s400/mom3.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">This might be my favorite though. A feeding and diaper log that is so much cuter than your spiral notebook because, let's face it....nothing is cute about diaper changes. </span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrfrkNCQ_hPxNfKBxn-wjQcM6mLGydZi0mPIqw0jQGo8sLEVbq-ydrLJmH757R-bsTNQOzJIGpIDC3RnZBGwrj5vwz0jc7274prfwcK0yJ9z2mBltuls4_aVtAHH6LuGAyNhyEqvIlgN2/s1600/mom4.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 350px; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563263526742771858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrfrkNCQ_hPxNfKBxn-wjQcM6mLGydZi0mPIqw0jQGo8sLEVbq-ydrLJmH757R-bsTNQOzJIGpIDC3RnZBGwrj5vwz0jc7274prfwcK0yJ9z2mBltuls4_aVtAHH6LuGAyNhyEqvIlgN2/s400/mom4.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Visit Egg2Cake for these and many other clever and cute baby products. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Can you tell I'm in baby land getting ready for the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.operationshower.org">Operation Shower </a>event in San Diego next week? I can't wait to share more on that event very soon! Please pardon the sparce posting until then! </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-14643794311280433182011-01-13T07:02:00.000-06:002011-01-13T09:05:50.312-06:00Spotlight: Paper & Pigtails<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Have you seen Paper&Pigtails new site? Isn't it dreamy? Love the large photos! </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Know what else I love? This </span><a href="http://paperandpigtailsparty.com/2011/01/coming-this-week-night-owl-pj-party-set/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">adorable Night Owl sleepover set</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> coming soon. Aren't those mattresses just the cutest? </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUV4mrGl7B4zIuO-cOHSD1PwNax2euZBPrdWKrFN7eDN5mcVMFzWpuFHJ42y5iT-vSSPieXWEzVRAhRkuywktkPIYQT3nyePNi6X1gNCc-FvJ2RukNUKayfOABh1XJ2oPihfxz3KRuvZQ/s1600/NightOwl.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 344px; HEIGHT: 457px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561686580531927058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUV4mrGl7B4zIuO-cOHSD1PwNax2euZBPrdWKrFN7eDN5mcVMFzWpuFHJ42y5iT-vSSPieXWEzVRAhRkuywktkPIYQT3nyePNi6X1gNCc-FvJ2RukNUKayfOABh1XJ2oPihfxz3KRuvZQ/s400/NightOwl.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Stop in and see Kori's new digs and be sure and hit </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperandPigtails"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The Shoppe</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> for your next party!</span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-64906995583230612852011-01-11T07:11:00.000-06:002011-01-11T07:11:00.475-06:00Groovy Kind Of Love<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just when you think you've seen everything, something like this comes along and makes you think "why didn't I think of that?" and "Abigail is lucky she is so awesome because I'm tempted to not like her right now." Maybe that last part is just me.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That would be Abigail of </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://paperandcake.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-party-peace-love-and-party.html">Paper&Cake</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and creator of this totally groovy printable collection that is perfect for a birthday, sleepover or a Valentine's full of love and peace.</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWD4pbcvZ4IzrnFvV5vrD-WJgvl-HwMuBDTh6GI5bJocdnW2T-WUgTtcfrCDEW2VVilABtzNsn4fa6eo154tOYcanbaCUhH3qe6QidapVMYwObFRLEBxXBMDK3cBnOg7Kox8HtywPUqM9/s1600/pc1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWD4pbcvZ4IzrnFvV5vrD-WJgvl-HwMuBDTh6GI5bJocdnW2T-WUgTtcfrCDEW2VVilABtzNsn4fa6eo154tOYcanbaCUhH3qe6QidapVMYwObFRLEBxXBMDK3cBnOg7Kox8HtywPUqM9/s400/pc1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560738663989986818" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I mean, really, have you ever? This looks like a preteen or teen dream party. The bold colors and graphic designs just pop off of that white. Why not throw a Valentine dress-up party for the little girls in your life? They would LOVE you for it.</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxEFvGU3uRvLC4CQFBW58yPD16zE72yqmWNOBD5AdlJyY5ztQqqpVxBC30EMDF81daAFnKv8e28NbbUS4Wr3-0PkfGViYzCguV3GvvjzBOFB1Yo0du402VFE3JVwZUVYKElAo4wGlz915/s1600/pc2.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxEFvGU3uRvLC4CQFBW58yPD16zE72yqmWNOBD5AdlJyY5ztQqqpVxBC30EMDF81daAFnKv8e28NbbUS4Wr3-0PkfGViYzCguV3GvvjzBOFB1Yo0du402VFE3JVwZUVYKElAo4wGlz915/s400/pc2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560738677541262226" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Birthdays, too, of course. I mean Paper & Cake has already done so much of the work for you. The treat bags alone are almost too much for me to handle. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlCcYoivYLGTSNejEvY88tjc4m61MJpHz-yPfe8sptTWns-XUGaSwV6t3I8iNIylWyReXa7wMgwkPxQp6Eiil2tF9L8AcBWFbqqQL-F7tPFtpLolz7I2Qd6la6sGx1JVyYxSMEByvDJTY/s1600/pc4.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlCcYoivYLGTSNejEvY88tjc4m61MJpHz-yPfe8sptTWns-XUGaSwV6t3I8iNIylWyReXa7wMgwkPxQp6Eiil2tF9L8AcBWFbqqQL-F7tPFtpLolz7I2Qd6la6sGx1JVyYxSMEByvDJTY/s400/pc4.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560738688161172914" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIpNB_YER658rCl8lSNnA0brOYGMIKUKYqhaKE-YFf7xVQCmsuiC-dZ_KwkoWFjmN-BhXaHN7L-M9eJlV6Pq4YJJ4B4nG5mS70z8DNSnUWkxZhJACu1x9uC3YPROAbc6MotjFztuDdhyi/s1600/pc3.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIpNB_YER658rCl8lSNnA0brOYGMIKUKYqhaKE-YFf7xVQCmsuiC-dZ_KwkoWFjmN-BhXaHN7L-M9eJlV6Pq4YJJ4B4nG5mS70z8DNSnUWkxZhJACu1x9uC3YPROAbc6MotjFztuDdhyi/s400/pc3.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560738683309279794" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You add in popcorn boxes, toppers, that to die for banner, labels and everything else in this collection and you've got quite a fantastic flashback happening here. </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Visit </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://paperandcake.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-party-peace-love-and-party.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Paper&Cake </span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">for even more pictures and to get your own Peace Love printable collection. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Word has is that Abigail and I will finally get to meet in </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://operationshower.org/2010/12/next-stop-san-diego/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Diego for the Operation Shower</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> event coming up and that if a mere 3 people leave her a comment on her blog or </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/paperandcake">Facebook pa</a><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/paperandcake">g</a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;">e</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> saying they saw this here, that she will volunteer to cut my meat for me at dinner. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I realize that makes sense to no one else but Abigail so trust that it is the funniest thing you have ever or will ever read. : ) </span></span><br /></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-80294988183694205482011-01-05T10:10:00.004-06:002011-01-05T10:21:50.987-06:00What Is Your Intention?<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Far be it from me to start rushing through this year already, but it is time to start thinking about Valentine's Day. Don't blame me. Blame the calendar. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ6N0dqjCkD7DImAW5pxivOv8RWhU63RHh70BXNMgiLNheZ51XdrnmrB9E0404s_1-9eTjr_NnP-vlRZpkTd4J1op7LT8VGjUDhK3793XHBeHqDidRBfKVG0UfuV4rPc6YszhobIRUxML/s1600/b3.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558735847158773762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZ6N0dqjCkD7DImAW5pxivOv8RWhU63RHh70BXNMgiLNheZ51XdrnmrB9E0404s_1-9eTjr_NnP-vlRZpkTd4J1op7LT8VGjUDhK3793XHBeHqDidRBfKVG0UfuV4rPc6YszhobIRUxML/s400/b3.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNbe61JvrZBniFV32jvkMaId7T4YUIDOGWm_NVuR22HxT2IdeFiJGbDRPX9RAGuJzoU5fvjmRNSOnerOePnNK0AH9WAL2JSFUPqv5PuSs_p_9wA7m0unTAHIfr0SWeNJAEqLYKGTWknTM/s1600/b2.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558735837330953506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNbe61JvrZBniFV32jvkMaId7T4YUIDOGWm_NVuR22HxT2IdeFiJGbDRPX9RAGuJzoU5fvjmRNSOnerOePnNK0AH9WAL2JSFUPqv5PuSs_p_9wA7m0unTAHIfr0SWeNJAEqLYKGTWknTM/s400/b2.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Luckily </span><a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/valentines-day/decorating/hand-crafted-valentines-day-decor/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Better Homes and Gardens </span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">has such lovely eye candy for us all that it makes thinking about the next holiday already a liiiiitle more bearable. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XJi5xP_O218bYPOY7Z2iaYVVK5rwVDdVg547wmoEALtMJkhPdUWrOczNrtvChU-IEK7u3ECKXTaD_MbJ8v1-yAGj2M0cNX7HWAcCla0zuF7NeGxzi-2ItER3sMOPFxf7kZ1IG_a530lu/s1600/b1.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558735825893425570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XJi5xP_O218bYPOY7Z2iaYVVK5rwVDdVg547wmoEALtMJkhPdUWrOczNrtvChU-IEK7u3ECKXTaD_MbJ8v1-yAGj2M0cNX7HWAcCla0zuF7NeGxzi-2ItER3sMOPFxf7kZ1IG_a530lu/s400/b1.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">All of these are simple and yet simply delightful ways to add a little love to your space. </span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Now then, it's never too early to talk about that, is it? </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Speaking of a New Year. I made one sweeping "intention" this year. (Last year I banished the word "resolution" in favor of the more optimistic and zen-like word "intention!")</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">My intention this year is to simply spend even more time doing things that really matter. I'm still defining what all that means to me, but I do know it encompasses giving even more, spending more time engaged in physical activity, spending more time reading, being more aware of food sources, taking more time for myself, spending more time having dates with my husband, spending more time on spiritual things. See how tricky I was? I made one "intention" that can cover so many things. In my head it makes it less overwhelming! Don't wake me from my delusion. I simply want to spend more time doing things that matter. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">What is your intention this year? </span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-29528562872421901792011-01-03T07:03:00.000-06:002011-01-03T07:03:00.379-06:00Posh In A Pinch<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Being a fan of Mad Libs, being silly, colorful kid parties and Ashleigh herself, I am pleased to share this fun <a href="http://blog.poshpartiesllc.com/2010/12/event-showcase-mad-libs-pajama-party.html">Mad Libs Pajama Party </a>from Posh Parties, LLC.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p-evUVAYfXgO6MPsQK-ekcE5GeoMXrRcdph6ZFU1lU09ugquj3b5lpheyF8bcfbKXEAgdrNDnt1arigxBVCVd2_wM5nNVf90Uwvgjre7W0992_wwtJyjJFm5TlmwKcvikA7vWvRWaK5m/s1600/posh1.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p-evUVAYfXgO6MPsQK-ekcE5GeoMXrRcdph6ZFU1lU09ugquj3b5lpheyF8bcfbKXEAgdrNDnt1arigxBVCVd2_wM5nNVf90Uwvgjre7W0992_wwtJyjJFm5TlmwKcvikA7vWvRWaK5m/s400/posh1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557697316736342514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />With awesome invitations from Lindi of <a href="http://www.love-the-day.com/lovetheday/wordpress/">Love The Day</a>, the colorful scene was set!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtBJ6u9jOx4SAYmIC_ZQycQ8BL34Xd2DbRi8h7OZlAqrNCbxbn23Jd7TlZ4rJJk49x2ZnulykVQHU2wceamCIxHGji8ixN1iIxfYtTqBKhIHw3bNA2zZtxEZZwOCiY0Kzrh9slCpc_-hi/s1600/posh2.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtBJ6u9jOx4SAYmIC_ZQycQ8BL34Xd2DbRi8h7OZlAqrNCbxbn23Jd7TlZ4rJJk49x2ZnulykVQHU2wceamCIxHGji8ixN1iIxfYtTqBKhIHw3bNA2zZtxEZZwOCiY0Kzrh9slCpc_-hi/s400/posh2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557697675568412594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />The addition of colorful paper lanterns and layered table runners (how smart is that?) gave the girls a fun room to create their sand art.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVx1Aj1Kg9wPraht_97d1QfHOvJuaW-4BHZHSUsNfdAjwUg1TG4ARVw_QCGNcukhgvAMhKvS20qjDJXWZYqYqjf0eFCVTsyc6TU_CBP7unTYKTZ1L9Sc90LnuounAWsUJ9NQlKLy7DgEU/s1600/posh6.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVx1Aj1Kg9wPraht_97d1QfHOvJuaW-4BHZHSUsNfdAjwUg1TG4ARVw_QCGNcukhgvAMhKvS20qjDJXWZYqYqjf0eFCVTsyc6TU_CBP7unTYKTZ1L9Sc90LnuounAWsUJ9NQlKLy7DgEU/s400/posh6.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557697422734326546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />A local performing troupe led the girls in silly songs and sayings. A great reminder that sometimes just keeping it simple is really the best way to go. Kids just love to have fun and be kids and I think this idea is just adorable.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjNnFL5C7duccumB-LxAmP-32NQnis9vzOgTOBMVtf8g4V-cFRrzFTnPra_1LpW2YEZTIFf9Wrno1xc1AN3OEEEWqCvWaNFmBBHacCOqynJZxOwfj7dR_Sgj1zYuTukRwdfcEiKRwsXle/s1600/posh5.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjNnFL5C7duccumB-LxAmP-32NQnis9vzOgTOBMVtf8g4V-cFRrzFTnPra_1LpW2YEZTIFf9Wrno1xc1AN3OEEEWqCvWaNFmBBHacCOqynJZxOwfj7dR_Sgj1zYuTukRwdfcEiKRwsXle/s400/posh5.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557697344295662130" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />A rainbow cake to match the invitations? Yes, please. .<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQM5a0H1Miu3dZIUnzkjKzNO3rYE2bu_ExwOgjUnMwRp52PX9luawKEGhEhiBoXLIy36gFCQeL0JNqQ0xoV99Bk1_No-yCJ1BwavOTwxvRZvOpccnHbk6z66GvKaEqxTz__5y7jdR8zLb/s1600/posh4.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQM5a0H1Miu3dZIUnzkjKzNO3rYE2bu_ExwOgjUnMwRp52PX9luawKEGhEhiBoXLIy36gFCQeL0JNqQ0xoV99Bk1_No-yCJ1BwavOTwxvRZvOpccnHbk6z66GvKaEqxTz__5y7jdR8zLb/s400/posh4.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557697337922022034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />The day was capped off with what else? Colorful favor bags filled with the crafts the girls created and their own Mad Libs book to take home.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg0nGKI1ic-lErdeUpk-Y3W2ZFsNZZ4ViCcx4ZwkK8N8ZrJmUS43JBaaQoen6NHamyFcjVzZgO0jBXj7fy33xKsmtS-67aOIWbjgXGgPVHmMjc2gBra5umXAbBhM8RkLq0XbF45j5c50T/s1600/psh3.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 411px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg0nGKI1ic-lErdeUpk-Y3W2ZFsNZZ4ViCcx4ZwkK8N8ZrJmUS43JBaaQoen6NHamyFcjVzZgO0jBXj7fy33xKsmtS-67aOIWbjgXGgPVHmMjc2gBra5umXAbBhM8RkLq0XbF45j5c50T/s400/psh3.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557697327919456658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Check out Ashleigh's post here to see what else the girls were up to and to find all the resources for the party.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing, Ashleigh, and good luck with the new blog!<br /></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-31051796624324449472010-12-29T12:30:00.001-06:002010-12-29T15:24:34.635-06:00Cheers!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">It's never too early to start on that New Year's Resolution. You know...THAT one. The one that makes gyms crowded from January 2nd - mid-February. Lucky for us though, Crystal Light has some delicious cocktail recipes that you can enjoy this New Year's Eve with a fraction of the guilt! </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span>Let's let our eyes do the work here. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhnPsIGDSxOYUn__8nY9snhYhZz7oxl_s15-cdDlZjeEEaYz2GScrATCOY3-NlTyLOXx750XtHcp4mE4zNhtt7PKb1WoXZTdlVOEl7quvMZLGqa1KfzYL1eas69VvHS3w0PI4hTHRMQG7/s1600/Pomegranate+Cosmopolitan+Image.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 399px; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215580014100578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhnPsIGDSxOYUn__8nY9snhYhZz7oxl_s15-cdDlZjeEEaYz2GScrATCOY3-NlTyLOXx750XtHcp4mE4zNhtt7PKb1WoXZTdlVOEl7quvMZLGqa1KfzYL1eas69VvHS3w0PI4hTHRMQG7/s400/Pomegranate+Cosmopolitan+Image.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSFL5hnmgOeiO4YRCs9ZX4qmMYXMqS4JPN7QudQ-lqXy487jbwyPxU5DXTqjWpwL4mXUIcZEQ5zfvo-9kIbiwn6AsKfS5q5fzl6AIbl3Da6l9ZyjtfS8Grmzq1qiOX4IwNZPHdxrQfdc_/s1600/Pomegranate+Cosmopolitan+Recipe.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215581166896242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSFL5hnmgOeiO4YRCs9ZX4qmMYXMqS4JPN7QudQ-lqXy487jbwyPxU5DXTqjWpwL4mXUIcZEQ5zfvo-9kIbiwn6AsKfS5q5fzl6AIbl3Da6l9ZyjtfS8Grmzq1qiOX4IwNZPHdxrQfdc_/s400/Pomegranate+Cosmopolitan+Recipe.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Note the non-alcholic version for a fun option for all ages. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3tiOck8sqVcG0ZIxzjFn_kz5LqyB9Dp2QRHRxRZtXkb1yXH5bnVM8Co94rv0iDdIlUcp5pTbxKFRygY04s0QzQCbUOnuLw0e1CRKkSIzKyk0asgALw149_jCYevqJX5mnJgffYq3I6Gm/s1600/Passion+Punch+Image.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 399px; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215574199337970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3tiOck8sqVcG0ZIxzjFn_kz5LqyB9Dp2QRHRxRZtXkb1yXH5bnVM8Co94rv0iDdIlUcp5pTbxKFRygY04s0QzQCbUOnuLw0e1CRKkSIzKyk0asgALw149_jCYevqJX5mnJgffYq3I6Gm/s400/Passion+Punch+Image.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_mS699WV2C6KKhM05tAmXO8EFyeu6-0PoCenJ_AGfQAJj5GHk4SaQ63rYXTXN841EPVak5ToXUd45kJwrWz_HI3gRNxWVgLEse6I1ugMbvR2XS61trfufeOTQmmR0tTMsDCq0-UJ7eeH/s1600/Passion+Punch+Recipe.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215576459829202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_mS699WV2C6KKhM05tAmXO8EFyeu6-0PoCenJ_AGfQAJj5GHk4SaQ63rYXTXN841EPVak5ToXUd45kJwrWz_HI3gRNxWVgLEse6I1ugMbvR2XS61trfufeOTQmmR0tTMsDCq0-UJ7eeH/s400/Passion+Punch+Recipe.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">A champagne punch? Yes, please. Pass the bubbles.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhyTAAo1F7FfOz7ON-4GnKMuwGApJt6Ww7NQQPrEXuX2CELal-_C7yULkc38USi_uE9-Ic5QCYW59XCTdbYPrDQUkWE4mqARSZ6BoZ9t83mOt5BpF-8OV2sxYFyBdGIkroJpxPHPZ-lWA/s1600/Party-Goers+Punch+Image.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 402px; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215374391134210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhyTAAo1F7FfOz7ON-4GnKMuwGApJt6Ww7NQQPrEXuX2CELal-_C7yULkc38USi_uE9-Ic5QCYW59XCTdbYPrDQUkWE4mqARSZ6BoZ9t83mOt5BpF-8OV2sxYFyBdGIkroJpxPHPZ-lWA/s400/Party-Goers+Punch+Image.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz7E3O99Kn4HU5LITdI76iNU9VcvRL5Z_D46c0RFuWTBysmW19gJxRjStpeh7O4GMYQZwD-iep19jVLq1T7cKL0fLdP5_yllVlpMGwCY8XbVMP-Vt4b_YWL5Bp8DmBLIkfBV0t-LXIzjo/s1600/Party-Goers+Punch+Recipe.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 341px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215375338733394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz7E3O99Kn4HU5LITdI76iNU9VcvRL5Z_D46c0RFuWTBysmW19gJxRjStpeh7O4GMYQZwD-iep19jVLq1T7cKL0fLdP5_yllVlpMGwCY8XbVMP-Vt4b_YWL5Bp8DmBLIkfBV0t-LXIzjo/s400/Party-Goers+Punch+Recipe.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Make a batch of this and serve in your favorite beverage canister. Have ice nearby so it doesn't get watered down...like it will last that long!<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsC9P2zMu_gpaM2_9kkycdaFXWF6P2jfPL8ofuv7mqgrI17ztnktSIjDBLWU3cEy84awTvI7dUJ-0NlFR63GJFuQQFB8aVvPeKqilmIQvxwDInzOMbeoasDEfIqrleZwoUJlCD3WDdhL9/s1600/Double-Berry+Martini+Image.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 402px; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215361805767810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsC9P2zMu_gpaM2_9kkycdaFXWF6P2jfPL8ofuv7mqgrI17ztnktSIjDBLWU3cEy84awTvI7dUJ-0NlFR63GJFuQQFB8aVvPeKqilmIQvxwDInzOMbeoasDEfIqrleZwoUJlCD3WDdhL9/s400/Double-Berry+Martini+Image.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK969MAvKFd3Ro5x8V1uS8SFZS-t5Fhi4tMlqiYzFeE_xAJJjYnWX7s0moLEno0abg4bZaZxF2ayz3XGfYUctgANA3Bd8TCD_7R2NGqdesmB88QZXwgJwYkd29jlHRxF2Y8SnddxsRHES/s1600/Double-Berry+Martini+Recipe.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556215358086093170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJK969MAvKFd3Ro5x8V1uS8SFZS-t5Fhi4tMlqiYzFeE_xAJJjYnWX7s0moLEno0abg4bZaZxF2ayz3XGfYUctgANA3Bd8TCD_7R2NGqdesmB88QZXwgJwYkd29jlHRxF2Y8SnddxsRHES/s400/Double-Berry+Martini+Recipe.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Admit it, you feel a little fancy anytime the word "martini" is involved, don't you? The addition of fresh fruit is always a nice touch, too. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">If you think about it, you would really be doing your tastebuds and your waistline a favor by whipping any of these up this New Year's Eve. How can you argue with that? </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Now, about those lines for the treadmill in January. Just stick it out. You'll have the gym to yourself again in a few weeks. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Cheers!</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Amy</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;">Not a sponsored post from Crystal Light and I received no compensation for this. I just like to drink delicious things! </span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-18582334455868042022010-12-27T07:22:00.001-06:002010-12-27T08:30:22.849-06:00The Giving Continues...<div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">.<br /></span></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The Giving Madam, a military mom herself, has created another set of FREE </span><a href="http://thegivingmadam.blogspot.com/2010/12/free-printables-new-years-printables-my.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">New Year's Eve printables</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> to benefit </span><a href="http://operationshower.org/2010thanks/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Operation Give Thanks.</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8k5zDQsI0qLctki38TDFhlYaTYF81jTh6_U7lDGOPSNEH8Ir1vOe0Fuvwbnb69gAdBkETGBtZhxu2lh2gkWVZTZiZ0rDfiHqEgGEfxT409S74map7g0iuk9S1AgQzqp6U7Ujthf5dgo9/s1600/TheGivingMadam_PrintableBoardCompilation.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 314px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555368900199807026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8k5zDQsI0qLctki38TDFhlYaTYF81jTh6_U7lDGOPSNEH8Ir1vOe0Fuvwbnb69gAdBkETGBtZhxu2lh2gkWVZTZiZ0rDfiHqEgGEfxT409S74map7g0iuk9S1AgQzqp6U7Ujthf5dgo9/s400/TheGivingMadam_PrintableBoardCompilation.jpg" /></span></a><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Simply pop on over to her site, download, print and play! Like all of the other lovely printables for Operation Give Thanks, these are totally free. We'd love it if you'd consider a small <strong><a href="http://operationshower.org/2010thanks/">donation</a></strong> to Operation Shower in exchange. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">If you use these or the ones by </span><a href="http://stemparties.blogspot.com/2010/12/operation-give-thanks-free-new-years.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Love The Day</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> be sure and share pictures with me. Love to see these ladies' work in action! </span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-32876883623001486512010-12-23T16:56:00.006-06:002010-12-23T17:09:18.889-06:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season before I head out for a few days.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqL-KTmsF0RveF9ZfbxvCoujqaUnUc3eFZUMu_OdFgIac5PCJFzu9YFDLFEbTqPV3tzOWVkZbZXUAAhoJywapCaPtqlCJC543UHMos43xfSDfVqCcLNpO9RNc2rDji-8puyzg7a0i-B58/s1600/m1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqL-KTmsF0RveF9ZfbxvCoujqaUnUc3eFZUMu_OdFgIac5PCJFzu9YFDLFEbTqPV3tzOWVkZbZXUAAhoJywapCaPtqlCJC543UHMos43xfSDfVqCcLNpO9RNc2rDji-8puyzg7a0i-B58/s400/m1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554016765026359970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >I mentioned the "tablescape" <a href="http://stemparties.blogspot.com/2010/12/vintage-winter-forest.html">here</a> and thought there was no better way to wish you all the very best in each of your homes than to share a few scenes from ours this year. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x7XsqZcXH3mZ4SmfqG3hlPPHaQPAPQxU980NGPm3EthO9hiRHjEWk7sY3VjNrQOWBWqD1DzHwF9-OmcQTxwso5kvpZaI4z6ft-nhq-Od3XXBmZRrVjEfxXqvgZvOeh1cpSfNqLUeceiN/s1600/m3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x7XsqZcXH3mZ4SmfqG3hlPPHaQPAPQxU980NGPm3EthO9hiRHjEWk7sY3VjNrQOWBWqD1DzHwF9-OmcQTxwso5kvpZaI4z6ft-nhq-Od3XXBmZRrVjEfxXqvgZvOeh1cpSfNqLUeceiN/s400/m3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554016782952615410" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDg78j5IkRrA5SPqAHlQysT2F9o5hO7r0yB_VXQPan9fax7l75w5jrlf6VEISqRdKmqxH-ymhvmsMf2dwA8PeQlixPsK4nmbeGlGQ-L03veZ6tvo4aaNWbao9qN9l3Xg6LAPkZsAjsluF/s1600/m2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDg78j5IkRrA5SPqAHlQysT2F9o5hO7r0yB_VXQPan9fax7l75w5jrlf6VEISqRdKmqxH-ymhvmsMf2dwA8PeQlixPsK4nmbeGlGQ-L03veZ6tvo4aaNWbao9qN9l3Xg6LAPkZsAjsluF/s400/m2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554016770565324610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUpBDqwW5Kii7qh9EC3J44j7MEnxGtIDo92X3cZcDultAEzrQHQxYAK1iJxxrYaTSQE25IBzTxknQXkuoRKtvmqMfCxwglQcoUXBm5aoPIXZkCoqfMYFpta-aQJA_E7y-1IXnw6askjJ3/s1600/t2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUpBDqwW5Kii7qh9EC3J44j7MEnxGtIDo92X3cZcDultAEzrQHQxYAK1iJxxrYaTSQE25IBzTxknQXkuoRKtvmqMfCxwglQcoUXBm5aoPIXZkCoqfMYFpta-aQJA_E7y-1IXnw6askjJ3/s400/t2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554016945920608802" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G0F2xOpYeQnc7LMdyJl1TY4jSyFnC0nqWSsEjvoxKBfFkUFr7NTqs4p25PskKxSls_KXZAFcqfRZL7Lgq9pHXjJ7BURc-IuesV3771odT90nKr8_mWwRLxd_OwrM6pHC205DHLqcz34x/s1600/m5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G0F2xOpYeQnc7LMdyJl1TY4jSyFnC0nqWSsEjvoxKBfFkUFr7NTqs4p25PskKxSls_KXZAFcqfRZL7Lgq9pHXjJ7BURc-IuesV3771odT90nKr8_mWwRLxd_OwrM6pHC205DHLqcz34x/s400/m5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554016792787044882" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >I also mentioned I went through a "lush" phase (no, not the too much wine drinking kind of "lush") this season. I typically skew more modern and Christmas is the time to bring out the peacock feathers and that color palette. Just felt like mixing it up this year and going a bit more rustic and wintery with hints of lime green. Twas a nice change of pace!</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >Speaking of... as the pace of the holidays leaves </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >many of us frantic and worn out, I hope you each take time to relax and enjoy every minute of</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" > it.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxzn3KqOCaqeHf4W74-d7vsr-XP2Vi3GxctuEPwEZugtLtGB6PyFGqce9crcnQV8-cDdlYqIiqiPtrTFL6Jk68VRJ80eKumUqxDlTw8n6Piw3TpUgoERKPEfweseBIhv8PobyDd6G-HQI/s1600/t7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxzn3KqOCaqeHf4W74-d7vsr-XP2Vi3GxctuEPwEZugtLtGB6PyFGqce9crcnQV8-cDdlYqIiqiPtrTFL6Jk68VRJ80eKumUqxDlTw8n6Piw3TpUgoERKPEfweseBIhv8PobyDd6G-HQI/s400/t7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554016937318390690" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><br />.<br /></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NZVawQw5TUA0mCRlwtwZDXGc_tS09tOpPWP-1QHnlYFixReKoQ6SwcCSoJobiPSP2FaiRjSaosV8Nr1dC5CDIQGiavmOLlUaPZM4i-c6DP1kCGY9k7P5R29p3I0WaKCxYQfIfku5tB0y/s1600/m4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NZVawQw5TUA0mCRlwtwZDXGc_tS09tOpPWP-1QHnlYFixReKoQ6SwcCSoJobiPSP2FaiRjSaosV8Nr1dC5CDIQGiavmOLlUaPZM4i-c6DP1kCGY9k7P5R29p3I0WaKCxYQfIfku5tB0y/s400/m4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554016788502434498" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Soa</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >k it in. 2011 is on it's way. I don't know about you, but I plan on making it the best year yet! </span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >Cheers,</span><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >Amy </span><br /></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-71680176394981639172010-12-22T07:29:00.001-06:002010-12-22T10:36:34.991-06:00Simply Adorable<div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Lovely Brandy, of Simply Creative Insanity has post two back to back fun posts showcasing her talent.<br /><br />I'm riffing on her </span><a href="http://simplycreativeinsanity.blogspot.com/2010/12/gift-card-tree.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>gift card tree</strong> </span></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">for a gift I'm giving next week, in fact. Thanks, Brandy! </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6iu3hjKepYiDuGy7g2LSBxjJEvgPF2o6d4_dsM-StcaCE87T1bQpdcHBiEnQ2uNAppzMLgUT69CcC08i6Os0_8v32FQWIMbGsWryY8fv6YiufONYH1W1WMUBuMn5Ni4RFc_AcNPez8Ff/s1600/Close+up+of+top.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553545417645076914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6iu3hjKepYiDuGy7g2LSBxjJEvgPF2o6d4_dsM-StcaCE87T1bQpdcHBiEnQ2uNAppzMLgUT69CcC08i6Os0_8v32FQWIMbGsWryY8fv6YiufONYH1W1WMUBuMn5Ni4RFc_AcNPez8Ff/s400/Close+up+of+top.JPG" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhPYetvZHst8O0culZWfvYGzLv8rMEVSM1hNJivyLObpIjVCB61VaSWjM0KJ9WEbxpNxDtcABSUFd6BL8kMZ7U30QubGIJfuUr5opzcRADqq2s1VI5aAZLNNQ_kR_rqi_L96YUrzJSerR/s1600/Gift+card+tree.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 401px; HEIGHT: 483px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553545449629672594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhPYetvZHst8O0culZWfvYGzLv8rMEVSM1hNJivyLObpIjVCB61VaSWjM0KJ9WEbxpNxDtcABSUFd6BL8kMZ7U30QubGIJfuUr5opzcRADqq2s1VI5aAZLNNQ_kR_rqi_L96YUrzJSerR/s400/Gift+card+tree.JPG" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">And the </span><a href="http://simplycreativeinsanity.blogspot.com/2010/12/flurry-of-fun.html"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">snowman</span></strong></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>...</strong>doesn't he look so cute perched above the cupcakes? Adorable!</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAiKmlBoR6HpBEo9_Fg21PMrRrvsPiscVRLwANVRaO42aFaodSNqQ4wpZq7K2xgy3cDzYb9VSq4aAfOlefmQtfzPhJVGdSMWo3jpTu8zFV_-W1vdSjBxehVBslpVcQy1VpU_4jdXwlWo0/s1600/Full+cupcake+box+shot.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553545425298815746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAiKmlBoR6HpBEo9_Fg21PMrRrvsPiscVRLwANVRaO42aFaodSNqQ4wpZq7K2xgy3cDzYb9VSq4aAfOlefmQtfzPhJVGdSMWo3jpTu8zFV_-W1vdSjBxehVBslpVcQy1VpU_4jdXwlWo0/s400/Full+cupcake+box+shot.jpg" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUgZZdP7pg_ebQL1kbxk7yzICmU4XOxJ2ZDKJnOSGVWeKb-ysm5dW_IiM70Wk_t0Ezc-yGV8NAUhKDUuOobnWrMEUuLo1t6a2OwNGXassBmTfCIY_S7wgOrzofhsaOMcyCoZAT70y0Akj/s1600/Full+table+shot.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553545439035683554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUgZZdP7pg_ebQL1kbxk7yzICmU4XOxJ2ZDKJnOSGVWeKb-ysm5dW_IiM70Wk_t0Ezc-yGV8NAUhKDUuOobnWrMEUuLo1t6a2OwNGXassBmTfCIY_S7wgOrzofhsaOMcyCoZAT70y0Akj/s400/Full+table+shot.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">More pictures and details found on Brandy's blog so be sure and stop by for all the action. </span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-17697187933679383112010-12-21T07:01:00.003-06:002010-12-21T07:01:00.975-06:00Wrapper's Delight<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Need some last minute gift wrap ideas? Maybe this will help you look at old things in a new way.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY9biWjzJ1mAs4viij7hS-oftKpnrdiLttDXCGDlJ1e6urclcQNjTU2S2RL1Nl1tvcv_0Cmk6sUqOZhHMtulEkC1JodCVpqaWxA2uJmxk4v4jyt83nuYBAeWxLLmqmqcRYFwZFoDQ9wAp/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY9biWjzJ1mAs4viij7hS-oftKpnrdiLttDXCGDlJ1e6urclcQNjTU2S2RL1Nl1tvcv_0Cmk6sUqOZhHMtulEkC1JodCVpqaWxA2uJmxk4v4jyt83nuYBAeWxLLmqmqcRYFwZFoDQ9wAp/s400/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552597594273518226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />This year I decided not to go buy a million dollars worth of wrapping supplies and attempt to use only items I already had on hand. You got me, it's still paper. but at least I tried to be "green" and not go buy new things as I'm oh so tempted to do.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRijMyFsK1jzyWVVuF56Uc5wcIxExInol9hqDI9R3DMnbqCuJ7B8Io2Zctgunsv33UA8iV5bEGWjsSp0VDZWbzNIGGRRK6r6G0SZ05dWlQTczJlT3WhWvcv9y7TbZuLlu-MJrvd9uB2ZU/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRijMyFsK1jzyWVVuF56Uc5wcIxExInol9hqDI9R3DMnbqCuJ7B8Io2Zctgunsv33UA8iV5bEGWjsSp0VDZWbzNIGGRRK6r6G0SZ05dWlQTczJlT3WhWvcv9y7TbZuLlu-MJrvd9uB2ZU/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552594299166696082" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />Disclaimer: I did buy the little reindeer (he was so sparkly...I HAD to) and the brown kraft box, but that's it. The rest is an assortment of goodies from my huge stash of things combined together to make a festive and fun Christmas.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDBM7WlOJraltxOInIkrnGdJ4l4dLrctFX-oVnJyyhapEQ9pCA79T-u2BfOyqsnxJHARese-JVtMy6Jr3MB-hcf2BbJ_lCgi5b6I7BH7tMhlGT-5fuz4P_H1iYV6SmxEqlG-gXlfGDRIr/s1600/p3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDBM7WlOJraltxOInIkrnGdJ4l4dLrctFX-oVnJyyhapEQ9pCA79T-u2BfOyqsnxJHARese-JVtMy6Jr3MB-hcf2BbJ_lCgi5b6I7BH7tMhlGT-5fuz4P_H1iYV6SmxEqlG-gXlfGDRIr/s400/p3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552594277409597170" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />With the goal of keeping it funky, I used elements such as kraft paper, paper lunch bags, burlap, decorative tape and red and lime green gift wrap torn to get that perfectly imperfect look.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7H3EDxoYojqx4ImvmT-pxULVujpAjqp5k3KIjnmIqxZ3Mwwq72_IPNlIgmqz6n9J3K9pXUnefefG64vqZ3TZoX3wNDExCt9fryyZdN8_RgtBss72N3vx6oSFP4v1XtguEemafIdA5Pwm/s1600/p2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7H3EDxoYojqx4ImvmT-pxULVujpAjqp5k3KIjnmIqxZ3Mwwq72_IPNlIgmqz6n9J3K9pXUnefefG64vqZ3TZoX3wNDExCt9fryyZdN8_RgtBss72N3vx6oSFP4v1XtguEemafIdA5Pwm/s400/p2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552594270859678322" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />I really like how this torn paper look turned out. And those white paper flowers? Those little Martha Stewart goodies have been in my stash for two years now. That is why I love clearance finds. You never know when you might need them!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiEUeIWDukVtjhgAYa-XQAg7v-SPKVhDztwsBq2-0kQ7xDF-0eQn9IM1COSu8I46Cl_hHDtneV9w3QCFixWXt1-e7q2XeHV0nONSYJQRdx8LHRBgxl64mKOC3BzC6tjb9zxBuRimJOgdj/s1600/p1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiEUeIWDukVtjhgAYa-XQAg7v-SPKVhDztwsBq2-0kQ7xDF-0eQn9IM1COSu8I46Cl_hHDtneV9w3QCFixWXt1-e7q2XeHV0nONSYJQRdx8LHRBgxl64mKOC3BzC6tjb9zxBuRimJOgdj/s400/p1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552594269810879330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br />So, go for it. Don't worry about everything being perfect. Mix it up this year! Gift wrap is a great place to experiment with the unexpected.<br /><br />So, I've shared. Now then, what is your gift wrap "theme" this year?<br /></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-39745968407657658572010-12-20T07:15:00.001-06:002010-12-20T07:15:00.150-06:00Operation Give Thanks: Free New Year's Eve Printables<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sweet and talented, Lindi of Love The Day, has created a gorgeous collection of </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.love-the-day.com/lovetheday/wordpress/?p=920">New Year's Eve </a><span style="font-family:verdana;">free printables to benefit </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" href="http://operationshower.org/2010thanks/">Operation Give Thanks</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">. You're gonna want these!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span><br /><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hcIeMlB5ay9HLMJK3Ew5uORZfW_u5Rihm_lrr4ZT8dtdrexhhc2OTUSXwsW1dPb3LL_Rex5xchECSbR1Z3k6HxLOwxMjqCoHRYs_dSjwD9fVYorXOyMHncNcVHHeC_XU2l_SAuDyCSby/s1600/Love+The+Day+NYE.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 548px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hcIeMlB5ay9HLMJK3Ew5uORZfW_u5Rihm_lrr4ZT8dtdrexhhc2OTUSXwsW1dPb3LL_Rex5xchECSbR1Z3k6HxLOwxMjqCoHRYs_dSjwD9fVYorXOyMHncNcVHHeC_XU2l_SAuDyCSby/s400/Love+The+Day+NYE.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552582464482484098" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:verdana;" >.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Lindi at the last shower at Walter Reed, as she generously donated her time and talents to help make the day extra special for some very deserving military moms-to-be. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am so glad that she decided to donate her time again in creating these free printables. I bet you are, too! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The printables are completely free, but we ask if you choose to use them, that you consider making a small donation to </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" href="http://operationshower.org/">Operation Shower</a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> to help us continue our mission of honoring</span><strong style="font-family: verdana;"> the sacrifices military families make</strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"> by producing and coordinating unit-wide baby showers and "showers in a box" for pregnant or expecting military families in a deployment or high stress situation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Happy New Year, indeed!</span><br /></span></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-58787027291010423902010-12-16T12:43:00.000-06:002010-12-16T14:49:03.068-06:00How About Awesome?<div align="justify"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">.<br /></span></div></span><div align="justify"><div><div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">How About Orange has been killing it lately (and by "lately", I mean "always") in the </span><a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/search/label/tutorials"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">DIY Tutorials</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">. I love these for the holidays and I'm going to let these do the talking for themselves!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl26zY4THnkyNyybdvCTj8bDi-HA3DstG2Es9_ecaUUFT3NrPd_EyvSMXHeO66TO9BFJFZ2H5-fTW757ArHRXS_i3tShd62NeJtutppT4Cbi3fRdEOU2j1bzY0Kdw4mILtT2Ig98Oa9Cc/s1600/6.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551384464782034498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl26zY4THnkyNyybdvCTj8bDi-HA3DstG2Es9_ecaUUFT3NrPd_EyvSMXHeO66TO9BFJFZ2H5-fTW757ArHRXS_i3tShd62NeJtutppT4Cbi3fRdEOU2j1bzY0Kdw4mILtT2Ig98Oa9Cc/s400/6.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGV7WHpmk0hVDwOMT1nON1MRg4daarA0uDJtCpqiDLSydUbWc6ASgbQNQ62Nmw6xBM1hhz5R3APBEIF2Rzm4sRI8yk4PziqYHunP68xtUqnUtCjypf2RTU8YVA-LAlXAOkDfe-l3JYhQc/s1600/5.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551384403139561090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGV7WHpmk0hVDwOMT1nON1MRg4daarA0uDJtCpqiDLSydUbWc6ASgbQNQ62Nmw6xBM1hhz5R3APBEIF2Rzm4sRI8yk4PziqYHunP68xtUqnUtCjypf2RTU8YVA-LAlXAOkDfe-l3JYhQc/s400/5.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nokza7bVqRHaSsGWBK5dB1sBBYBvleXKnoRAccqNYjiyP3rqlhvwrhZWTwgSmwVQ6G5yVwnT6SMPaqCcElvg_vTIDtluWPtSNfUaAiTl97EQgo7reexpKhqsOYSXqSDbabdaMvF7OT3P/s1600/2.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551384395464200834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nokza7bVqRHaSsGWBK5dB1sBBYBvleXKnoRAccqNYjiyP3rqlhvwrhZWTwgSmwVQ6G5yVwnT6SMPaqCcElvg_vTIDtluWPtSNfUaAiTl97EQgo7reexpKhqsOYSXqSDbabdaMvF7OT3P/s400/2.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDuX02RoD2hzLo7NMF3-Zhx8Jak0bB8j0HITBWaudbyd4pgEeq-MUS6Op1Mb0OHlISO4UKsbjCvzlRHGq9ZRLfLivS7-9yU6uJ1w6Qf6dhR75b0I8GeUzcnrWx-6XuHP2mDg7n5OrDWIe/s1600/1.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 399px; HEIGHT: 486px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551384387984812258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDuX02RoD2hzLo7NMF3-Zhx8Jak0bB8j0HITBWaudbyd4pgEeq-MUS6Op1Mb0OHlISO4UKsbjCvzlRHGq9ZRLfLivS7-9yU6uJ1w6Qf6dhR75b0I8GeUzcnrWx-6XuHP2mDg7n5OrDWIe/s400/1.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqgFVpG2XqV-epMa8-7Dhpuptzc_v8EwKzAzOWHVmiZIEKx1gU_o_IP7dqXtn4y31Z0VRVXgBh-0hFNTinsDPz202AUInc49R1DSf8favC4yhtBh-0tsmdA3mzLXGXZII856ABzCsDWRL/s1600/4.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551384397279644978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqgFVpG2XqV-epMa8-7Dhpuptzc_v8EwKzAzOWHVmiZIEKx1gU_o_IP7dqXtn4y31Z0VRVXgBh-0hFNTinsDPz202AUInc49R1DSf8favC4yhtBh-0tsmdA3mzLXGXZII856ABzCsDWRL/s400/4.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBsE7lu2R_cp5FSUGF__q1WxczECW0EaOjbDDMj8_eBzr1Jpnwe5k_QHMprSxMfAP_qcnblL3Aa0h8CztTg6pJW0f0ymPUw3YdASjAbQWygt_pbedLDZ75mqa1Mk3A7LXPcnhoYxVY7E5/s1600/3.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;"><img style="WIDTH: 398px; HEIGHT: 458px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551384394719286642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBsE7lu2R_cp5FSUGF__q1WxczECW0EaOjbDDMj8_eBzr1Jpnwe5k_QHMprSxMfAP_qcnblL3Aa0h8CztTg6pJW0f0ymPUw3YdASjAbQWygt_pbedLDZ75mqa1Mk3A7LXPcnhoYxVY7E5/s400/3.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span> </div></div></div><br /></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4118675955667574353.post-89083661484095412232010-12-15T07:17:00.000-06:002010-12-15T07:17:00.043-06:00Vintage Winter Forest Part Two<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wanted to share some more images from the Vintage Winter Forest holiday party I recently did. You saw the dessert area </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://stemparties.blogspot.com/2010/12/vintage-winter-forest.html">here.</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Now for the tablesettings.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As mentioned, the scene was set with the gorgeous salad plates from </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.headofthetablerental.com">Head of the Table</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">. I can't recommend Kim's service enough for those of you lucky enough to live in St. Louis! We are so lucky to have this great resource for rental items that are beyond the average commonly found.</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzpdaOnGtlFNgwPKIP5nFsipEIHswsx0szpPw7okBgtVB_DgAINK0g_4yWeYlwhizFow_ONpmRx6RsgYG_OyAGV5IMfSUVarSd1qAmmlr5rFwHsPH2ucx0hFHYI-bvouTLa7UyOCF-qkK/s1600/c9.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzpdaOnGtlFNgwPKIP5nFsipEIHswsx0szpPw7okBgtVB_DgAINK0g_4yWeYlwhizFow_ONpmRx6RsgYG_OyAGV5IMfSUVarSd1qAmmlr5rFwHsPH2ucx0hFHYI-bvouTLa7UyOCF-qkK/s400/c9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550727988559911170" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3_sLvTxWzokFNke45gafpJYCyYjbSXP4tAVbEEsq807D85vf842S4eQmU5fJAkoMqhB4IFEAO5Qz65s1gCt4bv0coJISWoeNLvtENbpjWw6QoPCcLzCrIfSbjW7d9ybiz9-VmF0GZ19Y/s1600/c8.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3_sLvTxWzokFNke45gafpJYCyYjbSXP4tAVbEEsq807D85vf842S4eQmU5fJAkoMqhB4IFEAO5Qz65s1gCt4bv0coJISWoeNLvtENbpjWw6QoPCcLzCrIfSbjW7d9ybiz9-VmF0GZ19Y/s400/c8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550727980273179298" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had fun making this wreath "chandelier" to hang from the center of the room. By taking a grapevine wreath and adorning it with battery operated lights, some faux garland and other holiday items, you can create a great focal piece that makes a<span style="font-family: verdana;"> statement and stays easy on the budget!</span> The possibilities to personalize this are endless, too! </span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVnxLCCuhjtwcqRx7boorC1MPmzP9fS6GlPHgTAJHfmMp299vaNU0nbh3-gYHtVKNX6a8u_8ErUJCFni52LsGDciaw0s-dnROlRe2Xv8eerjcfyJB-QP7ZImuHWNjEZax0bv8-Tj5ti_z/s1600/c7.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVnxLCCuhjtwcqRx7boorC1MPmzP9fS6GlPHgTAJHfmMp299vaNU0nbh3-gYHtVKNX6a8u_8ErUJCFni52LsGDciaw0s-dnROlRe2Xv8eerjcfyJB-QP7ZImuHWNjEZax0bv8-Tj5ti_z/s400/c7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550727976864072498" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPpjdcB6qhx-mzXqlbdZXIN8KKdQJFd_xhZKLP_45rVf87XCbqqPLIZVR_hV0LkmSj7tm5crS2KZCVhKCjbeJIS5Q2nRQslZ2EN-HfYYEEIcZrTKhVKDMhYMpvD-Leccp4TSgWqXuAD_B/s1600/c4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPpjdcB6qhx-mzXqlbdZXIN8KKdQJFd_xhZKLP_45rVf87XCbqqPLIZVR_hV0LkmSj7tm5crS2KZCVhKCjbeJIS5Q2nRQslZ2EN-HfYYEEIcZrTKhVKDMhYMpvD-Leccp4TSgWqXuAD_B/s400/c4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550727971143768626" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of my other favorite elements was the bar signage created by simply wrapping foamcore boards in gift wrap, cutting out letters and making them sparkle with some glue and glitter. A great way to make an impact on a blank wall when affixed with removable 3M wall mount stickers. (Ignore the upside down "B", please...act like it was intentional and funky!). This is a great trick to use that you can customize with any party by changing out the gift wrap and the wording!</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWG9LrRdzM10tgnKFMckVRY8mfhu0eUWkjOv5S5HNm-7vLXZ2FNj5hOkOxnQa7Kcx4pEVsiWKvPiviGzQMWGZGj1ykQF68mtePY91Sp2kMSP-4BGAHJLDqD64NxrOc5EvMrKNnl7VbKzeP/s1600/17.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWG9LrRdzM10tgnKFMckVRY8mfhu0eUWkjOv5S5HNm-7vLXZ2FNj5hOkOxnQa7Kcx4pEVsiWKvPiviGzQMWGZGj1ykQF68mtePY91Sp2kMSP-4BGAHJLDqD64NxrOc5EvMrKNnl7VbKzeP/s400/17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550729097287593826" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thanks again to </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.thepartydress.net/2010/12/holiday-table-challenge-stem-parties/">Kelly</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> for the feature and for all the sweet words here and on Facebook about this party!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy holidays!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Amy </span></span><br /></div>amy * stem *http://www.blogger.com/profile/05483583827363830573noreply@blogger.com5