Thanks and See Ya?

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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!

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!

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.

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.)

Yep, I fell big-time, head over heels, goo goo gaga if you will over Operation Shower. 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!)

The good news is Operation Shower 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.

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!)

For you I have big thanks and big love.

Party on,
Amy

Go To The Source

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PaperSource has a growing collection of DIY printable invitations just in time for Spring. These floral beauties have me longing for warmer weather to gather the girls outside for a simple Spring Brunch!
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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.
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Someone have a baby so I can do carousel striped hanging mobiles. Or, do I feel a new Operation Shower theme coming on??? Hmmmm.....
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Lovelies from Just Lei

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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.

Nothing much. Just the cutest, happiest little garden party. How much do we love those flower poms at each place setting?
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Lucky little Leiah got the playground party any little girl would want!
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Not to be overlooked, a cute pirate party was in order for the party dudes.
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Thanks again for sharing, Alanna. Wishing you continued success!

For more info and pictures, visit Just Lei for yourself. You're gonna want to see the cake that went with the cute garden party for sure!

I Can't

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I can't pick a favorite from the new issue of Nonpareil magazine inspired by fashion.

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I can't find the words to express how incredible every issue is, actually.

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I can't possibly do these justice, so will just show you some glorious inspiration.

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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.

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I can't wait for the next issue!

Paper Pick Me Up

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Excuse the lack of posting. We're experiencing some family health issues here in our world.


These bright and cheery floral crafts from Paper Source are definitely what the doctor ordered for a bright pick me up!



Hopefully these images will brighten your day as well!

G_ME ON!

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Lost in an endless spiral of blogs, I ran across some Scrabble-inspired wall tiles. 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.
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Wouldn't you know it? The fabulous Dawn has it all right here from this old post that still reads just as relevant today. Just look at the cupcakes she posted about for starters!
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A quick search on Etsy turned up more scrabble goodies.

Drink charms...
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and coasters are just the tip of the iceberg!
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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.)

A Perfect Pair {Contest}

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Ahhh, Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate with wine and chocolate. Or, as I like to call it, "every day."

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To celebrate the Valentine’s season, Santa Rita Wines has paired up with Ghirardelli Chocolate to thank some special Facebook fans.

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What is better than wine and chocolate? Free wine and chocolate!

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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 Santa Rita Wines for your chance to win.

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Deliciously simple! Good luck!

Sunshine Farms Gets A Whole Lot Sweeter!

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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. Operation Shower holding events all over the country is allowing me to do just that and I have to say, it is FUN!

One such instance is the sheer pleasure and honor of working with Marie from Sweets Indeed. 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!

I know what you really want to see though is her work. I can't blame. Girl is GOOD!
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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!
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I love how Marie took the printable elements that Jenn of Hostess With The Mostess designed and used them to embellish her sweets area. Superb collaboration!
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Loving that old wine rack used to hold caramel corn cones. Great reuse!
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Click on the pictures to enlarge, because you will want to see all the detail on that fondant cow and those amazing cookies!
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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!
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Thank you again, Marie. You helped take this event to another level! Thanks to all of your fabulous vendors who donated as well!

Vintage prop pieces: Found Vintage Rentals

Southern Banana Pudding Dessert Shots: Vanilla Bake Shop

Strawberry Cheesecake Fudge: Jewel of the Lion

Mini Cupcakes: Heavenscent

Fondant Cow: Half Baked Co.

Decorated Cookies: Rizza Raglin

Mini Pies and Take-away pies: Porch Pies

Sweets Indeed provided the popcorn and all decor, etc.

Welcome To Sunshine Farms

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The most recent Operation Shower event, "Sunshine Farms", was a smashing success. This shower was held at The Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on January 25th.

There are so many pictures to share that I will break this down into a couple of posts! Click on any picture to enlarge!

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, Sweets Indeed!

Let's get started!

When guests entered they immediately saw a veritable bounty of gifts in our "Gift Garden" and "Raffle Ranch" areas.
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Don't you love that signage? A big thank you to Hostess With The Mostess herself, Jenn, for doing all the printables and graphic design for this shower and for coming out to help!
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(An exhausted but excited pair...Jenn and yours truly)
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The Gift Garden included diapers, adorable and cuddly items from Cloud B and the most lovely handmade blankets for each mom, made by a local mom and her teenage daughter. Thank you, all!
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Thanks for having such great Raffle Ranch handwriting, Andrea! Don't you love that little chair by Jennifer Delonge? Kirby Ink created a special "Sunshine Farms" print for one lucky mom, too.
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Sun setting on set up day over the 14th green at Torrey Pines.
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The next morning. Get ready...here we go!
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Heavenly Blooms 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!
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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 Celebrity Weddings, runners made from burlap, sushine yellow plates, mason jars for drinking glasses and Jenn's fabulous printables. (Details of printables to come soon)
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Don't you love these aerial shots? All photos are by my friend of over 25 years, LeeAnn Widyn. Widyn Photography is based out of Dallas, Texas so if you live there, check her out. She's amazing.
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Thanks to our friends and partners at March of Dimes and Kmart for everything you do and everything we do together! Additional thanks to The PGA TOUR, Farmers Insurance, Ashford University and AT&T.
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Okay, that is post #1. I promise there is so much more to come. To see all the photos, head over to Operation Shower's Facebook page and become a fan while you are there!

Beautiful Be Mine On A Budget

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Sorting through all of the Operation Shower photos today to share with you all, and while I do, I had to share this adorable Valentine shoot and garland tutorial sent in by The Busy Budgeting Mama. Isn't it precious?
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Once again The Busy Budgeting Mama shows us how to create a lot of cute for a little cash.
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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.
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Heart doilies are one of my favorite budget Valentine's day decor items. Love it when old is new again!
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Sophia sure seems to be pleased with mom's work!
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Pop over to see more photos and all the 411 on how to recreate all of this yourself for your own Valentine's party.
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Thanks for sharing!