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!