What's in a Tree?

As an early Christmas gift, Jason bought "us" a Cannon Rebel. And by us I mean me, because it was all I talked about for months on end. So on a whim around 11p.m. on Thanksgiving night, we went to Target for a camera {and as an added bonus I found out, as I assume most of you did, that as many as 40 million Target customers may have had their cards compromised during this time. Never mind that I go to Tar-jay 3-4 times a week. I digress}.

We've been so busy, however that I haven't had a chance to play with our new camera as much as I'd like. Our snaps primarily consist of Gigi, Oskar, and our Christmas Tree. We lead an ever exciting life, folks.

I told Jason recently that someday, I would love a perfect tree that matched, and was themed. In a true Jason fashion he reminded me that our tree was beautiful because it was a hodge podge of our life together. I mean, how can I argue with his logic?

A few of my favorite mis-matched ornaments:

I have a thing for owls

Thanksgiving Place Cards

Today, I am over at Melissa Creates "attempting" to be crafty and share a fun Thanksgiving place setting you can easily do yourself if you're hosting this year.

Last year, I clogged the kitchen sink with potato peels and almost legit had a heart attack over such a thing. So why not add to my list of stresses and craft something while I am at it, right? But if I couldn't  do it easily, I wouldn't share with someone as crafty, and sweet as Melissa, so there you go.

Head over to Melissa Creates and see for yourself. XOXO, Nichole

Surprise! Party like it's 1983

Several months ago, my best friend's mom emailed me that she would like to throw my best friend, Amy, a surprise birthday party in November. After plotting, and scheming for quite some time, I am proud to say we mostly pulled it off!

To start, we needed a theme. Initially I was against an 80's party, because as we approach 30, obviously so are many of our friends, and we have been there, done that {and did it up right last year, for another friend's 3-0!}. But then Amy's mom found some cute products turning 30 this year as well,  and no matter how hard I fought it, I knew we were meant to throw an 80's par-tay! We partied like it was 1983, ya'll. Or what I imagine it was like in 1983. I was born in '84, after all.

The board that inspired it all; designed by Hannah



{SURPRISE!!}

A little back story about the B4FE; she is like my sister. My mom affectionately refers to her as the fourth daughter, and/or fifth child. She is the friend I told you all about who had lost a ton of weight. She looks amazing, and worked her ass off to get where she is! I'm jealous and proud of her all at the same time. Being friends as long as we have been means we have had our ups and downs, and adjustments in life, but I hope we're always besties and I hope she knows how much I freakin' love her face! Plus, I like parties, so of course I was excited to help! ::end mush, here::

{Menu Tent Cards: Lillian Hope Designs}

I have to tell you this was the easiest, and cheapest DIY for the entire party! 

We used the garland at one of the food tables, and as part of the backdrop for photos.

I concocted this sign with...duct tape. Zebra duct tape! Found in the $1 aisle at Tar-jay.

 

Photos hanging from balloons. We ran out of helium, but the idea was still fun

Beer Punch: Beer, Lemonade Concentrate, Vodka. Mix Well.
"Tink" because we wanted a signature drink, and Amy was once obsessed with all thinks TinkerBell

Youngest sister, my beautiful momma, and yours truly

///

 Happy Birthday, Amy!!

Totally rad, baby

For MONTHS, I was helping plan a surprise party for the bestie with her mother, and as the day got closer, the stress built, and trying not to slip about said party was becoming increasingly more difficult.

I also took on planning a retirement party {as a legit paid event! woooo} for a friend and this past week had some details to work on with that and this surprise party. To say I am exhausted would be an understatement! But a great time was had, and I am so glad I was able to do as much as I did.

I plan to share more details from this fabulous, rad 80's party we threw, but until I get the photos back, here are a few snaps from my phone.

Late night paint drying

I'm so glad my husband saves everything!

Sunday, to recover birthday girl, her family, and yours truly {Jason had to study. boo} hit up brunch at Salt Rock Tavern. You know I had a mimosa. Cheers!

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Sami

XOXO,
Nichole

Redd's BBQ Party

A few months back, the bestie and one of my sisters and I were at the Oldsmar Tap House. The OTH serves primarily craft and import brews. Being one that knows nothing about such things {I do love me some Miller Lite, but know little about other beer}, I asked if there were any ciders on tap. I was informed while there were no ciders on tap, OTH did have Redd's Apple Ale, which was technically a beer, but was more sweet, like cider.

Six Redd's between us, and I think it was safe to say, we girls thoroughly enjoyed it. So when I won another awesome House Party to host a Redd's BBQ shindig, I was be-yond excited! A free Redd's party pack and the chance to throw a party?! Well, okay.

I am not kidding when I say I made everyone I know apply for the same House Party to increase our chances. And not only did I win, but so did the bestie. Joint party, ya'll!

Naturally, we hosted the weekend of the fourth {Redd, white and blue--get it?}. And being one who likes to throw a good party, I couldn't allow us to just serve beer. We needed party food!

Enter our burger bar station. I love how creative you can get with such displays, adding as much or as little as you like to customize your burger. Like  an obligatory side of bacon. In a patriotic tin. 'Merica.

Our "bar" was a hit, and I scored some awesome deals in the dollar section of Target on July 5th. I snagged quite a bit of festive, and patriotic garb for .50/each; I spent $12.30 for the entire display! We ended the night with a round of Cards Against Humanity. A great evening was had.

Free Redd's + Burgers Galore = A Great Summer BBQ!

Have you tried Redd's Apple Ale or had a BBQ this summer, yet?

XOXO,
Nichole

...because freedom isn't free

Don't you just wish long weekends lasted...forever? I do.

This last week, while I did have to go in to work, I still had loads going on, and thankfully it wasn't too busy.

So let's recap, with some poor quality cell phone photos, shall we?

Last Tuesday:

Girls' night at Simply Art! I always think I will have fun at these, but I stress so much during the process. This art studio offers floral arrangements, and jewelry design classes as well, and I think one of them is next on my list {If you're local, check them out, here}.

Wednesday:

Saw The Heat. I had low expectations, but it turned out to be really funny!


Thursday:

4th of July shenanigan's with the family. Sadly, I was solo as Jason is in super study mode, until the end of the month. I brought margarita makings, antipasto skewers, and my appetite. And while it is late, thank YOU to all the men and women that serve and protect our country, so that I can eat, drink and be merry on such a day with my family. Sister brought Cards Against Humanity.

Saturday:

The bestie and I both won a House Party prize pack with a ton of Redd's goodies. You know that means we threw a joint party, Saturday! More details on that, this week.

Sunday:

brie and mushroom omelet

Brunch with the family. Cleaning the pad from top to bottom. Including EIGHTEEN bottles of dressing. We have issues, ya'll.

Today, my brother, the baby of the family, is TWENTY-ONE! Kid towers over me in height, but he'll always be my "little" bro-bro.

Proud big sissy. Big hair and all. #1992

I am hoping for some good professional news, so please say a little prayer for yours truly. ;-)

XOXO,
Nichole

Linking up with Sami.

release the doves

This past weekend, I coordinated a lovely wedding off of St. Pete Beach. If you have been 'round this blog for any amount of time, you know at some point I hope to be able to professionally plan, coordinate and be a part of event planning full time. Until that time comes, I'll settle for saying yes to anyone who asks me!

Sunday, I was fortunate enough to be a part of and help to coordinate a wedding for a friend of a friend. I was able to gain more experience, a little spending money and a new friend in the process. Beckie, thank you so much for asking my assistance on your big day! You were a beautiful bride and I had such a great time helping you and meeting your family, and of course your husband (!!).

Groom's Cake.

Newlyweds!

two bridesmaids and yours truly at the end of the evening.

...sadly, the normal j.o.b. was back on today, and Oskar could clearly relate to my tiredness, no?

word.

XOXO,

Nichole