Hello Everyone!
As I've said before, I love to plan parties and I have done quite a few successful ones. Today I want to tell you about my oldest daughter's Sweet Sixteen.
I think the easiest way to come up with a theme for a party is to pick something that the guest of honor really likes. In my daughter's case, she's a big soccer fan so I decided to have a soccer- themed party. Because the guests were going to be 15 to 17 years of age, it was important to keep the decorations and activities suited to this age group. Her favorite team wears black and red jersies so I asked everyone to come dressed in these colors. I decorated with red and black streamers and balloons. I used a red table cloth, black and red napkins, and red plastic plates, glasses and utensils. I served mini quiches, hamburgers and pasta salad. Instead of a themed cake, which can look childish, I served her favorite Ferrero Rocher chocolate cake. All this gave an older feel to the birthday party.
When you have a bunch of teenagers in the house it's important to keep them entertained. I came up with a few fun activities that everyone could participate in. Since this was a surprise party I had one of my daughter's best friends help with the guest list and with the invitations. These included activity sheets for the guests to prepare in advance and bring with them on the day of the party. Each guest had to fill out a "How Well Do You Know " quiz, a "The Flower You Most Remind Me Of And Why" quiz, a "Did She Ever Do This" quiz, a "My Favorites List" quiz and several others. When arriving at the party each guest was given a pen with a number attached to it. They used these to sign a group card and then kept them for a number picking game where the holder would get a gift if their number was picked from a bowl. I also filled a big glass with small candies and the person who correctly guessed the number of candies in the glass got to take it home.
After playing these games and eating supper, we played a game of "Kiss the Hunky Actor", which is a variation on "Pin The Tail On the Donkey". I bought a poster of my daughter's favorite actor, taped it to a door and the guests each took turns trying to kiss the actor on the lips while blindfolded. The spots where marked with lip-shaped stickies which I had cut out from regular square ones and the one closest to the actor's lips won a prize. The favorite game of the night was "Dress-Up Black Jack". This is a variation of "Strip Poker" which I came up with and which is much more appropriate for a teen party! In advance of the party I had filled up a big black garbage bag with an assortment of clothes and accessories. I put in hats, gloves, nylons, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, ties, scarves and boxer shorts. The guest of honor had to play every hand against a new opponent. You play Black Jack and the loser of the hand had to put on something from the bag that the winner of the hand picks out from the bag without looking in.
Needless to say that everyone had on a crazy assortment of items on especially the birthday girl since she played every hand and had more chances of losing and putting something on. All the guests had a great time and they all got to bring some gifts home. Everyone likes a little something, even though they're not little kids anymore.
It seems that the more simple and casual the party, the more fun it is. My daughter had many friends who had Sweet Sixteen parties that year which were done at restaurants or reception halls and many were not very enjoyable. I was told that they felt impersonal and that they couldn't really enjoy each other's company. But to this day, 5 years later, many of my daughter's friends still rave about her party and how much fun it was. You don't have to spend a lot of money or do some fancy thing. All you need is some creativity and effort to make everyone feel
comfortable and appreciated.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Quick Hello
Hello Everyone!
It's been a tough couple of days and unfortunately I haven't been able to post anything. Again I have to be on my way this morning and don't have time to get into anything important. I did want to say Hi and that I'll sit down as soon as I can to discuss more interesting things.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As a Peacock
It's been a tough couple of days and unfortunately I haven't been able to post anything. Again I have to be on my way this morning and don't have time to get into anything important. I did want to say Hi and that I'll sit down as soon as I can to discuss more interesting things.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As a Peacock
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Too Little Time
Hello Everyone!
I didn't get a chance to post a blog yesterday. I just ran out of time. I had to re-start physiotherapy (which takes up 2 hours of my day) and had family over for supper, so I just didn't have time to get to the computer. I don't know where the time goes. I've been off of work for over a year now and I still feel pressed for time. When I was working full time I did everything (and more) that I do now and somehow I managed. I guess I was just more over-worked and stressed--which probably added to my condition.
It's true that I've had to drastically slow down since my accident. But I finally finished my baby gift! It was frustrating to do, something that would normally take 2 days to finish took over a week, but it was worth it. It came out adorable, if I do say so myself! I know my sisiter-in-law will love it and her baby girl will have a special keepsake. I've posted a picture--let me know what you think.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
I didn't get a chance to post a blog yesterday. I just ran out of time. I had to re-start physiotherapy (which takes up 2 hours of my day) and had family over for supper, so I just didn't have time to get to the computer. I don't know where the time goes. I've been off of work for over a year now and I still feel pressed for time. When I was working full time I did everything (and more) that I do now and somehow I managed. I guess I was just more over-worked and stressed--which probably added to my condition.
It's true that I've had to drastically slow down since my accident. But I finally finished my baby gift! It was frustrating to do, something that would normally take 2 days to finish took over a week, but it was worth it. It came out adorable, if I do say so myself! I know my sisiter-in-law will love it and her baby girl will have a special keepsake. I've posted a picture--let me know what you think.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Monday, February 23, 2009
It's All In The Details
Hello Everyone!
I must say that I really enjoyed the Oscar show this year. Though I always like it, this year's presentation was extra beautiful. From the lavish gowns and jewels to the amazing stage and musical numbers, it was a real feast for the senses. A great deal of attention was paid to putting on a show rather than just presenting an award which made the show much more interesting.
I always say that it's the details that make something truly special. It's the accessories that perfectly finish a room and the special touches that complete a beautiful table setting. It shows that you've made an effort and that you care about making everything as beautiful and special as you can. I think it makes your guests feel welcomed and cared for.
Though it's great to do all you can for others it's just as important to do all you can for yourself. Surrounding yourself with things that are beautiful and special to you makes you feel good and gives you a sense of joy and contentment. We all need as much of that as possible in our lives.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
I must say that I really enjoyed the Oscar show this year. Though I always like it, this year's presentation was extra beautiful. From the lavish gowns and jewels to the amazing stage and musical numbers, it was a real feast for the senses. A great deal of attention was paid to putting on a show rather than just presenting an award which made the show much more interesting.
I always say that it's the details that make something truly special. It's the accessories that perfectly finish a room and the special touches that complete a beautiful table setting. It shows that you've made an effort and that you care about making everything as beautiful and special as you can. I think it makes your guests feel welcomed and cared for.
Though it's great to do all you can for others it's just as important to do all you can for yourself. Surrounding yourself with things that are beautiful and special to you makes you feel good and gives you a sense of joy and contentment. We all need as much of that as possible in our lives.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Oscars
Hello Everyone!
Today is Oscar Sunday. Like many fans of show business, this is our Super Bowl Sunday! I make no other plans today and spend the whole afternoon watching the pre-shows which, luckily for me, have started earlier and earlier.
Being a person that likes pretty things I think that what attracts me to the entertainment industry is the beauty aspect. As much as I love a good t.v. show or movie and appreciate great acting, I especially love the whole look of the piece. I love the costumes, decor and scenery. I guess that's why I love period pieces, with beautiful wardrobes and settings, which evoke such a strong sense of time and place.
So, though I'm interested in who wins the awards, I can't wait see all the beautiful dresses, shoes and jewels. Seeing the handsomely dressed men is an added bonus! Not to mention listening to some interesting gossip! It all helps to add a little joy to my life.
Well it's time to go settle in for my day of viewing pleasure.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Today is Oscar Sunday. Like many fans of show business, this is our Super Bowl Sunday! I make no other plans today and spend the whole afternoon watching the pre-shows which, luckily for me, have started earlier and earlier.
Being a person that likes pretty things I think that what attracts me to the entertainment industry is the beauty aspect. As much as I love a good t.v. show or movie and appreciate great acting, I especially love the whole look of the piece. I love the costumes, decor and scenery. I guess that's why I love period pieces, with beautiful wardrobes and settings, which evoke such a strong sense of time and place.
So, though I'm interested in who wins the awards, I can't wait see all the beautiful dresses, shoes and jewels. Seeing the handsomely dressed men is an added bonus! Not to mention listening to some interesting gossip! It all helps to add a little joy to my life.
Well it's time to go settle in for my day of viewing pleasure.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Party Planning
Hello Everyone!
One thing that gives me alot of pleasure is party planning. I just get a big kick out of planning all the details, going shopping for what I need and putting everything together on the special day. I've been known to get quite creative with the details and I like to see how everyone enjoys what I've done.
Creating a fun and memorable party doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You just have to be organized. I suggest you get started at least 3 months before the party though I often start way before that. Many people ask me how I can start so early but I think it's just part of being organized--you know it's your daughter's Sweet Sixteen or your son's High School Graduation in a few months so why not start getting ready right away? This gives you plenty of time to decide on a theme and to shop for what you need. It also saves money since you might find things on sale and not have to buy things at the last minute because you need them. When you give yourself enough time to think about what you want to create you can often spot things that you already have or can borrow so you don't need to buy everything. You can also become more creative and use things in a different way than their original purpose because you have time to think and prepare. I'm a firm believer in not having to spend alot of money to achieve something great.
In the next few days I'll discuss in detail a few parties that I've planned that were a great success.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
One thing that gives me alot of pleasure is party planning. I just get a big kick out of planning all the details, going shopping for what I need and putting everything together on the special day. I've been known to get quite creative with the details and I like to see how everyone enjoys what I've done.
Creating a fun and memorable party doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You just have to be organized. I suggest you get started at least 3 months before the party though I often start way before that. Many people ask me how I can start so early but I think it's just part of being organized--you know it's your daughter's Sweet Sixteen or your son's High School Graduation in a few months so why not start getting ready right away? This gives you plenty of time to decide on a theme and to shop for what you need. It also saves money since you might find things on sale and not have to buy things at the last minute because you need them. When you give yourself enough time to think about what you want to create you can often spot things that you already have or can borrow so you don't need to buy everything. You can also become more creative and use things in a different way than their original purpose because you have time to think and prepare. I'm a firm believer in not having to spend alot of money to achieve something great.
In the next few days I'll discuss in detail a few parties that I've planned that were a great success.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friendship
Hello Everyone!
It's been a difficult couple of weeks for me since the surgery and all I can say is thank God for good friends. You know, the kind that are understanding and supportive. There are always those who call because they feel obligated and those who ask how you are but don't really listen to what you're saying. So it's always really nice to talk to someone who really cares.
Yesterday, I had a long conversation with one of these wonderful friends. Not only does she truly care about my health and what I've been going through but she is truly concerned about the effect it's had on me mentally and emotionally. We talked about trying to stay positive and making changes that have been difficult but necessary. She gave me such encouragement about my decision to pursue a new career and was truly impressed with my dedication to completing my studies despite my pain and discomfort. She even told me that I inspired her to continue her education! At times when you're feeling down and think that things are never going to change and you're unsure about what you're doing, it's nice to feel understood and supported and encouraged.
So I'm feeling better mentally, if not physically, and from now on I'm going to concentrate on the things that make me happy.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
It's been a difficult couple of weeks for me since the surgery and all I can say is thank God for good friends. You know, the kind that are understanding and supportive. There are always those who call because they feel obligated and those who ask how you are but don't really listen to what you're saying. So it's always really nice to talk to someone who really cares.
Yesterday, I had a long conversation with one of these wonderful friends. Not only does she truly care about my health and what I've been going through but she is truly concerned about the effect it's had on me mentally and emotionally. We talked about trying to stay positive and making changes that have been difficult but necessary. She gave me such encouragement about my decision to pursue a new career and was truly impressed with my dedication to completing my studies despite my pain and discomfort. She even told me that I inspired her to continue her education! At times when you're feeling down and think that things are never going to change and you're unsure about what you're doing, it's nice to feel understood and supported and encouraged.
So I'm feeling better mentally, if not physically, and from now on I'm going to concentrate on the things that make me happy.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Good News
Hello Everyone!
It seems that all is o.k. with my surgery and that I should be making a good recovery. I may not get to 100% but I should be well enough to get back to work. This is encouraging since I'm almost finished my course in Home Staging and Re-Design and I can't wait to get started working in this field. The problem is I still have to wait and I don't know when I'll be well enough.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has ever felt that their life is on hold. It's been really hard dealing with the pain and the incapacity to do everything I've always done. I know I need to go back to work but it can't be what I was doing before. I want to do everything for my family that I always did but now I can't. Having to face the fact that I have to make big changes and deciding what to do hasn't been easy but the waiting and the not-knowing is the hardest part. I guess I just have to take comfort in the fact that when I'll be ready I'll be doing something that I really love. In the meantime I'll just keep watching my decorating shows, reading my magazines and slowly working on my crafts.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
It seems that all is o.k. with my surgery and that I should be making a good recovery. I may not get to 100% but I should be well enough to get back to work. This is encouraging since I'm almost finished my course in Home Staging and Re-Design and I can't wait to get started working in this field. The problem is I still have to wait and I don't know when I'll be well enough.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has ever felt that their life is on hold. It's been really hard dealing with the pain and the incapacity to do everything I've always done. I know I need to go back to work but it can't be what I was doing before. I want to do everything for my family that I always did but now I can't. Having to face the fact that I have to make big changes and deciding what to do hasn't been easy but the waiting and the not-knowing is the hardest part. I guess I just have to take comfort in the fact that when I'll be ready I'll be doing something that I really love. In the meantime I'll just keep watching my decorating shows, reading my magazines and slowly working on my crafts.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Doctor's Visit
Hello Everyone!
Well I'm off to see my surgeon today. It seems that the surgery I had 2 weeks ago has not been too successful. I had back surgery to repair a herniated disk which I was hoping would alleviate the pain in my leg and allow me to get back to work but the pain is still there.
My life has been on hold for the past 2 years while I've been dealing with my back problem and I'm getting quite fed up. It's been quite a struggle physically and mentally and it has forced me to consider some big changes in my life. The biggest change will be in my job. I can no longer handle the physically demanding work and I realized it was time to look into finding a more suitable environment. The best thing to come out of this is that now I get a chance to work in something that really interests me and that is why I want to pursue a career in Home Staging and Re-Design. I just hope I can get alot better soon so I can get started in my new career.
So I better get going and hope for good news.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Well I'm off to see my surgeon today. It seems that the surgery I had 2 weeks ago has not been too successful. I had back surgery to repair a herniated disk which I was hoping would alleviate the pain in my leg and allow me to get back to work but the pain is still there.
My life has been on hold for the past 2 years while I've been dealing with my back problem and I'm getting quite fed up. It's been quite a struggle physically and mentally and it has forced me to consider some big changes in my life. The biggest change will be in my job. I can no longer handle the physically demanding work and I realized it was time to look into finding a more suitable environment. The best thing to come out of this is that now I get a chance to work in something that really interests me and that is why I want to pursue a career in Home Staging and Re-Design. I just hope I can get alot better soon so I can get started in my new career.
So I better get going and hope for good news.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Inspiration
Hello Everyone!
I'm still working on my project but because it's taking so long I'm having less time to watch my favorite daytime show--Steven and Chris on CBC. This show inspires me. It is about everything I love. It's a great combination of decorating advice, do-it-yourself projects, fashion advice and interesting topics that that affect your life. Steven and Chris are so likeable and their show is light and fun.
This show provides me with my daily dose of decorating ideas but I must admit that I'm addicted to HGTV! I try to watch as many decorating and home improvement shows as I can.
I especially like the shows that are about quick and inexpensive changes and I love the shows about improving houses for sale since I hope to one day soon work in the Home Staging and Re-Design field.
Anyway, Steven and Chris are going to be on soon so I better get working on my project!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
I'm still working on my project but because it's taking so long I'm having less time to watch my favorite daytime show--Steven and Chris on CBC. This show inspires me. It is about everything I love. It's a great combination of decorating advice, do-it-yourself projects, fashion advice and interesting topics that that affect your life. Steven and Chris are so likeable and their show is light and fun.
This show provides me with my daily dose of decorating ideas but I must admit that I'm addicted to HGTV! I try to watch as many decorating and home improvement shows as I can.
I especially like the shows that are about quick and inexpensive changes and I love the shows about improving houses for sale since I hope to one day soon work in the Home Staging and Re-Design field.
Anyway, Steven and Chris are going to be on soon so I better get working on my project!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Monday, February 16, 2009
For The Love Of Crafting
Hello Everyone!
I got started on my baby gift yesterday and , just as I thought, it's not going to be easy. It's frustrating to work so uncomfortably. It's also going to take me so much longer than usual since I can't work for very long at a time. The only consolation will be how pretty it will be in the end and how much it will be appreciated.
I guess that for most crafters like me it's not just about the love of creating something but of making others happy. It's not that we're vain and that we want the praise and recognition but that we truly like to make someone else happy. I make a Christmas ornament every year for all the kids in the family and I'm really happy when I see how much the kids like them. They may not appreciate the time and effort I put in but they appreciate that I made it my self, the kind of gift that most kids are not used to these days. I've made many things over the years for many people and I'm often told the items are part of their memories--Christmases past, wedding days, special occasions--and to me there is no greater joy.
So let me get back to my crafting!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
I got started on my baby gift yesterday and , just as I thought, it's not going to be easy. It's frustrating to work so uncomfortably. It's also going to take me so much longer than usual since I can't work for very long at a time. The only consolation will be how pretty it will be in the end and how much it will be appreciated.
I guess that for most crafters like me it's not just about the love of creating something but of making others happy. It's not that we're vain and that we want the praise and recognition but that we truly like to make someone else happy. I make a Christmas ornament every year for all the kids in the family and I'm really happy when I see how much the kids like them. They may not appreciate the time and effort I put in but they appreciate that I made it my self, the kind of gift that most kids are not used to these days. I've made many things over the years for many people and I'm often told the items are part of their memories--Christmases past, wedding days, special occasions--and to me there is no greater joy.
So let me get back to my crafting!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A New Baby-A New Reason To Craft!
Hello Everyone!
As I mentioned before, I'm trying to recover from back surgery so sitting for very long is impossible. Yet this is not going to stop me from making a gift for the newest arrival in the family. We were blessed last week with the birth of a little niece and I've been itching to make something pretty for her. So today I'm going to get my stuff together and make a decoration for her nursery. I'm going to cross-stitch and create a hanging ornament. This will be a test of my patience since it will probably take me ten times longer to make than it usually does. I'll try to post a picture when I'm done.
Well I better go and get started!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
As I mentioned before, I'm trying to recover from back surgery so sitting for very long is impossible. Yet this is not going to stop me from making a gift for the newest arrival in the family. We were blessed last week with the birth of a little niece and I've been itching to make something pretty for her. So today I'm going to get my stuff together and make a decoration for her nursery. I'm going to cross-stitch and create a hanging ornament. This will be a test of my patience since it will probably take me ten times longer to make than it usually does. I'll try to post a picture when I'm done.
Well I better go and get started!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
Hello Everyone!
Happy Valentine's Day!
This day always made me happy not because of chocolates or romantic dinners but special thoughts. Living on a tight budget makes you get creative with gifts and decor but I love the challenge. We don't go out for supper very often so one year I made a shepherd's pie in a heart-shaped cake mould and wrote I LOVE YOU on it with ketchup. My husband doesn't like sweets but he got a big kick out of his "cake"! We always gave our 2 daughters a little something and though they're now basically grown they still get a kick out of their little valentines- like the felt "fortune cookies" I made for them last year with their own special message inside.
Well I hope everyone has a wonderful day full of special thoughts and PRETTY THINGS which is all I ever want.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Happy Valentine's Day!
This day always made me happy not because of chocolates or romantic dinners but special thoughts. Living on a tight budget makes you get creative with gifts and decor but I love the challenge. We don't go out for supper very often so one year I made a shepherd's pie in a heart-shaped cake mould and wrote I LOVE YOU on it with ketchup. My husband doesn't like sweets but he got a big kick out of his "cake"! We always gave our 2 daughters a little something and though they're now basically grown they still get a kick out of their little valentines- like the felt "fortune cookies" I made for them last year with their own special message inside.
Well I hope everyone has a wonderful day full of special thoughts and PRETTY THINGS which is all I ever want.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Friday, February 13, 2009
A New Beginning
Hello Everyone,
Starting something knew is not always easy--especially at my age. I'm 45 years old and fighting a battle (that I don't seem to be winning ) against a very bad back that's been getting worse over the last 2 years. I'm currently trying to recover from back surgery and sitting at the computer is limited to 10 minutes at a time but I'm determined to start this blog that I've been putting off for a long time.
My aim is to chronicle my progress with this back problem and the changes I have to make in my life. I also want to interact with others who have the same interests as I do, which is a great love of all things pretty. I love decorating, crafting, flowers and all those feminin things. So lets get together and chat!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Starting something knew is not always easy--especially at my age. I'm 45 years old and fighting a battle (that I don't seem to be winning ) against a very bad back that's been getting worse over the last 2 years. I'm currently trying to recover from back surgery and sitting at the computer is limited to 10 minutes at a time but I'm determined to start this blog that I've been putting off for a long time.
My aim is to chronicle my progress with this back problem and the changes I have to make in my life. I also want to interact with others who have the same interests as I do, which is a great love of all things pretty. I love decorating, crafting, flowers and all those feminin things. So lets get together and chat!
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
