Make It Monday- Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are such a fun way to get your loved ones (young and old) into the spirit of Christmas.  We always did advent calendars each December when I was growing up .  I remember how excited I was each day to wake up and claim my little prize.

This year I made an advent calendar that I saw in Martha Stewart.  Each little bag if filled with a small candy or mini toy and attached to ribbon with a clothes pin.  The bags are actually hot dog bags from the food supply store and the labels are  formatted from an Avery template downloaded online but you could even just hand write them.

Here's some other fun advent calendars I found around the web...

I have been really into a white, wonderland Christmas this year.  I love using soft greens, pinks, and blues to capture the magical, whimsical feel of the holidays, especially in California where everything right now is so bright and beautiful.  Here is an easy craft idea to put you in a wonderland mood.

Supplies: White boa and Wire wreath form (Joann's) and dental floss

Lay the boa on top of the wire form. Wrap the dental floss around to to hold the boa into place.  Add a ribbon and.....

So soft and pretty.  It makes Christmas just a touch more magical.  And best of all it will work through Valentine's Day:)

Marshmallows

I am addicted to marshmallows lately.  Not to eat, necessarily, but to add color and fun to my parties.  Marshmallows come in so many sizes and flavors now.  Most grocery stores and even Target carry a few different varieties and best of all- they're cheap.  Pick some up and style away!

A little pizzazz for my Chili!

I have been waiting to post my "Chili Under the Oaks" pictures because the amazing Courtney Dial of Pizzazzerie so graciously offered to feature them on her site.  On top of being a very creative and talented party planner/blogger, Courtney is an incredible business woman.  I could hardly believe her site is just over 1 1/2 years old. Check out her blog post here.

It was such a fun party made even better by the cold weather, everyone huddling near the fires and in the "manger" and by twinkle lights.  Here are a few more photos not included on her blog:

Doggone Good Job!

Did you check out the amazing "paw"ty on Amy Atlas today?  It was hosted by my very talented and gracious friend, Lauren.  I always love the clean, graphic feel of Lauren's parties.  No clutter. She's the perfect editor.  Congratulations, Lauren! Check out the full feature here.

A Lucky Day!

11-11-11 turned out to be an amazing day for me.

First, the beyond talented Amy Atlas, queen of the dessert table, posted another party of mine on her blog, Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas, this afternoon.  When she posted my Thriller party a few weeks ago, I thought it was a once in a life time opportunity for me.  I was completely shocked and beyond honored when she told me she was posting another party of mine. Check out my feature here.

Then, after months (yes months) of waiting and checking, I finally got my first member of Bloom.  Yippee.  Thank you, Kirsten.  I hope I don't disappoint you.

And finally, I spent a rainless evening hosting 36 of my dearest friends.  Friends who help raise my kids, inspire my creativity and make me laugh each day. The party turned out to be everything I hoped for and planned.

So, 11-11-11 was a fabulous day for me and at 1:05, five minutes after my last 4 guest left, it poured rain!

More Chili Under the Oaks pictures this week
XO

Chili Under the Oaks- Sneak Peek

This week I have been busy getting ready for a "Chili Under the Oaks" party that I am hosting for my dearest friends.  The plan is to have the party on the very back of my property which if filled with oak trees.  Thanks to my dear neighbor, we have tons of hay to set the rustic, harvest mood and today rain was eliminated from the forecast!  Here's a sneak peek of what I've been working on.....

My First Sale!

I was so excited a few weeks ago to send my first Etsy sale to a 4 year old girl in Texas named Fiona.  Bet she looked so cute!

 My new designs for the holidays and other personalized tshirts are available in my Etsy store: bloomonline.etsy.com.  They make great gifts or party favors and can be done in any color. There's tons to choose from but here's a sample:

Can't believe Christmas is just around the corner.  Lots of work for this mom of 4 to take care of.....
XO

Sparty Time

 This time last year, I was hosting my daughter's 9th birthday.  She had a fabulous "spa"rty complete with facials, make your own bath salts and spa shoes and even a dip in the pool thanks to the California weather.  For lunch, the girls dined on "spa"wiches, curlers, pumpkin peel fruit salad, "spa"rfaits, seaweed wraps and drank from the milk bath. Then, "treat"ments included bit of honey masks, cotton ball donuts, cucumber eye pad gummies, nail files, lip-sticks, body scrub rock candy and bubble bath gum balls.  Our guests left with personalized make-up bags.  Just another relaxing day at the spa for our nine year old.