Where I Have Been....

Hello friends!

I just can't apologize enough for my absence this week and previous weeks. I have debated on whether or not I should share a little about what has been going on lately. I certainly do not want to sound like I am complaining or whining and I want this to be a happy place; and most importantly, a place for parties and fun! But I also do not want people to wonder why I have not posted often and even worse, lost my passion for this blog. That is not the case at all!

First of all, there is nothing life threatening going on, thank heavens. I just have been battling some health issues lately, mainly terrible headaches. I have suffered from mild to severe headaches for about 10 years. I seem to always find a way to control them, but this year, I have been to the ER 3 times for treatment and I realized that I can't keep going on this way and that I need to get to the bottom of the problem. I visited with a neurologist this week and we have a few things scheduled for the upcoming weeks. I will have a MRI on Tuesday. I am definitely anxious about that, but I am not worried because no one thinks this is a severe issue...just an issue we need to figure out.

So, my sincere apologies for not blogging much these last few weeks. I really miss you and diving into party posts! I just have had several appointments that have taken a toll on my daily life (emotionally, physically and a lot of time and effort). On top of that, my rambunctious boys are 4 and 2 and that right there does not lend time to much else.

My sweet husband realized that I needed some complete me time. He took the boys AND new puppy to our farm for the ENTIRE weekend. People...I have not had a weekend ALONE in years! Of course, we as a couple have left the boys, but it has always been on a trip where we are going, going, going. Or I have been on girls' weekends with full schedules. But this weekend I am alone and have zero obligations. I can't tell you how excited I am (although I woke up with another splitting headache; finally under control now). I have been on the couch ALL morning watching reality TV (thank you Bethenny ever After for lots of laughs!) and countless royal wedding documentaries off of Apple TV (I can't shake the royal wedding fever). Although I miss the boys (all 3) tremendously, I am loving and appreciating my weekend of no obligations. Even sitting here writing this post, at this time of the day, in peace, is unusual. I'm off to get a deep tissue massage in a bit and can't wait. The feeling of not having to rush home afterwards to the kids is a relaxing feeling. And tonight, I think I'm going to go to dinner and a movie with a friend and just chill. I'll be waking up whenever I want tomorrow as well. Then, I'm off to the West U Home Tour and can't wait. Ahhh...I'm just going to enjoy these hours and I know I will be a better mom when everyone comes home tomorrow.

Thank you all for your loyalty and patience. I am truly blessed to be in touch with so many of you and I can't wait to feel normal (my normal) again! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,

Christi

{Party Tips} Seating Chart

I know that most of us are not planning weddings, but that does not mean you will never have the need to put together a seating chart. Even when we are having 2 or 3 couples over for dinner, I still stress about who is going to sit where and I'm often changing my mind up until the last minute.

While reading one of the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine recently, I came across this example of how to organize a seating chart using these Muji sticker sheets. I really like the idea of using detachable strips on paper instead of constantly erasing with a pencil or continuously starting fresh on new paper!

{Trends} Succulents

{image via 100 Layer Cake}

I have always loved the look of succulents, but even more so now after seeing them used in numerous gorgeous ways. Have you noticed them popping up everywhere these days? They seem to be very popular in wedding decor at the moment, but you could easily use the trendy bulb for your parties at home. Set on on a napkin at each place setting or even nicely wrap one in a small pot. This can serve as a place card and favor. Many beautiful examples here...

{image via 100 Layer Cake}

{image via Style Me Pretty}

{image via Style Me Pretty}

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{image via Project Wedding}

{image via Project Wedding}

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* I misplaced my notes with a few of the above sources. Please let me know if you know where they are from so that I can properly credit *

{Real Parties} A Gingham Inspired Easter Party

This Gingham Easter table created by Christine of Pure Joy Events is full of cuteness and DIY details! If you are hosting a get together this weekend, you still have time to incorporate a few of these adorable details. The gingham theme was carried throughout the party with subtle Japanese touches here and there.

Christine used her daughter's gingham shower curtain from Pottery Barn as the dessert table backdrop! How wonderful that she did not have to spend money on fabric for a backdrop!

The topiaries are beautiful! Between each topiary was a handmade cherry blossom centerpiece. Christine shares the how to here.

The banner was another pretty element of the table. Printable cards from Monkey Moo Moo were edged with gingham Japanese washi tape, sprinkled with glitter, then strung together with pink ribbon.

How cute are these lollipop flowers with tissue petals and paper leaves?! Christine promised to share a tutorial soon!

Peepshi (Peeps sushi) was one of the treats on the dessert table. CUTENESS!

A friend of Christine's made the beautiful cake and the cherry blossom pinwheels were made by Decorate This!

Of course the little guests participated in an Easter egg hunt. While the eggs were being hidden, the kids decorated their eggs and baskets with little gems, washi tape and stickers. See how to make the washi tape eggs here.

An egg toss with another activity which is fun for many ages!

Thank you Christine for sharing this cheerful Easter party with us!

Sources

Photography: Rebecca Watkins and Pure Joy Events

Printables: Monkey Moo Moo

Sugar Cookies: Sugar Cookie Creations

Macarons: Pastry Xpo

Cake bites: Kerry Dangerfield

Pinwheels: Decorate This!

A Few Party Ideas for Me

My birthday will be here before I know it, so I need to figure out a little fun way to to celebrate! I'm still on the fence on whether it is ok to plan your own party (more worried what others think than me), but my favorite thing in the world is to plan parties, so my birthday is really just another excuse!

{image via Martha Stewart}

A few of my favorite things are cookies (all kinds!), fresh flowers and a night out with my best girlfriends. So, I have a few themes in mind...

Cookies & Cocktails

I have a sweet tooth like no other, so an evening centered around all types of cookies would be perfect! This is an easy party that could be hosted at home. I'd either like to create a cookie table with lots of varieties or build a tiered cookie stand with several selections which would serve as the cake. Throw in a few of my favorite drinks and gorgeous centerpieces and I would be one happy birthday girl!

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{image via Rebecca Thuss}

Champagne & Cookies

This would be just like the Cookies & Cocktails party at home, but with the addition of a champagne bar!

{image via Todd Events}

{Image via The Party Dress}

Flower Arranging Party

with good friends, fun sips and yummy goodies

This is a theme I have been itching to do ever since I saw this party idea on Modern Eve. I'd love to set up a flower stand like you would see in a flower market and let the girls select their favorites. Then, someone would be on hand to teach us how to arrange simple, yet beautiful, arrangements for our homes. The girls would take home the arrangements they created as their favor. This theme could work at any time during the day...breakfast, brunch, dinner or just appetizers and drinks! It's always the theme I am leaning towards because I could incorporate all of my favorite things I listed above.

{image via Modern Eve}

{image via The Party Dress}

Now I just need to settle on a color scheme! I have so many favorites right now! What colors are you crushing on currently??