AnnaLauren's B'day Sneak Peek

My baby is turning 3 on Sunday - yes she's a Halloween girlie.  I can't believe it, but that's another post for another day.  This year she wanted some input into her birthday party.  She wanted, "butterflies, fairies, Tinkerbell and princess."  Well, that is quite the list, so I began searching. 

The Sassy Little Mama

I know AnnaLauren loves bright and girlie colors - pink, lime green, turquoise, yellow and orange.  Plus, the idea of butterflies appealed to me the most, so I began to think of the party theme as Enchanted Garden.

After the party, I will do a complete post and maybe some tutorials even.  I know, me crafty??  But, I really did some cute stuff if I do say so myself.

But, here is a little preview to give you an idea of the fun we have planned...

And if it fits!  Fingers Crossed!!!

And now I know it's fall

Here in North MS, the weather has been warm - not stifling like summer, but definitely too warm to have thoughts of fall.  But, when Noah brought home his school pictures last week, I knew it had arrived.  Just like clockwork, every fall the customary school pics are snapped and sent home.  It's all a huge surprise too because there is no preview, no proof, no do-over.  Whatever the camera snaps is what you are stuck with for the next year. 

Luckily, Noah's freshman year of high school will not be marred by an awful school picture.  It's actually pretty good.

Can't you just smell freshly sharpened pencils? 

Or for today's kids, can't you just picture the glow of the Apple icon on your macbook?

Fire Safety

Recently the Insurance Professionals of NE MS and the NE MS Association of Health Underwriters held a Fire Safety Day at AnnaLauren's daycare.  The kids all had a ball!

Association reps with members of the Tupelo Fire Dept.

AnnaLauren

The rest of the kiddos and the fantastic firefighters who came and shared.

 

Halloween "Fantel" Decor

The Nester recently hosted a Fall Mantel or "Fantel" Party.  Of course I didn't get my post ready in time to link up - typical! - but I still wanted to share it with you. 

So, first of all, my real mantel is dominated by the hubby's tv (and usually something like the Backyardigans is on).  Not the most fashionable thing, and it doesn't inspire me to decorate it at all.  So here is my real mantle with it's sad little pumpkins.  I should really get a little more ambitious. 

And here is my "fantel".  It's actually a dresser that is in my living room (Thanks Big Tom & Cheryl!). 

The black candle holders I picked up at a consignment shop probably 10 years ago for about $5 total.  I love them and move them around all the time.  The glitter pumpkins came from Hobby Lobby.  They were 12 for $6.  Love that!  They are the same pumpkins that are on my real mantel.  The small Boo sign ($3) and the long Happy Halloween sign ($6) came from Hobby Lobby as well.  The crows are from the Design Mecca of Dollar Tree.  However, they have been complimented on over and over!  The black glitter skull came from DT as well.  The orange finial was a yard sale purchase earlier in the summer for $2.  The owl pillow is from Kirkland's - $6!  I just had to have him and although he doesn't match 100% - who cares!  The framed Boo and Spooky are just little things I made on Microsoft Word and printed.  They are put in frames I already had.  Whew!  That was a lot!  But I think it makes a fantastic impact for around $25.

But, my cute little helper is the best decoration of all!

I am going to try and change out my "fantel" for each season.  I think it is a great surface that will be fun to decorate.  And, it is going to serve as a candy bar for AnnaLauren's birthday party at the end of this month.  Can't wait for that one!

Do you have any cute Halloween decorations?  If so, comment with a link to the post.  I'd love to come see them!

I'm linking up to:

Blogland Halloween / Fall Decor Part 1

I have been seeing some of the absolute cutest Halloween and fall decor/crafts all over blogland.  So, I thought it was only fair for me to share soem of it with you.  This will definitely be a multiple post over the next few days.  Happy Haunting!

This is so fabulous that I can hardly stand it!  What simple and beautiful decor from Madigan Made.  I think anyone could do this!

I'm loving this Halloween Themed Lazy Girl's Subway Art from Organize and Decorate Everything.  It's made using Wordle and yep, I've already made my own, plus one for AnnaLauren's birthday.

I haven't attempted this one yet, but I truly covet this Halloween Silhouette Artwork from She Wears Flowers.  You have to see how she did it!

So cute Candy Corn Cupcakes from I Heart Naptime.  Although I am not a fan of the candy corn, these are darling and within my meager baking skills.

These cute Halloween Ribbon Ornaments from Just Sew Sassy would be precious hanging off of a cabinet pull or anywhere you would put a tassel.  The tutorial is very clear and easy too!

With all the cute frames full of butterflies and other pretties, I love this pumpkin version from Embellishing Life.  This is one of those things that will be great to change up from season to season.  I can just imagine snowflakes for winter!

There will definitely be more to come!  There are SO many talented people out there making things that I would have never dreamed of.  That's one of the things I love most about blogging!