Weddings by Costco?!

In today's economy everyone is looking to save a few bucks, and when it comes to your wedding why not! I was doing some recent shopping at Costco and in the checkout line came across the recent Costco Connection titled, Weddings by Costco. Wait....What?! Yup! Duh...what a great idea!!

Think about it, according to the Association for Wedding Professionals, a couple in the US will spend roughly $19,581.00 (between $14,686 and $24,476) not including the cost of the honeymoon or engagement ring.  WOW! That's a lot of dough!

So why not save where you can...right?! Well here is a list of what's available for your big day from Costco:

- Wedding Dress (article on the dresses from the Costco Connection)
- Diet and Weight loss
- Flowers (Centerpieces, Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Corsages, DIY Centerpiece kits, Etc.)
- Invitations (Save the Date, Invites and Thank you cards)
- Rings
- Gifts
- Food (bakery/reception)
- Honeymoon

I can personally vouch for their flowers.  For my sister in laws wedding last May, we pre ordered pink and white roses.  We picked them up the night before and they were BEAUTIFUL!!!  Flawless flowers, and it was so easy and half the cost of a florist. Here is what they looked like. We did arrange them ourselves in our own glassware:

So, give your local Costco a call and save yourself a few bucks!

*hugs*

Denice

Photo Credit: Costco Connection and Me!

It's a Jessie the Cowgirl Birthday Party!

My friend Deanna recently gave her 4 year old a fabulous Jessie the Cowgirl themed birthday party, and I had to share it with you!

1) Where did you get the inspiration for your decorations?
After seeing Toy Story 3, my daughter was insistent on having a Jessie Party. I felt the country theme would be easy to create, as there are many products out there. I also was inspired by a couple of parties that I had gone to.

Decorations
My husband and I created the birthday banner out of card stock and rope that you can find at your local craft store. I decorated the tables in tradition picnic table cloths and the tables that held food or beverages were covered with burlap or red and white gingham fabric.

Food
For Food I went went with BBQ Beef sandwiches, potato salad, fresh fruit, veggies, chips and dip. I also had lemonade in a clear glass container with diced lemons to add to the country theme.

Favors
For Party favors are guest took home a bandanna, cowgirl hat, balloon art and a mason jar filled with either army men or chalk. I went to party where they filled mason jars with lemonade for each guest to drink. I thought this was the cutest idea, but after much thought I decided having kids caring and drinking from a glass container would not be safe. Instead they were filled with treats and served as table decorations until it was time for everyone to leave.

2) The water bottles &invitations are adorable, did you make them yourself?
I did not make the water bottle labels or invitations. I purchased them from an online site. It was very reasonable. They send you a PDF file and you print at home. The Labels were four dollars and the invitations were seven dollars.

3) Did you use a local vendor for the balloon art?
I did you a local vendor the the balloon art. We had gone into our local Chili's for dinner one night and he happen to be there making balloons for kids. He is a little pricey, but worth every penny!
Ron's Balloons  (909) 815-1839  or http://www.ronsballoons.com/

4) Were you able to rent the hay or did you have to buy it?
I purchased the hay bails from a local feed store in Rancho Cucamonga called CW Feed, which is located off Archibald between 19th and Baseline. Each bale was $7. My other daughter takes riding lessons and our hope was to donate the bales. However, the horses didn't eat that kind of hay.

5) The bouncer fight right in too!
We were also able to find a Toy Story bouncer from Bounce Around Party Rentals  626-960-9485 

Thanks for letting me share Denice....what a great website you ladies have going!

Thanks for sharing Deanna!!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Deanna =)

We Are Loved ~ Cherry on Top Award

One of our new bloggie buddies just gave us an award and we feel so honored that some one loves us! It's the "Cherry on Top" award for beautiful blogs with that little bit extra. We are just tickled pink! We received this award from Jill over at Strawberry Freckles.  She is a fabulous blogger.  Her blog boosts her as a, "Plus sized momma who is getting healthy and writing a book, one dimply freckle at a time".  Writing a book! WOW!

I immediately connected with her because we are both mommas to toddler boys, and we are both struggling to stick to a healthier lifestyle, and lose out "plus" status...lol! We also both experienced a difficult start to motherhood with our babies having to stay in the hospital while we left. So, that's that.  Jill is fun and a great read, check her out!

On to the award...I have to answer this short list of questions and BAM! done =)

List 3 Things You Love About Yourself:
1) I am organized! Yup, my dad taught me, "A place for everything and everything in it's place"
2) I love to be with my family...all of my family!
3) I have been best buddies with my BFF's since we were babies and I think that's an accomplishment!

Post A Picture I Love:

My beautiful family. I love them, they make me smile =)

Pass on to 5 other blogs that you just adore!
Join the Gossip (psst...she's having a giveaway right now too!)
Thoughts from Cali
Margarita Bloom
Photography By Soozie
Coy Cloths (super cute aprons!)

Now go check them out!

*hugs*
Denice

DIY Leperchaun Placecards

Ok, I promised I would do these =)

I cheated a little this time! I found a great photo of a leprechaun on the Internet, printed it out and the kiddo, Cindy and my momma colored them. I then found photos that were appropriate facial expressions, cut them out and added the hat.  I then added some cotton to make the beard. Here is the finished product:

Leprechaun template

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

*hugs*
Denice

Can You Catch a Leprechaun?

Well, My number 1 kiddo thinks you can, and he has tried for the last 3 years! Yes, like I said before, St. Patrick's Day is a HUGE deal in my home. This year, kid #1 is taking it very seriously.  We had to build a NEW leprechaun trap because that pesky leprechaun must have figured out our other one. So with out further ado...the NEW and improved trap!
(idea obtained from Family Fun)

Here is what we started with:

And here we go!!!!!

The finished trap...I'm gonna get him this year, and get allllllll his GOLD!!!!

Have fun, and let us know if you build your own, we would LOVE to see them!!!

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit: Me

St. Patrick's Day Ideas!

St. Patrick's Day is quickly approaching and it is my little guy's FAVORITE holiday. Weird, I know, but his favorite color is green so he is ALL about this day. We celebrate it to the fullest! This year we made new leprechaun traps (how to post to follow) and yes, the leprechaun place cards (post to follow).

I wanted to get everyone in the green spirit so here are a few ideas to help you celebrate this upcoming holiday:

green-beer-cookies
st-patricks-day crafts and meal ideas
Playdough Rainbow Cookies
leprechaun-beards
shamrock-pretzels
mini-pot-of-gold-table-settings
st-patricks-day-recap-your-hairdos
st-patricks-day-hairdos-accent
leprechaun-treasure-hunt

Good St. Patrick travelled far, to teach God's Holy Word

And when he came to Erin's sod, a wondrous thing occurred
He plucked a shamrock from the earth and held it in His hand

To symbolise the Trinity that all might understand

The first leaf for the Father

And the second for the Son

The third leaf for the Holy Spirit

All three of them in one.
- Legend of Saint Patrick

Erin Go Bragh!
Denice
Photo Credit: Google Images

Are You a Gracious Bride? Wedding Question Wednesday

Question: Am I a Gracious Bride?

Answer: Holly Lefevre from over at Hip Weddings has a FABULOUS list that EVERY bride should carry in her bridal bag. We have all seen the unsightly bride on TV.  She is demanding, pushy, rude, ungrateful, nasty, inconsiderate and above all...a Bridezilla! No one wants to remember themselves, their daughter, friend or sister as, "that bride".  So - READ this list, memorize it, and then go buy Holly's book so you are sure to keep up on everything Wedding Etiquette.

Top 10 Things A Gracious Bride Knows
(list provided by Hip Weddings)

1. Just because others do not know proper etiquette, doesn’t mean you should ignore it.

2. Be humble. You may be a bride now, but soon you will re-enter life as a mere mortal.

3. Respect tradition, but give it your own personal spin.

4. Mind your manners. “Please” and “Thank you” will take you a long way.

5. These people are your friends and family – they do not work for you, but are here to help you…because they love you.

6. Don’t assume anything - ask questions and get the details in writing.

7. These people are your GUESTS! Don’t keep them waiting and don’t ask them to pay for anything.

8. Treat your vendors kindly, and they will do the same for you.

9. Thank you notes are a must. It is never wrong to express your thanks to your parents, your guests, and your vendors.

10. If it doesn’t feel right don’t do it. When in doubt trust yourself.

Holly also has a new book coming out, The Everything Wedding Checklist Book: All you need to remember for a day you'll never forget (Everything Series)- you can check it out at Amazon.

Click here for Holly's Gracious Bride post.  Thanks Holly for being so knowledgeable!

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credits:
Bride: Photography By Soozie
Book: Amazon

Gifts, Gifts and More Gifts, What Do I Have To Buy? Wedding Question Wednesday

Today's question is from Becca over at barefeet on the dashboard - Thanks Becca =)

Question: Should bridesmaids buy the bride an engagement gift, shower gift,  bachelorette party gift, and wedding gift?

Answer: LOL!! This question never gets old.  We first answered it back in 2008! The truth is, being part of a wedding is EXPENSIVE- so if you sign on to do it, be prepared to shell out some cash. I know, it kind of stinks, but its part of the deal. Some of the financial responsibility the will be required of you is:

1) Your Bridesmaid Dress
2) Your Shoes
3) Necessary accessories (unless gifted by the bride)
4) Contribution to the Shower (usually given by a brides bridesmaids)
5) Contribution to the Bachelorette Party (usually given by a brides bridesmaids and friends)

So, when it comes to the gifts, keep them simple and thoughtful, because YES if you are attending all the festivities, its appropriate to bring a gift of some sort. Here are some ides:

Engagement Party:
It's not totally not necessary to bring a gift, but a nice gesture.  Opt to bring something that celebrates them as a couple. A nice bottle of wine or champagne, or maybe something for them to use while planning their engagement and the upcoming big day.

Bridal Shower:
This is a more intimate of a gift. If the Shower is themed, go along with that. Some are home based others are honeymoon based. Stick to getting a gift that flows along those lines. If there is no theme, buy something they will use in or around the home, or something for the Big Day! Remember the groom too! Garden and tools are nice and always needed. TRY not to give something embarrassing at the shower as many of the brides "mature" family will be there =) Save the fun gifts for the bachlorette party.

Bachelorette Party:
This is a fun gift, usually lingerie or something for the honeymoon ;) While this gift is not totally necessary, but fun!

Wedding:
General rule here...Stick to the registry or give a gift card. If you are invited to a wedding it is appropriate for you to bring a gift.  If you can't make it to the wedding, you still should follow good etiquette and send a gift. Also good etiquette, send the gift to the brides home before the wedding and do not bring it to the reception.  Check out these post out for some wedding gift etiquette: WeddingBasics.com  & HuffingtonPost.com.

Keep this tip in mind:
Give only what you can afford! Be creative. Homemade gifts are always a hit! 

Here are some GREAT DIY sites that have tons of crafty ideas that your bride/groom will love:
http://www.504main.com
http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com
http://thediyclub.com
http://craftychicmommy.blogspot.com
http://www.theidearoom.net 

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit: Katie

It's a Wonka Party!

Recently Cindy's school put on a play called Willy Wonka Jr. It was super cute. For the intermission, they had an AMAZING display of sweet goodness. They had chocolate fountains, all sorts of dipping goodness.  Bananas, marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels.  They also had a candy bar with lots of fun treats.  The BEST part of the entire intermission was the decorations!!! They were amazing and I just HAD to share!!

If you are interested in doing this for a child's party, it would be super easy! It was all done with construction paper, PVC pipe, batting, paint, spray paint, clear cellophane paper, ribbon, foil, card board and lots of white lights!

Enjoy!!

A Wonka bar made from cardboard, foil and paint!

These are paper plates that were painted and glittered. Then they used pipes to affix them too with ribbon and cellophane...poof! A lolly pop!

Construction paper inside the cellophane to look like candy!

This is spray painted batting to look like a mushroom!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: me!