Summer Reading...

Que dramatic Tara Music....

In my quest for 52 books... I just finished reading

Gone With the Wind!

AMAZING!

It wasn't the easiest read in the world...

Basically a discourse on Southern living pre and post Civil War...

With a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure!

And am I glad it was thrown in!

Rhett and Scarlett... LOVED THEM!

Ashley... Really Scarlett? What were you thinking?

I read all sorts of reviews on it before I read it and there were so many claiming this to be such a racist book...I don't think so!

Margaret Mitchell explained EXACTLY what it was like,I felt like I had been transported back in time.

Scarlett- Let's talk about the original DIVA!

She was strong,and beautifu, and manipulative, and pretty much a brat...

AND I loved her.

Too bad there are no more kids for me... I would be all about

having a daughter named Scarlett...

I wasn't as familiar with the story as I thought I was... I kept waiting for Rhett and Scarlett to just get over it and live happily ever after!

I still think that they will end up together!

Rhett Butler... The scalawag, carpetbagger, devil,

perpetual bad-boy...

LOVED him even more than Scarlett!

I loved how he was who he was...like him or not!

And the line...

"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!"

I can see why both the book and the movie have stood the test of time.

If nothing else great comes from my little 2010 reading challenge, that is okay...

I found one of my new favorite books!

I am not a real lover of the classics... but this one

is a must read!

I have always been somewhat curious/obsessed about the South and the Southern way of living...

This just added to that desire... bring on the Civil War, Pat Conroy, and a trip to the Bayou.

I gotta get to the original Dixie!

Worshipping...

I must be getting older!

I am headed to the pool and have left the baby oil and the tin foil sun reflector at home.

I am fully covered with sunscreen...

and a cover up!

(Mostly because I don't "work" the bikini like I used to...)

Meggie and I are on vacation!

The boys in our lives are too structured and involved!

I think they are having a vacation from me... and loving it!

We came to St. George to party with Viv and the sisters...

I intend to laugh- ALOT!

We are armed with our floats, lots of diet Pepsi...

and

many many many funny things to laugh about!

I love summertime at the pool!

A is for Apron...

The last week of school is ALWAYS very hectic!

I think it is all the hustle and bustle before freedom...

I knew that Meg's teacher is a fabulous cook...

so...

I wanted to make her an apron!

TA-DA!

I also had a dear friend that had a birthday...

She doesn't love to cook, but she has admired my aprons hanging from my pantry door.

So...

I decided to make her one too.

Two twin aprons!

I made some matching gloves that were all blinged out...

Sorry- no picture!

I loved this fabric...

BRIGHT lime, red and pink!

Really? Who would have thought to throw red in?

I stitched it with red thread... SO CUTE!

Mrs. Beus loved it..

and my friend said she might start cooking now that she could look so cute!Here is Meg and her darling teacher, Misti Beus.

We have loved her and both Meggie and I are so happy she is our neighbor so we can keep in contact.

It was a great school year...

now...

ON TO SUMMER!

(sigh!)

Invited...

Lately I have been in a frenzy of invitations

& birth announcements...

Here are a few of the ones I have done this week.

Too bad you can't see the real thing... They are all printed on Pettalic paper...

it has a fine shimmer and makes the colors POP!

My cousin threw a Luau for her daughter's birthday...

DARLING!

Except... she didn't take any photos.

I've got to train her better...

This is an invite for a friend's daughter...

Meg saw the invitation and is so excited to go to this party!

Anything with zebra and bright colors translates to FUN!

This is a fun little thing I love to do.

Thought I would share...

Rehearsal Dinner Inspiration Board...

Here is one of my inspiration boards I did for Lisa in Indiana.

She is planning her son's wedding rehearsal dinner... an outside event- somewhat casual.

The colors were orange and yellow with daisy accents.

This was such a fun board to put together.

Soda Pop BarPhoto: print julep- Centerpiece idea photo: Thoughtfully simple -

Dessert Bar idea photo:Pacific Weddings
Chalkboard sign photo: Hostess with the Mostess- Tissue paper pom-poms, Chinese lanterns and paper garlands photo:AshleyAnnPhotography-Table décor idea photo:In the Details
Branded glass container photo:Bella GraceParty Designs-
Lemonade bar photo: Hostess with the mostess.

Centerpiece or buffet décor photo:ThoughtfullySimple-Colorful soda pop photo:Print Julep
Mason jars with daisy lids photo: Candle Solutions- Flower cone photo:Emily Style

Outdoor party vibe link:Hostess with the Mostess- Hello Spring Party Theme!-

Shadow box photo:Pacific Weddings
Centerpiece ideas: photo source unknown.- Popcorn boxes photo:Bella Grace Party Designs
& Paper and Pigtails

I loved this party so much... I just might throw one!

Happy Day...MITCH

My Biggest Boy is getting BIG!

Mitch turned 16 today...

Where did the time go?

Was I only 10 when I had him?

He is an AMAZING kid...

LOVES...LOVES...LOVES football!

He is funny...

& smart...

& charming...

& athletic...

& kindof handsome...

& able to DRIVE and DATE? YIKES!

I am so proud of all his accomplishments!

He is a great big brother to Jacks & Meg!

We are very lucky to have him for a son!

Can you believe he looks so much like his dad?

Lucky little devil!

He is a good kid, with quite an attitude...

I think he wishes this tattoo was real-

For now... JUST henna!

Happy SWEET 16th Birthday!

You're the BEST boy ever...

Graduation Party Inspiration Board

I have done a few Inspiration Boards for party planning over the last week...

Here is one for a darling girl in Ohio who is planning her son's High School Graduation party.

I sent her the photos with a much more detailed explanation.

I was really happy how it turned out.

Decor...

Sparklers-skylighter.Centerpieces-Creations from my heart. Centerpiece #2Decorate the tables with books wrapped in the party colors or fun wrapping paper. Use photos of the guest of honor or memorabilia from his high school years (photo source unknown). Photo Display-Suzanne Lancaster. Banner- Etsy. K-12 photos- Creations from my Heart. Fun gift wrap or party favor -Creations from my Heart. Metallic Chinese lanterns-AMAZING! The Find. Hanging Stars- Hanging Stars. Scrapbook Table-Suzanne Lancaster.

Food...

Cake- AJ’s Moonlight Bakery. Monogram cookies with his initial or the year-Suzanne Lancaster. A great way to serve and display your buffet is to have a separate table for food, beverages, and desserts. Serve a variety of cakes and other yummy things. SWEET!Suzanne Lancaster. Chocolate Brownie Sandwiches- Photo & Recipe:Sunset. Big baskets of loaves of bread. Photo source unknown. Buffet- Amy Dalley Candy Buffet- Suzanne Lancaster Graduation Cake-Martha the Cake Lady . Graduation Cap peanut butter cups; recipe and instruction:Bakerella

Misc...
Advise/ well wishes tree-Suzanne Lancaster. Candy Accents Candy Warehouse...Display photo Amy Miles. “Life Tips” Suzanne Lancaster. A soda Pop Bar- Project Wedding. This is an example of a simple popcorn box turned fabulous with a little branding. Photo: Amy Atlas. More examples of branding…Photo:Casanova Party Planning
Scrapbook Station-Suzanne Lancaster. Paper Cones-Instructions:Hostessblog Photo:Casanova Party Planning.

This was so fun to do!
I am working on a few more and will post those
boards when I am done.
If you are interested in having me put together ideas and inspiration for you...be your virtual party planner... Just email me- I would be happy to help. The charge is $35.00-paid through papal. You get 25-30 pictures in themed grids, links to photo source & shopping and a full written description/idea guide.
Let me help you turn your gathering into an event!
Let's PARTY!

In Full Bloom... Baby Shower!

You all know how much I love a good party...

Well...

Last Saturday I attended a baby shower that

was completely OVER THE MOON!

The Shower was given by Cindy Woodward, Tasha Lemmon & Kim Chournos.

The Theme was "In Full Bloom" &

everything about the party bloomed SPRING!

I made the invitations for them... I loved the House of 3

"Spring Junque" designs!

This is Adie Mitchell... Scentsy Queen Extraordinaire
& Darling Mother- to- be...
This giant flower was hanging on the door & welcomed the guests- AMAZING!

This was the buffet's floral centerpiece. You can't really tell, but those are huge moss butterflies and spring blossoms coming out of the top.

The food tasted as delicious as it looked!

A full view of the buffet...

Now... Let's talk desserts!

The dessert table... to end all dessert tables!

I don't know if that is Mother nature representing Spring or the Sugar Plum Fairy, but it was all so- well...

FABULOUS!

Did I mention that it even tasted better than it looked too?

I know... IMPOSSIBLE!

The take home favors were home-made butter mints, rock-sugar suckers, and white chocolate popcorn...

tied up in pink organza bags- of course!

This was really a baby shower for a princess.

We were all so glad that Baby Maren is on her way...

It was the greatest reason to

CELEBRATE!

School Days...School Days!

I have got to be up early...

It's a school day for me!

That's right... I am headed to class today!

I am taking a relicensure class this whole week-

to be re-certified as a high school teacher.

I think by the end I will be "certifiable"...

Probably crazy- wait... for sure crazy!

There is nothing better than a few education classes to get the blood pumping.

Oh, yeah... That is why I taught High School... content area.

NOT so many Ed. classes

I did prepare early... I got a cute notebook so I could be like Elle Woods- only I am not blonde.
I wish I had a fancy zebra laptop or something...

I have got so many things I wanted to blog about...

My first Party Planning...Inspiration Board,

My new Silhouette cutting machine,

The most amazing baby shower I have ever seen,

My old neighbor that is new again,

etc. etc. etc...

But instead I am headed to be a college girl for a week.

No, I am not living in the dorms... I am what you call a

non-traditional or re-entry student.

(PC for OLD LADY IN COLLEGE)

I don't think I will RUSH for any sorority.

Wish me luck and think of me...

sitting in absolute Education Class boredom!

Life's a Party!

If you haven't already guessed that I love to entertain then...

let me explain...

I REALLY like to throw parties!

My motto in life is,

"Life is a Party... and I'm Hosting"

I am always ready for a good time!

I am going to offer a Custom Party Planning Board.
I love thinking up and researching fun party ideas.
You tell me what kind of party you're throwing and I will assemble an "inspiration" board especially for you. This will be complete with pictures and ideas for food, invitations, favors, activities and decor!
Each board will be $35.00 and you can choose an email file or a hard copy packet sent to your house.
Email me for specific details at thisandthat.amy@gmail.com
Let me help you plan your next event!
I am calling out to you all...
"Life is a party... and YOU are hosting!"

Party On!

Spring Cleaning for a purpose!

It is time to get all your closets and attics clean in search of

the perfect thing to SWAP!

I know you are all sick of hearing about this concept...

BUT it just keeps getting bigger and bigger

and better and better!

I loved the whole Swap Til You Drop GLAM version

I did for Studio 5...

BUT-

I am really in love with my new party with a VINTAGE VIBE-

I designed for my class at Dear Lizzie.

I have got fun party decoration ideas...

Amazing handouts and things you can just color copy top have your own party...

We are going to make and take two fabulous favors!
I used all of Margie's paper and let me tell you...

It would be worth it just to come play with her products!

AMAZING!

This is the one stop shop

for everything you will need to throw your own party.

I am making it easy for you... to party on!

Remember.. Life is a party and you are hosting!

See you and all your girlfriends at Dear Lizzie TONIGHT!

Call for registration... 801-492-0022

Two different parties...ONE fun place!

Here is a little sneak peek...

at the new party model I have designed for my class at Dear Lizzie!

Not only am I going to share the original glammed out version of my "Shop Till You Drop" party... I have designed a completely new party, with a vintage vibe!
I am so excited I just had to give a little glimpse at what I have got going ... Here are some of my inspiration pieces. Thanks to Margie and the Girl's Paperie for the photo!

You will get TWO party models, 2 favors that we are going to make and take right in the class, party ideas,

treats, & a darn good time!

Bring your friends and make it a girl's night out.. plus you get a 15% off your entire boutique purchase... Does it get any better?

Easter 2010... Sand Hollow Sand Dunes

I usually really like where I live...

BUT...

When it says "Spring" on the calender-

(Notice I say when it says Spring on the calender because I would never know it looking outside my window at the SNOW!)

I get homesick for BlUE sKiEs & ReD rOckS!

St. George has the corner on the market for Spring!

Our little family left the cold

and headed South for Spring Break...

AND...

We met up with the entire fam-damily for a little Easter Picnic at the Sand Hollow Sand Dunes.

We all rallied in the RHINOS and had a great time!

We had over 40 people...

3 Snow families, 2 Spilsbury families, 1 Fillmore gang, 1 Dalley bunch, & 2 herds of Nelsons.

3 grandmas, 2 grandpas, 15 kids, many aunts, many uncles, 6 RHINOS, hundreds of Easter eggs, food for an army, lots of laughs, many pictures & a Happy Easter!

Here is the oldest...Grandma Connie and the youngest... Briggs.

Briggs didn't worry if there was a little Dixie red sand

on his food...infact, I think his diapers will be sand blasted for a long time.

So many fun cousins! These kids were BRAVE! There was a 50 foot cliff right behind them.

This is a picture of all the kids right before the Easter Egg hunt!

There were some VERY golden eggs... Mitch made over $50.00!

Caylor & Connie were just chillin' at the Sand Dunes!

kids, kids, kids...

They all hiked up on a cliff and were chucking Easter Eggs...

Grandma Viv said we were going to "roll Easter Eggs"... she just didn't think off a mountain!

All in all it was a fabulous was to spend Easter!

Lots of family, friends, and FUN!