It seems everyone in my family is getting married lately, which means I get to throw lots of parties!  Over the weekend I hosted a Bridal Shower for my cousin Amanda.  Her wedding colors are black, white and green, so I thought I would make that the theme of the shower.  Since I already have black and white wallpaper, I was two thirds of the way there without buying anything.  I found myself inspired by the shades of green in some of my favorite vegetables: brussel sprouts, broccoli, artichokes and basil, so I made arrangements out of them.  Last night I roasted the brussel sprouts, and I plan to cook up the rest of the vegetables throughout the week.  I think I was able to waste a lot less with these edible arrangements. 

Drinks were easy, I just bought everything with green labels: Sparkling cider, Limeade and Lambrusco.  Sliced some limes, added a vintage ice bucket, black and white vintage tray and a pitcher of water. 

All my aunts brought a dish and I provided the fixings for sandwiches.  To make it interesting I put the spreads in recycled glass jars with handwritten labels to make it seem like they were homemade...haha.  I did make the pesto mayo, but that is pretty easy. 

Pesto from Trader Joe's + Mayo = Pesto Mayo

 

 I used my trusty bulletin board for a little creative activity.  Using the program Poladroid, I transformed some photos of the happy couple to look like polaroids.  I had a little sign that told guests to help Amanda finish her photo album by writing captions on the pictures. 

I had to get creative with favors once again.  Considering that it is the holiday season, I put together a gift wrap station.  Each guest got a bag to fill with pre-cut rolls of vintage wallpaper, old photos and tags made from vintage book pages.  In the front I had spools of vintage ribbon and string and allowed guests to cut them to their desired lengths. 

It was a great day!  I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!

Homemade Journal and Jewelry Gift

I have been a part of a local Moms group since I had Ruby and it has been a huge blessing in my life. There is so much comfort in knowing I'm not alone in the daily joys and struggles of motherhood.  This year I decided to take on the role of a table leader, who basically is the contact person a small group of Moms and makes sure they feel welcome.  Part of that role involves providing a small gift for the first day. I wanted to share the sweet little gifts I put together for my Moms, I hope they like them.  

Not buying anything new, continues to have it's challenges.  We were given a little budget for this, so I was able to buy the journals, but everything else I put together from things I already had.  I started with the vintage clothespins, which I though would be fun to personalize with stamps.  Then I found the recycled paper journals with natural prints and colors at Target.  Next, I had a long necklace from a few years back with lots of dangling gold discs which I made into 4 pairs of earrings and 3 necklaces.  I cut out some cream colored card stock I had on hand with scalloped edged craft scissors and poked holes for the jewelry.  I clipped everything together with the clothespin and they are ready to go.