Beach Spa Sneak Peek

About a month ago, my sweet little girl, decided she wanted just a few girls from her class to come have a slumber party for her birthday. But, not just any slumber party. She wanted a spa party...but also a beach party... (can you see where this is going?)

So, we've been prepping and decorating...and getting everything set. We (meaning her) decided to stick with the bright colors, rather than the muted vintage look. She is so excited about turning 8, and I couldn't be happier with how things are going.

She has several snack items that are on the must have list...

We'll have lots of fun girlie activities including nail painting, hair styling, and even a little fashion show of the beach babes...complete with the photo booth.

I'm excited about seeing all their cute feet in these fun DIY flipflops!

I'll give the tutorial on those next week...perfect cheap and easy fun addition to any spring or summertime girlie gift!

Now, after all that sweet stuff, let's hope that there will be at least a little sleeping happening this weekend!

Linking up with Jen at In the Studio today. Go have fun and visit all those artsy folks!

Dashing for a Diamond!

We had so much fun at Greensboro's first ever Diamond Dash! We greeted the eager participants with a fun way to get them pumped up about running around town looking for clues for the $15,000 diamond ring...with a sugar high! I've been wanting to design a candy bar recently, so this was the perfect time.

There were some engaged couples and some married couples. Family teams, and friend teams. It was really sweet to see who was paired up together, to try to win the diamond ring. The dashers ran all over, visiting different vendors, learning about our city, and answering challenge questions or activities in order to gather clue words. They would then text the correct answers into the number they had been given to play the game. Each correct answer gave them points, and at the end of the game, whoever had the most points, won.

Take a look to see how it ended! Here's a great video of the Diamond Dash, brewed up just right from our friends over at Media Brewer films...see if you can spot me. (Here's a hint...I'm wearing my red pea coat because it was freezing!!)

Finks Diamond Dash 2011 from MediaBrewer on Vimeo.

So, even though you only caught a glimpse of me working my candy bar, I still wanted to link up with In the Studio this week. I guess it's not technically my "studio", but close enough, right?! This spring has been filled to the brim with all sorts of fun events. Can't wait to show you more next week!

Flourish Much?

I haven't been able to see my dining room table for the past couple weeks...except for that one spot where I make whatever is coming next.

My favorite thing to make lately are my flourishes. Whether they are headbands, pony tail holders, or just to pin on somewhere, I think these little beauties are so sweet.

Don't forget about the giveaway on Monday...you might even get flourished!

the headbands are one size fits all...so my daughter and I fought about whether or not this one was for sale. she always wants everything for "her birthday".

Linking up to Jen's In the Studio.

Are you the type of girl who likes to be flourished? I'd love to hear what you think!

Please stop by on Monday for Something to Celebrate! Can't wait to begin our party.

A Dark Night

I have an amazing event coming up at the end of October, and it's one I've always wanted to design. I won't give all the details away, yet, but just to let you know a bit of what I've been up to this week, here's a sneak peek.

Also, I'm very excited because my hubby designed this fancy new button for my blog! Grab it and pin it on to yours!

Linking up to In the Studio. Do you have a sneak peek for us?

image credits: sheet music envelopes; dark rose; invitation

Carnival Time!

Remember those big tissue paper flowers?

They were for a fabulous Carnival birthday party that EbD did this past weekend! It was so much fun. The birthday girl was turning 4, and loved every minute of it!

One thing I love about designing events, is that I take the thoughts and ideas of the parent and/or child, and make the event come to life. When the mom called me about this event, she really wanted a carnival type party. However, when you think "Carnival" you think, peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy, etc. The birthday girl has several different allergies, and so none of that was possible. Instead of food, we used games, music, and bright colors, and great activities to design a preschool carnival perfect for this little girl!

Along with traditional carnival games like Knock Down, Ring Around the Bottle, and Coin Toss, we also included some more interactive play into the event. We had them get creative by coloring their own carnival pictures, having a "Bubble Station", and a "Dress Like A Clown" area. We did a safer version of bobbing for apples, and let them go "Fishing for Apples" blindfolded. One of the other favorite games was "Walk the High Wire" (which was a long landscaping timber placed on the ground). The kids loved being able to go from station to station, playing games and winning prizes.

Color Your Own Carnival

Coin Toss

I gathered them around as they ate lunch, for a storytime centering around the carnival theme. After a couple books, they were ready to play some more! And, good thing, because there were lots of prizes to win!

As it was time to leave, we passed out balloons, along with Carnival Coloring books and a new pack of crayons. That way they could leave and still enjoy the carnival for a little bit longer. Not to mention their full prize bags!

It was definitely a birthday party that will not be soon forgotten! Linking up to In the Studio. Go enjoy all those wonderful artists!

Did Someone Say Party?

Unlike most of the blogosphere, I haven't really gotten in the mood for Fall yet. I've been hanging on tightly to the last few days of summer. Making my favorite summer recipes just one more time, and wearing my summer skirts for possibly the last time until next year (except then I realize that it's still in the 90s and I have no need to fear).

Usually, I can tell that I'm ready to celebrate the next season when it starts to show up in my decor, or when I start planning activities revolving around it.

This past week, I've been designing a very fun birthday party that has definitely sparked my excitement for Fall. I don't want to tell you too much, because I'll have pictures after next week. I'll give you a tiny sneak peek if you promise to come back in two weeks to see the finished product. Leave your guesses in the comment section, and I might even give a little prize to the winner!!

Then, yesterday, I was browsing around Tablescape Thursdays, and found this fun party. And, you know me...I thought, what better way for me to get in the mood for Fall, than with a party! So, my kids and I went outside to collect some newly fallen treasures and get Flora looking her best.

I started in the kitchen, because it's always a good place to start.

Then, onto the living room.

I cut the last of my hydrangeas, still beautiful even in death.

Dried hydrangeas always end up in my Fall decor.

They remind of me of what has been, and what will come again.

And, as you can see here, I'm still not quite over summer...

But I'm much closer than I was.

Linking up to In the Studio Sneak Peek Fridays and A Stroll Through Life.

Sometimes A Graphic Designer

Lots of times when you think about "event designer" or "wedding planner" you think of the glorious parts of the job. And there are plenty of glorious parts. Getting to see off that happy in love couple. Being the best friend to the bride and groom the months leading up to their wedding. Designing and the directing the day that they will always remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.

But, as with many occupations, that there are several jobs that I end up having in the midst of carrying out my duties. Some days, I'm an interior designer, sprucing up the space for an event by rearranging furniture and clearing clutter. Other days, I'm more of a family therapist. (Those are the days right before the weddings. haha) Still, other days, I'm a personal assistant, running here and there, and getting lots of last minute necessities. You get the idea. So, this past week, I got to be a graphic designer.

Now, don't judge me too harshly, because I AM NOT a graphic designer. But, this last week, I had a couple who decided that they wanted their "Save the Date" cards to look like concert tickets. They love music, and going to shows, and thought it would be a neat way to represent them through their save the dates.

We started by looking at these. However, I couldn't find a template I liked enough, and didn't want them to have to spend extra money to hire someone to design it. (Now, don't give me the link where you found the exact template, because that will just depress me). I did my best, and used the colors and theme that they wanted, and here's what I came up with. (of course names and details are changed for privacy reasons.)

So, my Mac was my studio this past week. I think they turned out really well. And they are totally this couple's style, which is what's most important!

These are a great idea for save the dates, football parties, other party invitations, or just to have a cute hand out for an event!

Linking up to In the Studio Sneak Peek Fridays! What are you creating this week? Go have show and tell over at Jennifer's with the lot of us!

Summer Vintage Tablescape

I don't iron. I haven't owned an iron for about 8 years. A few years ago, my daughter and I went over to a friend's house to hang out a bit. She had her iron and ironing board out, and my little girl pointed to it and said, "Mommy, what's that?" Exactly.

Last weekend, as I was prepping for a reception, I used this awesome steamer to steam out all the wrinkles in the linens. I thought to myself, "I really should at least have an iron." Then, last week, as God would have it, I was shopping at the best grocery store in the world, when I saw a steaming iron. I think it was maybe $10. I decided it was time to break down and get one. (I even grabbed the ironing board for $8 while I was at it.)

So, then, this morning, while the kids were playing happily, I decided to work on a new tablescape. I've been wanting to play around with some vintage finds that I had recently collected from estate sales and clearance racks. And, plus, with my hubby having night class two nights in a row, I figured we could use a nice sit down dinner all together. So I dove into designing.

With my handy dandy new steaming iron, I freshened up the linens...almost ALL the linens. I got a little carried away. I couldn't stop! It was absolutely addicting! I knew there was a reason why I didn't have one. I now understand why my grandmother would say "those creases in the linens were her pride and joy".

I've always loved vintage pieces. They have such a story to tell, and they are all crafted so beautifully. As, I took everything out, I was really pleased how well all the pieces went together. Usually, when I'm on the hunt, I don't try to match with what I have. I just grab what I like that's a good price, and then try to find a good spot for it.

I couldn't wait to sit down with my family for a nice dinner together. But, then I remembered what I had made for dinner prior to designing the table. Any guesses?

Baked spaghetti. Oh, well. They wash up well, and hey, I can bring out that iron thing again!

Linking up to a very fun linky that I just found today! I just can't keep up with all these fabulous blogs.

Have you been in the studio creating this week? Go check out Sneak Peek Fridays with Jennifer!