Summer in Phoenix...While friends are traveling to cooler climates, I'm home hiding from the sun.  But, soon it'll be my favorite time of year FALL! I'm tentative scheduled to plan a Harry Potter Party to coincide with the release of the first part of 'The Deathly Hallow's", and of course we'll have our annual costume party.  Bear with me as I avoid the sun, there won't be too many events during this time of year when I hibernate in the cool stillness of my house.

I guess this is going to be a long post since it's been a LONG time.  Jamie's wedding was lovely and I learned that I can put together a great looking wedding without a partner, and I am resolute in doing this thing solo.  Now that her wedding is past me I am actually looking forward to doing it again!!  I know now that I need to create a team to help me, and I already have in mind some recruits.  I have to give a huge thank you to Jesse and Maryann Higgins for helping me decorate the wedding site and sweating it out with me that day.  The second great part of putting this wedding together is I found that Jamie's boss is a fantastic photographer and that Diana & Grizelda do some beautiful wedding updo's.  I'll have their contact information on my website soon along with the photographs of this special day.  I can't wait to for my next project to come knocking at my door.

For any bride-to-be looking to put together a bridesmaid survivor kit or gift bag.  Makeup is an easy way to go and helps with creating a unified look in your bridal party...Have you heard of E.L.F. Cosmetics yet? Eyes, Lips, Face is what it stands for, and it is a great choice for two reasons: it's high quality and affordability (all of their makeup starts at $1 and none of it is more than $5).  To find a store who carries E.L.F. check out their website: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/home

Two great places to find unique jewelry to decorate your wedding party from their ears to their wrists without going deep into your pockets. 

I know..it's been awhile (a new year has arrived) since I've posted anything...shame on me.  I guess I had the holiday blues, but now I can look forward to spring, and Jamie's wedding.  Valentine's Day is soon approaching and I will be making giftbaskets for our sweetest holiday.  I hope that this year brings everyone love, luck, wealth, health and a plethora of good things. Happy 2010!!

I wanted to give thanks to everyone who has made an impact on my life this year...it hasn't been easy, I haven't  been easy.  And so, I want to share a heartfelt thanks to my sister Jamie, to Mandy, my best friend in high school (Go South!)...we just found each other again this year.  A big thank-you-I-love-you-your-the- greatest, goes to my cousin Angela, who so graciously helped me during the preparations for my dad's memorial service, and in all the times she's helped me before.  Most of all I am so thankful for my mama Rose, she's not just a parent but my BFF.  And, for everyone who I forgot to mention, I send love and chocolatey kisses to you as well as warm wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving to all. 

I have been searching and searching and I finally found...Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes!! 
Here's the recipe:

Prep Time:     10 Minutes
Cook Time:     40 Minutes
Servings
Original Recipe Yield 1 - 9x13 inch cake  

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (16 ounce) container cream cheese frosting

 Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, pumpkin, eggs and oil for 3 minutes using a mixer on medium speed.
• Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool, then
• frost with cream cheese frosting.

 Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving  Calories: 259 | Total Fat: 10.9g |Sodium:  351mg| Cholesterol: 24mg

Noah, 5yrs old is in the last stages of a 2.5yr battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer. The family is celebrated Christmas early, this past weekend and Noah's request is to get lots of Christmas cards. Please send cards to: Noah Biorkman 1141 Fountain View Circle South Lyon, Mi 48178....repost this as your status please!!! Spread the word so we can make this little boys wish come true..

I am watching one of my favorite movies and I'm at the part when Jennifer Garner is dancing to "Thriller" and I am suddenly reminded of fifth grade.  I went to school with a little girl who wore the MJ outfit right down to the glove.  Can you imagine showing so much love and devotion that you would don the outfit of the one you love the most?  In what other ways can we pay homage to the ones we love?  I'm going to do it with cupcakes :) 

I will shortly be adding printable games, recipes, DIY Decorations, and other printable items soon.  I'm hunting down vendors right now to work with.  I found this woman who makes tutu's and I'm adding some photos of two of her creations.  Happy Networking!

Well...Halloween is officially over (woo-hoo).  I don't know about anyone else, but my mind has completely shifted from costumes and trick-or-treats to Christmas trees and ornaments.  I know Thanksgiving is next in line, but when I try to think about the preparations that need to be made my mind skips over to Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and I mentally put a checklist together: Tennis (check), t-shirt, sweater, jacket (check), endless recyclable bags (check), copious amounts of patience (well, sort of check).  I love the biggest shopping day of the year, I look forward to it with the same zeal I have for my birthday, Halloween and Christmas...all rolled together.  I'm also trying to keep myself busy, I do my best to keep my mind occupied so that I won't focus on my dad.  So, I'll obsess over christmas cookies and garland, and keep my mind happy and busy as the season of giving approaches.  I wish a Happy Autumn to everyone, until we meet again, MWAH!