let it snow...not while the daffodils are popping up!

I thought this afternoon I was ready to redecorate my hutch with spring~like dishes...but then the weather came on, and I was reminded that snow is on the way.  I shouldn't be complaining...we haven't had any major snow fall since Halloween!  But, at this point, I'm about ready for spring.  The daffodils have started pushing through the earth, and I'm really hoping the snow doesn't hurt them. 
I decided to leave my hutch for another day, and left my snowman out of the shelf...he'll be happy to watch the snow fall!

Have you ever tried this?  I bought an inexpensive bag of coffee beans, spread them out on top of my grandmother's cake plate, with a few candles mixed in, and voila ~ there's a hint of coffee scent as you walk into my dining room ~ smells like a fresh brewed pot of coffee....I'm loving this.  Thought I'd share. 

Enjoy the week - stay warm!
xo Sarah

rainy Friday...

It's a rainy, cool Friday ~ good day to curl up with a great book & a blanket!  As I type, I have a cup of tea nearby, and the afghan that my mom crocheted for us tucked around my legs.  The fire is going, and it's a restful afternoon...almost time to get up, and get the house ready for friends to come over tonight.  Our kids are having sleep overs (with grandparents), and we're having some adult conversation...can't wait!

This morning, my son & I got up and headed to church so that I could FINALLY finish the paintings that I began about a year ago in our Church School room, I painted and he had some fun with some craft supplies.  It was a feel good morning!

Now, to light some candles, open some wine, & get ready for tonight!
Have a wonderful weekend!  Here's to school vacation week ~ it was a blast!!

xo Sarah

party celebrations - space themed!

I LOVE decorating for parties, putting a theme together, and setting up all the finishing touches.  My husband loves to prepare the food, and bake (he didn't always love to do the baking, but he's really talented at that too). 
Here's our outer space birthday party for our 6 year old.  It was a lot of fun to plan, organize, and set up for.  The best part:  he & his friends had a blast today!

As the astronauts entered our home, this was the sign they encountered.  We started the party off with a rocket ship making craft - thanks to Crayola Glow Sand...it really glows!

This is all we needed to make our recycled water bottle rocketships! 

 This photo didn't come out as well as I had hoped...in a darkened room I thought you'd be able to tell it was glowing.  I guess not, but they really do glow!




The table was set & we crafted away...then, the kids drew on chart paper, made signs with outer space foam stickers, and played with our Fisher Price Imaginext space station & rocket ship.  (This was so I could clean up the table, to get ready for lunch)

We had pizza, carrots, cucumbers, & grapes for lunch (astronauts need to eat healthy)!  Then, we played help the rocket ship land on the moon....

And finally, we finished off our party with cupcakes, cake & (my favorite part) Space ice cream!  I printed a label off of the computer & wrapped it around Klondike bars - don't you love it !!

The best part of all?  My son had so much fun with a few friends over February vacation.  They played with each other for a few hours, my son was very happy, and we are now officially done with his birthday parties - that was a nice ending to the festivities!
xo Sarah

jar of quotes & memories...

For my sister in laws special day, I made a little gift that she could take home & enjoy!  I purchased a glass jar, made a collage of words on wordle.net, tucked the collage inside of the jar, and had a basket full of colorful papers for family & friends to write Michele little notes on.  We wrote some special words to her, hoping that she'll read them often and know just how much she means to us.  Here's a peek at the jar...

Then, we also gave Michele this beautiful (if I do say so myself) necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs.  Michele loves photography & takes amazing photos, so we thought this necklace was a perfect fit. 
 Happy birthday, Michele!  This post is dedicated to you!!  xo Sarah