Place Cards...Weddings, Dinner Parties etc..

I accidentally stumbled into creating place cards for my shop. I was getting so many requests to turn my existing tags into place cards that I decided to go ahead and offer them in the shop. Since it was am after thought, I never really stopped to think how to use them in a place setting until one of my new customers asked me. So all day Thursday I thought about and then headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up a few things (most of the stuff I already had on hand). The goal was to keep it simple and keep it economical.

First up is a *Wine Cork*:


We have tons of these in a pretty jar that I intend to make into a bulletin board one day. I simple took a craft knife and slit a hole in the end of the cork and slid the place card into that. The cost...well the cost of the bottle of wine, but let's be honest, it will be consumed. Am I right?



Next a faux *Pear*:



or you could use a real pear, just hang the tag from the stem.





A miniature doll house *Park Bench*:





these are found in the miniature doll house aisle at Hobby Lobby, the cost was $1.99 for one bench. There may be a cheaper place to find these online.



A *Simple Chair*:

this too was found at Hobby Lobby. It was unfinished so I painted it black and now look how cute this is:




A Jar of Rosemary/Mint Salt Scrub (recipe to follow):
these would be cute as a place card for a bridal luncheon or any type of girly gathering.

*Framed Cork Board*:

this is a frame from the dollar store, it is a little larger than I would probably use for the size of the place card, but again I was using things I had on hand. I also make table numbers and they would be super cute attached to this in the middle of the table. I used some cork sheets (purchased at Michael's awhile back) cut to fit the frame. I removed the glass from the frame and re-attached the back. I then used a push pin to attach the place card. There are so many cute push pins out there these days. You could hot glue a jewel or something to match your theme to the pin and voila, instant cuteness. I could go on, but I think you get the idea...right?

*Framed Hook*:

another dollar store frame. It was black, but I got out the paint and distressed it a little. I removed the glass from the frame, cut some pretty scrapbook paper to size then I got my drill out (yes I have my own drill, hubby got it for me so I wouldn't be tempted to use his) I attached the hook (purchased at Hobby Lobby on sale 50% off so it was 1.50) in place with some stolen umm I mean borrowed screws from hubby's shed. The I put the frame back together and hung a simple tag from the hook.

*Mr. Blue Bird*:

You can used whatever kind of bird you want, I am just partial to *blue birds*. The birds came in a set of two as did the nests, all from Hobby Lobby, on sale for $1.00. I got the hot glue gun out (gosh I love playing with hot glue, except for the strings it leaves everywhere, maybe my glue gun is just old who knows) anyway. I then made a clippy stand thingy to attach the card with. I used an alligator clip and a ballpoint stick pin purchased from the jewelry making aisle at... you guessed it, Hobby Lobby. I attached the clippy thingy to the bird and tied some raffia around that to make it come together. Then clipped on one of my *little birdie* cards.

These are just a few simple ideas I came up with really quick, I tried not to *over think it* which I can sometimes do.

I did price a variety of place card holders while I was shopping and the average cost was anywhere from $1.99-$2.99 each. I haven't looked online to see what all is available yet.

I did a post awhile back about one of my customer's use of the place cards and table numbers.

First row, third picture are the cute honey place cards. Then the second row, first picture are the table numbers I created.

You can find the article here.

Do you have any ideas you want to share? Have you used my tags in a creative way? Please send me some pics, I want to see. :)

Spring Break - *Plan B*

*Plan A*- David's Dad was supposed to fly in for the week, we got a call from him last Friday saying that he has the flu and a horrible case at that. So he was not able to make the trip. So a few tears were shed, (Lindsey was so very much looking forward to his visit) heck we all were, we haven't seen him in a while. I could tell David was really bummed out too. We went out for dinner that night and tried to think of something we could do, David already had the week off (not that they have left him alone to enjoy his *vacation*, but that is a whole other story) so we tried to think of some places that weren't a real far drive to go for a few days. I got online later that night and found a few places, now the problem was finding a dog sitter. Our normal sitter is also on Spring Break this week so there goes that, and all other sitters would cost nearly as much as a trip. So we opted to stay home and just spend some time together and save the money for an extra trip this summer maybe.

First of all after a lot of begging, eyelash batting, and lip pouting, we talked David into getting us, um... I mean the girls a trampoline. He has nixed the idea for years, claiming there is no space in the yard. Well, when he got his new shed/barn last summer (in another part of the yard) the old one was torn down and wouldn't you know a *perfect* spot for a 12' trampoline. So we really worked him over, poor guy. He gave in and we went and picked it up on Sunday. We got it put together in a few hours and the result is two happy girls who should NEVER, NEVER EVER have the words...*I'm Bored* come out of their mouths again. (but that is a whole other story too :) )

I remember when my parents got one for my brother and I. There were no enclosures back then, or if so we did not have one. It was jump at your own risk, we were always trying to bounce each other off the thing. It is amazing that we didn't have any serious injuries. We have had fun this week with the new addition to the landscape. Now we need to work on that fence. gosh.

So the next night our neighbors came over and we grilled out and built a fire to roast marshmallows. I have missed hanging out on the patio during the winter.

Wednesday, David went and got a couple of loads of mulch for the front flower beds. While he was working on that, Mallory washed Lindsey's rock collection.....yea I know. But she had the best time, who knew washing rocks could be so much fun.

OK, so by now Lindsey has been hijacked by our neighbor to go have lunch with her. I pulled out some shaving cream and let Mallory go to town. I *loved* watching her make the biggest mess with this stuff.

She was covered from head to toe in shaving cream when it was all said and done. So today I have a few activities up my sleeve. None of which I have shared with anyone, it does involve a road trip and a picnic though. I am off to get ready.

Happy Birthday Little Brother

He's the best *little brother* EVER! So proud of him.

(Chris and little Miss Taylor)

Cosmo Cupcakes

Lime cupcakes with Cranberry Buttercream. This is strictly a *girly* cupcake according to David. Hey...that's OK, more for the girls and I.

Randomness

Well we made it to Muddy's last night after our family Valentine's Day dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant and it was worth the wait. I had a *True Love* cupcake and I was *in love* not only with the cupcake but the fact that we all four got to go enjoy cupcakes together. My heart most definitely belongs to my *three sweeties* and what better way to spend Valentine's Day than with the three of them.

Today Lindsey and I got to sneak out of the house for some Mommy, big sister time. We hit Jo-Ann and then went next door to JCP to smell all of the awesome Philosophy fragrances. Then we stopped for some shakes at Sonic, my favorite a pineapple shake (reminds me of my granny) and Lindsey tried an orange cream slush, which I might add was yummy too. Our next stop was the huge estate sale down the road from our house, lots of stuff. We had a great time just the two of us, I try to get out with just Lindsey as much as I can. It is important for her to have her big girl time with Mommy and Daddy too. Now we are seriously considering making some of my Cosmo Cupcakes, because we need more cupcakes.

New Martini Recipe

Check out the left sidebar for a new martini recipe, just in time for Valentine's Day. This is a favorite and it is *very important* that you take the time to rim the martini glass with chocolate. Just be careful of the possible chocolate smile the rim may leave behind, you may look a bit like the Joker. Although after a few of these who really cares.

Wide Awake

It is Saturday, 4am and I am wide awake. My head is spinning with ideas and things to do. Lindsey's Closet is keeping me busy these days and that is a good thing. The girls and I met some friends after school yesterday. The intended meeting spot was Muddy's Bake Shop, but we got there and they had sold out of everything. There is an event at the Racquet Club which I am assuming is keeping our favorite little bake shop busy. So we ended up and Ben & Jerry's, nothing wrong with a little scoop of *coffee coffee buzz buzz*. I had a good time chatting with my friend Jessica and Lindsey and Lexi obviously had a good time because Lindsey ended up going home with them for a sleepover. After all of these years of being suckered at the last minute for a sleepover you would think I would have an emergency sleepover bag in the back of my truck, but I don't......yet. Anyway, they don't get to see each other nearly as often as they used to so I am happy they are getting some time together. I have some pricing sheets to finish up for LC and then I plan to sew sew sew today and hopefully have a nice Valentine's Dinner with the family and maybe a little trip to Muddy's? hmmmm

Distracted

OK, so I will confess, I have been a bit distracted lately. First, I have been working a lot on Lindsey's Closet stuff, the business stuff and the creative stuff. There is still a lot to do. Second, I have been on Facebook. I have reconnected with some old friends as well as some new friends. It is really pretty cool, yet addicting. Now I have David hooked, poor guy. Anyway, I will try to post here more too or you can find me on Facebook.

Here I am

I am still re-cooping from double ear infections and sinus crud that finally caught up with me this past week. David was out of town in the middle of all this, so recovery time has been slow, (because as all of you Mom's know, we do not get sick days). David has the girls outside this afternoon since it is so nice out today; 57 degrees right now according to my little weather widget. Wish I felt like getting out and doing something. I wonder if I can bat my eyelashes at David like the girls do and see if he will cook dinner tonight??? It is worth a try.

I have a new post at Lindsey's Closet. (Yes, I am trying to come up with a *Mally twist* on the LC site too)

Peace, Love and Chocolate

When J is here anything goes...

Like the *Peace* shirt (minus the chocolate) ? They will be available at Lindsey's Closet soon (adult sizes too).

Can't sleep...

It is 3 freakin A.M. and I am wide awake. ARRRRGGGG

New Blog

I have started a separate blog to promote my monogram business. In the coming weeks I will start posting lots of pics of some new stuff I have been working on. I will also have a line of boyish items (tees, pants etc) I will step outside my *pink* world and venture in to that *blue* area. :) You can find the new blog here. I have also been on Facebook (thanks to my friend Marci), YIKES that is addicting, connecting with old and new friends, but she did encourage me to create a business page on Facebook so I did. I will also post info on that page, so look for me there as well.

Lindsey is a TERRIFIC Kid

Of course David and I already knew that, but her teacher chose her as the Terrific Kid this six weeks at school, not to mention Principal's List again. She works so hard, I am so proud of her.

*You go girl.*

We are just relaxing this weekend (or at least I am trying to, it is not something I am good at) We have a family day planned today and then Lindsey has a friend coming over for a sleepover later today.

I have been busy re-working some things about my business, I hope to fill you guys in real soon about what I have in mind. Stay tuned...

Working through some business ideas

I have been thinking a lot lately about how to grow my business more. I quit my corporate job last May in order to stay at home with the girls and also grow my monogramming business. It has taken some adjustment to being at home after working for so long, but I am determined to find a balance for things. For instance Mallory is in mother's day out two days a week, those are the days I will set aside for work, no housework or extra stuff those days, I need to be working on inventory and business realated stuff. Sure, things will come up and I will deal with them as they do. Work smarter, not harder right? I like the monogramming business I get, ( the towels, sheets, blankets etc) that get dropped off, however I want to add more things that people can actually buy, not just the service of monogramming. I got together with a friend today, who also has a home business, we were able to brainstorm through some ideas for each other. It was so great talking with another Mom who is on the same page as I am. I have realized I need to have a more focused business offering, right now I have people calling with all sorts of things from can you *make some curtains* to *can you hem pants* and while that is OK, I need to come up with a list of things that I am willing to do and stick to that. It is OK to say *No* right? I am feeling positive about some changes I am making, I know this will be a good year.

As I cook dinner...

This is what is happening in my den at this very moment. So *flippin* sweet.

Those girls have my heart, I love them to the moon and back.

We're Back

We got back last night from our trip to Ohio to visit my family. Lots of fun as usual. I am bursting with energy to get things around the house in a more simpler order. The twelve trees were taken down and put back in the attic the day after Christmas, it was nice not having to come home and face that task. David and I have always had the philosophy "don't take the old into the new year" so that means all Christmas decos have to be packed away before 1/1.

So back to that "simple order" first the house; purge unneeded and unused stuff, just get it out of here. Then onto some emotional purging, complicated friendships etc. I want to live life more simply and not worry about things that I can't control. There is nothing complicated about our lives we are just living life. I want to focus on some new friendships, get out more and have more *Jennifer time*. I have my eye on a couple of classes at U of M that I plan to register for, wow did I just say that? I have the paperwork and I *will* fill it out and drop it off.

I am off to spend the last day of winter break with David and the girls, school starts back tomorrow.

Just hangin out..

That is pretty much all we have been doing. I love not having a schedule, we play when we want,
we bake when we want, we nap when we want blah blah blah. We have been caroling with the neighbors, went and looked at Christmas lights (I have some amazing pictures of that, we found a house whose lights were set to music, much like the movie Deck the Halls, so cool) We finished our Gingerbread house yesterday.

It is funny how much Lindsey's decorating has evolved over the years, when she was younger the more icing and candy the better, now simpler is better. She must be picking that up from David and I. Funny.

I am 99.9% finished with my Christmas shopping, I only leave a margin of error because I am sure I will have forgotten something. I don't think so but anyhoo.

I hear *creatures stirring* downstairs, better go see who's up.

Hooray!

Today begins the first day of Lindsey's winter break. I have finished up my monogramming orders and will not be taking any last minute ones so that the girls and I can spend some good quality time together. We have gingerbread houses to decorate, cookies and other sweet treats to bake and whatever else we decide we want to do. We have a cookie swap to attend on Monday, which will be lots of fun too.

I plan to post as much as possible so you can see what we are getting into around here Mom (wish you were here). I am also trying to keep up with my December Daily Journal. I have taken the pics but they have not made it to the journal yet, hopefully I can get caught up on that as well. What are you all up to these last few days before Christmas?

Twelve trees

As promised, here they are. I finally remembered to take a picture of the tree on the front porch after dark.

1. Master Bedroom Tree
2. Lindsey's Room
3. Mallory's Room
4. The Girl's Bathroom
5. Memphis Tiger Tree in Guest Bedroom
6. Dining Room Tree - All of our family ornaments we have collected over the last 11 years.
7. Santa Tree in the Entry Way/Living Room
8. Family Room Tree
9. Feather Tree #1 on Mantel
10. Feather Tree # 2 on Mantel
11. Wall Tree in Master Bathroom Window
12. Front Porch

I know, I know that is a lot of trees, but oh well. We like putting them up. :)