Make your own Edible Arrangement

So back in May I knew what I wanted to give my sister for her birthday.  Something she could enjoy at work and something edible.  I wanted to send her an Edible Arrangement.  Holy Sheesh! Those things are expensive.  Not that I don't love my sister, but I've got 4 sisters and didn't want them all to expect this as a gift.  And they definitely weren't on the "stay at home mommy" budget list.  So I searched Pinterest and found step by step directions on how to make my own.  I found it HERE.  And this is what mine turned out looking like

I was actually pretty impressed.  Found my pot at the Dollar Store and went shopping for my fruit. 

*Tips*

I couldn't find the kale leaves it called for.  Mine were much smaller and more difficult to keep in place but I managed.

I already had the cookie cutters but mine were plastic.  Metal ones would definitely work easier and faster, but I didn't see the point in spending the money when I already had some.  The pineapple was by far the hardest and my counter tops, hands and clothes were covered in juice!

Because all the fruit was so juicy, the arrangement kept dripping everywhere.  I put it in the freezer until I was ready to leave. (just about an hour) This worked until I made it to Aimee and then it was dripping again.  Oh well!  Nothing wrong with juicy fruit!

Aimee was surprised when we showed up at her work with her gift.  She said her and her coworkers enjoyed the fruit! 

So the next time you are looking for a unique gift and you've got a little time to spare (I think this small one took about an hour-that's while dealing with 2 kids too) then I suggest looking into making your own fruit bouquet! 

Addilyn's SDRAWKCAB Birthday Party

     So I'm a little behind in my blogging updates.  But nonetheless, here is Addilyn's 5th (yikes!) birthday party.  I can't believe she is already 5!  I know I say it all the time, but seriously, where does the time go?? 
     I came across this cute idea on Tipjunkie.com for a backwards party.  Mentioned it to Addi once and she was sold on the idea.  I don't have a pic of the invites but we used different colors of cardstock and typed out the invitation for a wild and crazy time backwards.  It was a little more difficult than I had imagined because someone seriously needs to come up with a backwards font.  It just doesn't exist.  So after copying and flipping and pasting and resizing font after font, Josh and I finally got the invites done. 
     We split the party up into 2 parties.  One for friends and one for family.  I didn't wanna be cramped and overwhelmed here at the house and I wanted to be able to entertain everyone and not have anyone feel slighted.  It worked out perfectly.

Here is a pic of the girls being silly at the party.

     And if you look closely you can see the girls wearing their gumball necklaces they made.  They were a huge hit and each girl got to make their very own with as many gumballs as they wished.  We had very long rope like ones and some that resemebled chokers.  Lots of fun either way :)

Lunch time consisted of ham and turkey sandwiches and chips and instead of eating AT the table, you guessed it, the girls ate UNDER the table.

They thought this was so neat and all you heard was lots of giggling and an occasional munch!

And what kind of game pretty perfect for this day of craziness?

Yep! TWISTER!  I'm not sure how many rounds they played but there was do doubt it was lots of fun!

Our favor bags consisted of necklaces, bracelets, smarties, LOTS of gumballs, and balloons.  And each girl had her own personalized bag with her name spelled backwards!

Our decorations were few, but one of my favorite because I just liked the way it looked was our "Balloon Chandelier".  We had 2 of these.

They were easy to do and no helium required.  And of course, they were hanging upside down!

We had an arrangement of cookies on a stick and any kind of cupcake you could want.  And of course it had to spell out HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADDILYN but backwards!

And the dress attire was a HUGE HIT!  We had everyone dressed from normal to clothes backwards, to pig tails in the front, jewlery worn backwards, wearing pajamas, bathrobes, swimsuits and Uncle Evan even wore a dress and heels! :)

Aunt Ericka and Aunt Angela got in on the crazy fun in many ways.  They each wore 2 different shoes, their glasses upside down, short over their pants, mismatched socks that they cut holes in to wear as gloves and side pony tails!  And I love Angela's scarf as a belt!

Here is Nonnie and PawPaw with their clothes on not only backwards but they are even wearing eachothers shirt!  PawPaw had on Nonnie's and Nonnie had on PawPaw's!  So silly!

And of course Reid just looked so cute in his backwards (GO CUBS) hat and adorable overalls!

I took Addi's picture with each guest and we used those as her Thank You notes.  Turned out super cute and everyone had their own personalized thank you and way to remember the fun time!

By the end of the weekend this mommy was wore out but I know the birthday girl was happy and she still talks about her Backwards Party!

Happy Birthday Addi Dale!