Best Wedding Present, Ever!

This past Saturday, on the eve of our 6 year anniversary, my husband and I con-validated our marriage as a holy sacrament.  It was a small, private ceremony that was followed by a haunted cocktail party with our closest friends.  Since we're already married and have more than we need I told everyone "no gifts please... just come and share a fun night with us."  Alas, we are blessed and our friends are generous.  Which brought me to share with you the best wedding present ever!

Now I like to think I'm on the forefront of creative, unique and thoughtful gifts, but my friend Melissa has outdone herself (and me) this time!  And I just couldn't resist sharing this awesome idea with the world.  I'm sure some of you have seen this before, but for those of you who may not have, you're going to want to remember this one.  It really could be used for so many occasions...  College Graduation, Baby Shower/New Baby, Wedding, New House, etc.

Here it is!  Isn't that a beautiful basket?  And check out the pretty ornament.  She of course chose a cross to signify the holy sacrament of our marriage.  If you were doing this for another occasion you could choose something more significant, like baby's 1st Christmas, 1st Christmas Together, Keys, etc.  We are going to write the date on the back of it and will be reminded of this day, and gift, every year we hang it on our tree!

So what's inside the basket you ask?  Well, let's open it up and see...

As a disclaimer Melissa had everything wrapped in pretty tissue paper, but the paper was thrown away before I was able to take photos so you'll have to use your imagination for that part.  The first thing I unwrapped was this beautiful frame, which by the way goes with my decor perfectly.  She printed on some pretty paper, that also happens to match my decor, "Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Valenti... Love, Jerry & Melissa McGrain".  Here's a closeup...

WOW!  A beautiful basket, ornament and frame... but wait, what's that hiding under the frame?  There's more... And this is where the gift gets really fun!

Do you see what I see?  Yep... that's a whole basket full of cheer!  No wonder the basket was so heavy.  The first bottle I pulled out was a bottle of Menage a Trois (which is one of my favorite wines... it's tasty and affordable). Attached to the bottle was a handmade tag which read, 

"Wedding Night

The night you have dreamt of is finally here,

The future surrounds you with hope and yet fear.

You both have found your perfect mate,

Enjoy this wine while you toast this date.

This night is meant for you to share,

Enjoy each other, a perfect pair!"

The next bottle was called "Pink Truck".  To give you a little side note, the McGrains own McGrain Land Services and they are known for the pink truck they drive, so this bottle was representative of them.  It too had a handmade tag attached that read,

"First Dinner Party

You open your home to entertain and to eat.

A place for old friends, and new ones to meet.

When everyone leaves, share your bottle of wine.

Then roll up your sleeves, it's clean up time!"

The next bottle was 100 Proof Hot Damn!  The tag on this bottle read,

"First Fight

When your first fight occurs and your tempers are hot,

Pour a shot, take a sip, and recall what you've got!

Enjoy this pint after your first fight,

Better yet, enjoy making up all night!"

Just so you know... this next bottle my husband and I wanted to pour down the drain as soon as we read the card (insert chuckle here).  It was a bottle of Sparkling Pomegranate Blueberry Juice and the tag read,

"First Child

The news that a baby will soon share your life,

will make you a mother not only a wife.

You'll see your sweet baby through good times and bad,

Jodie - The Loving mother

Joe - The Dearest dad

There is no more alcohol here, so both raise your glass,

And relax, how quick nine months will pass!"

The next was a bottle of champagne and the tag read,

"First Christmas Eve

A wise man turned to a friend and said, 'Wine is better than beer.'

And now is the season for friends, and fun, and lots of holiday cheer!

So pop the cork, relax a bit, and when the night is through,

Kiss goodnight and close your eyes and Santa will be good to you."

The final bottle was chocolate wine and the tag read,

"First Anniversary

You've been married a year, how the time goes,

No longer newlyweds, you are old married pros!

We hope this year has found you in good health and good spirits,

Keep saying I LOVE YOU, you'll always want to hear it!

Now toast this first, it won't be the last,

And as you build your future, always cherish your past!"

So there it is... the best wedding present ever!  You can always add to it for other first's, such as New Years, Valentine's, birthdays, 4th of July, Halloween, etc.  Really the ideas are endless, but hopefully this will give you a good starting point.

Thank you again to Melissa and Jerry for such a thoughtful and generous gift.  We will enjoy and cherish it all year long!

{Freebie Friday} MSU vs. U of M Printables

In the spirit of "Freebie Friday", the fact that I feel guilty about not having posted all summer and that tomorrow is the big Michigan State vs. University of Michigan game... I've decided to add a couple of extra FREE Printables today.

Just visit and "LIKE" my facebook page to download them from the "FREE PRINTABLES" album.

And incase you missed my post from earlier today, here are some ideas for using these!

(1) Cupcake/Food Picks - Punch or cut and glue to sucker stick or tooth pick. Stick into food!

(2) Banner - Punch or cut and attach to ribbon, hang.

(3) Napkin Rings - Punch or cut and attach to a strip of paper that is taped around the napkins.

(4) Drink Tags - Punch or cut then using a single hole punch put a hole at the top and attach to drinks using ribbon... name can be written on the backside.

(5) Favor Tags - Punch or cut then using a single hole punch put a hole at the top and attach to drinks using ribbon.

(6) Water Bottle Labels - Remove the existing label then cover with a strip of white paper. Punch or cut the circle and attach to the white label.   Cover the entire thing with a strip of clear packing tape to seal.

(7) Confetti - Punch or cut and spread around your party display.

(8) Cake Pop Tags - Punch or cut then using a single hole punch put a hole at the top and bottom.  Slide over the cake pop stick.

(9) Party Wear - Punch or cut, attach to hats, ribbons, buttons, etc.

(10) Decorations - Punch or cut and frame or attach around the house using double sided tape.

Most important... HAVE FUN and GO GREEN!!!

{Freebie Friday} Detroit Tigers Printables

WOW!  It's been a while since I posted something {disclaimer:  It's been an AMAZING and BUSY summer} and even longer since I posted a FREEBIE!!!!  But, after watching our beloved Detroit Tigers sweep the NY Yankees last night, to advance to the World Series, I was inspired to create something.... YAY!!!  And to share it with you.... Double YAY!!!

So here it is...  some Detroit Tigers printables that can be used for all of your World Series party needs. {Look below for a list of ideas.}

To download all you need to do is visit and "LIKE" my facebook page and download them from the "FREE PRINTABLES" album.

The number of uses for these are only limited by the imagination, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

(1) Cupcake/Food Picks - Punch or cut and glue to sucker stick or tooth pick. Stick into food!
(2) Banner - Punch or cut and attach to ribbon, hang.
(3) Napkin Rings - Punch or cut and attach to a strip of paper that is taped around the napkins.
(4) Drink Tags - Punch or cut then using a single hole punch put a hole at the top and attach to drinks using ribbon... name can be written on the backside.
(5) Favor Tags - Punch or cut then using a single hole punch put a hole at the top and attach to drinks using ribbon.
(6) Water Bottle Labels - Remove the existing label then cover with a strip of white paper. Punch or cut the circle and attach to the white label.   Cover the entire thing with a strip of clear packing tape to seal.
(7) Confetti - Punch or cut and spread around your party display.
(8) Cake Pop Tags - Punch or cut then using a single hole punch put a hole at the top and bottom.  Slide over the cake pop stick.
(9) Party Wear - Punch or cut, attach to hats, ribbons, buttons, etc.
(10) Decorations - Punch or cut and frame or attach around the house using double sided tape.

Most important... HAVE FUN and GO TIGERS!!!

{DIY Monday} Easter Favor Tutorial (2011)

I'm tired this morning... stayed up late watching Mad Men last night, which didn't get over until 11:00pm.  Well, really 1:00am if you consider the fact that I watched it a second time... hey it's been 17 months I had to watch the encore to make sure I didn't miss anything the first time!

Needless to say I'm running a little slow today and that's not a good way to start this busy week of mine.  I'm in Easter party planning mode since we're having an Easter Party & Playdate on Wednesday.  Just a fun little get together for my sons' and some of their friends.  Nothing too big, only about 11 kids.  Haha... I'm laughing because I said that to one of the moms and she says, "Oh, ONLY 11 kids... nothing too big!" I could tell by her tone that she was being sarcastic, but when you're a party planner 11 is really no big deal!

I've been tossing around the idea of making the cute little cans from last year for each of the kids to put their favorite eggs in to take home, but I guess we'll see how much time I have with everything else I've got to get ready.  I've also thought about having them make the egg ornament as a little take home keepsake, but again... we'll see.

In case you forgot about them from last year, or maybe didn't even know about them check out the DIY Tutorials I did last year.

Easter can tutorial can be found here...

Egg ornament tutorial can be found here...

Happy Easter planning!!

Party in style.... Mad Men style that is!

So if you're like me (and millions of other women across the country) you're anxiously awaiting the premiere of Mad Men this Sunday night on AMC.  {Insert squeal of delight}  I got hooked on the show about 4 years ago, but I've since purchased the seasons on DVD and watched them ALL!  Everything about the show intrigues me... the style, the drama, which by the way is different than the drama you would deal with in the office today.  Don't get me wrong there are similarities, but the drama portrayed in the 60's just seems classier.  Oh, and let's not forget the characters... Don Draper! {swoon}

In honor of the upcoming premiere I've decided to compile a list of sites that provide some great Mad Men style party ideas, including food, drinks, decorations, attire and more.  If you're already having a premiere party you might find some fun additions.  If you're not, you're going to want to after reading some of these ideas!

These sites are listed in no particular order... all of them offer great ideas... Enjoy!

1.  The Daily Meal - Here you will find ideas for food, booze & flair compliments of celebrity party planner Mary Giuliani.  ***I want that title someday... Jodie Valenti, Celebrity Party Planner... {smiles}

2. Guest of a Guest - If you're looking for Mad Men style cocktails then look no further... here you will find a complete slideshow of drinks just for the occasion.

3. Celebrations - Here you will find ideas for music, games, decorations and food.

4. AMCTV - AMC has put together a party guide for hosting a Mad Men premier and since they are the experts on Mad Men, this may be a good one to check out.

5. Oprah - Oprah has even jumped on the band wagon with some great ideas... I wonder if Martha has too?!

Have fun planning your very own cocktail party, I know I will, planning mine... Let the countdown begin!!

Enjoy!

{DIY Monday} Nacho Ordinary Cupcakes!

Last year around this time I was tasked with making cheeseburger cupcakes for my step-son's class to celebrate his 11th birthday.  

 

This year while searching on Pinterest (yes, I'm an addict)... I came across some super cute cupcake ideas.  Of course one in particular stood out from the rest and when I showed them to him, he could barely contain his excitement.  What type of cupcakes got a 12 year old that excited, you ask?  Well, non other than Nacho Cupcakes!

They are really cool looking and they seemed easy enough so I decided to tackle them this year.  Here's how my version turned out...  Not too shabby, if I do say so myself!

The kids all loved them (they tasted really yummy) and he's already talking about next year.  I think I see a little tradition starting to form!

If you're interested in making your own nacho or cheeseburger cupcakes check out the tutorials below.

Nacho Cupcakes tutorial from Sweet Simple Stuff found via Pinterest.

Cheeseburger Cupcakes tutorial from Party NV posted last year.

So what are you're thoughts for next year's cupcakes???

{Theme Party Tuesday} Minnie Mouse

M-I-N-N-I-E ....... M-O-U-S-E!

Last summer I was contacted by a local customer for help.  She was doing a Minnie Mouse themed party for her daughter's 2nd birthday and couldn't find anything at the local party supply stores.  She knew of my cakes so that's why she originally contacted me, but after talking with her, we realized I could help her in other ways too.

Her budget was tight since most was, understandably, spent on a bounce house (those 2 year olds sure do like to jump... don't they)!  So we talked and decided I would do a small cake, a banner and some party hats.  I sure do wish I would have snapped some shots of those little ones in the hats because they were so cute.

She made cake pops and other sweets and together we coordinated everything so it would all look unified on party day!  I didn't hep with the sweets display, so I don't have any pictures of everything all together, but I did manage to snap some shots of what I provided and I think it all turned out so cute... makes me wish I had a little girl.

Please check out my facebook page and etsy shop for more information on my cakes and party designs.