Bethany's 30th birthday, featuring Catbird

As part of this year's July family birthday celebrations (I have three family members with birthdays in early July), I was able to take a brief trip to Chicago to attend a birthday party for my brother's wife Bethany and spend a little time with my parents. I love Rob and Bethany's friends and was so glad to be part of this event.

 

Part of the birthday celebration included the first ever performance by Catbird. Hopefully there will be future performances!

 

Have you been celebrating any birthdays this month?

photo share: shower reveal

You all know about my bad track record of doing elaborate planning when I host events and then not taking any pictures of the actual events. I made every last effort to take pictures of the actual shower for my future sister-in-law last month (you may remember that I posted some prep photos in case this didn't work out so well), and it paid off. I'm proud to be sharing a few of those photos with you today. Enjoy.

Do you struggle to remember to take pictures during events, too?

Friday Feature: Halloween Party

I'm not actually having a Halloween party this year, but I thought it would still be fun find some Halloween party items on Etsy for those who are having parties. Enjoy.

Printable Halloween Party Invitation - Itsy Bitsy Not So Scary Spider Party Design - Halloween Invitation - Trick or Treat - 4x6" OR 5x7" by doodleprints

Black, White, and Orange Striped Straws, Halloween Straws from OutsidetheBoxPapers

EAT DRINK and be SCARY Sign / Halloween Party Sign / Halloween Decor by TheGingerbreadShoppe

Halloween Party Banner, Scary Glitter Decoration, Haunted House Bunting Flags, Eco Party Garland, Photo Prop by stitchinnetka

Halloween Mug by DawnDavareDesigns

18 Photo Booth Props Halloween Mustache on a stick - DIY - do it yourself party pack by PartyHQ

Personalized Halloween Party Favor Tag - Cute Girly Ghost or Boy Ghost - DIY Printable PDF File Download by partypapercreations

Are you having a Halloween party or attending a party this year?

Friday Feature: Throw a Turquoise and Red Themed Party

Do any of my readers get the Paper Source catalog? Paper Source carries a ton of fun party supplies, including a lot of options in turquoise and red. I get a ton of inspiration from every catalog. I thought it would be fun to hunt for some turquoise and red themed party supplies on Etsy, too. Enjoy.

Retro Movie Ticket Family Movie Night Printable Invitation by LIMNillustrate

AQUA RED PARTY Paper Straws, 30 Assorted Paper Drinking Straws with DIY Flag, Birthday, Pool, Beach, Polka Dots, and Stripes Mix by ThePartyFairy

 Eco-Friendly Reusable Fabric Bunting, Banner, Pennant, Flag, Garland, Photo Prop, Decoration in Riley Blake Sugar Spice Red White Turquoise by LittleBirdsBoutique

 Turquoise and Red Cupcake Liners - Chevron, Stripe and Sold Baking Cups - Carnival Combo (60) by CakesAndKidsToo

Dipping Bowl, Porcelain, Contemporary, Handmade, Jewelry, Food Prep, Red, Turquoise, Yellow by paulawestpottery

Wedding Photobooth Props - Photo Props - Wedding Photo props - Set of 15 - Red and Turquoise chevron Hipster Set by IttyBittyWedding

 Turquoise and Red Paper Flower - Wedding Color Trends  2013 - Eco Friendly Recycled Plantable Paper Seed Bomb Wedding or Party Favors by BigRockPaperCo

Have you been working with turquoise and red lately?

fun with food photography

I don't do a lot of food photography, particularly in the winter. However, I got inspired to take a bunch of pictures during the prep for a recent social event that my husband and I hosted. Enjoy.

Hello, soft peaks! So excited that I did this successfully for the first time.

Pound cake in the works.

 Pound cake heading into the oven.

Cream puffs in the works.

Chopping pistachios. This is definitely one of my favorite recent photographs. There is something about the angle and lighting that I really love.

My ever present kitchen helpers. This is their favorite thing to do in the pantry.

 

Roasted red pepper and bacon goat cheese "truffles." Recipe right here.

Finished cream puffs. Not the prettiest ever, but I'm pretty pleased with this first attempt at them. They tasted amazing, so why apologize at all, right?

How can you not love fondue forks?

Pound cake cubed and ready for chocolate fondue dipping.

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