A Halloween full of lots of treats and no tricks!

My family started inviting themselves over to my house for Halloween back in September (even the adults), so I had to come up with some fun and new games and foods for them this year.  I didn't have to turn far with my new obsession, Pinterest!  With so many ideas and clever people, I made those ideas work for my party and we all had a blast!

Anders Ruff designed such fun printables for the Halloween season.  I cut the circle out and glued it to regular Orange gift bags.  Since it was for my family, I put in these adorable Halloween jammie pants that are large enough they'll be able to wear next year. 

Instead of bobbing for apples, the kids were Wriggling for Worms! 

Witch Pitch-click to read more about Chica and Jo's blog.

Pin the Eyeball on the Monster- click to read more about Lil' Luna's blog.

Hold that steady for the classic "Eyeball and Spoon Race!"

We all were ready for some Yummy treats:  Skeleton Pretzels by Wants and Wishes, Funfetti Cake Pops, Halloween Parfaits by Frog Prince Paperie, Candy Corn Spoons, Bloodshot Marshmallow Eyeballs by Sweet and Simple Stuff.  The Jack O' Lantern table runner was made by Nancy at A to Zebra Celebrations and all the printables were designed by Anders Ruff.

Candy Skewer idea from Red Couch Recipes

Mummy Oreo Pops-idea from How Does She

What's a Halloween tree without sequined bats and beaded spiders...no spooks here!  A to Zebra Celebrations designed the adorable Happy Halloween banner.  I loved the glitter on it!!!

Martha Stewart is known for her amazing and yummy treats and these Boonilla shakes were no exception!

The sign ain't lying...these caramel apple cups were delish!

Happy Halloween to my favorite Trick or Treat gang!

Aloha Roger!

In college, you meet so many people and there are those that have an impact on your lives forever.  This is true with my husband's fraternity brother, Roger.  He is one of the nicest and funniest guys you will meet.  He has been working as head chef in various hotels and restaurants in Palm Springs for many years, but in the middle of September learned that he was going to be relocating to a new chef job in Kauai! When I heard this I knew we had to get the gang together to throw a going away party.  I had only 3 days to put the shindig together, but it was so much fun seeing everyone and saying "Aloha" to a good friend!

Lindi at Love the Day, saved the day with beautiful printables that were a perfect touch for the gathering.  I kept the desserts simple with homemade cupcakes, candy, and cookies. 

The plates and napkins came from Party City.  I really liked the colors on them. 

Roger and my husband Neil. 

We love ya Rog and now we definitely have an excuse for a trip out to Kauai!  Good luck our friend!  Aloha!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!

Everyone thinks their Dad is #1, but I know my dad is, and that is why I needed to work alongside my mom to help plan a spectacular 60th Surprise Birthday for him.  We knew we wanted a slick venue and found Crevier Classic Car Museum in Costa Mesa to be the perfect place.  With a vintage men's club feel and antique and classic cars to die for, it was the ultimate for a car lover's dream!

When the 100 close friends and family arrived, they were asked to sign a "birthday wish" on the poker chips I created.  It was a great way to look back and read the funny quip or sentimental thought each person had for my dad. 

My mom wanted an interactive night full of food, gambling and a dessert bar.  24 Carrots catered a Mashed Potato Martini Bar and delicious passed Hors d' oeurves, High Roller Casino Rentals provided Craps, Black Jack and Let it Ride for an exciting evening and Visions Entertainment topped the night with great music from the 50's to today!

My mom provided pictures from babyhood to present of my dad.  I enlarged them to 20"x30" poster size and mounted them on foam board.  They made for great decorations and some fun laughs too!

My dad's Karate family including his students, peers, and instructors.

A gratuitous family picture!  Rare not to have the 6 grandkids with us, but made for a fun night!

This is what 40 years of marriage looks like!

 A quick shot of my mom and I enjoying the success of the evening.

A classic next to a classic!

It was amazing seeing my dad come into a room full of new friends, his high school buddy, people he's known over 30 years, and family who adore him.  The best part about it was he was SURPRISED!  I congratulate my dad on his 60 years, a man who has been through it all and lived to see this day. 

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Photography:  Brad Peters Photography

Favors:  Beau Coup

Cake:  Cucamonga Cakery

Glassware and Printables:  Every Little Detail Event Planning and Design

Candy:  Groovy Candies and Candy Warehouse

Linens:  Baker Party Rentals

Caterer and Chairs:  24 Carrots

Casino Rentals:  High Roller Casino

DJ:  Visions Entertainment

Venue:  Crevier Classic Cars

Mario's High School Graduation!

I received an email back in September 2010 from a friend at church to help her plan her son's high school graduation party.  I loved that we had almost a whole year together to plan and revise, add and change the vision of what she (and her son) would like to see for his celebration.  The event was held at CrossPoint Church's Fellowship Hall with about 130 close family and friends.  The highlight of the afternoon was seeing the smiles on the Perez's faces and the tears in Liz's eyes as they walked into the Hall.

Mario graduated back in June from Ontario Christian High School.  His mom wanted a formal looking, yet relaxed feel to the celebration.  OCHS colors are green and gold.  I took the liberty in adding in black for a more masculine touch.  I made the banner for the welcome table which had a graduation card box, photo books, Mario's graduation certificate, and most importantly his college acceptance letter to Cal Baptist University!

Now when I spoke to Mario about what he wanted for his graduation party there were only 2 things: a ping pong table and a dessert table with lots of candy!  All the teenagers (and adults) thought this was a lot of fun!

I made all the food labels myself, including the cupcake circles and buffet signs.

Appetizers were fruit and vegetable trays.  I made graduation cap candies out of peanut butter cups and chocolate squares. 

Lunch was catered by Wood Ranch Restaurant.  It was delicious and so reasonably priced.  They did an excellent job delivering and setting up the food for the banquet. 

 I wanted a centerpiece that would represent Mario's graduation and and his love for the Lord.  Ceramic Services made the metal crosses for and the 2011 pins on the white shawls I made were from Oriental Trading.

I thank the Perez family for inviting me to be a part of such a monumental stepping stone in Mario's life.  It was such a pleasure working alongside all of them and most importantly, becoming life long friends with them all.