To show you love...: June 2013

In honor of recent graduations, I thought I would post some creative ideas to show love to your graduates.

1. Banners

Last year, I made banners for my cousin, Heather, and sister-in-law, Jenalyn's high school graduations. Banners are so great because you can wave them up at the ceremony, take pictures with them, and reuse them for a party. I, of course, used my cricut, but you can find printable ones online too.

2. Oh, The Places You'll Go

We bought Jenalyn the Dr. Seuss book and I made a canvas in the colors of her college dorm colors.

For the canvas, I mod podged paper and the letters on top.

3. Moving Pillow

Heather moved to Connecticut for college. I wanted to make something that said "I'll miss you."

I bought the pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond. I cut out a map using my Cricut and traced it with a fabric marker. The hearts were made with red, sparkly fabric puffy paint.

4. Candy Gram

Nate's twin cousins, Wesley and Ryan, graduated high school this year. What 18 year old boy doesn't love candy? But being true to my reputation I had to give it creatively.

Wesley, You did it! We promise not to Snicker or Laffy Taffy. You endured Mounds of homework and never let your dreams slip through your Butterfinger. Hold on to you Good & Plenty memories from high school and how much your friends mint to you, then go have yourself an Extra great summer! Remember its not all about the 100 Grand but shoot for the Milky Way. Hugs and Kisses

Ryan, You're all grown up and no longer a Sugar Babi(es). You'll look back at high school as a great Dot(s) in your life. We wish we could get you a shopping Spree or trip to the Andes but our bank account would need an Extra 100 Grand. So we hope you don't Snicker or think we're Goobers for making this! Post High School Advice 1. Don't Rolo-ver on your dreams 2. Avoid thinking you're Red Hot. Stay humble!

Hope these ideas help you show love to the graduates in your life!

Another person I love to love is my lil' sister. I got to throw her 25th birthday party (with lots of help from my mama and others).

Isn't she gorgeous!??

It was a formal evening in my parents' backyard full of twinkle lights and candles, hors d'oeuvres and wine. I could not have asked for better weather!

Why NOT make up a reason to get all dressed up!?

If you know my sister at all, you know she loves to look her best and turn people's heads. She is always so generous too, to help others do the same. This night was going to be perfect for her.

INVITE

Due to limited time, I sent out an email invitation using Pingg.

I loved how perfectly this option fit with our theme.

LIGHTS! LIGHTS! LIGHTS!

We put up as many white candles and white lights as we could.

A beautiful walkway up to the gate.

My mom tied all the gold ribbons and added plastic crystals and tea lights.

Great ambiance to start the journey.

I made a 10x12 inch sign to put outside the gate.

I realized recently that I have a slight obsession with twinkle lights. They look so elegant.

I love the reflection on the pool.

You can see the three cocktail tables on the lower patio and our food and drink tables on the top.

To the far right we had a fire pit going.

Lots of thanks to my wonderful dad, Nate and Ian for spending so much time setting up all the lights. They made my dreams come true :)

I am in love with canopy lights. But they are harder than they look.

GIFTS

DRINKS

What screams classy like a wide assortment of wine??!

Thank you BevMo for your recommendations.

For reds we had a cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and syrah.

For whites we had BePeachy Bellini and a Pinot Grigio.

We had a few partiers under 21 and some who just don't drink so we had
a pear sparkling juice and a yummy non-alcoholic sangria.

The decaf coffee was a nice touch of warmth.

HORS D'OEUVRES

Another big thank you to my mom, Grandma Bohn, Nikki, and Katie
for helping out with the incredible food.

Antipasto Kabobs: made by the talented Nikki

Artichoke Wonton Cups: made by my super mom
http://www.mogwaisoup.com/2011/01/atichoke-and-parmesan-filled-wonton.html

Bruschetta made by the lovely Nikki Anderson

Mac & Cheese Bites: made by myself, Nate, and Ian
http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/08/18/mini-mac-and-cheese-pies-and-a-virtual-baby-shower/

all eaten up!

DESSERTS

Mini Banana Cream Pies: made once again by the one and only Kim Bohn

http://jumboempanadas.blogspot.com/2011/01/mini-banana-cream-pies.html

Cake Balls and Chocolate Cupcakes with gold sprinkles just perfect for our evening were made by Grandma Barbara Bohn with assistant Taylor.

There were so many people there to love on Lindsey and celebrate her.

It seemed like they all enjoyed themselves which makes my heart so happy!

PHOTO BOOTH

I also have a little bit of an obsession with photo booths. I think they are such a great fun way of getting photos of everyone who is there.

We had lots of awesome props to jazz up the photos. I had people write a note about their favorite thing about Lindsey, to combine with the pictures in a scrapbook after the party. It was fun to see themes about Lindsey's love for the Lord and her joy in peoples thoughts.