Double Threes

Husband turned 33 last week. Our trip to Utah was his birthday present, but I still wanted his actual birthday to be special, so on the morning of his birthday, I gave him this:

{door images courtesy of Melissa at the Inspired Room}

Behind each door was a description of a birthday celebration: a special dinner, a treat, and an activity. Husband chose Door #3, which meant that we went out for hamburgers at The Counter. (Not really a budget-friendly place for burgers, but so good!) We also got a milkshake for dessert and then Husband got to pick out the rental movie.

We took the babies (they were so good) and the evening was a lot of fun. We didn't spend a whole lot, but by taking a few minutes to put this together for him, Husband's day was made a little more special. He loved it!

Ghoulish Gathering: Recap

For decorations, I needed to keep things on the low cost side. Read: basically use things from around the house (or that I could borrow!). I got some inspiration from Design Mom , Hostess with the Mostess , the Addams Family, and (my favorite) the Munsters for a "gothic glam" look.

I found the velvet scarf (on a trip to Utah!) and think it fits in perfectly. The King Tut bust is one I borrowed from my Nana. She also had the carved wooden box that I put a "hand" in. I borrowed some candle sticks from my sister and sprinkled some old jewelry on the candles. I used real glasses because I thought it added to the look.

The adults decided to dress up, too. I dressed as VP candidate Sarah Palin and Husband dressed as Sarah's husband, Todd Palin.

No matter who you are voting for tomorrow, I hope you had a great Halloween!

Ghoulish Gathering

We are having family over for Halloween tonight. With the kids being so little, we're not doing trick or treating yet. Of course, they will dress up in their costumes, though! (The adults are coming in costume, too!)

I found this recipe for Mummy Dogs and thought they'd be perfect for our party (especially since I've got lots of hot dogs in my freezer!). We'll add some baked beans on the side. To drink, I'm going to pick up some purple and/or green sodas (Safeway brand 2 liters of grape soda are $0.81 each!). For dessert, we're having pizookie: chocolate chip cookies baked in a round, pizza shape. You slightly underbake the cookies, top with vanilla ice cream, and serve immediately. Oh my goodness...so good.

For decorations, I needed to keep things on the low cost side. Read: basically use things from around the house (or that I could borrow!). I'll post some pictures of what I was able to rustle up on Monday.

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

75th Birthday on a Slim Budget

My grandmother's friend is turning 75 and her daughter wanted to throw a surprise party for her, but doesn't have a huge budget to do it. Grandmother asked me if I had any ideas. Since I love throwing parties, I gave her a few ideas of what I thought would work best for this situation.

1. A picnic is a great idea for larger groups. Go to a nice park that has tables and benches, easy access, etc. (Remember this is a "mature" group.) To make it festive, make the lunches yourself (or buy the pieces) and assemble it into a cute little individual takeout boxes.

(via Oh Happy Day)

2. Hold a potluck at someone's home. Ask guests to bring a dish that reminds them of the birthday girl (one of her favorites, something that she always makes, a dish from a treasured trip, etc.). It will be cozy and an atmosphere that inspires reminiscing.

3. My favorite idea is the one I saw on frolic: the Pie Party! I think this would be so cute for the season and this group. Invite each guest to bring a pie (it can be a tart or a quiche, too). Set out the pies on a long buffet table. The hostess provides ice cream and whipped cream for all these delicious desserts. Invitations should be made to look like recipe cards. Decorations are inspired by the season: apples, pumpkins, squash, fall leaves and branches, etc. Cheery red checked table cloths would be adorable. Take a look at the design board provided by snippet & ink.



When working in a small budget, it's important to focus more on bringing everyone together than making a big show, if you know what I mean. These ideas can help do that.