owl birthday party

My boys birthday party was so much fun. I decided to do an owl theme this year cause it was so little boyish. My mom made a banner bags and cupcake toppers cause I was low on energy from my c section recovery. She's going to start selling party packages on her etsy sight if you want to check it out. Thanks mom!

Brandon and I got the boys a play structure and a play kitchen- We had a little too much fun at toys r us- it has literally saved my life- I love spring time and letting them run around outside. they love it too. They got construction trucks shopping carts books and blocks from grandparents star wars shirts from aunt Keshia play dough from cousins and Dafoes and these awesome

disney books from Neilsons.

It was fun watching as we sang to them how their eyes lit up. They got that it was for them and that made my heart smile.

Technically there birthday isnt until the 1st- so my sentimental post will be then- but I was too excited about these little owls!

owl centerpiece

owl centerpieces for my boys b day!

Click above to see the mock up centerpiece! Have I mentioned lately that I heart owls?

Chloe's French Baby Shower

Chloe's baby shower was amazing! My friends and fam planned a french themed shower- since that how we picked chloe's name and its so special to Brandon and I.

this audrey hepburnish dress was a fav!

check out these amazing little vintage suitcases! Love you sarah!

Love the use of fresh fruit as a filler- so refreshing for a light baby shower-

and tulips- not that I adore them

I love this picture lots of pink- and these tights make me super happy!

I loved the custom favors they made! I love graphic design beautifulness

no words for this one- it makes me smile

miss hostess and Kat posing

Grandma and chloe' snaking in a cuddle

they took chloe's tutus and put them around the punch bowls- loved it!

French crepe stuff yumm thanks carla and thanks v for making these photos look edible mmmm!

Cupcakes by melanie- she made them out of doilies people- and the whole stand- amazing! Marissa picked out these fab napkins for me while in the states i heart you girlie!

My dear friend sarah made this wall hanging for her room that everyone signed. Brooke made a video interviewing brandon about me and chloe- it was adorable I'll post it if I figure out how.

All I have to say is I have amazing friends and family. Thanks everyone who made my day special. Who helped clean cook set up.I know what it takes to pull something off like this and I felt so much love! Especially miss hostess Keshia your kinda legendairy.

I heart your enthusiasm.

The amazing race v day style!

Well this year I was a little worried how we were going to celebrate v day with having a brand spankin new 3 day old baby girl.

also why I look like a balloon :)

Luckily I have some amazing friends and we all love to throw parties and when we all pitch in it's amazingly easy and fun crud happens! So we came up with clues and tasks for our handsome men to go accomplish while we cooked them an amazing dinner-

1-Go to the the palm tree park and create a love message for us out of snow, rocks or leaves.

2-At Chad's work they were supposed to make a music video to "I'm too sexy..." but the stereo wouldn't play the cd, so they got off with showing us their pouty disappointed faces Brandon's pouty lips made me laugh so hard.

At Danny's work they had to spell out LOVE with their bodies.IT WAS So funny to watch them manuever.

At Jordan's Dad's office they had to use props to make a video (they bopped their heads with dark sunglasses on for about 3 minutes! To I wear my sunglasses at night- you can tell when the guys loose it that it was going to be such a fun night.

Then they finished off making us rose bud flowers out of kisses out at heritage point.

The other task they had to complete at some point in the date was to use a bag of pennies we gave them to get us a gift- sooo they went to superstore and bought us candy-Picture this 4 guys in matching shirts at the self checkout putting pennies in the machine one by one and someone filming them-We just died laughing when we watched the video.

ON the way back the boys called us and faked a ticket we took their wallets so they wouldn't cheat and try and buy something not using the pennies- so we all kind've freaked- we thought they might be pulling our leg but it took a while and we all started feeling like it was super real- plus they only texted didn't call. Finally they called and said nick talked his way out of the ticket and it helped that brandon's shirt said I heart bj- OH SO FUNNY- but then they ended up walking through the door with bouquets and we figured out they tricked us sneaky guys! It was so much fun!!!!

The studly men in their I heart my wife shirts designed by lovely miss Marissa- I love mine- Brandon and I have the same initials so I feel extra chesy- LOVE IT! plus the bj is just hilarious if Brandon wears it.

We made them little gifts while they were out - they have printable magnet paper at staples- We just made up words and cut them out with the message - I'm so attracted to you hope these help you score!- complete with choco score bar- already these magnets have been a blast in my kitchen this week.

The girlies in hot pink!-love how I'm not looking- I must've been staring at desert...

I laughed so hard at dinner that When I got home I had to take 2 tylenol 3 because my inciscion hurt so bad- I had to hold my stomach every time there was something funny we talked about. I love my friends so much!

Chloe' accompanied her parents on the date- she's such a good little sleeper and cuddler. Aunt Keshia and Melanie held her lots- check out the strawberries- for dinner we had steaks with mushrooms asparagus scallops salad and sparkling cider.

I went home thinking how lucky I am to have Brandon in my life- he makes me laugh is super fun to be with and I love his sense of humor and that he's will to do anything. WHat a trooper- the guys vowed to get us back I'm scared for fathers day.

Happy V day johnson!

Mods 1st official wedding

We finally have pictures back yay!

Check out my brides shoes!

Ive been so excited to share this with everyone

So to read about the big wedding day click on the link below.

Indian summer wedding

Rosette Wreath DIY

http://www.modsblog.com/2009/12/felt-wreath-so-easy-to-make.htmlI'm trying to blog more about great finds and creations on the modblog- as business is starting to pick up a little for wedding season next year. So to get me in the habit of posting in the right place I'm giving you the link. I think this wreath is gorgeous! and would be easy for anyone craft or not crafty to do.

Holiday Entertaining!

This saturday I had the opportunity to teach a holiday entertaining and wrapping class it was so much fun to put together heres a couple pictures and some links I promised to put up for everyone.

Wrapping dosn't always have to be with paper- you can use fabric,wire-felt- cellophane,the clothing your actually giving as a gift, garland pine cones, cinnamon sticks,newspaper,magazines-they all can dress up a package beautifully! and who says there has to be one pretty bow in the center of the package tie three strands around a present and tie in knots- this works especially well when you don't have a piece long enough to go all the way around vertically and horizontally. wrap wire in all different directions- use tulle to tie bows instead of ribbon.Going green is also huge right now so try to recycle-old burlap-bags. I also love fabric wrapping- there is an awesome tutorial for wrapping with fabric on this website....

http://postserver.etsy.com/storque/how-to/fabulous-packaging-and-wrapping-with-rikrak-5926/

websites that teach you how to make certain ribbons

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/howtomakperb.html

Want to learn how to tie a tiffany box ribbon click here!

I love filing jars with ornaments- I'm already using something I have and it gives some sparkle to your mantle or table.

I love using monochromatic color schemes when I decorate- added with a metallic- this year was red with gold and white

This is a basket you can fill for when guests come to your house- complete with extra hotel shampoos-toothbrush water bottle- snacks -magazines fresh towels- and anything else you think your guests will need when they come to stay. My other favorite thing to do is fold over my toilet paper into a diamond shape- it's amazing how the little things can make people smile.

Different textures and shapes of ornaments in apothecary jars- you can find other containers like this at vale village-DI-salvation army and even junkyards- it will surprise you what a can of spray paint can do to some old candelabras

I made some peppermint snow cupcakes{vanilla dipped in coconut with a candy cane in the middle}-

what makes these even cuter is to get those round coke bottles- peel off the labels put over the cupcake and they look like snow-globes of the north pole!-

unfortunately I ran out of time- got to use my

target cake stand though

OH I LOVE IT!

Some of my fav favorite entertaining tips

Engage all 5 senses when entertaining- This is one of the First things I learned in my Event Planning classes. For someone to experience something profound you need to engage as many of the senses as possible.

Smell-When guests walk into your house they'll get a first impression-burn a candle- get a scentsy warmer if your concerned about candles- or boil some pine needles/orange peels-or cinnamon sticks

Sight- It's all about color- I love making the colors of my house match my events- that's why I have neutral furnishings and I accent my color in pillows throws and art. The best way to transform a space is by revamping reusing and recycling items for a different color scheme. For instance I have a white pillow that I will cut out something themed from felt for every event I do at my home- it changes with the season- and felt costs maybe a dollar or two- I will also paint and repaint canvases- use a 40 percent off coupon at michels to get canvas then either dollar store paint or mis-tints from a paint store. I find if you have parties done in a color scheme it will make it a lot more cohesive. It will also create a larger impact.- Lighting is also huge- fireplace-replace the bulbs with black lights coloured ones- use up-lights to highlight certain areas- you can get these at ikea.

Taste -I'm by no means a cook I love to bake -and have a few dishes that are good but I find if it's for a prty -food can be a huge factor to whether or not your gusts have fun. So either host aprty with someone else who is an awesome cook- or order things from the deli/farmers market/mnm meat shop- It will make your stress go way down! Also check for guests food allergies- for instance my hubby is allergic to nuts and it's hard for him to trust things at parties. So its nice to ask.

Touch – Add throw blankets textured presents-a little gift you can give to people as they leave. This makes the guest feel welcome in your home. I love to make goodie baskets for guests that come overnight. Complete with some toiletries ,magazines,something to eat bottled water some fresh towels- all put into a basket on their bed. I also love to fold my toilet paper so it looks like the hotel ones- just fold the two corners under so it makes a diamond point. I know kindve funny but its the little things that make a difference. Invest in good linens for your guest room- them getting a good nights sleep can make a huge difference in happiness the whole week.

Sound- music can always set a mood- like I said before i tunes has a great feature on their radio where you pick the genre- they have tons of stations at x-mas and its free as long as you have the internet an i pod and speakers. You can also borrow cds from friends or go to the library.

Other fav's

Borrow what you don't have. My motto is reuse reinvent and recycle!

When you're young and just starting out in life, you're probably short on décor, dishes and table linens. Ask to borrow from a friend or family member. You could even check-out festive CDs and movies from your local library. Visit free attractions instead of paying for the pricey ones. Zoo lights are fun, but bring the whole family and you’ll easily spend a mint. Go to a Nativity Pageant- Look at High-school Christmas Concerts and Plays- visit a neighbourhood that has a holiday light decorating contest -Go downtown and Look at the window displays- go to the lake and ice-skate or sled- read a christmas book- watch a movie- there's so much to do around the holidays that dosn't cost a lot to make a memory.

This post is getting a little long and no pictures-

I'm a fan of the pics...

so I'll do another on My favorite party theme ideas for christmas.

Thank You!

My heart is full of gratitude tonight for many people.The much anticipated debut Bridal show is today and I just wanted to personally thank all the crazy people who helped me either set up-decorate cookies, wrap cookies, sew panels, watched my twinners, drive us, cleaned my house, let us take your cube van, encouraged me,got me a drink,dealt with tired diclectin bree, moved furniture,believed in me, made our sign, shopped for schmag ,made our slideshow ect ect ect... You know who you are and I heart you very much- your helping a dream come true today.

Fall Urns

I wrote a post about fall urns- that I'm dying to try out in my front planters anyone want to go to the farmers market this weekend?!!! oh and if you havn't done so already Id love if you would follow my new event blog- to follow you can just click the follow button on the side of this links page below...
http://www.modsblog.com/2009/09/festive-fall-urns.html

Indian Summer Wedding

{a preview of what's to come... is this girl not the cutest flower girl ever?}

{sorry for the tiny picture}

Soooo I'm sure lots of people are waiting for pictures of this wedding...bad news...
I will be waiting for my fab photographer V to get me her gorgeous pictures..plus I had no time to take any of my own- not even kidding- it was such a crazy day- 4 am till 5 pm- needless to say I was exhausted. I'll go into detail more when I get these pictures back-
My favorite part of the whole wedding was getting to straighten out my brides dress as she walked down the aisle and watch the look on the grooms face- there wasnt a dry eye in the room. She looked gorgeous.
I had a coupleJ lo moments like when she's in the wedding planner. I officially need some head sets. I did however have my emergency kit including floral knife scissors duck tape pens,pins- which came in very handy. Thanks to some fun weather in the morning.
All in all it was a beautiful day and I can't wait to see how the photos turned out.

I can't sleep

{picture of my latest inspiration for a halloween haunted mansion}

courtesy... lovely

Martha Stewart

so what do I do...my favorite thing..
I blog
So I guess I'll just unload my mind so I can maybe get some sleep. I'm doing a wedding on monday which I have been super stoked about for the last month. It's been stressful and fun and I've learned a lot about how to do things with my new company- what works -what dosn't work so well-how to balance my vendors ect... all my legal stuff -tax stuff- so I'm grateful she's being my guinea pig and has been so patient while I figure out how to do this professionally.
I've thought lots about love latley and weddings and maybe it's just cause I'm pregnant but I get super emotional watching people in love and expressing love.
Brandon brought me home the most gorgeous tropical bouquet today for our anniversary. He dosn't know I cried over it. I felt so spoiled like I just don't deserve him. I don't know if he realizes how much I love flowers. And the fact that he knows which ones I love means even more. That I like exotic funky flowers- spiky one of a kind things with texture.
I can't wait to see the ceremony and watch two people in love. I always choke up-and that's why I love weddings- they stir emotion. and are happy.
Next on my mind would be a halloween party I'm planning with a good friend. I adore Halloween- don't know why it's just always been one of my favorite holidays. I love to dress up-become someone totally different- I love that you get to decorate your house- carve pumpkins- I guess just an excuse to throw a party is awesome.
Basically we're turning my house into an old haunted house- draping my furniture in sheets silhouettes in my windows-a graveyard- ect... I can't wait Martha Stewart also has a mailing list that sends you e-mails of all the cool halloween things you can do- I always buy her halloween edition magazine every year- it's full of amazing ideas- you can check it out here www.marthastewart.com
Next Super Saturdays are coming- I'm excited to get to teach 3 classes this year for different wards. One on blogging one on holiday entertaining/wrapping and one on holiday urns. I'm so excited about them My brain won't shut off. I'm in hyper drive and am trying to relax- this always happens when I get excited-before we went to Paris I didn't sleep for a week.
Lastly School Started again and It's stressing me. I hate finding proctors- aka someone official to watch me take all my tests for the semester. When I have to get someone for each test- and send in all the course info and the proctors information and my info just to get approved for every test it gets annoying- especially when you times that by 10. My new testament class is hard and very in depth- but I have to take it-I have to have so many scripture related courses for my religion credit- I've taken lots that arn't scripture based like church history and family history and eternal marriage ect so after d and c and my book of mormon classes I had to decide between old and new testament- I figured the semester being around Christmas - it would give me a great opportunity to learn more about the saviour and his life. And help me remember what's important. It's very in depth and my papers have to be phenomenal to get full credit- it's a little daunting. I've never had a religion class this intense.
ok very last... I'm tired all the time!... I'm so Very ready for the diclectin phase to be over and my energy to return to normal-new baby johnson excites me- I'm ready to cuddle a newborn again- I miss it.

thats all in my random brain for tonight.

BOUQUET GIVEAWAY!

I just copied this off of our mod blog- it's a post by Keshia!

You ca go to modsblog.com to get the blog button and enter the contest- and trust me this bouquet will not be ugly carnations- who doesn't love fresh flowers?!

So, you've been oriented, this is the blog, you've seen the site, (you HAVE seen the site haven't you?), and you've pretty much met Bree. Well, I'm Keshia... the guru of sorts in the graphic department. Nice to meet you... I like long walks on the beach... cuddling up next to a fire with cocoa... haha no. Well yes, but I digress, this post is mainly to help us get our name out there and reward you for doing so, so here's the deal:

That my friends is our blog button and a code so you can put it on your blog, and if you do... you get a present! SO, if you post our button on your blog and write about us in a post (or copy one of ours) and then come BACK to our blog and comment on this post to tell us that you did it and where, you get your name in a draw for a mod-ern bouquet of flowers. (and yes, we can get them to you wherever you are). OK, sound good? good! so go! Go spread the word, let them know what mod is all about!

Modern Baby Shower Jungle Theme

Here are the newest pictures form a baby shower I through for my dear friend sarah and her new baby theo! He has a jungle room so we thought we'd incorporate that theme into our shower- I'm not a big fan of cutsy- so to modernize the shower a little- the animals were black silouettes- with big bright tropical arrangements and bright plates in orange and black. I then put touches of cheetah print to make it more jungleie. I'm such a fan of using things you already have in your house-and am a fan of neutral decor so my walls will go well with anything Im hostessing at my house- I usually have red decor in my house as an accent but I find it clashes when I do events in my house- so I remove anything red and make my one white pillow into whatever theme the event is with felt and duck tape. I have lots of white serving wear which works for any event and I also have black so all I end up need to do is borrow some of my friends art to replace my own for the day add some arrangments ect and its transformed for a simple shower meet and greet. I'm also a huge believer in favors being usable- gum for instance is cheap and everyone loves it-"usually"- you won't be left with alot of favors at the end of your party. I just wrapped them in cheetah paper stuck it together with a sticker and added ribbon. The palm tree for the present and cupcake table is just wrapping paper rolls with palms inside the rolls stuck in a vase with sand- if id had more time I think I would've wrapped the tubes in burlap and attached painted brown tennis balls-even tried to buy some real palm leaves to make the trees fuller- oh well it was a crazy day-Brandon and I made a movie for the new beautiful mommy- and had a little too much fun making it- midnight and x men photos do not mix-I had fun holding the sweet new little bundle and listening to him breathe and watching him dream- is he not adorable!