Graduation--at last!

My younger sister is moving to college this weekend, and I just realized I have not put up the photos from her party-planning this past May! So here ya go...

My family "hired" me on to do my sister's graduation party. And if anyone knows my younger sister, they know she is kind, beautiful and modest to a fault. So, we needed an elegant party to describe her and one that would emphasize all of her achievements.

My Sister and I on Graduation Day

First, we picked out the colors. She has always had a turquoise room, and the color looks beautiful on her. She isn't girly, so we wanted to keep the theme young and fresh, but not overdone or too glam. We used vintage blue mason jars as flower holders, white pillar candles and lace, and lots of wooden picture frames and daisies.



Turquoise M&Ms were placed at each table along with our flowers, candles and a framed photo of my sister!

The Ballerina Wall behind all of our treats

Since the party would be in the early evening, lighting was essential! Not only did we set pillar candles and tea lights at each table, but we also hung white and blue lanterns, hung blue drapes with twinkle lights behind for a soft glow, and fixed a disco ball to the ceiling!!(My sister used to have her birthday parties in the garage, and the disco ball was always hung. So it brought many of her classmates back to grade school memories.)

Lighting...check!

Luckily, the weather was gorgeous and sunny! So we set up a few picnic tables in the back yard for extra seating

Turquoise Treats!

Next, we decided on the food! My sister is also a picky eater, so we let her choose the cuisine. Ice cream desserts were on the menu! We had a soft-serve ice cream machine with all of the toppings, and then reverted back to the vintage feel with rootbeer floats. Of course, we had to paint the bar to match!



Brownies on cake plates. Every detail counts!

Rootbeer Floats with paper straws. Definitely keeping with the vintage soda-shop vibe.

Crushed Oreos, Sprinkles, Coconut, Caramel, Chocolate, Strawberries.....

We wanted our guests to leave with something special, so we created a to-go treat. Marshmallow pops are a simple, cute and tastey surprise for any occassion. We rolled giant marshmallows in almond bark with turquoise food coloring. Next, we dipped each one in white sprinkles or blue-dyed shredded coconut. Then we inserted tongue depressors that said, "Thank you" up one side in silver marker and wrapped them all in irridescent celophane! Gorgeous!

Served on a silver platter, of course!

We also made up popcorn balls--guess what?! They were a vegan treat! This was actually a happy accident...

My suggestions for anyone planning to throw a grad. get together? Plan ahead, think of your guest of honor and what they would like, and make sure to highlight all of their accomplishments. With my sister, dance and marching band took the limelight. We hung dance costumes on the walls, and even wallpapered one section of the garage with her old sheet music from school performances. Have the graduate select photos of their friends and activities, and let them help in the set-up and planning of the party.

Remember: This is a way to remember and cherish who they have become and a chance for everyone to wish them the best of luck in the future.

 Happy Planning!



Back again in the same week! (I told y'all I'd get better at this...)

Ok, so I just HAVE to put up my most recent favorite project. Every year, I get at least 5 graduation invitations in the mail. I know there are tons of people out there who must feel as plagued by gift ideas as I have been. Not only do you want to get them something college-bound related or thoughtful, but you also don't want to break the bank! Of course, there is always the money-holder card that most graduates will appreciate, but unless I can stuff each one with an impressive amount of cash... they are less than special and almost always forgotten after the generic thank you card is sent in return.

This year my mother gave out sets of towels and washcloths. They were very cute all rolled up and tied with sparkly ribbons. But each set cost about $20! I can't hand out ten of those gifts and pay rent so...

I made up pairs of "Shower Shoes" to give to each graduate! I wanted the gift to go well with my family's gift of towels, and what college bound student doesn't need the safe-guard shower shoes for those scummy communal showers? Check them out...

On the card it reads...

"Tip toe to college

And take these shower shoes...

'Cause I still want to protect you

And your tootsies too!"

How adorable is that? And it only cost about $2.75/graduate!

First, let me apologize for not updating this blog more often... I always seem to have a really great blogging streak and then POOF! Life happens. Well, faithful readers, you're in luck because I have some great projects that will all be here soon!

If you have read about me in the Behind the Blog section, you must know that I am very passionate about life long learning and helping others. Well opportunity has come knocking at my door (also a reason I have not been faithful about my blogging) and I am now the Elizabeth Kearney Women's Leadership Institute intern through the Mankato YWCA. After becoming involved with the Girls on the Run program, I wanted to stay involved with the non-profit in anyway, shape or form possible. Through the internship I am able to help our Executive Director with program development and other responsibilities regarding the 10 month leadership development program.

This summer I am also acting as a Student Adviser at Minnesota State University, Mankato through the Office of First Year Experience and New Student and Family Programs. I had my first training session today and can't wait to get my hands dirty! I have a strong passion for higher education administration, and orientation programs in specific. I was always the "new kid" in school due to my father's numerous work transfers. I want to help accomodate and welcome new students to campus and give them the resources they need to succeed!

Of couse I am still a Personal Care Assistant for two families in the Mankato area and loving it! I am constantly picking up extra hours to fund my summer fun! I hope to continue my year of travel (well now I guess it is turning into multiple years of travel...) when my friend Lic moves to Tennessee this August. We'll see how broke I am by that point in time...

Other than my part time work and internship hours, I spend my time with my loving boyfriend who has returned home for the summer, lying on the beaches of the 10,000 lakes, and soaking up as much sun as possible! Also, my younger sister is graduating from high school and I have been unofficially hired as the event planner by my mother. (Expect a CRAZY garage transformation, cute graduation gift ideas, and lots of painting and home renovation projects ahead!)

Well, until next time...