Today

Outside my window: it’s really a beautiful day. The weather has finally cooled down just enough but not too much and we were able to actually get outside and enjoy the weather today and not regret it! We met up with some friends this morning and took a walk at a nearby park and had lunch near a tiny little “beach” and it was all just really… perfect. Nice weather, good company, stress free morning. The kids all had a blast and we even snuck in a two mile walk!

I took pictures that I’ll post as soon as I get a chance to go through them.

This weekend: was BB’s birthday party! I had this vision in my mind of an Olivia color-themed / tea party birthday party, meaning lots of simple red & white decorations, easy snacky food and iced tea since it’s too hot for hot tea. It actually all came together beautifully. Love when that happens!

I had a friend take some pictures early on and I’m so glad I did because for once I have pictures of ME at the party, which almost never happens!

This party was also pretty frugal. I made PB&J sandwiches for the kids – cut into small triangles. The kids were all mostly BB’s age so three sandwiches fed all five kids with leftovers. We ordered some italian subs from a nearby deli and again had leftovers. I served kettle corn, Newman’s arrowroot cookies and fresh strawberries as snacks and angel food cupcakes decorated with a smidge of cream cheese frosting and red sprinkles for effect. It all looked so pretty, tasted delicious and was easy peasy to pull together. For decorations, you can see we blew up a few red balloons, hung a bit of streamer and I got some fake white flowers from the dollar store and put them in two red glasses. I didn’t bother with goody bags and I don’t think anyone minded.

I also found this adorable red dress on clearance at Burlington Coat Factory and couldn’t resist. She looked ADORABLE and it really worked with the whole Olivia theme. BB had three friends over and she got the perfect little assortment of gifts. We got her a Green Toys tea party set and some little felt cakes from HABA that I’ll be reviewing soon. Friends brought a great Mo Willems book, a porcelain paint your own tea set for when she’s older, an incredible Olivia Doll and two beautiful little purses and some breakaway jewelry. Just the right assortment off terrific little girl things!

BB has decided she is VERY into purses and last night we tried out putting a diaper and some wipes in one of her new purses and she LOVED it and carried the bag around everywhere. I might be able to switch to a smaller purse sooner than I thought now! Gotta love child labor!

Right now I’m reading: The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall and I’m about halfway through but only have 3 more days until our book club meets to discuss it. I really doubt I’ll finish it in time so now the question is, do I keep reading it after book club or move onto something else, hopefully something better? This book hasn’t been all bad and at times it’s even interesting but the narrators in the book are verging on unlikeable and also kinda weirdly pervy and I’m just wishing that it were narrated entirely be the wives or at least mostly instead of occasionally. Then I might like it better.

Links Worth Clicking

• Love this idea featured at Ohdeedoh for reusing & storing plastic grocery bags for on the go. I rolled out all my bags and put them in a container but haven’t decorated it yet. I’ll let you know how I like it after I’ve used it a bit.
• Doesn’t a pajama picnic breakfast sound fantastic? Frugal Family Fun Blog always has the best ideas!
• Lastly, 10 Ways to Make Today Magical from A Magical Childhood. I’m especially loving #2, 3 & 7!

One last thing to share before I go: Next week we’re going to be doing a fun event at my review blog, Going Green 2011! For two weeks we’ll be featuring reviews, interviews and more on all things Green!