I recently read "Lessons Learned in Staying Put" over on A Handmade Home.   I could not have read a more perfect piece of encouragement than that one (thank you Ashley!).  A few years ago Joe and I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course and decided to use the majority of our savings to pay off my school loans instead of using it as a sweet down payment on an even sweeter newer, bigger, prettier home.

No, not that kind of eye candy.  I mean, my husband reads this thing.  More like cute baubles and trinkets that you can pass on to your man as a hint.  Or if you're like me, you can just buy for yourself and call it a day. Or buy for your bff.  She was probably your Valentine before your man was.  Am I right or am I right?

Planning activities is usually the toughest part of the party for me.  Sometimes I just print out theme related coloring pages, buy some fresh crayons, and call it a day.  But for some reason the ideas were flowing for this party. I had three main "activities" planned for the party: a photo booth, a reading corner, and a "read up on the birthday girl" table. Side note: My husband also set up the girls' picnic table and put bubbles out.  SUCH a keeper.

You know I love thrifting and painting.  If I had the time I'd much rather find an old piece of furniture and paint it than buy new.  I suppose if I had more dough I might just buy something new that looked old but I bet I'd still miss the makeover process. Just keepin it real.  Anyway, when I happened upon this little bar for $25 at Goodwill I fell in love!  I purchased it and a short year later (I said if I had time didn't I?), I completed it.

Remember the party I helped my sister-in-law plan back in June?  Well I owe you the rest of the details! My sister-in-law loves to cook and try new appetizers so rather than my usual dessert buffet, she did a full table of football themed snacks and appetizers.  These ideas are perfect for game day snacks or the Super Bowl.