Six Reasons I Want a Mixed CD for Valentine's Day {Maybe You Do Too.}

1. It's Hot. 
2. It's Personal.  You wouldn't catch me with any death metal on my own personal soundtrack, but maybe you would have it on yours?  Maybe you'd like all music from when you started dating your husband in the 90s?  Maybe you want to include a song from every concert the two of you ever attended together? 
3. It's Inexpensive.  If you don't already own the cds or mp3s of songs that you want to include, most can be purchased inexpensively on Amazon.  {Added Bonus: There are even playlists for you to peruse for ideas.}
4. It's Thoughtful.  Mixed CDs take a little time to get the right mix of great songs, it takes some thought and a little planning.  Thoughtful trumps store bought.
5. It's Mood Setting.  Add a scented candle if you're feeling so inclined.
6. It's the Gift That Keeps Giving.  You can listen to that cd in August just as easily as you can in February and it's still hot. 

Need some song suggestions to get you started?  My personal faves...

Secret - Maroon 5
Remember to Breathe - Dashboard Confessional
My Love - Justin Timberlake {Ok, I'm almost embarassed to put JT on here, but it's a great song.}
Fade Into You - Mazzy Star
Untitled {How Does It Feel} - D'Angelo
Nice & Slow - Usher
Crush - Dave Matthews Band
Anywhere - 112
Naughty Girl - Beyonce
Crash Into You - Dave Matthews Band


So tell me, what is YOUR must have song? 


Check out this article at NPR for more inspiration!  The Make Out Mix:  Love Songs From NPR Music

Snowed In.

Finally.

I've been waiting for snow all winter.  We were 9 inches down for the snow count this season and I've missed it. 

I know, I'm weird.  I'm ok with that.

I started my day with a message.  The arrival of a new baby.  It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.  Her name is Lindsey and her Mama is amazing.

I've decided I want to start all my days with the arrival of new babies and the promise of snow.

Schools were cancelled before a flake of snow hit the ground.  My sister arrived with donuts and six movies.

We have been snuggled in with a pot of stew, buttery biscuits, and hot chocolate... the real kind, made with cream and vanilla bean and melted dark chocolate. 

Tomorrow, we play.  Finn is so excited.  And I am too.

Super Mario Theme Birthday Ideas for JHB

My friend Stephanie is planning a Super Mario party for her son's birthday and asked for some ideas to get started.  So Steph, I hope you get lots of inspiration here.  Please take lots of photos so we can do a feature of JHB's party!

I try to skip buying licensed products as much as possible, I think it makes a bigger impact when used in small doses.  So for the tableware & utensils, skip the boring Mario plates and just go with any of the bright colors.  I might make a little exception for these cute napkins from Amazon.  The same with brightly colored balloons, they make a big impact and they're about 1/4 the cost of the licensed products.  You could also cut out & hang Mario stars or the 1-up mushrooms from the ceiling, or just stick them random places.

Colors:  Red, Green, Blue, & Yellow

Free Printable Items:
Question Mark block template, print on heavy white cardstock, cut and assemble.  These would be cute for tables or for favors to take home.

Tons of free Mario coloring pages are here.  They would be great for keeping the kids busy or for sending home with the goodie bags.


From Oriental Trading:
Mustaches so you can have a bunch of Marios & Luigis running around.  I'm guessing that these are so fun, even the adults would get into this one {you may want to get extras} $4.99/dozen

Gold Coins use these for winning games just like Mario collects them throughout the game, the kids can take them home in their goodie bags too.  $3.99/144pcs  or if you prefer, you can get Chocolate Coins $9.99/60 pieces.

Bright Baseball Caps can be made into Luigi & Mario caps. $19.99/doz.  Ok, I know that they're only supposed to be red & green, but I don't think the kids will mind & all of these colors would match the party.  Get some white felt and cut circles out, glue those on and some felt to match the color of the hat to cut the letters out.  If you want to be super awesome, you can use each child's initial to make their own special cap!


Inspiration Parties & Ideas:
Danielle's party via At Home with Kim Vallee

I love EVERYTHING about this awesome Mario Party via The Tanooki.  The piranah plant centerpieces are do-able and absolutely incredible.  They make such a statement & look pretty easy to figure out. 

These invites from Chica & Jo would be easy to re-create, especially with the great tutorial she gives.


Food Ideas:
These cookies from Geeky Cookies would be super easy to re-create!  Check out this post for a great cookie & frosting recipe.  The dots on the 1-up mushroom would be so simple using flood royal icing.

Keep it simple and go with multi-colored cupcakes & make cute cupcake toppers!  If you would rather buy the toppers, these from Etsy seller ddiapercakes would be a great addition at $22.99 for 40.

Updated to add:  this link of FABULOUS Mario cakes ideas from Cake Wrecks.

How about Princess Peach smoothies or Yoshi juice?  You could also go with brightly colored juice boxes or small gatorades in yellow, red, green, & blue.

Fill bowls or a vase with brightly colored m&ms.

And PIZZAS, of course, as an hommage to Mario & Luigi's heritage.  If you're feeling adventurous, you can even have the boys create their own.

If you're REALLY feeling adventurous and you have the time, check out the 1Up Mushroom Burgers from Instructables.

Games & Activities:

How about a wii Mario Kart tournament?

Yoshi's Egg Hunt - fill easter eggs {they should be redily available right now!} with gold coins, some could have pics of Bowser Jr or Kammy Koopa.  The person with the most gold coins at the end could win a special prize.

CreatWe an obstacle course for the boys to run through.  Through a tube, over the koopas, jump up to hit the 1-up mushroom, etc...

Want to see how it turned out?  Best Super Mario party ever.

Oh Harry, How I Wish We Were Together.

Hello.  Hi.  Welcome.  Let me grab a drink for you.  It isn't too early for wine is it?  It's after noon, so I think we're good.  Sit down and stay awhile.  My name is Michelle, I'm an Aries, I like long walks on the beach and flowers.  Wait.  This is the wrong place for that.  There are lots of fun things to read over there in my sidebar if you want to learn a little about me.  ---->

If you're lazy like me, here are my 5 favorite posts.

1. My mother meets Snoop.
2. I am an idiot.
3. My husband's surprise 30th.
4. Being thankful.
5. My sister gets arrested.  I wish I were kidding.

So, I'm not at Blissdom this weekend.  Bummer.  For those of you non-bloggers, Blissdom is a blogging conference being held in Nashville this weekend.  Think 500 bloggers {& an intimate concert with Harry Connick, Jr} just hanging out, enjoying bloggy goodness, and learning a lot.  There is always next year.

{Image via Harry}

So... the next best thing?  Joining Blessed Moon for the I'm Not At Blissdom Blog Hop!  Say hello.  Link up & visit those of us who will have to drool over Harry from afar.