midsummer celebration done right.

I will have you know, I thoroughly enjoyed prepping for Midsummer right up until Ryon called to inform me we had a new party decoration in front of our house:

I was not what you would call excited. In fact, I was quite mortified. (An emotion I would later describe as an overreaction. Imagine that.) Once I got over the slight aversion to having a port-a-potty in my front yard, I resumed happily cleaning and decorating for Midsummer.

Saturday morning I went to the store shortly after waking up to complete last minute shopping. Well, not really last minute since I wasn't expecting anyone to show up till after five...but I think you get the point. After a short jaunt to Super Plaza and The Dollar Tree, I was back at the house chopping, dicing, slicing, frying, and storing for later. I finished prepping, decoration, cleaning and getting myself ready by about 5:30. Ryon and John hung white Christmas lights in the back creating a perfect little border around the patio.

Inside, I had a beverage table with ice tea, wine, cups and ice. A green tub with water bottles. Coolers and fridge space for beer. A 6-foot table in the living room adorned with a global hot dog menu, about 15 hot dog garnishes, several sauce options, chips and guacamole (provided by Melanie). Priest made two amazing chili-cheese-hot dog pizzas. And for dessert...I made banana pudding and Beverly made chocolate covered fruits (they were delish)! Everyone visited, ate and drank the night away. See below for proof =)

thinking on a bedroom

In the chaos of putting together our house–running around to flea markets & thrift stores, cleaning, reorganizing, moving furniture–our bedroom has been basically ignored. I did finally get in there two days ago and create the beginnings of decor, but alas, the sanctuary I seek remains elusive. I hold on to the hope of designing a space that will invite deep, restful sleep as well as boost romance. (What girl couldn't use a little romance?) Ok, so this is similar to the bed frame we have.


and the vanity.


and this is the new quilt I ordered. Ryon loves quilts, and I found this one we both liked.
Our walls are white, which I can do nothing about as we are in a rental. BUT!, I can use color, color, color everywhere else. Hopefully I can keep from going overboard!

After hours of searching for bedroom inspiration, I have compiled several photos to help me on my decorating path. I LOVE the drapes around the headboard in this one. Very romantic.


I have wanted a couple of these for a while. And NOW I have the perfect vanity to put them on. Old Home Supply carries these in the colored glass variety. Lovely!


We don't technically have a bookshelf in our bedroom, BUT if I were to put on in there, this is what I would want it to look like


O-so-darling!

Well, that's about it for now. Off to gather more ideas!

COMING SOON: Midsummer Celebration

I am so excited for this weekend! YAY! Yippeeee! Wooohooo!! Whew, ok. I got it all out...I think =) So, we are having our Midsummer Celebration on Saturday. Here is the invite.


Whatcha think? I designed them @ postcard size so I wouldn't have to find envelopes and postage was a bit cheaper. ;)

I am finalizing the shopping list for Global Hot Dog Creations! and hope to get to the store Thursday or Friday. This is what it looks like so far: hot dogs and buns (duh), yellow mustard, brown mustard, whole grain mustard, ketchup, mayo (yes, mayo-remember "global"), sriracha sauce, bbq sauce, russian or thousand island dressing, dill pickle spears, nuclear green sweet relish (though, not sure where to find this), tomatoes, cilantro, shredded carrots, onions (for raw chopped & grilled), sauerkraut, bacon, jalapenos, swiss cheese, jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and celery salt. That's probably not everything, but it's close! I also think I will make banana pudding and peach&strawberry sauce with angel food cake. Yum-o! I don't think I can buy any groceries except for party goodies because I'm not sure everything will fit in the fridge. We are supposed to have tubs and ice chests around for beer and such. Hopefully we will have enough room. Oh, and I also scored sweet sunglasses that look like this


for party favors. Pretty friggin sweet, right?! I will be sure to post pictures after the party. Did I mention how all of this party business has helped kick my butt into gear to tackle my to-do list around the house?? Yaaaay! Yay!