I have finally finished (see my New Year's Resolution) one of my Celebration Suitcase projects. It's a suitcase that holds decorations for a party - anytime, anywhere, for any reason. This one is themed "Old School" and I show 3 ways it can be set up. I've created an ebook that shows what's inside and how to use it. It's for sale for $3 here.  (I have to support my habit somehow.)

I also show some DIY info so you can see how I did it and then do your own. I was so excited with this idea of stage lights on the inside of the lid. Plug it in and they light up. (I have more creative ideas in the works too.)

My kids thought it was fun when we used it one night for Family Night. Love to celebrate!!!

How would you use the Celebration Suitcase?

Happy New Year! Hope all of your celebrations were enjoyable. Mine was and here's a little of it.

We did a little fondue - chocolate and cheese. Chocolate fondue with pound cake, cookies, strawberries and cheese fondue with bread, vegetables, and meats. It was very good. But, my favorite-

Hot chocolate milk bar. White and Milk chocolates with all the add ons - shaved chocolates, cocoa powder, cinnamon pumpkin spice. Then, raspberry, caramel, and peppermint syrups. With the last additions of marshmallows, peppermint and chocolate chips. Oh, and there was eggnog as well. If you need any ideas, this is the type bar to do again. 

Family, there really isn't anything better. Here's a free download for you, if you'd like. Print is 8.5 x 11

The last of our 3 weddings is this week but I had to do a quick post. The other couple that we're married to (long story) just had their first grandchild. Definitely a time to celebrate.

A couple of months ago I ordered some baby burp cloths from Creative Mommas (my sisters) and had them sent to her. Just a little something for the Gramma-in-Waiting. New Gramma Steward loved them and now gets to use them. I was just wishing I had a reason to get some for me. Which, I just might have reason now, Shhhhhh....

I cannot begin to catch up on what's been happening. But this is the "sum up" - 3 of my children are getting married in 1 1/2 months (longest engagement 3 1/2 months). They have no sense of timing. One of them getting married is a boy. Thankfully, the Bride's parents took care of just about everything. Bless them.

The other 2 weddings are for our daughters. And they are totally DIY Weddings. I'll be posting bits and pieces in between the "inshanity" (as the boyfriend so aptly puts it) of it all. Here is a quick pic of the wedding cake for one of them. My daughter from another mother, Hannah, baked the cakes. My daughter Leila made the frosting. And I assembled and decorated the cake. The craftsmanship is not quite as lovely as I Am Baker from where I got the idea, but for finishing it at 4:30 am the day of the wedding I was not complaining.

I have not decorated a serious cake for 20 years. My daughter Leila was going to but I don't know what came over me and I said I wanted to. It was the delirious creative side of me. But, here is the link that gave me the fabulous idea and instruction - I Am Baker. 

My sister posted this video the other day. It was so on target that I had to see if there were anymore. And there were. They're delightful so I'm sharing.

Fatherhood Involvement PSA - Cheering
Fatherhood Involvement - Manicure
Fatherhood Involvement - Double Dutch
Fatherhood Involvement - Ruckus
Fatherhood Involvement - Surgery

"More than 79% of Americans feel "the most significant family or social problem facing America is the physical absence of the father from the home." Research shows that the lack of a father in the home correlates closely with crime, educational and emotional problems, teenage pregnancy, and drug and alcohol abuse. 

In an effort to show dads the critical role they play in their children's lives, the Ad Council has partnered with the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and volunteer ad agency Campbell-Ewald to create a new PSA campaign that communicates to fathers that their presence is essential to their children's well-being. The campaign provides fathers with the information they need to become better dads."
                                                           Fatherhood Involvement • http://fatherhood.gov/


The Boyfriend has been the best father I could wish for, for my children. He's been invested in our family since the word... yes. That's never been a question in my mind or the minds of my children. He is essential to their well-being. And mine. I would have great difficulty parenting without him.

With all of his wonderfulness, I can't see him doing some of those things in the videos - manicure, cheering, double dutch - but that's part of the message. As a father, do what you do. Your way. Your style. The father of my children does things his way. Like starting a pig farm,  shooting guns, or building a boat. Some of his way makes me crazy! Like the pig incident. But, that's only from my view. My son thinks differently. And that's the point. So, do something, "Take Time to be a Dad Today".

Our New Year's Eve Party Decorations. 
I did the "Celebration" sign by wrapping cake cardboards with silver wrapping paper and attaching large black vinyl letters that I purchased from Hobby Lobby. Since I choice a generic word and not a specific holiday I can use it for any occasion. I also used clip on flowers so they can be removed and something else (more holiday related) put in its place. It was super simple.

The bowls on the table are from Color Me Mine. I went and did it while on vacation since Missouri doesn't have one. They are gray with a saying that I often use on the inside lip - "If a things worth doing, it's worth overdoing."

I set out a mini-mirror ball from the Christmas decorations. I got the candelabras from the thrift store and little votive candles that I have on hand. This all came together so easily there wasn't any stress in it. Just like I like it. We had a wonderful time.


Supplies:
Cardboard covered in wrapping paper
6" vinyl adhesive backed letters in black - Hobby Lobby
clip on daisies - Michaels
Mini mirror ball ornament
Votive candles
Thrift store candlesticks