Teen Boy Birthday Challenge

Teen boy birthday gifts are a challenge for me.  I have four kids.  Yes. Four -- two girls and two boys.  And I have always struggled to purchase gifts for one of my boys.  He is my second child (first son), is about 6' 2" tall, turning 17 in a few days, and one of the most difficult people to shop for -- ever.

This year, as he approaches adulthood, he is very clear about his latest passion.  His truck.  His exact words, "Mom, my life is all about my truck."  So true.


We agreed to help him pay for some kind of new exhaust thing on the truck.  I have no idea what it is; I'm sure it is loud and annoying, but I'm just glad I don't have to shop for the kid.


However, he must have some kind of gift to open on his birthday (I can't wrap an exhaust system). 

To the rescue is my  9 year-old daughter (the little sister).  She and I put together a wonderful bag of treats that every 17 year-old boy wants and needs for his cool vehicle.  There is nothing more fun than shopping with a tween for her teen brother's gag gift. 

Hee hee hee.

 

We found fantastic Elton John glasses (here's a fun video about the history of Elton John's glasses),  a great battery-operated fan (because his truck's air conditioning is not working), glow sticks for night vision, and a train horn.

Yes, a train horn.  Because the boy keeps asking if he can put a compressor-operated train horn on his truck.

The answer is no, you may not.

I'll be picking up the dashboard hula girl tomorrow.  Promise!

I must say this is one of the funnest ages for a teen boy -- especially my son.  His sense of humor and fun is delightful.  I know he will be puzzled and then laugh at his birthday treats.  He may even use most of them.

Hope you have fun with your teen son as he matures and develops a good sense of humor.

Cheers!

French Country & Pantone Spring 2014

We've heard a lot lately about  Pantone Spring 2014 color trends.  Radiant Orchid is the color getting the most attention.

Now, I love French Country style.  My house is decorated in muted colors of blue, gray, greens, yellows.  I just love the elegance of French decor and French Country allows a rustic, simple twist to the ornate, formal French style.

When Pantone announced the Spring 2014 colors I was a little stumbled.  How to incorporate Radiant Orchid into a French Country decor?  

Pantone Spring 2014 http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2014

I found great examples incorporating these new colors without compromising the French Country look.  For example, Radiant Orchid is a color found in lavender -- very French!  Freesia is found in different depths of color in flowers.  And Celosia Orange is a wonderful accent color

AmandaRaeK

Lavender is a wonderful flower accent, ribbons, vase, framed art, pillow with lavender accents, and more.

Hemlock & Celosia Orange  -- Southern Bride.com

Soft gray, lavender, gentle rose, powder blues -- Fabulous!!  Sample Board.com

Here's how I incorporated these great colors into my new kitchen hutch.

I started by painting an existing cabinet a pretty gray color.  My kitchen cabinets are the same color.  It is a great neutral color!
I replaced the back with a pretty white bead board sheet.  Just the country touch it needed!

Then I added accent pieces (my latest collection - china tea cups), silver serving pieces, even art work.

For a extra touch I covered wood letters in scrapbook paper and Mod Podge for coasters and to tell my family I LOVE them!

Cheers!  

 

L.O.V.E.

Love is in the air.  With Valentine's Day next week I wanted to do some decorating but make it versatile enough for every day.

This is a fun and easy project.  Wood letters, scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, ribbon, and Xacto knife.  That's it!

I found this great scrapbook paper and the letters at Michaels.  The paper matches the colors of my kitchen perfectly.

I just applied Mod Podge to the letters and placed a sheet of scrapbook paper over the letter.  Make sure you place the paper where you want it on the letter.  You'll see why.  Then I applied a coat of Mod Podge over the paper.

I went back and added another coat and let it dry.  Using my Xacto knife I carefully trimmed the paper by tracing the letter (from the back) with my knife.  This is where placing your paper where you want it is important.  I made sure to place the graphic on my letter "L" so it would stay.

Make sure you put something thick onto your surface before cutting!

After removing the excess paper I applied another coat of Mod Podge and 2 more coats on the edges of the letters (to make sure the edges adhered nice and good).

When the letters were dry I added some cute, Valentine's Day ribbon.

I L.O.V.E. these letters and I know they will look great in my living room or kitchen year round.

 

I may even do these in our family mantra "Forever Young".  

Cheers -- 

10 Favorite Superbowl Pins

The Super Bowl is here and I know you are planning a party.  What is the Super Bowl without friends, food, and fun?

I found great ideas for Super Bowl parties.  If you are looking for ideas for your party of 2 or 20 any of these should be great.  All of these ideas were found on Pinterest but where possible I have linked the original webpage or blog.

Favorite #1:

   

Treat Display

 Love, love, love this display.  So great for the party and after.  And it has that farmhouse, shabby chic vibe.

  A to Zebra Celebrations 

Favorite #2:

Food Stadium

These are very popular this year.  The stadium can be individual size or something huge for a large crowd.  I love it can include the food you like and stations around the stadium.

So fun and interactive!

 Pardon My Crumbs 

Favorite #3:

Nail Art

Every game gal needs a team spirit manicure.  I love the humor of these choices.  And they are perfect for after the game too!

Hair Spray and High Heels

Favorite #4:

Individual Three Layer Dip

Everyone loves layered dips but they are mess and hard to eat when in a big container.  These individual dips are genius!

 Pink Pistachio

 Favorite #5:

Kid Friendly

 Can't forget the kids.  This is a great, simple solution to including the kids during the game while making it as mess-free as possible.  

Staying Close to Home

Favorite #6

The Table

Awesome table scape and decorations.  Just the perfect touch to set everyone in the game mood!

Wedding Elegance

Favorite #7

 

Bingo!!

Who doesn't love bingo?  This game is a great, interactive treat for the young and old.  It can be customized for game plays or commercials.   The kids can even make the cards.  Love!

Camp Kurtz

Favorite #8

Pin the Field Goal

Another terrific game for the kids and adults.  Super easy to make and manage too.

Pinterest

Favorite #9

 

Paper Chain!

Perfect activity for the kids.  A great way to involve them in the party planning and set up.  Make sure you use your favorite team colors.

 

Catch My Party 

Favorite #10

 

Playing Field Table

Love this table cloth.  It is perfect for any field game and just in time for the Super Bowl.

A Night Owl Blog

I hope your Super Bowl party is great fun.  Gathering friends and family to share the game, food, and fun games.  What could be better on a Sunday?

Cheers!