DJ's 30th Surprise Par-tee

My husband turned the big 3-0 while we were on vacation this summer. To celebrate, his family and I decided to throw him a surprise party. This was probably the most difficult party I had to plan because the party was going to be in Arkansas, and we're 12 hours away from there.

Thankfully, my husband trusts me, and I know his email account password, and facebook allowed me access to his friends, so I was able to send out e-vites! And, a big shout out to his mom, sister, and sister-in-law for helping me to communicate and find local bakers, caterers, and so much more! We set up the food inside. Has anyone ever spent a summer in Arkansas? It's hot! And, where they live, the mosquitos are AWFUL! I think mosquitos should truely be the state bird.... We served homemade chex mix (a family favorite), a layered taco dip, spinach dip, and salsa, as well as a few veggies, and yummy chocolate covered peanuts! Our main course was brats and baked beans that were catered by my husbands favorite local BBQ joint.

I decided to use a golf theme, since it's been his favorite activity this summer!

I found the plaid fabric at Hobby Lobby, and decided that I would make golf flags as the table centerpieces. I had to make the flags here, and pack them in the bottom of the suitcase. All the while, my sister-in-law and father-in-law had to figure out the bases for these! When the flags were in placed, we hot glued green crinkle grass around the base of the stand and a little on the table (so the wind wouldn't blow the grass in the yard)We used the colors in the flags as inspiration for everything else, and used red tablecloths and I found little golf ball stickers, that we let my neices place on the tables.

I ordered personalized golf tee's as party favors and set those around the tables as well.

I also made the birthday banner at our house, and shipped it to my mother in law before we left on vacation!

I wasn't sure what type of cake I wanted, but Jeny's Cakery did a fantastic job! I swear, this was the best taking cake (even a few days after the party!)

We also filled containers of DJ's favorite candies that guests could munch on- snickers, twizzlers, peanut m&m's (in the parties colors), and peanut butter cups. -yummy!-

My husband had a great birthday. I think he was very suprised at the party, and I know he enjoyed seeing old friends, and having all of his family celebrate with him!

As if one wasn't enough...

I decided Gretchen needed one more football shirt for this year!

The goal post is made of red with white polk-a-dot material and has a football flying through for a field goal! I also stitched grass along the bottom!

P is for Pasta

We didn't have too many teaching tots moments on vacation. But, last week, I needed to give Gretchen something to do to keep her occupied for a bit. I pulled out my Teaching Tots folder of activities that we didn't get to do in June, and came up with this one: "p is for pasta". Glueing has been a big hit in our house this summer, so I knew that Gretchen would have tons of fun with it! I found a letter "P" coloring sheet online and printed it out. You could also make a large letter "P" on Microsoft Word in a bubble font and print that out. You'll also need glue and dried pasta.

I placed the pasta in a purple bowl, because "p" is also for purple! We talked about the sound that the letter 'p' makes. Gretchen hasn't been into coloring lately, but you could color the "P" purple before you begin. Then, I placed glue dots onto the letters and she placed on the pasta. You can also incorporate counting with this activity, and if you're brave, let your little one work his fine motor skills by squeezing the glue!

And, voila, Gretchen's "p is for pasta" masterpiece!

What have you taught your tot this week?

Football Season Applique's

Have you noticed that football season is right around the corner? I did a week ago, when my husband informed me that he wouldn't be home for dinner for the rest of the month. That's right, football season, well, practice, is in full swing! Our team checked in last Friday, so that means the end of family dinners and evenings at home with my husband. It seems that football season arrives quicker every year!

Last year, GG made Gretchen a pillowcase dress for the football season, but because it was so cold so early, she didn't get to wear it very often. Although, with the versatility of the dresses, she can wear it again this year!

I also decided that I wanted to make her a long sleeve applique' shirt for her to wear to the games. And this is what I came up with:

I found red fabric that features black and white polk-a-dots and applique'd "Cards" onto her shirt.

Above is a full view of the shirt.

I also had a request to make a Colts shirt for a brother and sister. Because I couldn't find pink Colts fabric, I decided to do the stitching for the little girls shirt in pink, and her brother's is in the typical blue.

I know Justin and Kaylin will be "sporting" these shirts all season! They're huge Colts fans!!!

I have plans on producing other sports applique' shirts, and I received orders over the weekend that will keep me busy during my last week home! I'm still in shock that summer is over, but I know I'm ready for our first football game ~ Go Cards!~

Indiana State Museum Visit

My 11 year old cousin has been visiting from Arkansas over the past week, and I'm so glad that she's been here! First, she's been a lot of help playing with Gretchen, but she's also given us an excuse to get out and explore Indiana a little more!

We took her to eat at a fabulous family style dining restraunt in downtown Indiana and shared a huge plate of ravioloi and manicotti! Then, we went to the Indiana State Museum.

In each area, you could punch your ticket to show that you've been there. Gretchen loved pushing the lever down.

There was a fun science room where we could explore microscopes, animal sounds, animal furs, and footprints.

The girls also went "fishing".

And, explored how much energy it takes to start various lightbulbs.

DJ and I wanted to go to the museum for several months now, so this was a great reason to get out and go!!!

Be-witching applique'

It's August, and I've finally started on my fall collections. I have several applique's that I want to make, and I'm trying to find the time to start most of them before I start back to work in a week.

This was the first that I've done for this fall and I love the way it turned out! This will be perfect for G to wear in October.

The zebra witch hat is sewn onto a thick white long sleeve t-shirt, and features orange grosgrain ribbon trim and a detachable orange boutique bow. The shirt also comes with a M2M hair bow (of course, you can order without) for only $22.00... the shirt alone is $15.00.

To view other fall items on working on, please visit my website or my FB page by searching (Honey Pie Accessories).

Accessorize your little honey with this bewitching outfit!

Social Parade!

Since I have been out of touch over the last month (on vacation) I decided that today would be the perfect day to jump officially back into the blogging world!

I'll be perfectly honest that I don't foresee my life slowing down anytime soon, but I'm determined to work harder this year on many things, including this blog!

I have a few exciting things planned as weekly posts and features, as well as exciting business ventures with Honey Pie Accessories.

• What's In It Wednesdays
• Teaching Tots
• Fall Accessories from Honey Pie Accessories
• Christmas items from Honey Pie Accessories
• Giveaways & Features

To those stopping over from the Social Parade I want to welcome each of you to my blog! I hope that you'll take a look around, and stick around for all of the exciting things I have planned!

Skull & Bones Zebra Dress

I love when my customers create customized items for themselves! I had the brown/white zebra skull applique cut out for some time, and I was thrilled when Jenny contacted me about putting the applique onto a pillowcase dress. We decided to do a hot pink dress, with a brown/white zebra hem to match the applique, and zebra ties.

Here's how it turned out:

Jenny~ I hope your little honey loves this dress!!!!

Prayers for Emmett

I'm hugging Gretchen a little tighter tonight. After tucking her into bed, I logged onto Facebook (a somewhat usual routine) and read a link about a mother who's 2 year old son has disappeared in Arizona from his home.

After reading further, I realized that I "knew" this mother from a message board that I post on. Her little boy is just a month or so older than Gretchen. I never imagined, that I would be reading about, or watching on t.v., about a family that I was some how connected to. Especially, one that is in so much pain right now.

I ask each of you to say a prayer for this family, for the police involved, and for the little boy. If any of you are in the Arizona area, please keep your eye out for Emmett or repost on your own blog, facebook, twitter, etc.
This is not something I ever do. I hurt for missing children, but I don't think it ever hits so close to home. Granted, I've never met his mother personally. I don't even respond to a lot of her post. But, I'm writing this just as support for her; to let her know that I'm praying for her and for her little boy.

There are so many times where I take my own child for granted, and there have been many instances, where I'm reminded not to; that every day is precious with her. I'm thankful for those moments, and I'm thankful that she's safe tonight.

Cheer Bows

My cousin is staying with us this week; she's been such a big help with Gretchen and helping us recover from our month long vacation! She'll bein 6th grade this year and will be a cheerleader!! We decided to make her a few hair bows that she can wear cheering or even with her school uniforms. The first is a pony-o; featuring satin "go team" ribbon, grosgrain yellow, and navy- all hand sewn onto a rubber band.

The second hair bow, she completly designed. It has a yellow and navy spray, navy and white surround a loops, a white bow sitting on top of a larger yellow bow, and a "win" pennant flag in the middle.

I'm sure she'll be full of team spirit while wearing these bows!!! Enjoy Hannah!