LA and Last Minute Costumes

{Hello!}

Are you out there? Sorry, its been a while since we've visited! But I guess my last post was long enough to keep everyone busy for a while...:)

I've had a life changing experience.  Last week I made my 1st visit to a certain Fashion District in LA.  I think my jaw is still dropped with the fabric, trim, etc that I was exposed to.  I've never seen anything like it.

I'll post more about it later, I'm still recovering from shock and awe.

This is the was outcome...yes, these big black bags are completely packed full of fabric. You know what a wild woman I am.;)

(Last Minute)
So a few weeks ago the producer for the afternoon news (Ch 2 in Utah) contacted me and wanted me to come and talk about easy costumes you can make from things you have at home.  So I grabbed a few of the sweetest 6 years I know...

And we had a handsome prince and a beautiful princess... but that's not all! Then they transformed into a shepherd and angel!  Not only great for Halloween, but the big Nativity program coming sooner than we think!

The only thing that isn't pictured is the shepherds headwear I made out of a pillowcase.  You can see my post about it here: Shepherds Headwear.  If you need a last minute costume, here you go!

{Birthday Boy}
Since we had some Legoland tickets we had to use by next year, we decided to haul our little lego lover to CA and celebrate turning 7.  More also coming...

{Free Cards}
And I'm not one to rush into the holidays--well, at least until after Halloween ;), but I had to share this great deal with you.  One of my favorite photography blogs, I Heart Faces, has a sponsor called Paper Coterie that I'm in love with and they have quite a deal.

They are giving away 12 free cards you can go here to get more information: I Heart Faces.

I just finished this card...it actually folds up accordian style.  They had so many cute choices I didn't even know where to start!  Great holiday card inspiration!

We'll be back sooner than later! (Hopefully!:)
Have a great weekend!
Toad

Harry Potter Birthday Party

{Magical Memory}
You are really lucky to be a wizard especially if your mom is only a muggle. And I bet every muggle mom who has a little wizard turning 7 wishes for magical powers.  At least I do.

But since I don't have a wand, I just use Photoshop Elements and make sure to have an outdoor party.  It just makes them more magical...or in other words...easier.;)   

{Party Prep}

This is where its at.  Thank-you dollar store.  And here's a behind the scenes look at what we did before the little witches and wizards arrived...

Our little business wizard.  He named the place himself. Once his shop was set up we were 1/2 way finished.

{Magic Money}

And here is the currency of the party.  It was ready to be distributed to the kids as they "earned" it for things like...showing up, participating in the activities, and finding snakes and eyeballs (which will make more sense in a minute).

This was way easier than it looks...

Just bake the cake in bread pans, line up the cakes, and frost them.  I used 2 cake mixes and store bought frosting.  I love that frosting.;)

Stickers rock.  They are so easy and add so much. I found this darling Harry Potter clipart on Etsy in a shop called DigiMyWorld ($5.99) and then printed them out onto sticker (or label) paper. 

Note: That shop has some super cute stuff if you ever need anything!

Fizzy drink mix via Target ($4.99).  It was a hit...all colored and bubbly. 

Tip: Next time I would just buy Sprite and use the sugar Kool-Aid mix. I think it would be about the same.

Forgive me for the next few pictures...I love these little characters!:)

Potion Prep...simple.  I just grabbed some empty little Costco water bottles and filled them with white vinegar.  The cups had a bit of food coloring and baking soda. 

The oldest and best science experiment magic trick in the world...



Troll Snot.  Gak.  Gross and gooey...One part glue to one part liquid starch.  Add food coloring or glitter for effect.  Once again easy, gross, and fun. 



{And It Began...}
With Harry Potter theme music blasting, the kids arrived one by one and received their black sidesaddle bag.  They were asked to wear it because they needed it to put their wands, prizes, magic money, and other treasures into throughout the party. 



While waiting for everyone to arrive we found wands and make broomsticks.   (Remember my last post? Yep! That's the one!)

Then the Potions Class.  We were lucky to have my sister (who got some of the families magical abilities) to teach this class...

Thanks Marge! Your potions were amazing.



{Troll Snot}
After potions we moved right into Troll Snot.  Yes, that's right.  Sometime they sneeze on the trees in the back and this is what we get.  Note: This is not for people with weak stomachs.;)

{Sing It!}
Magical sparks were shooting out of this wand as we sang...fortunately this little wizard had the spell to put them out!

{Warming Up}

Its true, my husband is a wizard.  He got it from his father who is also very gifted.  It sure came in handy at the party as he "wowwed" the kids with his card trick he perpformed! (Don't tell anyone that he learned how to do off of UTube the night before.)

{The Hunt}
For every eyeball or snake they found they could trade it for "magic money" to spend at Ethan's Prize Shop.  Wouldn't you be running too?:)

{Great Day}
And when it was through we had some happy little wizards and witches.

And one happy muggle mom.

{Magical Movement}
And as for the little brother Aidan, he had quite the party too.   After swallowing a 1" screw on Thursday afternoon (yes, a screw...the xray confirmed it) he expelled it during Ethan's birthday party in a "special gift" in his britches.

Our prayers were answered as the Lord truly looked out for him during the ordeal.  There could have been some serious complications, but we are so blessed and grateful there weren't. 

And yes, I am making him pay us back for the visit to the Urgent Care when he makes it big someday.;)

{The Muggle}
Our father is a wizard and mother is a muggle.  In fact, have you heard of Bill the Magnificant?  Yep that's him.  For more you can see this post from our family reunion this summer.;)

I am a muggle, but my younger sister-who may now be called a witch-- truly worked some magic at this party.  Thanks again for all of your help Marge!

Picture taken today by Ethan ...

And as for our little wizard...

Happy 7th Birthday!  We love you!

Mom, Dad, & Aidan