Archive for the ‘Entertaining’ Category

Backyard Party Decor Perfect For Any Special Occasion!

Stephanie, one of my childhood best friends, has a fabulous decor blog offering incredible ideas on affordable home design!  She recently put herself to work planning her younger sister’s graduation party and transformed her back yard into a gorgeous chic lounge. I LOVE how it turned out!  Brides – this would be fabulous inspiration for bridal showers and reception decor!

Be sure to visit Stephanie’s blog for more fabulous decor inspiration at YouPaidMoreThanMe.blogspot.com

Tell us how you came up with the design?

I’ve always decorated this way, very airy, relaxed feel. I love clean whites and people feel chic when they are around this type of feel. This design was comfortable for all ages, and for this event, we had people from age 2, to 82, and it was a success.

How did you do those gorgeous drapes!?

The drapes are an old trick I’ve used before, it’s very simple. Cut the top “ends” off of a sheet (where the fold is, I used queen size) and slip a pole through the top. Gather to your liking!

And those adorable lounges for your guests to relax and chat the night away?

The lounges cost $35 to build, and $20 for a vinyl mattress. My husband whipped up the plan and went to work.

Any tips on ways to save money when it comes to decorating a space?

Look at the big picture. Dont focus on the detail right away. Make big statements with the simplest of things. Leave the details at the end, because you may find you dont NEED all the small things you thought, and this is where you save the cash. You may not need those small votive holders, you may already have jars or something to perch them on. It’s when you do the BIG pieces, that people will notice.

What’s your favorite part of the design?

Favorite part about design, is seeing the vision through. I’ve become an expert on hearing what you want, and applying it to your space. Some people have great ideas, but are hesitant or unsure how to execute it. Some people have no clue what they are doing, I deal with both types, and enjoy it thoroughly.

What is your biggest tip/advice for designing an outdoor lounge area?

Choose a color palette FIRST. You’ll find things fall into place much easier. If you start thinking about it as more of a living space, instead of outdoors, you’ll automatically start choosing things that are livable and inviting. Rugs, side tables, revamped wicker, old ladders, mismatched chairs, dining tables are all things that look very chic outside. Dont go buy a huge set of outdoor furniture, I dare you to mismatch something.

Thank you Steph for today’s Inspiration!!!

Aside from the wedding plans I am also planning Jonnathan’s Graduation Celebration!!!

He and I met almost 7 years ago while at school at Whitworth and yes, I immediately fell in love with him!!!  Since that time we moved over to the west side of the state and worked towards living out on our own, juggling different jobs and finishing school.  You can’t imagine how excited he is to graduate next week!!!! So, in honor of his academic achievements and for all the up hill battles we’ve overcome, I am throwing him a Graduation Fiesta!!! Mr. “I don’t really need a party…” is gonna have a great party!!! Set that humble attitude aside and let’s celebrate!

Decor:

As you know, I just LOVE throwing parties!!!  So, this one is turning out to be quite fun.  I designed the simple email invite with bright fiesta colors wanting to bring in the fun and vibrancy of summer, I then sent it via email and set up a facebook event page for our friends and family.  Then I took some of the bulk tissue paper I had ordered for tissue poms for our wedding and made one large and two small poms – they’re orange, bold and fun – see the DIY tissue pom tutorial here!  Of course, I had to try the tutorial I recently posted and spray painted some cheap glass vases from the thrift store a bright lime green, which matched the napkins and other design elements perfectly!  I’m going to fill the bright lime green vases with monochromatic flowers to create what I’m going to call “Fiesta Chic“! I think I’m now obsessed with the power of spray paint and its ability to make old things look super fabulous!!!  I also plan to take this gorgeous coral orange/hot pink vintage suitcase and display it open and place a sign on it for guests to put cards and gifts for the grad into. We already strung patio lights we had purchased for the wedding and had extra of and I’ll light a bunch of candles. Candles always make a party better. Along with the patio lights we’ll hang some Fiesta Flags!

The weather calls for sprinkles… We have a small condo – so not being able to open our french doors to the patio would mean cramming too many people into our home, soooo we HAVE to use the patio.  No worries!  I am going to find a 10×10 clear poly tarp to place above the entire patio above the patio lights! That way, the area won’t feel too closed in, we’ll be able to see all the gorgeous trees all around us and the night sky above. It’ll stay classy, fun AND DRY!

Food:

Mexican food is not only absolutely delicious, it’s super convenient for feeding large numbers of people.  My Mom and I did this for my brother and sister-in-law’s rehearsal dinner and it went over extremely well!!!  So, I’m going to make chicken enchiladas beforehand and have them ready to pop in the oven right before the start of the open house, so they’ll be fresh out of the oven when everyone is ready to start eating.  My Mom’s Black Bean Salad – AMAZING!!! Fresh guacamole and salsa. Lots of tortilla chips.  Jonnathan’s Mom will be making a spicy cornbread recipe and his step mom will be handling the margaritas and plenty of cold beer! I’m thinking fresh fruit as well!

Stay Tuned for Pics from the Party!!!

After the craziness of the wedding I would LOVE to throw a Summer Sun Hat Soiree for my best girlfriends to show my appreciation for all they have done for me!  Wouldn’t this be such a fun girly gathering!  Big hats, great food, refreshing cocktails and lots of laughter!

I have so much I want to say!
I’m so excited to share this awesome event coming up this Sunday!
Where do I start?!

Some Background to Help:

Growing up I have always been the “passionate” child in the family, full of big dreams, lofty goals, big enthusiasm, packed with a sense of humor, an inner need to always be working towards the next goal, and a heart for youth, in particular young women. Now, that I think of it, my twin brother is definitely the same way

Anyway, I was involved in school leadership, was the Senior Class President, in Jazz choir and concert choir, played school and club volleyball and much more. I spent my summers after high school as a camp counselor, craft director and high school leadership mentor pursuing my heart’s ambition to give back to youth.  Amongst my time bouncing around between different Universities I spent almost two years as a youth director primarily focusing on helping young girls find their voice, their confidence, and helping each see how beautiful inside and out she is with her own unique gifts. Plug in some unfortunate events and it seemed that it was time for me to close that chapter as a youth director… I left to pursue a “real career”, or so I thought… And thus, insert a chapter in my life where I tried pursuing the world’s definition of “success” and became incredibly unhappy, loosing sight of my dreams and ultimately loosing me… The me I had always been growing up… she was gone.  It was a hard and difficult time. I remember looking at Jonnathan and crying asking him how could Heidi Campbell so easily forget all her dreams and ambitions? I stumbled along trying to find my way out of this mess, dealing with health problems, my parent’s divorce, all the while asking myself “Where did I go?”

A year and a half into working for a “big girl” company, decent pay checks, engaged to the love of my life, yet still quite unhappy, something BIG happened! Past injuries from volleyball and being on the rowing team at WSU mixed with having a desk job and little physical activity, blended with a huge amount of stress and WHAM! herniated disc and three torn discs in my lower back putting pressure on my sciatic nerve and HELLO WORST PAIN I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED! We’re talking unable to move at all! Having to call 911 from the pain causing me to almost pass out and eventually an epidural steroid injection (OOOOOUUUUCCCCHHHHH!) and then the use of a walker and cane for a while… Yes, it was bad and yep…. my boss let me go…

I was in quite the panic!!!  What were we going to do?  Jonnathan in his Senior Year at UW we were already living paycheck to paycheck and now we had to figure it out on 40% less income… Stuck in bed and feeling rather pathetic for myself Jonnathan plopped the computer in my lap and said BLOG! “Sweetheart, you’ve been so passionate about planning our wedding. So much so, you created a powerpoint of your wedding design ideas. That’s not normal, you are gifted at this and more importantly, you are excited and passionate about it.  Start your blog and share this passion with the world.”

And so I did! And day by day a new door opens and every morning I wake up – happy. And not only am I happy, I’m back!  Bills are still piling up and we still live paycheck to paycheck, but it doesn’t matter.  It doesn’t because when you do what you are passionate about doors open! Each month Unabashed Bliss readership grows larger and larger and now I have an ETSY shop having fun with my creative talents!

Doing What You’re Passionate About:

I’ve been following a former high school classmate of mine on FaceBook.  I’ve been inspired to see her creative talents as a photographer growing into a rather successful photography business!!! Christy Pelland has not only pursued what she is passionate about as a career move, but is also taking that passion and feeding her other love of giving back to the community and particularly supporting other young female creative talent! Partnered with other local creatives these ladies created the Stand Out Prom Scholarship!!!! I’m so excited to share this with you!!!

Last Year’s Winner- Claire! (see more of her prize photo session here)

And This Year’s Winner Soon to Receive Her Prom and Graduation Prizes! I can’t wait to meet her this weekend!!!!

I woke up this morning, checked my FB page and saw Christy’s plug for the Glam Night Masquerade event happening this weekend to raise funds for the Stand Out Prom Scholarship Fund.  I hopped over to Christy’s Blog and after reading more about Kayleigha’s Essay I wanted to do something!!! I contacted Christy to see if I could help by donating one of my Unabashed Bliss Fabric Flowers to the winner!  Christy, wonderfully emailed me back and completely made my day by letting me know she be thrilled to have one of my flowers to give the winner!!! AND she invited me join the Glam Night Masquerade!  Ummmm OF COURSE I’d be thrilled to go!!! WHO WOULDN”T!  I’m going to have my hair and makeup done all crazy glamourous fun and I can’t wait!  It’s like an America’s Top Model Shoot! FUN! And right here in North Tacoma at the Che’mel Salon & Day Spa!

The Ladies Behind Stand Out Prom

So WHY All the History Heidi and yeah the Glam Night is cool…Why share all this?

I believe now more than ever that all of us should pursue our dreams, what we are passionate about and gifted at.  There is no reason to give up on dreams simply because they don’t fit society’s “box of normal career” or because you’re worried about paying the bills.  Find a way to pursue your passions, you will be incredibly surprised at how doors will open for you when you do what you love. I think I learned this lesson the hard way, but then again… it could have been a much more difficult lesson. Stand Out Prom supports our local youth in believing just this!!!  That these young ladies can take their incredible creative talents and pursue furthering their education and training towards a lifetime of artistic expression!!!  I’m excited for such a fun event!

Unabashed Bliss Readers there are a couple more openings for Sunday’s event!!! Join us for an incredibly fun and special afternoon!!! You can join us too for a lower donation amount of just $100 and all proceeds go the the scholarship fund!!!

Contact: Che’mel Salon to reserve your spot 253.548.8910

For those of you too far away to join us… think of ways you can give back to your community and be inspired to pursue your dreams and passions!

Perfectly Inspired~

Heidi