Spring family pictures
Spring family pictures
Star Wars Birthday Party – Invites And Thank You Postcards
My final post in the Star Wars birthday party series is to share the custom invitations and thank you cards I designed.
Each year, I’ve been lucky that my children have chosen Halloween costumes that match their birthday party themes for the following year. Dub chose to be Darth Vader, so I used his Halloween costume for the front of the invitation. I created a simple background in PhotoShop, and used the free Star Jedi font.
I used the same background on the back, added the party details, and created a Darth Vader silhouette.
During the birthday party, I made sure to get one shot of all of the kids in the photo booth, wearing their jedi robes and using photo booth props. I used this image for a custom thank you postcard. On the back, I created a simple template that Dub could fill in himself. I love the idea of the postcard because it helps him learn the proper etiquette of showing thankfulness. Sincere, personal, and to the point! And, it’s a little less expensive to mail 🙂
Finally, just to prove how much I utilize those Halloween photos, I also used it for Dub’s Valentine’s card. I wonder if he’ll be sick of Darth Vader by this Halloween?
Star Wars Darth Vader Valentine | Five Marigolds
See also:
Star Wars Birthday Party, Part I
Summer Boho + Beachy
Casual Easter egg hunt
Dreaming of a Heat Wave: Simple Summer Look in Pink + Black
Baby Girl Bow Birthday Party
My baby girl just turned one and because her birthday is exactly a week after Dub’s, I’ll admit I ran out of steam on the party planning. However, I wanted to do something special and celebrate as a family, and was able to put together a cute Bow Birthday theme really inexpensively.
To keep birthday party planning expenses manageable, we buy a few essentials that we reuse year after year.
These include:
- Bunting (similar here and here)
- Centerpieces
- My Special Day chair covers that we reuse for birthdays, first days of school, and any day we want to recognize and celebrate each child individually.
Additionally, we always save leftover party supplies such as napkins, plates and plastic cutlery and every few years we find we don’t have to buy these supplies at all because of that stash. That was the case for baby ‘Belle’s party.
For the cupcakes, I whipped up a batch of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes and frosted them in pink and white buttercream frosting. I wanted them to carry out the bow theme, but because I’m lacking in fondant skills I purchased these toppers. You can find similar fondant bows here and here.
We served homemade vanilla ice cream and a simple punch using 7-Up and raspberry sherbet.
With just two inexpensive plastic tablecloths from the dollar store, I made this impressive table centerpiece by using one tablecloth as usual, and using the other as a decorative sash by draping it across the front and simply pinching it in the middle. I actually unfolded some of the party napkins and fashioned a bow out of them – one napkin for each side of the bow, and two for the tails. Surprisingly beautiful, easy and inexpensive!
Next, I made bow napkin rings – I love how these turned out! I bought rectangle shaped napkins, but you could also do this by folding traditional napkins in half. Simply pinch them in the middle, place them on top of your cutlery and wrap a small band of paper around the bow, secured with tape.
As I mentioned earlier, I used leftover napkins to make the bow you see on the front of the table to carry the theme through.
I took a little photo shoot of baby ‘Belle sporting her birthday bow. I’d say the cupcakes were a hit!
Like the ideas you see here? Be sure to follow my birthday party inspiration board and subscribe below to keep partying with me!
Looking for more inspiration? You might like these parties:
Peppa Pig Party
Malibu Barbie Party
Princess Birthday for $20
https://fivemarigolds.wpenginepowered.com/2014/08/04/eves-princess-party/
Star Wars Birthday Party, Part II Party Favors
Growing up, we didn’t really “do” favor bags. I suppose that’s why I’m really into them when planning parties for my kids. Presents for everyone, just for attending?! I wish grown-up parties would adopt this practice!
I wanted to do something fun for these Star Wars birthday favors, with at least a few items that would get used beyond the ride home from the party. But, of course, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money.
I created these goodie bags for around $3 each, total.
To create the actual bag, I used inexpensive white paper bags from the grocery store. I searched for the keywords “storm trooper silhouette” and found an image I like. I downloaded this free Star Jedi font and added the words “You’re a trooper” to the 5.5″x10.5″ template I created in PhotoShop. Read to the end of this post for the free printable!
I printed the image directly on the bags. To do this, you need to go into your printer settings and create a custom paper size and paper texture. I used a small piece of painter tape to secure the base flap to the bag so it wouldn’t jam in the printer. It took some trial and error before I felt like they were printing a clean image, without a lot of extra printer ink. I was going for inexpensive though, so despite a few rough printouts, these captured the look I was going for.
Here are the bag contents:
- Star Wars Lego spaceship kit here or here
- Glow stick “lightsaber”
- Star Wars Angry Birds Marker/Stamp
- Angry Birds fruit snacks
- Star Wars tattoo
- “Lightsaber” bubble wand
Knowing all the boys are really into Legos at this age, I really wanted to include some. I explored a lot of avenues, but almost everything was going to be a budget buster. I’ve heard of some creative moms creating their own little sets using the Pick a Brick section at the Lego store, but at $14.99/bucket, it was going to be a little more than I wanted to pay, and I wasn’t even sure if I could really build a believable spaceship.
I found my solution on ebay and Amazon: there are tons of people looking to unload Star Wars Advent Calendar kits or individual toys. I was able to score a lot of 11 for $1/each including shipping. Even better, each little kit came with building instructions – far better than what I would have been able to do myself using Pick a Brick. For those of you who have messaged me about being unable to find these deals on ebay, you can still find them here for less than $2 per favor!
I created my own hangtag using the same Star Wars font with a message from Yoda, “Do or do not, there is no try” along with a thank you message.
In addition to the goodie bags, we had a Jedi Training academy. We gave each little guest a Jedi vest made with an unused bed sheet we didn’t need and clothesline rope.
We also created the pool noodle lightsabers that are all the rage on Pinterest. We cut pool noodles in half using a serrated bread knife and decorated the ends with black and silver duct tape. Each little guest was given one to defeat some balloon storm troopers and then take home.These were the biggest hit of the party (literally, there was one bloody nose incident!).
No party is complete without a little craft, so we also had a Build A Droid work station that they seemed to enjoy. But not quite as much as the pool noodle light sabers, of course.
Build a Droid Star Wars Craft
I had a lot of fun creating a fun party all the kids would enjoy. Planning a Star Wars party for someone special? I’m sharing the free printable Storm Trooper Favor Bag Design to my subscribers!
Are you planning to use them for your upcoming party? Please take a moment to tell me about it, below!
See also:
Star Wars Birthday Party, Part I
Star Wars Part III: Custom Invitations and Thank You Postcards
Star Wars Birthday Party, Part I
When Dub predictably requested a Star Wars theme for his 6th birthday, I’ll admit I was a little excited. I’d already been brimming with fun ideas for his party, but when he insisted on his first “friends” party, I was stumped. Our home just isn’t big enough for entertaining larger crowds, and I didn’t really want to do a Chuck E Cheese type of party. So, we decided to hold it at his dad’s industrial garage. I’ll share the details of this party in a series of posts. This post will focus on the Boba Fett Buffet. First, I started with the settings. I bought inexpensive tablecloths from the Dollar Store and I bought a starry sky backdrop that I used behind the buffet and for a photo booth.
I downloaded a light saber paper craft from starwars.com (the handle for Yoda’s light saber) and used it to roll up the plastic tableware in red and blue napkins. I got the kids involved here, assembling the proper tableware and rolling it up, and I finished it off with the handle.
Next, I designed some creative table tents in PhotoShop to label the food: Yoda Soda, Death Star Salad, Hunger Destroyer, Vader Veggies, DroidDrink, and more. For the Droid Drink, I bought the mini water bottles from Costco. I used this free download to wrap each bottle with an R2D2 label.
Since my husband’s business is a limousine company, we decided to leave in their limo party bus and play Star Wars on the sound system. On the outside, we set up a little table with popcorn in festive containers to create a movie theater experience, which the kids loved. The bus has a music synchronized laser show that really added a little something to the Star Wars experience.
While I admit, leaving the bus in the garage was mostly practical and was helpful for setting the theme, I didn’t have high hopes that among all the activities that 15 6 year old boys would sit down and watch a movie. I was so wrong! They loved this feature and spent a surprising amount of time watching the movie. Finally, the creme de la creme: the R2D2 cake. A very talented friend (who just opened her own restaurant!) made this for us, and it was as delicious as it was spectacular to look at. The kids waited for me to cut it up, as they all had very specific parts of R2D2 that they wanted to eat.
That concludes the food portion of our Star Wars birthday party. Stay tuned for more on our photo booth and Jedi Training activitites! Looking for more Star Wars birthday party ideas? Find my Pinterest inspiration board here.
See Also:
Star Wars Birthday Party, Part II Favor Bags
Star Wars Part III: Custom Invitations and Thank You Postcards
Snowflake
Darn, I don’t have the right lens for this…and this isn’t quite sharp. But, I couldn’t help myself from sharing this photo taken from my backyard today while big fluffy snowflakes fall outside.
Shop your own closet for these 5 DIY Halloween Costumes
DIY CLassic HALLOWEEN LOOKS FOR FREE
Looking for last-minute Halloween costume ideas? Here are 5 inexpensive DIY Halloween costumes you can shop your own closet for. Or, follow the links to shop these exact looks for yourself!
Holly Golightly – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Sheldon and Amy from The Big Bang Theory
I think my favorite is the “Shamy” couple costume from one of my favorite shows, “The Big Bang Theory.” Which is your favorite?
LOOKING FOR MORE LAST-MINUTE HALLOWEEN COSTUME INSPIRATION? FIND MORE IDEAS FOR SHOPPING YOUR OWN CLOSET HERE AND HERE.
Halloween Costume: Where’s Waldo (for her)
Last-minute Halloween party? The dreaded “costume required” work day? Or, headed to a social event where you’re not quite sure everyone will actually dress up? Never fear. I’ve come up with whole list of costumes that are totally festive, but not in that “Hey everybody, look at me!” kind of way. You know what I mean.
Introverts unite.
Where’s Waldo Costume
Where’s Waldo is perfect for any of those awkward Halloween social events. Just normal enough that you’ll be totally comfortable, but recognizable enough that you get full points for dressing up.
Better yet? Most people can find most of these things right in their own closet.
However, if you don’t happen to own a red stripe shirt or beanie, I’ve got you covered there, too. It’s super cheap to pull this outfit together online, and have it delivered to you in two days or less.
Shop your own closet for this Where’s Waldo Halloween costume! Or, you can shop the look here:
Or, just go out and buy a Where’s Waldo costume – they’re pretty inexpensive!
Looking for more costume ideas like this? Head over to my round-up, here:
And here:
Free Halloween Costume: Bank Robber
DIY Costumes that don’t suck
Shop your closet for this free Halloween Costume idea – an old school bank robber. I love that this costume is totally cute and could be pulled together with items you probably already own, especially if you’re a mom. Or, keep reading to find out how you can shop this look.
diy bank robber costume
This bank robber costume is perfect for any of those awkward Halloween social events. You know the ones – dressing up at work, the costume party where you don’t really believe anyone will show up…
This costume is just normal enough that you’ll be totally comfortable, but recognizable enough that you get full points for dressing up.
Better yet? Most people can find most of these things right in their own closet.
Halloween Costume: Holly Golightly
Shop your own closet for this Holly Golightly costume! Or, you can shop the look here:
Shop your Closet for Inexpensive Halloween Costume: Mary Poppins
Shop your own closet for this Mary Poppins Halloween costume, or shop a similar look here:
- Umbrella
- Red bow necklace
- Purse: get the Red Satchel bag or a carpet bag for a more authentic look
- Similar blouse here, here, here and here
- Similar hats here, here and here
- Similar heels here, here and here
Note: this post contains affiliate links. Please read my full affiliate disclaimer on the sidebar.
Halloween Couple Costume: Big Bang Theory
Shop your own closet for this Big Bang Theory couples costume , or shop the “Shamy” look here:
Sheldon:
Amy:
- Green skirt (similar)
- Mustard cardigan (similar)
- Similar blouse here and here
- Sensible Flats here / cute version here
DIY Advent Calendar – the beginning
DIY Felt Advent Calendar | Five Marigolds
As a kid, I absolutely loved Advent Calendars. You know, the little paper calendars with the perforated doors. Sometimes there was a Christmas picture behind the little paper door and sometimes a bible verse. It didn’t matter, I loved the process of opening on each day. I wanted to create an Advent Calendar tradition with my own children, but I wanted to create a keepsake – something they would look forward to getting out each year.
So, I went to the interwebs to find something to inspire me – and the pickings were slim. This was in 2008, a pre-Pinterest era, and there just wasn’t a lot out there I loved. Enter Stitchcraft Creations with her super cute felt calendar. With her pretty version as my guide, I embarked on “adventures in Advent Calendars.”
PlaySkool ShowCam – Bzz Campaign
I was sooo excited to recently be chosen for the PlaySkool ShowCam Bzz Campaign. A Bzz Campaign is a program through BzzAgent that sends free products and coupons to people to let them try it out, harnessing the most powerful form of marketing there is right now – word of mouth.
As soon as we got the box, I knew how I wanted to introduce this to the kids. Sunday morning we grabbed donuts and went to a local park where I brought my own camera to take a few snapshots of the family fun. I sent them on a picture scavenger hunt and let them snap away.
Now I should mention, I was surprised upon opening the packaging that there were absolutely no instructions inside. So we popped the batteries in and found that it was pretty intuitive to operate. Just a little testing of the buttons to figure out what-was-what, and we were off and running.
Dub took pictures of a spider, butterfly, leaves, and the rest of us at the park. 
A cool feature of this camera is the in-picture templates. You can make your subject a pirate, ballerina, dragon, skunk…all sorts of fun things!
When we got home, we all watched the pictures through one of the camera’s coolest features – the projector. They loved this and were delighted when the in-picture templates played animations along to music. They watched them over and over…until a fight ensued about whose turn it was to play with the camera.
This camera is lightweight and made of plastic, yet it seems reasonably durable. I see lots and lots of fun with this toy in our future.
Christmas Card Family pictures – what to wear
Our annual family photos are coming up quickly in just a few weeks – and I have been putting off the decision of what to wear. I normally have a vision and this time…I just don’t. Which is your favorite wardrobe theme?
Update – Shop similar look here:
- Dad Sweater Shirt Shoes
- Mom Top Blouse
- Big Boy Sweater Shoes Tie
- Little Boy Shirt Vest
- Big Girl Dress option 1, 2 or 3 Shoes
- Baby Girl Dress option 1, 2
Dress / J.Crew bubble sleeve blouse / AG Adriano Goldschmied pants / Medium wash jeans / Seychelles pumps / Converse shoes / Men’s Striped Shirts / Old Navy Mens Premium Skinny Jeans / Tan leather pointed toe shoes, $125 / Janie and Jack – Boy 0-12 yrs – Kids Clothes, Boys Clothes, Baby… / Koszula bawełniana – od H&M
Solid Gold
