forever on the dance floor

So for about three years now, I've been dreaming and scheming for Michelle's 30th birthday. I HATE that I don't have a lucrative paying job and had to adhere to a pesky little thing called a budget because I had a big vision, but as we all know, ambitious ideas tend to require hefty sums of money. I'm full of vision, but lacking in the monetary department. What can ya do?

(*Prepare yourself for a marathon post. This is by far the most picture heavy and lengthy post I've ever done. Apparently, in addition to the party details, I also decided to include party planning 101.)

When I asked Michelle what she wanted/envisioned for her birthday party, her reply was that she wanted her wedding all over again. Hmmm...should be easy enough, right? Glad she wasn't expecting too much. Ha! I immediately set to work brainstorming ideas, and came up with an elegant cocktail party complete with copious amounts of homemade appetizers, signature champagne cocktails and details scattered throughout to make the night extra special. Here's the copy from the invitation:

Michelle's turning 30 and we're getting set
to throw her a party she'll never forget!

She's means the world to me and to you,
so a festive affair is a definite "do."

We decided to invite all those she holds dear
to help us celebrate her 30th year!

Join us for music, drinks, fun, and food,
And a night that's sure to put you in a good mood!

You're cordially invited to her celebratory soiree.
The night promises to be classy in every way.

I was a busy little bee a good five weeks prior to the actual day planning, prepping, organizing and trying to think of every little detail I could add that would delight Michelle and fill her with glee.

Just in terms of party planning tips, I highly recommend sending your evite out about three weeks before the event and then follow up with a couple guest reminders. Pick your theme and attempt to incorporate it wherever possible. Make sure to visit Party City, Target or similar store to purchase plates, cups, utensils and a few basic decorations to reinforce your theme for the night. I did this several weeks in advance and it was nice to be able to cross something off my list early in the game. When planning your menu, keep your guest of honor in mind and try to include their favorite foods and flavor profiles. Choose a couple appetizers that can be passed and be sure to include items in your spread that require little to no prep, i.e. veggie crudites and dip, a fruit, cheese and cracker platter, etc. Don't be scared to ask for help because you'll definitely need some extra hands in the kitchen. Also, I was able to do a lot of my food prep a couple days in advance. I was able to bake off the chicken for the chicken salad, chop all my ingredients for the crab cakes, caramelize the onions for the pizza and organize the general timeline for the food prep on the day of the party.

Once the big day arrived, I would like to say I had everything under control and was as cool as a cucumber, but I'd be lying. In all actuality, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I had to ice and decorate the cake, pick up the balloons, gather together all my supplies, finish my playlist, make the crab mixture, make the chicken salad (so the flavors could marry), chop fruit for the champagne bar and soak pears in the rum mixture. This was all prior to setting up for the actual party.

When I got to the party location (Nick and Michelle's house), I had to set up the sign-in table, champagne bar, candy bar and dessert table. I also had to decorate for the party in the pink, green, silver and black theme. I used pink napkins, silver food plates, green dessert plates, pink "Michelle" confetti and I placed framed black and white pictures of the birthday girl throughout the house. I also framed three pictures of Michelle with a big mat for her guests to sign. I placed this on the front table with the candy bar.




Amidst the set-up, I had to get myself AND the birthday girl ready. It was total chaos. This set me back a good 45 minutes on my timeline, but luckily I had my parents there to step in and save me. Seeing as though I still had to assemble the chicken salad toasts, make the crab cakes, prepare the pizza and chop & bake the sweet potato fries, I needed all hands on deck. Suffice it to say, no matter how well you plan, be prepared to hit a few snags come party time.


Speaking of all that food prep, this is the menu I decided on for the big bash:
vegetable crudites with Greek yogurt dip
hot spinach and artichoke dip with pita chips, sourdough bread and tortilla chips
curried chicken salad on raisin toast
spicy sauteed cocktail shrimp
fruit and cheese platter with grapes, blackberries, figs and Havarti
panko-crusted crab cakes
pear and gorgonzola pizza with caramelized onions
baked brie with pears and apples
sweet potato fries

It should be duly noted my parents made the baked brie and the hot spinach & artichoke dip. Thank you parentals. They were divine!

Per usual, I set up the food along their awesome buffet counter. I still remember seeing their house for the first time and I was overwhelmed with excitement when I spotted the long bar. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I had visions of delectable party spreads dancing in my head.






The "champagne bar" was set up on the island and featured Michelle's Thirty, Flirty Fizz which combined rum-soaked pears and champagne. There were also fresh strawberries and peaches soaked in peach schnapps. Guests could mix 'n match to the heart's content.




When the guests began to arrive, I put the crab cakes and pizza in the oven. Once those were finished, I quickly plated them and passed them out to the lucky guests who arrived in a timely fashion. The pizza was a real crowd pleaser and was gone lickity-split.

Obviously, there was a dessert table which featured the birthday cake: a white cake with raspberry mousse filling, fresh berries and a butter cream icing. There were also devils food cake cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries (thank you Elisa!) and dark chocolate chex mix.



As mentioned previously, the party goers were encouraged to frequent the candy bar and make goody bags to take with them. The favorite was definitely the candy corn, but there were also Skittles, honey nut chex mix and M&Ms.


The guest of honor (Michelle, duh) looked ravishing in her party frock. Like a fine wine, she just gets better with age. I don't exaggerate when I say she hasn't looked so beautiful since her wedding.




There was a good turnout to celebrate 30 years in the birthday girl's life. Guests included family, a fousin, old friends (as in 20+ years) and new friends. It was so fun to have people there from all different stages in Michelle's life.






I was particularly happy my parents were able to come and hang out for a couple hours. It was truly an "abundant life" moment.




Once the party was rockin' and rollin', it was time to play the "video/slideshow" (not sure what else to call it) that Nick and I had put together (I supplied pictures and he did the technical stuff) for the party. Again, this goes back to the details I was trying to include to make it feel like a wedding.

And what would be a party without cake? Well, not one I'd like to go to - that's for sure! There might not have been 30 candles on there, but I think she'll still get her birthday wish!




As could be expected, Michelle's #1 request was for there to be dancing, and "by God, there will be dancing." I compiled a playlist in an attempt to encourage said dance party and I think I was successful. Haylee had great fun spinning around the dance floor, and the guest of honor enjoyed a spin out on the dance floor with her main squeeze.



The REAL dance party got cranked up around midnight and included Michelle, Natosha, Jess, Elisa and yours truly. Highlights include "All the Single Ladies," "Benny and the Jetts" (27 Dresses anyone?), "You Can't Escape My Love," and "Don't Stop Believing." But perhaps the MOST memorable would be our reenactment of "Forever on the Dance Floor." We channeled the YouTube video and Jim and Pam's wedding from The Office. I wish I had the video to post, but unfortunately, it's on Nick and Michelle's camera. Sad day...



The night wouldn't be complete without a mini fousin photo shoot outside, so that's exactly what we did (after the majority of the guests had bid us adieu, of course).





We also let Nick take some pics with us too...ha ha.





When it was all said and done and we were in our pajamas watching "13 Going on 30" (at approximately 4 in the AM), I felt really good about the night. The birthday girl got to dance the night away and had a blast. I say that equals a success in my book.

Thirty, Flirty & Thriving

Whew! October is over and I feel I can breathe a sigh of relief. It has been a birthday bonanza, but I think I can officially hang up my party planning hat...at least for now.

As you read in a previous post, we celebrated my sister's birthday this past week which involved multiple celebrations. Obviously, this is 100% necessary for any birthday, but it was especially important given the monumental age she was reaching: the big 3-0.

We headed to Gloria's for our standard family gathering. The birthday girl was in need of a margarita fix and Glorias was just the ticket. The poor thing hadn't had a margarita since September of 2008, so needless to say, she enjoyed every sip!


Food was also consumed and I had my requisite 8 bowls of black beans. I think they might be under new management because my food was especially tasty that evening. Of course, the waiters were forced to sing the obligatory birthday song and you can bet Haylee was all over that free dessert.
Haylee: the chocolate monster
the birthday momma with her 2 girls
a lovely shot of the ladies (minus meredith)

Once we were sufficiently stuffed, it was time for cake and birthday presents. Well, we first had to have a dance party in the car. This was most definitely a necessity. jammin' in the car

I had spent the better part of 3 weeks putting together a photo book to commemorate 30 years in Michelle's life. While it certainly didn't do her life justice, I think she appreciated the effort and liked looking at the old pictures...the spiral perm was not a good choice. You live and you learn.



Pearl, I mean Haylee took the opportunity to put on every piece of her dress up paraphernalia. She was a diva/chef/princess/fairy. I LOVE that she's such a girly girl and wouldn't have it any other way.

haylee playing dress up with her papa


Back to the birthday girl. She had requested my mom's infamous chocolate-chocolate cake. It's a chocolate cake with chocolate chips and homemade chocolate butter cream icing. It is so rich you can hardly have a sliver without going into a sugar coma. She's been making it for our birthdays for as long as I can remember and that frosting is too die for. I should note that I learned from my mom to NEVER use canned icing. Thanks for teaching me that valuable lesson!



It was a nice low-key night to celebrate Michelle's life, but the real celebration was taking place the following night. Stay tuned for the party post!

Tasty Tuesdays: #19

Hello my blogging friends! It's a crisp autumn day outside, but at least the sun is shining down and the ground has dried up. I'll take what I can get!

As some of you may know, I hosted Michelle's big 30th bash this past weekend (massive post to come), and of course, this included a fairly expansive food spread. In light of the overwhelming response I received to a few of the items, I will be featuring select recipes from the party over the next few weeks. Aren't you lucky?

Today's recipe is completely original and was basically created in my head. It was a big hit, so I'm assuming that equates to a success. My inspiration came from a salad we regularly made at the lake house this past summer. In fact, I believe it's been a previous recipe on Tasty Tuesday's (easy sbp salad), and highlighted pears and blue cheese. I went with gorgonzola cheese in this case, but it was the same general idea.

This recipe is super easy and the only time-consuming step (caramelizing the onion) is completely optional.

Rachel's Rockin' PGO Pizza

Ingredients:
1 refrigerated pre-made pizza crust (gasp if you will, but I wasn't about to make a homemade crust)
1 container crumbled gorgonzola cheese
1 large pear, thinly sliced
1/2 C caramelized onions* (optional)
drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil.

2. Unroll pizza crust on foil and sprinkle cheese evenly over the surface.

3. Arrange the sliced pears over the cheese and top with onions.

4. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the crust is cooked thoroughly.

I also added some baked chicken I had leftover from another dish. It was just a smattering and is entirely optional.

*To caramelize onions, slice thinly and cook in a skillet with just a touch of butter (or liberally sprayed with cooking spray). Once onions begin to turn opaque, sprinkle with sugar (or splenda) and continue to cook until they are a nice golden color. These can be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to make your pizza.

a caddyshack bash

Two weekends ago (yes, I'm a bit behind), I helped host Meagan's Caddyshack-themed 26th birthday party. I've been dying for an excuse to go argyle-crazy for a while now, so the golf theme has been a long time coming. I'm glad Meg agreed to it for her theme!

Here's the wording from the invite:

Put on your plaid pants and argyle sweater vest,
to make sure you're dressed in your golfing best.

Making a bird or eagle is fun,
but celebrating Meg's birthday is like a hole in one.

This course is free of trees, ponds and sand
and the company promises to be very grand.

So choose where you'll play, the front or back nine,
By the end of the night, we'll all be feelin' fine!

On the day of the party, I followed the instructions and got dressed in my "golfing best" and scooted on over to Meagan's to set up. Crystal was gracious enough to lend a hand, and with her help, we got everything ready in no time. The balloons were blown up, the streamers were strung and the putting game was plugged in. All we needed were our fellow golfers to get the party started.





Once people started arriving (in their festive get-up), we wasted no time digging into the spread and toasting the birthday girl. Party nibbles included queso, 7-layer dip, pizza rolls, pigs in a blanket, spicy shrimp, black bean and corn salad, edamame, veggies and dip, popcorn and cookies. I went back for seconds...or maybe fifths.






The putting game was a huge hit and the dance party out on the deck outside was pretty rockin'.



And of course, what's a party without a cake made by yours truly? I made Meagan's favorite amaretto cake with cream cheese icing.




Meagan also made Irish coffee for a late night pick-me-up. It was a great idea and definitely gave me the caffeine buzz I needed to dance the night away. All in all, I had a great time and hope the birthday girl enjoyed herself.




Happy 26th Meg! I hope this year's a real "hole in one!"

an EPIC celebration

Today is a very special day in history. In fact, 30 years ago today marked one of the most influential days of my life. Granted, I was not born (or even a glimmer in my parents' eyes), but what occurred on that day would forever change my life.

On October 22, 1979, Michelle Renee Lawrence was born. Rumor has it my dad wanted to name her Aubrey, which we always detested growing up. (No offense if this happens to be your name or if you wish to name one of your children Aubrey. I'm actually quite fine with the name these days.) Anyway, Michelle was quite a tough baby given to fits of crying which could only be soothed by LONG car rides...bless my parents. It's quite apparent that even from birth, she simply did not wish to go to bed. Even then, I suppose she was afraid of missing out on something.



Three years later, I came along and we've been nearly inseparable ever since. I attribute this to the fact that Michelle is not your typical big sister. While most find their little sisters annoying, it was (and is) quite the opposite in our relationship. From day one, she wanted me around and this continued throughout grade school, high school and into the present. She always let me hang out with her and her friends...and even her boyfriends.



While we did have our fair share of fights and we definitely had to "divide" the backseat up using invisible boundary lines during long road trips, we still sustained a very unique relationship. I can't imagine growing up without doing gymnastics with her, watching TGIF with her on Friday nights, opening presents with her on Christmas morning, surviving moves across country during high school, attending countless concerts together and basically every other life happening. I cannot imagine "doing life" without her, my best friend.

She has always been my #1 fan despite my less than gracious attitude towards her at times. Her love is unconditional and her heart is bigger than Texas. God has graced her with the uncanny ability to extend grace when others remain bitter. She is a true, loyal and amazing friend even when particular people do not return the sentiment. She is a faithful wife and a selfless mother. Her girls are beyond blessed to be able to call her "Mommy." She loves my parents far better than I do and the patience she demonstrates is overwhelming. I could go on for days, but I shall exercise restrain.

More than anything though, Michelle loves life. Her appetite for "good times" is insatiable. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, even as an infant, she refused to go to the bed. This has not changed. She still has the mindset that she will miss something if she goes to sleep, so she consistently wills herself to stay awake as long as possible. As much as I give her a hard time about this, I really love this about her and find it quite endearing. I mean, she wants to really live life. How could I blame her? She was the one who was always up for the concert, the night out on the town, the margarita at happy hour, the impromptu dance party, the late showing of a movie, the icecream at Marble Slab and the list goes on. Granted, things are a touch different with the babies, but I know in her heart, she's still that girl.

So HAPPY, HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!!



You are hands-down one of the greatest blessings in my life. Even though I may not always show it, you mean the world to me. I pray God would rain down peace, love, happiness and joy that's overflowing in this new year in your life. And here's to being "thirty, flirty and thriving." Cheers to the next 30 years!

happy birthday meggers.

Because I just couldn't let the day go by without wishing a dear friend happy birthday...I had to do a quick mini-post.

HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY MEG!!!



We have celebrated about 12 birthdays together and I look forward to celebrating another 12 more. There is something so special about long-time friends, and I'm so fortunate to be able to celebrate another birthday with Meagan.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday. May this year be your best yet!!!

P.S. Stay tuned for her Caddyshack party post.