Clothing Swap 101

Hosting a clothing swap is super simple, fun and such a gift to so many women!

About 3 weeks before the swap, I started getting the word out to some friends about the swap and asked them to go through their closet to find gently used clothing, jewelry, hats and accessories. 

Anything you haven't worn in one year, add it to your pile to swap. Even if you still like it! If you never wear it, pass it on to another gal who will show it off in public! :)

A few days before the event, I posted on Facebook to help get the word out and reminded girls of the swap. I also sent out a few texts to some friends who I really wanted to come so I could pick through their clothes! Ha! Sneaky eh?

Each swapper attending was asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share. This really made hosting the swap stress free for me. There were so many varieties of deliciousness in the kitchen but I think the donut holes were the biggest hit! Donut holes and wine... Girlfriends and guilt free shopping... Does it get any better than that?

Party start time was 6pm. When the swappers arrive, we had them place their goods in a 'somewhat' controlled manner out on the table. They were not allowed to look at the other articles laying out. Then to the kitchen they went... snacking, drinking and laughing. 

At 7:29pm, I explained quickly where they could try on the clothes... bathrooms and bedrooms (all of which were not super clean... oops! - REALITY!) This is when I closed the curtains to the outside. We all stood around the tables and did a countdown....

"10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-SWAP!"

I may, or may not have thrown an elbow or two to get to these shoes!

We had girls chatting, laughing, trying clothes on right and left... it was so much FUN!

We had grandma's, moms and college girls here. What a blessing it was when you saw almost every person walk away with a bag FULL of 'new to them' clothing & goodies.

When all was said and done... we had 8 BIG trash bags FILLED to the max with leftover clothing. This week I had the privilege of donating them to our local Teen Challenge Thrift Store on behalf of all the swappers!

What do you think!? Would you be willing to host a clothing swap?!? If you do, let me know how it goes!

For an added bonus if extra fun, have your friends bring fingernail polish and treat each other to a new polish job! 

We have already planned our next date - March 1st (if you're local!) for a HOME GOODS SWAP! (think decorations, dishes, throw pillows etc!) Mark your calendars!

XO.

Jari

Happy Birthday Avin!

Happiest Birthday to our sweet little Bear, Avinantor, Nator, Avi, Cakes, Widdle Baby, Avicakers, A!!!!

I can hardly believe it's been a year since the moment we met you. We prayed and prayed for a healthy baby and The Lord gave us so much more. 

You are such a sweet, content little one who is full of adventure. I'm still in awe at how early you learned to walk that you are almost a pro already. Now if we could just get the stairs down you'll be golden. 

You have taught us all so much about life this past year. I know that I'm a better mama to all of you girls now because of you. You continue to teach me to be less selfish. You have taught me patience and how to love more. (Now how in the world will we ever get you weaned?!)

 Your big sissies adore you and are so helpful every single moment. You really do have 3 mamas. You can almost say 'Arly' and you love Alyn's glasses. They can both make you really laugh. 

You are a daddy's girl. When you see him that is all you will say 'dada dada dada!' You sometimes tease him with kisses but it never fails that when he is in your sight, you run to him with arms wide open. It's a beautiful thing. 

You are such a blessing. While worshipping at home or church, you sing to Jesus with your sweet loud voice with hands lifted high. I pray that you wil love Him forever. 

We celebrated your birthday at WaTiki Warter Park with our closest family that could be there. 

Little Bear, you are so loved. Thank you for your smiles. For your mischievous looks. For your big kisses and little clapping hands. 

Happy Birthday love. 

XO

Momma

Party Prep

It's a last minute crafting DIY paradise in room 207 tonight. 

Our sweet little Bear is turning one tomorrow and we are partying to celebrate. 

It didn't even reach above zero temperature today so I'm so happy we chose the water park to help our little girl party like a mermaid (not really... But close.)

Snapshots from our DIY party. 

Daddy and cousin Kaci made the tissue pom-poms. Grama Mama covered some dowels with decorative tape. Sweet big sissy Arly, made a paper chain. Auntie Jackie was the scissors and glitter queen. Kit and I supervised well... Wink.

(I couldn't resist showing off these sweet chubby legs.... I could just nibble them!)

Party photos tomorrow. 

XO. 

Jari

Party Planning

It's been a few years since I've gotten to plan a FIRST birthday party and I couldn't be more 'bubbly' about it!

I love that we can personalize the party invitations with Sincerely Scent cards. (I can order fragrant cards that every detail is personalized specific for the event or occasion.... Here's just a sneak as I don't want to give away all the details before the party guests get a chance to see!)

After seeing the party Pinterest board of my sweet friend Brittany's (one she made for her daughters birthday) and knowing the location of Avin's party, I knew an 'Under the Sea' party was a must!

Arly and Alyn are so excited to help me find ideas, make and create, to make little Avin's party a memorable day for all of us. 

Here is a little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing...

And I'm still 'surfin' to find more inspiration. The location will be tricky to execute it all but we're going to try our best. 

By the way, I cannot believe that our sweet baby girl is too close to being a ONE year old!!!!!!!

XO

Jari

Pumpkin Carving Party

It was such a fun morning hosting our first pumpkin carving party! We had Joel's 10U Avalanche softball team over. We chose morning so the girls would be bright eyed and ready to get creative and so the families could still enjoy their afternoon together!)  

We woke up late but I think our decorations were still pretty cute. 

Paper lanterns make everything a little cuter and more festive!

We made a fall mix using candy corn, pretzels, Reese pieces, and some orange and purple marshmallow popcorn and pumpkin shaped potato puffs... All from Target. We put them in clear treat bags and tied them with green tulle to make it look like pumpkin and leaves!

Colorful pirate eye patches and vampire fangs were a hit!

Ghost pops = easy adorable treat for cheap! It's a PEEP!!! Simply push a ghost peep on a sucker stick and voila!

Disposable table cloths are a must! This makes for easy, quick clean up!

Spider Cider was a smash! So delicious! We mixed 2 gallons of apple cider, 1 large can of pineapple juice and 5 cinnamon sticks. Warm on stove and and serve in a spider punch bowl... What else?!

Get your coach to scoop out all your gunk. That's an obvious. 

And the finished products with their creative artists! I loved seeing all the girls get to know each other a little bit better. They already have the sweetest friendships... We can't wait to keep them growing those relationships. 

Happy Pumpkin Carving Party!!!

XO

Jari 

Spooktacular Party Plans

Joel and I try to be intentional with giving our girls plenty of social encounters during the week. 

Because we homeschool and are with us most of the time, we know it is very important for all the girls to be actively engaged with people and activities out of the home. 

This is where the 'spooky' title comes in the picture. 

With Joel being the Head Coach of the girls' 10U Avalanche Fastpitch Softball team, he definitely has a heart to create a special community with the girls. He doesn't want them to not only be teammates, but he desires them to create lifelong friendships. 

Relationships like this are made not only on the field but also off. 

So, Joel had the idea of hosting a Pumpkin Caring Party at our house this Saturday morning for the team!

I couldn't be more excited!!! (And the girls are too!)I love throwing parties together... From the decorations to the food and even little prizes! 

These girls are so sweet and I'm looking forward to hearing the giggles and seeing their creativity carved onto their pumpkins!

This is the inspiration for my pumpkin this year:

(Click Pinterest photo to the right for credit... I can't link up from my phone) 

How do you carve yours? Traditional Jack O'Lantern face? Character? Spooky scene? Paint?

Follow my pins on the right for more inspiration and I'll share all my goodies with you on Saturday!

XO

Jari