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I apologize for keeping you in suspense on Friday's book club selection giveaway, The Wedding Machine
Something else you have been waiting for: photos from Emma's recent birthday party. At 5, Emma still loves candy, so we opted for a variation of the candy shoppe birthday theme with the focus on bubblegum. Emma's Bubblegum Blow-Out was a sweet celebration with bright pastels and loads of vintage charm. Our invitation set the tone for the sweet surprises to come.
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Our Bubbly Emma Is Turning 5!
Please Join Us for a Big Blow-Out!
Last year Wal-Mart carried an adorable assortment of plastic gumball machines for $1 each in their selection of Easter candy. When I tucked them into Easter baskets, I thought how cute they would be for party favors or invitations. I considered purchasing some more just in case and have been kicking myself that I did not. I purchased pink Valentine gumball machines at Wal-Mart for Emma's invitations this year, hoping that if I delayed long enough I might be able to exchange them for the Easter ones. It seems retailers begin marketing seasonal merchandise earlier every year, but I stalked Wal-Mart to no avail. So our pink heart-shaped bubblegum machines had to do -- and perhaps they were a better fit anyway for my "early Valentine's" birthday.
Graphic designer Katy Larson and I had a ball with this theme, and I can't wait to show you all the printables she designed for the party. A silhouette of Emma blowing a bubble -- complete with hairbow and monogram -- gave us a great jumping-off point for developing the theme. With fun graphics and ginghams, I can't wait to share the details of this party! For our invitations, we shared party details on 3-inch scalloped tags tied to the gumball machines.
I have lots of party details to share, including ideas for food, activities and decor. I will do my best to get those posted regularly over the next week or so.
In the meantime, the copy of The Wedding Machine
-- chosen by random number generator -- goes to Mary. When I clicked on her comment, I discovered that Mary was my Mary Ramsey -- the sweet girl I babysat regularly when I was in high school. We corresponded through the years even after I moved to another state, and I am so proud of the beautiful lady she has grown into. She is now a wife, mother and teacher, but still the bubbly, beautiful girl who brought such joy to my life all those years ago. Congratulations, Mary! I hope you will enjoy the book .. and we need to catch up!
Blessings to you, friends!
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