Real job, eh?

When I talk about my "real" job and doing a "program overhaul" I'm not talking about computers, I'm talking kids. During the day, and to pay the bills until this thing gets off the ground, I run an after school and summer camp-- sure, that sounds like it's a blast, but it's a whole lot of organizing and has given me some great skills for event planning and coordinating!

During school breaks, we take field trips just about everywhere-- SkyZone, Stone Mountain, assorted state parks, Six Flags, Andretti Karting, Movie Tavern, and about a thousand other places. We do full day field trips, not just little outings, so it involves a lot of working with venue staff to sign contracts, place deposits, arrange catering menus to meet our needs fiscally and nutritionally, and ensure everything goes smoothly day of.

When we're on field trips, I bounce from group to group, ensuring that everyone gets where they need to go when they need to be there. Troubleshooting on the go is an absolute must, and on several occasions I've had to deal with sick staff, low staffing, and venue staff that doesn't have the correct information.

On a day to day basis, I coordinate transportation, paperwork and contracts, oversee staffing and enrollment, and deal with families who range from pleasant to stressed to upset to (on a rare occasion) belligerent.

Before I did my own wedding, I'm not sure I would have connected the two professions but the more I work at both the more I see that they are incredibly alike. In both, I am responsible for making a day fun and unforgettable for a loved family member and handling the strange mixture of business and emotion.

Deals around Town

Publishing FAIL! I had this post all lined up and didn't remember to hit "publish post" last night!


This week's a simple rundown on the deals around town for those of you planning an event--

* $300 gets you Four Hours + Attendant + Prints from a Photo Booth through a LivingSocial Deal for Picture Perfect Announcements! This would be a great deal for a wedding, anniversary party, retirement party, or even a milestone birthday. Who doesn't love a Photo Booth?!

(Photo By Meg Clark)

* $70 gets you a LivingSocial package for a birthday party for up to 8 kids at MightyJumps over on Collier-- this place is a bit hellish from an adult's perspective (think weird carpet design and Kidz Bop), but we were here for my goddaughter's birthday this weekend and the kids loved it! With the amount of money people are dropping on kids' parties these days, a deal like this might be worth it for the kiddos in your life. (Alternatively, they also have a deal for bouncy houses if you have a warm-weather birthday coming up-- Groupon also has a similar deal)

* Looking for a baby shower gift for the crunchy mom in your circle? $10 gets you a free Mom & Baby or Prenatal class at Oh Baby! Fitness thanks to LS. I've gathered from friends of mine that these are things they wanted to try while pregnant, but couldn't "justify" spending the money, so this would be a welcome gift!

If you're not in Atlanta, be sure to check out your local versions of these sites-- after the initial boom, they're focusing less on restaurant deals and more on "escapes" "adventures" and "goods" for your convenience!

Birthday Blues

Some of us (ahem) who have winter birthdays feel the pain-- and those of us who love people with winter birthdays ALSO feel the pain. My father's birthday is 12/23, my birthday is 1/28, and my goddaughter's birthday is 2/26 with countless others strewn throughout. By the time you get past Christmas and New Years, you're coming up on Valentine's Day and you're broke and at a total loss as to what you should pick up!

Never fear, the internet is here to help; this week's markdown Monday is a visit to West Elm, Patina Stores, and Cursive New York which have some very expensive things, but also some wonderful little treats that will please your loved ones without breaking the bank!

Hand-Blocked Zipper Cases, $7-12 -- for the friend who has (and loses) everything

Alphabet Trays, $8 -- find a nice soap to add in, and you have the perfect bathroom gift!

Colored Pencils in a Box, $15 -- I still have a set I got as a child, these are a wonderfully whimsical gift for the person who has everything!

Tiger Game, $15 -- Table games are making a big time comeback, so if you know someone who likes Jenga (before OR after a glass of wine!) this would be an excellent addition to their collection.

Tabletop Games, $5.95 -- Speaking of tabletop games, if your friend likes to host, this may be just what they need! With 8 choices, you could build up their collection for birthdays and holidays to come!

I love these gifts because they're simple and fun-- we're so often worried about going all out for that perfect present OR trying to find something that the recipient "needs" because everyone "needs" something, right? You know what? Some of the best and most treasured presents I've ever received were little tiny gifts like these. Things that were fun and whimsical and just plain made my day. So, don't be afraid to get out there and look around-- poke around these three sites and Etsy because you never know what you're going to find that might make that special someone smile!

Keep up with these gifts and more on my Gift Ideas Pinboard on Pinterest!

Luscious Libations

Whether it's a wedding, BBQ, birthday party, or shower everyone needs a beverage handy to sip on while the guest of honor or host opens presents, gives a toast, or grills the burger to perfection!

I love the idea of signature cocktails and have found recipes galore, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for every taste and age!

Sherbet Punch, perfect for a baby shower or girls' birthday!

(via)

Winter Wonderland Martini for a Holiday Party or Winter Wedding!

(via)

And for a BBQ or Summer Wedding, you can NEVER go wrong with a margarita bar!

(via)

Check out these ideas and more on my Libations Pinboard on Pinterest!

Birthday Bliss

I went and saw Thor last night for a friend's birthday and it got me thinking about all the amazing parties I had as a child, and the crazy parties I'll be throwing for my kids one day! My favorite party in memory was the Barbie party I had at around 7-- of course, it wasn't fancy shmancy like the inspiration board would suggest, but involved cardboard and foil Barbie tiaras and all of us wearing our very best dress up princess outfits! The inspiration board for this one is small because, honestly, whether you have girls or boys they will all create their own awesomeness when given their favorite characters! Plus, it's a fantastic use for those leftover Halloween costumes and thrift store dress up finds!

1. Super Hero Stationary 2. Barbie Cake 3. Barbie Birthday Stationary 4. Super Hero Cupcakes

The best thing about the Barbie cakes is that now they have more affordable Barbies on the shelves and if you know someone who can cook a dome cake for you BAM! Instant, affordable, impressive to small children type birthday cake!