valentine fiesta - the day after.

last night, we had a valentine fiesta for some of our closest friends. although, i really wish i had taken pictures, sadly i did  not.  however, i did take a few pictures this morning as i was cleaning up and taking down decorations-

we served fruity sangria and coronas with limes. i made salsa in my molcajete (a tool that i love). for dinner we set up a taco bar with choices of shrimp, fish and carne asada. and also served spanish rice and tamales with portabellas and polenta. dessert included- chocolate pots de creme, creme brulee and cookies. and we sent the couples home with large boxes of candy hot tamales as a thank you for all the sweetness and spice they have added to our lives.

it was truly a fun, fun night with a whole lot of laughing.  and, it was the perfect celebration for the friends that we love.

cinco de mayo.

if i were having a cinco de mayo party (and i really wish i were) i would totally make the ruffled streamers that dana of made created. i think they would be so fun and colorful and the perfect decoration for a cinco de mayo fiesta.

do you have any special plans to celebrate today? our only plans include making beef and shrimp tacos for dinner and, i bought some colorful bolis ice sticks for the kids to enjoy afterwards!

happy cinco de mayo!!

all images via {made}

more often.

i often wonder why we don't get together more often? last night, i put together a small birthday celebration here at home. my children went to bed, friends arrived and the party began. i served roasted garlic with french bread, spicy tomato shrimp, bruschetta and a wonderful tray of cheeses and crackers with fruit and nuts was brought. (thank you simone!)

it was exactly the night i needed. we chatted a lot. we laughed. and laughed some more. and before the night ended, we celebrated two birthdays with my favorite semi-homemade cupcakes. it was such a fun night. really... we must do it more often!

camping party.

we celebrated slade's seventh birthday with a camping themed party right in our own backyard. as the boys arrived, a sign instructed them to "check-in" and grab their camp pack.

the packs contained a flashlight and compass, which were used to play some of the games. the color of their bandana designated teams and had to be worn by the campers at all times.

the "camp rules" were posted along the path to the campsite.

a campground wouldn't be complete without a firepit to sit around.
(which was a favorite spot for the adults)

signs were also posted to direct campers to
the campsite, hiking trails and toilets.

sweets included: buckets filled with gummy frogs,
candy fishes and chocolate pebbles.

and of course, we roasted marshmallows and
made s'mores once it became dark.

finally, after singing happy birthday, campfire cupcakes
were served along with marshmallow ghosts.

happy birthday slade!!