19 Years. 19 YEARS!

yes, that is us on the left - dig those crazy shades? c. 1990

It was only after dinner, during dessert, that I realized my husband and I were celebrating an anniversary. Neither of us really remembered that it was this weekend, 19 years ago that we met. He was 18 and I was just 19. Weren't those the days?

Green Valley Lake, CA ... early 90s


tandem mountain bike riding up to Butler Peak ... c. mid 1990s

my sister's wedding ... c. 2002

what a difference 19 years makes... c. 2008

Invitation for a Donation

or how about...

Designing for Donations?
Creating for Contributions?
A Present for your Party?

...these are very corny headlines, but my point is, in this economy I am very concerned that I will not be able to make my minimum goal of $2,500 (yes, two thousand five hundred dollars) in order to participate in the Southern California 50 Mile MS Challenge Walk. (read my story here)

I had an idea.

A few months ago, Aimée over at Under the High Chair asked if I could help her out with her son's 1st birthday party invitation. I've never met Aimée, we just started to get to know each other through our blogs (love hers!). So, I ended up making a cute invite, and she gave her son a fabulous 1st birthday party.

Then, I got an email from a reader who loved the Aimée's invite, asking if I would make an invite for her daughter. Yes, of course!

every little girl deserves a pink princess party

But this time, a stroke of brilliance! Let's swap the invitation design for a donation!

Thus, my idea was born.

I am offering everyone an Invitation for a Donation. Here is what you will get:

• high quality PDF emailed to you (for free) that you can print out at home
• two invitations come on an 8.5" x 11" sheet
• your invitation will be a 4" x 6" flat card, sized for an A6 envelope
• invitation can be for any occasion, can also include a photograph that you send me

Here is what you can do for me:

• post this Invitation for a Donation story on your blog
• go to the National MS Society website and donate on my page - Abigail Barnes - in any amount (just to let you know in advance, I do believe the minimum online donation amount is $10, but I think you can mail a check in for any denomination). And remember, this is tax deductible.

baptism invitation for a brand new baby boy

Well, I guess that is it. Do you have any questions? Do you need an invite? email me abigailee2@gmail.com.

surfer girl party! imagine it in blue for a little boy...

And thank you in advance for your generosity.

Warning: Easter Bunny Spoiler

{Don't let the kids read over your shoulder}

Ultra practical gifts, nearly free packaging

My daughter is very "snoopy" these days, so I have to be quite careful about what I look at when she is around.

Take my blog for example. Today, I would like to share a little tip about Easter baskets, but I also need to be sure she doesn't see it until she is at least 11 (at what age do you let them down gently about who buys for the Easter bunny?).

In the past, I have purchased a new basket each year for both of my kids for their gifts from the Easter bunny. And as everyone is a little in the same boat with finances, I was in a bit of a quandary as to how to pull off the gift without the new basket.

Enter: Cellophane. And some bright orange and yellow plaid ribbon. I already had the cellophane (from tons of previous basket wrapping projects) and although I did buy the ribbon, it was only $2 for 10 yards.

One last tip: although it may be too late this year, next year think about what the Easter bunny might bring that is fun and exciting, yet ultra practical. This year, I filled their gift bags with new swimsuits and towels. I was going to have to buy them anyway - so why not kill two bunnies with one stone? Wait, that doesn't sound right.


P.S. You still have time to put together your own "Next to Nothing" Easter decor, from our girls over at Paper & Cake, always $5.

Am I the Only One falling behind?

Image courtesy of See Jack Draw, I mean, me.

Really, is it just me? Chime in here... cause I'd like to know.

TO DO: {this week, and I'm serious here}

1. Jack's 4th Birthday party invites {feeling especially guilty for using evite last year}
2. Shop and clean for Easter Sunday {having a large chunk of rellies over}
3. Help the Easter Bunny with his shopping {I am resolved to buy things the kids need, even if they end up with toothpaste in their baskets!}
4. Finish painting Jack's room {yeah, I've had the paint for like a year}
5. New invitation for upcoming AMOCA show {The Artist is in the Details, works by David Furman}
6. Promote See Jack Draw {wouldn't this make a fabulous Mother's Day gift? if only men read my blog...}
7. Raise MONEY!!! {can you say $2,500?)

I'll get back to you with some great photos of a freshly painted room - I swear this time.

Also, I'm considering having a Wine Tasting Fundraiser party at my house in June... will you come?

I think that is it... unless you can think of anything else?