A 50th Surprise

This past February, my dad turned 50. His work is always busy during the Winter months here in Alberta (so, like 10 months of the year) and he couldn't take any time off work for a party, so I planned it for the May long weekend. Many things didn't go as planned, including the shelter, some decorations, and some missing guests, but it all worked out in the end.

I feel that hosting and planning a "surprise" 50th party for my dad was a really good way to show him how much I appreciate everything he's done for me and helk, it's his 50th, it's basically asking for a giant party! It was supposed to be full surprise, where I'd even contact his employer and book his time off, except a few things went wary and the secret was out. It still worked out for the best, and my dad didn't know any details, but he had to book his own time off work ;)

My Grandma and I took a couple hours to prepare a '50' photo collage, the cupcake toppers, and a guest book of sorts. His party was a BBQ theme, as he does love his BBQ and it was supposed to be bright and sunny out. The weather had another idea, and decided to rain for the entire weekend...except for the hours of the party! The rain held off, but it was still cold and gloomy. The tarps didn't work out (one flat out broke and came crashing down an hour before people were supposed to show up!) so we rush cleaned out the garage and shoved everything in there. It has a little oven in there, so thankfully it kept the place pretty warm. 

I got a cake made for the occasion, too. It turned out so wonderful and was really good! Nothing but people complimenting how great it looked and how awesome it tasted. Of the 50+ people who said they were coming, 26 in total were there to celebrate! It was really great to finally meet family members that I've never met (or was too little to remember meeting). (Can you see my vibrant red hair? Love it!)

The help I received from everyone was beyond awesome and we really have an awesome family. My grandma let us use their acreage, everyone pitched in and brought some chips, salad, or dessert. My dad was so, so happy with it, and that's what really mattered! My younger sister drove all the way from BC for our dad's party, and my dad was so happy! We took advantage and got our first photo of the 3 of us in forever.

Everything was pretty budget friendly. The dollar store was my best friend for the decorations and it was all handmade. The cake and the poster were the only exceptions, as I went through Cake Affair for it (and will again!) and the Etsy shop, TalkInChalk.

Have you ever planned a 'surprise' party?

xo. Nicole

Change

So much change is happening for us in the next couple months. Our summer is going to be work, work, and more work while we save our money. We've looked at our options and realized that living in British Columbia just isn't going to work in our favor. The husband has been told he has a job in Edmonton, Alberta waiting for him in September so we've decided it's best for us to move provinces. The housing cost is too expensive in BC, and the jobs are crap. With husband's new job in Edmonton, we have a chance to save money, start a family, and maybe even buy a house one day. 

With our life changing direction, I think it's time for the blog to change too. I'm no longer a bride, still broke though! This is more of a lifestyle blog now, rather than a document of our wedding planning. I'm dreaming and scheming up names and post ideas, but for now, I have things to pack. I'll still be around, just not as often. I also still have an abundance of wedding photos to share with you, so stay tuned! xo

xo. Nicole

Shelby and Erik's Wedding

My friend, Shelby, recently got married and has let me share some of her pictures with you! Her photographer, Jennifer, did an amazing job (All photos are credit to Jennifer). 

I am totally in love with the honeycombs and the colors of their wedding. Shelby has been amazing in helping me with my wedding, like offering any of the decorations and any help I may need. I am so excited to get together and craft!

I'll add some more pictures in another post, but don't you love it?! Her wedding is very inspiring and it looked like it was a lot of work. They were even under budget and spent under $10,000! Shelby recently started her own blog, which I linked above, and from the looks of it she's going to have some pretty yummy recipes up there! There's already one for some lamb in a crock pot - yum. 

xo. Nicole

A Family BBQ

While my dad and his fiancee were out, we went over to my dad's aunt's house for a little family get together. My younger sister, Aimee, is an aspiring photographer so she took her camera along. She hasn't emailed them all to me, but here are the one's she did.

My dad and his uncle.

My Aunt just recently remodeled their kitchen and it's gorgeous. So here's some food.

Redneck Albertans and their cigarettes..

LOL funny face time apparently. (That's not how I actually smile...I'm in the middle)

Aimee and my dad.

This past weekend, I've gone through periods of being pretty sad because they left Friday afternoon after I went to work. Apparently I just get cranky instead of crying, so Rob's had to deal with that a bit. I know it's a 'see ya later' instead of a goodbye, as they'll for sure be out again in June for my wedding, but it doesn't make it suck any less. 

We had a really awesome visit. It was really nice to have them stay at our place instead of at his Aunt's. I got to wake up every morning to my dad tiptoeing around trying to work the coffee maker, while Rob and I slept on the couch. I admit, when I was younger, I always expected a new toy or a new outfit when we saw dad, but since I've grown up, I just look forward to the time spent together. I really did not expect anything when they were out, but they stocked up our toilet paper, paper towel, and our fridge! 

:)

I've got a couple posts coming up. I was just very busy the past week between work and my parent's visit, so I haven't had time to really be online. I received one of my giveaway prizes all the way from England! It was from a giveaway on Second Thoughts. 

Stay tuned. x

xo. Nicole