Valentine’s Day… What does it mean?

I know there are some people that love this holiday and some that don't. I love it! I see it as a day dedicated to love, making your partner feel special and appreciated. I have always loved romance, although I think most men hear the word romance and cringe. Valentine's Day and other days like anniversaries or birthdays can put a lot of pressure on a man to meet expectations. These expectations seem to be based off of the grandeur of the gesture, which I think is ridiculous. Romance is not about meeting expectations; it is about showing that you know what makes your partner happy. Valentine’s Day is not about chocolates and roses; it is about putting time and effort into something to show you care. Not every lady likes chocolates or roses and it is up to the man to show he knows his lady by the activities and/or gifts he chooses.

Valentine ’s Day should not just be about the guy making the lady feel special; it should go both ways. It is a day about love and there is no reason why us ladies should not be doing something nice for our men too. It is so easy nowadays to take each other for granted because we are all so busy and stressed out. We sometimes forget to stop and think about how lucky we are. Valentine’s Day is your day to stop and think about your partner, the person that makes your everyday that much better.

For some amazing gift ideas for valentines and many other occasions check out this website. http://www.gifts.com/ideas/valentines-day

The video also has some ideas of what to get your girl friends for Valentine’s Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lShmTetK2a4&list=LLPWR4NS3-wWN3lDXb7XhgDg&feature=mh_lolz

Pets Are Like Family… and Who Doesn’t Love A Birthday Party

Pets can become just like family. The most common pet to become like family is a dog; however, a pet that is loved unconditionally can be a number of animals (cat, hamster, bird, reptile..etc.) Pets deserve to have a special day just like any other member of the family. What I am talking about is having a birthday party for your pet! Pets deserve a birthday party because they make you smile from happiness every day.

Once you decide that you would like to have a birthday party for your pet there are so many fabulous things you can do.

1.    Make a cake or cupcakes: You can either make these treats edible for your pet or they can be for human consumption but have the dessert themed around your pet. You could even maybe have a certain drink that is named after your pet!

2.    Buy your pets favourite treats and maybe a new toy: Just like children pets like unhealthy food and new toys :P

3.    Invite all your friends over who love pets: If you are hosting a dog’s birthday party and have enough space, have all your friends bring their dogs. You can set up a “play area” for your friends’ pets with some big juicy bones and some play toys to keep them occupied.

4.    Show off your pet: If your pet is people friendly carry them around and introduce them to all the guests. If they need to stay in their cage move the cage somewhere where it can be admired by everyone. You can also put a few favourite pictures of your family and your pet around the house for people to see.  

5.    Prep your pet: Ensure your pets cage is clean, they are washed, nails clipped and brushed. Seeing as all your friends are seeing your pet you want him/her to look their best

6.    Gift Bags: If your guests have pets make their gift bag specialized for the kind of pet they have. This way your guests can treat their loved pet too.

Pet birthday parties can be an extremely fabulous and posh event or they can be a friendly backyard bbq. No matter what type of event you hold your pet will know they are loved and that is what a pet birthday party is all about!

You blink and A Year has Gone By!

It is your baby’s first birthday! This is a time for a great celebration, not only for your baby, but for you as parents. You did it! Your baby is healthy and happy, which means you are great parents.

 

First birthday parties are one of my favourite kinds of events to plan. You can do whatever you want, but what I really love is when they are themed parties! Owls, monkeys, Disney characters, trucks, cars, Barbie, princesses the options are endless for themed parties. First birthdays are also great because you can show appreciation to all the family and friends who have been there for you. If you have a budget for a first birthday I always encourage it to go towards the food, décor and gift bags.

 

Gift Bags

I always think it is cute when the gift bag reflects the theme of the party. For example, if you are having a princess party then your gift bag would be a gift certificate to the spa, a bottle of sparkling wine and some fabulous chocolate! If you are having a truck party, give a gift certificate to a fancy car wash, a nice car air freshener, travel size hand sanitizer, lip chap or anything that you think is handy to have in your car.

 

Food

One thing that is great is usually first birthdays are held when the baby has just had a nap so it is usually in the late morning. Fabulous little appetizers are the perfect food for this type of event!

 

Décor

If you are going with a theme or a colour scheme for their first birthday it can be reflected in everything! Table clothes, plates, napkins, gift bags, cups, centerpieces and of course desserts and the cake are all decorating opportunities! The cake is for sure a part of the décor!

 

Planning

Planning any kind of event while you have a little baby can be a lot of work. That is what I am here for! Event planners give your event the time and attention it deserves and take all the stress away from you. Seeing as they have relationships with local venders they also can get you discounts on things like your décor and cake. If you are in the Winnipeg, Manitoba area give me a call or send me an email. I would love to create an amazing first birthday for your little one!