Friday, August 13, 2010

Austin's 30, Party Planning, Ready for the Weekend

Yesterday Austin, my husband, the boy I met back in 2001 when he was 21 years old, turned 30. I'm so proud of him and love him so much - can't wait to celebrate his birth! hehe Here he is on his third birthday.... Add a zero to that 3 and here we are!
So dang cute!

In the meantime, yesterday was spent working, having (another) new AC unit installed, and running to Trader Joe's, Kroger and to the drycleaner's to pick up the rug. OY! I also finished up some party stuff and had yet another productive day - woo! Around 7 we met Chris at 5 Seasons for a little get-Austin-out-of-the-house-birthday-drink, then a monsoon came and Austin decided nope, no movie, let's just go home. So we did! We had one more drink, played some pool, then Chris came over/I went to bed and that was the end! I think he had a great birthday, but of course the big celebration is Saturday! Here's a sneak peek of his party - this is the inspiration board I've been working from - I've been adding to it as napkins are printed, cups are made, etc.

click to make larger

Here's a close-up of the invites! I was really excited about these! I made them in InDesign and then my printer (through work) helped out on the job . Thanks, Liz! And I love this site, Crayon Crisis, where I got the idea from. Thanks again for letting me "borrow"!

Hope you like! I've had such a blast working on the theme, rentals, signs, music, linens, you name it! I think/hope it's going to be a blast! And, it will mark my first time cooking for 40+ people. Yes, you read that right! Hopefully i'll have some lessons learned following this party and a menu for how much food, alcohol, etc. you need for 40 - 45 peeps! I'm also super pumped to have so much help from my friends, to have a bartender on hand (one less thing to worry about), to have Chris/Phil playing acoustics AND to have Zach taking pictures!! eee - I hope Austin has the best 30th birthday!

And back to normal programming! I ended yesterday at 1,816 calories, 238 carbs, 41 fat grams and 65 protein grams. Here's what I ate. I'M SO READY FOR FRIDAY! (I'm also SO behind on blog reading - it's on my short list!)

Q: Have you ever hosted a party/cooked for lots 'o peeps? I've never done more than 20!

Q:Party planning: yay or nay? I love it - especially early on doing inspiration boards and deciding color palettes! hehe

21 comments:

Marisa @ Loser for Life said...

Aw, how cute is he?! Party planning is really stressful, but you are doing a fantastic job! It's going to be a great time for everyone!

I have planned multiple large parties 25+ people. I think the key to it all is to not get caught up in too many of the little things and once the guest arrive - be relaxed. I notice when I'm relaxed, then everyone else is and has a great time!

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

Happy, happy Birthday to Austin!!! I LOVE the photos! What a cute boy! :)

I like planning parties, but I keep things much simpler these days. I used to always make tons of different foods and drinks. Now I usually stick with just a few dishes and focus more on having a good time... :)

Have a great time!!!

Kate @ Daffodils said...

baby austin is SO cute! Hope yall have a wonderful time!!!

Anonymous said...

What a cute picture of him -- love that onesie looking outfit he's sporting!

Props to you for cooking for so many folks. The most I've cooked for is in the teens (and that was with Hubs' help)!

I love to plan ANY and EVERYTHING! Apparently I've missed my calling as a party planner? :o)

Christina said...

cute inspiration board! that's a lot of people to cook for but i know you can do it! you're brave and you seem so organized!

Kacy said...

Looks fun, love the invite. You're so organized!

Lisa @ I'm an Okie said...

aww look at that blond hair! so cute.

and I hate party planning--too stressful for me!

Sue Pierce said...

You have had a lot on your hands. It can be tough to plan an entire party. The worst part is that you never get enough accolades. Well, thanks for your story. I found it comforting to know other people deal with this stuff too. Hey, if you ever want to check out my stuff you should.

Kelly Pearce said...

You are amazing! This is going to be sooo much fun! We will be there tomorrow and can't wait to celebrate! I love entertaining for lots, although I have never done it for 40 people...

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Austin!! Ah, so young to be 30!

You are so creatively talented! Can't wait for the bday recap - have a great time!

Biggest party I've good for was my step-sons graduation party - 30 people!

lee said...

Very cute! Jason is turning 30 in 3 weeks and I haven't done anything like this. Oops. We are having a party for him though. Maybe I should do more planning?

homecookedem said...

What a cutie pie picture!! Happy Birthday to Austin!! He is so lucky to have such a talented and wonderful wife!! :)

Anonymous said...

Cooking for 40 people! That is a task! I through a party for HIS 30 birthday a few years ago. Rented a big 20+ person house. I kept the cooking simple . . . some pre-made pasta sheets and salads.

Sounds like Austin will have a blast!

Mica said...

Wow! I have never attempted something of that magnitude before. I bet Austin will have a great time.

Look at how blonde 3-year-old Austin was was!!

Tyler said...

That picture is uh-mazing! My hubs was a little blondie too! I've never planned a big party before. It looks like you are doing a fabulous job though!

fittingbackin said...

Thanks you guys!! Today is the day - woo! I'm so excited to get everyone here. K... off to plan... tomorrow afternoon is devoted to catching up on blogs - yesssss. I'll also (hopefully) have some pics to share!!

Lived With Love said...

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Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Austin!! Wow-20 people! I've never done more than 10, and I thought that was a lot! lol

Kacy said...

Yep, I've done a keg stand or two in my day. But... it's been awhile. I did do a Gargoyle last summer though. They're easier than keg stands :)

I used to be a late night soldier, but now that I get up so early I don't last that long anymore.

The party looks like a blast! Success!

Anne Marie said...

Happy birthday, Austin!! Wow-20 people! I've never done more than 10, and I thought that was a lot! lol

homecookedem said...

What a cutie pie picture!! Happy Birthday to Austin!! He is so lucky to have such a talented and wonderful wife!! :)