Help!!

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Any of you fab readers out there done the whole Las Vegas bachelorette party thing? I am trying to get one together, but am overwhelmed by all the choices! What restaurant for dinner? What clubs? Should we do a limo club tour? It's starting to really stress me out, and it is in TWO WEEKS! Talk about last minute planning. So any advice and/or referrals would be sooo great. Oh, and we aren't doing anything like Thunder From Down Under, the bride's not really into that kind of thing.

Blog Music Party Week: Music For Kickin' It Old School

Don't you just love to reminisce about junior high and high school? Looking back on those days always includes memories of the songs that were the soundtrack to your life back then. I've got some doozies and can't wait to hear all yours!

A Lighter Shade of Brown-On A Sunday Afternoon

I'm going to take this one all the way back to fifth grade. I remember all the cool kids went around singing this song. One day my Grandpa took me to the music store and I asked him to buy me the tape (poor guy didn't know any better). So there I was, eight years old popping "Brown & Proud" into my tape player and singing "...sippin on a cold bottle, of brewsky..." Cuz I'm gangsta like that. Better recognize.

Red Hot Chili Peppers,"Under The Bridge"

Under The Bridge: Literal Video Version - watch more funny videos

(This isn't the regular video-it's the literal video version from Funny or Die-I just love those!)

This song takes me back to one random middle school summer. My best friend from down the street and I would roam around our neighborhood singing this song at the top of our lungs. We would watch the video on MTV at her house, because I wasn't allowed to watch it at the time. I had strict parents. But it's ok, because now I watch all the MTV I want. That's right mom, try and stop me!

Paperboy, "Ditty"



Ahhhh yeaaaah! I jammed to this one-hit-wonder in sixth grade. I still love it!

Garbage, "I'm Only Happy When It Rains"



I think I was in ninth grade when I started getting into the rocker-chick kind of music. Alanis Morissette was also in heavy rotation back then. But don't worry, I didn't dress in all black or anything like that. I was just digging on the angsty lyrics. You know, because things just get so much more complicated in high school!

TLC, "No Scrubs"



I had to include a song that reminds me of my senior year in high school. I picked this song because it played over and over and over again at Disneyland for Grad Nite. There was this big double-decker bus driving around with Mickey, Goofy and a gaggle of seriously stoked seniors waving and dancing, and I swear every time I saw it this song was blaring from it's speakers. Then, every club we went to (they had DJ's in certain areas that they cleared out and designated as "clubs") was playing this song. "Noooooo. Scruuuuuuuubs." We didn't care though, we just kept singing along, thinking we were so cool partying at Disneyland at two in the morning.

I'm stoked that so many of you joined in our party yesterday! I had so much fun checking out everyone's happy songs. If you are just tuning in, check out the details here for how you can get in on this action. It's not too late to join in!

Here's our list of party people so far:

Maggie
Melanie
newlyb
Karen
Kristine
Jill
Kaylen
Megan

Welcome newcomer:

Sweet Erin of Perfect Sentiment took us back in her musical time machine here.

Hippity Hop, Easter's On It's Way

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What a gorgeous Easter centerpiece from good ol' Martha. I love the sherbet colors of the tulips and how they are nestled in the grass to look like Easter eggs. I've also always been a fan of grouping like-colored little candies in pretty little bowls. Directions available here.

I'm on the hunt for goodies to fill Natalie and Kara's baskets. Etsy is my first stop. I'll be sure to post some of my finds!

Blog Music Party Week: Songs To Turn That Frown Upside Down

Music can be great therapy. I just love a song that no matter what kind of funky mood I am in, gets me smiling and feeling a bit better about the day. Here are a few songs that do just that:

The Roots, "Lovely, Love My Family" (From Yo Gabba Gabba)

For those of you who don't have kids, you probably have no idea what this song is. Well let me just tell you, you are in for a treat my friend. This song comes from the show You Gabba Gabba on Nickelodeon, which is one Natalie tunes in to every once in awhile. They sometimes have musical guests on to perform songs geared toward the kiddos, but I thoroughly enjoy them as well. I guess I'm just a kid at heart. But aren't we all?

Unfortunately, I could not find an embeddable link to post the video, so you are going to have to click here to watch the video. Trust me, it's worth it.
A few of the uplifting lyrics:

"Sometimes when I am sitting by myself
Those quiet moments when not with no one else
I’m mesmerized by all the many good things in my life
I think about the time when I was younger
And the older that I get the more that I feel wiser
With the love of friends and family

Get stronger and it carries me on through"

Here are a few screen shots to tempt you into watching:

The Roots-they don't get much cooler than this people. I mean, come on, they have a tuba player.

DJ Lance and his lady bustin' some serious moves

Muno's (the red bumpy dude) whole family is in the video. You never see them in the TV show. I get excited about stuff like this. Check out his dad's awesome lime green 'stache.

So go ahead and click here to watch the video. You won't regret it.

Natasha Bedingfield, "Unwritten"

Natasha Bedingfield is one of my favorite artists, and really all of her songs could be on this list. I couldn't help but choose this one though. Yes, it is The Hills theme song, but try to look past that for a moment. For me, the lyrics are very inspiring:

"Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten"

Tony Bennett, "Are You Havin' Any Fun?"

Remember a few years back when this song was on a Safeway's commercial, I think for Thanksgiving? That was the first time I had ever heard it, and I immediately went to download it on itunes I loved it so much. How can you not with lyrics like these:

"Hey fellow with a million smackers
And nervous indigestion
Rich fellow, eating milk and crackers
I'll ask you one question
You silly so and so With all your dough....

Are you havin' any fun?
What y'gettin' out o' livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not havin' any fun?

Are you havin' any laughs?
Are you gettin' any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun

Why do you work and slave and save?
Life is full of ifs and buts
You know the squirrels save and save
And what have they got.....nuts!

Better have a little fun
You ain't gonna live forever
Before you're old and grey, still okay
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Are you havin' any fun?"

Amen, Tony. Amen.

Ok peeps, now it's your turn! Comment here or do a post on your blog about your favorite happy-go-lucky song pics. And don't forget to check out Melanie's and Maggie's posts too!

*Update*

Now it's really starting to look like a party!

The lovely lady behind the great blog Like A Hamster On A Wheel, posted a few of her choices here. Check them out-they are good ones!

Super cool Karen from I Don't Think Prada Is The Answer They're Looking For (best blog name ever) is rocking out with us here.

Fun gal Kristine of evading the inevitability of mwomdom has her selections here.

My trendy pal Jill of the good life for less has me whistling along to her choice here.

Kaylen of happy notions has her cheerful choices here that will have your pores oozing happiness.

Megan from All You Need Is Love has some great picks here, including her blog's namesake.

Announcing: Blog Music Party Week!

Who: That's right folks, I'm declaring it Blog Music Party Week here at Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle! Joining me as co-hosts are Maggie of one of my new favorite blogs Magchunk, and Melanie of one of my long-time favorite blogs, You Are My Fave. I hope you will join in too!

What: So what is this Blog Music Party Week, you ask? Each day this week will be assigned a certain musical topic, in which we will then be choosing songs to go along with the theme. We will post videos of the songs for your viewing pleasure, and write a little something as to why we chose that particular song.

When: Monday, March 30th-Friday, April 3rd

Where: Right here, here and here, and hopefully on your blog too!

Why: Because...

Music

makes the
People
come
Together!

(according to Madonna-and she knows everything)

How: Here is how you can join in the fun:

If you have a blog: Pick your own songs relating to the day's topic and post about them on your blog. You can add videos if you like, or simply write about them, however you want to do it! You can also copy and save the Blog Music Party Week logo (the one with the cool tapes) from up above to use on your post too. Then just link back here, or let me know you posted in a comment or email and I will link to your blog on that day's post. Get it? Got it? Good.

If you don't have a blog: We want to hear from you too! Simply leave a comment with the songs you would choose and why. It's not a party if no one shows up!

Here is the rundown of the daily topics:

Monday: Happy-Go-Lucky songs; songs that put a smile on your face and can totally turn your mood around

Tuesday: Songs that take you back to jr. high and/or high school

Wednesday: Favorite songs from/used in movies

Thursday: "Guilty Pleasure" songs-those you are embarrassed to admit you like

Friday: Best karaoke songs

Oh, and I almost forgot, there is a giveaway involved too! Anyone who participates, by either commenting or posting on their blogs, will be entered to win three mix CD's. The winner will recieve one CD from each of the co-hosts (Maggie, Melanie and me) filled with our musical selections from the week. I'll draw a name from the bunch over the weekend and announce the winner on Monday morning!

Alright, now let's get this party started!

Simplify: Tip #13

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“Anyone can carry his burden, however hard, until nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard, for one day. Anyone can live sweetly, patiently, lovingly, purely, till the sun goes down. And this is all life really means.” -Robert Louis Stevenson

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Teaser

I'm shaking things up around these parts next week with five days worth of...well, you will just have to tune in to see. A few other lovely blogging ladies are joining me in the festivities as well...and hopefully you will too! So come back on Monday to see what's going down! Here's a little hint:

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Happy Weekend!

The Cure For The Common Color Phobic

All this sunshine we are having lately has me yearning for bold, bright color! Since running across this home, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. For me, it is the perfect blend of energizing colors, plus it is all complemented by my favorite neutrals of white and tan. Are you generally a color-phobe when it comes to interiors, or do you embrace your inner color wild child?

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Pssst-If you haven't checked out my tumblr lately, I have lots of new stuff posted!

Great Idea: Restaurant Menus as Wall Art

I saw this idea in the March issue of Family Circle magazine, and was so stoked about it I actually took the time to scan the image for you guys (lazy much?). I don't know about you, but I am an avid restaurant menu critic. If the restaurant has an interestingly designed menu with great graphics, I am sold. If it has a menu that looks like it was created in Microsoft Word and then printed on the owner's old ass printer? Not sold.

What I think makes this idea special (besides it being virtually cost free) is the personal spin you can give to the collection. You can collect menus from restaurants you ate at while on vacation in Maui, the menu from the restaurant you had your first date together and the menu from the restaurant where you got engaged. Heck, you could even use the menu from the restaurant where your toddler decided to throw a fit by throwing spoons and mashed potatoes at you (ahem-Red Robin).

I think the obvious place for a grouping like this is the kitchen. In the photo above it looks like they simply laminated them and propped them atop the floating shelves. You could also frame them and hang in a gallery style grouping. If you eat out at a lot why not wallpaper your whole darn kitchen? No? Eh, just a thought...

Spring Wardrobe Inspiration: Casual Chic

I, like a lot of other people out there, loove me some Polyvore. I like to dabble in making little sets, but what I enjoy even more is getting lost browsing other people's creations. I mean, there are ridiculous amounts of wardrobe inspiration on this site.

I recently came across the profile of Autumn85, and found myself adding every other set of hers to my favorites (I would add them all-but I don't want to look crazy or something!) I love how she uses a number of the same items and mixes and matches them across different sets. Makes it more realistic, right? I can actually picture myself in these outfits this Spring, especially since I own quite a few similar pieces already.

I wrote her to ask her permission to publish some of her sets and she kindly obliged. In my conversations with her she mentioned that she likes to use basics that one can find anywhere from Nordstrom's to Old Navy in her sets. I think that is why I tend to fall back on basics when it comes to my wardrobe; you can look classy no matter where you bought your clothes, or what the price point.

So, without further adieu, my Spring wardrobe inspiration, courtesy of Autumn85:



Untitled - by Autumn85 on Polyvore.com

Already own similar: shoes, jeans and a white tee. Definitely am going to be on the lookout for a delicious tangerine hued cardigan and peach scarf.


Untitled - by Autumn85 on Polyvore.com

Loving the fun, colorful striped tank. Add some gold accessories and you're, well, golden!


Untitled - by Autumn85 on Polyvore.com

A classic trench is the perfect solution for still-sometimes-chilly spring evenings, and I love the look of a mens style silver watch to add a little edge to an outfit.


Untitled - by Autumn85 on Polyvore.com

A classically casual look that can take you from coffee with your best friend to dinner with your boyfriend.


Untitled - by Autumn85 on Polyvore.com

Here we have the same trench, scarf, earrings and shoes from the previous sets, this time paired with a flirty, feminine little dress. Perfection!

I hope you enjoyed this highlight of my spring wardrobe inspiration! Check out Autumn85's profile for tons, and I mean tons more wonderful sets.

So tell me, what looks/pieces are you coveting this season?

Monday Musings

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Happy Monday everyone! It's bright and sunny outside my window today, so I am looking forward to a great Spring week. Our plans include a trip to the local tulip farm, lots of playing outside in the backyard, and planting a new butterfly garden.

This past weekend my mom and little brother (he's 20) came down to visit. My brother brought his Rockband game, and I think I literally logged in about ten hours on the darn thing. Turns out I probably should have been finding a gig as the lead singer of a band instead of wasting four years in college. I also learned some seriously weird and twisted songs that I had never heard of before, such as this.

Needless to say, I didn't get together the blog posts I was planning to this weekend...but I have something pretty fun in the works for next week, so stay tuned! I have, however, posted two quick questions for you that I have posted over in the left hand sidebar. If you would be so kind as to take a moment to answer them, it would be greatly appreciated.

On another note, I would like to take a moment to send my thoughts and prayers to the families of the four Oakland police officers who lost their life on Saturday, while in the line of duty. Words can't even begin to express the sorrow and anger I feel that this happened. If you can, the next time you see a police officer in your community, take a moment to thank them for risking their lives every day for our safety. They all need our support and love right now, more than ever.

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and thank you for stopping by.

Simplify: Tip #12

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"What I love most is an abundance of simple food of perfect quality and staggering freshness, very simply and respectfully treated, tasting strongly of itself."
-Sybille Bedford, The Artist's & Writer's Cook Book

Freebie Alert: Kindred

The lovely ladies behind Creature Comforts and decor8 have created an awesome site, Kindred, aimed at promoting independent artists and photographers. As if the inspiration alone wasn't enough, everything you see/download/print is free of charge! Just check out some of the Spring goodies they have available to you:

Desktop Wallpapers

Note Cards

Gratitude Notes

So go on and check it all out, it is sure to put you in a sunshiney, Spring kind of mood!

Spring at Casa de SPPN

The birdhouse is hung...

The pots have a fresh coat of paint...

The Redbud is blooming...

Thumbelina is purchased...

The mood board is updated...

Happy First Day of Spring!!!

BFF's Bridal Shower

Here are some pics from the bridal shower I threw last weekend for my beautiful BFF. She is getting married next month at The Wynn in Vegas and me and the hubby are soooo excited! We're leaving the kids with my parents, too, so watch out-mommy and daddy on the loose!

Here are the mantle decorations. My camera does it no justice-the candles created a really lovely ambiance.

A detail shot of the sign I made. If you want to know how I made it shoot me an email and I would happily explain.

Candles and flowers-a bridal shower must have!

I never seem to remember to get a pic when everything is laid out as it should be. This photo was taken before I put out the strawberries and propped up an engagement photo of the bride & groom to-be in the middle.

Here is a pic at the end of the day when half the cupcakes and strawberries were gone. You can see the corner of the photo frame in this one.

Yes, even the pens had to match-I'm tellin' ya it's a sickness! Someone help me please!

Beauty shot of my cupcakes-ha!

Here we are, my BFF and me. My husband couldn't take a clear photo to save his life.
Note how my BFF has been tanning religiously and I have not.

WTF Happened to Dora?!?

Looks like Dora got a makeover. How am I going to explain this one to Natalie?

*Update*
I guess there's a lot of ticked off parents out there!
Here's a petition you can sign if you are too:

"Let's Go: No Makeover for Dora!"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Dora_Makeover?e

Giveaway Alert: "Skycab" Photographic Print at Magchunk

Magchunk is having a great giveaway today that I wanted to pass on to you readers. Up for giveaway is one of three awesome photographic prints from the etsy shop Roadside Photographs.

Titled "Skycab", they were taken at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which was a fun summer hangout for me when I was younger. I remember how magical those days seemed when my Aunt would come pick me up to take the hour drive up through the hills over to Santa Cruz for a day of fun in the sun. I would eat way too much cotton candy, ride the Big Dipper and lounge on the beach. I remember always looking up to those skycabs with the people dangling their feet and waving down to us below. I would search for the cabs that had these life-size cavemen statues sitting in them, smiling goofily. All so much fun for a six year old little girl.

So head on over to Magchunk's blog and enter for your chance to win!

So Fresh and so Green Green!

Couldn't resist a little green for the day...

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Green Shoes - by Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle on Polyvore.com


Green - by Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle on Polyvore.com


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