I recognize this not our usual blog for this website but we all felt that this is needed shared here this week. We will be back with another wonderful blog to inspire your events and playtime.  
A large elm tree with green leaves is at the center of the image. It is surrounded by a short brick wall, and several nearby buildings can be seen in the background.
survivor tree
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As this day precedes along it's course I want to take a look back and encourage us all to move forward. This week has been a hard one for our country marked with tragedy and sadness. My prayers go out to those in Boston and in West,TX. This week has been especially marked for those in Oklahoma. Today April 19 at 9:02 am in 1995 is not only the day the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City came partially crashing down but also the day our lives came crashing to a stand still.

 I still remember that day. I was in Biology class in highschool when something dropped and rolled across the ceiling of the school or so I assumed. Turned out to be the rumble from the blast miles away. The look on my teachers face as she came back in the room after being called in the hallway still is etched in my memory. I remember one of my friends sobbing because her mom was supposed to be downtown that day and  she not  able to get a hold of her. She turned out not to be near the building and ok. I  remember wandering from TV to TV in the hallway with my friends numb and not able to grasp why anyone would do such a thing. I remember going from class to class only to sit and watch the news because no one was sure hat to do with us students so they kept us at the school even though no one as in any kind of frame of mind to teach or learn. I remember coming home to knowledge that my stepdad was one of the many rescuers( he was a firefighter) down there digging to through the rubble trying to find those lost and those who may still be alive but trapped. I remember how our city and state pulled together immediately to do all we could to help. I remember the news anchors swarming downtown trying to get the story and even a few who thought they deserved to be in places no one but emergency workers were supposed to be in because of who they were. I remember the blur of information the day of  and the days following. I remember the pictures and videos from that day. I remember going back to school that week and the dark cloud that hung over the school. Every time I hear Lighting Crashes by Live I remember that day. I remember the lives lost. I remember the tree planting ceremony at our school in remembrance of those lost lives.  I also remember rebuilding. Watching the rest of the building being brought down and the building of our beautiful memorial in it's place. The museum being built to help remind and educate the generations to come.
Memorial 
 Just like those who lived during the time of JFK's assassination this singular day will be etched into many Oklahoman's memories. Just like the entire nation on 9/11 we came together, regrouped and rebuilt. Every year we remember that moment and this is year no different. Only more marked because of the awful events preceding this day. As the news continues to flow and we learn more of the events in Boston and West,TX let's remember that the darkness of a terrible event can not extinguish the light of love and hope. That through the pain lessons can be learned. Let's remember together we will make it through this and any other events that may come our way. Don't let a day slip away with out telling your friends and family  how much you care for them and those that you may be having a difficulty with that you are sorry or that you forgive them. Remember in your prayers to be thankful of the blessings you do have and not just your worries or fears. 
Thank you for reading

Ali-Kat 
 
We have a new line about to roll out. Something to help all those busy moms and dads out there. Have a little girl who loves watching all those princesses on tv or have one who loves playing dress up as one. We are getting the pictures of the whole set together but we are now offering prepackaged Princess Birthday sets. The set  will contain 5 tutus of your color choice, 5 wands, 5 lace crowns or halos, 5 party invites, table cover and streamers in the same color as the tutus.  The prices start at $75. You can order on our custom order page now if are ready to order now before the pictures go up. In honor of the new line we thought we would share some ideas for a princess party from Pinterest.  Pinterest has some really great ideas for a princess themed birthday party. Here are some of our faves.
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 get this
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Thank you for Reading
Ali-Kat
 
Another big trend for 2013 weddings is the use of the color mint. It really is a splendid color. Very cool and refreshing in tone and can be very theme inspiring. It lends it self well to a flowing beach front wedding, a small backyard wedding and even a large cathedral wedding. You can use the color in many ways and even the scent or flavor of mint at your wedding.  I have been scanning  through Pinterest to find some Pinspiration ideas to share with you. I hope these Pins inspire you as much as they have me.
get this
 You could go with a lovely mint wedding dress. Like this one. 
 get this
Dress you brides maids all in mint. I love the mint with yellow flowers but black or brown accents would be gorgeous too.  
 get this
I love these shoes and if your were mixing this trendy color with another trend like the 1920's theme they would be almost perfect. You can see more about that trend here.

 
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 The mix of clean crisp white and mint with a splash of gold would make your event look very elegant with out much effort. 
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Add a sweet scent to your wedding with mint scented candles as part of your decorations.
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You could use mint as an accent color an walk down the isle with a mint colored bouquet  like this one.Though I think a splash of color would really make it pop but this look would be awesome for a winter wedding.
 get this
Whether you go with a mint colored cake or one flavored mint. You could always add sweets bar with chocolate chip mint ice cream, mints, mint flavored chocolates and more.
 get this
For the men you do something small like this to keep the colors going with out making them put on a mint tux. 
 get this
and remember you don't have a huge budget or a fancy facility to make your big day special and a little dressed even if it is at home. I love the way the colors all came together her with the white and purple. They would be ideal for a spring or summer wedding.  
 And don't forget those little flower girls or banner girls
A sweet flowing and fluffy tulle tutu dress  would be so sweet going down the isle at a beach or in a church. A fabric tutu would adorable on your little flower girls as they marched down the isle be at the local garden or in your backyard. Both styles would look adorable in your pictures. They are also something fun those little flower girls can take home and play in after the wedding.I can make those for you in just about any style you want. Plus if you custom order 2 or more I give discounts.  So be sure to jump over to my custom order page and bookmark it for you to come back to later and  order some for your wedding once you decide on a color or colors you want to do your special day in. 
Thank you for reading. Coming back soon for more ideas and tips.


Author Ali-Kat  herself