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Thank-you note writing

October 5, 2012

Tomorrow I’ll be launching a new, multi-day series on thank-you note writing. This will serve as a guide to help you become a more gracious host and insure you close the doors on your event with a special note that will leave the recipient full of love and appreciation.


Not only will I discuss the mechanics of a thank-you note, I’ll also give you the history behind this token and hopefully help you see why a thoughtful thank-you is not just for Emily Post’s generation.  We’ll delve into stationery,  writing instruments and address stamps as well.


I’ve committed to writing more letters this year to the people I care about.  While I can appreciate e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and all the technological advancements that make sending a note quick and easy, there’s something about a handwritten note that leaves a lasting impression for years to come.  


Be sure to check-in and tell me what you think!  If you have any particular questions you would like answered, leave them in the comments below


Love y’all,

Happy Birthday Max!

April 3, 2012


Today my baby boy, Jonathan Maxwell, turns one year old!  I can’t believe a year has passed since we welcomed this special little boy into our family.  I have to admit that I was quite upset when I found out I was having another boy because I desperately wanted a girl.  Now I can’t believe I ever fretted over such a thing.  I could never imagine my life without my little Maxie.  His BFF, Ms. Morgan, calls him the house greeter because he greets everyone with a huge smile and squeal when you enter.  He’s a loving, snuggle bug and a huge Mama’s boy which I’m so proud of.

Last Saturday we gave Max a bow ties and balloon themed birthday at the Phelps Youth Pavilion in Waterloo.  Mike, Carolyn and their staff were extremely helpful and accommodating.  All the attendees loved being able to have access to the youth pavilion all day.  I would highly recommend the venue to any parents looking for a fun and family friendly place to host your child’s party.

Here are some of the details of Max’s 1st birthday party:

Each guests received a handmade bow tie with their invitation and was asked to wear it to the party.  I was inspired by the party Emily Ley gave her son which also featured a bow tie theme.

Each invitation received it’s own specially tied bow and was placed in a clear mailing envelope.  I love sending special correspondence in these envelopes.  Recipients have told me it feels like they’re receiving a special gift.

Each child received a bow tie cookie, bouncing balloon and play dough as a party favor.

Guests were able to make their own yogurt parfaits.  So yummy and fun!

This is an antique, galvanized double tub I refinished to use as a beverage holder for parties.  It was a steal and turned out to be so cute.  I’ll share the refinishing process with y’all soon.

One of my favorite parts of the day was the photo booth!  We got some really good shots.  Everybody got into striking a pose.

This is my oldest son, Solomon.  He can be Mr. Serious sometimes but he’s really a funny little snuggle muffin.  Don’t you love his little bow tie?

Even the youngest guests jumped on the bow tie wearing bandwagon.

Ms. Mornin Morgan

Last but not least, fun shots from the photo booth!

  

By far, my most favorite picture of the day!  Their Dad even managed to get his arm in the picture!

Love y’all!
Photobucket

Resolute

February 14, 2012



The new twist on New Year’s resolutions is choosing a word of the year instead. I welcomed this new idea since I’ve never been really big on New Year’s resolutions. I quickly realized that quite often I didn’t keep them and would find myself feeling disappointed and letdown because I didn’t. I didn’t like that feeling so I decided years ago to stop making resolutions.
My word for 2012 is resolute (sort of funny since I don’t set resolutions!)
Yep, I’m determined to stay the course and stake my claim in the world this year. One way I’m doing that is stepping out of my comfort zone and believe me, starting this blog is stepping out of my comfort zone! This year, I’m no longer content to allow all the creative ideas in my head to keep floating around unshared.
Here you’ll not only find posts about event planning and design, you’ll also find my adventures as a wife, mother, friend, self-imposed local restaurant critic and faux interior designer. You’ll find that people and love are always the focus of “A Southern Flair”, whether it’s a post about a husband showing love by throwing his beautiful wife a 10th wedding anniversary party; a gorgeous, family-centered wedding or a post about the fun, new dish I made for my family last night!

What are challenging yourself to do this year?

Yes, my journey has started, I’m a blogger. Thank y’all for visiting and check back often for more updates!

Love y’all,
Madelyn