Lordy - The Hubs Turns 40

The Invitation

In February I decided that my lovely husband needed to be celebrated.  After all, he was was turning 40 and he had never had a surprise party before.  Honestly, I don't think I have ever planned one either.  I don't know if you've ever planned one of these but I must admit I.Was.A.Wreck!  I mean I felt like I was keeping something horrible from him.  My stomach was knotted up, I couldn't sleep and I was just waiting for someone to spill the beans.  Luckily, everyone kept it on the down-low.  Thank you friends!

The hubs is a huge parrot head and since the venue had more of a British gastro-pub feel, I had to adjust quickly from my original tropical Buffett paradise idea to a "Pirate Looks at 40" theme.

The night turned out great.  The hubs was genuinely surprised and even though we woke up to a winter wonderland and it snowed....all day.....everyone seemed to have a great time.  All my time and energy seemed to pay off.

Highlights from the night!  I love the shark fruit display. 

Luckily I had my friend Liz help me pull the evening off.  Not only did she open her schedule to help me run around all day doing last minute errands, arts and crafts, etc. but she also got back to the venue to welcome everyone and help arrange the big "SURPRISE"  reveal.  She also helped take pictures and helped me decorate.  We bought gold coins, beads, treasure chests, pirate masks, photos booth props and pirate balloons and so much more stuff. We had tons of fun.  Liz, if you're reading....thank you!  I couldn't have done all of this with out you. So when do we start that party planning business again?

My favorite thing of all the food display was that shark watermelon fruit display up above.  How great is that?!  The people at Oxford were awesome.  Check them out! The sous chef did that at the last minute as a surprise for me. Awww....how nice. I was so excited about it (I know, its just a fruit display) but it's those little things that make a party memorable.
Not only did we have our own private room but we also had our own bartender and even he got in the spirit of the evening.  So fun!

Thanks Andy!  You were great!

More Pirate Party Fun with friends 

Pirate Cake Pops from Raleigh Cake Pops.  Those were amazing and yummy.

We all had a great time.  I think the hubs really enjoyed his party and it was so great to spend time with our friends and family celebrating the best guy I know.  (Note to self: For his 50th - plan a trip instead.)

Things I'm Loving Lately

There are a few things I've been obsessed with lately and I thought I would share just a few of them with all of you.  

Baskets - I'm using them everywhere and the nautical vibe of this one is right up my alley.

I'm loving the look of the garden stool this season.  You can use them indoors and out.

This necklace.  One word:  Amazing!  I've already ordered mine.  You can get yours here.

Chippendale Chairs.  They are coastal chic yet casual all at the same time.  I need this!

This Vineyard Vines Whale Hat.  Ummmm....yes please!

A mint green Tahiti Beach Cruiser  I hope the hubs reads this post.  I think he should buy it for me.  Don't you?

I'm OBSESSED with anything and everything chevron right now.  Pillows, artwork, wallpaper for my IPhone, dresses....anything.  If it's chevron I'm in!

The color navy.  It's nautical.  It's classy.  It's awesome.  Sign me up.

A dog.  Not just any ole dog but this cutie golden doodle.  He will be mine. 

So there you have it.  Just a few of the latest items I've loving lately.

What are you loving right now?