Party planning on a budget

After the weekend, my mother-in-law told me I should write a book. My sister-in-law told me I should take on clients. A friend has given me a heads up that she would like my help.

Some of the things I did required nothing more than legwork and time (researching restaurants, magicians, different food options, etc.). Others might have required creativity (centerpieces, favors) or a sense of design and no fear of printing something other than 8 1/2" x 11" paper (invitations, thank you notes, place cards). Still others require knowing how to adopt other people's ideas (water bottle labels, candy torahs, still other centerpieces). Most require familiarity with computer design programs, but the truth is, there's an awful lot once can do with WORD, if he/she knows how...

What I've done, anyone can do. Read past posts to begin seeing how (see this one and earlier ones...)...

Bar Mitzvah Round-up

This past weekend was the Bar Mitzvah. My son led Friday services, most of Saturday's, as well as read all the Torah readings and chanted his Haftorah. He did a phenomenal job, despite a runny nose and cold that he hasn't been able to shake completely.

All the events surrounding this milestone (Friday's dinner at the shul, Saturday's Kiddush, Saturday night family game night at the hotel, and Sunday's lunch and magician at the restaurant) went nicely, everyone had a nice time.

There was...a drama...that spoiled the ending, though, and I don't think I will ever be able to think about the Bar Mitzvah weekend without remembering that. It's such a pity.

My son, though, had a fabulous time. He was the center of attention, enjoyed all the time with family, and yes, enjoyed the presents as well (my husband's step-sister got him a iPod Nano and his parents got him a Wii!). He's already almost a quarter of the way through his thank you notes and should have them all done within a week-and-a-half.