As I’ve mentioned, life has been hectic lately, and my husband’s birthday fell right in the middle of that chaos. So I had to go low-maintenance on his birthday this year, but yet I didn’t want to sacrifice any thrill factor. So I went with a store-bought food theme, all based on his favorite cities in which he’s lived.

Representing Buenos Aires, we had empanadas from Ruben’s Empanadas. They were the only restaurant that made their beef empanadas with raisins in them. This is very important in an Argentina empanada (at least a Northern Argentine one).

Michael and I both grew up in Atlanta, and we, along with every southerner, love Chick-fil-A. If you live in New York, you may be wondering how the hell I scored such loot. Well, I drove to Jersey. Yes, I drove to and from New Jersey in horrible traffic just to get these golden sandwiches (plus waffle fries and sweet tea) for my beloved. In retrospect, it was worth it. In the moment, I was hating myself. Especially when my phone died in the process.

I almost forgot New York (duh), so I made it the beverage with Hudson Whiskey.

Ok, it looks totally unappetizing, but I swear it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten! It’s a King Cake from Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans, where M went to college. Inside every king cake is little plastic baby. It’s customary for the person who gets the baby in his or her piece to buy the next celebration’s king cake.

All in all it was a festive night, and I didn’t have to cook a thing. All I did was drive, arrange, ship, and make little city flags.

The dog days are starting…no doubt about it. After a smothering hot Father’s Day in New York, there is no denying that today is the first day of summer. And summer = vacation, and vacation = camp, and camp = tents. Here are few you can easily make on your own, for your very own backyard (or fire escape).

This is a more bohemian tent, one where you’d sip jasmine tea, rather than rest your body after a long day’s hike. Styled by Danny Seo for Parents Magazine. The green fabric are these curtain panels from PB Teen.

I love this traditional-style tent DIY fabric pup tent. Get the instructions at Readymade.

Ok, this one is a little O.T.T., but check out the amazing details (like the nook at the top for dolls and the removable flowers on the side) at Ikat Bag.

Happy First Day of Summer everyone!

PS…I’m sorry for my absence last week. Family in town + work duties + 6 months of pregnancy left me too exhausted to think. But I’m back; I promise!

I just realized that last week I posted my 100th blog post. The Violet Hours is still an infant, but for an infant, she has many, many friends.

So thank you for reading,commenting, and linking…and as a thank you, take one of these goody bag ideas home with you.

I love how these striped bags can go with absolutely any party. Found via Oh Happy Day!

Give a favor that keeps on giving, like these oilcloth lunch bags. Found via At Home with Kim Vallee. 

How cute is this idea of a candy kabob as a favor? Check it out on Handmade News.

Make an iron on decal of every party goer’s initial. So adorable, you can’t go wrong. Found on Oh Happy Day!. Original post by Lovely Design.

Do you get that warm and fuzzy feeling when you see the rainbow pack of Sharpies at the store? The creative use of these permanent markers is endless…

How cute are these Sharpie decorated baggies? Found on How About Orange.

Have you ever made your own Shrinky Dinks? Just use #6 plastic and permanent markers. Find the tutorial here on Curbly.

Check out these gorgeous Sharpie tie-dyes on Sharpie’s Uncapped page.

Last night I uttered words that I never thought would leave these lips: we need to discuss our World Cup weekend plans. In most American households, The World Series, The Super Bowl, or even The Stanley Cup get high billing, but in mine, this every 4-year tournament is paramount to any sporting event. (Olympics who?) I simply can’t pretend to totally care, but mix a little design and entertaining into the sport, and I’m game.

Fabric soccer balls by Klas Ernflo. Each is sized to match a real soccer ball and made from wool. Not sure if I’d want to kick it or pet it. Found via FFFFound. Gift for my unborn son? Perfect! Available for sale at Partners & Spade.

I saw this soccer tape by Magis at ICFF this year…just tape up a wad of newspaper and that’s all you need to DIY a soccer ball! Found on Design Revolution Road Show.

Throwing a World Cup party? Make these cute cupcakes, using the 100-Calorie Oreo packs. By Karen Tack for Parents Magazine.

Maybe I’ll buy this vintage mug for my husband for his morning coffee. From Neat Old Shiz.

Goooooooaaaaaalllllll! (Just practicing!)