Housewarming Party Gifts

I had an exceptionally nice day on Sunday spending time with two extra-special young women in my life.  These lovely ladies are only in their early 20's, but they purchased this past Spring a townhouse, and my husband handled the real estate transaction for them.  They hosted a housewarming party and we were of course invited.  I had tons of creative fun coming up with housewarming gifts for them.  Since they moved from their parent's home into their first residence they didn't have a lot of  stuff.  I knew they both have been to Paris a fews times and love anything French, and they had already purchased an Eiffel Tower wine rack for their new home.  So I decided to go with all French themed housewarming gifts. 

It started in Europe giving certain gifts with a special meaning behind it in order to wish the new homeowners well.  For example: you give bread so the home never knows hunger. I updated my well wishes for the current times.  With each gift I attached a card saying what the gift is, and the wish or meaning behind it.  This was so much fun for me, because I enjoy the pleasure of giving, plus it was more fun trying to be somwhat creative rather than just giving them a gift certificate. 

The Gift of Bread - So you always lead a full life.

I put in this Parisian styled bowl cheese, spinach and almond croissants from A.J's., plus a Fleur-de-Lis butter spreader.

The Gift of Sugar - So your life will always have sweetness.

On this Parisian styled platter I put French pastries, éclairs, crème brulee, and Petite Fours from A.J's.




 
 
 

The Gift of Coffee - So your life is always stimulating.
 
French roast coffee, Parisian styled coffee mugs.
 
 
 
 
 

The Gift of Spice - So your life is always flavorful.
 
Eiffel Tower salt and pepper shakers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Gift of Spirits - So you will always be of good cheer.
 
French beer, wine, Eiffel Tower bottle opener, French themed wine stopper, and coasters.

The Gift of Wood - So your life will always have stability.

A Parisian themed wood box.

A Gift of Candles - So you dwell in light and happiness.

Eiffel Tower tea light holder.

A Gift of Soap - So any troubles will be washed away.

French soaps with French Bistro kitchen towels.

A Gift of Paper - So you always take note of good times.

Boxes of note cards, and note paper.

A Gift of Coins - So you always have prosperity and good fortune.

Change purses with chocolate coins.

A Gift of Comedy - So your life will be filled with great big belly laughs.

Midnight in Paris DVD.

A Gift of Reusable Grocery Bags - So your cupboards are always full, and the landfills empty.

This one is my personal favorite.  :-)

Run For Your Wife @ Fountain Hills Theater

Another fun and completely delightful afternoon spent watching the latest production at Fountain Hills Theater.  This British comedy, Run for Your Wife was a hoot.  One London taxi driver, two wifes, two London detectives, and two wild and crazy neighbors makes for some great big belly laughs.

Chuck E. Baby @ Kierland Commons

After seeing Joseph at Desert Stages we went for a bite to eat at hubby's favorite place, AZ88.  As much as he liked Joseph, he likes a good burger and a martini even more.  While sitting out on their patio we saw Steve Nash and Channing Frye walking around.  We found out they were attending a wedding next to AZ88.  Even though hubby's heart is with the Chicago Bulls, he still loves and watches the Phoenix Suns.

After dinner we headed up Scottsdale Road to Kierland Commons to hear for the first time Chuck E. Baby and the Allstars perform.  What a FUN, FUN evening.  Chuck E. Baby played so many of hubby's favorite songs...he was pretty much singing the whole night. We can see why they were voted one of the BEST Local Bands in AZ Central.com Reader's Choice poll.  They were GREAT!

Joseph @ Desert Stages Theatre

Hey, I actually remember seeing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Chicago Theatre around 1993. I saw this musical with Donny Osmond, not once, but twice. This production was one of the longest running musicals in Chicago, and we went to see it a second time since we loved it so much. Plus, Donny Osmond was the perfect Joseph.

On Saturday afternoon I went to see Desert Stages Children's Theatre production of Joseph, and hubby came with me for this one.  These kids are so dang talented...I'm always totally blown away with their Children's Theatre productions.  I was crying from the very first song...you would think that I had a kid in the show, and was beaming with pride.  Even hubby was extremely impressed with the amount of talent these kids possess.  When I told him it was a children's production, I know he didn't think it would be so professional.  I always save my programs from all performances, so if and when any of these kids makes it big some day, I can say I saw them when they were just starting out.

Apple @ Kierland Commons

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, LOVE...LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

Saturday night hubby and I went to Kierland Commons to hear the Beatles tribute band, Apple perform. It was the first concert in their Summer series, and the second Beatles tribute band we have heard in the last two weeks. Hearing the songs of the Beatles is once again another wonderful pre-show for what is coming up this week. On June 4th we have a Lunar Eclipse, and then on June 5th and 6th we have the really BIG BIG SHOW...the 2012 Venus Transit. Come on Venus...help us awakend the Divine Feminine in ALL of us.