{THANKFUL THURSDAY} Girls Night Out

Happy Thursday Everyone!!! 

And it's another post for Thankful Thursday!!

Since becoming a mom, my get together with friends have kind of been pushed to the side. I have done many play dates with other mommy friends and their little munchkins, which is awesome cause then the kids have little friends to chase around and the mommy's get to play catch up on life and everything in between. Lately though, I have been making a point to get together outside of play dates, don't get me wrong, I love play dates!! But sometimes as a mom, we need just that small little window of time to just let our hair down, or in my case up, to just relax, chat and enjoy a glass of wine...or two. Even if it's just for an hour, it seems to be enough time to let your mind just breath for a bit and recharge in a way. Although, I have to admit I am guilty  of constantly talking about my munchkins a ton, even on these fun Girls Night Outs. I guess I can't completely shut my brain off. They are my life, it's hard not to think of them 24/7, even when I am just running to the store really quick or trying to enjoy a fun night with a few great friends.

But I think it is a healthy thing for moms to get out here and there (I am not talking about partying). I am trying to be a better friend by taking advantage of these times, and I think in doing so I am also becoming a better me which carries over into being a better mom.

This girl and I have been friends for 6 years! We met in beauty school and worked at our first salon together, which she still works at. We have so many amazing stories and memories we have made that always bring us to tears from so much laughter!! And it doesn't matter how much time has passed since the last time we saw each other, we always seem to know where we left off and start from there. Plus fill each other in on the juicy details of everything that has happened since then too!

Another fun thing about Girls Night Out, you get to play dress up too! 

A little makeup, flowy tops, and some heels... Then add in the great company paired with a nice glass of vino, and it all makes for a FABULOUS night out!

Fourth of July...2012

July 4, 1776... The day our beautiful country declared it's Independence!

And here we are, 236 years later...still Independent. Although it hasn't been the easiest... 

We've fought battles, witnessed disasters, and experienced tragedies.

But we still stand as One United Country.

A country that I am so proud to call HOME!

I am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!

Every year, My AMAZING friends Karen & Stephen, put on a fabulous BBQ. They invite all their friends and family to celebrate the Fourth of July and also to show their Gratitude to our awesome Veterans & Active Service Men & Women. (Their son is currently serving in the Marines).

 There are fun games, GIANT water slides and kiddie pools, an abundance of ICE cold refreshments and the yummiest food (all homemade might I add). And ending the day by taking drive down the road, all the Polaris' decked out in their Red White & Blue parked on top of a vacant lot, watching the lights explode in the Sky! Oohs and Aahs!!

 And  remembering why we are all here... To remember those who have lost their lives, those who have fought for our Freedom, and all that continue fight so that we can sit on top of this hill and feel so safe and loved surrounded by family and friends.

This year to add to the fun festivities of the day, I offered up doing a Vintage Red White & Blue Themed Photo Booth. It took many {DIY} projects and a few thrifty purchases, but I think that it came together better than I could have imagined!!

I took some burlap, some white lace that I dyed with Tea and stapled them to 2in x 1in x 6ft piece of wood and hung it up on to a shed. Hung up my Fabric Fourth of July Banner. Made some of those fun Tissue Balls (definitely need to perfect making those). And set up a fun vintage chair that I found on Craigslist. I was pretty proud of myself for pulling this together!

Now it was time to get this show started!! Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and even got a little silly and dressed up with the photo props that I made and bought (I purchased a bunch of Fourth of July items from Michael's when they had everything at 50% off!)

I definitely want to do this again and try out different themes and find more funky photo props to add to the silliness!!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures that were taken, hope you enjoy!!

This little guy was my BIGGEST FAN!! You will see why as you continue...

I actually took a picture!! This is one of my AWESOME Friends Jen!!

This was one of my favorite pictures of the day...

If you would like to see more of these fun pictures, check out my photography page on
 Facebook, Heidi Toevs Photography.
I will also try to get these up on my photography blog soon too,
Heidi Toevs Photography.

Thanks!!