January is a crazy month for me. Really, January through March are my least favorite months. It’s cold, I have to pay tons of taxes, even worse-the paperwork! Life moves too fast this time of year.

I have to start planning Bella’s birthday before I get the tree down. Then Valentines Day, anniversary, Evans birthday…for now I’m focusing on birthday.

I’m living and breathing birthday. My house looks like a birthday factory. (Or like someone exorcist-style barfed pink and glitter everywhere.) Hey, it’s better than pea soup.

I’m working on centerpieces for about 12 tables. If you know me, you know I’m thrifty. I love repurposing old things, and I don’t pay full retail for anything. (Almost anything…)

This year, I’m killing 2 birds with one stone. Remember my old, balding, but beloved Christmas tree? We used tree trimmings to help fill it in. There was spray paint involved…just read it. It was a hot, thrifty mess. The tree was fabulous, I wish my photos justified.

Anyways, as I’m taking down my tree ornaments, all spray painted silver…it struck me! I can use the branches and ornaments for my centerpieces!

I decorated mason jars with paper and mod podge, ribbons, lace, pearls. (And fur, and fabric, and beads, and sequins.) I even had a friend help spray paint and glitterize a couple. The theme is a winter formal, and the colors are pink and silver.

I tied tulle to the branches….Hung some pinecones, ornaments, and snowflakes….

Then I rhinestoned the heck outta the whole thing.

Bella’s table is extra special, since she’s the birthday princess. I got one of those styrofoam cone things (40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby) and wrapped it in tulle. Poked stuff in, tied stuff on. Glitter, rhinestone, repeat.

I’m trying to show you how big it is…let me show you in my living room for scale.

I still have several to go, so I’ll probably have some more winter formal decor coming up soon. I’ve got to make or buy goodie bags, a piñata, and I think that’s it.

I’m buying the piñata. Let me be serious and not pretend Im more ambitious than I really am. Mi cunado Byron and I tried making a piñata once. It.Took.Forever.

One more thing. I’ve got this deep purple, floor length gown to wear. It’s beautiful, simple, & festive. As an added bonus, I don’t even have to shave my legs. (Just kidding,sort of.) I have sparkly fabulous heels to wear with it. I won’t get another chance to wear it anytime soon!

I also have a gorgeous, modestly cut black knee length number. I tried it on with extra high black pumps, and black pantyhose. I feel so amazing in this dress. I want to kill bad guys wearing it. I want to win a Nobel Peace Prize wearing it.

Which should I wear?