Monday, February 21, 2011

Shower Me With Love

I had the chance to attend my nephew and his wife's baby shower this weekend and was amazed at all the adorable gifts and useful items that they received. There were so many gifts that it took almost two hours to open them all. That little man will be the best dressed baby on the block!

So...of course, I couldn't just sit back and stuff my face with delicious cupcakes and sweet punch. I naturally started wondering about things...
Like...Why is it called a "shower" ?

Research tells me that baby showers and bridal showers are so called because the mother or bride-to-be are "showered " with gifts. That's a pretty dull boring simple explanation.

I found one resource that I like better. Wikipedia says:  "it may derive from the custom in Victorian times for the presents to be put inside a parasol, which when opened would "shower" the bride-to-be with gifts.

That's a nice visual, but it would take a mighty giant parasol to hold today's loot.
I suppose back in Victorian times they didn't stuff it with microwaves and irons and toasters. It was probably filled with dainty lilac sachets, delicate doilies, historic novels, cookbooks and teacups.

Then, I stretched my thinking one notch further....
Let's say there were 70 people at the shower. If each guest spent an average of $20 per gift, then there would be approximately $1400 worth of presents.

And- all for this little baby that will bust his fat little toes out of those sleepers before he's had a chance to wear them. Or spit up on those adorable blue blankets and poop in those soft tiny pants- without a bit of remorse.

So...I've come up with the idea of forming MidAge showers.
It's a party for middle-aged women to celebrate not only the fact that they've survived this long, but to refresh and invigorate their wardrobes and lifestyles. It will have all the festiveness and celebration of a birthday party- without the reminder of turning older.

Guests could certainly use their imagination. Gifts could include everything from bath towels to jewelry, shoes and hats, to cameras and lingerie.

Now, some of you may argue that $1400 worth of merchandise won't buy as much for an adult, but it's $1400 that you can keep off your credit card. And if you don't like the color or style or size- just go cash it in for a gift card to Red Lobster.

Simple. Easy. And very, very practical.

You are cordially invited to the middle age celebration of the life of Rae. 
A MidAge shower will be held the third Saturday in May, 2011
with a 10 a.m. brunch.
Forget stuffing a parasol- just bring a truck.
The guest of honor is registered at Macy's, Nordstroms,
Best Buy, Bloomingdale's and the Cheesecake Factory.
Or she will accept PayPal, cash, and gift cards from finer retail department stores.


Well, I think it could catch on- don't you?


5 comments:

Cathy said...

I love the spring look of your blog this morning! And I very much like the shower idea - mine will be next week, Friday night, I haven't registered anywhere yet, but I'm thinking on it! :)
Cathy

Unknown said...

Hahaha,,two cute..I am so over due for a shower I think I should have mine before CATHY has one next Friday..I'm sure she is much younger and can wait..I need:
1. small size girdle
2. magnified glasses 200X
3. gift card to CVS, unlimited amount please
4. Blood Pressure Monitor Kit
5. Knee socks
6. Centrum Silver 5000 caplets
7. One case Yellow Tail Merlot Wine
Thanks in advance..
~Shirley

jen said...

haha!
genius!

swinging by from the blogfest, and following so I don't miss anymore good stuff.
The Survival Mama

sisterlinda said...

Sounds like a great idea to me! I would even take a truck load of hand me downs in a size 9...IF they would fit!

You know we can always use new socks, panties and bras! Maybe you got somethin there with the middle-age shower....I'll get registered and get my list together.

Love you.

Margaret Hall said...

Ohhhh, this is PURE Rae and your genius writing~!! Indeed, kiddos these days get 'loot' to the max! And, then always look for more...Amazing, these "Showers", they always produce such fussy clothes and such...Geez, they could use maybe a burp towel, or even a good strong tea towel for that~!! =)
About YOUR shower????...Will be there with bells on...the bells are for ME, so that if I ever get lost by wandering away then the family can find me~!!...I'll surprise you with some things then...but, will be sure to bring creme horns...lol
Huggles...just me