Berry Themed Baby Shower

My friend Aime's favorite kids' book is Jamberry, a delightful story about a bear and a boy who go on a berry-picking adventure.  I wanted to throw her a pretty, feminine shower in honor of the little girl who is due this Summer.  (See the Hawaii themed shower I hosted for her boy, Hitoshi!) 

Aime's half-Japanese, and while we don't look like twins, I definitely think we could be siblings.

 This felt ball wreath welcomed guests into my home.

The flowers were punchy berry blues, pinks, purples and reds.  Lots of sweet william, veronica, sweet peas, chamomile, and of course, hypericum berries.

The following pics were snapped by our Church friend Pat.  She served as our historian and captured some sweet moments! Thanks Pat!

I whipped up this berry fascinator so our mommy-to-be would fit in with our theme :)

The invites were gorgeous (and so reasonably priced) by Pixel Paper on etsy.  She was super fast and accomodating.

Super low-key food spread: salads, build-your-own-sandwiches, etc.  My friend Kathi helped a lot with the food (Thanks Kathi!!)

Paisley linens (plastic, can you believe it?) with simple flowers and strawberry painted rocks.

Build-a-bow station!  I just put out ribbon-covered barettes, tacky glue and random baubles, felt flowers, and buttons from my collection.  I've learned that the more simple the project, the more likely guests will actually participate.  

Dessert station!  I definitely put my Silhouette Cameo to work cutting all the banners and signage. I definitely think it's paid for itself by now.

Paleo strawberry short cake!

Dairy free fondue was a big hit, made with coconut milk and chocolate.

Aime:  I am so grateful for the friendship that has blossomed over the past few years.  You are a woman who I look up to in so many ways (even though you're quite a bit younger than I am :) ) I feel like you are always full of kind words, optimism, and grace.  Can't wait to welcome baby Sophia!!!

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Happy Mama Day!

I woke up to the sound of Sisi chatting in her crib.  As I willed myself to get up and tend to her, I heard Joe rush in, scoop her up, and do some morning yoga with her in her room.  He then barricaded her in the living room and told her to be quiet because it's "mama's special day" and she gets to sleep in.  Yes!

Finally, Joe released the kiddo and she came bumbling into my room saying, "Happy Mama Day!  Try it?  Try it?"  She wanted me to try the special breakfast Joe was making in the kitchen.  Paleo pancakes and fresh coffee, and they were delicious!

We attended a wonderful service at our church, then picnicked and napped in a park under the willow trees.   Sisi did an epic 1.5 hour stroller nap there and was well-rested for champagne linner with Joe's family. 

She sat in her highchair for the entire 2 hour meal, and ate her carrot-ginger soup and sirloin steak with gusto.  

We also enjoyed an Olde English prime rib dinner with my Mom.

I actually see a resemblance between my mom and Sisi now.  Maybe it's the haircut?  

Here's Sisi decorating the envelopes for her Nana and Grandma's cards.  

I made simple arrangements in teapots and pitchers for my moms.  

I won a gorgeous box of Epiphany Chocolates on my friend and former bride Melissa's blog, The Loveliest Day. Sure, I could have given them to my mom, but I figured Mother's Day was the perfect excuse to break my diet.  Stop judging me, frog!!

  

It was such a wonderful day.  Thanks hubby for making me feel so special!   And big thanks to my  mom and mom-in-law for all they do for me, Joe and Sisi.  I am so blessed!

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Mexico, Baby!

via Planet Blue Blog

I live just a few hours from the Mexico border, but I've never been. Since college, I've dreamed about surfing in Sayulita, Mexico.  I've heard great things about the quaint and colorful village and long, consistent waves.  Best of all, it's only a 2 hour flight!  That's a huge win when you're travelling with a toddler.

via A Desert Fete

This blog post from A Desert Fete  sealed the deal.  I saw it, daydreamed and sighed for a while, then googled "surf and stay camp" and clicked "book now."  (Well, in between the daydreaming and the booking, I did a lot of research on crime, travel warnings, and keeping safe in this part of Mexico.  There are more than a few people who are not thrilled about us travelling there with a child, so rest assured I did my due diligence.)

via Hotel Hafa

So yes, we're headed to Sayulita soon!  It will be our last vacation before we start trying for Baby #2.  Why all the recent travelling to tropical destinations, you might ask?

• I turned 30.  I feel pretty much the same as I did when I was 29, except I really really want to see more of the world. 
• Surfing.  I'm officially addicted.  I try to go once a week.  I'm not that good, but I get an A+ for effort :)



I guarantee I don't look this good on a board.  Via.

• Fear.  I fear my next child will be an awful traveler, unlike Sisi who has been a delightful travel buddy.  I figure we spack in as many trips as I can while we're still a family of 3! Edit: Did I just make up a word?  Spack? A combo of "sneak" and "pack"?  Nah, just a typo.

via Life According to Celia

I'm so stoked!

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5 Cute Things

I stopped doing regular monthly posts for Sisi when she turned 2 years old, but here is a little update on how our little one is growing!

1. After weaning her off bottles around age 2, she started requesting "kids tea" before bed.  We make her some chamomile or mint tea with a splash of coconut milk. She sips and savors it while we read stories before bed.

2.  After every bath, she curls up into a ball in her towel and requests a back massage.  I sometimes find her giving her ducky blanket a back massage, or the dogs.  I'm sure the dogs love it (not.)

3.  She will be a flower girl next month!  Here's a sneak peek :)  Pretty princess, holding a toy car of course!

4.  She calls Carl's Jr. "happy faces star restaurant".

5.  Last week, as Joe left the house to help butcher this year's cow, she yelled, "Bye daddy!  Have fun with the cow!  Daddy's getting the cow!"  I think she imagines he'll be bringing back a pet cow someday, and not a freezer full of meat.

Two year olds are fun!  She's become quite bossy, but that's as close as we've gotten to the "terrible two's" (so far.)  I'll continue to do updates from time to time!  

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Berry Crafty!

I hosted a Jamberry themed baby shower for my good friend Aime yesterday.  What a sweet time!  I'll share pictures soon, but here is a sneak peek at some of the decor.

This first project was something I pinned on my Fun DIY Projects board (check me out on Pinterest!)  Supposedly people use these painted rocks to deter birds from eating their real strawberries.  I just thought they were cute.  

Sisi insisted on painting her own rocks!

Then I put my Silhouette Cameo to work and cut little strawberry blossoms.  I used some spray painted thumb tacks as the centers and hot glued them to twigs.  I also added some adorable felt blueberries.  I figured the more non-perishable decor I could make ahead of time, the less stressed I'd be on the day of the shower.  All these projects were super cheap, too.

And of course, no ex-florist is gonna leave out fresh flowers.  I chose country flowers in bright berry shades.  

Decorating for parties (especially for wonderful, appreciative friends!) is super fulfilling, and so much less stressful than decorating for weddings.  

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