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I haven't posted in a few days because I've been a decorating machine and running all over town trying to make sure we'll be all set for BB's party on Saturday. I took some tips from my guru, Martha, and made this heart garland. It's all tangled up here in this picture (I kind of like it that way) but it will be uniform when hung up.
I also spent some (or way too much) time making a little "Happy Birthday" heart banner, made of pink and red card stock, red glitter glue for the letters, and cream-colored yarn. (The third picture has some good sunlight, but I took the other two in the evening so they're not so clear.)
My crafty aunt up in Montreal sent a lovely package for BB's birthday. This cute little handmade tag was one of the things included inside. I think I'm going to attach it to the front of this scrapbook I got for the party. Dave and I are going to have everyone sign it and include each person's picture (from the day of) with each message. It will be a great thing for BB to have when she's a little older.
So all that's really left to worry about are the balloons and cake, and those will be easily taken care of (although I'm not sure who's going to blow up all the balloons...). We've got 50 confirmed guests so far and about 15 who are still unsure. Dave and I literally had to call everyone we invited because ONLY ONE person RSVP'ed by telephone (immediate family does not count). Thank you, Aunt Tami for responding in a timely fashion. Is everyone trying to make my hair fall out?!
Aside from all the party plans, Dave started his new job at a financial company downtown yesterday! I was so proud when he told me he got the job. BB's actual birthday is tomorrow, so I might have to plan a little something for dinner. I can't believe it's been a whole year already...
How can you resist that face?
Yesterday, when I got out of the shower, I found these two taking a nap. Call me mushy, but there's nothing more touching than watching your partner and baby in moments like these. I was watching Dave take care of BB this morning (I was so tired) and I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear the entire time. He's such a great dad.
I told you in the previous post that I would post pictures of the paper flowers I've been making. Actually, according to Martha's website (do you like how we're on a first name basis here?), they're pom poms. I think the pink ones I made look like peonies, so I refer to them as flowers. I used the directions for the napkin holder-sized ones. Haven't tried the large ones yet.
They're very easy to make, but they just consume time. They're decorations for BB's birthday party, but I'm not so sure what I want to do with them yet. I have a feeling I need to make many, many more. I think I've only made about 12. Not so many...
In addition, I tried to find some "annealed steel wire" for those wire trees I was going to make for centerpieces, but the guys at Lowe's had not a single clue what I was talking about. GREAT. The floral wire at A.C. Moore was too thin, so I have no idea where I should look now. A local hardware store? Home Depot? This makes me not want to make them anymore. I have two weeks left. I need to figure something out!
I'll end this post with some photos of my mischievous munchkin. Here's some proof that she's up to no good! I look away for a minute and then I find that she's somehow gotten INTO her toy bucket.
And here are some pictures of here taking a "big girl bath." I am to blame for the crazy hair-do...
Winking is BB's new thing. Whenever she wants to get my attention she winks because she knows I think it's the funniest thing. She hardly ever does it when I tell her to (to show others). I bet everyone thinks I'm a big fat liar, so here's proof! SHE CAN DO IT, I TELL YOU!
I spent part of the day surfing the net for ideas for BB's birthday party. I'm not going to go with a Sesame Street or Dora theme (they seem to be rather popular) because 1) BB isn't really at an age where she would be interested in either, and 2) I want the party to be more original. I'm sure Dora or whoever will come to haunt me in the next year or two.
The only theme I could think of (that I like) is hearts. PLUS, by coincidence, I included red heart confetti in the invitation envelopes. With Valentine's Day coming up, there are tons of ideas being thrown around. I, of course, went straight to Martha and found several things that would suit the theme.
I think the tissue paper pom poms are gorgeous! I hope I can set aside enough time to make them. I hope I can make them at all! I was also trying to think of a clever centerpiece for each table and I was reminded of a MS Christmas idea where Christmas cards were displayed on a tree of branches. I found this little Easter egg tree idea on her website. I think, if I really dedicate myself, I can make these wire trees -- except, instead of eggs, I'll attach decorative cardstock hearts on the branches with ribbon. We'll see, in time, if I can actually pull something like this off.
Since Dave and I are on a budget, I don't want to go boutique shopping for a birthday outfit for BB (or rather, I would like to but can't). I searched around online and found this cute dress at Gymboree. If you look closely, you can see there's a heart at the center. I think it's rather appropriate for the occaision, so I think this is the one.
SO, this week needs to be all about getting the materials necessary to make this party happen. Really, my biggest issue at the moment is finding a decent cake that will feed around 75 people! I know of a place back where my dad lives, but the distance isn't exactly convenient. UGH! Sheet cakes can be so ugly and generic. Let's pray we can find one in time!!!
Yesterday I bought my first issue of Martha Stewart Living. I'm excited to start crafting and this is perfect for getting the creative juices flowing. It's a little frustrating knowing that we're going to be moving soon in the sense that I don't want to make things that won't go with the new place (wherever that may be). Does that make sense? (Another goal for the year is to be more articulate!)
Anyway, I love the idea of the bulletin board with pockets (in the picture that's center right). Oh, the possibilities!!! I wish there were better places to purchase fabric around here...I think I'm going to have to order online (in love with Purl Soho). I also really love the idea of a framed bulletin board hanging from wide grosgrain ribbon. So many Good Things.
I'd also like to come up with my own ideas as well. I'm not too comfortable with the idea of replicating (sounds better than "copying"). I have to learn how to use my new machine first, so maybe I'll mosey on over to Barnes & Noble -- and maybe Dave will watch BB for me, hint hint.
BB has gone to bed early (I think) so I now have some time to myself. Dave is spending the night at his parents' home in order to bring them to the airport early in the morning. They're going on a Western Caribbean cruise for a week. I'm totally dying to go. Cozumel. Costa Maya. Grand Caymans. All you can eat FOOD.
I think I'll just tidy up (lately this place seems to be perpetually messy) and do a little reading. I bought Jane Austen's Persuasion I don't know how long ago and I'm finally getting around to reading it. It's pretty dense reading, so I need to focus. Til next time...
I made a batch of the yarn snowflakes I saw on Martha Stewart's website. The idea was listed in the kids section of the site and I don't quite see how this project is kid-friendly...unless you're willing to have your entire house covered in Elmer's by the end of the project. It was definitely a sticky job and I don't think I'll be making anymore. Eight is enough. I even managed to get a glob of glue in my hair. They look cute, though, don't they?
Our tree is definitely baby-friendly. Save the lights, there is no glass on it at all. BB hasn't really tried to grab the tree at all, which I am very thankful for. What's also great is that it's not a prickly tree. The ends of the needles are all rounded. I wonder what kind of tree it is.
I've been trying to make a bunch of pom poms to attach to gifts for my family's party on Tuesday. I'm just going to bake some great chocolate chip cookies for the younger kids, package them, and attach a pom pom and/or paper globe (yes, more paper globes) to each. Us adults (I'm an adult now) are doing a yankee swap (which I thought would suck until my stepmom informed me of some of the AWESOME gifts that are in the running). Even though there's the swap, I'm hoping I can make some time to make some ornaments for my stepmom and favorite aunts. I know they'll appreciate that sort of thing. The globes are a cinch, but I have many more pom poms to make...
We got some new Netflix movies in the mail. I just finished watching The Devil Wears Prada, and, like the book, I wasn't too impressed. I don't think I even finished the book. So predictable and overrated. The fashion was fun to see in the movie and Meryl Streep was great (of course), but the differences between the book and the movie bothered me. How could they change the boyfriend's job from inner-city, do-good elementary teacher to a line chef? And what is the point of that? I am in love with Adrian Grenier, but come on. We also got the second Pirates of the Caribbean, but maybe I'll wait for Dave to get home from work in case he wants to watch it too.
I officially weaned BB off one bottle. We're down to three 7 oz bottles a day and we're up on solids. She's doing very well. I have it too easy with her. One of her new things is standing on one foot (while holding something, of course). She's pretty silly.
It's time for Bottle #2, so I'm going to run. Later!
The past couple days have gone by in a flash and it's hard to believe that tomorrow is the beginning of a brand new week.
A miracle happened Friday night. Dave and I went out. Out, out. That is a miracle by our standards. He finished finals that evening, so I went to the city to meet him. After a good 25 minutes of driving around, we finally found a parking spot and went to Wonderbar. Yes, a very college student thing to do, but we had fun dancing and just being together ALONE. It's something we REALLY needed. Alone time is very important. I also got to see Sammy and Brian, whom I haven't seen in ages. Great night.
Saturday afternoon, BB and I went to little Jasmine's first birthday. BB had a ball playing with all the kids (half of them were around the age of one) and she didn't hesitate on being a total ham. She clapped, smiled, and made faces the entire time. I personally did not take pictures (sorry, I get lazy sometimes), but Lenny & Flora (Jasmine's parents) have promised to e-mail me a link to the pictures. When I get them I will share. I love my friends to death, but I must admit it was really nice hanging out with PARENTS. It's fun to share information and milestone stories.
Today, we finally got our Christmas tree! I don't think we were planning on getting one so big -- it didn't seem so big at the farm -- but it almost touches the ceiling. I'm liking it very much, and it's my first tree as an adult. It's BB AND Dave's first tree ever. I am so glad my mom and dad did Christmas for us every single year. I have so many great memories. I want BB to have the same.
In the meantime, I've made some primitive pre-school style Christmas decorations. We've got the paper snowflakes (which I haven't made in AGES) and ye olde fashioned paper chain-link garland that is way too short to wrap all around the tree. I swear I'll make it to the craft store tomorrow so I can make some Martha Stewart-esque ornaments.
BB's winter coat arrived (finally) in the mail from L.L. Bean. It's nothing spectacular to look at, but at least I know it's warm. That's what matters most. I also ordered some shearling boots (pictured at the top) to keep those toesies warm. They fit perfectly and were a steal at $16.50. I need to buck up and buy my kid some more shoes, poor thing.
On a final note, I ordered our holiday cards this afternoon! I chose 2-day delivery, so I need to get everyone's address ASAP. Thank goodness for online coupon codes. I saved myself $5. I love BB's smile in the photo. The only way I was able to achieve this was by using the flash on my camera. I've really been trying to use natural sunlight, but it's been scarce lately and if you don't hold the camera steady (or if its subject WON'T SIT STILL) you'll get a fuzzy picture. I was getting frustrated, so I gave in. I adjusted the brightness and contrast a bit in iPhoto. I'm liking it. Here's the final product.
I'm really trying to get things done now that Christmas is a mere two weeks away (eek). Crunch time!
...because here is my Christmas tree decoration picture overload extravaganza! When I was at my mom's, we decorated her tree -- something she and I LOVE doing every year. She has saved every ornament we've ever made (since pre-school!) and I am so glad that she did. It's so neat to see old pictures and crafts made almost 20 years ago.
This one below is my favorite one. As you can see, it was made in 1989 when I was a mere 4 years old. On the other side is a picture of me taken by one of my "pre-kindergarten" teachers.
My brothers and I always used to argue every year as to who would get to hang up this fortune cookie ornament.
Here are some other oldies: an ornament made of a single egg carton slot (we each have one), your classic macaroni bell, and my favorite of my brother's ornaments -- a seashell with his picture inside. 
And here are some ornaments I made, probably when I was in high school.
I love my mom's tree because it's a one-of-a-kind -- and that's why it's special. I watched Martha Stewart this morning and she featured some homemade ornament ideas that were just gorgeous. I want to make the time to make some. But first, it would help to have a tree. Gotta get on that ASAP!
Here is BB in her holiday onesie and the new hairclip we received from GiddyGiddy. It's not too clear, so I'll have to get a better shot, but it's absolutely adorable!
Anyway, I'm waiting for BB to wake up from her nap so I can take her to run errands with me. Tried to get out of the house a few hours ago, but she just wasn't having it. I finally ordered her winter coat (I'm awful) from L.L. Bean, so that should come in by Monday. Don't know what else to write right now. Stopping. See ya!
Happy Valentine's Day! We've been hit with a lot of snow today, but luckily Dave and I decided to celebrate over the weekend instead of today. I couldn't imagine going out in this weather! I got in touch with my inner-Martha yesterday and pumped out some Valentine goodies for Dave. Lately, I've been in bed by midnight (and if you know me, that's EARLY), but I stayed up until 3 am working on this and that. I'm pretty proud of these handmade cards and tags and plan to make these on several occasions and holidays.
This is a little gift "from" BB to her daddy. It's a bookmark, again used with card stock and the black paper. B&W photo of Dave and BB in the middle. I included little quotes found online. So simple and easy.
Tags for Dave's gifts...of which I only have gotten half... The round tags are for some wine glasses I picked up, and the square is for a bottle of wine I have not purchased yet. And with the weather, it looks like that tag won't be adorning a bottle at all. Foiled.
I received some lovely red tulips and essential oils for Valentine's Day from Dave. I love the essential oils (he got me lavender and grapefruit/lemongrass) and all their uses. I read in the little pamphlet that came with them that lavender oils can be applied to wounds for fast healing and can be put in BB's bath to calm her down. The grapefruit/lemongrass is meant to awaken the senses. Pictures to come when we get some sun. I can't stand these dim pictures!!!
