Ryan's 1st Birthday party

We had so much fun at Ryan's birthday party over the weekend. We decided to have it at the zoo, kind of picnic style. So I didn't have a whole lot to do as far as "decorating". I decided to do a citrus theme with lemons and limes. Here are some of the ideas that I did (or at least wanted to).

I got the sweetest tutu for Ry-pie from Boutique Sophia on Etsy. She customized it to match the colors of the party. It came out so incredibly cute! And the onesie. Just the number 1 I hand drew and sewed on.


And so all the other little girls would be just as sweet. I made them there own little pink tutu with green ribbons and yellow clips to match the party. I used this tutorial from Tea Rose Home



It was a sea of pink tulle. And everyone looked so precious.

We got chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with white buttercream frosting. I decorated them with lemon and lime candy slices that I got from Wal-mart (it came with purple, orange, and red too, so Mr. CalJ was excited to have the extras). Just looking at this picture makes me happy!




I had seen this idea a few months ago on some blog that I was perusing (don't remember which one now), in which they used just lemons. I added the limes to match the theme. I just cut the fruit in half, scooped out the fruit, and poured in the jello. After the jello set I just sliced the fruit into wedges.

I had them packed up and ready to go, when (thankfully) Josh had one. Bleck! They were gross! Not sure why but they were a no-go. Too bad, cause I thought they were really cute.

I had also made these vases full of lemons and limes and wanted to fill a couple with pink roses to decorate the tables. But Josh reminded me that there was no glass allowed in the zoo. I didn't have time to find something plastic so I had to scrap that idea too. (Josh really rained on my parade didn't he...lol).

Here's a picture of Ry-pie and her daddy. I know she doesn't look too happy....but check out her outfit. See it? Lemons and limes! I found the romper at Target and almost wept because I was so excited!


And by the end of the party her fun meter had run out. Another success!


My baby girl is 1. I can't believe it. And I'm so glad we got to spend her birthday with good friends and family!! Thank you!

Ry-pie's turning 1!

One year ago today the sweetest little treasure of a girl entered into my life. The beautiful Ryan Miquela was born.


In one short year, we went from this......





.....to this.....

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet Ry-pie!

I love you so much!

Slack to the er

I've been more then a slacker when it comes to posting ANYTHING lately. We're headed to Mexico soon and I've been working on Ry-pie's birthday party. Between that, getting a little stomach bug, and trying to enjoy the summer I just haven't had the time. I've still been crafting, but have a lot of projects that are not quite finished. Hopefully I'll be back up and posting after the 4th. I can't believe how much I've missed it.

I plan on posting some pics of her birthday party this weekend.....unless I do more slacking. We. Shall. See. :)

And because posts are always better with pictures, here are some of CalJ at his swim lessons and soccer.






Be back soon.

Brownie cups

Brownie mix + Nutella = pure and utter deliciousness


I just used a store box brownie mix (low-fat even), and oomphed up the goodness by putting a dollop of Nutella in the center before baking.

The Nutella kind of sinks to the bottom during baking leaving an ooey gooey hazelnut center in your brownie.

Pretty delitghtful. And a good, (if not only) reason to crank on the oven in this crazy heat!


Enjoy! And have a great weekend!

HUGE summer tote

So I've been searching all over the place for a great big (reasonably priced) bag to haul all of our summer goodies. I never found one. Enter this tutorial from DESIgns


We had our first pool excursion yesterday and I really wanted to make it for our outing. The tutorial only used 3/4 yards of fabric but since I had already purchased a whole yard of the material, I made it out of all of it. WOW! Huge is an understatement! Only $2.99 for the fabric, and about an hour of my time. Sweet!!

Just to put it in perspective of how big this bag actually is.....take a look....

Here's the tote.....all folded up.


I think I might make some more. :)