Easter 2016 - Family Fun!

I was able to spend time with my nephew Friday evening before Resurrection Day.  Oh! And, because I knew he could expect a number of baskets and gifts, I decided to give him his Easter gifts from his auntie Tabby during our time together.

I told him the bag had his name on it and it was as if he understood me because he turned to admire it.

His hand caused the tissue paper to crinkle and he was intrigued by the sound.  It resulted in a fun fest but took a turn for the gross when MaseFace tasted the tissue paper.

His face said it all!  The paper sounded better than it tasted.  All-in-all, MaseFace loved his first Easter basket!  If you're wondering, we talked about the goodies here.

You see the face.  Sometimes, it's hard to keep the auntie lovin' at bay.  I just lose it when I see his face.

WW: 2016 Easter Highlights

Wordless Wednesday

Maya Mondays: Haters

"The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story..." ~ Maya Angelou

Easter Craft: Bunny Swag Bags

I made bags for the youth at church.  I love how much personality the embellishments add and I'm sure when the kids open them to find candies, their faces will light up!  These bags are the perfect gifts for teachers, friends, neighbors... really, they're great for anyone you'd like to make smile.

I saw an inspiration pic on Pinterest:

Source

Things I Love: Baby's First Easter Basket

Howdy, Islanders!  Remember when I started our newest series, the Things I Love series?  I mentioned in this post what it's all about.  Basically, it's a series full of things I come across that I find to be good enough to share with you, my beloved Islanders.

I've been compiling guides for new parents.  Remember the 13 things to do for new parents (here)? To clarify, I am not a new parent but I have transitioned into the role of awesome auntie pretty frikkin' amazingly well and I've come to realize that I have some ideas others - aunts, uncles, cousins, god parents, grandparents, friends, family, new parents, etc. - might find useful.  Wait, you forgot I am an auntie?  Let me share an obligatory picture of my magically delicious nephew, MaseFace:

Yes, he is that amazing in person and yes, he smells as good as he looks.  Anyhoo, I finally finished my neph's basket and I wanted to share a few unique ideas for baby Easter baskets.  It's not like the babies understand enough to really appreciate them or like parents expect anything for their baby on Easter... there's really no pressure with this one.  I promise.  You can't go wrong.  Surprise new parents with something sweet for their little ones and you're sure to be the [insert your title here] of the year!

Here are a few baby basket ideas that are sure to be a hit!

Maya Mondays: As much.

"My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return." ~ Maya Angelou

Gender Reveal Pinata: It's A...

Surround yourself with people that make everyday a par-tay! #diy #pinata #genderreveal #comingtotheblog #Melinasamommy #itsagirl @fresh_start_living

A video posted by Tabitha Keese (@tmkeese) on Mar 16, 2016 at 6:01pm PDT

Maya Mondays: Continue.

Blue or Pink Themed Gender Reveal

Family+ friends+ fun+ food+ finding out the gender...

It sounds like a recipe for a great day, right?  It was!  Melina's DIY gender reveal party was fabulous and full of awesome ideas!  Let's start with the entry wreath.

I used a large embroidery hoop and two tutus as the fluffy base for this statement piece.  Tutorial coming soon!

The Cravings Table

Melina hand-dipped several sweets in blue and pink to create a fabulous focal point.

We divided the table in half with a blue and a pink side.

I made a quick banner for above the cravings table:

WW: Gender Reveal Mini Session

Wordless Wednesday

Maya Mondays - Having Courage.

"Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid.  Having courage and showing courage mean we face our fears.  We are able to say, "I have fallen but I will get up." ~Maya Angelou

Free Printable - 'Wear Your Guess' Craft

In preparation for tomorrow's gender reveal, I thought I'd share an easy craft for guests to wear their guess.

Supplies
- Clothespins
- Paint color of your choice
- Table confetti
- Hot glue gun

Step-By-Steps

1.  Paint the front half (or entire) clothespin.
2.  Once it's dried, glue the theme-appropriate confetti to the front of the clothespin.
3.  Allow to dry then place in a jar, basket or scatter on a table for guests to show their guess!

ISLANDER BONUS:  I designed a quick FREE printable for use in your upcoming gender reveal!

To use, copy and paste into a Word document, adjust the size then frame for a fab and FREE printable!

OMG!  One more day until the big news!

Things I Love: Beauty Products.

Hey, Islanders.

You might be sick of my multiple and seemingly random blog series but... WHATEVER!  I'm back with another one and it's all about nifty things I've found at a great deal or that I've implemented in our life that really work!  This series will not be like Maya Mondays or Wordless Wednesdays but I will use the 'Things I Love' tag (saved under the right navigation menu --> Topics and Thoughts) to store all of the things (deals, tips, tricks, and more) I love!

Today, we're talking about beauty products and dupes I've been using for the past few months that have TOTALLY changed my life!

1. Beauty Blender for $1!

I've seen the Beauty Blender in a number of stores and, while I wanted to have the flawless face after makeup and moisturizer application, I couldn't bring myself to pay the $20 price.  When I saw the Sassy+Chic blender at Dollar Tree, I had to pick one up.  I LOVE IT and I LOVE ITS PRICE EVEN MORE. Oh, and even if you don't wear makeup, this is perfect for moisturizer application... the goal is to minimize hand-to-face contact.