Thursday, September 22, 2016

MaseFace Is 1

My nephew.  My whole heart.  My squish.  My Maseface.


All the heart emojis.  All the happy faces. All the bittersweet emotions.

On this day one year ago, I met the little one who taught me there is always room for ONE more... one more baby to love, one more hug to give, one more reason to smile.  He has no idea the impact he has on my life.  He has no idea how many times smelling his baby neck has lifted my spirits.  His first year of life has been full of ups, downs and upside downs.  He's reminded me to smile no matter what.  He's reminded that it's okay to be sleepy or tired or sick; it's okay to be real and to feel... It's okay to be me.  The real me... But it's never okay to forget my smile.

Happy birthday, Mason.  Thanks for being another reason our family still smiles.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Tribal Baby Shower Sweets Table



Are you as excited as we are to finally talk sweets deets?!


First, that giant dream catcher is amazing!  Can you believe its design is based on two hula hoops?!  Here's an inspiration photo:


Yes, that dream catcher will be used for baby Avery's newborn photos and eventually, it will hang in her room to hold stuffed animals.


Ryan's mom and the grandma-to-be, Dani, made the cupcakes.  How adorable are those punches as cupcake toppers? 

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

4 Ways to Be an Event Planning Team Player

Last week, I shared the Dream Big baby shower decor.  At the end of that post, I mentioned that I learned some valuable lessons and, because you're my beloved Islanders, I want to share those lessons with you.  After all, most of the visitors and inhabitants of Fabulous Island plan, co-plan or attend events like this.  Lots of you come for the inspiration and today, I'm sharing some advice. When planning an event, especially when planning an event with others, remember this: plans change...  sometimes for the better and sometimes different from what you originally envisioned.

Whatever the change, go with the flow; don't make waves!

Case and point, the tent:


If there was one thing I'd change about the decor, it would be the tent backdrop.


The mobiles are beautiful, the banners were great, the tent was a huge piece of amazing decor.  Together, in front of the projection screen on the wall?  I'd change it.  And that is all I have to say about that.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Snapshot Saturday - Wild Things!

It's been a big day!  We met our newest family member after we celebrated our sweet MaseFace's first birthday!  The party was super cute! I can't wait to share the pictures soon!  OMG, aren't the kids super cute??


Come back soon to hear all about it!



Friday, September 16, 2016

Dream Big Baby Shower - The Decor.

Hi, Islanders!  FINALLY, I'm sharing the beautiful boho-chic baby shower we hosted for Amalia and Jon.


You know Amalia and Jon.  Jon is my sister-in-law's brother.  Remember?  Jon married Amalia who is Jasmine's, his other sister's, best friend.  Jasmine married B's (my husband's) best friend who also happens to be Munch's god father.  Confused yet?  My bad.  It's a lot I know... You know, everything was cool... we were like family until my brother and his wife had a baby.  I've mentioned it in the past that their baby would be the official connector among all of these people (myself included)... seriously, their child is the puzzle piece we all call our own.  Well, even before Maseface's arrival, we were family... Jon's my brother and Amalia's my sister.  We spend holidays together, we check on one another, we pray for one another and we celebrate life's milestones like when a baby girl is on the way!

Ryan came up with a rustic bohemian theme... she wanted to focus decor on arrows and dream catchers.  With her ideas, I came up with a Dream Big theme and designed the invitation.


I really love the invitation design.  I had a few shower tasks but nothing to overwhelm me. Confession:  I am growing to love collaborating with others.  Pause.  Did you catch that?

I'm playing well with others!

Friday, September 9, 2016

5 Tips for Fabulous Thrift Store Fashion!

Yesterday, I shared Munch's fifth grade photo shoot. I also told you I spent less than $7 to pull her look together.


Today, we're talking about 5 tips to help you find the perfect outfit in the thrift store.

1.  Think ahead.

Finding the perfect piece or outfit may take a few visits to your local thrift store.  Don't get discouraged if your first visit doesn't prove to be a success.  Remember, the inventory is constantly changing!

2.   Go Big[ger].

Don't be afraid to go up in size if you happen to find a good piece.  Two reasons to go bigger:

- Many will tailor classic pieces so size tags don't matter
- Because you will pay a fraction of the retail price tag, consider finding a tailor (or a friend who sews) to adjust the waist and/or hem.

3.  Know the pieces to buy.

That's right.  Dresses, blazers and skirts are the pieces to look for.  I love the blazers and jackets in thrift stores!  Sometimes sizes are mixed in so check the entire section and the size of any pieces you like.

4.  Try It On.

I mentioned it before but I'll say it again.  The sizes in most clothing don't matter.  You need to know how an item fits before you buy!

5.  Get What You Can.

If you love multiple pieces and options, the thrift store is the place to buy all of your options!  Why?  The prices are cheaper, the odds of finding the same piece when you return are slimmer, and buying multiple options will ensure you have something for the future!  Oh, and if you find a statement piece, don't worry with trying to 'thrift' an entire outfit.  A thrifty dress paired with a fabulous shoe is enough.  A fabulous blazer with ripped fitted jeans, a fierce stiletto and retail tank is a great outfit!

The key to successful thrift fashion is to NOT look cheap.  The goal is to have unique pieces that will stand the test of time and don't break the bank!    Happy thrift shopping and be sure to share your finds on social media by tagging me!


Thursday, September 8, 2016

A Fifth Grade Photo Shoot

Islanders!  Yesterday was a sneak peek into the things the 10th birthday and fifth grade have recently brought into our lives.


Yep, that was my kid.  4 years old.  Heading into Kindergarten.  Natural mohawk and a smile.  I remember when Munchface first asked to have her hair straightened.  It was before she walked out of the bathroom at Ms. Sandra's for her fourth birthday party.  We put her hair into ponytails and she felt it was SO long that it was time to make it straight.

  
You see those pony tails.  They were barely hanging there but... they were there.  On that day (more than six years ago now), before we left the bathroom for Munch to greet her party guests, I told Munch she could get her pony tails straightened when she turned ten years old.  At that moment, Munch started the countdown until she'd have 'big girl' straight hair.  Islanders, this past Sunday (September 4th), it happened.


Yep.  She got her hair straightened for the first time.  I know.  I can't believe it either.  She tried to play it cool but every now and then, this happened:

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

WW: Fifth Grade Firsts

Wordless Wednesday












Children's Cancer Research Gala

*taps mic* Does this thing even work anymore?  Can you hear me in the back? So, the last we spoke, I was sharing a random find.  If...

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