Hi, Islanders! This week, we're catching up on the October happenings and the Island's big news stories that occurred during the Dollar Tree series. I've been holding some information and the time has finally come to share.
First, let me say the power of social media is amazing! Sheena tagged me in a post on Yandy Smith-Harris' Instagram page.
Modern Domestic?! I felt I would be a perfect fit for that area of the site so I applied. I applied! Thanks, Sheena!
Why did I apply, you ask?
I've got goals and plans for the upcoming year. Goals that will require me to stretch myself and, with my future in mind, I'm making subtle changes to be sure things are realized without issue. Get ready, this will be a fun ride! Anyhoo, back to stepping out on faith...
I followed the application instructions and sent an email. My email was well-written and showed both my writing style and personality. I was confident with my submission but, for some reason, I was shocked when I received the email stating I was chosen to be a Staff Writer and weekly contributor for two Modern Domestic columns, DIY and Home Decor.
I was super stoked to join an award-winning team! I've been providing content for a few weeks now and I invite you to check out some of my posts:
I'm still working out the kinks of the editing process (the website editor has final say and my first post had a number of typos due to editor changes). So, if you want to keep up with my other writing gigs, be sure to check out http://everythinggl.com/category/lifestyle/ every week! Oh, and leave a comment or click the stars to rate the post! Islanders, I'm super excited to expand our island's circle of touch and, as always, you can expect insider exclusives here on Fabulous Island and much more!
Howdy, Islanders! While crossing updates off of my list, I realized I never shared Munch's ACTUAL Halloween costume.
I know what you're thinking and ALL of the ideas we shared the week before Halloween were just for you guys! Her actual costume started with a design from last year.
Remember how Halloween was canceled? Remember how I was bummed? Remember all the drama and pain (for me)? If you don't, you can catch-up by reading this post. Anyhoo, I was so excited for the peplum top I made using poster board and playing cards from Dollar Tree (DT).
Wait, did you just roll your eyes? No, don't worry. I'm not going to share the tutorial right now. Seriously, though?! Are you THAT sick of hearing me sing DT's praises? Well, ok. I will give you a break for a short while. Anyhoo, here's the OFFICIAL 2015 Halloween pic:
I won't go into too much detail right now but I made the crown using gold glitter card stock and the stripes are glitter tape from the Target $1 bins.
I decided to embellish the top using card stock to make a heart and a mini crown.
I made a quick tutu skirt and used ribbon, playing cards and paper punches to create a dramatic train.
I recreated the Queen's signature hair with two buns and red hair paint.
For the face, we purchased Halloween face paint and it worked out perfectly! Here's the inspiration photo:
I informed Munch the Queen of Hearts isn't one to smile so when posing for photos, she needed to look smug. We practiced before leaving the house and I'd say, Munch NAILED IT!
You see the face. Smile?! FOR WHAT?!
Anyhoo, the book club moms decided to host a book club play date at Sherry's house. Sherry made a cute photo-op area and set-up a craft table for the girls to snack and to create a Halloween memory book.
The dads took the girls around the the neighborhood while the moms sipped wine and passed out candy. It was a great evening and I'm so glad we were able to spend the time with friends!
The next day, we geared up for Gadiel's Monster Bash. I let Munch decide which of our DIY costumes she'd wear and she chose the gumball machine. We added a few elements (poms on bobby pins, pom earrings, etc.) and we hit the road. Munch was so bummed when we arrived and she realized that she forgot the GUMBALL poster board on her bed. She cried but got over it pretty quickly after arriving.
The little ones had a ball playing Pin The Patch on the Pirate, taking swings at the pinata and enjoying yummy halloween-themed foods.
Gaby is a beast with the Halloween decor; it was amaaaaazing! Munch was so creeped out when she arrived.
You see her face. She really did not want to stop and pose for a photo - haha! Other highlights included when one of the dads arrived in a homemade Iron-Man costume!
I've watched that video countless times and it makes me giggle every time I watch the video!
OMG, both of them have gotten so big!
Happy birthday, Gadiel! We love you!!! Islanders, in case you need another giggle. Check out the video of Iron-Man and Mr. M&M wiggling in the street. They wanted to send Hubbs a message that the Three Amigos were incomplete without him.
We've concluded the Dollar Tree series and I'm glad you stuck with me the entire month. It wasn't easy to focus on one topic but it was a lot of fun to share the awesome Dollar Tree finds. Although the island revolved around thrifty finds for 31 days in a row, life kept spinning on its axis at warp speed!
This week's Wordless Wednesday post was a cake design for a client awhile back. It was perfect for the October birthdays - my brothers' (both of them), my mom and a mini birthday for my nephew, Maseface.
YES, MASEFACE!
Would you believe my nephew, Maseface, celebrated his first monthday TWO WHOLE WEEKS AGO?
Seriously, I can't make this stuff up. The boy is one month old already! I happened to be visiting on his monthday and decided to bring along a few things I'd take some pictures to mark this milestone. Can you see the chevron backdrop? Well, it's the one I purchased to hang behind the sweets table at the Surprise Safari Baby Shower. Remember how I forgot it at home and had to use a back-up plan? Well, it is too cute NOT to be put to use and it cost too much NOT to get my money's worth.
Ryan had a sticker tie for Maseface to wear but he wasn't a fan of it so I ran to his nursery and grabbed his buddy, Giraffe.
You can see him squirming in the photo above. The boy was not having it but don't worry, he was better when we took the sticker off. Here's our official first monthday photo:
My brother is very serious about ensuring Maseface's hair is brushed. Perfectly. At all times. Well, he was at work so we broke all of his rules. I didn't comb his hair:
I put several silly hats on his head:
I laid the baby in a tray on the floor.
What in the world was I thinking? I even left the baby unattended on a bench.
Bad auntie, right?! Whatever. It was a great day with my PLUMPkin!
The photos were so much fun for Ryan and me that we've decided to have a photoshoot every month. We'll use the same backdrop for his milestone photo to track his growth. We also have some cool ideas for holidays so stay tuned for periodic cuteness overload!
