Choos Choos and Tutus: A Co-ed Party

I remember one year, when my parents were moving from Japan back to the states, they decided to combine my birthday party (January) with my brothers' (both in October).  It was so awesome to have a big party and to enjoy a sleepover with my friends and to get a lot of awesome gifts and to have triple the number of friends at the party...  Islanders, I still remember a lot of my gifts (the life-sized Barbie, a cool hot pink giant lock-shaped safe with a secret combination).  It was an awesome birthday... the birthday song with *like* 50 kids was so awesome!  If I recall correctly, it was hosted late summer before we relocated in late September.  The combined party itself was epic but, when my actual birthday came around several months later, it was a major letdown... I think I may have gotten a cake but it certainly wasn't what I had become accustomed to.  No presents, no party, no friends... just a reminder of the epic party hosted months prior.

It was at that moment, my disdain for combined birthdays was born.  I prefer not to combine December babies with Christmas or sibling birthdays (unless they're within two weeks) or really anything; I like the idea of giving each birthday honoree his/her due.  

Despite my personal experience, I gained a new appreciation for combined birthdays during the planning and execution of a recent co-ed birthday party.

Avery was born on the same day as Mason's first birthday party.  Their birthdays are days apart.  Their parents share families and friends so, it was natural to combine their birthday parties.

 

In conversation with Amalia, Avery's mom, she mentioned there were a number of typical themes on the list but the parents decided on a final theme that was unique and different.  I got the colors and I offered to make the tags for the favors.  I decided to create two separate designs for the favor bags, one for each guest of honor.

The tags read as follows: "It was TUTU sweet of you to come to celebrate Avery turning one!" and "Chugga Chugga Thank you for celebrating Mason turning two!"

I came up with the original wording and design based on a few inspiration images from Ryan, my sis-in-love and Mason's mommy.

 

TBT: Avery and Mason

Happy Throwback Thursday, Islanders!  In celebration, I'm sharing pictures of two littles who combined their birthday parties this year.  Don't worry.  Mason and Avery are super cute and I can't wait to share their super cute party.  Oh, you can check my Instagram story for more cool pictures and ideas for hospital gifts and activities, baby showers and nursery decor!  For now, let's just throwback to some cute baby cheeks!

Here's a sneak peek of their adorable birthday photos. 

See you tomorrow with a cute party theme!

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.

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!

Munch Makes: A V-Day Party!

You may recall for Valentine's Day 2014, Munch and her friend, Jada, came together for a play date that involved making cards to combat elderly depression.  This year, we expanded our invite list to include the book club buddies.  We pulled out decor and craft supplies we already had and set the stage for an evening of fun.

I used an old candy dish (purchased from Target years ago) to hold the cutlery.  I used disposable cups I had on hand, Munch added stickers, and some crazy straws I picked up from Dollar Tree (DT).