{Dean} #2 Birthday Pics

We had my little man's second birthday pics taken yesterday with Karen Carpenter Photography. It was an amazingly sunny and beautiful winter day. I got a little sneak peek of some of the pics yesterday, and Karen did a GREAT job {as usual}!

Because Dean is having a balloon party, the obvious prop for his photo shoot was balloons. I know I'm slightly biased, but I sure do love this one!


The chalkboard with Dean's stats is an idea I saw on Pinterest. I love the idea of writing down your child's age and some of his/her interests at that time, so it's never forgotten. He wasn't exactly cooperating 100% with these {not wanting to sit in the right spot ;-}, but Karen was able to get a cute one nonetheless!


His party colors are navy, light blue and red, so I dressed him in those colors for the shoot. He was "jumping" here :-}

**Thank you Karen Carpenter Photography for your patience, time & expertise! You are the BEST!

{R. Dean} Little Phillies Fan

Baby boy joined his daddy and me at the Phils game this past Saturday. He loved it -- for about a half hour. Mr. Ants in His Pants was all over the place -- trying to grab the guy's beer sitting next to me, wanting to touch everyone and everything including the wad of gum someone left behind in the cup holder, trying to walk back and forth between Bo and me in about a 1/4 inch space. Oh boy, what were we thinking?! The game was fun while it lasted -- one whole inning ;-}

Don't let the pics of what appear to be a very calm boy fool you! Ha!


The sweetest little busy boy there ever was {sorry...I'm biased ;-}.

**LAST full day of school for me today!!! Two 1/2 days and a teacher close-out day, and I'm done for the whole summer. Thank you, Lord!

{St. Patrick's Day} LUCKY

Being a HUGE lover of nice stationary and cards of all kinds, I look for any excuse to make and send cute cards of my own. It's especially fun to splash my little-sweet-face-boy all over my creations and send them to his grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins.

I found Dean's "Mr. Lucky" shirt at Kohls a few weeks ago for a steal {and actually had a really cute headband thingy with shamrocks -- BUT -- my husband had to remind me that we actually have a son and not a daughter. Sometimes I get a little carried away ;-}


I also made some really quick and simple St. Patty's address labels to dress up the envelopes. Presentation -- need I say more?

I have TONS of projects I'm working on this month, so stay tuned!

COMING SOON ::
~ A few YUMMY recipes
~ Updated family room pics {sorry -- I've been majorly slacking in this area}
~ Easter/spring simple decorating
~ Craft room wall storage
~ Alisa's bridal shower invites
~ Jake's first holy communion invites
~ CeCe's 1st birthday invites & related party goods
~ Greg & Erin's rehearsal dinner invitations
~ Ella & Tommy's birthday invites & related party goods
~ Daryl, Avery & Ella's bedroom wall art
~ Doug's 50th surprise party invites
~ AND MORE!

**And I thought I was going to be able to relax a little after Dean's party -- LOL!

{Parties} Dean -- Part 2 -- DETAILS

PARTY DETAILS :: I have an IKEA shelving unit with storage cubbies/baskets in my dining room that I use mostly for storage. I never really thought to use it to entertain but am so glad I did this time! It served two main purposes: #1 -- I used the top as an area for my appetizers so not only did it hold some of the food I was serving, but it also helped keep my guests out of my kitchen. Everyone always wants to congregate in the kitchen, and it can be hard to work and get things set up when there are too many people in that space. #2 -- I was able to use 4 of the 8 cubbies underneath for favors, drinks, etc. It was great!


I found these green & blue soda bottles at TJ Maxx a long time ago and picked them up for the party since they were in keeping with the color scheme.


Then I ordered these adorable polka dot straws from Bake it Pretty and added a "cupcake topper" with Dean's pic to each with double-sided tape. I think they came out really cute!

**How funny is the "Wet Your Whiskers" sign?! LOL! I found that in my blog travels as I searched for inspiration for this party.


Another cubby held the adult party favors, which were pistachio French macaroons {also made by Kara Doyle}. I made little tags for the white bags I bought at Michaels and let the adults fill them with cookies.


Mmmm...they were good!


The kiddie favors were really fun to make. Both Jack & Maura got a mustache coloring sheet...


...and some mustache crayons that I found on Etsy.


I also threw some little candy pieces, a slinky and a stache/set of lips on a stick in each bag for fun.


I decorated my mantle with some "Little Mister" items too.


The staches & lips on a stick were photobooth props.


I also grabbed some of my husband's ties and stuck them in a big glass apothocary jar. I don't think he even realized it....SHHH!


Lastly, I used all the month shots I took of Dean to make a banner that I hung under the mantle.


My guy's outfit was simple -- a mustache shirt from Finley & Oliver, jeans, and black Chuck Taylors {not too thrilled about having the birthday hat on his head here}.


I had the back of the shirt monogrammed at the local monogram shoppe.


This was an easy wreath I made to hang from the front door to greet our guests as they entered Mister Dean's Mustache Bash!


The "photobooth" was FUN! I had a photobooth at my wedding and loved going back to look at all of the guests in silly props. The "Little Mister" theme also lent itself perfectly to a photobooth set-up because of the mustaches.


A sign I made for the trunk filled with props including :: a fedora hat, old newspapers, some of Bo's ties, the other two frames that I spray painted, staches/lips on a stick, etc.

My cute nephew sportin' his famous smile ;-}


Dean's Aunt Lex & Uncle Jimmy gettin' in on the action!


And a quick family shot with our LITTLE MISTER!

COMING UP TOMORROW :: DINNER/EATS post...I'm also going to post a few yummy recipes I used for the party too!

{Parties} Dean's Little Mister Mustache Bash -- Part One -- DESSERTS

After sorting through an overwhelming amount of pictures, I decided to break Dean's party into three separate posts :: DESSERTS, DETAILS, & DINNER/EATS. First up is my personal fav, the dessert table.

I've found that I approach the layout of my dessert spreads much like I approach home decorating. It's not only about the desserts, but it's also about incorporating some other unique finds, many times things found around the house. For example, I threw some rolled newspapers {b/c what "man" doesn't read the paper?} into a clear glass vase I had. Also, my father-in-law gave me some old, empty frames that I spray painted and used for the party. You see one here on the dessert table...the others you'll see in my DETAILS post. In addition, I ordered some really sweet little suitcases/briefcases and used those as props in Dean's photoshoot and to add some height and dimension to my dessert spread.

I love the honeycomb balls I ordered and hung above the table. They were a really inexpensive way to add more color, a little pizzazz, and draw the eye upwards. I saw that idea on Martha Stewart's blog.

Lastly, I had Karen Carpenter Photography order me a large print on matboard of my little man with a stache on a stick that I added to the table.

**The best advice I can give if you love dessert spreads too and want to try one yourself is:
#1 -- START EARLY. I started thinking of ideas and working on this party many months in advance. And to be honest, I ended up having to do a lot last minute b/c of time, but I can't imagine having to do everything at the last sec. I definitely would not have had the same results.
#2 -- MAKE A SKETCH OF WHAT YOU ENVISION. I always start with a hand drawn sketch, which helps me get a clear visual picture of my table and also allows me to see where there are holes. It also helps when planning food/desserts and how much you need and/or have space for.
#3 -- TAKE INSPIRATION FROM DESSERT TABLES YOU LOVE. Pull your favorite aspects about each table, mix with your own ideas and you've got yourself a unique spread. **


The beautiful cake was made by Kara Doyle, the same pastry chef that made Dean's dedication cake. I added the topper {Mr. Dean & a #1}. It was the center of the table and gorgeous in person, not to mention rich and delicious {chocolate angel food cake with a chocolate mousse filling}.


I ordered my boy his own vanilla cupcake from a local bakery and sat it on top of a candle holder. He LOVED it and did a pretty good job of digging right in!


I love mini desserts and had these little shot glasses from the dollar bins at Target, so thought mini milkshakes would be cute. I also added polka dots straws to each.


I love these tie and mustache cookies made by a recent Johnson & Wales grad. I work with her aunt, who one day just happened to mention that she makes wonderful desserts. I jumped on the opportunity and enlisted her services. They were so CUTE, fit in perfectly with the color scheme and theme of the party, and were really yummy!


I mean seriously...how adorable are these?!


The one dessert item I actually made were these chocolate stache pops {ohhh...I made the mini milkshakes too!}. They were so easy to make and my nephew especially loved them!


The candy I found at TJ Maxx...what can't you find at TJ? Love it there...


In one of my sneak peek pics, I showed you a tiny piece of Dean's handmade party hat. It was really simple to make. Just make a cone with a piece of cardstock, add some crinkle cut strips with hot glue to the top and around the bottom, attach ribbon to the inside to keep the hat in place and then any little details you want to the front. Easy!

Hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned for the DETAILS post coming tomorrow!

VENDOR CREDITS:
Dessert table inspiration: TomKat Studio
16x20 matboard photo: Karen Carpenter Photography
Honeycomb decoration balls: Devra Party Supplies
Cake: Kara Doyle
Cookies: Katherine Lynch
Suitcases: Land of Nod
Polka dot straws & Mustache molds: Bake it Pretty

{Sneak Peek} Someone Had a 1st Birthday Party Yesterday!

I'm working on Dean's full party post now, but it won't be ready until tomorrow {hopefully} so here's a quick peek at one of the photos -- obviously the back of my little man's birthday shirt. It was a Little Mister party afterall ;-}

Everything turned out adorable, and we all had a great time celebrating a very loved little boy, who is currently napping and feeling a little under the weather. My little guy woke up at 11:30pm last night and proceeded to get sick all throughout the night. And this is only an hour after his dad did exactly the same thing. Ugghhh! Too much partying for both my fellas I think ;-} Thankfully both are on the mend now, and we're all keeping our fingers crossed that Mama doesn't catch the sick bug.

**Miraculously the sickies didn't hit until after the party was over and everything was cleaned up. AND I am so grateful that I am off from work today to take care of my family. Thanking my lucky stars!

{DEAN} Just Two More Pics...

...because I'm "that" mom. These are actually two of my very favorites so I "had" to post...sorry!

The third outfit I brought to Dean's photoshoot was a sports jacket passed down from his cousin Brandt, one of his Dada's ties, and a black fedora hat. And I love the background {handmade by Karen} in this shot!


Now you know why this boy is the "boss" in our household...I just can't resist his sweet face!

**All photos by Karen Carpenter Photography**

{DEAN} Almost ONE!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Today is all about LOVE and how appropriate that I am sharing a few of my little LOVE's pics from his first birthday shoot....oh how I LOVE them & him!

A huge thanks to my friend Karen of Karen Carpenter Photography -- she took all of these amazing photos!


My little man's 1st birthday is February 22nd and his "Little Mister Mustache Bash" is scheduled for this Sunday, February 20th! The theme of his party was the inspiration behind the outfit and props in the above two pics. **You're getting a little sneak peek of his party outfit here!


Karen specially made the adorable bunting in Dean's party colors in the pic above. Sticking with the "little mister/man" theme, I choose a "grandpa" cardigan sweater, simple stripe buttondown shirt and brought some "old man" props {newspaper, suitcase & my own reading glasses...lol}.

There was one more "manly" outfit and backdrop used {not pictured but one of my favs}.

Thank you again, Karen! LOVE them!

{Heart's Day} Will You Be My Valentine?

To kick off the first day of February, a.k.a the month of LOOOOVE, I wanted to share the little valentines I created for Dean to give to his grandparents, aunts & uncles, and cousins. I took a quick picture a few weeks ago of my little lover boy with his sweet, sweet smile and added it to his card. Ahhh...I can't resist that face!

I also tried something a little different with the labels. I didn't have much time, so this address tag was a little easier and much faster to whip up than my usual wrap labels. I kinda like them!

**I'm loving that it's finally FEBRUARY, my new favorite month of the year thanks to R. Dean. I've been reminiscing and reflecting BIG TIME about this time last year. So much to say, so little time but to sum it all up...WE ARE SO UNBELIEVABLY BLESSED!!!

{Crafting} Eleven and We're in Heaven!

My Bubba was 11 months old on Saturday! This year has been such a whirlwind. The blink of an eye....and it's almost OVER. Seriously? Really?

I made Dean's onesie again and used my hot glue gun and some fabric. Easy peasy. Notice the sign I made...it was destroyed in about 30 seconds flat. Ahhhh boys.

Missing my little man right now and wishing we were snugged up on the couch together. Rough night last night....teething is NO JOKE. Mama is running on empty today and can't wait to get home to her baby! 11 months and still only two teeth....they've gotta be up there somewhere?!

***By the way, THE BUILT IN BENCH IS DONE...WOOHOO! PICS SOON!

{Invitations} DEAN'S 1ST BIRTHDAY!

The time has finally come...my baby is one month away from officially being a big boy. SIGH SNIFFLE SOB.

His birthday party invitations are done and going in the mail this weekend. I thought I'd give you just a little peek at what's in the works for my "little man's" first birthday party.

Dean's party is going to be small and include only our immediate families, which meant that I could afford to get a little crafty with his invitations since I only had to send a few. ***We'd love to invite more family and some of our close friends, but unfortunately our home wouldn't be able to accommodate everyone comfortably.***


THEME:: Little Mister Mustache Bash
COLORS:: Navy, lime & light turquoise

I decided to make Dean's invite a foldable card, with a front cover and an inside. To set the scene for a "Little Mister Mustache Bash" I cut a mustache and tie from textured scrapbook paper in the party colors for the front cover.


On the inside of the invitation, I included a picture I snapped of my little man in one of his daddy's ties and a newsboy cap. He doesn't sit still for very long and wants NOTHING to do with anything on his head these days, so it was quite a challenge to get a decent shot. ***I actually cut part of his head off in this pic but oh well...at least he was looking at the camera....lol.*** He even kind of looks like a little man with that serious expression...HA! I just LOVE him!

The other side contained the party details. I cut another mustache from the same navy shimmery paper that I used to make the card and included that on the top. We really hope everyone will "Comb Over" and join in on the fun!


I made some simple wrap labels too. I backed them with navy shimmery paper and attached them to the envelopes.


Mister R. Dean Powell is very excited about dropping these in the mail this weekend ;-}


I had a lot of fun making these invites, and I'm looking forward to sharing Dean's other party details with you next month!

TGIF!!! WINE & PIZZA HERE I COME!!!