DIY Burlap & Lace Wedding

I haven’t had many Pinterest project-esque posts on this blog since its debut, and that is because I’ve been working on a massive project that has engulfed my time: my sister-in-law’s wedding!

“Burlap & Lace” was the name and DIY was the game. I did just about everything myself for the reception: made the table runners, designed & executed the floral arrangements, tracked down all of the vases, ordered the candles & materials, and created the banners & entry table art.

Here are some shots of the reception hall before its transformation. It was at a Knights of Columbus hall and didn’t offer much in terms of character. So we had our work cut out for us!

Here is a look at the tables after completion, while under the overhead lights:

And here are some shots of the reception hall as the guests saw it, under the lights of one large chandelier and candle light.

The S’More favors:

The entry table & one of my favorite projects with my Silhouette so far, the wedding subway art:

And the gift table:

And that’s the gist of the wedding weekend! More burlap & lace posts to come I’m sure…

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Get Yourself a Learning Tower!

Where has this beautiful thing been my whole life? I’m talking about the Learning Tower – the best toddler tool ever!

Okay, I’ve only had this for a few days. And the novelty could wear off. But in those few days, I have been able to assemble and cook entire recipes while My Girl “cooks” along side me. I’ve never been able to have that kind of time to putter around in the kitchen before this baby came into my life! And she is getting introduced to cooking, new ingredients and gadgets that totally appeal to her senses. Win, win!

Now Learning Towers are expensive – $200 on Amazon right now. I found a great buy on Craigslist for $75, and there are instructions on how to construct one yourself for $40. So there are definitely options out there worth exploring. And if you’ve got a toddler, I’d recommend doing so!

Yes, she has two hair bows in her hair. Because that’s how we roll.

Recycling Food Pouch Caps

My Girl likes food pouches. A lot. I only give them to her for one snack a day, but she’ll take down four at a time. And that adds up! The crafter in me saved the food pouch caps, thinking I could utilize them somehow. Then it dawned on me while planting some flowers…replace rocks in the bottom of flower pots with the food pouch caps!

Toddlers + Blueberries = Happiness

July means blueberries around these parts, so my friend Chandra & I loaded up the kiddos and headed to Golden Bell Farm for the morning. It was 9:30. It was hot. But it was addicting. Once you get going, it’s hard to walk past a pretty berry and not pick it!

Blueberry picking was perfect for our young toddlers. The bushes were at an accessible height, and My Girl totally got the concept of picking then putting in the bucket. Or picking then eating. Same difference.

Now I’m off to search for some blueberry recipes!

Mommy Porn

Channing Tatum + Newborn in a Moby wrap = SWOON!

Photo from People.com.

Book Review: Most Talkative: Stories from the Front Lines of Pop Culture

I love me some Bravo TV. The Real Housewives, Flipping Out, Top Chef – if it’s on Bravo, I’m probably going to love it. So it was only natural for me to read Andy Cohen’s book and love that too.

Did you know his career began as a serious news producer, working with the likes of Dan Rather? But the little boy who loved watching soap operas always remained and eventually led him to the be the Real Housewives (and network) king he is today. There are a few tidbits on the reality stars we all know and love too, which was right up my alley!

If you’re looking for a deep biography offering the key to life, this isn’t it. Most Talkative is a great summer read, easy and quick to flip through. If that’s what you’re looking for, it’s a good one to pick up!

Got a Lil’ Something

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite times of the year. Cookouts, warm weather, cute desserts – what’s not to love? And this particular 4th long weekend has a special ring to it, considering my birthday present just arrived in the mail & I’ve had extra time to get this puppy working.

Friends & family: you do realize every gift you receive for the next two years will be Silhouette-created right?

Someone else is pretty excited about it too. Or maybe it’s just the box itself?