Baby Farm Sprinkle Featured!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

I'm SO excited!  You guys know The Wedding Chicks right?  Well they got even more awesome and started On to Baby to feature what happens after the big day is over.  They feature adorable nurseries, kid and maternity photo shoots and of course showers and kid parties.  I never understood how you got a party featured on one of these big sites.  I always thought they patrolled the blogosphere, scouring for the coolest of the cool.  Turns out, most often, you submit them.  So I decided to submit my 'Baby Farm' themed baby sprinkle and they chose to feature it! Woo Hoo!!!!!  I haven't even posted any of the photos on this blog yet so you simply must head over there to see them all.   

BABY FARM SPRINKLE by Cupcakes and Cutlery 

The party was for my best friend, Taryn, who was having her 4th kid.  She's classy and fun but I really wanted to do the farm theme so had to figure out how to make it all work together.  She likes modern but  I wanted it to be different from her other showers.  So we took it a little bit country. 

Want to know how to make a cute dessert table?  Split up the work.  I used some store bought items, made some simple but delicious desserts and had Meringue Bake Shop make the specialty stuff.  It didn't cost a ton of money and I wasn't slaving away in the kitchen for days and the table looked really cute!

While I knew what I wanted the end result to look like I get utterly paralyzed by the actual styling of things.  I called in backup and had Lauren come over to help me finish it up.  She is awesome and I will just leave it at that so it doesn't get all weird and gushy.  She worked the chicken wire into the hanging balls - GENIUS!  Of course she did more than that but I was blown away!  It looked so cute!

I forgot to submit this photo of the invite!!! How cute is it?!  Designed by Lauren.  Sorry my editing skills suck so bad and I had to cover the address with those two dumb boxes.  Don't let that detract from the handpainted!!!! background and squiggly swirls (that is the name for those framing thingies, right?).

I hope you guys like it!  Thank you On to Baby for sharing it! 

Mini pies and decorated sugar cookies done by Meringue Bake Shop

Styling done by A Fabulous Fete

Woodwork done by my Dad!  Holla

Large sign printed by Direct Edge Media

Sharon

All photos by me! 

Plastic Ruffles and Real Parties

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

photo via Her Royal Heinous, Queen Bee

I got an email yesterday that made my day!  A wonderful blogger named Amelia emailed to thank me for sharing the tutorial for the plastic streamers I did and that she used them recently at a party.  Yeah!!!  And look how adorable the party turned out!!!  

photo via Her Royal Heinous, Queen Bee

Check out the cute colors and adorable styling!  Of course I adore the cupcake stand with the Eiffel Tower since I have a niece named Paris...

photo via Her Royal Heinous, Queen Bee

And the baked goods!  CUTE!  Go check out her post here to see more photos and details of the party.  And remember the HGTV Easter Tablescape article that was making the rounds?  Well Amelia's was one of them featured!  This gal has some talent!  Oh and did I mention that she called my tutorial for the streamers "brilliant"?  Just saying...

Sharon

I'm racing the clock to get up pictures of my own Easter project!!  I've gone completely bonkers with my son's 5th bday party (today is his actual bday so you know I gotta spoil him today too!) a week from Saturday, so I'm finding time to post really hard!  But the Easter decor is totally worth it so check back!!!  

The cutest ruffled streamers from plastic tablecloths!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

If you found me via Pinterest, please note that my blog has moved!!!  

CupcakesAndCutlery.com

How cute are these!  I'm not even sure how this idea came to me (and it has probably already come to someone else out there too...) but I started thinking about how sometimes when you stretch plastic it warps it and creates a sort of lettuce edge.  I gave it a try and they turned out super cute.  So with just using a cheap plastic tablecloth you can create bunches of darling ruffled streamers.

This streamer above was the white version I tried a few weeks ago.  Now, these plastic streamers might not work for someone who is a total perfectionist and needs everything to look super finished and polished.  For me, however, these are perfect!  My first intro to ruffled garlands was from the radically talented Jenny of Hank and Hunt.  Hers are made from fabric and are gorgeous but since my sewing skills are elementary at best, there was is chance that I could recreate those.  If by chance you are a sewing maven, go check out her tutorial here.  When I read it I thought for a very brief second that I might be able to, in fact, give them a shot.  But alas, no way.

I have a bunch of plastic tablecloths on hand so I'm not sure of the exact cost but I would have to say each would be between $1 and $2.  And because I get bored very easily when putting together a tutorial, I didn't cut the whole cloth to see how many garlands you could get out of it.  Here is my estimate:  a bunch, ok I'd guess about 15 depending on the width you cut.  I'd also like to point out the wrinkles in my cute fabric tablecloth.  Ain't no chance I'm going to be ironing things before I do a tutorial.  Given that most of them take place during a nap time, and I'm lazy, chances are good that you will be seeing wrinkles in most of my instructions.

Do not unfold the tablecloth once you take it out of the package.  You will want to find the side with the end of the tablecloth, not the fold, so when you cut you will get a strip.  And thanks to that last sentence I could quite possibly be the worlds worst tutorialist.  Cut as many strips as you want.

If only I had a third hand this portion of the tutorial would be more informative.  Basically you will want to the plastic in one hand between your thumb and pointer finger and hold the plastic the same way in the other hand right next to the first hand.  And pull your thumbs away from each other.  Give it a test so you can figure out how much and how far you should stretch it.  The good thing about these is that they are never going to come out exactly the same as the last stretch so variety is fine.  Also, you will tear the plastic once in a while.  As long as you haven't torn it clear through to the other side, it is also fine. The tear sort of ruffles as well and blends in.  I wouldn't point the tears out to my party guests but I would totally use the garland.

Stretch down one length of the plastic strip and then flip the strip over and do the other side.

I did this when my husband was out of the house.  When he got home he thought they were really cool but swears it must be too time consuming.  Uh, hullo!  I did it!  It's totally not time consuming.  And this is one of those party projects you could easily do while watching tv.  I even tried putting two strips of the plastic on top of each other to stretch two at once.  It worked great!

I'm not sure if you all have heard but California had some "weather" this weekend.  It was freezing outside the day I did this (you guys, it was like 54).  So I literally stapled these babies up, took as many pictures as I could and ran back inside.  I could have hung them up cuter but quite frankly my fingers were beginning to get frost bite (yes, I'm a baby).  But here is the amazing thing.  They are still up in my backyard as we speak.  They have been outside through rain, hail, wind and sun.  They look exactly the same as when I first put them up.  These would be so great for anywhere that is windy or has lots of moisture in the air.

They are also SUPER lightweight.  Although I used my staple gun I am pretty sure that depending on what type of surface you are trying to attach to, most kinds of tape should be able to hold them.

I think what I like most about the idea of using a plastic tablecloth to make really cheap, really cute ruffles is that you can make a ton for next to nothing.  I can see using a ton of them, all different colors for a crazy photobooth back drop.  Which would cost you around $5.  While it does take some of your time to make them, you could make a huge impact with these around your party.

I also wondered if you could do it around the edge of the tablecloth to get a super girly ruffly look.  You totally can!  Don't judge my composition.  I was working against the clock here people.

Wait, what's that you say, Sharon.  It was freezing outside the day you did this tutorial?  Oh and there is your son barefoot out on the freezing concrete with no jacket.  And to you I say, yes.  You are right.  I think this shall secure the sarcastic mother of the year award for me.  But I just needed one quick picture of this last garland.  This is made from a black utility trash bag.  I just needed to see if it would work.  It did. 

Sharon

Hank and Hunt has new goodies!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Um.  Have you seen these new goodies from Hank and Hunt? Ridiculous.  Check out that metal cupcake stand!!!!!  What?!? And her printables...the ikat and confetti? Gingham! Sheer genius. Go buy them.  Right now.  Printies are like $5.  Less than Starbucks.  (ok, I never spend that much on a drink at Starbucks but I have to imagine that the big gulp size costs the same as a smart car).  So proud of Jenny and the products she is adding.  She is truly talented.  I want to be her when I grow up.

Sharon
image via Hank and Hunt.

Baby Farm Themed Sip and See for Baby #4

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

As we speak, I am waiting for my mother-in-law to get to the house so I can go to the hospital and witness the miracle of life with my best friend, Taryn.  For the 4th time.  Okay, really this will only be my 3rd time with her, as on her last delivery I had a 1 week old and lived an hour away and was in no position to venture out of my house.  And by "witness" the miracle of life, I mean hang out in the waiting room with the rest of her family, reading magazines and eating cupcakes not, like, WITNESSING witnessing.  We're close, but not THAT close.  

Photo by Up Imagery

In case you can't tell, Taryn is the one in the center of the photo above.  For each of the previous children we've done a shower.  I know some people don't like the idea of a full on shower after your first child but we're party people.  You can't not do it.  This time though, I asked her if she might want to switch it up and try a sip and see instead.  According to the Real Housewives of Atlanta, a highly reliable news source in my home, sip and sees are a southern tradition where you quickly glance at the baby and drink bellinis.  Oh and most of the gay men where stilettos.  While we will keep some of those traditions (bellinis), we're going to go in a different direction for the others.  

Although Taryn enjoys modern, crisp, simple, neutral, classic, I've decided that a Baby Farm theme fits her situation perfectly.  After all she is, in fact, a baby farm, especially with casual talk of a 5th.  I plan on trying to bridge the gap between vintage farm and fancy glam.  Of course, the original theme idea came from a sign on the first season of Tori and Dean, which you can see in the upper left hand corner of the inspiration board. (I think, might be second - with all the reality tv I watch it is hard to keep the seasons straight.  I can tell you it was definately post-Puck Real World.)

Because this will be set up like an open house so that there isn't a deluge of people all at one time (Taryn is loved by everyone who knows her so attendance will be high) treats will be light, drinks will flow and kids will be entertained.  With what?  Who knows at this point.  I have a few months to plan it and I will keep you posted on details along the way.  

So congrats to my friend and her family and I can't wait to meet #4!  And then I can't wait to plan the party.  

AH!  She's here, photo sources to be updated later!  

Photo Credits: 

Baby Farm Sign

Sliders

Burlap Pennant Banner

Fries

Black Cake Stand

Cupcakes on wood

Seating with red gingham accents

Chocolate dipped Krispy Treat

Heart shaped peppermints

Black strawberry basket - Original link no longer available

Burlap table runner

*Updated to add:  The baby is here!!! It took longer than expected but a beautiful baby boy, named Dylan, was welcomed in to the world around 6:45 pm yesterday.  Mom and baby are doing exceptionally and the rest of the family is over the moon with the new member of their family.  So happy for my friend! 

Sharon

Smitten with Bump Smitten

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Maybe its because one of my best friends is about to have her fourth kid. Maybe it is because their website is pleasing to look at. Maybe it is because babies are cute. Whatever it is, I heart Bump Smitten. I recently found them and was so excited. I love their modern look, which is so hard to come by when talking about baby showers. There are a lot of party planning sites out there and while they certainly share baby shower ideas or real parties, this blog is devoted solely to sophisticated yet sweet celebrations for the babies to be. And its perfect.

Emilie and Elizabeth have made it their mission to be a resource for cool, creative baby showers. They showcase real parties for us to admire and draw inspiration from, great tutorials for do-it-yourself projects to make your showers above average and neat ideas from other types of party that you can adapt to make the mom to be feel extra special. I love their style and can't wait to see what other great information they will share!

I asked them some questions to help learn more about them and their site.

1. How did Bump Smitten get started?

Emilie: Bump Smitten came together in a sorta round about way since Elizabeth hadn't planned a shower in a couple of years, and I was still doing the wedding circuit with my friends. (You know, where it seems you go to a wedding every other weekend during the summer). :) With so many friends getting married, I was spending a bit of time (okay, hours!) on all of the beautiful wedding blogs out there -- pouring over every wedding detail, dessert and flower petal photos. I was absolutely amazed at the creativity of all of the featured vendors and brides-to-be and the gorgeous details they would dream up. So, when my Mom told me about a recent party she had been to, I thought she was talking about a small wedding -- every detail sounded like a post straight from The Bride's Cafe, Project Wedding, or 100 Layer Cake, BUT the details were actually from a baby shower. (This blew my mind! In my experience baby showers were low-key, potluck parties where you played melted candy diaper games in someone's living room and hoped no one had a photo of you doing it). ...So, I did some searches online and was amazed to find that there weren't really any blogs devoted solely to baby shower planning -- where there were plenty of pictures, ideas, and DIY tutorials to drool over and get inspiration from. I gave Elizabeth a call later that evening and after looking at some photography, invitation and floral websites, we decided to build a site together. Elizabeth is a really good friend and an ah-mazing website and graphic designer -- so building Bump Smitten with her was a no-brainer. She's super crafty (which is beyond helpful when we recreate DIY projects for baby showers) and has an incredible eye. Plus, it's a blast working with a good friend, which was the main motivator for doing the site together -- just having an excuse to get together to talk about girly things and laugh about our recent searches for a (paying) and more regular job. We live in Utah, so when you're unemployed in a ski town you can only play frisbee for so long when the snow melts. (Plus, Elizabeth's kids were starting to go to school, and she was beginning to have just a bit more free time on her hands then she likes).

2. What were your own baby showers like?

Elizabeth: Both of my showers were super simple and truly about being with my close friends and family. My sister and mom hosted my first shower at my house. It was December and freeeeeeezing outside, so they made our favorite family chili recipe. (Oh my gosh, I still dream of this chili)! We had a ton of toppings to choose from -- shredded cheese, onions, tortilla chips, jalapenos, red and yellow peppers, sour cream, etc. My mom made the cake, chocolate with vanilla icing - my fave. :) She also made a pretty flower out of M&M's just like when I was a little girl. (I have kept this tradition with my kids, and they love it). I was pretty confidant that I did not want any silly games but my sister decided it would be fun to have a question game where my husband would give answers, and I would have to guess which answers were his. (She did something similar for my bachelorette party, which was hilarious and a highlight of the night). This was equally as fun but a little more PG-rated than the bachelorette version. She emailed him a set of questions a week earlier (i.e., What are Elizabeth's top 3 names for the baby? Is the nursery completely done? Or, how many times will Elizabeth rearrange the furniture before the baby arrives)? I received some wonderful gifts -- a lot of baby clothes and accessories. (My favorite though was a little wooden car that is still on the shelf in my son's room). It was an incredibly special day for me, and I will never forget it.

3. What is your favorite party supply?

Elizabeth: My favorite party supply, which I do not think is a big secret from our blog, is balloons. I love them!!!! The more, the better! Whenever I see balloons in our submission photos, they always make me smile. Balloons are a pretty easy decoration -- fairly inexpensive, take up a lot of space, and provide a ton of color to your party. Plus, there's just something a little magical about them, right? :)

4. Where does your party inspiration come from?

Emilie: There are so many wonderful blogs out there, and Elizabeth and I are absolutely addicted to reading them. But, when I think about the sites we read daily or the posts we email to each other, the one common theme is the amazing details that are captured in the gorgeous photographs. There's no doubt that Elizabeth has a more clean and modern taste than me. (I like to think it's because I've got an old soul and that's why I love, love, love lace, ribbons and lots of sparkle)! :) But, even with our two very different aesthetics, it really doesn't matter if the party we are looking at is shabby chic, rustic elegant, or has a clean modern palette -- if there are darling details hiding in every photograph, we are head-over-heels-in-love. Because it's really these little touches that become ingrained in our minds. Actually, when you think about it -- it's often the details that make a party so memorable -- because through them you get a little glimpse into who the guest of honor is and maybe connect with them. And, as a reader, you sort of live for those moments -- or at least we do. :)

5. What does the future hold for Bump Smitten?

Emilie: Over the next few months we are really going to focus on providing good content, building our community of readers, and making sure that the site runs smoothly. And, in 2011 we will be looking to launch a hand-picked vendor guide for Bump Smitten, so soon-to-be-Mom's and baby shower planner's will have a resource available to them where they can really trust the recommendations we are providing them. We're also mulling over taking Bump Smitten (and possibly a sister site) in a few new directions, but nothing is cast in stone yet. We're trying not to bite off more than we can chew -- since we're a two person team, with full-time jobs, and families to take care of. (I'm sure you all know about the balances we are talking about -- which we're hoping we can continue to manage without making our husbands too crazy while we try to grow). But, right now, we're really motivated by the number of readers who've found us (and are continuing to stay with us), so we're pretty excited to see where this little hobby takes us!

I asked Emilie and Elizabeth to come up with an inspiration board for a shower they would love to throw if they had to have one this season. I LOVE what they came up with. That color story is so warm and inviting. I simply can't get enough of that top photo of the tablescape. There is no doubt that if they threw this party, it would be the best shower many of the guests would ever go to. I expect big things from these ladies!

Inspiration Board photo sources:

Top Row via Style Notes

Invitation via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Pumpkin via Twig and Thistle

Cupcake via Snippet & Ink

Acorns via Amy Atlas

Napkin ring via Once Wed

Soda bar via Project Wedding

Tree guest book via Serendipity Photography

Cake via Style Me Pretty

Follow Bump Smitten on Facebook and Twitter.

Sharon

(all photo above are courtesy of Bump Smitten)

Potter and Butler is here!!!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Thanks a lot, Emily. I desperately need to go get in the shower so I can finish packing and catch a plane and now, here I sit writing a new, unscheduled post. Emily of Hello!Self,

has been teasing a new celebration decor company and I have patiently waited. Its finally here!!! Introducing Potter and Butler.
The colors she uses are a delightful change to some of the more subdued stuff out there right now. They are all handmade and use lovely fabrics.
Look how elegant and simple this looks on the plate and ads an amazing pop of color.
Sure we've seen poms, but there is something about these that makes them dainty yet powerful.
Gorgeous!! You could forgo florals all together and just use poms.
LOVE! You've got to check out the rest of her stuff on Etsy. So great! Congrats, Emily on a site well done. And Potter and Butler is on twitter too!

Sharon

All images via Potter and Butler

Baby food should be cooler

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Oh hello. You may be thinking where the heck have you been. I have come to realize that multi-tasking and blogging do not go hand in hand for me. It's been a crazy busy few weeks but that should all slow down starting next week and I'll be posting a bit more regularly. Here is what is keeping me busy right now:

1. Tonight is the awards party for the Just Spotted blog awards at Pretend City. The kids are pumped for this!

2. Today is the first day of preschool for my oldest son! So glad we are doing the afternoon session. Mama doesn't like to wake up early.

3. I am preparing the last minute details for an exciting photo shoot that happens tomorrow. I should be able to share a few more details about that later this week.

But for now I wanted to share a few photos of how when a traditional baby shower game is styled right, it becomes waaaaaay cooler. Don't ask me why I decided to post this, I have 900 other things on my post list, but here it is.

This one is super simple. Just a quick monochrome cover and simple letter and you've elevated a run of the mill party game to a bit more sophisticated. Via JayeJaye's flickr stream.
Allison from Thirty Duo created custom labels to give the jars a uniform look. Not showing is the number of the jar to keep all the guests on the same page. The yummy descriptions shown on the jars are definitely NOT the real flavors, except maybe in Europe. :)
This last one is one of my fave's by Shanna (and her sister's in law) from My Favorite Everything. Ditch the labels, add a simple tag with twine and put in a rustic chic tray. Boom. You've got yourself a pretty little game. Shanna's blog was also nominated for a Just Spotted blog award so chances are good I'll be seeing her later tonight. Look at that. This post did go full circle after all. Funny what a little coffee will do...

Until we meet again...

Sharon

Go see my guest post!!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Did you happen to catch my little guest post over on the Oh My Gluestick blog yesterday. I used some custom design work of theirs in a recent lemonade themed baby shower. In case you missed it, click on over and check it out. Tommie has other great printable parties so be sure to bookmark her sites for future reference.

I will try to post a few more photos from this party later this week. It's a busy one, folks. Lot's going on...

Sharon

Found Rentals Photo Shoot - A Super Sweet Baby Shower

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

My final post of the Found Rentals photo shoot is my favorite. This baby shower is probably the girliest party I have ever put together. And while it isn't as girly as it could be, this was big time for me. I have two boys and a bff who is on her 4th kid but likes her stuff very clean and modern. This is the party I've always wanted to have. The bassinet that Found Rentals had for me to use is simply perfection. I knew, instantly, when I first laid eyes on the garlands by Hank and Hunt that they would be prominently featured in this set up, and certainly draped along the bassinet. I mean, how great are they! A big thank you to Jenny for rushing them to me for the shoot date. And I knew that I would want to use my fave thrift store sheet find. The colors are vibrant and girly while incorporating blue which I absolutely LOVE. Who says blue can't be girly? (P.S. the sheet I was talking about was the one used IN the bassinet).

The party finally came together for me when I came across these paper doilies designed by Paper and Cake. I had purchased their Lemonade party pack for a baby shower I am doing for my mom in law (and actually am not using it - but look out for a feature in the future...) and stopped dead in my tracks when I spied the most gorgeous, intricate doilies. The originals are done in black and white but of course I had to modify them to match my fabric. Since I know how to make these kinds of changes, Paper and Cake said go ahead and take care of it, otherwise, feel free to contact them and have them customize their printables for you (for a nominal fee :). In order to get the colors to match the fabric that was my inspiration, I scanned it and then fiddled until I got the colors close enough. Once happy with the colors, I resized the doilies and used them for table decor, the hanging garlands, and the welcome sign on the front of the table. I will be using these over and over again. I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THEM!

The bassinet from Found Rentals was just stunning. For this party, I set it up for being a place for gifts to be held. I could certainly see it being used in other ways as well. Can you imagine it set up on a table with a statement floral arrangement cascading out? Or filled with snack bags of kettle corn, etc. set out in a help-yourself manner. While being "vintage" it still seemed inviting and I wanted to crawl up in to it and take a nap.

Here is a shot of the sheet that I just die over. I want it in a dress, I want it for sheets, I want it as a tablecloth at my house except then I'd have to rope off the dining room as my walking stains (kids) would surely ruin it. The natural wood peeking through the peeling paint on the bassinet inspired me to use twine throughout the party too. I love twine. It kept the party from feeling too precious.

Although lemonade themed parties are all over the party blogs right now, these are the actual inspiration for my parties. I was sent these amazing Santa Cruz organic lemonades in a variety of flavors and loved everything about them. I love the look and thought it was awesome that I could use them as is, and not have to transfer each in to another vessel just for looks-sake. I slapped on a twine detail and that was that. I have plans for these lemonades in upcoming posts...stay tuned. The flavors, surely won't disappoint and I know they are readily available in stores throughout the U.S.

To keep the costs down, I used clear plastic cups and then just embellished them with labels also found in the lemonade party printable from Paper and Cake (again, modified the color). I love the hand written element for the names. So often I feel like my parties are a bit too...digital. A special thank you to one of my bff's, Kayla Bruns, who was vacationing in CA from Texas and graciously lent her perfect writing and crafted with me in preparation for this shoot.
It is hard to see from these shots, but the letters used for the "welcome" sign are silver glitter chipboard letters. I loved the tiny bit of sparkle they added to an otherwise simple table. And I loved the juxtaposition of the glitter glam with the rustic twine.
Again, Meringue Bake Shop brought it with the mini pies and the pink lemonade cupcakes. They perfectly matched the tablescape and fit right in to the theme. And I didn't know it until later that they were freaking delicious. And how great are they displayed on and around the blue pieces from Found Rentals???
Here is a look at the scanned fabric idea that I had. I also incorporated the paper doilie in to the game cards I made. This game is one I blogged about before, that my bff Taryn, created for my first born's baby shower, but I cute-ed it up. I love how it turned out and I love using the golf pencils (easily found at Smart & Final stores) to go along with the games.

Well, there you have it. That was the last of my themes for my photo shoot with Found Vintage Rentals. What an amazing opportunity and experience. Look for more photo shoots on the blog in the future. Orange County is ripe with talent and I look forward to working with it.

Sharon

All photos are mine.

How do They do it? Stout Baby Shower Game Genius

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

What does Cupcakes and Cutlery know even better than parties? Yup, excuses. The posts will be slowing down this month as I still don't know where A is and now I have one month to pack up my entire house, while entertaining a 3 year old and 9 month old. I'm beat. Let's not forget the garage sale I am having in a little over a week, a birthday party I am throwing the weekend after and my husband now commutes 1 1/2 hours to work each way now. But yeah, I am going back to Orange County so I can't complain. You, however, can. Once we are settled (ha! that is another post all together...) I will pick up where I left off.

For now, I want to show you the games that my friend, Taryn, did for my first son's baby shower. These were the best party games I had ever played. First, she made the game cards with coordinating papers and even different ink colors. She was the first person I knew to use the silver clasps that I now use all the time in parties (see photo). The celebrity mags were really starting to go after the prego celebs so many of her games were based around them (we love good celebrity gossip). She took photos out of the magazines and covered the faces and you had to guess which celebrity it was by their baby bump. The next game was called "Who's Your Baby's Mama?" and you had to guess the celebrities kids names based on her clues. And my favorite of all was "Kiddie Couture Scramble." T and I had kicked around the idea of starting a kids clothing line so we were really in to what was in fashion for kids. There are even more companies now to choose from. I love that she took a standard baby shower game and updated it based on my likes. Super fun.

I have taken photos of the game cards and questions so that you can use them if you like (feel free to make any changes you want to them to update, this shower was about 3 1/2 years ago). Forgive the awful photos. It's not easy to shoot in low light with a 9 month old hanging from your sweatpants, which by this point are at mid-thigh with Victoria's secret hanging out for all the neighbors to see through the open blinds...

S-

(I totally forgot to rotate the photos and guess what, I'm too lazy to go back and fix it. boo)