Working Toward A Big Day

My little guy's big day is just 3 weeks away, I cannot understand where all the time went. He is walking and talking- gosh!! He is such a big boy! I am amazed at all of the things he knows and how curious he is. 

I sent out the invites and people keep calling me about how cute they are

(as previously mentioned in the Planning Another Big Day post, these invites were created by Donna at Swish Designs)

My plan is to glue those little owl's I found at the Hobby Lobby to the party boxes for the young guests.

I decided I would try my hand at this DIY Bubble Gum Machine found on a popular party inspiration site.

**Please excuse the blurry picture, I was so glad to have completed the project I only took a picture on my phone before I put the machines away until the party.

 I have all but taken over the dining room table with my DIY projects for the party.

I picked those large letters up in Hobby Lobby for half off and the quart of Glidden paint you see there is an "oops" custom paint color in simi-gloss from the local Home Depot that didn't work out; I inquired about the paint because of the color and was able to buy it for 2.00 - I hope I get out to the backyard to paint the high chair for the party, if not, the white one has been done for a while and looks pretty good.

(again, please excuse the phone's blurry picture)

I scored that extra large Fiskars "Tag" shape lever punch for a mere 7 bucks at Joann's while I was in Northern California earlier this summer. Those glass cloche cake stands were a must from Hobby Lobby, I have not decided if they will make an appearance at the party but the are awful nice...

The baskets are from Dollar Tree, I decided to make it easy on guests (and myself) and put the cutlery sets together with a ribbon tied napkin. I picked up the napkins and cutlery in packages of 45 from the 99 Cents only store; the ribbon I am using for the party is from Michael's, I took advantage of a 3 spool for 99 cents sale a while back.

I have been cutting for what seems like forever, I love the contrast in the flags for the tent! I am thinking I will string them with the same colored twine for uniformity. I cannot wait to see all of it together. I even tried my first cake banner, I think it may be too wide, but that can easily be fixed for the big day.

And these brownie trifles are a mid-week creation I decided I wanted to add to the table of treat's for my little guy's party. I just made a basic whipped cream, a basic brownie and voila... I was smitten with the presentation. I decided on clear 4oz cups for the party and I found wooden spoons to compliment the cups!

They were delightful! I am thinking about adding a bit of caramel to them for the party...

I still have tons left to do and I am pleased to say I am enjoying everything regarding the party. 

Stay tuned for more details.

Wall Gallery - Coming to life

My wall gallery is a major project, I thought it would be fun to create something to accent my blank wall going up the staircase. 

 I was always hopeful I would have enough blank walls in my home to have some of the numerous family pictures and other prints I love displayed. I was not sure how to approach my gallery if I could get the pictures on the wall to look not only inviting but like home without looking cluttered thrown together.

I started playing around with sheets of paper as a guide for where things may look appropriate. I put the sheet at the top as a gauge for the highest I would go in terms of comfortable reach on the wall. I worked below that sheet and as far to the right as possible, my goal was to make the gallery go down the staircase.

I unpacked one of my favorite photo's of each of my girls when they were small. I have so many pictures of them I could never have enough blank wall space to display them without my home turning into a huge gallery. 

I even unpacked this blast from the past photo, I have to get a frame for this one for sure, here are my two siblings, my oldest daughter and I in December 1998. While my siblings both wish I would get rid of this picture, I am glad I have it. Having a wall to put photos on is actually turning into a wonderful memory lane for me as well.

Here is the gallery as of today:

I included this print that was a free download from Toya over at thescottscrib.com

I was able to print the download at my local Office Max and because I waited in line patiently without complaining, the clerk didn't charge me for the print! I guess being nice does pay off!

I have tons more to add to the gallery, including my favorite photo of my oldest girl when she was 6 months old, it was all ready to go on the wall until my husband let my son play with the frame and he broke the glass. My son is fine, which is the most important thing. 


This is the view of the gallery coming right out of my son's room, I love it - and the baby always points at the picture of himself and his sister.


I will update you all as I go along, have a great day!

Fried Eggplant

I saw a recipe on Brandi from Don't Disturb This Groove's blog for fried eggplant and thought,

I simply must try these... I was not disappointed, and neither was my 10 month old he ate two slices!

 I will be making these again tonight for meatless Thursday

If you enjoy eggplant and want a simple snack, give these a try!

Ingredients
1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Canola oil for frying

Marinara sauce, optional

Directions
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in a separate bowl combine flour, salt and pepper.  Dredge each piece of eggplant in the flour, coating thoroughly and then shaking to remove any excess flour.  Fry eggplant for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain.  Serve with marinara sauce, if desired.

In Memory of Nana

July has been zooming by, the heat is in full swing and the children are having a blast.

Celebrating the 4th of July was a bittersweet day for me, my beloved Nana and I shared our last 4th together last year and I felt just like a little girl again. We talked all day and laughed - something I will always cherish. In my heart, I knew her time on earth was coming to a close. I prayed and asked God to let her see the baby, he was coming in just a few short weeks, she was so excited about him. At the same time, I knew she was suffering and I prayed for her relief from her health problems. 

God truly does answer prayers, my Nana  and I shared one last conversation before I went home to sleep late in the evening on the 4th of July, I thanked her for everything she had ever done for me. I am so glad those were the last things I said to her because I never got the chance to look in her eyes again, she passed away early the next morning.

(I stumbled across this old picture of my Nana, she was not one for pictures so I am so pleased to have this! she looks exactly as I remember her when I was a little girl. I am going to have someone sketch this for a wall hanging)

When my Nana was here, she loved for me to bake little treats and snacks for her. Two of her favorite things were lemons and puddings, I became quite skilled in cheesecakes she liked as well so this post is for you Nana! 

 Twix Trifle via

Lemon Cheesecake Mini's topped with Raspberries, Nana loved a little fresh fruit.

adapted via

I know my Nana would have loved these treats! My son even gave her a treat of his own-We went to visit her at the cemetery on July 5th, my little guy had been walking and falling down for a couple weeks, but for whatever reason the 5th was his day... he walked around all by himself right near her final resting place and NEVER fell down. I could not believe it! 

Have a great week everyone!