Baby Shower Invitation Design

I recently had the fun opportunity to design a baby shower invitation. I love projects like this! The theme was inspired by wall art and colors selected for the baby's room-to-be. Warm red, orange, yellow and brown.

*Names and information have been changed

I came across this cute idea of "wish cards" that shower guests could fill out for the baby. These would make a sweet little collection, in a book perhaps, for her to read someday.

The favors were Norah Jones CD's, playing off of the baby's name - how cute is that?

I can't wait to meet you Norah! There are so many people looking forward to welcoming you into the world. You are already so loved little one!

Birthday Weekend Bonanza in Photos

Last weekend was my 28th birthday. And a wonderful birthday weekend bonanza it was! My husband added the "bonanza" part, because "bonanza" makes anything sound so exciting! I spent my birthday eve with some of the girls, having an in-home spa night, including professional chair massage, manicure, facial and of course food. I have one word: amazing. 

When I got home, I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers! They're still going strong, and I love how they look on my table. Do I have a sweet husband or what? It get's better.

On Saturday (the real b-day), Andrew took me to my favorite place for breakfast, Simply Crepes. But the surprise was that he took me to the one in Canandaigua, near the lake. This location is just as charmingly decorated in french-country style as one closest to us, but is more spacious and less crowded on a Saturday.

I just love the chandeliers, blue glassware and simple elegance.

This was my handsome view across the table. Nothing like that first cup (well in this case, second cup) of coffee.

I was enjoying a fabulous Mimosa! I think I may start every day with one of these...

The crepes were delicious. We decided that we both had to order something we had never tried before. I ordered a grilled veggie crepe with pesto and red pepper sauce (yum), and my husband ordered the buffalo chicken crepe. Classic.

After breakfast, we walked along the street of shops.

Andrew had already checked out the area and was planning to take me to this gallery of local artists. I told you he was good. I really enjoyed looking at the paintings and photography. It made me want to get out the blank canvas sitting in our basement, and dip a brush into some paint.

We admired the lake for a bit and took some photos of the beautiful scenery.

The sun was so bright that the water looked like shimmering diamonds.

Look how cute he is with his cool shades. Look how white those sneakers are! I guess it pays to only wear them when there is no chance of rain.

After that, we did a little shopping. This is my kind of day! I picked out some of my favorites from Bath & Body Works and got a shirt from TJ Max. We walked around the mall for a bit and he even carried my bags! Am I a lucky wife or what?

We drove back home and headed to Bazil for dinner. The shrimp scampi was soooooo good.

Then we went around the corner to Phillips European to take home one of their infamous desserts! Notice the illuminated "PASTRIES" sign in the window. That says it all.

A heavenly slice of chocolate mousse torte.

And yes, I ate it on my favorite birthday plate. You can't see it, but that's a cat wearing a birthday hat with a cupcake and a candle. It's tradition! My dear friends Tom and Diane gave me this plate many years ago, and it's always been special to me.

On Sunday, my family came over for cake and ice cream. I don't have just ONE day of birthday, my goal is to stretch it out and celebrate as long as possible! Hence, the birthday weekend bonanza! It's more fun that way.

Andrew baked, frosted and decorated this cake himself. I was so impressed! I was remarking on how smooth and even the frosting looked. He attributed it to being so experienced at spackling. Makes perfect sense.

Here it is, the big finale. Blowing out the candles.

Much love goes out to each of my friends and family that made this birthday so special. You are loved! And you made me feel so loved! XOXO

This is the last birthday that I will be advertising my age, so you'll have to do the math from now on.

And The Winner Is...

I know you've all been waiting on the edge of your seats (all three of you contestants)! Well, the wait is over. Thanks to random.org, I am happy to announce the non-rigged winner of my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY IS:

*Laura*
Laura is my beautiful sister-in-law. She is a wife and mother of two darling little girls (my nieces), whom I wish lived closer to so we could all hang out (and go shopping at Ross Dress For Less on a weekly basis!). I think we spent two hours wandering around that bargain store, just the two of us! Good times.

Here is a photo of Laura and I this past Christmas '09.

And here are my two adorable nieces. I think these precious faces are saying, "How about you send us some candy Aunt Sarah?"

Congratulations Laura! Be on the lookout in your mailbox for your prize! I hope you find some use for this handy little bag.

Thanks for playing ladies!

Last Day to Enter Zipper Bag Giveaway!

*GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

I'm beginning to think that this cute little zipper bag is a lame giveaway. Is it? Should I have offered a better prize? Maybe this photo doesn't do it justice. Perhaps no one is actually reading this little 'ol blog of mine. Maybe all of the above.

Where are you beloved bloggers? I was hoping for more excitement surrounding my first ever giveaway. And I was looking forward to reading more fabulous childhood birthday party stories! I had such high hopes as I recalled memories of my 7th birthday party at CHUCK-E-CHEESE. That Elvis-impersonating -guitar-playing cat looked SO real!

Much love to all THREE of you who entered. Who, oh who will it be...

*To enter, see previous post HERE

Happy Birthday to Me! Giveaway For You! Win a Handmade Zipper Bag (by Yours Truly)

*GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

Hello Beloved Blog Readers! I hope you are enjoying this first day of spring, which is also my 28th birthday! Can you believe it? I can't. It feels like I just turned 23 and was about to get married. How does time go by that fast? Speaking of time, where have I been? I don't know how 2 weeks slipped away from me without any posts. So, to make it up to you, I'm having my first ever giveaway!

In celebration of spring's arrival and my birthday, one of you lucky blog stalkers will win this adorable spring-y zipper bag. It is 5 x 7 inches. Perfect for holding small items in your purse, using as a little clutch for your cell phone, credit cards or for storing...crayons? 

• PRIZE: 1 Zipper Bag
• TO ENTER: Comment on this post (be sure to include some type of contact info, such as email address)
• BONUS QUESTION: What was your favorite childhood birthday party?
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, March 26th at 8pm EST
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• PRIZE SHIPS: USA
• DETAILS: One entry per e-mail address is permitted. The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Saturday.

I spent a splendid first day of spring & birthday with my husband. More to come on my birthday bonanza weekend soon. I can't wait to hear your great birthday stories! Right now, there is a piece of chocolate torte waiting for me...

More Thrifty Finds

Here are some vintage items I have picked up over the past few months. I have figured out which second hand stores have the good stuff and which ones do not. The Goodwill usually has a nice selection and very clean stores. There is also an AMVETS second hand store in my area that has a lot of household items, which is what I look for. Isn't this blue teapot cute? I just love the color.

 

I still love milk glass. This candy dish with lid has a grape vine design.  I like how detailed and delicate it is.

This heavy silver charger/platter has a "Made in Italy" inscription on the bottom. It was in great condition and I think it was only $4.

 

Here is another silver tray that was only $2.99. I like it's rounded square shape. I am currently displaying it on my kitchen shelf arrangement with china and glassware. 

In the other corner of my red kitchen are some more vintage finds. Neighbors actually put this adorable little 3-tiered wooden side table at the curb! I almost thought they were going to come running out of the house shouting "Just kidding! You can't have that!" because there really wasn't anything wrong with it, except some "character" to the wood on the top.

It's the perfect piece to hold the milk glass ruffled bowls my Aunt gave me. I keep some cookbooks on the bottom shelf.

 

I could not pass up this green dimpled glass pitcher for $4.99. 

A milk glass goblet-style compote. I just love the scalloped edges and star pattern.

 

This bright orange pedestal plate was $5 at Salvation Army. I got it solely for the impact of color it would bring to my decor. This photo does not capture it's rich orange pigment.

Here is a look at the top section of the glass shelf nook in our living and dining area. (It is backed with mirrors, so that's why you can see the ceiling fan in the background) I have arranged it almost completely with vintage finds. I love colored glass, and have a small collection of goblets. The milk glass vase and pitcher were gifts from my Mom, and I found the little square bowl/ashtray at Goodwill. I have been building my collection of old hardcover books. I've been finding some good ones lately. The pear was picked up at The Christmas Tree Shop a while ago. I had a couple of blue glass wine bottles. And I added a framed picture in the back to balance it out. 

  

I saved the best for last. This set of 3 stackable milk glass footed compotes are my favorite! There's even a story. If you remember, back when I posted I Heart Milk Glass, I found the medium size one at  Rices Sale & Country Market in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It became my favorite piece of all. THEN, while browsing the AMVETS store, I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted a larger version of my favorite piece, for $6. They clearly were a pair, meant to be reunited. Now I had not one but two favorite pieces. Then my psychotic beloved cats BROKE the original first piece, by knocking it off the console table. That was NOT a good sight to come home to. I was livid mad to say the least. Where on earth was I going to find another one? It was crazy enough that I even found the second one.

In comes etsy.com to the rescue! I did a little searching, and quickly found Yesterday's Memories 09, a seller with a great selection of vintage items, especially milk glass. Not only did she have the piece I was looking for, I discovered a THIRD piece that completes the trio! THREE! How cute is that little one? (Photo below from Yesterday's Memories 09)

There you have it. Some of my best thrift store and other finds (including other people's trash!). These are the little things that make me smile. 

Ladies Dinner and Craft Night

Recently, I had the privilege of spending a Friday evening with some amazing women in my life. It seemed like the day would never come, because as with most busy working women, it takes some deliberate planning to get us all together! It was definitely worth the planning and anticipation.

5 ladies + good food + crafting = ridiculous fun.

We'll start with the food. Fettuccini with Prosciutto & Peas (Click here for recipe). Delicious and easy to make.

 

Accompanied by warm cheesy rolls and garlic bread. Yum! And BA's amazing Spinach, Feta and Strawberry salad, with strawberry dressing. SO good! This is by far my new favorite salad. Of course, a meal would not be complete without refreshing beverages, and that, there were.

After sharing a delicious meal, along with great (and hilarious) conversation, it was time to get our craft on. The craft of the evening was Rose Barrettes, tutorial found here at The Purl Bee. How cute are these? Perfect for your daughter, niece, little girl you baby-sit, or yourself!

We set to work with piles of felt, scissors, and thread in hand.

I acted as the instructor with step-by-step directions. Look how diligently we are all working! You can hear the creative juices flowing.

 

Let's give it up for MD who learned to sew for the first time! 

These roses were a little tricky, but we all got the hang of it and loved how they turned out!

 

Now for the end results and fashion show...

  

 

 

I love how M is perfectly posed for the camera! We are sure to start a new fashion trend with these beautiful hair accessories!

After all that crafting, it was time for dessert. You didn't think a group of girls would get together and forget dessert, did you? No way Jose! Time for ice cream sundaes with all the trimmings! That's right. We don't mess around when it comes to ice cream. Waffle cones. Fudge. Bananas. M&M's. Whipped cream. And of course cherries. (We're still trying to figure out how the cherries get like that, when they're all bottled up, but that's another story)

 

There's M again, always ready with a smile! Who wouldn't be smiling with this dessert in your future? 

 

The evening was so much more than just fabulous food and craft time. These ladies have incredible hearts. You would love them as much as I do. I am so blessed by each one of them. I hope there will be more times like these in the future. Thank you ladies for being who you are. God's love shines brightly through each of you, and I'm so glad He made us friends!