Owl Cupcakes and Home Decor Ideas

This fall, owls are not just in trees. I’ve found those big eyes staring at me everywhere. I’m not one that has been drawn to owls in the past. Never disliked them, but never really liked them …until now.  

1. owl soap dispenser, claylicious via etsy {$30}
2. swoop or salad bowl set, modcloth {$26.99}
3. golden apple orchard LED owl candle, pier1 imports {$14.95}
4. ceramic owl planter, piggy bank or lantern, fruitflypie via etsy {$39.99}
5. owls digital clipart, scrap world 2010 via etsy
6. owls on a branch kids lamp on pink base by oopsy daisy, sweet retreat kids {$138}
NOTE: Target got in on the owl action too recently with this patch owl lamp for $60
7. wooden owl frame, urban outfitters {$18}
8. owls of the british isles wallpaper, anthropologie {$148}
9. night owl welcome mat, urban outfitters {$34}
10. owl warm and cozy mug, modcloth {$17}
11. owl cookie jar, west elm {$39}

For a little something sweet to go along with today’s post, check out these adorable owl cupcakes from one charming party.

{images via urban outfitters, claylicious, fruit fly pie, anthropologie, west elm, pier1, sweet retreat kids, scrap world 2010, modcloth, one charming party}

 

FREE halloween printables

Jenna, sis and owner of the fabulous Fleur de Lis, created Halloween printables for me to share with my kids’ friends…and we wanted to make sure you were in on the action too. Click on this link: happy halloween printables, for your free printables. Ah, don’t you just love that word…free.

All you have to do is…
1. Purchase glow sticks, Reese’s Pieces and small cellophane bags from your local Michael’s and grocery store.
2. Print and cut the labels.
3. Punch a hole through the label and use festive ribbon to attach the label.
4. Save a few Reese’s Pieces for yourself to enjoy.
5. You have yourself a sweet and adorable Halloween favor and/or placecard.

 {images via Tutto Bella}

 

Kite Party Ideas

When we received this party from Lucy, Lucy Munoz Photography, our hearts were happy. We were quickly reminded about the beautiful innocence of childhood, and that we as adults often get caught up in the ‘little’ things and forget how to have fun and see the beauty in all things. With four little ones and one on the way between the three of us sisters, we need to really take a step back everyday and observe with grateful hearts that our children’s world is filled with wonder and beauty, and we need to nourish that joy for life…for them and us.

As told by Lucy, photographer and party planner: The party’s conception really started with a poem by Robert Frost called Nothing Gold Can Stay. It’s a well-known poem to many as it was a pivotal message in the book “The Outsiders.” It speaks about how everything inevitably changes and moves forward, unstoppable with the passage of time. Yet it gives an even bigger message of keeping our amazement for life while living it wide-eyed, receptive and open.

“Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf, So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to-day Nothing gold can stay.”
— Robert Frost

With that in mind I set off to celebrate everything that children stand for: innocence, happiness, joy, and wonder. Our party was overtaken with things that remind us of our childhood–from jump ropes to watermelon there was something for everyone. We started the party playing hot potato and freeze dance. Then the kids ate pizza and had a choice of desserts that indulged their sweet tooth. We also had pictures of our little guests that captured them in moments throughout the year.

Overall, our Stay Gold Party reminded all of us, both young and old, that youth is fleeting, but living with a childlike openness can be forever.


VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Lucy Munoz Photography

Rapunzel Birthday Party

My kids love the movie Tangled, so when Renee of Renee Marie Photography, shared this darling party with us, I was smitten. All the DIY details are charming and so well-coordinated with the beloved movie. Not one detail was spared for this special birthday celebration.

This fairytale inspired party summoned everyone to ‘Let down their hair’ as they were transformed into Rapunzel’s Tangled wonderland. Talented DIY Mom, Theresa, almost exclusively created and styled each amazing detail with the help of her sister and the party girl’s Aunt, Sandy.

From sunshine cookies, and paint brushes made from pretzel rods and chocolate, to Flynn and Rapunzel jello boats and apples for Maximus, the sweet treats were delightful. The incredible donut and cupcake tower was the perfect centerpiece that ended in a 6 foot trail of ‘golden locks’ that Theresa hand braided (she is also a hair stylist so her skills were well put to use)!

The party guests each arrived in princess attire and were entertained by Rapunzel herself who led them in story telling, singing and face painting. Guests each were given their own special paint sets packaged in handmade bags created by Lorena of BellisimaSofia on Etsy.

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Renee Marie Photography
Favor Bags: BellisimaSofia

Sweater and Legging Fall and Winter Fashion

= swegging. And, I want a pair of them!

So, I know I should be telling you about some of my favorite collections and pieces from New York Fashion Week {I loved all the black and white on the runway…I hope to share my faves with you soon}. But it’s colder here in the Rocky Mountains and the trees are a beautiful palette of rich red, burnt orange, deep yellow and crisp green, so my mind is slooowwwlly transitioning to fall. I’m in denial that fall is already here. I’ve been reluctant to ‘go there’ with colder weather fashion, but today I’m warming up to the idea…

Free People Sweater Leggings, Free People {$68}
{mom…I want a pair of these sweggings:)}


Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Sweater Skirt
, Target {$25}

Over the Knee Twisted Cable Boot, UGG Australia {$250}


 Payton Belted Long Cardigan, Nordstrom {$118}

Chalet We Dance Boot, ModCloth {$88.99}

Leigh Sweater, Club Monaco {$129.50}

{images via Free People, Target, UGG Australia, Nordstrom, ModCloth, Club Monaco}