Breastfeeding Gift for the New Mom

As you know, Jodi is expecting a baby in about a month {I’m so excited, I can hardly stand it}, and we recently celebrated her beautiful baby shower {pics of that cuteness to come soon}. As a mom of 3, I of course have opinions and tips on everything related to ‘baby.’ However, there is one subject that I am very vocal about…breastfeeding. This may be TMI {too much information}, but I’ve had it all – mastitis {breast infection}, engorgement, toe-curling pain, bleeding, constant leaking, inconvenience, etc ALL THREE TIMES. I’ve managed to stick with it for many reasons {6-9 months with the first two and I’m on month number 3 with the 3rd}, but it’s tough. I’m honest about it because everyone I saw breastfeeding as a mom {before I experienced motherhood} made it look so easy and pain-free, and that wasn’t the case for me, so I wanted my sister to be “in the know” about all the things women may not always confess…

Thus is the purpose for my shower gift cleverly presented in a ‘bra-sket” complete with a Bebe au Lait Hooter Hider, cream, nursing pads, a bra filled with a pink and blue ‘boob-balloons’ and a breastfeeding poem written by your truly titled, Boobs…Your Babies Breast Friend. Jodi got a laugh out of it, as did all the women at the shower. After being asked for it several times from other women for upcoming shower gifts, we’ve decided to sell in our etsy store. You can buy it here for your new mom friend…believe me…she will love it.

Jodi is framing her copy because it matches her nursery, it’s chevron and when she’s breastfeeding her baby, it will make her laugh.

If you can’t read the words, please let us know and we will fix it so you can properly read it and laugh!

{images via Tutto Bella}

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Lemon and Lime Summer Party

This party not only made us think about our childhood days when we were allowed to drink the soda 7-up, but it made us so happy. This “7-up Lemon Lime” party for Safronia’s 7th birthday is so original, so cheerful and beautifully done. We love the bright yellow and green colors, antique furniture and accessories, unique games, photobooth and all the little DIY details {including the DIY lemonade stand by her dad}. It’s just too cute for words. It looks like a party to remember for Safronia.

VENDOR LOVE
Photographer:  Heather Lynn Photographie
Event Designer:  Mariah Rainier Style
Cake Designer:  jenny cookies
{images via Heather Lynn Photographie submitted via Two Bright Lights}

Fall Recipes to Try

I was watching The Today Show last week, and saw these great fall ideas! From decor ideas to cocktail recipes – yum! The recipes for the Spiced Pumpkin Seeds and Apple Rum Spritzer can be found below. The flower pumpkin centerpieces can be made as simple as hot gluing real (or fake) flowers onto any sized pumpkin. And the candy corn tree just as easily is made from hot gluing candy corn to tree branches. Put foam into a vase and stick the branches in. Cover the foam with stacked candy corn. It’s that easy!

halloween decor

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
(makes one cup)

 Ingredients:
1 cup raw green pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

Preparation:
preheat oven to 350 degrees
combine pumpkin seeds, chili powder, cayenne pepper, coarse salt, fresh lime juice in a medium bowl
toss to coat
spread on a rimmed baking sheet
bake about 10 minutes until puffed and browned

Apple-Rum Spritzer
{recipe serves one}

Ingredients:
1 oz. dark rum
2 oz. apple cider
seltzer
apple slice

Preparation:
add 1 oz. dark rum and 2 oz. apple cider to a glass filled with ice
fill to the top of the glass with seltzer
garnish with a slice of apple

{recipes via Today Show}

 {images via ProFlowers.com, everydayfoodblog.marthastewart.com}

Rainbow Wedding Inspiration and Colorful Table Setting

Somewhere over the rainbow where the MN skies are blue
red, orange, yellow and green are there too.
Colorful flowers, linens and stationery are perfectly placed,
with this shoot, the colors of the rainbow are beautifully embraced.

We fell in love with these GORGEOUS images from Drew Coleman, Event Consultant at Life Design Event Planning, and his team. The Phoenix-based event planning firm recently expanded their services to Minnesota, and they certainly brightened the planning possibilities for brides and others in need of their services in Minnesota with this colorful shoot. They teamed up with Minnesota’s best, and the results were stunning!

Drew said, “This concept was simply inspired by the rainbow. We wanted to prove that we could do a rainbow shoot….and do it well! Being new to Minnesota, we wanted to collaborate with some local talent and work on something that would bring us together for something fun with some fun vendors!”

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

placecards_Life Design Event Planning_Sewell Photography

VENDOR LOVE
Desserts: Cocoa and Fig
Floral Design: Just Bloomed
Paper Products and Design: Paperista
Furniture: BeEvents Photography: Sewell Photography
Tableware and Linens: Apres Party and Tent Rental
Shoot Location: Calhoun Beach Club
Pillows: Pillowtalkk
Wedding Gown: L’atilier Couture Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Smart and Chic Bride
Concept, Design, Details, and Shoot Direction: Life Design Event Planning

{images via Sewell Photography}

jackson’s debut

As you know, we welcomed a beautiful, new little man in our lives at the end of July. While we are adjusting to life at home with 3, it can be quite busy and stressful at times, but the priceless time of having a baby is fleeting and we are trying to take it all in. Yesterday, Jackson was smiling and cooing as I was talking to him, and I had tears of pure joy in my eyes. I was so incredibly happy as he looked at me with so much love and wonder. So, in light of my blissful {and sleep deprived} state, I wanted to share some pics of our family photo shoot back in August. The talented Meredith of Meredith Moran Photography, drove up from Denver to spend the day with us. After many poop stained blankets {during the naked shots, Jackson’s insides were definitely working}, and unsuccessful props {Jackson refused to sleep most of the shoot, especially posed in a cowboy boot and cowboy hat} Mer was able to capture some great shots. Here’s a sneak peek.

 

For those of you interested in a family photo session, Meredith is offering Tutto Bella readers $50 off a mini photo session. Just mention our blog, and you can schedule a 1.5 hour session {and cd of images} for only $99. And since its time to order holiday cards, once you get your adorable photos, call Jenna and Jodi at Fleur de Lis to order your holiday cards today. Even if you live out-of-state, they will design and/or find a card perfect for your family.  And, lucky you, Fleur de Lis, is offering 20% off all orders through the month of October.

{images via Meredith Moran Photography}