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}

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}

 

navy chevron {baby shower}

Not only was I honored to design and print invitations for this baby shower at Fleur de Lis, but I was even more honored to attend this special baby shower for my dear friend Leigh (an absolutely gorgeous preggo woman!) who is expecting her first baby in November. The shower was hosted by Lauren, also a beauty and good friend, and her sweet mother Dana.

This baby shower celebrated the joy felt for Leigh by her friends and family, and created the perfect vision for little baby boy Harkness’ nautical navy room. The chevron invitation and decor were so adorable, with splashes of yellow and nautical motifs – so bright, happy, and stylish! Every detail was perfect – the blueberries in the champagne, the navy and yellow chevron banners, the lemonade and blueberry cupcakes. Lauren also treated everyone to chevron-wrapped shower favors, and a fun bingo game. Guess what the mommy-to-be was going to receive for gifts, check off as she opened gifts, and win on the bingo board! Another special touch was the wishing tree. Guests filled out a wishing card for baby Henry and hung them on a tree. We can’t wait to meet the little cutie! Great job planning this shower Lauren! And we are so happy for you Leigh! xoxo

baby shower host and honoree

chevron invitation

chevron frames

dining room decor

outside decor

shower candy

shower drinks

diaper cake

shower cupcakes

baby shower champagne

shower decor

shower favors

baby shower wishes

baby wish tree

baby shower bingo

{images via the hostess with the mostess :), Lauren}

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