Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Sophia's Baby Shower (Pink, Black, and White Theme)

Who is baby Sophia you ask?? She is my soon to be great niece (yes I said GREAT)! My sister hosted the shower this past weekend. I was very happy when she asked me to help her with the decor. 

Mom-to-be requested a pink, black & white damask theme. She was prepared with tons of photos of things she loved. Which included a photo of a super cute banner made by Parker's Prints. This became the inspiration for the rest of the shower.

Super fluffy poms made by the lovely Carmen (Pom Flair).

Gorgeous wreath made by the fabulous Natalie (The Knock Knock Factory).

Adorable diaper carriage made by Jen (Squirmy Worms).



 Dipped Rice Crispy treats made by me..sorta (me no bake). 
 Beautiful and yummy cookies made by the very talented Roni (Roni Sugar Creations).

Cake and cupcakes made by my sister's friend Ana.

Delicious and gorgeous chili and carmel apples made by MKR Creations.
Flower arrangements made by me, this was my first attempt to make flower balls.. have to admit I failed..hehe! But in the end..I think it worked..kinda..right??

Super cute banner made by Stephanie (Parker's Prints).
Tables included baby bottles (added Martha Stewart Tinsel Glitter to give it a little sparkle) I was inspired by this pin on pinterest.  Boxes centerpieces inspired by this photo that was given to me by mama to be and runners made by me.
Clothesline included adorable tini clothes for baby Sophia.

Thank you to ALL the lovely and talented ladies that created such gorgeous work (Parker's Prints, Pom Flair, The Knock Knock Factory, Roni Sugar Creations, Squirmy Worms and MKR Designs). I could not have done it without you! You made the mama-to-be (my niece) very very happy!

Hugs and BABY kisses,
Claudia

Friday, November 11, 2011

Caitlyn's Dohl (1st Birthday Celebration)

This little doll (Caitlyn) belongs to my dear sweet friend Helen. She recently celebrated her Dohl. A Korean 1st birthday celebration that involves praying, giving thanks, wearing a Hanbok (Han-bok), preparing a  special table, performing the Toljabee, and sharing food with the guests and neighbors. I was beyond honored that Helen asked me to help her with this very special celebration.

Helen decided on a "White Tiger" theme, since Caitlyn was born in the year of the white tiger (which  is suppose to be a very lucky year).  I found the perfect little tiger graphic on Etsy and changed it to white and added a little flower to give it a girly touch! Since I was not going to be able to help Helen set up the day of the Dohl, I created a diagram for her to get an idea of how to set up her table.


What do you think?? From diagram to reality!! Mama did good!
 f
Precious birthday girl!


The super ADOHLABLE cake toppers were made by the fabulous Lynlee of Lynlee Petite Cakes. Her work is truly amazing!  The table also included the traditional rice cakes, flowers, and fruit (lemons).
The little white tiger cookies made by Roni of Roni Sugar Creations. Are they not the cutest??
Helen found a great tutorial on how to make your own Dohl towers on the Korean 1st Birthday Blog. She used the tiger template I sent to her to make the tiger dohl tower, however making the flower with the beans or candy was a little complicated so I made her a little fabric flower instead. 
Beyond love these!

I made the letter blocks using pink and yellow boxes. So super easy to make..a tutorial coming soon.
Toljabee involves placing items infront of baby such as needle and thread, book, pencil or pen, rice cake and money. It is believed that the item the baby selects will tell the child's future. The first and second items the baby chooses are the most important, since Miss Caitlyn chose the money and the pen this means she will be wealthy and a scholar. Yay Caitlyn!!
Caitlyn's Birthday outfits, a sweet ruffled romper and her Hanbok.

Nothing better than learning new traditions right??! Especially when they are so special and sweet. I truly enjoyed    it and hope to be able to do it again someday!

Thank you Helen for allowing me to be a small part of your wonderful celebration. Happy Birthday to your ADOHLABLE little tiger!

xoxo,
Claudia 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Halloween 2011

Halloween is so much fun right??! Costumes, candy, and spooky decorations! But what I love the most is how excited and happy our kids get! The joy in their face is just priceless.

Here are our tini ones celebrating Halloween this year. Rose's babies are getting big, can you guess who Nate is suppose to be??

And my lil Bat Girl and Angry Bird..and yes the hubs and I could not resist..we had to wear the masks too..hehe!

Hope you had a faBOOlous Halloween!













Sunday, October 30, 2011

Our Lil Angry Bird

Julian is currently obsessed with all things Angry Birds! So when I asked him what did he want to be for Halloween he did not even think twice..he said the black Angry Bird. When I searched our local Halloween stores and online shops all costumes were SOLD OUT! I did find some on Ebay for $175..

Image via Child Costumes

BUT I could not bring myself to spend that much money (yikes!) and there was one little problem..the costume design. I was so worried Julian would not wear it because of his sensory issues. I love the costume but I don’t think that HE would have liked the way it wrapped around his head. I asked him if he would consider another costume..but he said NOPE.


I was giving up all hope..until I found Jen’s Etsy shop Squirmy Worms. She was sold out too, but I sent her a convo..begging her to please make ONE more. She was sooo sweet and agreed! Cannot tell you how grateful I am! The costume is BEYOND perfect and he LOVES it! You must check out her shop she has the cutest diaper treats and special baby shower gifts!


Here is our Lil Angry Bird at his school Halloween parade on Friday..he was a little overwhelmed by all the costumes and change of schedule..he literally was an Angry Bird..hehe. But he did enjoy it towards the end .


I also found a mask at the Softie Cafe Etsy shop. He could not wear it to school, but will wear it for Halloween. Keeping my fingers crossed!

And yes that is an Angry Bird Pumpkin he is holding! Can’t take credit for this super cute idea. Staci at Lizard and Ladybug made the most adorable Angry Bird pumpkins ever..check out her post here. Julian stole..I am sorry borrowed her idea!

For his classroom treats I cheated (gasp!)..they are not handmade by mama. It was a super busy week and had to think of a plan B. I was so happy when found these adorably spooky containers at Michaels. I filled them with candy corn and added a special Happy Halloween tag made especially for our little Angry Bird fan!


So are you ready for tomorrow? Are you a last minute queen like me? Do you have a lil Angry Bird Fan too? And need some Happy Halloween Angry Bird inspired tags??! If so... download your free printables here!

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween,
Claudia

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Seven Years Ago..We said "We Do"

Seven years ago today I married the love of my life.


I can’t believe it..really seven years??! I can still close my eyes and remember that perfect day like it was yesterday, where in front of God, family and friends we said “we do”.


I remember feeling very nervous before walking into the church, but as soon as those doors opened and I saw him smiling, his eyes tearing up and the love in his face. I was no longer nervous and for the first time ever I felt God’s presence..and just like that my worry was gone. All that mattered was us taking our vows, promising to love and cherish each other forever and ever!


And to think..it all started with one amazing kiss on the beach..13 years ago. I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach, the joy in my heart and the soft whisper of god telling me ‘HE will be your husband”. From that moment on, I knew he was the one, my heart was no longer mine..but his.


I am not sure what amazing thing I did in my prior life to deserve such a wonderful man. But I am beyond grateful, and thank god everyday for my Greg. He is such a loving and caring husband, my biggest supporter, fan, my best friend and the most amazing father ever.


I love that even after 13 years:


I can still look into his eyes and see nothing but LOVE

He still makes me feel like the prettiest girl in the room

He loves me just as I am, flaws and all..and would NEVER ask me to change

He still calls me everyday, just to tell me he loves me

We talk about everything and anything

Every love song is ours

He is so strong..yet so sweet

Together we get through the obstacles of life and he makes me feel safe

Our most perfect days are together..just us..just doing nothing

We still laugh..we still sweet talk..we still love


Today I reflect and rejoice on the seven happiest years of my life. Because of him.


Happy Anniversary baby...I would say “I do” a zillion more times to you! You will forever be my “Hermoso Carino”.


xoxo,

Claudia

Thursday, October 20, 2011

My Quick and Easy Halloween Decorations

I must start off by saying that I am far from being a MAJOR Halloween decorator type. But now that the little ones are getting bigger, I feel like I need to do a little more..for them. Ok maybe I did enjoy it a little bit too..lol!

I wanted a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to transform my mantel.

First I removed everything off the mantel.

Purchased these $1.00 black frames at Dollar Tree..yep Uno dollar!! I am cheapo what can I say. Looked through a zillion past Halloween photos and printed a few of my favorites (this was the hardest part!). Framed my favorites and placed them on the mantel.

I placed two glittery pumpkins (Target's dollar section..yes I am an addict) on top of my candle sticks. Added a "BOO" banner...from last year's FaBOOLous birthday party for Yaya (too cute not to bring it back out) and TADA!!! I know..not the most gorgeous mantel you have ever seen..but my kiddies love it!

Can you guess which "Little Rascal" they are suppose to be??

Like I said before, I don't decorate too much, but I do like to add a couple touches throughout the house. Don't you just LOVE this Halloween Subway Art?? Well lucky for you..it is a FREE printable by the fabulous Laura of Eye Candy Event Details ..you can download here and checkout her GORGEOUS mantel.

I saved the BEST for last..this gorgeous leaf wreath made by our little guy at school. Sometimes the most simple things are truly what makes your home..a home. Hand made items made with LOVE..how can you go wrong??!

How do you decorate your home? Are you MAJOR Halloween Decorator? Would love to hear and/or see what you did this year.

Hugs,
Claudia

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