The Elf To Be Named: Arrival

Last year, Santa brought baby B a wonderful scout elf and book for Christmas.  This year, I know the elf was anxious to make his December debute.  While he still doesn't have a name, he greeted us on December first in the very best of style for a big arrival breakfast. 

 

 

Our elf breakfast consisted of festive food and a fun (easy) tablescape that was whipped together when the sun came up.  Baby B awoke early and breakfast was served promptly prior to 8am.  This gives new meaning to up with the sun when there is a tablescape involved. 

 

The commemorative book, a red toy bin flipped upside down (Targer $1) and some polka dot fabric (from the babe's party this summer) served as the perfect centerpiece.  Red and white fabrics layered with snow (aka upholstry pad / filler) and a small chalkboard welcoming elfie rounded out the easy display.

 

 

Our breakfast foods consisted of cut fruit in festive green cupcake wrappers, yogurt berry parfaits decked out with a Christmas tree Peep garnish and cinnamon roll waffles.  To make the waffles, I simply pressed Pillsbury canned cinnamon rolls into the old but trusty waffle maker.  In just a few minutes, voila ... cinnamon roll waffles.  Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

 

Decked out in his elf p.j.'s we violated Elf Rule 101 by letting B hold elfie.  It felt necessary and I'm sure Santa would approve :).  Dear Hubs read the book (yes, when he thought there was a picture involved ... this is what I get).

 

It was a fun way to kick off December and our elf tradition as a family.  An early poll had the three names as front runners for elfie:  Clark Grizwold (suggested by moi), Jobs (as in Steve Jobs - compliments of Dear Hubs) and Dadden suggested by Baby B.  Thus far, every toy has been named Dadden, so why would this be different? 

Merry Elfmas, Y'all!

Happy Halloween

We celebrated the scariest day of the year in good style around these parts.  Baby B woke up and headed off to school (unusual for a Wednesday) to participate in the Halloween Parade.  It was the cutest darn thing to watch all of the preschool classes march their costumed selves around the balloon lined walk way outside the school.  Like a good mommy, I stood and froze my derriere off for a good 45 minutes waiting on the festivities (that's love). 

The original costume of choice for Baby B was Bam Bam from the Flintstones.  How cute would that have been - little boy running around with his baseball bat as he always has.  He would have just loved it.  Well, when temps were threatening near freezing range, the thought of a half naked baby was just too terrible to imagine.  And, if you toss tons of layers under his little Bam Bam costume ... it just wouldn't be cute (or make sense), so ... we pulled out the tried and true pumpkin suit!  The good news - it's warm and conducive to layers.  And thus, Baby B was a darling pumpkin, hat and all, this year!

When the walkers class finally surfaced, Baby B was proudly walking and holding the hand of one of his teachers.  He was so darn cute and all smiles as his adoring fans oggled over the cute littles in costumes.  All that was fine and good until he spotted mommy in the crowd.  Then, he made a bee line straight for me, which meant that to continue in the parade ... mommy joined the walkers class. 

 

After we did an elaborate bait and switch with one of the teachers, Baby B's day at school continued without a hitch.  He crafted and did all of the fun things that the walkers class does.  Proudly, he came home with a decorated pumpkin.  And, while I'm not sure if the oddly feathered two eyed (the other is under the feathers) pumpkin is a masterpiece or should be examined, I sure think it's just darling.

 

Once we completed our afternoon nap time, we headed over to sweet bestie A's house for a fall party prior to trick or treat.  Guest stops with a few other friends to say hello, Baby B officially trick or treated one or two houses and then marched himself home. 

 

 

I guess when the baby goes home, he's trying to tell you he's had enough?  The child seriously walked (and knew where to cross the street to get home) at least 5 houses with Dear Hubs chasing behind him.  When we arrived home and everyone shed layers of coats and costumes, we dined on BBQ chicken pizza and salad.  Zsa Zsa and Pops were on hand with a giant pumpkin shaped cupcake for Baby B to enjoy as well.  Enjoy he did (and cover everything in orange frosting!)!  Once bellies were all full, Baby B called it a night, surprisingly close to his normal bedtime too!   

All in all, it was a successful and fun Halloween.  Now, onto November for more festive events and fun!

DIY White Ghost Pumpkins

I've had the fall bug for decorating for weeks now.  A few posts back, I showed a quick snap of one of my dough bowls filled to the brim with neutral pumpkins, acorns and other fall festive goodies. 

 

And here's some additional beautifully simple, neutral pumpkins in my fall vignette in the dining room.  This time, festively decked out with black crows for a spooky Halloween feel (for the month of October) and topped off with some celebritory adds for our anniversary celebration (more on that later).

 

To make the pumpkins ... for SUPER cheap .... I took these terribly neon, tacky dollar store pumpkins and added a few coats of Annie Sloan chalk paint and voila ... a much improved ghostly white pumpkin for a dollar a piece! 

I used Old Ochree paint and it did the trick just to paint a few coats on for full coverage. On a few others, I added Coco paint to the mix to give some depth and contrast.

In just a few easy minutes and some drying time in my garage ... there are white pumpkins a plenty now that can be enjoyed year after year!

Crafty cheap fall decor, y'all!
xoxo, b

 

Egg-cellent Easter

I'm often reminded about how blessed I am.  Good family, friends and days like yesterday to reflect on the fact that in addition to these I serve a risen Savior and am blessed by the grace of God.  We started our Easter at church, where Baby B was asked to participate by adding flowers to the Christ cross.  Yes, this was a big deal and required the assistance of an older child to actually pull off :).

After church, we shifted gears and celebrated opening Easter baskets at the homestead before shipping off for family lunch with Dear Ole Dad, Zsa Zsa and Lala. 

We had a great meal and spent the afternoon soaking up every ounce of a wonderful Sunday afternoon together. 

Peep-tini cocktails kicked off the afternoon.  The trick to get Mr. Peep to stick to the glass is to cut a slit in the bottom using kitchen sheers.   

Followed by a beautiful meal and tablescape, compliments of Zsa Zsa.  I just love how she used a roll of moss for placemats - is that creative or what? 

My Peep Parfait was delish.  Angel food cake, whipped cream and fresh strawberries just can't be beat (unless you top it with Peeps!)

Sweet frosted sugar cookies from Lala - I resisted eating and took mine home for a much later.

More Easter baskets.  I brought strawberry "baskets" for everyone and Baby B lucked out with a million treats!

And we rounded out the afternoon with some fun at the park!

Happy Easter, ya'll!

Egg-strodinary!

I'm just pleased as punch to share a little Easter crafty I whipped up.  I caved this year and bought one of those giant plastic egg sets at Hobby Lobby.  You know the one, you just can't miss these gi-normous monster eggs that are places decoratively in the front yards and porches of your neighborhood.  They are all the rage around these parts.  Well, I bought my little set because the er... Easter bunny ... yeah, that's right, wanted a big blue one for Baby B's little Easter basket.  The big blue egg came with a still very large purple egg, a midsized pink egg and a not so small green egg stacked inside.

Since I really didn't have a use for three crazy color plastic eggs, I did what any good southern diva can do with such a situation ... I spray painted those babies gold!  My proud southern DNA makes me a whiz with a can of spray paint ... it's a deep rooted, ancestrial gift.

I started by unevenly spraying a misty gold finish on the eggs.  Yes, Dear Hubs ... the streaks and lines and over run situations were ON PURPOSE this time!  I swear, you get carried away painting one time and never live it down around these parts!  As I was saying, I started by spraying the eggs gold.

Then, I took it a step further and added some rough patches of golf leafing for texture, color and overall blotchy natural bedazzled effect (that's a good term I must remember!). 

Each of the eggs was put atop a planter or urn with moss, grass or other goodness. And, while I swear the crease where the eggs are put together is far more obvious in these pictures than in person, the trio sits on my dining room table as a very elegant festive arrangement. I couldn't be more pleased!

Hoppy Easter, ya'll!

Gone Green

As much as I'd like to pretend that this post is a public service announcement for the perils of our environment and the fact we must care for her at all costs ... sadly, it's not.  I'm talking about going a different shade of green.  In preparation for St. Pat's this coming weekend, our humble home has been transformed into a green machine just for the holiday.  In addition to the front door decor we typically sport for such an occassion, this cute little vignette has been put together for celebrating appropriately. 

My go to apothocary jar is filled with festive Lucky Charms ... yes, the cereal.  I know Dear Hubs has been eyeing it for a good few days wondering if he's actually permitted to eat the decor!  A small mint julip cup (they come in soooooo handy) is filled with small Irish flags just perfectly fit for the occassion.  And last, a few tiny Irish hats.  Perfectly sized for my little leprechaun!  Erin Go Bragh!

Lovely Roundup

It's been non-stop around these parts and we did our very best to slow the fast forward speed just enough to have a few fun, festive Valentine moments.  Dear Hubs and Baby B surprised me with sweet cards, a dozen roses and a gift certificate for a deluxe pedicure (much needed before my Puerto Rico trip next week).  And, in return, I begged a little help from the cheery cherub, Cupid, to put forth a fabulous Cupid's Top 5 countdown to celebrate.

Fun balloons that Baby B thought were super silly!

One of our 5 day countdown treats.  A little alligator and an alligator bracelet, complete with a "I'd snap at the chance to be your Valentine" tag!

A sweet breakfast to get in the Valentine's mood.  Belgium waffles topped with bananas and fruity heart marshmellows were a delish treat!

A batch of heart shaped cinnamon rolls were left for Dear Hubs before I headed out of town this week.  To make these so simple treats (thanks pinterest), simply cut a small slit in the premade (Pillsbury) rolls.  Form a heart shape with your hands.

Baby B and the diva dogs tore into their Valentine's loot and then all checked out what the others received.  Dear Hubs also received a gift of my love and something I know he'll enjoy - a nice bottle of scotch!  Baby B received his current favorite Thomas the Train dvd and train toy.  Sheila received a leopard print bone dog toy fit for a diva, and Colby received a football throw toy.  All the toys are sure to be loved!

And while you would never know it from the pics, I really don't make a huge deal out of this day.  Every day is a reason to celebrate and tell your friends and family how much they mean to you.  Hope you had a wonderful Valentines. xoxo.