Jonas turns ONE

I had to pop in to share Jonas' first birthday party. I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures as much as I did putting everything together! All photos by Mark William Photography.

crayon making

As Jonas' first birthday creeps closer and closer I have begun thinking about his party. With the party comes a lot of things that can be costly, like favors. I'm not stoked on spending money on plastic crap made in China that will be thrown away after the day is done. I know kids look forward to the goodie bags and the kids at the party will range in age, so I decided on crayons in fun shapes. Most kids like to color and the babies can use them soon enough.

I put a request on my local Freecycle asking for used or broken crayons. I got 3 responses; 2 from teachers that "had" to get rid of their crayon stash because every fall they "have" to put out new supplies. I got BAGS of crayons that were perfectly fine, maybe 5 broken ones. Insane. For free, the best part!

Some of my crayon loot.

Besides the crayons you will also need a fun mold to melt the crayons in. I got this fruit one from eBay for $3.99. Most silicone ice cube trays can withstand high temperatures so when you search you don't have to search for baking molds, but ice cube trays too! IKEA has some great ones for $1. 

You will also need a knife and cutting board that you can dedicate to this project, no food should touch them from here on out.

Then you cut up the crayons in tiny pieces and fill the molds! You bake at 250 for about 8-10 minutes and allow them to cool completely, about 15 minutes. I think they are beautiful little pieces of art. 

{The grapes are my fave}

I have been saving baby food jars thinking I could use them for something and now I have! I will add the crayons in the jars for the birthday favors. I obviously need to get more, but maybe I can put another Freecycle request out or ask my mom's group.

I plan on spray painting the lids some fun colors to complete the look. This whole project (that provides me with supplies that will last well beyond the party favors) cost $3.99. Not bad!

Weekend Scenes

Really great weekend. I can't remember the last time I even did a weekend scenes post to commemorate a great weekend. It has been way too long.

Hanging out in the back before dinner with friends on Friday. Look at those BLUES!

I cut my hair and I am kicking myself for doing it. Gah, back to growing it out. And notice that bruise on my arm? Its from where Jonas BIT me. Homeboy can do some damage with those two little chompers. 

We went to my friend's fiesta birthday party and her decorations and papel picado were a huge hit! 

I go to the farmer's market now in search of baby food makings, oh how times have changed. I made two big batches for Jonas. He loves butternut squash and sweet potatoes, especially when I add cinnamon! 

40 year anniversary party!

On August 26th my parents celebrated 40 years of marriage with a huge 50's themed party at their house. They sure worked their tails off crafting such an amazing party with authentic outfits, decorations and even the beer!

The whole family! Recognize anyone? We have an In-N-Out worker, a couple poodle skirt chicks, a milkman, a Pink Lady (with the milkman's baby...), a teeny greaser and Danny and Sandy from Grease!

The party was complete with a Twist-off dance contest, costume contest, catering by a Fuddruckers truck, a DJ playing authentic music all night, an amazing performance of "You're the one that I want" by my brother and sister-in-law, and happy people celebrating my parents all night!

Happy anniversary, M + D. 40 years, you should be proud!!

Jon's 30th Birthday party

I think I stayed pretty true to my inspiration board for Jon's party this weekend. Some things I didn't have a chance to take pictures of, was too busy having fun. And Jon had a blast too, which is all that matters. Another one for the books.

Setting the stage on the patio...

 Papel picado lining the house.

Jarritos on ice. 

Fresh flowers on the table. Trader Joe's always has the best variety. 

 Loving my new pink sandals! Picture does not do the neon justice.

And back inside...

Colorful paper flowers lined the table.

The fake Chiclets were a huge hit with the kids.

Strawberry and key lime cupcakes made by Jon's mom. Not pictured: the chocolate ones!

And to top it all off, the Giants won! After the final score, the birthday boy poured up shots of Don Julio. Success!

The Dirty 30

Guess who is about to turn the big 3-0? No, not me! I'm merely 28. :) My better half is about to celebrate this epic milestone. We are having a little taco party at our house and I put together this inspiration board to help me focus on the theme so it doesn't turn into a tacky Cinco de Mayo party.

I aim for lots of fresh bright colors in Mexican sodas, El Pato cans and crepe paper flowers. We will of course have some papel picado banners around the patio to define the party space. Limes will be plentiful, doubling as decor and additions to beer. We will have a full taco bar, guac and chips, sangria and Jon's home brewed beer. Am I missing anything?

Lately

I am obsessed with my Native Union Pop phone that plugs into my cell phone. I got this for Christmas but haven't really remembered to plug it in or get the hang of it until recently. I sort of hate talking on the phone and this has made it so much more enjoyable. Also, reducing cell phone radiation is uber important. They come in a ton of fun colors, too.

{a pile of happiness}

I am really working on staying happy and positive. Work can be such a bummer and let down that I am trying so hard to not let it dip into any of my precious non-work hours. The change in seasons, even if we are expected another solid week of rain, has helped. Any tips on how to leave work stress at the door? I'm all ears. 

{My mom and dad on their wedding day}

I have been helping my parents with some little details for their 40th wedding anniversary party they are having this summer. Makes me so happy I am done planning my wedding. Even though it's just a party, there are still conversations of envelopes, talks of save the dates, DJs, booze, etc. I wasn't happy it was in the past until just now.

{May the odds be ever in your favor}

Girls night at the movies on Friday. I cannot wait!

Weekend Scenes

Made the most epic Cobb salad. It took a long time, but it was worth every bite!

And also baked my first quiche in several months. Ham and asparagus. It hit the spot. 

Some of our best friends just turned 30 so they had a 30+30=60, 60's themed party. I was all done up Mad Men 60s style when at the last minute I switched into the more comfortable flower child outfit. Isn't that dress the best? I snatched it up at a thrift store awhile ago.

And we also celebrated this little cutie turning 1! I can hardly believe how time flies. She gets more precious every time I see her. It was a weekend of milestone birthdays.