Little Man's First Birthday Bash

It's been an entire year since I had my little man so I thought it only fitting that the theme of his first birthday was a "little man mustache" bash. For months I tried to deny and ignore the fact that my little baby was going to be one! It's a bittersweet moment. It means I survived the first year of motherhood unscathed (and on minimal sleep) but it has been the happiest year of my life to date. I can only look towards the future with hope and excitement.

The party itself came together after I ordered the "little man mustaches & ties" DIY printable from Belva June on Etsy. All I had to do was download my party package and print what I needed onto cardstock. This included everything from the invitations to the thank you notes. I debated making all these signs myself but I decided my energy and time was better spent elsewhere for the party. This shop is awesome and has some adorable themes for girls and boys. Then I made a few tissue paper banners with some twine I had and 3 colors of tissue paper. Then came the photo booth props which I printed on card stock and taped to wooden sticks. I then made a chalkboard sign with his current weight, height and likes and sent to staples to be printed on poster paper. Finally came the DIY tie favors for the kiddies and the large one sign (which after our new patio furniture was delivered I felt necessary to make because I had so much cardboard I felt like I needed to put it to good use instead of just recycling it). Plus it gave me a chance to use all those photos I ordered that didn't make the cut for the baby book or for the grandparents. I swear I'm a sucker for those 101 free print offers since becoming a mom. I use to immediately delete those emails but being sleep deprived in the middle of the night those photos seem like such a necessity.

Drink Station

Dessert Display

'Man'wiches

Party Favors! 

Photo Booth Prop Station

Birthday boy and his friends in the DIY favor shirts

Here are a few of the photos from his birthday bash. We had so much celebrating with friends and family and the little man definitely enjoyed his cupcake. I decided to make fabric t-shirts with ties as the favors and I am so happy with the way they turned out. This photo alone made it worth it. With some fabric glue, a template I made, and some fabric, these shirts were quick and easy.


And it case you didn't get enough photos of the party, heres one more of the little man enjoying his cupcake.

Airplane Travel with an Infant

Here are the 5 essential things to know for traveling on a airplane with an infant. 

1. Have a plan and test it out before flying. 

Flying solo with an infant versus flying with others can have different game plans. When flying solo I like to check a bag with all the essentials for baby and mamma. Think you have pod balance, try attempting to put a carry on in the overhead bin while simultaneously holding an infant. It's not easy. I like bringing a backpack as my diaper bag/ carry on and then slide is under my seat so I have everything I might need within an arms reach. I also like to bring my stroller and a sling for baby. The stroller is great when going through security and the airport because it allows you to have both hands free. The stroller can be gate checked and this is where the sling comes in handy. I like to use a stroller bag when gate checking so that the stroller isn't damaged or exposed to the elements. I used the J.L. Childress Gate Check bag and even though other reviews I read on the product claimed it to rip easily, I've used it now for 3 trips with no tears (and for $20.00 it didn't break my budget). For some trips that I've needed the carseat I've used the Brica Cover Guard Car Seat Travel Tote  which fits most carseats and has wheels and backpack straps which makes taking it through the airport much easier. It was pouring once when I flew and I was so happy I had a bag for the car seat otherwise it would have been soaked. I use a cheap stroller bag and bought a nicer car seat bag. I don't always travel with a car seat, it depends on the trip and how we will be getting around once we get to our destination. 

2. Pack a spare of everything. 

Anything could happen when flying from explosive diapers to a vomiting child. Pack extra diapers, spare set of clothes for you and baby, and plenty of wipes and hand sanitizer. Seriously you cannot have enough wipes in this situation. You will not regret overpacking wipes but you will regret not having them if you run out. 

3. Don't stress it. 

Your child can sense your anxiety and nervousness so try to be as calm as possible. You created a well thought out plan and have prepared in case something goes wrong so trust in yourself. You cannot plan for everything but I have found a good attitude makes a huge difference. Plus flight attendants, airline representatives and people in general are more than happy to give a helping hand. If you need help, just ask. Flying solo with an infant especially has shown me the overwhelming good in people. 

4. Leave yourself plenty of time. 

Whatever time you think you need, double it. Security takes longer because if you bring a stroller and it doesn't fit through the x-ray machine, it will have to be hand scanned and wiped. If you bring formula, distilled water for formula, or breastmilk (which are all allowed, see this TSA link for more information http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children), those items will need special testing as well. This takes time. You also need to fit in changing diapers (which I would recommend doing right before boarding because trying to change one in the tiny airplane bathroom is challenging) and a feeding. Many people recommend feeding babies during take off/ landing but I prefer using a nook (pacifier) for those instances and having a well feed baby before boarding. As a breastfeeding mama, it's been challenging trying to feed during take-off/ landing and my son hates a nursing cover which basically had me exposed to the people around me. I have had flights where it was necessary to feed because of the length of flight/ being delayed and it worked out fine. Definitely not my ideal nursing location but you make it work when you have no other choice. 

5.  The more you fly with children, the easier it becomes. 

I have traveled with my son at 3 months, 7 months and most recently at 11 months old and every time it gets easier. I pack more efficiently each time and am more laid back going through. 

Best of luck to you on your travels and feel free to comment below with helpful tips you have or any questions you might have. 

New Home, New Challenges

In purchasing a new home, as joyous of an occasion as it is, it always entails a plethora of home projects. I should start by telling you that it took my husband and I over a year and a half to find the house of our dreams. We knew what we wanted in the bare bones of the house and finding what worked for our family took some time. Anyone who is looking for the perfect house, know that the perfect house with everything exactly how you want it doesn't exist unless you have a 1.5 million dollar budget, but creating the perfect home is possible with some hard work and a positive vision. Granted we don't have the perfect home, YET, but it will be after we are through with it. We had a must-list like most people do and luckily we were able to see past bad wall color choices and outdated cabinets when we found the ONE for us.

After the long and tedious process that is buying a home, from the inspection to the negotiations, once you have the keys the first step is deciding what projects to start first. The most obvious is painting the walls preferabble before the furniture gets moved in. Take it from a person who loves to paint rooms, it is ALWAYS easier to paint with an empty room than one that is filled. Choosing wall colors is not a difficult decision for me because I know what I want but convincing my husband that those are the best colors isn't always the easiest task. I like to live my life in color. I have a vibrant personality and my house is an extension of myself like most people. I do not live my life in shades of white and cream. My room choices are intinctively earthy tones in deep naves, copper golds, mossy greens, earthy purples, and shades of grey. I won on most of these colors and will be uploading pictures of the rooms very soon.

Then comes the larger projects. My first project was to white-wash the fireplace. Even thought the fireplace was beautiful it didn't go with the decor and overall look for the family room. Click here for in-depth tutorial for white-washing a fireplace. I just finished yesterday the fireplace project and will soon be starting the next project. The next major project will be the baby's nursery and painting the built-in bookshelves next to the fireplace. More updates to come within the next few weeks and months so check back in.

Last but not least their are the never ending challenges that owning a home entails. WIthin the first 2 weeks of moving in our furnace broke (and it was the dead of winter). Of course fixing the melted circuit board cost a small fortune but it wasn't as bad as replacing the entire furnace (which we will have to deal with in the next 5 years). Sitting there on that 22 degree night with no heat and every blanket in the house on our bed, my husband and I wondered what we got ourselves into. Now that we are through the challenge that was the dysfunctional furnace, we are as happy as ever in our new home. In every new journey, challenges will be presented, a positive attitude, perseverance and a little hard work will get us through.