:: a royal celebration ::

Princess H is THREE today!
 

We had her party at home yesterday.  The little princess is particularly into Cinderella these days.  She's watched the movies a gajillion times.  She sings the "Sweet Nightingale" song that the step-sisters belt out, and also "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo."  So, Cinderella was the theme this year.  As usual, I take a theme, and go over the top with the planning and preparation, DIYing as many pinterest ideas as possible.  You can see what I mean by seeing her first birthday here, and her second birthday party here.  While it's always chaotic with 21 adults and 11 kids, it was such a joy to see the kids have fun.

Hard to believe three years have passed.  I have an independent, outgoing, funny, little girly girl, who's current obsession is all things princesses.  Watch out little brother, she'll probably be dressing you up and putting make up on you very soon.

I took a lot of my inspiration from this princess party.  You can also see the rest of the ideas that I pinned on my now no-longer secret princess party board.  Kudos Pinterest for creating Secret Boards, and giving my party an element of surprise for the guests :).

Invitations

Did you know that Sunday was April 14th, NOT the 13th?  Ugh.  Major Mommy brain.  So, while it was nice to have a cute invitation sent out, I ended up having to email everyone to let them know what date the party was on anyway.  Ah well, this is real life.

Decorations



The tissue paper tassel garland was made using this tutorial.  Simple and inexpensive.  

It's hard to see, but we also made labels for Hershey Kisses.  Pretty quick to do.  Once they're designed on my trusty Silhouette Cameo, I used the Print and Cut feature to cut out the circles.  Peel and stick.  Princess H even helped with this, since she loves stickers so much.  I'd recommend the white glossy label sheets from Online Labels.  They print so nicely, and I really like the glossy paper.

For some reason, I like making water bottle labels.  They're just so easy, and help me carry through with the theme.

The pretty carriage cake made by a friend :).  She also made the princess cupcakes as well.  So nice to know talented peeps.

I used the same recipe that I made the Elmo cookies last year, and attempted princess cookies this time around.  This icing recipe, and this 10 second rule worked perfectly. 

Here's what the guests don't know.  I started with probably 5 dozen cookies, and ended up with only 2 dozen usable cookies. 

Tip:  When you leave the cookies to dry in the oven, put a post-it note on the door so that you don't turn on the oven again to preheat it for dinner later that night.  Lesson learned.

My most favorite part of the party items.  These Cinderella "Cake" Pops, made to look like they're part of Cinderella's dress.  They're my favorite, because they were so easy and quick to make.  Secret?  They're not really cake. 

TIMBITS!  For American readers, those are donut holes that are sold in our coffee shops here in Canada.   I simply bought a 20 pack of donuts (10 plain and 10 chocolate), that cost me next to nothing, stuck a lollipop stick in, dipped them in melted colored chocolate, taped on a Cinderella topper, tied a ribbon, and VOILA!  "Cake" pops.  The most time consuming thing was tying the ribbon.  I've tried making cake pops before, and found the whole process frustrating, took way too long, and the cake way too sweet with all of the icing you put in to make the balls stick.  This took 5-10 minutes, as opposed to 5 hours.  That's more my style of cake pop.  This will be a party staple for me.  So so easy!

  

Favors

Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture, but all the girls got their own tutus so that they could be princesses themselves, and the boys got bubble "swords" and a little Lego mini-knight figure. 

I am kicking myself for not getting a picture.  How cute would it have been to see 6 little girls in their blue Cinderella tutus?  Picture this, except with tutus instead of pettiskirts, because those are way too pricey for favors.

image via DreamSpun Kids

I used this tutorial to make them.  Had I not been so set on blue ones, I would have just purchased them from My Princess Party To Go, but they were sold out when I was inquiring.  Oh well, it worked out a bit cheaper in the end just making them, but a took a little...ok a lot more time.

This is what I mean by the bubble "swords."  Mine were blue to keep with the theme.

image via http://blog.angelayosten.com/2009/05/princess-birthday-party-favors.html?m=1

And these knights.  Princes, knights, same thing right?  I was struggling to find something that the boys would like, while still keeping to my theme, because I'm particular that way.  I signed up for a Brick Link account (basically an eBay for Lego), and bought a bunch of these little guys from someone I found locally to keep my shipping costs and time down.  Worked out perfectly.  In case you were wondering, the seller I used was Brick Canuck.

image via Bricks and Bloks

Lastly, here's the little princess.  So much cuteness.  Heart. Melting.

The pettiskirt was so pretty.  So full and when she twirled (which she did often), it was the most adorable thing.  Ever. 

You can't see it here, but she also had a sock bun.  We had to have an updo for the royal celebration. 

The little man was dressed up for the big occasion as well.

Bow tie onesie made by another talented friend.

Well, there you have it.  I apologize for the long post.  It makes up for posting so sporadically, right?  Phew.  I can now take a bit of a breather.  The next big event isn't for another 9 months.  Thank goodness. 

----

Party Source

Invitation:
Cinderella Silhouette Shape
Fancy Frame
Fancy Shape
Fontdinerdotcom Sparkly Font

Decorations:
Banner Shape
DeLouisville Small Caps Banner Font
Food Label Shapes
Water Bottle Grey Chevron Background
Water Bottle Grey Chevron Background 2
Water Bottle Blue Polka Dot Background
Crown Cookie Cutter
Glass Slipper Cookie Cutter
Number Cookie Cutters
Cinderella Cake Pop Toppers
Plush Mice from Disney Store

Favors:
Lego Knight Minifigs

Birthday Girl Outfit:
Old Navy Cardigan Sweater
Blue Pettiskirt from Pettiskirt Style

:: he's here ::

Hello, Little Man.

New Year's Day came and went.  My due date.  The little guy was not ready.  So we waited.  And waited some more.  On January 6th, at 7:30pm, we welcomed our baby boy to the world.  It wasn't easy, but he's here now.  All 7 lbs 9 oz.  Big sister is in love with her baby brother, and so are we.   <3

 

:: month 9 ::

By now, I'm feeling pretty huge.  Not as huge as I was in my first pregnancy (I really packed it on with that one), but still feeling "full of baby."  I'm sure the poor guy's running out of space in there.  Not too long now, buddy.  Not too long, before we all get to meet you!

It's full on winter, obviously, as we are into December in these pictures.  It's cold outside, and the busyness of the holidays is approaching.  Isn't the snow gorgeous though?  I am loving the muted colors and the backdrop of the city line in these photos.  The trees are all draped in white, and I'm almost done being pregnant!  Hooray!

:: month 8 ::

I may be a bit biased, but these winter maternity photos are awesomesauce.  The snowflakes in the air.  The chunky knit scarf.  The baby bump.  What's not to like?  It really is a beautiful time of year.   There's a certain calmness that exudes from the photos.  Thanks for braving the weather with me, Jan.  You're the best.

:: month 7 ::

It was particularly cold this day, so we took our photo shoot indoors, which was a nice contrast from all of the other outdoor pictures we've done so far.  I am loving how intimate they all look.

Anticipating the arrival of Baby.

These pictures of me looking out the window are some of my favourites.  The perspective.  The angle of light coming through.  Love.

:: month 6 ::

The thing I love about pictures, is that while they don't show the behind-the-scenes craziness, you know what really happened.  We were in search for some different textures, and scenery, and came upon this wrought iron gate.  What you don't know is that this wrought iron gate was in front of a beer brewery.  And in between pictures, we had random men walk by with a case of beerski in hand, looking at us incredulously.

Pregnant girl leaned up against the fence of the brewery.
Her friend in the middle of the street with a camera, avoiding being run over by a car.
Good times.
Good times.

:: preschool labels ::

Two posts in one day?  Must be a good nap day for the little man ;)

Just wanted to also tell you all about a great deal on over at Mabel's Labels.  

They're celebrating their 10th birthday, and giving a great deal on 5 different products (Sticky Labels, Shoe Labels, Preschool Shoe Labels, Skinny-Minis & Tag Mates).  40% off.  They're great quality and really do stand up to washing and normal wear and tear.  Hurry though.  The deal ends tomorrow (March 5th) at 10pm EST.  Oh, and shipping is FREE within Canada.

image via Mabel's Labels

We recently just registered the Little Miss in preschool this fall, so this is great timing.  I'm hoping this will help her come home with the same items she went there with.  You'd think it wouldn't be necessary for the 5 hours a week she's there, but you never know.  I picked up some Shoe Labels, Tag Mates for her clothes, and some Sticky Labels & Tag Mates for Little Man as well.  We already own the Sticky Labels for the Little Miss' sippy cups, so I know this stuff is awesome.  The characters on the cup have worn off, but the label looks as good as new.  

Like I said, hurry and get your order in at Mabel's Labels.  No coupon needed.  The prices have been adjusted for the 5 items on sale.  Their website has been pretty slow with all of the demand, but it was  worth the wait :).