A Happy Birthday.

I love parties.  If there is an occasion I will have a party for it!  What better occasion than my little boy turning 2 to have some fun party planning.  The way I go about it is pretty methodical.  Firstly I choose a theme, usually narrowing it down to 2 and then searching around to see what all is available to go along with it.  Next is to determine where/when...this year we chose the local rec center and had a mini gym party there.  Places like that are a great alternative to having a party in your home.  Invitations through the mail are fun as well email invitations are also great and easy.  

Food!
Cakes and cupcakes are also something you don't want to leave to the last minute.  These days there are lots of bakers out there doing all sorts of exciting things so you don't have to be stuck with the grocery store cake!  (even though I know some love that icing!) Leaving this to a professional is something I recommend above all else, it can be very stressful deciding to leave the cake in your own hands and LOTS of times things don't turn out the way you want.   For kids keep your food simple and easy!  There are lots of websites with ideas for the more food savvy.  Anything on a stick is usually a hit! I tend to spend more time on things like...

Details!
I love love love coordinating decorations and mixing polka dots, stripes, and everything in between.  To save yourself investing every year in coordinating bowls, trays, etc buy a colour that you can see working for years to come.  I have collected blue and yellow and it worked great for a rubber duck party as well as the construction party this year.  They also work great in the summer for bbq's when I don't want my breakables trekked outside.

Here's the party!

All of the desserts were all made by Meg Pies.

Here are some of my favourite websites for ideas and party stuff!

http://www.thepartydress.net/blog/
http://www.celebrateexpress.com/
http://www.tinyprints.com/
www.etsy.com
www.amazon.com

Skin Care: Keeping it Fresh!

I love Philosophy!!!  These products are absolutely great.  Everyone knows of 'hope in a jar' from Oprah's favourite things and its pretty much true.  It depends on your skin type but there are a few formulations and for myself I love love love the Miracle Worker...since I've turned 30 I've noticed more and more wrinkles so I'm all about anti aging!  There are lots of great products from Philosophy but here are a few of my absolute favourites!

I do love going for a facial at the spa but I also like to keep my skin looking fresh by doing some home maintenance.  This Microdelivery Peel comes in two steps and takes about 5 min in total.  The first is an exfolient that you rub on for a couple minutes.  Then there is an activating gel that you put on top that warms and foams up.  Leave it on a couple more minutes and voila!  All done.

Do you have a cleanser that also takes off your mascara without having to work super hard?  This is the best one step out there.  Also comes in a few different sizes so you can take your favourite products on your travels without filling up your suitcase.

Got under eye circles?  These eye creams are great.  This one is the one I love cause it doesn't give you the little white lumps (you get them from using a product thats too rich in that area).

Got dry lips?  Use this!

This stuff is great for a mini-lift me up with no time required.  Just put it on under your moisturizer.  Brightens and firms you up!

These are just a few of my favourites!  If you are looking for a new line to try for your skin care, definitely give this one a try.  Reasonably priced and a product I LOVE!

Happy Mothers Day to all the fellow mothers out there!

Photography: Sisters E & C

These are two sweet little ones with a superstar of a mom.  I cannot believe how much she has managed to accomplish since little C was born!  She is super calm and much loved by her big sister, you can tell already they are going to entertain each other.  A couple cutie pies!

Photography: Baby E

Well this little girl was long awaited by her mama!  She had quite a trek into the world and came out perfect.  What a sweetheart.  She is especially loved by her older sister who looooves to give her kisses and cuddles.

Photography: Brothers G

These two little boys are close to my heart.  They are the children of my bestest friend and aunt (youngest of 10), and so I have heard everything about them from the moment they were born.  The older one, W, is a sweet little guy who just started kindergarten this year.  His interests vary from Mario to Lego...and once he's hooked on something he sticks with it till he's a pro.  Little B is a free spirit who definitely marches to his own beat.  These are 2 brothers who love each other to bits and we love them too!

Photography: Baby G

These are two of the cutest little people ever.  We always have a great time visiting and recently they added a little girl into the mix.  I don't know how she does it, always super relaxed and cool.  Our boys share a love of all things cars and you will always find one or two gripped in their little paws.  We are blessed to have made so many new friends in the last while and these two are no exception.  

The props are handmade from Eternally Hooked.  Catch her on FB or else here is a link to her shop on Etsy.  So cute.   Eternally Hooked

Photography: Baby T

Well, I've waited long enough to post these of my favourite little nephew!  We anxiously awaited his arrival and like many other babies he came a little late.  But what a cutie pie (so not biased!).  I can't wait to get some more snuggles.  I'm going to invite myself I think!  This little guy's 'cry face' is just like my little guys.  Cousins!