Super Simple Cupcake Party

Dear Reader,

As I mentioned in my previous post, our daughter just turned two.  We love celebrating her, and yet a party sandwiched between Christmas and New Year's is a challenge.  I decided on a cupcake themed party as I thought it would be a fun, easy theme to develop, and my little girl loves cupcakes!

Here are a few details from the party:

a balloon garland by the table

cupcake plates and napkins {source: Target}

cupcake sticker books at each child's place {source: Amazon}

cupcakes for dessert - my mother-in-law kindly borrowed
this cupcake tower to use for the party

one of the gifts for the birthday girl
What cupcake party would be complete without Pinkalicious?

These small details were fun to arrange, and the birthday girl enjoyed her party thoroughly.  Success!

Hello Mid-January!

Dear Reader,

I hope you are having a good start to 2014! I enjoy possibilities, lists, hopes and starting fresh, so I am welcoming January for sure.  If I had to sum up the last few weeks in one word: snow. Lots of snow. My six and two year old children have loved it.  The cold temperatures though have kept us in more than any of us would like, so you will also note other activities that have kept January fun.

Hello beautiful snow.

 Hello rainbow loom bracelets.  My six year old son is a total fan.

Hello tea parties and pretend cupcakes with my now two year old.  

She received this set for her birthday (at the end of December) and 

loves to have me sing "Happy Birthday" to her.

Hello organization, inspiration and refreshment.  

Reading Tsh Oxenreider's Organized Simplicity and Brene Brown's Daring Greatly.  

Loving both.

I hope that the week ahead is an enjoyable one, friends!  Linking up with Lisa Leonard today.

Last Minute Gift Guide

Dear Reader,

In running errands this morning, it is entirely clear to me that Christmas is almost here!  I hope that your preparations are coming along well.  I want to offer a few last minute gift ideas that have come in handy for me this year.

1. An amaryllis.  My husband picked up one for me this year, and I love watching it bloom.  I would highly recommend an amaryllis over paperwhites (paperwhites are too fragrant for me.)
2. A small box of chocolates.  If possible, purchasing chocolates from a local candy shop seems even more special.  (Source: Kilwins)
3. Comfort and Joy Tea.  Any Republic of Tea blends are a treat.  (Source: Republic of Teas)
4. Christmas blocks.  Let's be honest, blocks are always a good idea!  (Source: Uncle Goose)
5. Thermos mug.  This is my husband's favorite (a gift received from my sister-in-law), and a great option for commuters!  (Source: Target)
6. The Piano Guys: A Family Christmas.  (Source: Target)

Happy Shopping!

Simple Gift Wrap Plan

Dear Reader,

With the timing of Thanksgiving, I think Christmas may sneak up on me this year.  I enjoy buying gifts and wrapping them, and so I have started on both - perhaps a bit on the early side.  This year I decided on a simple plan: craft polka dot gift wrap (which I found at Target for $1 per roll), red and white baker's twine (a dollar bin find also at Target) and hand-stamped names directly on the wrapping paper.

Here's how this plan came together:

Fun, right?!  I am hoping that these next weeks will be a time for joy and wonder and a time to enjoy Christmastime moments with our family and friends.  And may that be true for you as well, friends!