Decorating Bug & A Quick Tutorial

I've caught the bug again.

It's time to freshen up the house!

I've been painting hall ways and playrooms.

And I have been spending way too much money at Hobby Lobby.

I picked up those rectangles at a interior designers sale for a couple of dollars each.

They were originally used in a bathroom for soaps and other decor. 

I knew I could just hang them on the wall!

And check out this cute little Bless this Home sign for $5.

The only problem was that you couldn't read the words…at all.
So I broke out m acrylic craft paint and got to work!

The letters are engraved into the sign. I first used a light coat of metallic gold.
Then I used black and just did my best to stay in the lines (I know…it looks like my 3 year old did it)

Then I used a damp rag to wipe the paint off the surface of the sign.

And voila!

Now it's one of my favorite little nooks in my home!

Right next to my homemade chalkboard frame.

I swoon over this

And I adore this little wall in my stairway.
Found the frame for $10 (a little pricey but I adore it) and the B for $5 (both from Hobby Lobby)

And do you remember this wall?
I've done a little revamp…what do you think?

I love to decorate…I love to revamp…but lets be honest...
Now I need a break!

This Is My Life

Picture this:

I'm cleaning up the dishes after dinner.
James is not home because he is helping a friend move.
Ella is sick, but finally sleeping.
The boys are outside playing "peacefully".

Then….screaming.

Josiah runs inside the house; "Micah is bleeding!"

I throw the rag in the sink and run outside to see what happened.

Micah is crying loudly (and completely naked, of course….sigh).
Screaming over a little drizzle of blood from a cut on his knee.

I bring him inside and set him on a chair.
More screaming.
I dab the blood away and pull out the first aid kit.

Micah breaks into hysteria.

"I don't love band aaaaiiiiidddd!"  

"I don't love it!"

Who's kid is that?

Apparently this kid has developed a deep hatred of bandaids.

Seriously?

I couldn't stop laughing.

He was so dramatic I had to capture the moment.

This is my life.

Ella's Shabby Chic Party

Ella's 1st birthday came and went.

I only cried the night before her birthday wasn't a total mess.

I couldn't help myself with the pearls and the lace romper. Can you blame me?

I decided to go with a sort of "Shabby Chic" theme. 

I thought that this is one of the only chances I have to pick the theme so I'm going with frills!

I dipped marshmellows in vanilla candy coating that I dyed pink and lined a tray with powdered donuts.

I also served sliders (best party food ever), pasta salad, chips, and watermelon; but I wasn't able to get a photo.

I mean seriously….how the heck do I get a nice photo of food before people start digging in? 

It's impossible in this house!

Can you believe this cake?!?
My mom is a cake genius.
It was gorgeous and delicious with a homemade pink lemonade cake with lemon buttercream.
YUM!

I made her little cake topper with a couple of candy sticks left over from the marshmallows and bakers twine.
I also served sliders (best party food ever), pasta salad, chips, and watermelon; but I wasn't able to get a photo.
I mean seriously….how the heck do I get a nice photo of food before people start digging in?
It's impossible in this house!

I made that frilly banner out of crepe paper and tulle. Easy and adorable!

Can you get enough of my little niece in her peacock costume?!?!

I made these flower topiaries out of crepe paper. They are now in Ella's room.

I finally had a good reason to use my twine wrapped bottles! They made for perfect outdoor table decor!

I can't get enough of these cousins!

 What's a party without a few superheros {that's my Josiah!}.

Princess even had her own ruffle cake. {Spoiled much?}

 Ella even enjoyed not one, but two marshmallow pops!

I have to say thanks to my amazing husband and sister.
They helped me tirelessly clean, cook, and assemble for her party.
We had nearly 40 people including nearly 20 kids here.
{No…it wasn't insane…why do you ask?}
I seriously could not have done it without them.

The best thing about a birthday party is knowing how much my kids are loved. We are at no shortage for people who have invested in our lives.

We couldn't be more blessed.