Princess Sloan's Soiree

So, as promised, I'm back with the details from Sloan's 2nd birthday party.  Originally, I was going to go with a "Princess Sloan" theme, and use pink and gold colors and accents. But one day while out shopping, I had the idea of incorporating Mardi Gras into the theme since there decorations everywhere!  I told my husband about the idea, and he suggested doing a Princess and Frog theme along with Mardi Gras.  Turns out, men are right some of the time!

I didn't want to do the Disney version of "The Princess and the Frog," but something a little more generic.  Plus, it would have been just too easy to go out and buy all the stuff already.  And y'all know I have to make things difficult:)

Invitations

I worked with a lovely designer, Tiffany Boren of Embellished Paperie, for the invitations.  I found her on etsy a few years back and used her for Sloan's birth announcements.  She's so great to work with, not to mention her work is gorgeous!  She specializes in wedding invitations mainly, but she was delighted to work on the invites for me.

I came up with the idea of using pastel colors instead of the traditional Mardi Gras colors.  So, we ended up using lavender, mint green, and a pale yellow.  We were completely on the same page about the design.  She seriously read my mind.  We agreed on using a silhouette for the princess and frog.  She backed the invitation with glitter paper, which brought it to a whole new level.  I couldn't have loved it more.

It really set the tone for the party.

Decorations

I really wanted to make guests feel like they were in New Orleans.  I knew I wanted to use beads galore, street lanterns, masks, and anything that reminded me of Nola.

This was the result.

I don't have a picture of the entire backdrop, but I made a "2" by glueing tissue on a cardboard cutout and hung lavender drapes to have a "royal" feel.  The table was decorated with linens that I rented and glitter bows I got for sale right after Christmas.  I spray painted the "two" letters, framed a pic, and make a little centerpiece using beads and feathers.  The adorable frogs were from Hobby Lobby, as well as the cute ring ornaments.  Thought they were a perfect touch:)

Jamie painted the frog painting the night before the party as a gift to Sloan.  No surprise he did an amazing job creating something special that she can cherish for a lifetime.  

On each side of the table, I rented 2 lanterns that I thought looked like the ones found on the streets of New Orleans.  I decorated them with ribbon, beads, saxophones, and street signs that I found at Michael's.  

I was pleased with how they turned out.  

I kept the kiddie table pretty simple.

A few other details...

I set up a photo booth with a prop station, which turned out to be a fun and hilarious addition to the party.

Food

A Mardi Gras-themed party would not be complete without some festive food!  Jamie made some "Man-catchin' Beignets" and a pot of gumbo.

Presents

Now, onto the Princess herself.

I have Michal to thank for working tirelessly on Sloan's tutu dress.  She did a fabulous job on it!  I even had Sloan a pretty, matching necklace to wear for the big day, but she opted for a candy necklace instead.

We had a slight issue with the cake.  Seems there was a miscommunication between me and the cake lady.  I found out at midnight the night before that there would be NO cake.  So, what do you do?  Use a king cake instead.  She was enamored by the sparkler!  

She had more fun opening her cards.

Party People

and in the end...

the Princess kissed the frog!

I know Sloan will never remember her party, but I had so much fun putting everything together for her. Hopefully, she can look back and see how much love I put into it.  Yes, I may have gone over the top, but I can promise you next year's party will not be:)  This mama is tired!  

I hope you enjoyed looking at pictures from my princess's big day.  Thanks to all our friends and family  who made it out to the party!  We love each and every one of you.  I'll leave you with a few sources from the party.

Sources:

Invitation--Embellished Paperie

Tutu dress--made by Michal

Crown headband--Mud Pie

Beads, masks, poms, banner, paper goods, "2" sparkler, princess wands, "2" balloon--Party City

Ceramic frogs and ring ornaments--Hobby Lobby

Lavender tulle and New Orleans street signs--Michaels

Paper photo props--The Manic Moose

Photography--Chris Brennan Photo

Life Lately

Pardon my absence...life has been a whirlwind lately.  

I'll start by sharing our trip to St. Thomas.  We had an awesome time.  We went with another couple and a friend, who also happens to be an amazing and talented photographer.  A nice perk on a trip like this!  See his facebook page here.

We flew first class there and back.  Not a bad way to travel, I must say.  I am 100% spoiled now when it comes to flying!:)

The water looked like this everywhere!  Seriously hard to believe how gorgeous it is.  It's so crystal clear, that I actually got in the water...this is a huge feat for me seeing that I am deathly afraid of sharks!  

We stayed on a large yacht and during the day took a smaller boat island hopping.  

As usual, we mingled with the locals.  We also got accustomed to eating a fabulous thing called a Roti. It's like their signature dish around the island.  Holy delishishness!

When we weren't cruising on the boat, a custom, stretch Jeep was our ride around the island.

Iguanas are about as common as squirrels are here.  No joke, these things were everywhere.  Kind of strange walking by a bush only to see this guy peering at you!

It was a very long week away from my babies, but it was a trip of a lifetime and we are so thankful for the opportunity to go.

My baby girl turned 2 February 16th.  

She is all girl with the sweetest and sassiest little personality.  Cannot. believe. she. is. two.

We celebrated with a Princess and the Frog/Mardi Gras themed party.

You know I went all out.  I will leave you with this little sneak peak...I'll share the rest of the party details this week!

We also attended a 20s themed Mardi Gras party.  I had to come up with an outfit, and I was pretty pleased with the turnout.  Of course, my dear friend Michal helped me put it all together.

In case you are confused by the jailbird outfit, Jamie and a couple of his friends went as the guys from "O Brother Where Art Thou."  Typical Jamie:)

The next weekend, a group of girls and myself hosted a baby shower for a very dear friend.

Kesha is probably the sweetest person I know, and I can't wait to meet baby Cruze!  Love the name, don't you?!

These were my littles on Valentine's Day.  Bella made their shirts and the matching tutu.  Don't know what we would do without her!

So, as you can see, I've been busy with one thing after another, but I'm not complaining!  It's been super fun.  I'll be back with more pics from the party!  Happy Monday:)

Holly Beach 2013

Every year about this time, we drive down to Holly Beach.  

Saturday was a gorgeous day, so we decided to make the trip.  It's always the perfect time of year.  It's still sunny, but not too warn.  In fact, on this particular day, it was super windy.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves running around and picking seashells.  I love making these memories and looking back at what has become our fun, little family tradition.

Here are a few of my favorite pics from this trip...thanks to my husband, who has a much better eye than I do:)

It was such a pretty day, we rolled the windows down for a bit.  Sloaney was in awe at first...

She thought it was the most hysterical thing ever...

but that only lasted for a minute.

Then came the tears.  Typical girl:)

She was all smiles when we got to the beach.

What a gorgeous day.

The remainder of the weekend was spent taking down my Christmas tree {don't judge}, cleaning, cooking, catching up on laundry, and enjoying the fam.

Oh, and there might have been a little rub board playing.

This makes me so happy. 

Gotta run.  I must go prepare to leave my kiddos for a week:(  I don't know how I'll do it, but it sure will be good to get away.  I mean, this does look like paradise, no??

{St. Thomas}

Have a great week, friends!