DIY: baby shower gifts

I wanted to make something for Michelle's baby shower gift, but also give her something she can really use. What's more practical than burp cloths? I ordered a pack of 5 Gerber organic cotton burp cloths and sewed fabric I already had on hand using this tutorial.

 How cute are they? They make me happy. And each cloth took about 10 minutes to make (after everything was washed, dried, and ironed). I realize that they will be covered with spit up and drool, but then they can be thrown in the wash and used over and over again. 

My sewing is not perfect, but I figured that was okay considering what they will be used for. I used a zigzag stitch to secure the fabric better. So cute all wrapped up in a stack. 

My sister-in-law has made nursing covers, which she refers to as "hooter hiders," for several years.  When Michelle registered for one, I decided to make her one using extra cute fabric. I followed this tutorial. It took me about 2-3 hours from start to finish. I'm a slow sewer. 

 Ta da! Looks like it'll do the job! :)

a shower of love

This weekend was a celebration of life. Fourteen ladies gathered to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Michelle's baby girl, Reagan! We also celebrated life on the other end... Dorothy's mom, known to her girls and me as "Gigi," is in her final stage of life. I had a chance to spend a little time in the room with Gigi, her daughters, and granddaughters. It was such a sweet time to watch her loved ones hold her hand and say goodbye, comforted by the fact that she will be in heaven soon.

We had been planning Michelle's shower for months. I love LOVE making party decorations, trying out new cupcake recipes, and making things look pretty. Since I work full time and have a second part time job, my evenings are limited. I started making decorations in January! I had a vision centered around the colors in the table runner. I have had this fabric for almost a year, but hadn't used it. The colors were perfect for a girl baby shower! 

Pinterest inspired so many of these ideas. I guess you could say the theme of this shower was pom poms. How cute are these cupcake toppers? All you need is a 2" punch, tissue paper, double stick tape, and lolly pop sticks. Easy, inexpensive, and adorable! 

Meet the "shower room." My wedding shower four springs ago christened this space, and it seems we've had a shower every spring since. It's the perfect space with beautiful lighting. Even on cloudy days.

I pinned a ton of fabric strips banners. They're so fun! Super easy to make, too. 

Finding these straws when I was in Santa Monica was the most exciting thing ever. I had been looking for them and was going to have to order them online, but I found them at Francesca's! $6 for 144 straws. They were the perfect touch to the strawberry lemonade in mason jars. 

I made these coffee filter flower wreaths back in March with the intent of Michelle taking one home for her house. Becca made a yarn wrapped "R" which was the perfect touch! Michelle has it hanging on the wall in Reagan's nursery. :) 

Carrie had the idea for everyone to write messages on diapers which was a lot of fun. Some of them were pretty funny.

The beautiful mommy-to-be!

She gave us these lovely bottles of wine wrapped in burlap with a little note from Reagan! 

Which we cradled like a baby...

Michelle is a fabulous gift opener. So many cute and girly things!

A group shot. The camera was on stacked cake stands.. We had a little scare with it almost falling mid-picture. This one is perfect.

Michelle and Mumsie!

All of the hostesses with the guest of honor.. And Petals who made her way into the picture!

It was a beautiful weekend. Baby Reagan is already loved by many, and we can't wait to meet her in June!

a weekend at the beach

We spent this past weekend at the beach! In two weeks we have traveled from the west coast to the east coast! It was a fabulous weekend with wonderful friends. We had not seen Josh and Emily since they got engaged in January, so we had to have a little celebration... with cake, of course!

I was pretty excited about how this little flag cake topper turned out. :) 

After a little catching up at the house, and listening to Brian's "beach trip 2012" mix CD, we went straight to the beach to enjoy the beautiful weather! I'm in my happy place!!

Jeff was quite sad that no one else would get in the freezing cold ocean. :(

We opted to enjoy the warm sun instead.

Jeff blended in with the sofa. 

We wanted to ride all together in one car, so we opted for a beach chair in the trunk as the 6th seat.  Brian drove very carefully. 

 Dinner at Flying Fish Market.

 The newlyweds, the married couple...

 and the newly engaged!

We had another pretty beach day on Saturday until around 4 when the rain started... We grabbed our stuff and ran to the covered pool area to wait it out. We hung out a little more in the pool and hot tub, and then called it a day.

 After dinner we headed to Broadway at the Beach to walk around and enjoy the night! 

LA: day 9

Dad suggested that we eat breakfast at Cafe Buna, a local Marina Del Rey restaurant.. Apparently they have a wonderful avocado salad! Mom and I were skeptical, but we were pleasantly surprised when we walked in the doors! Breakfast was wonderful!! We really have lucked out on finding great restaurants on this trip!

 After breakfast, we headed to the dog park so Walter could get some exercise...

 Then we were off to Venice Beach to rent bikes for the day!

 We all got beach cruisers and biked with hundreds of other bikers and roller bladers.. It took us back to the 80's and 90's. Very "Saved by the Bell."

 Walking on the Santa Monica Pier

 So many people on the beach!!

 

 Then we grabbed lunch at "Hot Dog on a Stick."

 The freshly squeezed lemonade was perfect.

 It was a great day with lots of sunshine which I was very thankful for!! We headed back to the beach for sunset. It's so nice that the beach is just two blocks away from where my parents are living!

 Dad, Mom, and Walter walking on the pier.

 Pretty lighting

Poor Brian is sick with a terrible cold.. He has been a trooper though!

Dad showing Walter the view. :)

 The perfect ending to a fabulous trip! I'm thankful that we were able to do and see so much! We're flying back to Atlanta tomorrow and go back to work on Monday. This has been one of the best spring breaks ever. I'm looking forward to returning to LA hopefully soon!!