Tag Archives: my kiddos

trimming the tree with winter water factory …

November 28, 2014

We usually put up our Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving.  It’s always a magical time to play Christmas music, and decorate the tree.  Winter Water Factory,  a darling 100% organic adult and children’s clothing company out of Brooklyn sent over these darling tops for my boys, and a dress for my little Norah.  They were the perfect outfits to wear while trimming the tree!
Tommy got the Wild Horses sweatshirt, Norah the Red and Green Domino Mushroom Dress , and Ezra is wearing the Cranes Hoodie.
I decided to let the kids have free reign of the tree this year.  I didn’t touch a single ornament, and wanted to see what they would come up with.  I think they did a pretty good job.  I can’t decide whether I’ll fix it later or not. Wink.
We gathered some of our Christmas ornaments, lights, and decorations.  Some we haven’t seen in years, since last year we moved so soon after Christmas, we didn’t get most of them out.
The kids were excited to unwrap a few things they are so sure that they have never seen before.
Of course, before I knew it the kids broke out in a game of jump rope with the tinsel, and tie up sister.  
We hung up the stockings with care.
Remember these stockings I made using old thrifted sweaters all those years ago?  They are still going strong.
I’m still deciding on what to do with my mantle this year.  It’s always different when you are in a new house, I’m still trying to figure out what is going to go where.
The kids were very serious about what ornaments should go where.
Little by little they made their selections, and decorated every bit of that tree.
They did a pretty great job!  
I always love this time of year!  Now, to decorate the rest of the house..!!
Thanks Winter Water Factory for partnering with us on this post!
Outfits C/O Winter Water Factory
Thomas- Wild Horses Sweatshirt
Norah- Red and Green Domino Mushroom Dress
Ezra- Cranes Hoodie

Party // black, white, + gold birthday party

November 25, 2014

I’m excited to finally share with you the details of Thomas’ second birthday party. (um, he turns four in a four months. ?)  I’m not sure what took me so long, building a house and moving has really kept me busy this past year and a half, but I’m happy to be back to blogging more regularly!
I wanted to do a party with black and white with gold accents.  I made a pinterest of my inspiration here.
My little Thomas loves little toy animals, so I incorporated them into the party by taking some I found at the dollar store and painting them gold with gold spray paint. An easy way to add a lot of fun detail to the party.
I also spray painted a cardboard box to give the table some levels, and I put the cake stand on it.
My friend Aubry who owns Hello Maypole felt balls came over and helped whip up a felt ball garland. It added the perfect detail under my Happy Birthday sign.
I gave the spray painted Lion a little party hat that I made with black and white cupcake liners from Bake it Pretty, and a little gold fuzzy ball top.
I made a little dessert table with treats that matched the party.  I added some gold washi tape around the rim of my cake plates to add a little extra detail. And, I also made some macarons with a chocolate ganache filling for the dessert table.
The macarons and gold chocolate coins also served as the party favors for our guests to bring home in a little black and white striped box.
I used some Ikea Sofia black and white striped fabric for the tablecloth, and dressed up the table with some of my milk glass collection, and some simple white flowers.
We also served some bbq pork sliders on a pretzel bun, with chips, and some salads.  
I can hardly believe it’s been almost two years since this day.  Makes me so sad that my youngest is growing up so fast!
I mean, look at that little smile!  Priceless!  I just love that kid!
Party Sources:
Felt Balls for felt garland: Hello Maypole
Black and White striped Balloons: Oriental Trading (doesn’t look like they sell them anymore.)
Cake Stands: Martha Stewart for Macys
Milk Glass: Vintage, thrifted
Black and White Table Cloth: Ikea Fabric
Happy Birthday Banner: Oriental Trading
Black and White Striped treat boxes:  Zurchers
Gold Animals: Dollar Store and Michaels Dollar spot, spray painted gold
White Rectangle Platter: Tai Pan Trading
Gold and white bowl: Vintage, Thrifted
Black Tissue bunting: Oriental Trading or Zurchers

Family Travel // pink coral sand dunes

November 21, 2014

Last month we were craving a little adventure.  We looked at our options and decided to head to the Pink Coral Sand Dunes State Park in Southern Utah.  It was our first trip to the dunes, and it won’t be our last.
We packed up our sleds and headed to the top of the dune. 
The sleds didn’t move down the sand as fast as we would have liked (I think the lighter plastic ones would have been better) but, we still enjoyed ourselves.
There’s just something about running full speed down a giant mountain of sand.  I dare you not to smile. 
We stuck around, and watched the most glorious desert sunset with the sand in our toes and warmth of the sun on our faces.  It truly was one of the most memorable, magical days I’ve ever had.
To read and see more photos from our magical afternoon in the dessert, I am guest posting today over on The Salt Project Blog.  A new blog all about things to do with kids in Utah.
Also, speaking of traveling with children, Get Away Today is running a great Disneyland promotion I wanted to share with my readers, from Nov 24- Nov 30th!  They are offering Adults at kids’ prices on all their 3 day and longer park hopper tickets for all of 2015.  You can also save an additional $10 off each ticket with promo code, armelle14 
So, if you are looking for discounts and ways to save on your next Disney vacations, be sure to head over to Get Away Today and book quick!
{all photos by me from my Iphone}