Happy Valentine's Day!

Real Party: Pirate Sip & See

My friend Megan helped to throw a Sip & See for her sister Emily, who recently had her second baby boy.  

The Pirate-themed Sip & See was held at a pizza restaurant, which let the hostesses bring in their own cupcakes. Isn't this pirate cupcake display the cutest?

I love how they used children's books to decorate the space. 

Pirates Don't Change Diapers and How I Became a Pirate served a guest books.

Pages from the books also decorated the tables and the backs of the chairs. 

Guests played a simple little game of Pirate trivia...

...and left with some pirate themed favors...root beers, and "booty on behalf of Captain Oliver".  The bags contained some pirate-y candies...think Swedish fish, root beer barrels, etc.

I am a firm believer that every baby deserves to be celebrated.  It isn't always practical or possible to throw a big, fancy shower for second or third babies though. I think Megan and the other hostesses did a great job with this Sip & See. Its simple, but still very special celebration for Emily's newest family member.  

You can see Emily's first baby showers here and here.  

And, speaking of Sip & See's and baby showers...do you have any coming up? If so, make sure you enter the giveaway!! 

Valentine's Day Chocolates...with a Twist!

My latest article over at Tablespoon features fun ideas for Valentine's Treats. 

 You still have time this weekend to whip up these fun, fruity treats for your sweetie!

Seriously easy & delicious!  Check it out here.

Giveaway: What to Expect Package!

When I was pregnant, the famous "What to Expect Before You are Expecting" book quickly became my go-to resource.  And now that I've got a little one, What to Expect the First Year is a book I frequently reach for.  All my questions can be answered in these pages.  

The kind folks at WhatToExpect.com have offered me an opportunity to share my love for these books with my readers.  Two lucky winners will receive a copy of What to Expect When You're Expecting, What to Expect the First Year, and What to Expect the Second Year! This is an awesome set of books to win if you are expecting or already a mom to a little one.  If you aren't either of these things, these books would make a great baby shower gift.  So everyone should enter! 

Here's the scoop on entering: 

The giveaway will run through next Thursday February 17th at midnight. I'll announce the winners next Friday the 18th. 

You can enter up to 6 times (please leave a separate comment for each & your email address): 

1. Follow this blog (or tell me if you already do)

2. Follow me on Twitter

3. Tweet about this giveaway

4. Blog about this giveaway

5.  Follow WhatToExpect on Twitter

6. Like WhatToExpect on Facebook

Here's the little snoozer I'm reading about lately...thought you might want to see an updated pic. ;) 

P.S. Are you excited for the star-packed movie based on the books coming out later this year? I am! That'll be one worth getting a babysitter for.  :)

image via

Real Party: Superbowl XLVI

As always, our friends Katie and Casey hosted the Super Bowl party, which included the 2nd annual Chili cook-off.  This is such a fun day! (And I don't watch a single minute of the game! -- who has time between sampling chilies, tending to baby, and catching up with friends?)

The house & yard looked great as always.  I love all the bright colors Katie used in her decor. 

There were lots of yummy desserts too.  I had a delicious s'more with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup...to die for! 

The hosts, and the winners of the chili cook-off!  

Please note the homemade spoon trophy by Casey. ;)

The first annual Chili Cook-off can be found here. 

And a previous Super Bowl party hosted by Katie and Casey can be found here.

Real Party: Purple Pinwheels 1st Birthday!

My friend Jocelyn's daughter Maddie recently turned 1, and she asked Lindsay and I to help with a theme and decorations for the celebration.  

We had such a great time putting together this pinwheel themed bash for sweet Maddie! 

My go-to-graphic designer, Jennafer of Oh Creative One, helped me with a pinwheel graphic that we featured throughout the party.  

We made dozens and dozens of paper pinwheels and stuck them everywhere we could think of.  We put them in vases, made a chandelier out of them, put them glass vessels, and lined them up along the mantle. 

The food table was flanked by balloons and a banner featuring pictures of Maddie from each month of her life.  Jocelyn served a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soup for lunch. 

Cupcakes were topped with mini pinwheels.

Cute little pinwheel tags were used on the party favors: gorgeous cake pops topped with pinwheels!

I made a little banner for Maddie's highchair.  And her mama made the adorable {cup}cake.  How cute is the birthday girl?! 

Happy Birthday Maddie! 

Vendors: (Who all did an amazing job coordinating with our colors and theme!)

Cupcakes: Sibby's Cupcakery

Cake Pops: Sweet Lauren Cakes

Lunch: Urban Bistro

Graphic Design: Oh Creative One

Photography: Lindsay Little