mini aprons {a sewing, DIY post}

This month, I decided to sew a couple little aprons for some sweet girls in my life. One had a birthday {three years old!} and the other was for Christmas {my adorable niece}. I used my high school home-ec knowledge {and skills. MAD skills} and made my own pattern out of kraft paper. I used a simple cotton fabric and double-wide bias tape for the strings. I also cut out some heart shapes for cute little pockets. I forgot to take measurements before I wrapped them up but here are some pictures ... MINI aprons. How much cuter can you get??

Little heart pockets for cute little hands!

Pink dotted aprons for playing or helping in the kitchen!

I loved using my {grandma's} sewing machine ... it felt good to make something!

anchors aweigh! {a birthday bash post}

Did you know that that's the right way to spell "anchors aweigh"? It's not "anchors away" like so many people write. I was blown away when researching "sailor terminology" for O's birthday party. (Yes, I am that nerdy mom.) We planned a nautical party for him (of course) and I had so much fun. Lots of things were Pinterest-inspired and I was happy with how it all turned out! Here's a look at our little man's big day …

Fishbowls and vases full of candy and treats for our guests. 

(I had wanted to tie all of them around but the fishbowls were a bit TOO round!)

This clever label is a copy from Pinterest. 

In case your'e wondering, this is how we got blue punch … er, Ocean Water.

Lemonade

Raspberry Lemonade Kool-Aid Mix 

(to make it blue)

Sprite

Mix to taste. 

(Read: my husband made it. I have no idea what sort of portioning he used.)

My ah-may-zing sister-in-law, Justine (who also hosted the party) 

whipped up this chalk art to welcome people.

When she said "I'll write 'Happy Birthday Oakley' …" I was NOT expecting this.

But it was incredible (and VERY much appreciated!)

I made this banner out of construction paper … I had originally planned to cut them into triangles, which is why they aren't square, but ended up liking the rectangle look.

I got those striped bunting banners off Pinterest too. Find them (along with other pretty printables) here.

He loved his cupcake smash. 

Too much. 

It was awesome.

I did a little photo shoot for his birthday.

It took SO long to get this picture because he was so busy just being crazy & bouncing the balloons out of the crib constantly.

Cupcakes!

Chocolate Recipe

White Recipe

Buttercream Recipe

The cupcake liners and toppers are from DOLLARAMA! Yes. You read right. 

My good friend Krista found them for me! 

I took a picture of Oakley every month for a whole year and displayed the pictures at the party. 

It was really cool to see them all together! 

I was so blessed by all the friends and family who came to celebrate with us. We had a good time visiting and eating and eating and eating. (I may have gone a bit overboard on the whole food thing.)

I know Oakley won't remember his first birthday but it was more a celebration for Jordan and I and a chance to show appreciation to those people who helped us through his first year. It was a bit over the top but I was super pleased with it and will probably tone things down for the next few years until he can have an "actual" birthday party with little friends whose parents I don't need to feed too! 

Thanks for taking our little birthday bash tour! 

Nautical {a nursery tour}

I have wanted to post about my nursery since O was born ... I am so pleased with how it turned out & quite proud of my vision that came to fruition. But some kinks had to be worked out and I just needed to find the time to have it all clean, organized, picture-worthy AND be able to be in there for a while (read: when he's not napping - which seems like a lot/not enough all at the same time ...) So - nine months later, here it is. For you, Suzy.

Welcome! 

Crib close-up

Reading/Rocking Nook. {La-Z-Boy Rock/Recliner}
My sister made the pillow! 

The globe & lantern are from Value Village! Amazing finds! {Print & Shadow Box are DIYs)

This is a great change table. O is getting a bit big for it now but it's from IKEA if you're in the market.
{Baskets: Winners}

O's Blue Closet ... one of my favourite features of the room!
{Chalkboard boxes: Superstore}

DIY Magnetic Board 

DIY Atlas Pages Frame

My artsy sister did this up for O.
idea from here

My sisters went to Cali and brought this back for O. It's 18months and the shortest, widest onesie EVER.
So. In a frame it goes! 

Little shoes are so cute. His feet are finally big enough to fit them! 

DIY Nautical Flag Banner {BIG shout out to my SIL, Justine, who sewed the squares for me!}

Going through these pictures again I was just struck with how much love is in this nursery. So many people pitched in to bring it together and add the really meaningful little touches. We have one blessed little boy & I hope he will enjoy this room for years to come!