life lately

 this week has been a crazy week! 

i am officially making today, thursday my own friday. i have to sign off early to finalize everything for aston's  party this saturday. we also have family arriving tomorrow from out of town to celebrate his birthday and the long memorial weekend with us. and today is aston's  last day in school before summer so he is celebrating an end-of-school year water activity party with his classmates. so much to be excited about! 

thought i'd share a few favorites this week : 

• houston peeps, have you been to blow dry bar lately? humidity is back and my hair can't handle it. after a relaxing shampoo, i usually ask them to straighten my hair with a huge curling brush. i find that that technique adds huge volume on my thick hair that lasts for days. 
• i am a huge fan of chanel glossimer (in giggle and volupte) and ysl rouge volupte shine lipstick (in #16 and #7). both formulation are so light with lots of color pigmentation that's perfect for summer! 
• i stopped by michaels yesterday to pick up more party stuff and found this really cool inexpensive zebra glass tray for only $5! i LOVE that it's orange, pattern packed and has a zebra!
• ooooh i have to share my new favorite bronzer lorac with you. it's fast drying and i love the illuminizing sheen it leaves on my bronzed skin. it has a faint pleasant smell that i like too! 
• yesterday was aston's  kindergarten celebration graduation. the kids had a little presentation for the parents and we had a nice luncheon with everyone afterwards. i'll have to download pics from my big camera for that. but for now, this will do. so proud of all of them! 
• finally, i am just in love with my pom clutch made my albertina of mimosa lane. it is such a summer staple and i am actually taking it out again tonight for date night! 

huge thanks to julie for the Beautiful Mess iPhone app tip ~ this collage's fonts and patterns were created solely with that fun app! 

ENJOY THE MEMORIAL WEEKEND friends!

a vintage donald duck county fair birthday party

today i am excited to share another incredible party featuring an original cartoon character  with a vintage twist. mom patty  was featured here before with her amazing mickey halloween party and this time it's her son's 3rd birthday party inspired by his favorite cartoon character. 

with the perfect ranch venue, she was able to creatively display some of the most darling mini county fair - inspired decor such as the dessert display, perfectly crafted prize ribbons, photo booth and fun activities for all the kids!  

how cute is this popcorn cupcake ferris wheel stand? so perfect for the carnival theme!

the cutest birthday boy in his donald duck - inspired outfit! 

one last look on the gorgeous dessert display with patty's  sweet treat stand on centerstage! thanks patty for sharing!

for the complete sources and party details, pls see below! 

sources :

concept and styling : sweet treat stands

cupcake stand, ruffled tablecloth, bunting, backdrop, prize ribbons, cotton candy/popcorn booth and other props : sweet treat stands 

photography : wendhy jeffers photography

cake and cupcakes : fairy tale cakes

custom cookies (letter c & 3 orize ribbons) : sweet goosie girl

custom cookies (name, popcorn box, kernels, animal cupcke toppers) : batches

fresh cotton candy : sweetopia cotton candy

mini pie pops : sweet perfection

custom birthday poster : moulage collection

custom pageant sashes : jenna schaal

custom county fair raffle tickets : risa rocks it

paper straws, popcorn bags, wooden forks : DK delektables

burlap tablecloth and sacks : miss hettie

party venue : legends ranch

custom invitations and accessories : the blue egg events

custom lil boy shirts : the baer essentials

vintage donald duck illustrated and handkerchief : planet alissa 

vintage hanging donald & huey, dewy & lewey : lisa's old stuff

vintage donald duck & one bear book : county expressions 

disney steampunk handmade donald and daisy duck romantic silhouette charm bracelets : gears jewelry

red, white and blues

what are your plans this coming memorial day long weekend? maybe a picnic at the park or a bbq by the beach? or simply laying by the pool? wherever it may be ~ bring out the reds, whites and blues. along with stars and stripes! 

sources here

jack's marina and bait shop party

since it's birthday week celebration over here in our household, thought i'd feature some really original and amazing parties i've seen lately. first up today is of my friend nina's son jack's first birthday party last year. the jack's marina and bait shop - themed birthday party was inspired by it's party location, his grandparent's gorgeous lakeside home. 

the picturesque backyard with marina and dock is the perfect party venue for this special first birthday. i LOVE the nautical feel of the entire party with it's flag bunting decor, anchor logo, the fun hunt-for-shells activity and boatrides. 

 

the huge backyard was the setting for long tables dressed up in gingham tablecloths and giant balloons. so festive! 

this whole theme can also be perfect for a memorial weekend celebration if you have plans to hit the beach, lake or the pool. most public pools officially open memorial day weekend, so it's the perfect way to celebrate summer!

 

 

 

the cutest sweet sweet birthday boy with his beautiful mama. can't believe this was just last year! 

 

 

for the complete details and sources for jack's first birthday, please visit nina's blog post. thanks again nina  for sharing this special celebration and can't wait to see what you have up your sleeves for his second birthday!

visit according to nina
all photos by katie parrish photography

late sunday night craving

i love tarte makeup products and especially love their lipsurgence lip tint (i have the joy shade) and ever popular cheek stain. i found this limited edition awesome palette collection that you can switch out 2 other interchangeable pallettes in a convenient clutch that you can toss in your purse. the beautiful colors range from warm shimmer shades to cooler neutrals. it also comes with a lipgloss and removable mirror. all of that at such an amazing price of $32!

shop for it here!