Friday's Party: Sunshine 1st Birthday

I LOVE this fun, colorful 1st Birthday celebration via Kara's Party Ideas.

From the sunny invites, to the child friendly food (cheerioss+milk, mini pan"cakes", doughnuts on a stick :), and the cutest idea ever... a time capsule for the birthday girl!

What a great way to pass on birthday wishes.

The Dress that Inspires

The early stages of planning Miss E's 1st Birthday party are under way and this is the dress {which she will be wearing} is where all the inspiration is coming from.

Pink+Ruffles+ Tulle= Love

Boon Giveaway

Don't forget to enter to win a Groovy + Modware set {in a color of your choice}

To see the giveaway click here!

Up to three ways to enter!

Weekend Getaway: AZ Winery

We decided to get out of town for the day this past weekend so we headed up north and spent the day up in the wine country of Northern Arizona. One of the wineries we spent time at was Paige Springs Cellars.

We enjoyed sampling several glasses of wine, walking around the vineyard, and the best part was having a picnic over a patio that overlooked the rushing waters of the creek.

It was a very pretty winery and a great way to spend a Saturday. We can't wait to return.

Boon Review and Giveaway!

The wonderful staff over at Boon inc have graciously given me a Groovy + Modware set to try out and best of all one of my lucky readers will be able to win one too!

Receiving the Groovy and Modware set comes at a great time as I've been wanting to introduce some soft finger foods to Miss E and this was the one feeding product from boon we do not own.

The Groovy + Modware set consists of a plate with two interlocking bowls, and the matching utensils. The Groovy plate has two small dipping bowls that attach anywhere to the edge of the plate which is a neat feature for small portions/sauces if you decide to use them.

The Modware set is great for toddlers who are not ready for adult tableware as there are no sharp edges. Due to miss E's age we have not been able to use the fork but we have used the spoon. The spoon is soft and gentle on her gums and she can easily eat off of the spoon at the young age of 7 months.

Both the Groovy+ Modware are BPA free, Phthalate free and PVC free. They're completely dishwasher safe which helps daily clean-up tremendously, and are recommended for ~9 months.

Would you like to win a Groovy + Modware set for your little one or give as a gift?

1) Visit boon.inc, then come back and leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite boon product is along with your email address.

2) Became a fan of boon.inc on Facebook. Leave me your email and a comment letting me know you did.

3) Are a follower of cherry blossoms ? If so, let me know with your email address and if you are not a follower become one today!

Contest is open till midnight MST August 2nd. Winner will be drawn by random.org with the winner being announced on August 3rd via a blog post! Contest is open to US Residents only.

Want to read more about boon products? More great information regarding boon products can be found via these links.

Boon News blog www.booninc.com/blog

Boon's Facebook Fan page www.facebook.com/booninc

Follow Boon on Twitter www.twitter.com/booninc

Thank you Boon.inc for the wonderful products and fun giveaway!

Good Luck!

cherry blossoms

Pausing the Memories

Twenty years ago we saw fear and sadness

tears were shed

my life that I knew changed before my young mind could grasp what truly was happening

I became a motherless daughter

life became full of trials and struggles as one tries to understand how to live a life with not having a mom

You learn your heart never forgets:

hearing your parents tell you that your mom is dying

1st Christmas and Birthday with no mom

Not having a mom present for your high school graduation

Seeing you off to college and graduating from college

Not having a mom seeing you get married

Not having a mom be present as you welcome a new life into the world

life moved on

memories stayed and kept us moving forward

you learn your heart holds onto memories

memories that will forever be in my heart:

picnics in the park

weekends trips to the zoo

bike rides

ice cream after swimming lessons

family holiday celebrations

birthday party celebrations

In twenty years my life has taught me a lot

I would never have made it if it wasn't for my sister. She is my rock

Not a day goes by that I know we made my mom proud

No matter how old or young you are every girl needs a mom

moms are amazing role models

20 years later and we still remember with an abundance of love

Love you Mom,

~h.j.r

images via we heart it

Friday's Party: Lets go Camping

I love this "Lets go Camping" party theme via Birthday Girl!

From the gingham bunting to the s'mores dessert table, to the adorable birthday cake I would say this is a camping experience I would not want to miss.

To read more about the details and the activities that went along with this party click here

What I'm Loving This Week

I heart these vintage mary janes for Miss E.

I heart this bird linen pillow cover

I heart this print

Wednesday Words...

via pinterest

Cupcakes in a Jar

It's a cupcake in a jar!

This is such a sweet idea for a birthday party favor or for serving dessert at a dinner party.

recipe via the kitchn

Naps are no longer for just the little ones..

Peaceful

Comfy

Colorful

I think it might be time for a nap

{image via pinterest}

Friday's Party: Lemonade and Cookies

What better way to cool down on a hot summer day than with lemonade and some yummy homemade cookies. This party or as seen here profitable lemonade stand is sure to be a hit among the neighborhood kids.

To see more adorable photos and the inside tips on how this lemonade stand was created

please visit one charming party.

PS: Did any of you ever make a lemonade stand when you were younger? I think having a lemonade stand is a must during the childhood years!

What I'm Loving This Week

Two of my favorite things: Kate Spade and black n white!

Loving these fun pieces.

Wednesday Words...

image via here

Watermelon Creations

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh fruit especially watermelon, one of my favorites.

Here are some fun, creative ways to enjoy watermelon.

These creations would also make great bbq center pieces.

images and instructions via taste of home

Our Summer Vacation

We spent ten days seeing family and friends. Miss E was a fantastic traveler on the plane and in the car. We were really surprised with how well she traveled as we have never taken a long road trip with her. One of our legs of the trip was a 7 hr car ride and she handled the ride better than her parents!

We spent a few days in Iowa visiting some of Chris's extended family which was a lot of fun. We then headed to my sister's lake cabin in Minnesota where we spent the 4th of July. We were able to spend a lot of time relaxing, playing in the water, and did a lot of boating which Miss E loved.

Lake Highlights:

{boating with cousin Miss C}

{baby's 1st Fourth of July}

We then made our way back to Minneapolis where we were able to spend quality time with our good friends and explore a city that we miss greatly. We spent a lot of time strolling around the lakes, eating ice cream at my favorite ice cream spot, shopping at Mall of America, and visiting the beautiful Minnehaha Falls.

{morning workout around Lake Calhoun}

{ice cream at my favorite ice cream spot!}

{shopping at American Girl. Miss E bought her bitty baby a new outfit!}

{family photo and sites from Minneahaha Falls}

The rest of our time was spent in the company of my best friends! I couldn't ask for better friends or for a better family getaway!