Tuesday, April 14, 2015

How I Became Supermom

How I Became Supermom

My day was amazing. Up before dawn, took a 20-minute run, did some ab work, then moved into the kitchen. Had a moment of quiet and wrote out my list. Short today, really — after all, yesterday I accomplished so much. Then I started prepping that homemade oatmeal recipe I found on Pinterest, with organic berries and cream. Got coffee brewing, took a shower, did my hair perfectly, put my makeup on, and dressed like I was the makeover version of the person on What Not to Wear. Just then, right on the dot, the little ones let out a lovely "Morning, Momma" cry of joy, and I skipped to their room, ready and polished for my day.
I'm supermom. In my dreams. 
In reality? A good day, with those toddlers around, would be getting one, maybe even two or three, of all those things on the list accomplished, and that's working hard all day long. I've come to realize that this supermom thing is just a fallacy that so many of us chase day after day after day.
Let's stop trying to be supermom!
Parenting takes work. Parenting little ones takes a tremendous amount of work. There are no breaks in the mothering day when you have an always-busy 2-year-old wandering around. There are no awards for "Best Mothering Save" in the afternoon when you grab that marker from the 3-year-old's hand just as he's about to add a mustache to the baby. You work and work and work. But you live in a world where motherhood has this amazingly glamorous image.
We're supposed to have parties with children in white dresses and red fruit punch and twinkling lights and an amazing cake that looks like it was made by Duff from Ace of Cakes. What happened to the days of cupcakes from a box and Pin the Tail on the Donkey and water fights with the hose? They're still there. We just have to let go of the supermom ideal.
What you do as a mother day in and day out is amazing. Wiping noses, changing diapers, cooking dinners for people who don't like what you make, reading books — often the same one, again and again, cleaning floors, folding laundry, driving to and fro, chasing after toddlers at the park, blowing bubbles on the deck, and going without sleep. All of that stuff is amazing. It matters. That's a real supermom.
So these days, these ultrabusy days with those toddlers hanging around, you just remember that those Pinterest images, magazine articles, blog posts and such, they're just a snippet of someone's day. Who knows? It might have taken hours of prep and a great deal of mess to get that one picture perfectly pinned.
Do you want to know what really matters? Truly? It's being there for your kids.
Being the one who they come running to after they wipe out on their bike. Being the one that they want to sit and snuggle with in the morning. Being the mom who doesn't cry over spilled milk. Or over cereal on her freshly cleaned floors. Being the mom who just keeps trying. Day after day after day. 
They want you
Not supermom.
She's a fallacy anyways. 
Source: Popsugar Moms

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Darling Stop-Motion Pregnancy Announcement

Adorable Stop Motion Pregnancy Announcement on a Chalkboard Wall
Get ready for a whole lot of cute! Vivien Jordan of The Eclectic Press sent us this darling stop-motion pregnancy announcement she created with her husband Jon and they really, truly could not be any cuter in this video. It starts out with each of them showing things they love, and then Vivien uses her design skills to draw out the news on their chalkboard wall. After that they break into a little dance party at the joyful news. Too sweet! They used the the stop motion app iMotionHD to make it possible. Check it out below!

VENDORS AND ITEM SOURCES

SONG: "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" performed by Walk Off the Earth
VIDEO: Jon Jordan

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Whimsical Circus Themed Baby Shower

Whimsical Circus Themed Baby Shower
We've seen the circus theme done so many ways, but never have we seen it pulled off in such an upscale and sophisticated way! This baby shower designed by Belinda Lui of Bookt Events for her own sister is whimsical and fun with just the right touch of glam. Belinda found inspiration in the gorgeous invitations by Sugar Press and carried that look and feel throughout the whole event. The decor was full of surprises, from creatively detailed floral arrangements by French Buckets in bright primary colors that included gilded birdcages, ceramic zoo animals and miniature flags, to an array of vibrant paper lanterns hanging outside. The outdoor area was transformed into a big top tent draped in royal blue and ivory white taffeta, bringing a huge visual impact.
Guests were treated to a delicious menu by 24 Carrots Catering, that included a gourmet tea sandwich station. For some extra yumminess, guests enjoyed circus inspired treats like truffled parmesan popcorn, mini funnel cakes and caramel apples. A carousel cake by Wonderland Bakery made for a beautiful addition to the dessert table. 
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EVENT DESIGN: 
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Source: The Little Umbrella

Thursday, April 2, 2015

3 Tips For Creating The Perfect Easter Basket


An Easter basket is a quintessential part of this springtime holiday's celebration.
Here are three tips to designing the perfect basket every kid will love. 
3 Tips for Creating the Perfect Easter Basket

1. THINK OUTSIDE THE BASKET.

Traditional rattan baskets are beautiful, but don't be afraid to do something different. A colorful metal bucket personalized with kids' names is just as fun – plus, it lends a slightly industrial touch, which can be a nice contrast to Easter's typical pastels and brights. 

2. CREATE A CLEAN CANVAS TO SHOWCASE THE BOUNTY.

To show off dyed-egg masterpieces and pretty Easter gifts, stick to mostly neutral baskets. A creamy white basket fitted with a decorative white liner offers a simple, clean approach, while white Easter grass – rather than the shiny green variety – highlights the basket's bounty. 

3. MAKE IT PERSONAL.

Choose a liner for each child's basket based on the colors and patterns they love. Also, have each embroidered with their name to give everyone their own special look. 

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