How Will I Know?

"How will I know if he really loves me?"
Well, he bakes me a Whitney Houston cake for my birthday.

Lots of Dots!

Liam's first birthday was a great reason for me to put my creative hat back on and get to work. I figured I'd better take advantage of these first couple years when he doesn't have an opinion on what kind of party he wants. So, a polka dot party it was!

The backdrop were paper dots sewn together to make a garland. Super-duper easy and a little addicting. I was sort of planning all of the places I could hang dot garland all over the house (which I decided could be in every room).

No party is complete without Martha's poufs. I added pictures of Liam framed by colored dots. The containers are all food containers and glass vases with floral foam to hold dowels in place.

I designed labels for the water bottles and beer bottles. "Mommy & Daddy bottles" and "{not for} Liam" :)

These Nutella cupcakes are thanks to Your Cup of Cake.

The orange polka dot picks were made from ribbon attached to a toothpick. The cupcake stand is a cardboard cake circle covered with paper and trimmed with ribbon. I placed it on a couple of ramekins for an instant cake stand.

Vanilla cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. These cupcakes were a recipe from Martha and were so-so, so I won't link to it. I designed the graphics and attached them to toothpicks. I also placed the cupcakes in another liner because my cupcake liners always look yucky after baking. Not sure if there's a tip out there to make them look as good as they do before baking?

My fabulous family frosted the cookie stacks. The recipe for this fluffy sugar cookie can be found here. They are truly delicious!!

All of the food was round. Fruit kabobs, pesto pinwheels, caprese salad and pizza (not pictured).

I cut paper circles (with a circle cutter!) and had people write either a memory of Liam or a wish for him for his second year. The plan is to put them in a book for him along with photos from his birthday.

I also made a polka dot birthday hat for him which he wore just long enough to snap a few pictures. Was it worth it? Heck, yes!

It was a very good party!

Best Creation Ever

I've made a lot of things in my life, but none of them can compare to this little guy!

The first minutes of life: Note how mommy isn't wearing a hospital gown — there was no time!!

Wouldn't It Be Awesome If . . .

I'm featured on my friend Aubre's blog today!
Every Wednesday she features a "Wouldn't It Be Awesome If" post. Take a look at mine.

Aubre's blog is full of great tips for technology, fashion, DIY and pop culture. I like reading her blog because she sifts through a lot of the gunk on the web and gives me good info that I can actually use. Read her blog and bookmark it. You won't be disappointed!

Painting on Fabric

I tried my hand at fabric painting this week.
I quickly learned what worked for me and what didn't.
My first projects were a perfect fit for Regretsy. (not shown!)

Stencils seemed to work best for me. Most of the stencils were purchased but they can also be cut. This requires much patience.

April Showers

My awesome sister is pregnant! I threw her her first shower this weekend. I went with the theme of "April Showers." We had the shower at a cute little cafe in a town not far from here.

A Peek Inside . . .

Some snapshots of my cube at work.

Bid on Me

Every year we have a silent auction at work to raise money for the United Way. Every year I donate a couple monkeys. Every year I'm doing this the night before it's due. Every. Year.

Only this year they changed the date AFTER I submitted them. So now I'm, like, ahead of schedule. Here's a sneak peek:

        

So long, Kristi

One of my former supervisors left the company. She saw potential in me and gave me an opportunity that I'll treasure for my whole life. Thanks, KT! 

And for you, a monkey! (Which I told her was a "forever hug".)

The Sweater Project

A while back a co-worker asked if I'd make one of her daughter's sweaters (which she'd outgrown) into a cute creature. My friend Katie saw the post on my blog and asked if I'd do the same for her son, Logan. I'm always nervous making the first cut but if it's one thing I've learned it's that creativity can explode with greatness from mishaps. 

This sweater is from Chez Ami and I just have to put in a plug for their quality. As I was deconstructing the sweater I noticed how well-made it is.

I wanted the "L" to be special so I turned it into a cape! 

Judging by the look on Logan's face, he loves it. 

{P.S. How sweet is Logan?}

Dan

This is Dan's studio.

I love going in here when he's not around.
I love being surrounded by the things he's created. It's like his presence is there.
I love seeing him when he is in there.
I love that he is so happy when he is doing what he loves the most.
I love, I love!

{p.s. How talented is he?!}

To My Valentine

Thank you for being the perfect balance in my life.
I love you.

{Tulips from Dan}

{The worlds of Jessica and Dan collide on a table top: gardening & graphic novels}

Cupcake Delivery

I left a valentine surprise at Shannon and Dave's house.
(Inside the box: apple cupcake with cream cheese frosting AND chocolate cupcake with chocolate peanut butter frosting)
I was trusting that Shannon would get home before a squirrel paid a visit.

For the boys

Shannon and I got together to make valentines for Dave and Dan. Later that afternoon I was talking to my dad on the phone and when I told him what Shan and I did that morning his response was something like, "Felt fortune cookies? So what are they supposed to do with those?"
I think there needs to be more holidays concocted to give a reason for women to give gifts to women. About 7 years ago my friends and I celebrated "Pal-entine's Day." Maybe I should send that idea to Hallmark.
Back to my dad's remark. I'm sure Dan will have the same question. So, Dan, when you read this you have my permission to do whatever you'd like with them. Perhaps pay it forward by giving them to someone you feel lucky to have in your life? Hmm?

for grandma

One of my favorite things to do is to send packages to my grandma. For Valentine's Day I made her a book made out of brown lunch sacks. The book was "10 Things I Love About You." 

Super Sweet Valentines

Need an easy Valentine idea? 

This is my old standby. It works for every occasion—especially the one on February 14th (Sunday, everyone!).

You will need the supplies listed in the photo to replicate the ones I made. However, rounded corners and “phat” staples aren’t necessary (straight corners and a regular stapler will work just fine). These are the stickers I used.

Craft supply stores will have everything you need — even the candy!