Barnyard Party

Our little Charlie turned 3 on November 2nd.  We threw her a barnyard party at a Farm here in Cincinnati.  We decided to do parties every other year so I was excited to plan something this year!

The kids had a great time running around, petting the animals, and having cake!  We loved having all the family and friends help us celebrate Charlie's birthday!

12 Month Photos

We had the wonderful Jax take Charlotte's 12 month photos.  We met her at the Cincinnati Nature Center on a beautiful fall day.  Unfortunately, after we got there, Derek realized he forgot to put an essential bag in the car and had to run home and get it.  Thus, there are a lot of photos of just Charlie and I!  And by the time he got back, Charlie was a little done with pictures.  But Jax is wonderful and still managed to capture some great family photos.

We brought a smash cake for Charlie and she did not disappoint.  She dug right in and got messy.  This was so much fun to watch!

celebrating a FIRST birthday

On November 2nd we celebrated Charlotte's first birthday.  It was so nice to have her party on her birthday.  Luckily, Derek got off of work and we were surrounded by friends and family to help birthday-girl party!

As all moms know, planning around nap times is essential in order to avoid melt downs during the party.  We thought a 3:30 party would be great with Charlie's schedule.  However, I was at a loss of what to do with the food.  After doing some searching on Pinterest, I came across a "popcorn bar."  I thought it would be perfect!

I was going to do a general fall theme but then the idea of a "Charlotte's Web" party sounded too perfect.  I had to do it before she was old enough to tell me that it was too cheesy ;)  I worked with Courtney to help come up with the invitation.  I sent her some inspiration which is essentially a rustic theme with a touch of Charlotte's Web.  Well, she blew me away her ideas!  I also had her design the popcorn bar signs and details.  Highly, highly, highly (!) recommend her.

Anyway, let's get to some pictures!

The favors were a used copy of Charlotte's Web.  The detail on the outside can be used as a bookmark.

These are the seasonings for the popcorn bar.

The chalkboard sign I created for our chalkboard...took me forever!  However, I have a template so let me know if anybody needs one :)

I did a collage of her smash cake photos done by the talented Jax

Popcorn Bar

Thanks to Anne for suggesting a cookbook for vegan cupcakes...they were so delicious and a huge hit at the party!

Mix-ins for the popcorn

This was Charlie's "look" all day, ha!  She was quite overwhelmed by all the people.

Charlie hanging out with all the guests including one her size...little Hendrik 

I could not stop smiling after the party...it was just so wonderful to have so many friends and family at our house celebrating our daughter's first birthday.  It's one thing when you have people supporting you, but it is completely another when they are there for your child.  We loved every second and could not thank everybody enough.

As far as our little girl, she's grown up so fast.  Remember this tiny thing?

We are so thankful that she is our daughter and couldn't have asked for anything more.  Happy birthday sweet girl :)

{Birthday} Weekend Recap!

Yesterday was my birthday and I have to say that the whole weekend was a celebration!!  I had the best time with friends and family.

Friday

Derek had a gift card to the Chart House and we had never been.  It is right on the river so I was excited for the great view and some seafood!  Typical family photo was first on the agenda though…



It’s been a while since we have taken one of these in front of our fireplace.  And from Brutus’ face, he was not amused :)




This was our view from our table.  It was such a great evening to watch the boats and sunset!


Saturday

We spent Saturday morning and afternoon in the nursery.  We were organizing and putting together furniture.  Doing this kind of stuff makes me soooo excited!

Saturday night, we drove up to Columbus and met Derek’s family at Scioto Downs for the horse races.  Derek’s Dad is really into horse racing; however, I’ve never been to any races nor have I ever done any betting on them.  WELL, I was so shocked with how fun it was!!!  Call it beginners luck or birthday luck, I was winning most of every round that I bet.  Once I doubled my money, I called it quits.  I’ve never won when gambling before so, I was a happy girl.



(Look at that baby bump!) I definitely want to go check out Cincinnati’s horse racing now!


Sunday


Sunday morning was spent with our friends.  They were so sweet and met us at Taste of Belgium downtown to celebrate my birthday!!  The food did not disappoint as always.  Chicken & waffles is just so darn yummy!

Sunday afternoon, we went to the outlets for some deals.  I really wanted to treat myself to a purse and I found just what I was looking for at the Michael Kors outlet.  We did some shopping for Derek as well at Banana Republic.  It was a success!

After meeting my Mom & Step-Dad for pizza at Mellow Mushroom, we walked outside and every single window, including the sunroof, was down in our car….as in complete access to my brand new purse and all of Derek’s items from BR.  HOW IN THE WORLD DID THIS HAPPEN?  We all just stood around the car looking at each other wondering 1) why and how are all the windows rolled down and 2) thanking our lucky stars that nobody stole anything.

After doing some research, we found out that with Acuras and Hondas, if you tap the unlock button twice on your key fob and then hold it down, it rolls all your windows down and puts your sunroof back.  We are guessing it got squished in Derek’s pocket while eating.  Our minds’ were blown!! 
I just want to send A HUGE thank you to everyone for making my birthday so special.  I definitely felt the love :)

Hope you had a great weekend!


Linking up with Sami!

You’re So Vain

Not You,

Me!

I’m serious, so don’t judge me….ok, you can.  I just couldn’t resist sharing this story.  Feel free to make fun!

SO, as you all know, this year was my 25th birthday!  Along with the big 2-5, comes getting a new license. 

Since we were going to Nashville for my birthday, I had to make sure I got that bad boy before we left.  So, I hurried to the BMV after work one day (1st bad decision). 

Wasn’t too busy or anything; so, I was considering myself a pretty lucky gal.  After giving them all my information, completed my eye test (20 20 vision thank you very much), and handed over a check, I was ready for the picture portion of this process!

I stepped over to the blue screen, looked right at the camera, titled my head down just a little bit (to slim the face, ya know), and gave a big smile.  I was feeling good about the photo because I wore a cute suit that day (red) and did my hair (BIG deal for me during the week).

The gentleman handed me my new license and after glancing at it, I thought OH MY GOODNESS!!!  It looked horrid.  I didn’t want to stand there and stare at it looking ridiculous, so I ducked out of there (2nd bad decision) immediately to take shelter in my car where I could stare at it in privacy.

Once I got to my car, I tried talking myself into being ok with the photo.  Let me paint a picture of you:  First, my eyes were barely open, I was scary pasty white, and my hair looked gross.  Ya, gross pretty much summed up the photo.  I mean I have to have this for FOUR WHOLE YEARS people!  You have to at least understand where I’m coming from at this point.

I forced myself to go home and forget about it….all the while thinking about how many times I’ll have to show it just at Nashville that weekend with all the bars.

I went into work the next day and had to show some other people to get their opinions.  At least strangers will tell me it looks ok, right?  WRONG!  They agreed I looked like garbage.  Now, I was panicking.  So….

…..I called the BMV.  Yes, that’s right.  Me on the phone asking some BMV worker for the ridiculous request to get my picture retaken.  Luckily, they were super nice and told me as long as it was within 24 hours, I could come in and get a new license….for free!  It was my lucky day!

I raced there after work, and as soon as I stepped in the BMV, I got so nervous.  It’s one thing to be on the phone placing this request, and it’s a whole 'nother ball game in person.  I just kept thinking (license for the next 4 years, next 4 years, etc.).  So I braved it, and stepped right up and asked the next BMV employee for a new photo.

THEY HATED ME!  And respectively so.  I mean, I was being ridiculous.  BUT, you could just tell I was ruining their day by being there and asking them to get a new license.  Ahhh, I felt so bad!

Needless to say, I tried to get out of there as soon as possible.  The guy taking my picture was so nice and offered for me to look at the photo before processing it on the license, and I was like noway!  I’ll take whatever it looked like.  I just wanted to high-tail out of there.

LOL, luckily I can live with my new photo because I do not want to step foot back in there for a while.

So, please go ahead and make fun of me…nothing can be as bad as the feeling being in that BMV asking for a new license because I didn’t like my photo : )

BIRTHDAY Weekend Recap….Y’all!!

Do you know where we went yet?

….What about now?

.….Now??

We went to NASHVILLE! 

So, we have never been there and I was soexcited!!  I thought Chicago was my most favorite city; and now, I’m thinking Nashville has taken it’s spot!  I loved every second and cannot wait to go back!  Wanna know what we did?  Ok, well let me show you!

We ATE a lot!

Friday night, we went to Capitol Grill.  Derek enjoyed Alaskan Salmon and I had the Beef Striploin!

Saturday afternoon we checked out Mitchell’s Delicatessen (did I mention this was my actual birthday?!?!).  This was the best deli ever! I had the turkey avocado sandwich (pictured above) and it was possibly the best turkey sandwich!  Yum!

We got Jeni’s Ice Cream afterwards!  THE best flavors: Pistachio & honey, brambleberry crisp, brown butter almond brittle, and The Buckeye State!  We tried them all!

Saturday night, we enjoyed Midtown Café.  I had the Gnocchi and Derek got the Scallops…yum!  We got the coconut cake for dessert and it was pretty heavenly….so delicious!

We LISTENED to live music!

We spent all of our time on Broadway listening to all the the live music.  It was the greatest!  I could listen to these bands all night!  Everybody was amazing and I couldn’t believe it!

Oh, and we JAMMED with Elvis!

Loved Nashville (if you couldn’t tell) and had a super great time with Derek!!  Thanks dear for planning my extra special birthday weekend!


Hope you had a great weekend too!

Read-ay to Part-ay!

I know I told you that this weekend is Derek’s birthday party…but I failed to mention exactly what we are doing!  I was going to hold off until our weekend recap on Monday, but I just couldn’t wait because I am so excited!!

We are hosting a Murder Mystery Party!  I’ve always wanted to go/throw this type of party.  I cannot wait to see how it goes.

Our theme is an 80’s high school reunion.  So, of course we will all be decked out in our 80’s gear and listening to the great 80’s music all night.  My outfit is interesting to say the least….I’ll be excited to show you guys on Monday!

Onto other news….

According to Radar Online, “Bethenny and Jason have both met with divorce lawyers, according to this week's edition of Star, and one source tells the magazine, “They are going to get a divorce … it’s imminent.””  You can read the article here

So, I know Star Magazine is not the most legit source, but I really hope these rumors are not true!!  I know she can be all winey about how she had such a hard past…blah blah blah (we all got issues Bethenny, get past em), but I just hope they stay together!  What are your thoughts?

Weekend Recap

I have an all encompassing weekend recap for you….Thursday-Monday!  I didn’t have time yesterday to do a recap because of, well you’ll find out!


Thursday- Shopping and drinks with friends

 

A nice-looking (not so good tasting unfortunately) glass of sangria at The Cheesecake Factory.  For more pictures, you can check out Lauren and Sarah's blog!


Friday- Meet up with some friends at The Wine Guy!  Loved catching up with these girlies.  I didn’t take any pictures, but you can see pictures on Miss Monica's blog!


Saturday- Did a lot of this:

And went to our first wedding of the season!!!  Again, I didn’t take any pictures…but instead, I stole borrowed a picture off of Facebook

Such a beautiful bride!!  Congratulations to Sarah & Jake!!


Sunday- Did more laundry and started a new book series

I know I’m late to the game with this, but I start reading Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy novels.  I have to admit, some of the story line is not believable, but Lauren is a pretty good writer!!


Monday- Work as usual…but it was a special day.  My man’s birthday!!!  Happy birthday to my husband…the big 26!  Yup, I went for an older man ladies :)  See, even though Derek’s only 14 months older than me (to the exact day!), I always give him such a hard time about him being so much “older”!  He knows I’m just joking but gives me , “the look” when I ask him how it feels to be late-twenties.  Haha, I totally know 26 is hardly late-twenties, but hey, whatever gets him going….I jump on!

Anyway, so for his birthday, we enjoyed a lovely meal at Eddie Merlot’s

It was soooo nice, they provided a free red velvet cheesecake with a little saucer of milk for Derek since it was his birthday!


Then….it was on to the good stuff, Dave & Buster’s!

We enjoyed 2 1/2 hours of game time!  We enjoyed basketball, skeeball, trivia, shooting, racing, and air hockey games!  Oh, and deal or no deal!  Seriously, my fav game!  And not to mention, I beat Derek in a hunting shooting game……..yes sir! 

So, sorry for the looooooong “weekend” recap…but hope you had a great one too!

Who’s ready for a 3-day weekend?!?!  Meeee!  We have Derek’s birthday party (and a special one at that…can’t wait to tell you!) & Taste of Cincinnati!  Can’t wait!