Mila Turned ONE

Last month we celebrated Mila's first birthday and my thirtieth birthday with a Gatsby themed bash. Our birthday, March 7th, happened to fall on a Saturday this year, so I wanted to throw a fun birthday twin party for my mini-me without breaking the bank.

Throwing a party can add up financially, but there are ways to significantly cut costs without cutting details and fun. Here are a few tips to help save cash, and still celebrate:

Advice #1, DIY! I created this DIY invitation using simple templates from adobe photoshop elements.

My biggest advice for decorations is DIY! Huge savings! I made the tassels for under $2, the cardstock paper fans for $1, and the glittered paper letters for $3 (I cut them with my Silhouette machine). I purchased the balloons, outdoor circle fans, and popcorn boxes from Oriental Trading. 

 

Advice #2, prioritize! My food advice is to keep it simple and prioritize. For me, I knew I wanted a fun cake and cotton candy, so I spent most of my food budget on those items. 

Advice #3, fancy it up! The easiest way to make an inexpensive item look like a million bucks is to add pretty details. I used personalized stickers from Tiny Prints on my popcorn boxes and applesauce squeezies. Ah, I just love little details!

Advice #4, Reuse! My favorite "reusable" decor item is my DIY chalkboard...oh, how I love to draw on that bad boy! 

I like to use fabric table linens instead of plastic so that I can reuse them at multiple events. Amazon has the best prices for table covers and runners. Also, reuse as much of the decorations as possible. I have two plastic boxes specifically for "party supplies", and I'll plan parties based on my current "inventory".

Advice #5, borrow! I borrowed picture frames, tables, chairs, and display boxes from friends. It all adds up! Maybe even borrow and share reused party decor?!

My final advice is to have fun! I was talking to some of my friends and they shared how they are tired of throwing pinterest inspired parties because it's getting out of hand or it's stressful. So then don't. At the end of the day, who's the party for? Personally, I love, I mean love, throwing parties. I love making the decorations, and love planning the details (I just don't bake...the kitchen and I aren't friends). Planning a party shouldn't be about competing for the best decorations and food, and you shouldn't feel pressured by pinterest. My hope in sharing these party tips, is to inspire other party lovers to save a little cash without sacrificing the fun in party planning. 

For more DIY tutorials and tips, go through my pinterest boards. Happy party planning!

Dear Mila

My sweet Mila! I'm so sorry that is has taken almost 9 months before writing your first letter. I've been meaning to sit down and write your letters, but life's busy moments have gotten the best of me. 

Since you've been born, you've brought so much joy into our lives. It's true what others say, a mother's heart expands so much to love each child unconditionally. I have so much love for you!

The first two months of your life were filled with love, and were also hard as we tried to figure out how to solve your acid reflux. Once we had your reflux under control you were a happy little baby. You started sleeping through the night by 4 months old, which helped daddy and I. Thank you for that!

You love your brother, Caleb, so much. You love to watch him play, and you try to crawl after him. You catch on to things quickly. You can sign a few words (more, milk, and clap), and you copy noises and actions. We call you a little parrot. You can sing along with songs, and have funny dance moves. You crawl and scoot backwards, and are trying really hard to go forward. 

You love running errands and getting out of the house. You are so observant! You love to watch people, and people love to talk to you and tell you how cute you are. Strangers tell me how I'm so lucky to have such a happy baby, but I know it's not luck...it's God's gift to me. After all, you were born on my birthday! I think God knew that I needed a calm and happy baby (especially since your brother is a "wild man"). 

You love your "eat, play, and sleep" schedule but you don't mind when we mess it up with outings. We even went on our first road trip to Alabama and you were an ANGEL! You truly are the best little baby! (We call you our easy child, but sshh don't tell your brother)

We love you and Caleb so much, and we can't image our lives without the both of you! We pray for Caleb and you daily, begging God to open your hearts and for y'all to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior! We pray that you and Caleb are dear friends, and love the Lord and others well; that you fear the Lord, and pursue Him will all your heart. 

We love you sweet Mila! Our little gracious gift.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Mila's Room

Mila's room is by far my favorite room in our house! I get a ton of questions from friends about where I purchased certain items, so I decided I would share my finds with everyone.

I have been dreaming of a turquoise striped nursery for years! And I gave my special birthday twin everything I would want in my room...and I literally gave her most of my childhood belongings!

 Wooden Monogram from here, Spray painted gold

 Pillow case sewn by a friend with the crib skirt fabric, stuffed animal from my aunt, and crib sheet from Candy Kirby Designs.

 Decorations were mine! Most of the books were hubby's and some were gifts.

 The bear basket was mine! And the shoes were a gift from a friend.

 I LOVE this crib sheet! And the quilt was sewn by a friend who used the white fabric from her hubby's grandma (either grandma or great-grandma). Vintage + Modern = in love!

 The cutie is mine hehe! The crib was this stud's crib from Carter's. The crib skirt was sewn by a friend, fabric is Michael Miller Textured Basics Shoreline Stripe Salmon from here.

 Dresser was a craiglist steal! I found it the weekend I found out I was pregnant, and I was praying for a GIRL! The Snow White poster was mine, and I bought a plain wooden frame 50% off at Hobby Lobby and spray painted it antique white. The smaller Snow White photo was mine from Disney World, original frame was spray painted antique white. Large gold frame is from Hobby Lobby 50% off, and image is from Deep Roots Shop. Circle frame is from Hobby Lobby, and the letter M is a cardboard letter from Hobby Lobby that I spray painted light pink. Small gold frame is from Ikea, and I designed the image.

 The pink bucket is from the dollar spot in Target, and I added a gold heart I made with my silhouette cameo. The gold confetti stickers are from Walls Need Love. (one package of the 2" gold dots)

 These curtains are my FAV! My sweet friend (who sewed everything in this room) also made these lovely curtains from this fabric.

 Wall paint is Benjamin Moore: Decorators White and Barely Teal (light tiffany blue in person) in Pearl Finish.

 The bookcase is from Ikea, and I spray painted it gold (same paint as the monogram). The rug is from Ikea.

 These are my dolls, and the texture book is from Sarah from Deep Roots Shop.

 I made the banner letters with my silhouette cameo, and my friend made the tassels.

 The pink dress was my baby dress. The 3 owl hooks are from World Market. And I made the wall art with my silhouette cameo.

 The nightlight was custom made from K and K Engravings in Dallas, TX.

 This sweet Proverbs 31:30 is my prayer for Mila, and can be purchased from Deep Roots Shop!

 My princess loves her room!

 And big brother does too!

And, I think I love Mila's room the most!