indigo baby shower featured on 100 layer cakelet

I'm really excited to finally share this baby shower I planned and hosted for my good friend, Jody and her family. It was recently featured on one of my favorite party planning blogs, 100 Layer Cakelet. 

When Jody first told us that she was expecting, Gary and I knew we wanted to throw them a shower especially since it is going to be a boy and their first is a sweet little girl named Olive. When we first started planning the party, Jody asked if she could design the invitations and chose a shibori inspired theme. I took it to heart and started to dye everything indigo blue in my house. It was so much fun making all the decor: lanterns, garlands, pillow covers, and table runners. 

As for the menu, I wanted to do some brunch finger foods. I put together some silver dollar pancake stacks, bite-size chicken and waffles, smokies with tater tots, and mini donuts. We had a lot of kids on the guest list, so a charcuterie spread is always a favorite with the little ones (and the big ones too). 

The cake was made by our amazingly talented friend, Sheila. 

The rope bowl favors are handmade by friend, Yoon Mi. And of course, Jody did the calligraphy on the note pads. 

It really was an honor to host this celebration for our friends. We love you guys so much. 

Photos by Sadaf Murad Photography

Read more on 100 Layer Cakelet here. 

the permitting process

Construction started a little less than 2 months ago. So far we've got a structural slab and some steel columns to show for it.

My last house post left off with acquiring permits. For this particular project, the drawings needed a stamp of approval from four departments in order to get building permits. Planning Department was taken care of with the Design Review. The Fire Department signed off right away with the assurance that an automated fire sprinkler system is provided.  In the state of California, that is required of all new construction, even a single-family residence.

Plan check with the Building Department and Public Works took a little longer, probably because of timing. I submitted the plans around the holidays, not the best time to do so. After a bit of chasing and added notes, we got our third sign off. The most frustration was with the Public Works Department. It was a negotiation of city improvement items PW requested us to pay for or do that we legally don't have to. After consulting with a lawyer, we realized that it would simply be faster (and less cost) to agree to these terms. Much to our dismay, we did but...  we FINALLY got permits!!!

Everything has been going smoothly and on schedule. However, the hard decisions are starting to fall on my desk, which have had a running theme of budget versus environmental responsibility. Why does all things eco-friendly have to cost more? Speaking of which, did you guys notice the radiant heating system being installed in the time-lapse video above?

life lately

Oh my gosh? Has it really been 8 months since I last posted?

A lot has happened since Christmas... all good things. I gave birth to two healthy little boys, Bryant and Hudson. If you're wondering, yes, they are identical twins. It turns out not only do I love making sweets and crafts, I love making babies too, so much that I made two at the same time.

Between keeping two babies (and a toddler) alive, I've also been handling the construction of our house. Yes, you heard right, we are finally building our house that we've struggled to get the design approved. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that already. The permitting process went relatively well despite the fact that it happened while we were transitioning from a family of 3 to a family of 5. I'll post more about that later.

Now that I'm 8 months postpartum, I'm starting to get back into the swing of things. On top of our house project, I've got a few renovations and additions in the works, one under construction and a couple others on paper. All very exciting and I can't wait to share with you all. So, to sum things up, life has been crazy and I'm loving it.

you color my world

I love how Austin's school organizes a variety of events for social development. This Friday, the toddlers are going to exchange Valentines to celebrate the holiday. Since the little guy is too young to actually make them himself, that task has fallen on me. I didn't want to just buy the premade cards from the store or give sugary candies. After a bit of research, I came across these cute crayon Valentines by Whipperberry, but I seriously didn't have time to put together 27 of them. So, I simplified it to just using the original crayons. I love the sweet message it gives without the hearts and xoxo's. 

happy wedding goers

We are invited to 10 weddings this year. So far, we are 5 for 10. All of these weddings are of friends or family that are very dear to either my, Gary's, or both our hearts. The plan is 10 for 10 if there are no emergencies or what not.

People often are amazed that we actually make it to most of the weddings we are invited to. Between the time and expense, it's just easier to "decline with regrets." But we usually don't, even though all the weddings require flying or a long drive. I have to admit, we did have to skip a few last year when we were pregnant with Austin. We were very sad to miss those, but at the same time we were awaiting our own bundle of joy. So, why do we actually go to most of these weddings we are invited to? There are many reasons why, but I'm just going to talk about a few major ones.

First and foremost, Gary and I LOVE weddings. We just love them. We loved every single one that we have attended. How could you not? You get to witness either one (or sometimes two) of your friends experience one of the most important milestones in their life. On top of that, there's champagne and CAKE!

Secondly, it takes us back to the root of what marriage is about and why we are married. Every wedding has its own style and message, but they all give us that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. We fall in love over and over again after each wedding. As an added bonus, I read once that to be happy in your life, you must fill it with happy events, such as weddings.

I'll just keep it short, so lastly, I see it as a movie (usually a romantic comedy) starring my friends. I've watched them go through ex-boy/girlfriends and then single life searching for the one. I've listened to all their stories and played wingman once or twice. I've even been there as the substitute girlfriend. And finally they are at the altar, the happy ending to the story.

{Handstamped cards from made by melis, Placecards and calligraphy from made by melis. Photos by made by melis & Clean Plate Pictures}

minted

My Style Board board by Melissa Hon Tsai. See more holiday cards

I recently submitted a few designs for Minted's christmas card contest. Come and vote for me. 

congrats, bonnie & kevin

Wedding season has began and we are kicking it off with two of my best friends are getting married. There are no words that can describe how excited and happy I am for them. They both have had such a huge impact in my life. I would not be where I am or who I am if it weren't for either of them. I feel so blessed to call them my friends. And now, the two are joining together in marriage. It's every girl's (who plays matchmaker) dream come true. Except I don't take credit for them getting together even though the spark was lit on Gary and my wedding day.  There were many parts that came into play, including Bonnie's maid of honor speech that charmed Kevin and a little too much time at the bar that emboldened Kevin to approach Bonnie. All I can say is that with a leap of faith and an open-heart, that is where we all find our happy endings. 

In the mist of their wedding planning, Bonnie asked me for help with their wedding paper goods. I was more than honored. They were looking for a floral design with the colors teal and orange. I was basically free to design something based one those few criteria. My favorite favorite thing are the placecards, which I was able to use my Silhouette cameo to create.

Congratulations, Bonnie & Kevin. I love you guys. 

You can now buy these placecards at my Etsy store.