Her Very Own Party With...

Chuck E. Cheese himself!
Every year we have had Zella's birthday party at home so it made sense that Zella wanted a change of scenery. This past Saturday we had her 5th birthday party at the place "Where a kid can be a kid!" but of course she still wanted a Monster High theme so I brought along these yummy cupcakes I made the night before.

And these Monster High goodie bags filled with lots of goodies that also stayed with the theme.

She had lots of fun with family and close friends.


She quickly made a birthday wish and blew out her candle.

Although I truly believe all of her wishes have already came true. :)

M-O-N-S-T-E-R, Monster, Monster, so Bizarre!

Yes my girls are true Monster High fans and of course when asked what kind of birthday party theme Zella wanted this year she screamed, "Monster High!" Abbey Abominable and Nefera De Nile are her two current favorites.
Heidi of The Closet of Eden made her fun and funky Monster High birthday set. It has Abbey Abominable appliqued on the front of the top and that famous Monster High skull with pink bow is featured on the front of the skirt. Those whimsical ruffles on the skirt and shirt sleeves are my favorite!

I made the leg warmers to match the stripe fabric used on the skirt.

Her adorable top hat was created by Marie-leigh'chelle Boutique. I adore that sparkly heart. Zella calls it her Mad Hatter hat.

Zella absolutely LOVES her new birthday outfit and can't wait to show it off at her birthday party this weekend!

5 Years Ago today...

5 years ago today we welcomed a sweet little princess into our lives and we thank God every day that he brought her to us to raise, protect, cherish, and love in good times and in bad. Happy Birthday Zella! We love you so much!

Happily Ever After

Last week Zella modeled the prettiest Princess set made by Jayne of Baby*Grace*Design. I believe it was for DillyDally's Famous Couple's launch. Zella loved this outfit and told me she felt like a princess while wearing it. Last Friday was a cold day here in Ohio with the highs only reaching 25-30 degrees so we modeled the set indoors at the Hayner Cutural Center where the girls have their art classes. It is such a beautiful building with lots of windows to give off wonderful natural lighting so I was pleased with my very first indoor modeling shoot. I just love the hood on the back of the top. So fun and whimsical!

And the detail of the applique of Cinderella and her Prince Charming is incredible!

We had so much fun modeling this set for Jayne!

You Got Mail!

Valentine's Day has to be one of my favorite holidays. I adore all things pink and red, topped off with hearts. This year Xiera had to make her own Valentine box at home. She said she wanted to be unique and bring in something other than a shoebox or oatmeal shaped container. She suggested a mailbox shaped box. I searched and searched online and finally found a website that inspired the perfect box.

I found an old clothing box lid downstairs and cut off three of it's sides.

Then I used wrapping paper, (I found a roll of wrapping paper with roses on it that I purchased awhile back at the local Dollar Tree store.) and wrapped up the largest part of the box lid and the side I did not cut off.

After wrapping, I folded the box into the shape of a mailbox using the side as the bottom of the mailbox. Using box tape, I taped it together.

I then took a piece of pink cardstock paper and traced the end of the mailbox. I drew a few tabs all the way around and a larger one for the end and cut it out taping the tabs to the inside of the box.

Next, I traced the front opening and drew only the bottom flap.

After cutting it out, I taped the bottom flap to the bottom inside of the box.
I took a hole punch and punched a hole on the top front of the box and top of the front lid.

I used a scrap piece of ribbon and threaded it through both holes. This is what we used to open and shut the mailbox, tieing the ribbon into a bow to close the box and untieing it to open. I also used a little box tape around both holes to make them sturdier and less likely to rip and tear.

I took my pencil and poked two holes at the top.

I then threaded a scrap piece of ribbon through both holes and tied a knot. I pushed the knot through one of the holes to make a ribbon handle. I used box tape again around both holes to make the holes sturdy. I used a scrap piece of red construction paper to create a flag. After cutting it out, I realized how flimsy it was, so I glued the flag to one of the leftover sides that I had cut off from the box.

After cutting out, I attached the flag to the box using a brad.
Xiera then decorated it with sequins, buttons, fake flowers, and foam letters and shapes to make it her own.


I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!