Monday, July 22, 2013

Here's the scoop


Photo from Boston Magazine


Our little Bean is turning 3 and we're looking forward to partying it up three-scoop style for her big day!



Invitations include a sweet little photo on the back of our girl enjoying a frozen treat.



Now the invitations are done, but there is still much party planning to do.

I love this old fashioned make your own sundae bar from Kara's Party Ideas, though I think we'll need to keep it a little simpler than this.



Loving these ice cream cone pinatas froOh Happy Day.


These ice cream cone bubbles found on Amazon could be a fun party favor.


Now to just figure out how to get all the party plans together in the next two weeks! 

Monday, July 15, 2013

A little laundry nook makeover

When we moved into this little 1900 dutch colonial, we knew we had our work cut out for us. The "to do" list was miles long and right up there at the top was this back room space that included the laundry. Since those first days, our laundry room has gone through quite a few changes. When we moved in, it looked like this—scary. 


And then during the big mud room/laundry nook/bathroom renovation project, it looked like this... not sure which was scarier, the before or the during.


Then finally, the walls were up and ready to move the washer dryer into their final place that we have dubbed the laundry nook.


And we topped it with these stained wood boards to create a finished countertop. The only problem is that the counter became a dumping place for just about everything and it often ended up looking like this. We decided it was time to tackle the laundry nook clutter.


First I found these Akurum cabinets at Ikea. The size was perfect to fit on each side of the window and the price was right at $37 a pop. 


But shipping was close to $50 so into the swagger wagon we went in search of cabinets with my little helpers.


Finally it was time to hang those babies up. After a quick half day instal project, voila!


We checked out some possibilities for a closed cabinet to go above the two side cabinets, but since it is a shallow space, we opted to build our own open shelf to sit above the cabinets. I kind of love how the dark wood crate and baskets look on the open shelf above the white cabinets.






What do you think? Makes all the difference in the world and I especially love having closed storage for my laundry and cleaning supplies!

Now to the rest of the "to do" list... 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Following up on the Fourth

10 days, 2 parties, and 34 kids later, I am recovered enough to write about the fantastic fun that is turning 5!  The highlights:

The party games never seem to be just for kids!

A little musical statues seemed to get the party rockin'!

Face painting fun - I'm still trying to find out which parent paid Rebecca to get the Union Jack

Group Shot Shouting "Go Yankees"!

Apart from the grocery delivery turning up 15 minutes before the party and running out of gas for the BBQ, I think it all went off well...Thanks to all our friends near and far for Rebecca's birthday wishes...we are loving these Love and Life Moments!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Happy Fourth of July!

This will be my 13th Fourth of July being an American living abroad.  More importantly, it is also my daughter's 5th birthday!  It is really frightening to me how fast the time is flying, and also how bad my memory is getting!  Her school has been learning about America this term which means instead of Hello Kitty and Princesses, she wants a "proper American BBQ" party.   Whilst planning said 5 year olds birthday party, I've found I can't remember much of what I did as a kid or what's American and what's British so I have 4 days to get it together!

1)  Love and Life Cards Custom invitations:

2)  Food:  Corn on the Cob, Speidie's  (if you are from Upstate New York they are a must and the kids are sure to eat them), Fruit skewers, Veggie Tray w/Ranch Dip, and a real bakery birthday cake from Costco.
3)  Party Games:  Three Legged Race, Balloon Relay, Limbo, and Egg and Spoon with medals for prizes to show the true meaning of American fun - competition!
4)  Activities:  Cupcake decorating, flag making, and a lemonade and popcorn stand (if I can find the right popcorn buckets)
5)  Party Bags:  Thanks to Claire for doing the party bags and to my Sister in Law Mary for bringing the most important ingredients - Candy!  MandM's and Smarties will be a nice treat as we can't get them over here.

What are your plans for the 4th?  Any traditions you could pass on to make our own celebrations complete?  Wishing you all a wonderful Independence Day from Love and Life Cards...