Christmas is always my favorite time of year but now that Beckett is really starting to participate, it's that much better!

I know it sounds silly, but picking out our Christmas cards really sets the tone of our holiday decor! I know, seems so silly, but it really does! We had our photos taken by our fav, Kristen Hafner Photography early, so when it was time to pick out our card suite, it was so easy!

You know how I adore Tiny Prints and how easy they make everything for parents- from the holiday cards, ornaments, stockings, and decor. I love working with them every year and this year was no exception!

 

I chose the Beaming Branches suite this year- it's classic, and a little playful! I love a classic card, and this was perfect along with our gorgeous photos! I, of course, ordered the matching address labels, too! 

Addressing each card is my favorite part- and this year was super fun, and time consuming. Yes, I hand addressed each card with a drawn on ribbon. I'm nuts, I know. But aren't they cute!?

I also love the tradition of getting Beckett a custom ornament documenting each holiday season! This year I got him the Tiny Prints Arctic Snow Bracket Metal ornament in Siren, and it's perfection!

Did you know Tiny Prints also has home decor? I'm obsessed with their pillows (seriously, they're amazing!) and they have the cutest holiday pillows that were the perfect addition to our new home! I love that you can dress up your couch with the simple addition of a custom pillow! I went with the Wonderful Swirls and Snowflake Frond pillows and they're such a fun, comfy holiday item! They have tons of great custom pillows- and they're currently on sale- getcha some! Be sure to check out Tiny Prints for all your holiday needs!

The season always starts off with a visit with Santa and a visit from Saint Nicholas. Beckett wasn't too sure about Santa this year and is still a little confused about Saint Nicolas Day, but he's happy about getting a surprise!

We went to Elves Farm this year to cut down our tree. While it wasn't as idyllic as this tree farm a few years ago, it was perfect for us and Beckett loved it!

He even helped cut and carry it!

We are all decked out and ready for Santa.. are you?

Just in (iPhone) Case!

So it's no question that my iPhone is constantly within an arms reach, so when I upgraded to my fancy schmancy (rose) Gold iPhone 6, finding a case was my new #1 Priority. Obviously.

Enter Shutterfly.

I'm a HUGE fan of the Shutterfly family of brands, so when I saw they had a bunch of new, customizable cases, I was sold. Not only do they have a bunch of totally adorable, easy to customize cases but they have cases for iPhone 4/4s, 5/5s, 5c, and 6 & 6Plus (.. aaand the Samsung Galaxy S3, 4 & 5 if your a non-apple person!). The cases are made of a really durable polycarbonate plastic and there is no need to remove the case to charge it! 

It took me forever to pick one out.. there are SO many cute choices, but I eventually settled on the Knitted and Nice iPhone case. You can pick the photo (Beckett, obviously!), the monogram font (Carolyna Pro Black) & color (Ink Spot), the finish (matte or glossy-- go matte, you won't be mad you did!) and you can also choose wether or not to include a removable silicon liner.

I added the silicon liner because isn't phone protection like a little tiny hug to you're favorite device? A little extra protection is key- especially for moms with toddlers like myself. Even though Mommy's new phone is hands off, there's always that chance that my little tator tot is going to swipe it out of my hands and toss it somewhere it isn't supposed to be... #momlife 

I had doubts about a 'printed' case too, I mean, who wouldn't? I keep my phone in and out of my back pocket pretty much on the daily, so there is a lot of rubbing in my jeans and pants. And let me tell you. This pretty little protective case has not only caught everyone's eyes, but it hasn't faded, rubbed off, chipped, nothing in the month i've had it. (Yes, I waited a whole month before writing this! I had to give it a proper test drive!) The case doesn't get in the way of any of the buttons or switches and doesn't interfere with the flash. It's the best case i've ever had. It's the real deal, y'all. 

So if you're in the market, check out what Shutterfly has to offer.. they are SO much more than photo prints!

PS...enter MOMSDAY through April 29, 2015 for 20% your order and use code FREESHIP through the 29th as well to get you free economy shipping for orders over $39.. or you can upgrade your shipping to expedited shipping through the 29th with orders over $39 with code UPGRADE (be sure to choose expedited shipping at check out!)

I received the case as a gift from Shutterfly (Thank you SO Much!), but the thoughts and opinions are all mine!

Beckett's 1st Birthday Bash!

Oh what fun, Beckett turned 1!

I still can't believe we have a 1 year old! We love him more and more everyday!

I started planning his party a month or so before his birthday (seriously, don't plan out much more than that or you'll drive yourself batty!) We knew we wanted to do something 'Curious George-y' but we didn't want to go overboard. Tiny Prints (my fav!) had an invitation that was my inspiration for the party. 

please excuse the awful 'photoshopping'. my laptop with my PhotoShop crashed and im having to supplement!

We used the Main Event: Bright Red Birthday Invitation suite (no longer available.. but check out all their other awesome 1st birthday designs here!).. including the invitations, thank you cards, and return labels and the Birthday Breakdown: Blue Moon personalized stamps. The colors of the invitations were the bread and butter to his party decor. It was a modern touch to primary colors.. a Bright Red, a Bold Yellow, and a Turquoise Blue! I loved how simple it was, but how big of an impact it made!

Since it was his 1st birthday, I went a little overboard. But then again, it's the 1st party he had and I was really thrifty, so whatever! I utilized the Dollar Tree and dollar section at Target, which was really helpful since they had all their red and white stuff for Valentine's Day! We did rent tables and chairs from Big D Party Rentals since we just moved in and don't have a house full of furniture. It was totally worth it!

We ordered Beckett's adorable Curious George Shirt from Monogram4Me on Etsy and Curious George plates, hats, balloons, and cups from Party City. 

I made the tissue paper garland (from Dollar Tree tissue paper!) and made his hat, Happy Birthday Beckett banner, cake banner, and used all my monthly instagram photos of him for a cute little banner to show everyone how much he's grown (we may still have this up because it's so damn cute!). Market Street did the smash cake, cake, cupcakes and food.. and it was SO GOOD. Plus, I didn't have to cook which was a plus! We had crostini, croissant sandwiches, veggies, fruit, hummus with pita and olives, chocolate dipped rice krispie treats that I made. Having all cold food was super helpful too. No making sure that everything was warm all day!

Instead of having a sign in book, we had everyone sign and leave little notes in a copy of 'Curious George and the Birthday Surprise' It'll be a great memento of his first birthday for years to come! I hope he keeps it forever! (wishful thinking, right?)

It was so emotional singing 'Happy Birthday!' to Beckett. I literally choked up as we were on either side of him singing. He's the best thing in the world and we are so happy he chose us! He definitely went to town on his smash cake.. like I said, he definitely has his mother's sweet tooth!

 

Beckett was showered with lots of love and gifts! He was such a trooper and even sat with us as 'he' opened his presents!

For favors, we gave out copies of Curious George Books, bubbles, with some candy. It was so hard to figure out what to give out! I hope they were a hit!

It was such a fun, beautiful day. Beckett is one lucky kid! I can't thank my Mom and Grandparents enough for helping out with everything too! We literally couldn't have done it without you! We love you guys and are SO thankful for you!

We spent his actual birthday doing what Beckett loves best.. eating pancakes, and swinging and sliding at the park! I can't wait to celebrate next year and every year after with this cutie!

...and as a bonus, here's us singing 'Happy Birthday' and Beckett smashing his cake! Thanks to my brother Nic for the video!!