Winter Onederland

We celebrated my daughter's first birthday by throwing a Winter Onederland party in her honor.

But who are we kidding? The party was for us so we could spend time with all of our friends we haven't been able to see because we've been raising a baby this past year, lol!

My daughter recently turned one.

In my family we go all out for first and fifteenth birthdays.

So I had been planning this party for months in advance.

I decided to go with a Winter Onederland theme because my daughter, even as young as she is, is obsessed with Disney's Frozen. I didn't want to do the trendy Disney thing, so I decided to go with a theme that was a bit more timeless and classic.

I initially decided on the colors white, gold and silver. 

The addition of pale pink made my color scheme complete and more representative of a one year old's birthday party as opposed to a wedding or anniversary party.

It was a lovely party and clearly one we'll all remember, well,

except for the birthday girl... But that's why we took pictures!

Most vendors are located in the Central New York and Northern Utah area. Some links for items/ services will be found above the photograph. If a link is not specified more information can be provided upon request.

Dress/ Sash: Ava Madison Boutique (also available in ivory)

My Top: Banana Republic Factory

Photography: Sami Stanton Photography

These stunning photographs were taken by a dear family friend. We are pretty lucky to have a friend with such amazing talent.

If you live in either the Central New York Area, or even the Northern Utah Area (as she visits there quite frequently) you need to hit her up 

and have her capture the beautiful memories of your next event.

Smash Cake & Cupcakes : Robyn 

If you are having an event and you live in the Central New York area, you need my girl Robyn.

She is just as invested in your event as you are. Her attention to detail and flavor profile cannot be beat.

Don't even get me started on how delicious her baked goods are. 

Let's just say I ate one of the cupcakes for breakfast the next day and I am not ashamed.

More information can be made available upon request.

Cake Stand: My awesome mom and Dad contacted a lumber jack and cut these wood slices themselves. Contrary to my initial belief, this option was more affordable than purchasing them. However, if you don't have the time or tools to do this alone Bed Bath & Beyond provides a great alternative.

Letter "R": Hobby Lobby (then painted white)

Custom Birthday Hat: Amalia. 

Want an easy and affordable way to make your child's next birthday one of a kind?

Amalia's customizable birthday hats can be made in a variety of colors and sizes.

It's the simple touches that really add uniqueness to any party.

More information can be made available upon request.

Custom Gold Name Cake Topper: Blessed Blondies

Snowflake Sugar Cookies: Keeley 

If you are living in the northern Utah area you need some Keeley in your life.

She is a Guru of all things delicious and beautiful.

Her culinary finesse is, simply put, out of this world.

I would have never been able to make these myself. 

Glad I never have to!

More information can be made available upon request.

Cupcakes & Smash Cake: Robyn 

(see above post about smash cake)

Now for the fun ones:

Smash Cake Aftermath: 

Hot Cocoa Favors: I just saved up/ asked people for baby jars. Cleaned them with boiling water and scraped the glue off of them.

I then filled them with hot chocolate powder, shaved chocolate and mini marshmallows. I then attached 1/4 inch pink ribbon and used a snow flake cut out to attach to the ribbon. It was a very simple and affordable favor that I loved because it tied in with the Winter Onederland theme.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our little bean on her first birthday. While next year's party will not be as elaborate as this one, I had such fun putting this party together that I've already started pinning and researching for her 2nd birthday! I am so grateful for family and friends who were able to make it and celebrate my daughter's special day with us. How did we get to be so lucky?!?

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

What has been your favorite theme for one of your child's birthday parties? I would love to hear ideas or see pictures of parties you have thrown or been to! Post comments or pictures below!

My Summer Hiatus

I'm baaaa-aack! 

After going on a much needed vacation from life, I am happy to say that I am back and excited to start posting again. Stay tuned for more articles on how to continue to stay ahead of the fashion curve. So what was I up to these past 5 weeks?!? Look below to find out!

I am feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for being able to spend much needed time with my family and friends these past 5 weeks. I had not been back to my home town in almost 2 years. It was absolutely incredible to reconnect with loved ones. Sometimes it just takes a trip home to remember who you are and where you want to be. I'm so grateful to my many role models who encouraged me to believe in myself and helped to shape me into the person I am today.

P.S Don't forget to check out my August Favorites 

(see right of the screen)

"So, what the heck were you doing?"

The main reason for our trip was to join my extended family
 in celebrating my grandparent's golden anniversary. 
Below is a picture of 4 generations of women.

We were able to visit many beautiful state parks. 

This particular one was in Moravia, NY. 

I had forgotten the world could be so green... 

that's what happens when you live in a desert!

We were able to celebrate this little 

jelly bean's 1st birthday with so many loved ones. 

To celebrate, we took my daughter to the zoo. 

Here she is petting a Guinea Pig named Curly.

I have missed lakes with sandy shores. 

We literally went swimming everyday while we were there.

We went on many gorgeous hikes. 

This particular hike took us to the magnificent Pratt Falls.

Every little girl has a castle...

Here is just one of the many lovely views you can 

experience at Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay.

If you've never heard of it, you need to look it up now. 

It is such a beautiful yet tragic love story.

We also were able to go raspberry picking. 

We picked about 3 pounds of raspberries 

and made some delicious recipes including 

chocolate mousse with a raspberry sauce, raspberry 

tarts and scones.

Yummy!

:p

On our last day, we drove up to Buffalo and my daughter 

was able to experience the grandeur that is Niagara Falls. 

Although the American side of the falls isn't as "fun" 

as the Canadian side, the falls were still absolutely stunning.

I am so happy to be back. I missed researching and writing for you guys! What have you been up to this Summer? Stay tuned for more great fashion and lifestyle blog posts!