How to Decorate a Party with Washi Tape & Gift Card Holder Tutorial

Since Linda is hosting a washi tape project party, I had to post a sneak peek of details from Erin's dol (Korean 1st birthday celebration). {First sneak peek here.} For the pink and green polka dot party, I used washi tape from Pick Your Plum in four different ways that are simple, but add a punch of color:

1. "Mat" frames.

2. Dress up white plates.

3.  Make a gift card holder.

Instructions on how to DIY a gift card holder from washi tape and cardstock:

4. Embellish paper goods {menus}.

The $4 rolls of washi tape went a long way to tie our pink and green 1st polka dot party together. Cheap, easy and cute is always a plus! I'm so pleased with how the party turned out. Full party post is in the works. Check back soon for more details!

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{Erin} - 1 Year

Yesterday was my niece’s 1^st birthday! Saturday was her dol (Korean 1^st birthday celebration) and pictures of the party will come in a few weeks {sneak peek here}. In the meantime, check out her 1 year photo session {sneak peek here}.

Erin definitely lost a lot of baby fat over the year and is thinning out to be a toddler! {Click on photos to go to each session.}

    

Last time in the basket!

Erin always has a few wardrobe changes. Remember how itty bitty she was on this bed at three months? Here she is now, fully capable of crawling and bouncing all over the place!

Popos for her bear!

We finished up our session with a smash cake. Unlike Noah who didn’t care for his cupcake, Erin was all over it!

Literally. All over the room. So funny! I believe Dad’s exact words regarding smash cakes were “Why do people do this?!” And to wash off all the buttery deliciousness of her strawberry shortcake, Erin cleaned up with a bath in the kitchen sink.

Happy birthday, baby girl!

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I'm a Photographer for Misha Media Bench Mob!

Did you all have a good weekend? Aside from Erin and Noah's birthday parties, I am proud to announce the launch of Misha Media Bench Mob, the associate photographer team behind Misha Media Photography.

I have been dying to spill the beans about this exciting team and at last - we are official! If you or someone you know needs wedding and/or engagement session photographers, we are it! We primarily serve the Chicagoland area but are also available for destination weddings.    

When you have a moment, please take a look at our portfolio, subscribe to our blog, like on us Facebook or simply keep us in mind when someone you know needs a wedding photographer!

Even while shooting for the Misha Media Bench Mob, I'll still be photographing children's/family portraits and party planning. Don't hesitate to email me if you need more info on photography or party planning services.

Pink & Green Polka Dot 1st Birthday Party: Sneak Peek

Earlier this month, it was my nephew’s first birthday. This weekend, it’s my niece's first birthday! You saw Erin get so big throughout the year. And now I’m planning her dol (Korean 1st birthday celebration). I think she's as excited as I am J

Here’s a sneak peek of party printables that I designed. I'm pretty high tech, using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and all.

Free patterns from Sprik Space, of course!

I can't wait to style the party tomorrow and photograph it all! Check back soon to see how we incorporate flowers, tulle, balloons and pictures with all these polka dots!

{Noah} - 1 Year

Last week I shared a sneak peek of Baby Noah, who turned one this past weekend! Look at how this sweet face has (or hasn't!) changed from one, three, six, nine and now 12 months....

{click on the picture to go to each session's post}

    

Noah wasn't acting his normal big gummy smiley self on the day of our shoot. Poor guy had a tooth come in that very day!

But he still managed some charming smiles J

Big Brother Elijah was more than happy to steal the spotlight while we let Noah deal with his tooth coming through.

He automatically struck this pose without any guidance. It caught me off guard!

Phew! A family photo where everyone is looking. It's tough keeping up with two toddler boys!

We ended the day on a sweet note. It's so funny watching how one year olds react to smash cakes. Everyone is so different! Mia didn't really want to touch hers, while Erin was a mess! (You'll see in a few weeks.) Noah didn't seem to care too much for his cupcake.

I hope you're all smiles for your party on Sunday little man!

I loved watching you get so big over the past year, Noah. I'll miss your sweet face!

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80 Degrees in March!!

Did you enjoy the gorgeous weather this weekend? 80 degrees and sunny in March!? It was unreal! We definitely made the most of it…

Doug and Mia (and Jeff) enjoyed the Lincoln Park Zoo while I photographed a few engagement sessions.

Then we went to Grandpa’s house for dinner in the backyard. I loved swinging in this very hammock over 20 years ago and the fact that my daughter loves to do the same! Love the smiles on their faces when they hang out.

Grandpa set up his fire pit so we could pretend to be camping, complete with marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers.

Sunday we started the day with a 1 year anniversary party at Mia’s ballet studio.

After cupcakes, dancing and cotton candy, we were off to see “Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales.”

Of course I had to make Mia a princess outfit! I surprised myself with how this free project turned out, considering I didn’t have any fabric or a plan of what I was going to do. I dug through my fabric stash and ended up repurposing the lining of an old skirt of mine into a Cinderella top and skirt for Mia! My only materials were the lining, ribbon, elastic and tulle.

For $11 each, we all enjoyed the (1.5 hour) show! There is something so classic and magical about Disney's characters. I'm glad they stand the test of time. Note: Bring cash for parking at the Akoo (formerly Rosemont) Theatre.  

To end our fun filled weekend, we spent the evening on the balcony. Mia did NOT want to come inside! While Doug and I each devoured ½ lb burgers and potato salad, Mia gobbled up 1 ½ corn on the cobs.

Love, love, love weekends like these! How did you spend it?

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