Momma Dreamer

Today I'm guest posting over at grateful for a coffee break. Christine started the Momma Dreamers series for moms to share their stories of struggling with the balance of mothering and dreaming. Just because we're moms doesn't mean we have to give up our dreams, right? Click on over to read my story, from high school, to what I contemplated while studying abroad, to what I think lies ahead...

Disposable camera pic *gasp* from Torino, Italy {2005} 

We'll call losing my camera while partying studying abroad a life lesson learned.

Baby Boy Birthday/Shower Gifts

Aiden turned one last week and I put together transportation themed gifts for him. Doug doesn't understand why all my gifts must go together! Everything has to make sense. The Martha in me wouldn't have it any other way. I'm weird, I know.

Books - Go Dog Go {Target} and Things that Go {Barnes & Noble}
Transportation Bath Toys {a boutique in the neighborhood}
Cars and Trucks Crayon Roll {etsy shop Because I'm Me via Groopdealz}
Transportation Puzzle {Melissa & Doug from Toys R Us}
Thomas the Train {Kohl's}
New Balance Shoes {Nordstrom}
DIY Car Applique - I picked up a clearance long sleeved shirt and hand stitched a felt applique over the teddy bear that was already there. Remember, I have to have everything tie into the theme!
DIY Crinkle Airplane - Aiden loved my crinkle tag robot so much that I had to make a replacement! It's filled with a plastic bag and baby wipes bag to make a crinkle noise. I was inspired by this cute little guy, but mine didn't come out quite as cute. So no tutorial here (unless you ask, then I'll post one!).   Changing threads probably would've helped. But when it's late at night, I want a quick project!

Despite the imperfections, I'm happy to report that Aiden likes the wonky mismatched thread crinkle plane!

linked up here:

Photography Filled Weekend - Baby Sneak Peeks!

Whooowheee! These March babies really fill up my schedule! Here's a sneak peek of each lovely little one...

Last weekend I photographed my niece.  Erin's patiently awaiting her party. J You'll see more of her throughout the month as I help my sister in law plan the dol (Korean 1st birthday celebration).

My other sister in law's son, Aiden, turned one.  This weekend, we celebrated with dinner complete with hanbok, dduk and traditional doljanchi table.

Next up was Noah. Whenever I ooooh, ahhh and awwww over my photos of Noah, Doug says "You looooooooove him." How can you not love Noah's chubby soft skin, big brown eyes and sweet smile??

Lastly was Alex, the newest addition to lil mama's photo shoot family. This little big chubby boy is only 6 months old!

You'll see more of these precious faces in the next few weeks. What were you up to this weekend? It was a drive by myself with the sunroof open, sunglasses on and music blasting kind of weekend in Chicago. Meaning it's starting to warm up and feel like Spring! 

linked up here:

Wine Tasting & Lingerie Bridal Shower

With wedding season beginning in just a few months, bridal showers are in full swing as spring approaches. My friend Seema asked me for some ideas as she was hosting a blue and green wine tasting and lingerie bridal shower. Seema already had a ton of ideas in mind, so she definitely deserves most of the credit here! Before we take a look, let’s not forget the past shindigs that Seema’s hosted:

{click on the pictures to go to the post}

   

The bride’s mother is hosting a formal shower at home, so this small gathering was just for local girlfriends. It was a late afternoon affair for eleven ladies, but not too early for wine! Since cheesy bridal shower games weren’t their thing, they opted for a wine tasting instead. Luckily, Seema has a friend who is a sommelier. I wish I had one too!

Seema doesn’t have a car or much free time (she’s a lawyer afterall!), so she keeps decor simple and is a master at online shopping for party supplies. See below for her listing of vendors.

I love the simplicity of the dessert presentation. You can never go wrong with classic white square platters.

And the blue appetizer plates for the single cupcakes? Cuuute!

She also used the good ol' wrap an empty box trick to add height to the table. For cheap!

Fittingly for a lingerie bridal shower, one of the guests made some bra and thong cookies! (You can also order them off Etsy.)

Great job yet again, Seema! {All photos by her as well.}

Vendors
Banner – Etsy shop InspirationalBanners

Water Bottle Labels - www.beforetheidos.com

Favors - HeartWine Stoppers in White Quilted Cone Boxes with Tags from www.beau-coup.com

Blue Buckets - Target's $1 spot

Blue Appetizer Plates for cupcakes -  Marshall's

Napkins - LoveBird Printed Personalized Beverage Napkins  from www.beforetheidos.com

Blue and green glasses - Ikea (6 green; 6 blue)

Table cloth - Tablevogue purchased on Amazon
Green Lanterns – Had them on hand, from Target (small) and Pier 1 (large)

linked up here:

{Aiden} - 1 Year!

Today my nephew turns one! The last you saw him was when he was 100 days old (a Korean milestone). 

He is such a calm and soft spoken boy.

But when it was just the two of us, he gave me plenty of smiles!

Sometimes when I photograph children, I prefer when it’s just me and the child. Their eyes are on me and they pay attention to the silly noises I make we have fun hanging out.   

Happy Birthday, little man! We’ll see you soon for your dol (Korean 1^st birthday).

P52 {8} and {9} and A-Z

So two months into Project 52 and I've already failed! I missed week 8's "Cabin Fever" and week 9's "A Great Leap." But I'm ok with that because I was busy shooting for the A-Z 30 day challenge in February. And actually, I tied for the title of most improved! Hooray, I'm a winner!

Halfway through the class, I discovered an inspiring direction to take my series of photographs - my very own city of Chicago! Now that I have a comprehensive set of images, I can add personalized decor to my urban cozy home. As a winner in the Souvenir Foto School class, I get to pick an image for a 20x20 print. Which would you choose to go next to this Merchandise Mart framed print/painting?? I always have a hard time deciding on large purchases.

I already showed you some, but here are the rest...
A is for Apple Juice
B is for Bucket of Bottles with Balloons
C is for Cans of Crinkle Paper
D is for Daisy the Dog
E is for Elephant
F is for Flames
G is for Graffiti
H is for Human Heart
I is for Inside (of a white cantaloupe)
J is for Jingle Jangles

K is for Kimball

L is for Lines of Lights under the El in the Loop

M is for Midway
N is for Newspaper
O is for Old Ornate Clock

P is for Peaceful Playground

Q is for Quatrefoil at Quincy

R is for River
S is for Seal (of the city)
T is for Traffic in the Theater District

U is for Under the El

V is for Village (x5!)

W is for Wrigley Building

X is for Xes under the El Tracks

Y is for Yellow Lines

Z is for Zones (x4!)

Of all the letters, which one should I blow up (20x20)?

linked up with Shelley and:

As Seen On {Ucreate Parties}

Happy Friday everyone! Today, my Monster 1st birthday party is featured over at Ucreate Parties!

Ucreate found me through pinterest.

Which I’m not all that surprised by, considering these monsters are my most pinned items, by far!

Even though the party was a year ago, this Monster 1^st birthday party remains my #1 and #2 most visited posts.

Thanks Momma Tre for trusting me with Baby J’s special day! 

 

Hop on over to see what other great parties and ideas Ucreate features. Have a great weekend!