Recently (Thanksgiving, Christmas, a birthday party & everything in between)

It's the end of another year...ummm since when?? I feel like 2013 went by so quickly and when I wake up tomorrow, it will be January 1, 2014!!
These past couple months have been a bit hectic but have been the start of new beginnings. We moved into our new home together, hosted Thanksgiving, hosted Levi's 2nd bday party, hosted Christmas breakfast, I reopened my shop after a 2 1/2 week break and in 2 more days, I have a laproscopic surgery. Needless to say, the blog has been going untouched for days...even weeks at time.
I haven't blogged a "recently" post in a while to I figured the last day of 2013 would be a good time. Here's a little photo montage from the past couple months.

Moving into the new craft studio. I am in love with my gold polka dots from Polka Dot Wall Stickers!

Our first Thanksgiving in our new home.

Levi's 2nd birthday party (blog post here).

Friend time! My sisters since 1st grade! 

Back to work. The night I re-opened shop.

Got to be a part of this beautiful shoot by Cortnie Dee! This gold and ivory floral crown has made its debut. Get this piece in the shop!

Received some happy mail from a Christmas Swap. Thank you Colleen! By the way, I am LOVING the book, The Happiness Project! So inspiring!!

I also sent some happy mail...

I started my 'pieces of my heart' map where I began to pin the different countries that I've shipped hand made items to. I realized 2 things, I need a separate (and much larger) map of the U.S. and I need many more pins...I ran out. I may not be able to travel the world like I'd want to but I certainly have little pieces of my heart scattered throughout the world and that is enough to make me smile. :) Thank you to all who have helped turn my passion into so much more!

Some local packages were sent out of the craft room...

Our Christmas. Hosted breakfast at our house, had lunch at my MIL's then had dinner at my FIL's. It was SUCH a great family day!!

Christmas afternoon.

Levi got his first car!

Home. Our Christmas night.

Working on new designs for the new line of floral crowns debuting in January. See a sneak peek of these pretty pieces on Instagram.

Last but not least, a good reminder when you are jotting down you New Year resolutions...

Have a beautiful New Year my friends! I pray it brings many blessings and opportunities for you and your families. :) 

I am starting mine out with surgery, 3 photo shoots, a new line, Creative Tea Time and a trip to New York in April...sounds about right.

Last Minute DIY Christmas Ornaments

The other night while going through the organizing stages of my craft room, I got a bit side-tracked (not the first time) & instead of cleaning up, I ended up creating new Christmas ornaments! I found 2 clear ornaments and decided that I needed to use them within our tree decor since I have yet to finished holiday decorating.

Here's what I did:

I used gold beaded ribbon. For the large ornament, I used about 40" and the small about 25".
Cut strips of old book pages (you can also use old music sheets).
Cut 2 small strips of burlap and lace for each ornament (about 5" each).

I placed the gold bead strand inside of the ornaments first.
Then, one by one, I placed the strips of book pages inside and tried to place them around the ornaments in different angles.
Once I filled them up, I put the top on and tied a burlap and lace fabric strip to each.

VOILA! Super easy, unique and they go perfectly with our neutral/rustic living room decor.

Have a beautiful Christmas my friends!

Levi Turns 2-A Balloon & Adventure Themed Birthday

It's been about 2 weeks now and I am finally getting around to blogging my baby love's birthday party. Whew!

My little man turned 2 at the beginning of the month (read his "birthday letter"). Where did the time go?! This year, we hosted his birthday party in our very own home. Last year, we hosted it at our dear friend's house because at the time, our little home wouldn't fit all of the guests. Since we've moved into our new place, (which is double the size), we were so excited to have all of our family and friend's over to celebrate this occasion. Mind you though, there were about 40 guests and we quickly learned...our home was still lacking the space we needed but it was so good to see everyone we loved under one roof. :)

It was a very cold day with a storm coming in and snow flurries hitting the ground. Hello December weather! With everyone mingling in the kitchen and living room, the kids ran a muck with paper yo-yos in hand and small balloons static clinging to their heads. It was so funny!

For decor, I wanted to keep it simple this year since we had just moved in only a few weeks ago. Levi is OBSESSED with balloons so I decided on a balloon theme with a bit of "adventure" thrown in. Within just a couple of days, I put everything together with the help of my wonderful husband. We blew up balloons to create little floating hot air balloons and made a cake topper and a few garland strands with several mini balloons. I also cut out cloud shapes to hang on 2 of the walls (hard to see in the photos) and used several decor pieces that I already had from previous parties or around the house.

For food, we went with a "picnic theme" and had croissant sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mac n' cheese, watermelon, grapes, potato salad, cole slaw and flavored sodas along with lemonade. I felt like a kid and that was just fine with me. :)

As we all sang Happy Birthday to Levi, he had the BIGGEST smile as he looked around and admired the attention. He loved every minute of it and as soon as we finished, he clapped. That was my favorite moment of the day.

Here is a little peek into Levi's 2nd birthday party.

My sweet baby bug.

My adorable niece,

That SMILE!

Photo taken by GPMcCash ("G Pa")

Photo taken by GPMcCash ("G Pa")

So thankful for my family-my heart.

I love you little man and I am so proud to be your mommy. Forever my baby you'll be.

Dream catchers INSTASALE today at 2pm! Lace, Beading and Feathers-OH MY!

I'm hosting a little Instasale today at 2pm PST on my handmade dream catchers! After creating a few for others, I have been asked several times about making more. As of right now, these pretty pieces aren't available in the shop so get yours today through my Instagram sale. There will only be a VERY limited amount of dream catchers that will be posted so please don't hesitate.
I may be taking a few custom orders as well if you have them. Please send me an email: lovesparklepretty@aol.com if you wish to place a custom order. Thank you so much!

Here are the dream catchers that will be available on the Instasale and ready to ship.

 You can purchase these on my Instagram at 2pm PST by leaving your Paypal email address in the comments below each photo. Once invoices are sent, they must be paid within 24 hours or the next person in line will be able to purchase.

Thank you so much! :)

Happy Friday!

A Birthday Letter to My Dearest

Two years ago today, my husband and I were given the very best blessing we could have ever prayed for. On December 2, 2011 at 11:01 am, we welcomed a little 6lb 11oz baby boy into this world. That sweet bundle of love has changed our lives forever.

Before I became a mother, I thought I knew what love was, I thought I learned to be selfless and I thought I knew what made me happy. 

Dearest Levi, 

When my eyes first met yours, my heart became bigger, my smile wider, my hugs tighter and my tears heavier. You have brought so much joy to my life and I thank Jesus every day for you, including every night as you fall asleep as daddy and I sing "Jesus Loves You".

Although I get tired and worn out much sooner than you do, I am thankful for your endless creativity and bounds of energy. If only I could bottle up just a bit of your endurance and fearlessness, we could soar to the moon and back. 

My hope for you is that you will follow the path that the Lord has set for you, you won't let any fears overcome your purpose, you will love big and you will hold tight to your creative imagination. You are so incredibly smart little one. You will do amazing things!

It has been 2 years of being a mommy to you and I couldn't imagine life without you. You have taught me so much more than I could have ever dreamed and you helped make me a better person. I am eternally grateful.

You will forever be my baby.

I love you so SO much!!

Happy birthday bug!!

Love, 

Mommy

P.S. When you wake up from your nap in a few minutes we will be going to pick out a fish for your birthday gift. You are infatuated with them and today, you will have your very own "fishy". <3