Bestie Baby Shower

This past weekend I had the opportunity to host a baby shower for my bestie, Sarah, in my hometown and absolutely had a blast. I met Sarah all the way back in 3rd grade when she transferred into my elementary school and along with my other bestie and shower hostess, Paige, we've been inseparable ever since.

When we found out that Sarah was expecting here first kiddo, a sweet baby boy named Eli, Paige and I knew we wanted to throw an extra special celebration. Inspired by Eli's black and white striped nursery with gold accents, we had a blast putting together ideas for the big bash.

We booked Love of Character, an adorable new boutique party store in Wichita, Kansas that doubles as a darling event venue, and loved how everything turned out! The owner, Mary, is an absolute doll and made our whole party so wonderful. Unfortunately I forgot my nice camera, by these photos will still do the trick... take a look! 

The 3 amigos!

Paige (left - who is also expecting), Sarah, and yours truly!

We decided on very simple white table with black and white striped plates, blue accessories, gold silverware, and of course some mini flower arrangements for a pop of color.

For the mid-afternoon shower we wanted to to feel playful and also have some tasty snacks! 

For food items, we did cheese and crackers, fruit and marshmallow fruit dip (so good), chicken salad, chocolate dipped pretzels, and the world's cutest cookies and cupcakes from by local pastry chef, Pastries by Calli Leigh. The cookies turned out SO cute!

We didn't want to do too many silly games, so we had a little side station where people could write fun messages on diapers, fill out a cute Wishes for Baby card, and then take a clothespin for a care-free shower game where you try to avoid saying the word baby. If anyone says "baby", you steal their pin, and the person with the most at the end won a fun prize!

After that, we moved into the good stuff... baby presents and photo taking!

Mom-to be, Sarah (she looked SO cute) and her mom, Janice.

My hometown besties! It was SO good to see them!

On the way out of the party, guests were welcome to shop the insanely cute party gifts and stationary at the front of the store. Personal favorites included Rifle Paper Co. products, balloons with confetti in them, a giant gold swan pool float, and adorable party plates!

Photos via Love of Character

For the invitation to guests and other party stationary items, like the Wishes for Baby card, we used DigiBudha Papperie on Etsy and loved how everything turned out! Cute online, but gorgeous in person and so easy to work with to get our desired look!

So all in all it was a wonderful shower where we made great memories and my dear friend Sarah felt very special. Woo hoo! It was so fun to not only get to be creative and have lots of fun projects, but also talk to my bestie Paige everyday in preparation. 

I am back in Kansas City now and am already missing those girls, but can't wait to be Auntie Meg this summer/fall! I'm ready to smooch some babies! :)

Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy

________________________________________________

Get 'em While They're Hot!

In case you've never swung by my Etsy blog (or even known it existed!), you totally should stop by. Especially now! All of my Cozy Couture Handmade headwraps are only $15 (lowest price all year!).

I'd love to make you an extra cute and super cozy accessory to keep you warm and stylish!
>> Check it out HERE!


Happy shopping my friends!

Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy

________________________________________________

Big Announcement + Sneak Peek!

I couldn't be more thrilled to announce my brand new endeavor. My Cozy Couture Handmade shop on Etsy is now moving to retail! That's right folks, RETAIL!

 (Read: What the heck am I doing?)

Here in Kansas City, we have "Warehouse Weekends", which is a monthly shopping event just west of downtown. It happens the first weekend of every month where cool old warehouse buildings come alive with vendors selling unique home decor, antiques, handmade items, and LOTS of great finds.

So of course I was completely humbled and excited when the lovely Geri Wurth, owner of Top Hat Mercantile, invited me to join her esteemed West Bottoms vendor team and sell my headwraps and handmade products.

And guess what? The big sale starts TOMORROW! Here's a sneak peek...

So in case any of my lovely KC gal pals want to drop by and check it out, I would love to see you! I will be on-site with the vendor team working the event for the Saturday afternoon portion, so please come say hi! 

I've been down setting up my space the last few nights and let me tell you, this holiday sale is going to be incredible. They have completely transformed this space into a creative wonderland. Everyone at Top Hat is so talented (and so gosh darn friendly!) - I already have my eye on some favorite finds to purchase ASAP!

In case you aren't in the KC area, please check-out my extensive handmade items up on my Etsy shop. Everything is handcrafted with love by your truly, so I would love to send something special your way! I will be posting lots of holiday baby items soon - stay tuned!

If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift, the headwraps usually sell out during the month of December - so go check them out! I LOVE making these cozy accessories! :)

A very special thanks to the many of you who have supported and encouraged what I love to do, and I can't thank you enough for your many purchases, well wishes, and love. You make my world go 'round!

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

Hope to see YOU this Saturday or drop by to shop anytime Friday (9-7 PM), Saturday (9-7 PM) & Sunday (11-3 PM):

_____________________

Top Hat Mercantile

1285 Hickory St.

KC, MO 64102

_____________________

xoxoxox!

Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

________________________________________________

The Essentials: Americana Swag

The 4th of July holiday is just a week away, and I couldn't be more antsy to get out to the cabin to celebrate with the fam! Every year we have a huge patriotic blow out and party the day away.

Family Olympics, kayaking, a cookout, fireworks over the pond, star gazing... you name it!

So of course, everyone is always out to one up each other by introducing their latest Americana swag. Little do they know, I've made a few purchases that I'm excited to debut! :)  Here are some awesome finds I came across. I think you will love them too!

1//  Three Bird Nest - Vintage American Flag Infinity Scarf

2//  Glam Up Fitness - American Flag Bow Tank 

3//  MackenziesMakings - Americana Turban 

(purchased!!)

4// The Monogram Line - Red, White & Cute Koozie

5// Pink Romashka - America Sunnies 

(purchased!)

6// Three Bird Nest - American Flag Leg Warmers

7// Southern Rustic Charm - Red Metallic Polka Dot Earrings

 8// Charlie Hustle Shop - Limited Edition USA Vintage Tee

(purchased!)

One thing is for sure, I will be decked out in red, white, and blue, and celebrating in style!

I already can't wait to hit the road for the family cabin, so we can sit on our red bench where Adam proposed under the fireworks 2 years ago (has it really been that long?).


How will you be celebrating?  
#merica

 

Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

________________________________________________

Adam's 30th Birthday Bash

Last Saturday evening was one of those moments that will forever be branded on my memory.
It was the perfect recipe for a stellar evening. KC local hole in the wall. Cold beer. Good food and even greater company. Mr. Evans turned the big 3-0 and celebrated with our nearest and dearest friends.

It all started when I asked, well begged, hubs to let me throw him a party. Once I wiggled a positive confirmation out of him, I began the hunt to find the perfect spot. After writing down a list of what would make this party uniquely for him, I knew I had to find an awesome local place that poured microbrews and international beers by the pint with a chill atmosphere.

So when I waltzed into Haus in the Martini Corner area of KC on a whim, I knew I hit the proverbial jackpot.

I was thrilled to sit down with Desmond Carr, the dynamic managing partner for Haus KC, to hammer out a game plan. Lucky for me, it wasn't too hard to come up with some great ideas after choosing some great items to serve off of their gourmet German pub themed menu. 

We also worked together on an idea to put together a special birthday beer flight, where Adam could pre-select four specialty beers for our friends to try at the party. I mean, what could possibly be more manly than German pub food and hand selected beers. It was a done deal.

Once details were finalized, it was time to focus on my favorite part - the creative side. I ordered these invites that I loved from 2 Bird Studios on Etsy (check them out - they were great to work with!) and before I knew it, the date was saved. I recruited my ever-so-crafty mother-in-law to help me with some simple DIY decor, and we were ready to party hardy, my friends.

 Adam's parents surprised him with a limo ride to the party, which was fun to see him so embarrassed by it. Once we got there, I loved how they laid out beer flight sheets at every table. When we ordered our tasters, they matched them to the description by placing them on the info sheet in order. I am pretty sure the beer nerd in Adam totally geeked out in that moment, and that made me smile from ear to ear.

Shortly after, friends and family from near and far started to arrive to celebrate how awesome my buddy is. We had a horrible time... can't you tell? ;)

 

We have such great friends and family. Some even traveled hundreds of miles just to make Adam's birthday special. It was perfect.

And just in case you wanted to see the best/worst photo of the night... here you go.

You're welcome.

Needless to say, we ate, drank, and went home merry. 

The perfect night.

PS - Don't miss out on the WEEK-LONG "Mingle Monday" link-up! Get some exposure for your blog HERE!

PPS - Don't forget to check out my awesome giveaway! Deadline is Thursday!