first birthday fun

As mentioned we spent A's actual birthday in Missouri with my family.  It was a low key, lovely day.  And it couldn't have been more perfect.  My mom made her a tiny angel food cake from a vintage mold.  She used the same pan for my twin sister and me for our first birthday!  Annabelle wasn't in love with the actual cake - she preferred the leftover crackers from dinner - but at least she didn't cry when we sang to her!  The crying came later;)

pretty in pink

Delayed Valentine's Day post as promised!

As part of my homemade gift giving goal for 2016 I tackled infinity scarves for me and the girls.  Getting the length right was a bit tricky.  Theirs are perfect and precious.  Mine?  Not so much.  But still so much fun to make and give!

marjorie lee

I think it was sometime Friday while I was prepping for A's party that I realized where my theme inspiration had truly come from.  I've mentioned before that we were doing a 'loose' xoxo theme.  Proximity to Valentine's Day and the ability to double dip on the V Day décor being sort of a slam dunk for me.  But the bigger - more function based - theme was 'donuts and drinks' and wasn't totally sure where that had come from.  I mean.  I love donuts.  I love drinks.  Who doesn't?  When I was getting out various pieces of serve ware needed for our Bloody Mary bar (Happy birthday, one year old!) it hit me like a tons of bricks. 

 

Years ago my grandmother gave me the above piece and called it a celery glass.  She said she wasn't completely sure that it was officially recognized nomenclature but (as I had quite the collection of vintage barware at that point) made a few comments about me one day using it for a Bloody Mary bar.  We lost Grandma over a year ago now.  She lived long enough to know about our sweet baby girl and to hear the name we had chosen for her.  I miss her. Every day.  And make a point to tell our little Lee all about the Lee that came before her.  Felt her presence throughout yesterday's festivities.  My grandma loved a good party:)

donuts and drinks

Had Annabelle Lee's first birthday party yesterday before heading home to MO to celebrate the actual day with my family.  It was a very fun party to plan for and I think our soon to be one year old - although oblivious to the fact she was our guest of honor - had a good time too:)

rich with rosemary

More rosemary harvesting to start my time off!

Gates Made

Been marathon-ing at work since the end of January and the finish line is finally in sight.  Tomorrow will be day 18/18 and I cannot wait until it is officially over.  And officially the start of my 11 day vacation!  Will still be busy - getting ready for A's party, having said party, trip to MO and back - but in such a more relaxing and lovely way.  Despite the lack of posts to offer proof, I have indeed been celebrating a month of homemade.  As promised.  In fact, my little projects have gone a LONG way towards keeping me sane.  Will offer up a belated Valentine's day post when I can convince my littles to pose for a picture in their mommy gifts - so cute!  But in the meantime I'll share some of my homemade food related offerings.

Homemade gin for a residency reunion get together and homemade lavender
simple syrup for part of Claytons' Valentines Day present - yum!
 

Pumpkin and apricot pouches with sage - the girls LOVE these!



More healthy snacks for E and A! 

monday

My sweet Annabelle Lee is turning one in just a few short weeks.  We're having a party at our house to celebrate her first year and then heading home to Missouri to spend her actual birthday with my side of the family.  And while she would be none the wiser if I didn't give her anything beyond a pretty cake and lots of clapping (she loves clapping!), it just wouldn't feel right for me not to give my baby a gift for her special day.  So.  I decided to make her a little something that could be used to add to her party décor and then later find a home in her room. 

I decided on an embroidery hoop 'art' piece.   The fabric I chose has meaning only to me and A.  It's from the hospital gown I wore during my labor and her delivery.  Yep.  I was one of those women who felt the need to fancy up the whole having a baby experience.  And know what?  Felt cute wearing it even in my sweaty, oversized state.  It made me happy!  The red heart with aqua embroidery thread factors in to her loose 'xoxo' party theme. 

I think it turned out almost as sweet as she is:)