{Party Inspiration} A Shabby-Chic First Birthday Party

I styled a really fun first birthday themed shoot for a special girl a few weeks ago  – and now I am sharing the images to inspire your party, just in time for Spring. I shared it on Babble earlier this week and you may remember taking a look behind-the-scenes over on Babble too but now – I am excited to reveal the real thing!

If your little one is getting ready to turn the big first year milestone — or, maybe you have a springtime birthday coming up soon — a shabby chic theme is the way to go. It is such an easy, fun, DIY party theme and so many things you can find around your own home too. I love shopping flea markets and thrift stores from unique finds and the color palette is beautiful for warmer weather too! Especially if you are doing it in the backyard or the venue is outside.  In just a few easy steps you can create a beautiful first birthday that everyone will love — baby included! And this shabby chic theme is perfect.

I worked with some incredible vendors and one amazing graphic designer — Greyson Designs – to pull together a beautiful shabby chic first birthday party and I hope it inspires your next party too.

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Noteworthy Etsy Shop :: Little Hip Squeaks

So, there is this little shop I found a few months ago when doing a story for Babble. Well, it’s not so little anymore. As soon as you’re done reading this, head over and hit favorite now. You’ll thank me later. 

Let me introduce you to one oh-so-noteworthy shop I am beyond obsessed with; meet Little Hip Squeaks.

I can’t get enough of the chevron, the mustaches, and the adorable hip and modern baby finds. Everything is just perfection. 

Nautical Hat Set  | Bib Set | Headband | Mustache Blanket 

Baby Leggings | Chevron Blanket | Chevron Hats

 In love yet? If not, head over to the shop now. You will be soon!

Stay-up-to-date with all things hip. LIKE them on Facebook, follow the lovely designer Amy on Twitter and pin with her on Pinterest!

- lots of love, casi
{find me elsewhere: cupcakeMAG, cupcakeMAG Littles, Facebook, Twitter, Babble, and oh,Pinterest too!}

Get the Look for $5: Suri Cruise Accessorizes

Suri Cruise is all over the public eye. I mean all over. And well, this gal has some serious style. Especially when it comes to her accessories. You will always notice something in her hair or some jewels to top off her adorable outfits. Now, you can get the look; Suri’s street style.

After receiving quite a few emails on a recent headband spotted on Suri, I thought I would share just where she got it! Recently showing it off in US Weekly twice now {Sept. 17th + 24th issue} along with Life + Style magazine’s October 1st issue, her Bella the Bear headband is only $5! Yes, $5. It’s the perfect topping for any little girl when it comes to accessories. And for that price tag, you can’t beat it! So head over and get inspired by Suri’s adorable street style and pick up a few super-cute headbands now. If Suri’s a fan, I am sure you will be in no time! The perfect little ladylike accessory for your fashionista.

Shop Bella the Bear now! It’s a great chance to support HANDmade too. 

Read more about the buzz on this headband on cupcakeMAG. 

- lots of love, casi
{find me elsewhere: cupcakeMAG, cupcakeMAG Littles, Facebook, Twitter, Babble, and oh,Pinterest too!}

Shopping For The Stylish Little Man In My Life

So, I must say as I am thrilled to finally have a little prince after my 4 Little Woman. Yes, I will have 5 kids and yes, one of them is finally a boy! And yes, he was a surprise. But anyway, I am super-excited to finally dress-up with my little man. I am 34 weeks, today! This is a huge milestone for me as my doctor thought I wouldn’t make it past 32 and 3 out of 4 pregnancies have been pre-term. With that said, it has hit me that my guy can come any day now with all this pre-term labor stuff still going on. Read all about THAT here.

Back to why I am SO excited. The boy clothes. They have never really been my favorite. The girls department always takes over the boys department and well, I’ve gotten frustrated when it comes to stocking up with things for him. Thank God for Etsy. However, I was thrilled to put together one outfit that I just can’t WAIT to put the little man in. It’s perfect for Fall yet stylish enough for me. Because well, after 4 very stylish sisters, he has gotta step his game up. With that said, I thought I would share with you a little outfit I put together thanks to some stud-ly finds {yes, I may that word up} from BabyGap + an adorable topping from Petite Peanut Boutique. Every little man has to have a bowtie right? Well, I figured, if he can’t have a bow in his hair, he will definitely be wearing one around his neck.

What’s In My Diaper Bag: Leslie of Timi + Leslie

As a new contributor to the lovely Spearmint Baby, I thought it would be fun to welcome a new series all about the diaper bag. The diaper bag is one of the must-have items for every momma out there and what’s inside is essential for a day out with the Little. So, why not share with each other what we are toting around along with the diaper bag we currently are coveting? Sounds fun right! I think so. I am always up for seeing what other moms carry around in their diaper bags.

First up is the amazing diaper bag designer Leslie of Timi + Leslie. You know her; she makes those beyond perfect diaper bags that look like handbags. Oh yes, they are fab. So, let’s check out just what she carries around in her Hayley bag from Timi + Leslie, of course!

What To Put In Your Diaper Bag

1. Change of clothing from Tea Collection
2. Sweater or Jacket (depending on the weather)
3. Diapers from The Honest Company
4. Children’s pain reliever
5. Wipes from The Honest Company
6. Toys to entertain the little one. 
7. Hat from Gap
8. Sunscreen wipes: always want to make sure your little one’s protected from the sun!
9. Diaper Cream via Drugstore.com
10. Hand sanitizer
11. Swaddle Blanket: This is great to use as a light weight blanket or to lay over your stroller canopy to block out any sun. 
12. Little One’s Snacks
13. Snack for Mommy (especially if you are breast feeding)
14. Breastfeeding cover up
15. Changing Pad
16. Insulated Bottle Tote: Keep that bottle warm or cool! 
17. Mommy Clutch: This is great if you need to run in the store with your little one but don’t want to bring in your entire diaper bag!
18. Dirty Clothes Sack: You want to be prepared if your little one has an accident!
19. Stroller Straps

Interested in being a mom in our “In The Diaper Bag” series? We want to show you off too! Please email me: casi@cupcakemag.com

Nursery Color Palettes Inspired By Art Work

I am a huge sucker for Etsy. Obsessed, addicted and all of the above. I just like to browse the oh-so-pretty site. It’s beyond inspiring. And well, last week I realize how inspiring it really can be when I was browsing art work for my nursery in progress. So many of the beautiful prints can really help you create the perfect focal point and color palette for your nursery. Don’t believe me? Check out a few of my favorite pieces of art I found for the gallery wall or just to hang over the bed and see just how the colors come alive. Just add art. 

{etsy find:: sweet dreams print :: mateo +tobias}

{etsy find:: custom nursery print :: zeppi prints}

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Currently Obsessing Over Exposed Closets

Ah, a pretty closet. Pretty clothes. What more could a girl ask for? Lately, thanks to Pinterest and my last cupcakeMAG project I’m obsessing over one thing: exposed closets. Forget the nursery or my Littles room! I kinda wanna show off my goods to, ya know?

I’ve spotted some really amazing exposed closets out there and really, they aren’t hard to re-create at all! Not only are they great for a wall that you just don’t know what to do with but you can make an exposed closet even if you have a closet. Why?  because than you can turn the “real” closet into a beautiful reading nook! I know, the possibilities are endless. And really, it’s a pretty budget friendly weekend project too! I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite to give you some inspiration. Gotta get those creative juices flowing! 

1. cupcakeMAG orange + pink room

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Grey + Yellow Nursery Inspiration

Well hello darlings! I am so super-thrilled to be joining the Spearmint blogs fam. When the lovely founder, Shari gave me the good news I was thrilled to find out I would be contributing to Spearmint Baby and Spearmint Decor. Can I get a yahhh-ooooo?! Needless to say, I am super-excited. 

With 4 Littles, all girls, I am currently 29 weeks preggers with my first boy {and last child!} due in October and have lots of knowledge in baby land. Not to mention I am the Founder + Editor of cupcakeMAG + cupcakeMAG Littles. And you can also find me on Babble + The Party Dress too. Oh, and you may remember from Spearmint Baby too! It was just a few weeks ago I showed off my bump here. 

Well enough about me! Let’s get on with my first post.

With just a few weeks to go, thanks to a complicated pregnancy, I am just NOW starting my nursery. I know, ahhh! But, don’t fret. I’ve been working on this baby in my head for months. I am going for a little vintage, a little eclectic. If that makes any sense. Main hues of choice? Grey and Yellow. And for now, here’s a little peek!

LOVE Pillow | Faux Antlers | Stokke Sleepi Crib in Grey | Anywhere Map Print  | Blabla Kids Sheep Mobile | Insignia Rug | Blabla Doll | Owl Figurine 

What color combo did you go with for your nursery?

- lots of love, casi
{find me elsewhere: cupcakeMAG, cupcakeMAG Littles, Facebook, Twitter, Babble, and oh, Pinterest too!}