FAMILY movie night is.... ALLLL RIGHT!

Having fun and creating lasting memories don't have to cost a fortune... The best times can be had right at home. So, get crafty, kick back and have fun planning your very own "FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT"

1. It's OFFICIAL:

Set a date and make sure that everyone is free!! Make handmade movie tickets... and sell them at your very own "Ticket Booth" on say the Monday before your "Event". This will get everyone amped up and excited about the movie night.

2. ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT:

Make a poster or print out of the movie that will be shown with the words, "COMING SOON" written above in big, bold lettering... Place in various locations throughout the house (Refrigerator, Bathroom, Bedroom Door, etc...!!

3. FOOD/SNACKS:

What would a movie experience be without yummy food and a ton of snacks?? Your advantage to being at home is only obvious... You have the ability to not only provide "healthier" food, but it will also be much more affordable!! *See my recipe and idea listing below*

4. SET RULES:

No, not bad ones... This is a fun, family event... Therefore, dress attire is that of PJ's ONLY!!! ;)

5. Have fun, make memories and remember to enjoy the "little" people and things in life lol

RECIPES and FOOD IDEAS:

Taco Cups: 

http://family.go.com/food/pkg-family-approved-recipes/recipe-644459-taco-cups-t/

Personal Pizzas:

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Personal-Pizzas/Detail.aspx

Shakes and Floats... Top 2o Recipes:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Drinks/Shakes-and-Floats/Top.aspx

Refinishing a Baby Crib

I change my mind like I change my, umm.... socks lol. The never-ending inspiration that I see everyday is cause for the reason that I so often re-decorate and change up the scheme of "everyday". I've always been this way - always will!  I think it's exciting to create a new look, or feel for just pennies... My little lady's room was originally decorated with black furniture and polka dots, cupcakes, etc... Mind you, this was just last year haha. My new vision........ Pastels, super-girly, SUPER CUTE! This means that the black furniture HAS TO GOOOO!!! Step one was finding a new dresser... Everything was so expensive (To me, at least), generic in appearance and made with cheap material. No dice... No dice AT ALL! I decided to search the local craigslist ad in hopes of finding a used piece that could be transformed into an amazingly unique treasure for an amazingly unique little girl... Within minutes I came across a shorter (which is what I wanted - due to little climbers lol) dresser for only $30.00.... Beat that, IKEA! My next adventure is a total crib make-over... I have compiled a list of "Baby-Safe" paint and a step-by-step guide to the entire re-painting process for you to use :)

**I am re-painting a totally safe, non-recalled crib in PERFECT condition. I would advise you to NOT purchase a used crib unless you are certain that is 110% safe for your child. There have been may recalls and safety issues concerning baby cribs. Please look into this... This tutorial is not designed to spruce up an out-dated crib, just to refresh your already fabulous baby room**

How to SAFETLY paint a baby crib:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5000176_safely-stain-paint-baby-crib.html

List of BABY SAFE paint:

http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm

And my favorite...

http://www.mythicpaint.com/

Etsy? ...Yes, Please!!

LILLY MAE VINTAGE

Named after my notoriously fabulous grandmother, Lilly Mae Vintage is my little "online" home to a fun variety of kitschy-type items, antiques, collectibles and a ton of misc fun...

Retro Tissue Dispenser

I started it back in April of last year and never really took it very seriously... This was when my Little Lady was only 2 months old - And, in between nursing - and getting used to my AMAZING new life as a mama, online peddling just didn't seem very do-able...

Polaroid!! I used to LOVE these as a kid!!

Luckily, as you may already know... My baby just turned 1 and my ability to schedule and prioritize has become part of the "routine" once again lol. Whew! So here I am... in the beginning stages of turning my seemingly empty store into limitless possibilities. I am incredibly fond of all things "vintage" ...Oh, and by the way - Did you know that anything 20 years old, or over is considered vintage? Ok... So I'm super vintage... wtf? And this also explains why my once favorite "oldies" station now rocks super pathetic sounds of the early 80's. Oldies to me is still and will ALWAYS be anything created between the early 1930's and earrrrly, early 60's. Again, my opinion... and made from my personal music experiences and likes :)

Limitless possibilities...

Yes, please!! As a STAHM (Is that the correct abbreviation?) with a bit more time on my hands, and an endless supply of vintage goods and the motivation to shop for more (lol), Lilly Mae Vintage will LIVE ON!!!

I would love for you all to stop by and check it out... :) The link is posted below... Happy browsing!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lillymaevintage

MISSION DIAPER BOX: Costume Fabric Box

My little one has become obsessed with pulling all of her little jeans/pants out of her dresser drawer... She will analyze each article of clothing - And move onto the next... Occasionally stopping to point and say, "Oooooh!". She's definitely a little girl... And though it makes for quite a "fun" little mess, I can't help but encourage her curiosity. So, I sit patiently and point out the different colors that we see as her favorite music plays in the background.

Mess? What mess... Hahahaha!!

As I sat with her today, I thought... How neat would it be to create a costume-like box or chest that could be filled with fun items for her to "discover" and have fun with... Naturally, I wanted to utilize something that I had around the house - So, in a desperate search I finally came across............ AN EMPTY DIAPER BOX. Hahaha. 

And here we go... (Super-DUPER Easy!!!!!)

Step 1: Grab an empty diaper box... 

2. Cut cardboard flaps, like so....

3. Grab a bundle of scrap fabric and cover the entire box using hot glue... Be extra careful to secure all edges down!!

4. Your finished product will truly be a recycled labor of love... Throw in bandanas for the little one to toss around... Maybe a couple shirts that don't fit anymore, toys, etc... You can have so much fun with this project, so let your imagination soar and above all else BE CREATIVE!!

P.S: I'd really like to come up with a variety of different ways to use that empty diaper box... So, we'll call the series, "MISSION DIAPER BOX" (Really creative, huh!?!? ...lol) ... STAY TUNED for MORE fun, RECYCLED projects!!!

Do you have any ideas??

Recycled Decor: Plastic Vase

I'm on this white vase, hot pink - FAUX tulip trip... I have them scattered throughout my room. They add a simple dash of vibrant color amongst the zebra print and randomness that I create - and well.... They're just nice to look at ;)

Although Baby-Proofing the place is an absolute MUST (For obvious safety reasons)... And perhaps living in a completely empty room with padded walls would be ideal - It wouldn't be practical...... or pretty ;)

So, here we go... The point of my story hahaha:

Due to breaking possibilities, I removed the glass vases and exchanged them with plastic containers.

Plastic containers being (Drum roll, pleassssse....) Toddler "Puff" snacks!!!

Directions...

1. Remove label from empty "Puff" snack container

2. Fill with your favorite bundle of flowers

3. ENJOY! ...And don't worry if the little one knocks them over!!

P.S: You can have even more fun with the project and paint the vase or even cover in fabric... Woo-Hoo!!

Style me.....VINTAGE *REVIEW*

I've been just dying to get a vintage hair styling book for the LONGEST time, EVER!! I've grown quite accustomed to the "Online" tutorial (Thank you lisafreemontstreet), but I wanted MORRRE! I wanted to be able to refer to an actual book, with pretty pictures and step-by-step direction... And I also wanted to showcase it on my lovely coffee table (which has since been removed on account of the little lady). So, ORIGINALLY I wanted Lauren Rennelle's ULTIMATE vintage guide, but ended up purchasing "Style me Vintage", by Belinda Hay. 

Minus 2 point for me!

That's only my opinion though. It's not as in-depth as I would have preferred... And it only taps very lightly into the styles/era that I am interested in (30's-50's) Boo.

Can anyone provide feedback on Lauren's version!?!? 

Well, ok... maybe someday - I'm still new to the blogging world - BUT..... when I finally get a few followers, I hope this question will be answered ;)

Patiently awaiting SOMEONE'S response...hahaha!!!

LT

AVA TURNS..............1!!!!

Happy Birthday to the greatest little girl IN THE WORLD!!!

a GIANT cupcake for my LITTLE lady

too cool

daddy's hat

Homemade Baby Food 101

I opted to make my little lady's food for a number of reasons. #1 reason was the fact that I was actually able to, being that I am a "stay at home mama". Had I returned to the grueling 9-5, corporate world - I seriously DOUBT that I would have the time to do this. In addition, the health benefits were incredibly important - but so was the fact that if I wouldn't eat it, why would I expect her to? Jarred food is bland and totally lacking in the flavor department. I do understand the convenience of grabbing a jar, and am not here to cast judgement or claim to be "better" than anyone for choosing to make my daughter's food. I am offering my opinion, bits of fun info and a few yummy recipes. That's all :)

THE BENEFITS:

Making your own homemade baby food will ensure that what your child is eating is fresh, nutritious and free of additives. By making your own baby food, you'll be saving money. Also, you will have total control over what is put into your baby's food. You can therefore take the extra steps to ensure that only high quality foods are selected and used. You will be able to feed your baby according to his or her needs because you will know what foods are best suited for your baby from experience. 

Making your own baby food also ensures that your baby is exposed to a greater variety of tastes and textures. This will help your baby when making the transition to table foods and also help him or her develop healthy eating habits.

THE BOOKS.............

Don't be intimidated by the over abundance of cookbooks that you will find. I have to admit, I was. They all seem to be great, so it was really hard to pick. The deciding factor for me was a clear side note stating what age the specific recipe was designed and ok for. This is my first child so I've been rather cautious of this and that.

This is the book that I decided on - and it's been FABULOUS!! The recipes are AMAZING and EASY to follow!!

Hooray for flea market finds!!

Tuesday morning began much earlier than I would have hoped for. Although I've never been one for "sleeping in" (even past 8am) - It would sometimes be nice to catch up. Oh well!! Excited for a sugar-filled cup of my famous coffee, I dashed into the kitchen... Checked the weather forecast on my new phone and was totally inspired. The sun would be out.... HOORAY!!! I would be lame to not take advantage of the nice weather, so I woke up my STBH and told him of my plan to take over the local flea market. 

So we got our little lady dressed to impress and hit the road!!!

Here is one of my amazing "finds"...

It's a bracelet, similar to that of a small dog collar, lol... With sparkled initials and a ridiculous amount of character. I love things like this... Unique accessories are the bee's knees - Or something like that!! I know that it looks like the "A" is a "V" upside down... And I argued that with the gentleman at the booth, but he insisted... Haha. I suppose that you can't really go wrong for a total of $3.00 :)

We had a great lunch and spent a good deal of time looking around and picking up a few other things, here and there... My FAVORITE little find had to be this.......

My little lady and the smile worth millions...

Can't wait to go back next week!!