June 2015

Travel

When in Rome….

June 30, 2015

When in Rome….

I was blessed to have spent this past week in Rome with my husband, 4 sisters, Dad & his girlfriend. Ate a lot of margarita pizza, wine and knocked items off the bucket list!

Here are a few highlights from ROMA:

Colosseum
Construction began in 70 AD
Construction ended in 80 AD
Built By: Vespasian, Titus

Colosseum at Night
We were blessed to have the opportunity to do a nighttime private tour of the Colosseum where we were allowed to go into the underground layers to see how the show was run.

Pantheon
Built in 126 AD
Built For: Roman Temple
Now used for: Catholic Church. Two Rome Kings are buried there as well as Raphael’s Tomb
• The best preserved Ancient Roman Building. It is also the World’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.

Altare della Patria
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Altare della Patria also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II or “Il Vittoriano” is a monument built in honor of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, located in Rome, Italy. Also hosts the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Sisters: Caroline, Nicole, Alexa, Lauren (Left to Right)

Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands 40 metres above the Forum Romanum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other.

Old apartment buildings in Ancient Rome

Old tiles found in the Palatine Hill

Roman Forum
Once the center of Rome around which the city developed, the Roman Forum was for centuries the hub of activity for commercial affairs, public speeches, and the meting out of justice in the form of criminal trials.

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina in the Roman Forum

Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum

Temple of Vespasian and Titus in the Roman Forum

Jewish Catacombs
The Jewish Catacombs are ancient catacombs, underground burial places of which there are at least forty, some discovered only in recent decades. The Jewish Catacombs date back to the 2nd & 3rd BC.

Jewish Catacombs in Rome

Exploring the Jewish Catacombs

The Streets of Rome
Exploring this romantic architectural ancient city.

Husband (Josh) and I

My sister Alexa

Falling in love more and more any day

Lauren, Nicole, Dad (John), Me and Alexa (From left to right)

Rooftop dinner in Rome

Enjoying some wine with my hubby

Via Condotti Street in Rome

St. Angelo Bridge

Spanish Steps
Widest Steps in all of Europe

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps

Castel Sant’Angelo
Mausoleum of Hadrian
Built in 123-139 AD
Built by/for: Hadrian

Vatican
World’s Smallest Country
Founded: February 11, 1929

Family Private Tour of the Vatican After Hours. We were actually there with Reese Witherspoon!

St. Peter’s Basilica was designed by Michelangelo

Niccoline Chapel is tucked inside the Tower of Innocent III, on the second floor of the Palazzo Vaticano. It is especially notable for its fresco paintings by Fra Angelico (1447–1451)

Imperial Porphyry came from Egypt. This purple stone was a symbol of wealth and power in Ancient Rome. This purple shade is no longer found anywhere.

Room of Heliodorus by Raphael

Very Rare Red Marble Roman Statue

Behind The Scenes- The Pope did not want to have to climb the staircase so he had this ramp built that would allow him to be carried up this ramp.

I just couldn’t get enough of this tile on the ramp!

This is one of the views from the ramp at the Vatican

Modern Art at the Vatican

Pregnancy

Baby Bump- 33 Weeks

June 28, 2015

Baby Bump- 33 Weeks

Hump day bump day!! 33 weeks down…7 to go! While I love little man and I love feeling him all the time (and yes he moves all day long lol), I’m ready for him to be here! Heartburn/indigestion is my constant companion, I’m exhausted, and getting out of bed in the morning is about the hardest thing to do. I have no motivation to do anything. I just want to watch TV all day long and that’s it. Have a Dr appointment on Monday to check on little MJ, hopefully the doctor will see me, think I’m too big, and get me an ultrasound lol wishful thinking!! Have a great day!

Birthday Party

Essentials for Throwing An All That Ultimate 90s Party

June 27, 2015

Essentials for Throwing An All That Ultimate 90s Party

Welcome to the 90s! The BEST decade yet!

Perfect invitation for a 90s party. This can be customized for a surprise or no surprise. This digital copy of the invitation can be purchased and customized for $9.99 here on Etsy.

1. Zack Morris
Get you a 90s sweater off of Ebay and a Zack Morris Wig from Amazon. Don’t forget the Zack’s Cell Phone.

2. Mary Kate & Ashley
Plain pink t-shirts and overalls from Wal-Mart and then decorate them with flowers and ribbon!

3. Windbreaker Jackets
Found these gems on Ebay

4. Michael Jordan Nike Shirt and THOSE PANTS!
All found on EBay!

5. Jessie Spano (Save By The Bell)
Easy to do outfit- Flower top, high wasted jeans and curly hair!

6. Stereo Systems
In the 90s… bigger is always better! I was able to find this old stereo system from my grandparents basement. I took it and spray painted it gold for a nice centerpiece.

7. Pogs
The ultimate 90s game for me was Pogs! I was able to find some for real cheap on Ebay.

8. Signs
I had signs all around the party space with 90s sayings. These can all be downloaded from my Etsy site. They are .99 cents each. You can instantly download them and print them yourself!

9. Welcome To The 90s Banner
This banner is another one that can be found on my Etsy Store for $1.99 for the entire sign. Each letter is printed on a separate page. I printed the letters on different colors of paper for the sign.

10. Photo Booth
Gotta have a photo booth featuring the best of the 90s shows and sayings. These are all available for instant download that you can print off from my Etsy store and then cut out and tape onto poles.

11. Jessie’s Energy Pills
I went to the candy store and got some candy that was the bone candy but it looked the closest to pills. I got these pushup containers and filled them with the candy. We took an old text book that we had and drilled holes big enough for the pops to sit in.

12. DIY Pizza Lunchables
A great way to keep your guests entertained and involved in the party is to create a DIY station. This party featured a DIY Pizza Lunchable station. Took Pita Bread to use as the crust, squeezable pizza sauce and then all the toppings you want! We also had a Pizza Pizazz on standby incase someone wanted to cook their pizza.

13. Baskin Robbin Clown Cones
This might not be a food choice for everyone, but when we were kids we always got a Clown Cone from Baskin Robbins for our birthday! Thought I would bring it back for my sisters birthday.

14. Candy Cigarettes and Big Chew Bubble Gum

15. 90s Cupcakes

Pregnancy

Bump Day- 32 Weeks

June 27, 2015

Bump Day- 32 Weeks

Happy Bump Day!! This sign is oh so true…I don’t feel like doing anything except getting the nursery/baby stuff done. After that, I wouldn’t mind being on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy! Poor Matt is gonna be the one to suffer from my laziness…Good thing he is a good sport and amazing smile emoticon That’s really all I have for today. Have a great Wednesday!

Hair & Beauty

Nail Art- EASY Poly Flake Glitter Nails

June 13, 2015

Summer Nails using Poly Flake Super Fine Glitter

Nail Art- EASY Poly Flake Glitter Nails

Everyone knows the struggles of those “glitter nailpolishes” that when you look at the bottle or the ad you think your nails will turn out like this

only for it to really turn out like this:

FEAR NO MORE! I have a easy cost effective solution! Poly Flake Glitter. It is a very extra fine glitter that shines like no other. It comes in many different colors. However, I just get the translucent one (that looks white). That way you can add it to any color nail polish you want and it will take on the color of the nail polish. You can find this glitter at a craft stores like Hobby Lobby. The small jar of glitter is around $10, however, it will last you for years!

What you will need:
• Poly Flake Glitter
• Nail Polish of choice (I chose OPI you’re such a budapest)
• A piece of computer paper
• A towel or something to do your nails on.

Get this look:
Step 1: Paint your nails the color of polish that you chose.
Step 2: Immediately after you paint (before it starts to dry) sprinkle the glitter onto the nails that are on top of the paper. That allows the excess glitter to collect on the paper.
Step 3: To shake off the excess glitter off your foot, use your fingers to flick the side of your big toe. This will shake the excess glitter off.

Step 4: After you have put the glitter on all toes, take the paper and make a funnel with it by folding it in half and then pour the excess glitter back into the glitter container.

Step 5: Your done! I would wait about 10-15 min to let the polish dry. Then once dry, you can wash off your feet to remove any left over glitter!

Pregnancy

Bump Day- 31 Weeks

June 10, 2015

Bump Day- 31 Weeks

Happy Bump Day! Here is an update from my sister Jessica:

Welcome Bump Day 31!! Nothing much going on with me…except complete stressing out over getting everything ready for the baby! I’m so ready for the nursery to be completely done so I can start organizing and figuring out what I need! Is this nesting? I definitely don’t have the desire to clean though hahaha Little man likes to throw ‘bows all day long, which hurt but it’s cute that you can see his little elbow sticking out of my left side all the time. Well that’s it! Until next week

– Jessica Gilpin

Snacks

DIY Green Eggs & Ham White Chocolate

June 10, 2015

DIY Green Eggs & Ham White Chocolate

For my sister’s baby shower party (Dr. Seuss Blog), I created Green Eggs using white chocolate and M&Ms. Here is the tutorial on how to create this or any other shape using white chocolate!

What you will need:
• Melting White Chocolate
• Green M&Ms
• Squeeze Bottles (I found mine at Walmart in the cake decorating section in crafts)
• FREE Egg Stencil
• Wax Paper
• A pot with hot water- NOT BOILING

Step 1: Tape the Free Egg Print Sheet onto your counter
Step 2: Tape a sheet of Wax paper over the Egg Print
Step 3: Bring some water in a pan to medium heat (do not boil)
Step 4: Place the melting chocolate inside the Squeeze Bottles, replace red lid
Step 5: Melt chocolate by placing the squeeze bottle in the water, you might have to rotate the bottle. Once the chocolate seems to be almost all melted, remove the bottle carefully using your hand or thongs. Shake the bottle to help melt the remaining chocolate
Step 6: Trace the eggs on the wax paper and fill in with the White Chocolate
Step 7: Place the M&M in the white chocolate with the “M” side facing down.
Step 8: Let the chocolate harden completely (Time will depend on the conditions of your kitchen)
Step 9: Remove from wax paper and secure in a plastic container
Step 10: Repeat steps 4-9 as many times as you want!

Tips:
• I made the Chocolate Eggs a couple of days before the party. Since it is summer time, I stored the eggs in the freezer!
• If your chocolate starts to get hard to squeeze out, you will need to remelt it.
• If you leave the melted chocolate too long in the heated water, the over melted chocolate will be hard as well
• Once you finished your first batch of eggs, take the top off the squeeze bottle and thoroughly clean the top off. The main bottle can remain with the chocolate. The top needs to be cleaned, you do not want that chocolate to harden in the top.
• You can refile the bottles about 3-4 times.

1 Comments

Baby Shower

Dr. Seuss Themed Baby Shower

June 10, 2015

Dr. Seuss Themed Baby Shower

I’m excited to share one of my favorite parties that I have planned lately. It was for my older sister who is pregnant with her first boy! As we were scrolling through Pinterest and trying to find different ideas for baby showers for boys my sister mentioned a Dr. Seuss theme. Not going to lie, but at first I kinda thought that was an “overused” theme and I wanted to find something different and unique. But, she seemed pretty set in her ways (as most pregnant mommas are) and that was it!

I was talking to my mom and she was telling me that Jessica’s favorite book growing up was Dr. Seuss’ ABC book. I did some research and reread that book and they idea for the baby shower invitation hit me! It just so happened that the baby’s name is Mathew Scott Gilpin Jr. and they call him “MJ”. Therefore, the invite (inspired by ABC book) would say “Big M, Little J, Baby MJ is on his way!” Here is how the invitation turned out:

Dr. Seuss ABC Book Inspiration

I’m not going to lie, might be one of my favorites!

After the invitation was set, it was time to start thinking of some unique ideas for the shower and how to make it fun and entertaining.

My first idea was to set up a board and have the guests assemble different features from family members into their prediction of what Baby MJ will look like! This, of course, is just for a good laugh more than accuracy! I will do a blog later showing you the step by step process of creating this! There was also a sign that had a Dr. Seuss rhyme telling the guests what they had to do! This sign is available for instant download on my Etsy store for $4.99. Everyone at the party seemed to really enjoy it and loved to see who could make the ugliest one! Here is how that turned out:

If my sister was going to be having a girl, I had my heart set on doing a “Make (insert baby name) a Headband” station like this:

But with baby MJ being a bow, I decided on making Bow ties. After hours of following the DIY no sew bow tie directions I discovered that they were going to be too hard for a large group of people to make. Therefore, I had to settle on making the no sew bandana bibs station. I took this tutorial as my inspiration. This sign and Step Instruction sign is available for instant download on my Etsy store for $4.99.

The next activity for the guests is the guestbook! Since, the mother-to-be wanted everyone to bring a book instead of a card to jump start the baby MJ’s book collection we made the guest book a literal book! I chose the book from Dr. Seuss called “Happy Birthday Baby”. I then left sharpies around and let all the guests write their message to baby MJ! I got the Happy Birthday Baby book from Amazon. The Guestbook sign is an instant download found on my Etsy store for $4.99.

Now where did I find all the rest of the party decorations? I found most of the decorations at Birthday Express. I also got the table covers from Amazon.
Found on Amazon Found on Amazon Found on Amazon

For the food table I used the striped tablecloth. I also created this Banner using pages from Dr. Seuss Books. This Banner is available for you for FREE to download HERE. You just print out the pages and cut along the outline. Then take a hole puncher and make one hole in the top left and right corner. Then string them together on string! My favorite string to use is Twine.

Now on to the good stuff– The food! All of the Food Signs can be found on my Etsy page as an instant download for only $4.99
• Green Egg & Ham White Chocolate Tutorial

Last but not least, is another FREE banner download that says “Mamma To Be”. You can download this banner here

Please leave me any comments or questions! I love the feedback!

1 Comments

Decor DIY

DIY Nail-Art Sign

June 9, 2015

DIY Nail-Art Sign

Trying to figure out what to get a 11 year old as a gift is very frustrating, especially girls. They are to “old” for toys and to young to enjoy clothes.

Alas, I stumbled upon this string art tutorial that inspired me but I changed it up a little bit to fit my niece’s style. I decided to put the sign on wood so that it would last longer. I also decided to use those popular Loomy bands instead of strings. I also opted for the glow in the dark bands as an added bonus!

I got the wood from Lowes and had them cut it to the length I wanted. I also got the white paint there. I got the nails and loomy bands from Amazon.
To use the same word, “Dream”, as is shown in the photo you can download this template here. Cut out all of the letters and assemble into the word “dream” and tape the letters together. You do not have to cut out the middle of the de or If you would like to use a word other than Dream, you can download this free font Admiration Pants here.

Prepare and paint the wood the color of your choice a day ahead of time so it has enough time to dry. Don’t forget to paint the sides of the wood as well!

Tape the word “dream” to your piece of wood and then start the long process of inserting the nails around the letters and hammer them into the wood.

Photo from http://honeyandfitz.com/2012/02/16/diy-string-art-tutorial/

Once you have all your nails in place and hammered in, you can remove the dream paper sign.

Then you can take the Loomy Bands and start wrapping them around the nails in the color pattern that you want!

My niece loved the sign and she put it above her bed!

Feel free to post any questions or comments you have and I will be happy to answer!

Pregnancy

Tracking The Belly Of My Sister

June 5, 2015

Tracking The Belly Of My Sister

I might of got the creativity genes of the family but my sister, Jessica definitely got the handwriting skills.
She is currently 30 weeks pregnant and has been tracking her baby bump every Wednesday with “Bump Day” photos about the pregnancy. Just wanted to share some of her creative weekly boards!

Announcing the Pregnancy News:

9 Weeks

When I say cravings, I really mean “foods I can eat without gagging” but that wouldn’t fit on the board #babybump #mostlybloated #9weeks

10 Weeks

Still don’t know if that bump is a baby or bloat? I’m still saying bloat #babybump #10weeks

11 Weeks

I give up…it’s a baby bump!! I think it’s too soon, but this gives Matt hope that the baby will be a big (future) football player lol

12 Weeks

Definitely a bump now smile emoticon and because it’s blurry…baby is as big as a plum, and now has reflexes! Couldn’t find my camera so has to use my phone

13 Weeks

Another week down!! Also how is it that I have no weight gain, yet I have this bulging belly? I have a feeling this kid is gonna be a big one eeeeeek!! lol

14 Weeks

Yay 2nd Trimester!!! Feeling better and only 1 and a half weeks until we find out if little peanut is a boy or girl!!!

15 Weeks

Well Week 15 is here….Bought some maternity tops but they are still too big…this is a “fake” maternity top from Express lol Can’t wait until Saturday for the big reveal!!!!

16 Weeks

Happy “Bump” Day!! Bump is definitely getting bigger…still wearing my regular jeans though with no button extenders or anything so that’s a plus! And I’m officially back to my pre-pregnancy weight lol so let the growing begin!! (but not too much please!!) P.S. there was NO way I was going to attempt to draw an avocado lol

Old Wives Tales

Today’s finally the day!!! Baby is going to cooperate!! What do you guys think?? Girl or boy?? We will announce this afternoon with the official results!

IT’S A BOY!

Okay everybody….Baby Gilpin is a……BOY!!!! Matthew Scott Gilpin Jr., MJ , will be making his debut at the beginning of August smile emoticon Matt, momma, and Baby MJ are all really happy smile emoticon

17 Weeks

Oh happy “Bump” day!!! So happy we can call the baby by his name now! Also, I feel this might be the last week I can wear my normal jeans without any button extenders! Another happy thing…I’m 98% sure what I’m feeling now are little kicks and punches from MJ!! He has been at it all morning…another sign that my jeans may be getting a bit snug smile emoticon

18 Weeks

Well it’s Wednesday, which means it’s bump day! Still wearing my normal jeans and they button…but barely! I have to unbutton them while sitting lol also I have discovered that I have no tight fitting tops to show off the bump, so thanks Maddy for letting me borrow a shirt lol

19 Weeks

My bump pic this week for Week 19!! I was too busy making other people signs and taking a CPR class to make a board. But MJ is doing great! Still love his little kicks! Mommy is feeling okay…minus feeling like a whale and the fact that I didn’t get pregnancy boobs, I got pregnancy pimples instead make me feel super gorgeous lol we get to go in Monday for our half way there appointment! #pregnancy #19weeks #babybump

20 Weeks

Happy “Bump” day again! Made a board this week lol so on Monday, the ultra sound tech said that MJ was about 11 ounces…which is about .5 ounces more than the websites say, so I’m just gonna add .5 ounces to every weight measurement from now until I learn his weight again in 3 weeks smile emoticon

21 Weeks
Too lazy again!

22 Weeks

Happy “Bump” day!! Back to wearing my own clothes lol feeling pretty darn good…until night time after dinner. I’m carrying crazy high and this cute little babe is smooshing my lungs and the rest of my organs. Super uncomfortable last night, felt like I couldn’t really breath deep…until I laid down. If this keeps up, I’ll be in bed by 7 each night! On a good note, Mr. MJ is super active and kicks/punches up a storm, especially after laying down! I love it smile emoticon

23 Weeks

Another Wednesday, another Bump day! Only 17 (hopefully) more to go! Please continue to pray that the bright spot on Baby MJ’s bowel resolves on its own and that it is nothing serious! Momma is trying really hard not to worry about it and am doing good by staying away from google! Thank you!! In other pregnancy news, maternity pants are quite comfy 🙂

24 Weeks

Holy cow…I’ve been pregnant for 6 months!! EEEEEE only 4 to go lol nothing really new on the pregnancy front…bought a body pillow for sleeping and it’s been a lifesaver! Oh funny story…so we were watching Sons of Anarchy and it’s the episode where *spoiler* Opie dies. I balled like a baby! Uncontrollably and ugly….and Matt is just sitting there cracking up at me and just keeps repeating, “It isn’t real.” Well, it felt real! Haha please keep up the prayers for the spot on MJ’s bowels. Thank you!!!

25 Weeks

Yay!! Matt made it home in time for the bump picture!! Man just looking at last week and this week my bump has definitely grown! If you are wondering what the fruit is at the bottom, I decided to draw what I have been eating a lot of during this whole pregnancy…grapes, apples, and bananas! I love the sweetness of the fruit!! Please keep praying for the bright spot on MJ’s bowels to resolve itself by our next appointment (a week and a half away!!). Momma is starting to get nervous again frown emoticon Thank you and everybody have a great Wednesday!!!

26 Weeks

Yup…super lazy this Bump Day! I just felt like sitting around, watching TV, and eating all the food in my house last night!! Which ended up being a really bad idea. I never got full, but I did get horrible heartburn and nausea! So Matt has now been told that I am to not snack all night long from now on! Ultra sound and glucose test (ugh) coming up on Monday. Please pray that the spot on MJ’s bowels has resolved itself and that everything is good and he is growing! I’m getting a little nervous! Thank you so much and enjoy your Wednesday!!

27 Weeks

Had to take my own bump picture this week!! Baby boy is doing great! He loves to be active at night time and he just rolls and kicks and plays air drums I’m guessing all the time!! Worries for this week…hoping I fit into my bridesmaid dress for my sisters wedding!!! #27weeks #babybump #pregnancy #babyboy

28 Weeks

Happy Bump Day!! Whoop whoop for entering into the 3rd trimester! I’m already feeling all the horribleness that is the 3rd trimester hahaha back aches, tiredness, can’t breathe…super fun!! Little man’s kicks and jabs are getting really strong and seem to shake my whole body now lol but I still love them! MJ has also discovered my belly button and really loves to play with it…which hurts really bad!! We are trying to discourage this behavior but he doesn’t seem to be listening! Hope everybody has a great Wednesday!!

29 Weeks

Thank you so much for all the positive affirmations everybody! They really did cheer me up!! You all are so nice! Well here is bump day #29 smile emoticon I have decided that MJ is a big baby, and I don’t care what the Dr. says. I will believe that he is big until he gets here and I’m either proved right or wrong lol He is getting stronger and his kicks/punches are starting to be uncomfortable, but I welcome them because it means he is still alive and kicking and growing!! And seriously….keep me away from the cool whip or I’ll eat the whole thing (again).

30 Weeks

It’s Wednesday, which means another bump day in the books!! So glad to be out of the “2’s” cuz I’m not good at them lol and I only have one more “2” to write!! Hear that MJ, I’m NOT making a 42 week board!! No cravings, but heartburn can take a hike any day now!! Looking forward to my baby shower on Saturday!! Only 10 weeks or less to go!!!

3 Comments

When in Rome….

Baby Bump- 33 Weeks

Essentials for Throwing An All That Ultimate 90s Party

Bump Day- 32 Weeks

Nail Art- EASY Poly Flake Glitter Nails

Bump Day- 31 Weeks

DIY Green Eggs & Ham White Chocolate

Dr. Seuss Themed Baby Shower

DIY Nail-Art Sign

Tracking The Belly Of My Sister

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