A Harry Potter - themed Baby shower.

*Warning: Long post and lots of pictures ahead! But very fun though, if I do say so myself, LOL*

As I had just posted about my son's Woodland-themed party (see part 1 and part 2), I thought I'd keep the ball rolling and talk about my sister's Harry Potter-themed baby shower.

I could not and would never take credit for thinking this up or even executing it, but since my sister, Kristine, does not have a blog, she has given me permission to post pics and write about them.

We were both surprised when our other sis, Kate (the middle one), wanted an HP-themed party. And of course, it was her baby shower, of all things! I'd understand if it was a graduation party or anything school-related....but a shower??

I thought she was joking as it is really Kristine who is Harry Potter's biggest fan (you don't know how many times I've gotten reprimanded when I mentioned that Twilight was getting as big as HP. Tin, if you're reading this, I'm ducking!!). Kristine even said her wedding will be HP-themed! She wants to go to Harry Potter land for her 30th birthday! Hee hee - I want to make that latter wish for her come true!

Anyway, Kate is also a HP fanatic and thought it'd be fun! It was her shower so her choice. Her friends (who haven't read the books) were quite dumbfounded when asked if it was a Halloween party as well. We told them, no, and to just show up as if it's a regular baby shower. I'm not sure they quite got the theme or decor but they seemed to have fun.

So, here's my genius crafter sis Kristine at her best... I think she did a fantastic job! And I was able to help, too, with a place called Etsy. So, here it is, Kate's Harry Potter baby shower....



Paint sample chips as bricks.... 9 3/4... It took her multiple visits to the local Home Depot. :) These were on the front door.



When you enter, you'll notice the different colored streamers representing the four houses - Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. She doesn't have to spend lots of money, but she always has the best ideas!

Then hanging from these are graphic images she designed and printed out. Baby versions of Harry, Hermoine, and Ron!





My sis loves collecting old quirky things, so her collection of these regal books and figurines were perfect in the decor.





I mean, white candlesticks plus candles in the shapes of a dog and horse equal Hogwarts!!! My sis is super cool!





We folded up construction paper into the the four banners. She found this old mirror and we altered it too. My parents' formal curtains added a good backdrop. And did you notice the sorting hat (my sis' collection).

Above the dessert table, is a Quidditch Tournament :). A Quaffle and two Bludgers (both Chinese lanterns) and a Golden Stitch (not quite sure how she made that one).



We used my kids as props too....errrr, that doesn't sound too good. How about mascots? LOL.



Mini-Harry Potter with the argyle vest, forehead mark, and crooked glasses. And my oldest has many expressions...this one is perfect!



My youngest is dressed in a little suit, quite made famous by my favorite show. I think its color and loose threads make it fit for this party too. Kristine found that headband somewhere. :) Haha.

And finally, folks, what I helped with. I made this diaper cake and wanted some HP themed additions.



The owl hat topper was bought from Kyoko. The spoons had "Muggle Born" and "Accio Pears" engraved on them - these were bought from C. Pease. Right in the center is a Gryffindor-inspired floral headband made by Ashley Lee. The wooden eyeglasses and thunderbolt are teethers made by Dustin and Amanda Cowell. The burgundy bib on the right is from Adrienne Miller. And the Muggle Born onesie on the left is from Susannah O' Brien.

Here are more detailed shots:











And, I wouldn't have thought this was all possible had I not seen this online at Etsy:



If you could not yet tell, my sister was going to have a GIRL! That made it even harder trying to fit in Harry Potter, don't ya think? But one of the first things I found when I put in a search at Etsy was this adorable onesie with bloomer made to look like a Hogwart's Gryffindor student by Marissa!

Let me tell you folks! I love shopping at Etsy for party planning! I recommend these sellers mentioned completely. They are great to work with and their craftmanship are wonderful.

Anyway, the best part is yet to come.. the dessert table.







Kate's best friend and I were in charge of the cake. She ordered it at the local bakeshop and told them to make it HP-themed. Good thing the good peeps at Vienna bakery knew what they were doing. They put in a scene from a Quidditch tournament and gave us that flying HP. It was way more than what we expected.

The potion bottles, scarves, broom sticks, and books were cupcake toppers bought from Rosy Salazar. Again, another Etsy seller I recommend.

The other desserts were...





Hedgwig's cupcakes. Get it?





Chocolate wands and caramel covered apples.



Bertie Bott's every flavor beans and lemon drops.

But, darn, we forgot about Butter Beer!!!!

So just goes to show you...if you really love a story and if you have great Etsy sellers and sisters with creative minds, any theme is possible!

I ended up really loving this shower!!

Toot-a-loo and thanks for visiting!

My Second Pregnancy

Good Thursday to ya!

I wanted to make at least one lay-out for my second pregnancy. Come to think of it, I don't think I've made one yet of my first -- YIKES! :(

They say every pregnancy is different and I have to agree. I definitely think this time around has been more challenging physically. Dunno if it's the fact that every muscle has already been stretched out and so there's a lot more pressure. Now, having a tater tot running around could be the cause of that too.



I am less than a week away from delivering and have tons of worries. Will I be ok during and after delivery? Will my baby be healthy? Will my relationship with Mattie change? Will I have enough love and time for both kiddies? Will I have the time/ energy for my babies, my hubby, my home, my work, my hobbies?? Should I apply to this one design team?

*Sighs* I know that it'll be definitely hard, especially in the beginning. But if other people could do it, then so can I. I gotta focus on the positive. I wouldn't change being a mother or a wifey for anything. I'm blessed enough to have a family...what's a little time juggling and sacrifice?

Anyway, the lay-out is of pics taken at my mini-shower thrown by Jo for our college friends. She likes to call it a "Sprinkle." Cute, huh? There were only 7 adults including me + 5 kids. But I had a blast and felt special. Every baby needs to be celebrated, right Jo? Thanks so much!!!

I really LOVE this Momma Mae stamp from SOG. I colored her to look like me (yes, I have violet eyes, LOL!).

This paper is from Sassafras' Mix and Mend line. I've put everything to the side because I didn't want to cover up the beauty of this patterned paper. I fussy-cut and punched and tore more paper from the same line and layered. I added some Sandy Lion stickers and bling and a sentiment from Paper Smooches.

I have to say that I really like this l.o. It's a little quirky...a mixture of cuteness meets shabby chic. Momma Mae is a giant, but I wanted her to stand out! :) :) :)

Toodles,

A Bay-BEE Shower

On Father's Day, my family also celebrated another expectant mother and baby-girl-to-be. My sis-in-law is due a couple of weeks after I am. It is my bro's and her first baby. Mattie doesn't know what's gonna hit him...hehe! First comes a brother, then a baby cousin!

My sis, Kristine, had this great idea of making the shower theme, Pixar/ Disney's Monster's Inc. It's D's favorite cartoon. But being the superstitious person that she is, my mother (who is hosting the event at her home) didn't want anything to do with monsters (no matter how cute they are).

My sis made most of the decor. D's BFF made the bee cake pops. My only contribution were the pom-poms. I bought the Martha Stewart kit but you can also make your own using this tutorial.
















Have a great day!