{Gender Neutral} Fall Baby Shower

Last Fall (yes I know I waited too long) Ashley & I hosted a baby shower for my cousin's wife Jen! My cousin David found out what they were having, but Jen didn't want to know. I think that would be really hard for both of them, but neither caved.

mock up of  cream baby shower invitations I created (not sure why it looks green)

Burlap squares were glued on the back of the invites, giving them a little something.
They turned out perfect!! Sorry that this is the only photo of these, I deleted the actual photo of the invite.

I designed the invites myself, printed them at Vistaprint, and then glued burlap squares to the back. I did have to order bigger envelopes for them to fit into, so that was the only downfall. The invites stuck to the burlap just fine.They turned out just as we had imagined! We received so many compliments on them, and best of all Jen loved them!

While planning this baby shower, we decided we didn't really want to do the traditional pastel gender neutral store bought themed decorations. We wanted to tie into fall colors, keep it rustic, and make it Jen's "style". We had so much fun planning her shower with the help of Pinterest, it couldn't of gone better! We were bound & determined to keep this party to a minimal cost (compared to other showers we've done). We made things, we borrowed stuff, and used what we already had at home. I provided/made most of the decor, and Ashley made all of the food. Here is a run though of photo's from the shower, I hope you enjoy! Sorry, these are pics from my phone; I didn't have my nice cannon yet.

Table set up: Wood slice with burlap wrap mason jar adorned with orange rafia
tree limbs with "advice for the mom to be" cut out onesies
pint mason jars with babys breath
mini pumpkins as guest favors adorned with a "thank you" tag

gift table: vintage suitcases & vintage train case for the Cards
Vase with tree limbs, and pumpkins, burlap & lace table runner

drinks & meat table w/ Baby burlap banner

drinks: Tea, Water, and Apple Cider Punch
This Apple Cider Punch was delish, perfect for a fall shower or fall party!

Plates, napkins, forks (in mason jars of course), cups, fruit & veggie tray, & pickle rollups

Individual potato chip servings in white paper bags, so fun!

Cupcakes: Pumpkin cupcakes adorned with a candy pumpkin, and Vanilla Cupcakes
I used a template to cut out the cupcake liners (sorry, I can't remember exactly what site, but google it and you'll find several)

Guest Thank You favors: mini pumpkins!

the mother to be and all her gifts!

the mother to be

us with Jen

I cut out all of these by hand...omg it took forever!! We used these for advice for Jen

baby shower chalkboard!

Vintage suitcases topped with a vintage train case for the cards

Last January 28th, Jen & David had a very healthy baby BOY!!! His name is Walker, and he is the cutest, chubbiest little thing I've ever seen. He weighed in close to a whopping 10lbs, just like his daddy when he was born.

Linking up too...
4 You with Love
City Farmhouse
Posed Perfection
The Shady Porch

Polka Dots on Parade
Ginger Snap Crafts
Sugar Bee Crafts
BruCrew Life
Craftionary

© [Kayla] and [Small Town Lift], [2010-2014]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Kayla] and [Small Town Life] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

House is FOR SALE!

Not sure many of you read my post back in January about things that have been going on/us working towards...but we finally listed our house for sale last week and it goes out in the local newspaper this week! Eeek so exciting, nerve-racking, and bitter-sweet all at the same time!

The last couple months we've been busy going back & fourth with our future house stuff, got that contract signed, and waiting on the title company to do their thing. And we've also been busy getting our bathroom & kitchen redone/updated, plus other little things to get the house ready. In the middle of all of that, I've help hosted one of my besties (Mel) baby showers in KC (I'll do a post on that soon), we celebrated our 2nd anniversary this last weekend (crazy time is flying), seen George Strait in concert for the 4th time (and apparently the last), D busy with his Fire Fighter 1 classes & test, D passing his Fire Fighter 1 test (now he's certified and registered -- so unbelievably proud of my husband) and tried to stay completely sane while being so darn busy. Well we've survived, now just to get our house sold! :)

Oversized detached garage

living room area

Bathroom (you can't see all of our updates, but the toilet is one of them.
The shower/tub we completely ripped out and put a new tub & shower walls up. It looks so much better!

Bedroom

Kitchen - we added the backsplash finally, and we LOVE it! We wished we would've done it sooner!

Our home is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, with oversized detached garage. The house has been recently renovated/updated, partial basement w/ crawl space, and completely fenced in backyard with a small garden shed. The oversized garage measures 30'x48', has concrete floors, heated, and was built 3 years ago. If you know anyone looking for a home in "smalltown" western ks, please have them contact me for more details.


© [Kayla] and [Small Town Lift], [2010-2014]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Kayla] and [Small Town Life] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Burlap Bubble Wreath makeover

Last year I made this bubble wreath at a wreath making class. I never really liked it, but I didn't want to just toss it. This last fall when I was in Hobby Lobby, I picked up some brown wire mesh ribbon, and some leopard print ribbon to update it. I finally got around to doing it this weekend, and I just love how it turned out! It's so me, and everything I love...burlap & leopard print! D and I think it would really neat with a fun cross or a monogram in the center. If I find one I like, stay tuned, I'll be updating it once again. But for now, I LOVE it! It will be a cute wreath to hang out for Fall and Winter, just an everyday wreath.

Here it is before...

before

 And here it is after...


after

So much better, don't ya think?!

Linking up too...
4 You with Love
City Farmhouse
Posed Perfection
The Shady Porch

Polka Dots on Parade
Ginger Snap Crafts
Sugar Bee Crafts
BruCrew Life
Craftionary

© [Kayla] and [Small Town Lift], [2010-2014]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Kayla] and [Small Town Life] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Corny but Cute gifts for him

Here is what I gave D for Valentines Day this year...corny, but cute!

6pk Blue Moon beer, Trail Mix, and a new travel mug 

Yummy adult beverage!

Great snacks for work!

He actually needed a new one of these, he lost his last one.
He was thrilled!

These gifts are great not only for Valentines day, but for birthday's, Christmas, Easter, or just because.

Linking up too...
4 You with Love
City Farmhouse
Posed Perfection
The Shady Porch

Lovely Crafty Home 

Polka Dots on Parade
Ginger Snap Crafts
Sugar Bee Crafts
BruCrew Life
Craftionary

© [Kayla] and [Small Town Lift], [2010-2014]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Kayla] and [Small Town Life] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Tracy & Steve are getting married!

My good friend & co-worker is getting married this May! D got me a new camera for Christmas (Canon Rebel T5i), and she asked me to take a few "engagement" pictures for their invitations. In all honesty, she only wanted one photo for the invites, but I told her we were going to make an engagement session out of it to make it worthwhile. After all, they weren't planning on having any taken, so it worked out! It turned out to be a win-win situation for both of us, they got some engagement pictures, and I was able to practice with my new camera!

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken - Ecclesiastes 4:12
This bible verse goes beautifully with her ring!

Here are some of my favorites from that gorgeous sunny day we had last month (it was perfect weather for January)....

Tracy & Steve, I wish you nothing but the best for your future together! I can't wait for your big day (as a guest, not a photographer)!

Linking up too...
4 You with Love
City Farmhouse
Posed Perfection

Today's Creative Blog

The Shabby Chic Cottage
Somewhat Simple
Lovely Crafty Home 
Polka Dots on Parade
Ginger Snap Crafts
Sugar Bee Crafts
BruCrew Life
Craftionary
JoJo & Eloise

© [Kayla] and [Small Town Lift], [2010-2014]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Kayla] and [Small Town Life] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Perfect Engagement Gift

I've been waiting to give a special girlfriend of mine the perfect engagement gift that I pinned on Pinterest a long time ago, and I was finally able to do so!

Yes...that's right, my brother FINALLY asked my bestie, Ashley, to marry him on NYE! He called me the night before, we had a very long in depth conversation about it all, and I was so excited that he was finally going to do it! The next day, NYE day, I headed over to meet Ashley for a quick manicure & a couple drinks before her big night...that she had no idea about. I knew she would need to have fabulous nails to go with that stunning ring she was about to receive. She never even acted suspicious the entire day, just a couple besties getting together on a wim. While I was over there, I snuck over to the bookstore, picked up a couple bridal magazines, and a planner. I knew my plan to put an engagement basket together for her was finally going to happen!

this ampersand is from Hobby Lobby

a couple of bridal magazines, and a wedding planner notebook

can't forget the hershey's "kisses", and a small pack of thank you cards

D & I weren't able to be there for the "popping of the question", because then she would of known something was up that we came last minute. So we waited for the phone call after he asked her in front of a few family members, and her close friends. She was extatic! I hadn't seen her since that day, and a few weekends ago I was finally able to give her the engagement gift basket that I put together for her. She loved it! I was afraid she already had purchased a planner, but she hadn't. They have already set the date for October 2014, and have a lot of things already set in stone. Go Ashley & Brett!! :)

all wrapped up and adorned with a purple hydrangea! 

The great thing about this gift is you can personalize it however you wish to. Add in a monogram of her future last name, wine glass, stamps for the thank you's, gift cards, more candy, etc. But I thought this would be perfect for Ashley!

A quick "engagement" photo of the happy couple! :)

They both asked me & D to be a part of their big day, we of course we were honored and said yes!

Linking up too...
4 You with Love
City Farmhouse
Posed Perfection

Today's Creative Blog

The Shabby Chic Cottage
Somewhat Simple
Lovely Crafty Home 
Polka Dots on Parade
Ginger Snap Crafts
Sugar Bee Crafts
BruCrew Life
Craftionary

© [Kayla] and [Small Town Lift], [2010-2014]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Kayla] and [Small Town Life] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.