A Disneyland Inspired Stellabration

When deciding on a theme for Stella's second birthday, it was an easy choice! Our family has always been Disneyland enthusiasts. Even before Stella was born, her Dad and I would go on dates there often. When Stella came into our lives, we started to take her about 3 times a month, and have loved watching her love for the "Happiest Place on Earth"! Since we couldn't afford to take our whole family to Disneyland, we decided we would bring Disneyland to them and throw "The Happiest Birthday on Earth". 

Me, my husband, and the birthday girl! 

We kept to the vintage Disneyland color scheme, yet still included some modern touches. When deciding on the snacks I wanted to include the yummy treats Disneyland is known for. We bought churros from a local bakery that were absolutely delicious, Mickey shaped pretzel snacks, and of course some popcorn! We already had this awesome popcorn machine, which we had received as a gift for our wedding. We filled it up with bagged popcorn, and it was a hit, (especially among the kiddos). I purchased the lollipops from Disneyland , and my husband made the awesome stand to display them. I am not crafty at all, but I will say that I am a visionary. My husband is the true talent and makes those visions come to life.

For decorations, we used Sleeping Beauty Castle mason jars filled with carnations, and photos of Stella's Disneyland photo shoot as center pieces. Of course one of the the most impressive decorations was the Disneyland banner custom made for us by The Banner Shoppe. She nailed it, and helped pull this whole "Disneyland" inspired look together. Equally as impressive was the personalized chalkboard sign made for us from Art by Kristen Lee. Not only did she capture Stella's personality, but the theme of the party as well! 

We wanted just a fun and casual afternoon at the park with our closest family and friends for this years "Stellabration". We hosted the party at a local park, where the kids were able to run and play at the playground as well as entertain themselves with some simple activities at the party site. We had a bubble blower for popping bubbles, a Minnie Mouse bean bag toss game, an "Autograph" station where kids could color and autograph their masterpieces, and a boom box blasting Disney tunes, which broke out a full on dance party. 

For these coloring pages, I simply googled "Disneyland" coloring pages, downloaded the images, then printed copies. Such an easy and CHEAP addition to the party. 

We encouraged our guests to show their Disney side by wearing their Disneyland attire. Mouse ears were available at our souvenir stand, so everyone could get in on the fun.

Inside the goody bags we included princess swag for the girls, and pirate loot for the boys. Mickey and Minnie shaped ring pops, board books, bubbles, tattoos, pirate patches, and princess wands were just some of the fun we sent home with the park visitors. 

Vendor Credits:

Cake Great Dane Baking Company | Tinkerbell Cupcake Toppers The Pretty Paper Shop |.
Popcorn Buckets Party Garden | Glitter Mickey Stickers JessicaSue34 |
Disneyland Custom Banner The Banner Shoppe | Pixie Dust Bottles Fairies Welcome |
Pixie Dust Print A Vintage Poster | Disney Princess Favor Bags One Crafty Hippo |
Pirate Favor Bags Baby Bundles and More | Mouse Ear Souvenirs Rocky Ba Bow |
Personalized Chalkboard Sign Art by Kristin Lee | Chalkboard Banner Target |
Sleeping Beauty Castle Mason Jars Firefly Atelier | Stella Flags Let's Get Decorative |
Party Hat Little Blue Olive | Vintage Inspired Mickey & Minnie Dress Little Bow & Arrow |
Minnie Mouse Clip & Vintage Mickey Charm Necklace Giddy Up & Grow |
Minnie Mouse Shoes Mini Melissa | Mom's Mouse Ears House of Mouse

Stella had an amazing day! It truly was "The Happiest Birthday on Earth"

A HUGE thank you to our family and friends for celebrating the day with us, and all the fantastic vendors we shopped from to make this party such a perfect day. Yours truly,
Melissa 

Birdie Thirty (Fall)

When a new season comes around, I love to share with you all my favorite accessories from our go to bow shop Birdie Baby Boutique. Her accessories are not only beautiful, but her shop features endless possibilities, and genius color combinations. Even before Stella was born, we were stocking up on the beauties from her shop, which have lasted over the years. Each season Katy from Birdie Baby Boutique releases more fun color combos, as well as her existing creations, making it a perfect accessory shop to collect from. Not to brag or anything, but we are huge collectors of this shop, and have over 300 at this point! Two drawers in Stella's room are completely dedicated to Birdie Baby Boutique's creations. (Obsessed much? ABSOLUTELY!)

For the fall season I have broke down my favorite bows in her shop into 5 Key trends; Blush Romance, Fall Florals, Mustards, The Crown Jewels, & Fall Festivities. Links to all my favorites below.

Blush Romance

Parisian Skyline  | For Feather and Ever

Vintage State of Mind  |  Greyed Day

The Crown Jewels

Positively Plum  | Orchid You Not

Jeweliette |  Painted Beauty

Little Gypsy Dreamer| Woodsy Walks

Jenni's Forrest  | Ruffles and Jewels

Fall Festivities 

Havisham  | Thankfulness

Sylvia | Fall Finale

Falling in Love | Vintage Bliss

Fall Florals 

The Rose Garden  | Early Morning Walks 

Forget Me Not  | In Peach Able

Mustards 

Penelope  | M2M Mustardpie Alice

Mustard Pie   | M2M Wonderful Parade

Neve  | Marigolden Girl 

Meadow Lark | Fallidays  

I hope you all enjoyed my Birdie Thirty picks!! Which ones are your favorite??  

 Make sure to follow @birdiebabyboutique on Instagram and Facebook for flash sales, giveaways, and new bow releases. 

Yours truly,

Melissa 

Come on Fall!!!!

My absolute favorite time of year for fashion is the Fall season. The colors, the layering, and accessories make it such a fun time to get dressed. Although I can't quite put textured tights and motorcycle boots on Stella yet, I can start using pieces from her fall wardrobe that are still easy to run and play with in this 90 degree heat.

One of my favorite pieces in Stella's look today is this "rainbow" tee from a line called Kid and Kind which launched just this past June and is making quite a splash in the kids fashion world. The items in the shop are all designed by Jackie, the owner of Kid and Kind and are playful, unique, and modern. 

To accessorize her outfit I paired her neutral tee with a pair of Cat eye leopard print fashion glasses I picked up at Target Her Grammy and Grandpa wear glasses, so Stella thought it was pretty cool she got to wear some today too. 

Of course no outfit is complete without a Birdie Baby Boutique bow. This (Meadow Lark) is one of my favorites. I have had it for a few years now and pull it out ever Fall season. The black and white, paired with this grey and mustard make it an essential piece to Stella's fall wardrobe.

So who else is ready for cooler temps, and falling leaves?!! It's been real summer, but Fall your on deck! Yours Truly, Melissa

Panda Bear Round Up!

I am finding the cutest little bears popping up at some of my favorite shops. From dolls, to socks, pajamas, and even wrapping paper Panda Bears are everywhere! Even the ever so popular Whistle & Flute apparel shop, known for their "Kawaii cloud" pieces will be launching a Panda raglan this Fall. 

Known for being a bamboo eating, tree climbing bear, pandas are one of the most beautiful (and adorable) animals to walk the planet. Kids love their signature black and white fur coats, and are sure to love this trend. Today I am rounding up my favorite panda loving pieces, with links below. A trend your kids will love for seasons to come. 

1) Panda Doll | 2) Panda Socks | 3) Panda Vans

4) Panda Jammies | 5) Panda Wrapping Paper  | 6) Panda Leggings

7) Mr. Panda Poster |  8) Panda Sweatshirt 

Yours truly,

Melissa 

Stella's Favorite Things Giveaway

Before I went on a blog vacation I shared that we have something amazing coming up! Well today is the day for a very special giveaway, the "Stella's Favorite Things Giveaway".  Oprah has nothing on us! We may not be giving away any cars, but our giveaway is 100% authentic, as these are things we truly love and believe in. With August being Stella's birthday month we thought it was the perfect time to host a massive giveaway for our readers. The shops included are our absolute favorite that we love shopping from, and you will see Stella wearing frequently. One lucky winner will win the following....

$30 Shop Credit from Sugarplumlane Baby Boutique

Leggings of choice from Taylor Joelle Designs

A leather bow set from The Potluck Store

One Mickey and one Minnie Mouse clip from Giddy up and Grow

$35 shop credit to Birdie Baby Boutique

A pair of bow moccasins from The Coral Pear

Two braided leather headbands from Little Kate Designs

$35 shop credit to Tribe is Alive

A set of 3 jersey knotted headbands from House of Mia

$100 shop credit to  Mini Boden  (Autumn collection)

Here's how to enter:

1) Follow all shops on Instagram : @taylorjoelledesigns, @potluckstore, @giddyupandgrow, @birdiebabyboutique, @thecoralpear @littlekatedesigns @tribeisalive @house_of_mia @boden_clothing @theparkismyrunway @sugarplumlanebaby

2) Repost this photo to your Instagram page. You may post once per day until the last day of the contest which is end of day August 7th. Winner announced August 8th. If you are private you must comment on the original post.

Good luck to you all!!

Yours truly,

Melissa