Special thanks to sooooo many people.  The list is LONG.  Thanks for backing up all the “lies”.  Mish, for obvious reasons.  The cooking…Mom, other Mother, The Rico (Yes that just happened).  Haley, my decor assistant.  MacGyver aka Dad for making me a bar in one day (holy princess I am)…and it was actually a gift for Mark, so bonus.  Mike + Leesa Sproule, fabulous friends and owners of Okanagan Racing Experience who had my Dad + Mark for the say so we could get this party rockin’.  THANK YOU all…and more…

Sharing a few.  Mainly family stuff as its what I have together at the moment.

Enjoy.

the only “scene” photo we have happens to have me in it.  oh yay!  on the right…the unfinished welcome sign. ha. Mish, good thing for those custom colours!  hahaha.

the bar.  i will have to get a full shot of it.  its amazing.the man.  love these.our bartenders rocked.  trev, you scare me!  the little one ran around asking for tips.  it was a fab night!oh look…she’s eating…thats odd.  ha.  i do not even know what to say about this girl.  Amazing.  Haley you were an incredible help…and I could not have pulled it off without you. Xo.so busy even price tags didnt matter.  thank you for everything mish.  seriously.  disclaimer: only one of us is responsible for what you are about to see below…HINT…its NOT ME.WHAT ON EARTH?  Yes Michele was up until 2am making this non-edible cake.  Mmmm.  Yum.  See that flag…that is what is SHOULD look like!  I have no idea what happened to it…we dont even smoke!?  hahaha.

To say I am excited about the weather would be an understatement.  I am such a summer girl…everything about summer makes me smile.  Light meals, late nights, fruity drinks, beach bum kids, a bit of sunbathing…you name it.  The list is long…

Here are a few things making me smile on this beautiful Friday morning.

The Flip.  If you dont have one, get one.  Michele picked one up when we were in Victoria and seriously…best little thing ever.  I could plug it all day long.  Mine should be here any day now. Check it out!

Sink babies.  Something about freshly sunned little ones (yes gam + nan they wear sunscreen + hats!) washing the day away in the kitchen sink.  Love…

the new GAP Amalfi line for girls.  Um, MUST haves galore.  This is just a sample of one I love.  I want this line for me too!  The Embroidered Dolman top…sigh.

Perfect accidents.  Trying to climb over the baby gate while carrying what is set to be a super yummy ice cream cone…only to bail and have your forehead eat it first.  hehe.

enjoy today.

Thanks to my baby girl for showing me its okay to let go.  Even if letting go means being covered in marker…and coloring on mama’s table and chairs  Pfffft.  Its all washable so really…who cares right?!  ha.  Okay, maybe I care a little…but her current fascination with markers does give me a few free minutes!  Look at this face.  How can I say no?  hehe.

Oh and I think she might be a lefty…she would be the only one in the fam that I know of!?  Although my Ma always says she forced me to change to the right.  We shall see…

Happy Friday all.

So, what have I learned or at least been reminded of this week?

1.  Schedules are necessary.  In order to manage it all, its easier when its staring you in the face.  You feel more accountable and well…less frazzled.
2.  Sticking to a schedule is not easy.  Especially when working out is one of your tasks.
3.  Kids make messes faster than can be cleaned up…no matter how hard I try.  Okay honestly, I kinda knew this one already.  Its insane.
4.  Perfection is non existent.  My floors will be dirty, the laundry will go unfolded, emails might take longer to send replies…but it will all get done…eventually.
5.  Happy kids make a happy home.  How can little people have such an effect on a good vs. bad day?  Powerful little things.
6.  Blogs, facebook + twitter do not run my life.  Yes, I actually had to learn that.  I am sure we all fall into the trap now and then.
7.  Enjoy life.  Seriously.
8.  Remember to take snapshots…this one is a great reminder for photographers.  We are so great at capturing those wonderfully dressed up, pretty moments.  But lets not forget the in between.
9.  Dont forget the people sitting in your living room.  They are what get  you through the day.
. . . . . .
This is a biggie for me!
10.  I cannot do it all.  I try.  I fail.  I learn.  I grow…and then well…I blog about it.

Here’s a little sneak into my new non-perfect laundry room complete with several loads to fold, load in the wash, load in the dryer…an over flowing basket and a heap of things to be returned sitting by my purse.  No stress.  Yup, I am learning.

Mother’s Day this weekend and to say my list of goodies I would love to receive is a little long…well that would be an understatement.  A Macbook Pro would be nice!  Okay, I know its just Mother’s Day right?  Hey, this girl works hard and dreams big.  I would be thrilled with a lovely lunch, a little shopping and a pedi…hun, are you reading this?  Happy Moms day to all…and if you stay home with your kids full time, give yourself an extra pat on the back, I know you need it!

The week ahead is dedicated to a million things.  My girl is turning 2 at the end of the month, so party planning is in full swing.  My first wedding of the year is just around the corner.  I have a long list of crafting ideas that I am just itching to get going…including making my little girl a Kitchen for her birthday.  Someone please stop me!  Please!!  Crazy?  Yes I am.

Here’s a few bits I am lovin’ this week.

1. Such a “why didnt I think of that” moment.  This DIY idea came second place on the Ruffled blog.  So simple, so thrifty, and so smart.  They are wine bottles!!!  I am picturing these all white and thinking I might need to have some wine before Isla’s party.  ha.  So many fab DIY ideas were submitted, I could spend all day trying them out.

2. I think I might get married again just to hold this bouquet.  Love.  LOVE.  (via: 100 Layer Cake check it out, you will fall in love.)

3.  Perfection as a simple cake topper.  Another DIY via Ruffled.  I *heart* Ruffled.  You might be seeing this one in a photo from me soon!

enjoy.