The Simple Note

I was so excited to share a little piece of New York with our friends and family. We had the opportunity of hosting our shower at Engine 15 Brewing this past Saturday. It turned out exactly how we wanted it to. Our themed stemmed from Tirrell growing up in New York and being inspired by a very similar Bodega theme. Our family truly took my vision and made it a reality.

Decor

I wanted a mix of Spring in New York with Cherry Blossom Trees, New York street signs, and small emblems that represented where Tirrell grew up.


The street signs "Strauss" and "Sutter" were names of streets he lived on, the Metro cards represented the Metro Bus rode around the city, and the golden apples, of course, stood for the "Big Apple".



We even had a mini corner store where guests could come by and get candy, quarter waters, or chips for free.




We also incorporated Subway signs and other small items to bring it all together.

Blake's Bistro

I loved how We were able to create Blake's Bistro which was our restaurant name to serve our food. Each guest had custom menus with food recommendations of hot dogs they could create.


New York is known for their street dogs and I love sausage dogs. We named the hot dog recommendations after each member of our family: Blake's Classic, The Middle Sister, The Little Sister, Big Country, and The New Yorker. We also offered a number of New York style desserts including: New York cheesecake with blueberry or strawberry topping, Cannolis, Candy Apples, and Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes (strawberry being T's favorite).

Favors

The favors included B by Blake Bath Salts. I wanted guests to have something that was from "our shower to theirs". We also asked our guests to give middle name recommendations for B.




Venue: Engine 15 Brewing
Venue Manager: Haley Tinkle
Hair: Courtney Thomas
Custom NY Wood Signs and Street Signs: McElroy Design Co
Wood Painted Bistro Sign: Courtney Thomas
Desserts: Sweet Funn
Florals: Fox and Fawn Floral
Stationary: Paper Culture
Dress: ASOS
Photography: Erin Yvette
Set Up: Tiffany King, Nikole Glover, and Jennifer Jacobs

It's Friday! I can't believe how fast time has been passing by. I am currently 32 weeks and Baby B is doing so well. She's extremely active, especially during the end of the school day and the evenings.

To catch you up, a few weeks ago, I started a new dresser project that has took a long pause because life has been so busy! I've been working so hard with my business lately and in between work, side projects, client meetings, and baby planning where is the time?

I am so happy that this weekend is a little slower than normal. With hopes, I'll be able to tackle a few DIY projects for our baby shower next weekend and her little area.

The Nook: 

T and I decided on a nursery nook for the baby. It took a few discussions and his knowledge on babies and newborn parenting to get me to come around, but I am glad I finally did.

Paint: 

Last month, we painted the bedroom a brighter color, Sherwin Williams Bohemian Lace. The previous color wasn't exactly the color I wanted for the room when we first moved in and painted. I was so happy to rid of that dark chalky grey.

The Dresser: 

I fell in love with this Pottery Barn Blythe Extra Wide Dresser. I just loved how sleek and simple it was. The legs give it that extra detail and the color was neutral and soft. Let me quickly add, it was completely out of our budget for a baby dresser. I couldn't fathom spending $1,100 for a dresser!

I'm not new to refurbishing, so I went to Marketplace and Offer-Up to find a similar version that I could do for less (way less) than the cost of my first love. It took a few months for me to find a similar version. I lost a few bids on Marketplace and then I found the one!

Before:



After:


It took me about a month for me to contact/buy the dresser from the seller. Once I got it home, I began working on it right away.

Last weekend, I took some time to find dresser toppers like a changing pad, a marble and gold tray for her essentials, and some wall decor to finish up the space.

The Crib:

We found a soft grey 5 in 1 baby crib from Target that we (more so I). Simple and a little traditional mixed in one. I loved that it was something that can grow with her over time.

This Weekends Plan: 

• I plan to add the hardware back on the drawers and clean the inside one more time. 
• Return one wall art to Home Goods and purchase a replacement. 
• Hang mirror above dresser
• Find a blush throw for nursing chair
• Purchase a Gold Rod for curtains

I'd love to hear from you. How did you design your nursery or nook? What are you up to this weekend? 

This past weekend I spent a few days in Atlanta with my girls celebrating Baby K. It was such a fun time similar to my Bachelorette because I was able to get away with my girls and celebrate another memorable moment in my life.




What is a Babyette?

It's a celebratory girls get away for a baby. Similar to a Bachelorette Party, we took the entire weekend to spend time together before the baby comes. The weekend was completely planned by my girlfriends. 




What do you do at a Babyette?

We didn't have a set itinerary. We did have a set gathering to eat, mingle, and play baby games like tasting baby food and bottle sipping contests. We also ate at a few local restaurants including the Flying Biscuit, South City Kitchen, and Chido Padres.

Thanks to one of the games I found a bottle brand I am not NOT going to be using. 




Where did you get your dress?

I received the most comfortable maternity dress from Shop Pink Blush. They have such a large collection of maternity wear for expecting mothers. I teamed up with Shop Pink Blush to wear their Solid Off Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress linked here. What I loved the most about my dress is that it was off shoulder (completely my style even before expecting), soft material, and loose fitting for this expanding belly. They have a large collection of dresses to choose from. I am currently 31 weeks and it fit me perfectly. Not to mention their shipping was extremely fast!



Are gifts involved?

Originally I told my girls NO gifts. They didn't exactly listen. The idea behind the Babyette was to celebrate together and enjoy time with B's aunts. I did receive tons of tokens from them; even a new "Mom Bag" from my best friend. 




What is Baby K's name?

Her name is Blake.

XO-
Whitney

• Extreme exhaustion
• Watermelon breast (tender, hard, sore)
• No Morning Sickness
• Hunger between 2 and 7 am
• No cravings

• Always tired
• Watermelon breast starting to dye down
• No morning sickness
• Still hungry all the time 
• Cravings (starting to kick in):
•  Cold sandwiches with mustard and pickles!

• No morning sickness
• Constipation kicks in
• Cravings:
• Orange juice
• Citrus fruits (Grapefruit)
• Salty/Sour chewy candy (Trolli Sour worms)
• Pepperoni and crackers 

• No morning sickness
• Heartburn. I've never in my life experienced heartburn like this. Every. Single. Day. Tums are not my friend. Thanks to my friend, Janine, I found that cold chocolate milk works wonders. 
• Less discomfort while sleeping
• Bathroom trips decrease
• No Morning Sickness
• Weight Gain (so far I've gained 8 pounds)
• Cravings
• Grapefruit
• Cheesecake
• Gender discovery!