3 hours ago
. . . and spice, and everything nice!
We're having a sweet baby GIRL! We are so happy and excited!
More details on the gender reveal party to follow!
When we decided to do another gender reveal party, I originally wanted to keep it more low-key, since this is the second gender reveal party we've done. We decided to do a barbecue with close family and friends. But then we decided I needed to do invites and games again, and I realized just how many close friends and family I wanted to invite, so the whole low-key thing went out the window! What can I say? I can't help myself.
However, I still liked the idea of making it more of a end-of-summer barbecue *slash* gender reveal party. I've been wanting to do a barbecue this summer, and I thought combining the two would give it that more low-key feel that I was originally going for.
I knew, however, that I didn't want to put pressure on myself to make the invitations again like last time (I handmade gender reveal invitations for Wyatt's party), so I went on a quest for some invitations. I originally looked into making them on Shutterfly or Tiny Prints, but that was going to cost me around 40 bucks! No thank you.
I decided to do a little search on Etsy, and what should I spot but the perfect gender reveal party invitation. Seriously. Who would have thought that someone else would have decided to do a gender reveal barbecue too?
See? It's perfect.
I ordered this invitation from a shop called PuzzlePrints. It came as an image file, and then I printed it up from there.
Originally the invitation was for a first-baby gender reveal, so I contacted the owner to see if she could change it up to reflect that this was our second baby, and also to see if she could include Wyatt in the invitation (though I wasn't sure how that would work, so I gave her an out in case she couldn't fit it in). But she was able to include all the details I wanted and I think the changes she made were perfect!
The owner of PuzzlePrints (Laura) was really easy to work with. I was also surprised when I checked my e-mail shortly after ordering and already saw the completed invitation in my inbox! I'm talking within the hour. I was very impressed with how fast I got it, because it let me order the prints quicker (and the invitations were already going out late, so time was important).
I love the way it turned out! I still had to pay to have the invitations printed (since I don't have a working printer in my house), but I think the total was much more reasonable for something so personalized. It would be super-reasonable if you had your own printer!
I felt like the envelopes that came with the invitations when I printed them were a little plain , so I bought some scrapbook paper to add some pizazz. This is the finished product:
I was really happy with them! Tip: When I went to have them printed I also included a sentence on the back saying "No gifts please, just bring yourselves!", because I forgot to ask Laura to add that to the front. Because you don't want people to feel like they have to buy you something for a party like this, you know? That's what baby showers are for. Just my thoughts on the subject!
If any of you decide to order an invitation from PuzzlePrints, Laura has offered a free thank you card printable with your purchase when you mention my blog! PuzzlePrints has beautiful invitations for birthdays, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas parties, wedding showers, wedding anniversary parties, baby showers, and of course gender reveal parties. And she takes custom orders too, so I'm sure if you are looking for something a little different she could come up with a perfect invite! Personally, I have my eye on her ugly sweater party invitations if we decide to have another one this year!
I'm so excited to have our "BaByQ" gender reveal party on Sunday! Stay tuned for the details, coming next week!
So, if you've been reading for a while, you probably remember that Photoshop Elements and I started out with a love-hate relationship. Let's face it, it's a confusing program, and it takes a long time to figure it out! It took me a year of having it to really start using it, and even then it was pretty limited use.
I was this close to just giving up on it when I discovered Photoshop actions! Basically you download an "action" and install it into Photoshop Elements, and then you can just click the action and it does all the work for you! It also ended up being a win-win, because not only did it save a ton of time, it helped me figure out the whole "layers" concept a little more when I started adjusting the different layers of the actions I was using. I decided I loved the whole action concept, and I went on a hunt for more free actions.
These are a bunch of actions for Photoshop Elements that you can get for free! I know some of you have Elements as well, so I thought I'd be nice and share some of my free action finds. Hopefully you'll find some that you like from the list of websites below. I definitely have my favorites, but it's fun to experiment and see what each one does with an image. I would suggest messing around with the opacity of each layer after using an action, because a lot of them end up being pretty strong, and you can customize it to what you want better if you adjust the opacities.
Without further ado - here are some places around the internet where I've found free actions (there are over 100 free actions here)!
(more freebies become available when you subscribe to their newsletter)
(for subscribing to newsletter)
(for liking on Facebook)
(for liking on Facebook)
The above actions are the main ones I've downloaded and used, but the following page has more resources for free actions that I don't have listed here. I haven't looked at some of these sites yet, so I might have to check them out myself!
After you download the actions, you have to install them into Photoshop Elements. I feel like the Texas Chicks explanation is a little simpler and clearer, but I included the CoffeeShop explanation as well because it's more detailed if you are having problems with one of the steps. And just a little tip: The action files have the file extension .ATN, and sometimes include an .XML file too. The action downloads usually include an image file (.PNG or .JPEG or .PND). Make sure to transfer the .ATN file, the .XML file, and one image file.
Installing actions in Photoshop Elements - Texas Chicks blog
Installing actions in Photoshop Elements - CoffeeShop blog
And after you install them into Photoshop Elements, experiment and have fun with your photos!
And just as an example from one of our Christmas photos last year . . .
Original Photo:
And with different actions applied to it:
1. Ice Pop from CoffeeShop blog
2. Butterscotch Vintage from CoffeeShop blog
3. Little Miss Muffet from Oh So Posh Photography
4. MCP's Mini Fusion
5. Vanilla Pop from Paint the Moon
6. Pioneer Woman's Cooler
7. Urban Grit from CoffeeShop blog
8. Vintage Blush from Coffee Shop blog
9. Whisper Linen from Oh So Posh Photography
And there are lots more that I don't have time to show you! You can get a ton of different looks by combining actions too, and you don't have to spend a lot of money buying action packs (which can be rather pricey).
Though just between me and you, I love the look of Florabella's action packs, but I haven't brought myself to spend the money to buy one yet. And they unfortunately don't have any action sampler packs.
I hope you have fun with some of these free actions from around the web!
P.S. Actions are fun, but they are even better on photos that are already good in-camera. If you have a DSLR but struggle with getting off the automatic settings - I've got a GREAT resource for you! Erin from Digital Photography for Moms has a great program for teaching you how to get the most out of your camera.
Check out *Guided365 here!
Check out *Guided365 here!
*affiliate link
I'll be honest and say that when I first requested Fatal Distractions by Kay Arthur and David and BJ Lawson for review, I thought it was an actual chapter-book. When I got it I realized it was a Bible study guide, so it wasn't exactly what I was expecting.
However, I went ahead and did the study, and I have to say I thought it was really good. This is a study guide that covers six of the seven deadly sins - pride, anger, jealousy, gluttony, slothfulness, and greed. When I first saw that list I subconsciously checked a few of them off in my head as things that wouldn't really be applicable to me.
But Arthur and the Lawson's do a great job of putting together Bible passages and questions to really make you search yourself to see if any of these sins might be something that is sneaking into your day-to-day. I found so many practical applications and challenges through doing this study, so even though it wasn't what I was expecting when I first ordered it, I ended up getting a lot out of it.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a personal Bible study, and I do think it would be great as a group study too, because as the cover says, it really is a "no homework" Bible study guide. I just wish I could have spent a little more time on it! I had to read it in a bit of a hurry so I could post this review.
Note: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multonomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging For Books program in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
I recently finished reading Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble. I've been wanting to read one of Coble's books for a long time, so when I logged onto Booksneeze and saw that Tidewater Inn was one of my review options, I jumped on it.
This book is about Libby who finds out that her father, who she thought was dead for years, has just died and left her a historic inn in Hope Beach, a small town on the outer banks. On top of trying to connect with a family she never knew she had, Libby must also search for her business partner who has been kidnapped in the area.
I thought this book was enjoyable. The characters were likable, and even though it seemed to start out slow, the mystery aspect that became apparent in the second half of the book kept me reading to the end.
There was a nice little romance thrown in, and Libby struggles throughout the book with how to treat her new siblings, who are acting hostile toward her, in a Christ-like manner.
This was a suspense/mystery book that included lessons to be learned, without being too heavy or serious. I think it would be a great vacation/beach read, and I'm definitely going to check out some of Coble's other books!
Note: I was given this book for free by Booksneeze in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Alright, first let’s wrap up last week’s poll, shall we?
Do you have a Twitter account/ How do you feel about Twitter?
-I do have an account and I love it! - 6 (26%)
-I have an account, don't use it that much - 4 (17%)
-I have an account, but I don't really "get" Twitter - 7 (30%)
-Don't have an account, prefer other social media - 0 (0%)
-Don't have an account, don't understand the point of Twitter - 6 (26%)
Votes: 23
Wow, I was a bit surprised at the results this time! I guess I’m surprised at how many people don’t really get Twitter. But I shouldn’t be, because it took me about two years (?) to understand it. And I’m still not an expert.
Twitter can actually be pretty helpful to bloggers (more so than for the general public, I think), but it is way easier to get into if you have a smart phone. If you have a smart phone and you’re a blogger, you definitely need to give it a good try. No excuses for you!
Any bloggers out there who consider themselves adept at Twitter? Because I think the results of this poll call for a post on understanding Twitter, but I’m not sure I’m the person to write it. But I would love to have you write a guest post for me on the subject. I’m serious. E-mail me at throughcloudedglass@gmail.com if you are interested!
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Okay, on to today’s topic, and the subject of the next poll – first birthday parties.
(From Wyatt’s first birthday party. I just realized that one of the lights in our chandelier was out. Ignore that.)
I’ve been thinking about first birthday parties a lot lately. Maybe because I’m only four months removed from Wyatt’s first birthday party. Maybe because it seems like lots of babyies in the mom-blog world are hitting “One-derland”! Maybe it’s because I still find cute ideas for parties that I pin to my party Pinterest board.
There are some amazing party ideas out there. Seriously. Just search “first birthday party” on Pinterest and take a look at what comes up. It’s hard not to want your own child’s first birthday to be just as fabulous as all that.
The cute themes. The birthday banners. The artfully decorated smash cakes. The highchairs. The party hats/outfits. The food tables. The favors. The guestbooks. The presents.
(Wyatt’s birthday guestbook.)
Anything that can be done for first birthday parties seems to be done these days.
I’m not necessarily saying it’s a bad thing. You all have seen Wyatt’s first birthday party post. You know the effort I put into it, and I had such fun doing it.
But what I’m getting at more than effort is the money that goes into all of this. Or at least the pressure for all the money to go into this.
A few months before Wyatt’s first birthday, I got the catalog in the mail. The first birthday catalog. Filled with tons of decorations, accessories, and pretty much anything you could think of wanting for a party.
I’m sure you all got the same catalog. How do these people get our names, anyway?
Sure, they had a ton of cute stuff in it. But I sat down and added up all the things that you could buy for one party, based on what they were selling in the catalog. And it was a lot of money. At least it was a lot to me, but maybe I have unrealistic expectations about what it takes to throw a first birthday party.
(Cupcakes.)
After I threw Wyatt’s first birthday party I sat down and added up how much I spent on everything, including outfit, decorations, presents, and food. At first I thought what I spent was a lot, but not after looking at the catalog.
And it made me wonder, what is the average amount that is spent on first birthday parties these days? I really want to know.
Because let’s be honest, people, the kids aren’t going to remember any of it. First birthday parties are often more for the parents and family than for the kids, just because of the fact that they won’t remember.
Wyatt won’t remember his first birthday party. I will. But he won’t.
I don’t remember my first birthday party. I like looking at the pictures. It was a circus theme, and I had a cake shaped like a circus train. But that was the extent of it – no elaborate decorations or any of that.
And I looked perfectly happy, thrilled even, with my little party.
And yet it seems like there is all this pressure to have an amazing first birthday party for our kiddos. Probably more so for us blogging/pinning people. And aside from the outside pressure we also put the pressure on ourselves, because who doesn’t want everyone to “ooh and aah” over our creativity?
I know I’m not immune. And I really don’t think it’s bad to spend a bit of money and effort making your child’s first birthday party special.
I just think there should be a balance.
So, in light of that, what do you think is a reasonable amount to spend on a first birthday party? How much would you/did you spend on your child’s first birthday party (including decorations, presents, outfits, and food)?
Tell me below if you feel comfortable, otherwise you can be anonymous and vote to the left! I’m going to leave this poll open a little longer to last through next week, and I'm allowing multiple answers for those of you who have multiple kiddos.
I’ll tell you how much I spent on Wyatt’s party when I do the wrap-up of this poll in a couple weeks!
Last week I finished The Hunger Games.
Before I get too far into this review, let me just say that I think there are two types of stories, whether in movies or books – stories that have some sort of driving point (whether inspirational, educational, political, etc.), and then there are stories that are mainly for entertainment, with no clear point. And I think that’s just fine. I can really appreciate both types.
When I decided to go ahead and read The Hunger Games, I was under the impression that it was of the first variety – a story with a point behind it. I heard from multiple sources, people and articles, that The Hunger Games was meant as a “cautionary tale” of what could happen when government or the media get out of control, or of what may happen if we lose our sensitivity to violence as a society.
And I just have to say, having read the book now, I didn’t get any of that.
I see no real point against letting government or media get out of control in the book. Sure, the government and media are out of control in Panem, but I think they have to be to make the plot work. Though I obviously don’t know exactly what the author was trying to portray, as I was reading I didn’t get the feeling the author wrote this book trying to make a point about either media or governmental control. They just seemed like necessary plot elements.
As for the idea that she’s trying to send a message about not losing our sensitivity to violence, if that is so then I think the content of the book is rather counter-productive. Deaths are described in detail, and it’s one of the more violent books I’ve read. Generally speaking, the more violence we are exposed to in books and movies the more danger we are in of becoming insensitive to it, so I can’t say I think this book is all that helpful on that point.
If a book is going to have a message behind it, there has to be some dialogue or scenes in the book that really drive the point home – and I kept waiting for it, but it never came. There were vague stirrings of a point here and there, and I kept thinking that maybe this is where “cautionary” message I expected to read would be addressed, but nothing that I would consider solid was ever said.
If there was a point that the author was trying to make, it was weakly portrayed. Strictly judging from content, I wouldn’t see any particular intended message behind this book without also reading a commentary on it. All of those suggested points I mentioned before came from commentators, not from the actual book itself.
I have no problem if commentators or parents want to use the story to help make their own point about out-of-control government or media, or about being insensitive to violence. But the book itself is pretty neutral and doesn’t exactly say anything against either – the reader is left to draw their own conclusions, if any are to be drawn.
So if this isn’t a book with a particular point (and I just don’t think it is, in and of itself), then it’s main value would lie in entertainment. Which is absolutely fine. I’m not one of those people who thinks everything has to have a purpose, and I love a good, entertaining story.
If I’m looking at the book from a strict “entertainment-value” standpoint, then I do have to say that the book is very entertaining. It’s exciting and suspenseful. Every time I finished a chapter I had a hard time not starting the next one. There’s no doubt that it’s well-written.
However, I kept feeling like there was something that was just off. And I wish I could put my finger on it better.
Maybe it was the fact that I thought Katniss was almost disturbingly good at playing “the game”, and everything she did seemed to be for the camera - we are left to applaud her for her cleverness throughout the story, even though doing things only for the camera shouldn't necessarily be something to aspire to (I don’t think so, anyway).
Maybe it was the plain old reason that this entertaining story was, in fact, about children being forced to kill other children.
Maybe it was because I felt that even though the violence in the book wasn’t condoned, it almost seemed to be accepted because that’s “the way things are” in Panem.
Whatever it was, something just didn’t sit right.
I agree with the mom who petitioned to get The Hunger Games off her middle schooler’s reading list from her school - I don’t think this book is appropriate for younger preteens/teens. Kids that age are so impressionable, and they are still forming their worldviews. I don’t think it would be beneficial for a child that age to be reading about a world where kids do whatever it takes to survive. In my opinion, it would be wise to wait until they were a little older and had a bit more practice at thinking critically about this sort of thing before reading this book, if it is indeed a book the parent decides is okay.
I’m not trying to pick on the book or be overly-critical, and I can’t say I thought the book was “bad” . . . but I also can’t say I thought the book was good. It just was . . . and for a book that just is, I have my doubts. Though it was hard to put down, and I was dying to find out what happened between Katniss and Peeta, I can’t say I’m really a fan for that reason.
Thankfully there are lots of reviews with spoilers out there, so I know what happens with Peeta and Katniss without having to read the next books.
Okay, I’m prepared to be pelted with rotten tomatoes now, but that’s my opinion. Take it or leave it.
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