A Little of This & That… Renovating, Decorating, DIY Projects & Family
A Little of This & That… Renovating, Decorating, DIY Projects & Family

Happy (Actual 1st), Taylor Rose!

Today is T’s birthday. I can’t believe that 12 months ago this little peanut came into our world and changed our lives in a big (awesome) way. It’s hard to imagine life pre two little kiddos to play with and love on.

Today? She is a walking, laughing, smiling, pointing, sweet little girl.

Taylor's 1st Birthday - An Infographic | PepperDesignBlog.com

I am grateful that Taylor is such a smiley, chill baby. I’m grateful that she is so patient with us as we figure out what it means to grow as a family. Taylor is an observer, but not one to watch life pass by. She’s learning to assert herself and to be heard, even amongst the craziness that is this house :). I love that T is beginning to engage in Liv play, and that Liv has taken it upon herself to be a little momma (it’s a great role for her).

Happy birthday, sweet Taylor girl!

A look back at Taylor’s year in snapshots (my five favorites), her birth story and – oh man – lots of squishy newborn photos.

Hubby and I are off to Catalina Island (off the coast of Southern California) to celebrate 7 years of marriage (that’s a crazy number too!). Enjoy your beautiful weekend.

Random Thoughts: On the Word Sorry

I came across this and thought that I would share.

Guys, I’ll preface this by saying that I’m a huge believer in words. And especially, the right words. Moods can be changed, days can be made and feelings can feel brighter with the right mix of thoughtful, compassionate and heartfelt words. Plus a good sprinkling of kind etiquette. Ah man, I’m such a manners person. I LOVE words like ‘thank you’ more than anything in the world. Gratitude is contagious and anyone deserving of it truly ought to hear it. I overuse it to the nth degree but I also truly notice when those same words are offered to me. I take them to heart.

That being said, I totally relate to this too:

(Here’s the video if you’re having trouble streaming it through the blog).

This is not a sponsored post :), Pantene just got the message right on and happened to produce an awesome video. I can relate to every instance that these girls use ‘sorry’ because that’s often how I interject myself into conversations and also how I am almost always willing to field the blame in silly situations (‘sorry, but I think that the coffee line starts over here?’). Saying sorry is at the heart of our human existence because it makes us real (we all mess up), but saying sorry too often sort of dilutes the word, don’t you think? Especially when it can be interchanged with words like ‘excuse me’ or the millions of other polite euphemisms that might fit in.

So my random thought for the day… why are women always apologizing? Let’s continue to be kind and compassionate and thoughtful – and leave the sorry’s to when they are equally heartfelt and appreciated.

PS More ramblings found over here. Advertisers are picking up pace with native video messaging – remember this one? PPS Thanks, Elise for sharing this video. :)

Painted Bamboo Forks

Cheery Painted Bamboo Forks | PepperDesignBlog.com

One of my favorite projects from Sunday’s party were these DIY bright yellow forks. So simple! And a festive little addition. I found the bamboo forks on Amazon while looking for disposable-but-not-plastic flatware and was really happy with the quality and style. Likewise for these cute little mini spoons for the sorbet.

Cheery Painted Bamboo Forks | PepperDesignBlog.com

I attempted to ‘dunk’ the back end of the fork in a little sample can of paint first and didn’t get very far with the messy process and all of the dripping (sort of like I did with these plastic tumblers but so much tougher because these guys needed to dry upside down). Once I securely taped up the forks though and turned to spray paint, they were all finished in about five minutes. Liv was the best helper! She’s quite the taper and prepped all of the forks for me.

Cheery Painted Bamboo Forks | PepperDesignBlog.com

Cheery Painted Bamboo Forks | PepperDesignBlog.com

Cheery Painted Bamboo Forks | PepperDesignBlog.com

I used a yellow spray paint that I had on hand in my paint closet, might not need one as heavy duty as the above for just this little task. I also took the forks outside to a well ventilated area to paint them. This project was a little messy! Even with careful aim. I recommend covering the top of the flatware with a sheet of paper to help prevent any paint from getting onto the part of the fork that someone would use to eat with.

Taylor's First Birthday | Painted Bamboo Forks | PepperDesignBlog.com

Bam. Colorful, happy forks for near the price of the plastic versions (I bought a 100 pack and am looking forward to further experimentation for another party. Stamping? Striping? The fork sky is the limit).

More party & entertaining ideas store here, and more crafty ideas right here.

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