He Makes All Things Beautiful

I felt a nudge to blog this morning. This story has been on my heart and I love to share things on this blog. The good, the bad, the sad and the happy. All of it.
I woke up today realizing how much my life has changed in the past 6 months. Its truly God showing me that He had a plan. And His whispers to me throughout the day telling me- 'see, it all worked out'.

As Christians, we are always told to Trust. Trusting in God's timing is easier said than done. It's not easy- I can attest to that.
My career as a teacher was not a quick one where you graduate college, and have your dream job. This did not happen. Actually, during that time I thought it would NEVER happen...but I trusted.

I started teaching when I was 20. I was in college, and working part time at First Baptist Church Orlando's Moms Day Out program. This is where I met Julie, the director of the program. I learned so much from her during my time there, and when she went to direct Delaney Street Baptist's Early Learning Center, I quickly followed. I was there for five years, teaching prekindergarten. Oh how i loved that little school. I became friends with a lot of the moms, and we were all so close. I still keep in touch with them to this day.
This school was wonderful to be in, but it was not a place I could survive financially. Actually, I wasn't surviving- I still lived at home and everything was paid for. I prayed that once I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in education, I would get a job at Lake Highland Preparatory School. That was my dream.

I prayed and prayed that I would find a teaching position in a private school. In 2011, I got a voicemail from The First Academy's special needs division, First Hope. I had experience with special needs children and took some classes, but I did not have a degree in this field. I am not sure how I got this job, but knew it was God. 

I cried when I got the offer call, mostly because I didn't want to leave the comfort of my little school. But I knew it was necessary. I met so many great people at this school. People who I didn't realize at the time would be in my life now in a very important way. That was God working.

I stayed at First Hope for only two years. I was also working on my masters degree at this time. It was tough, and I hung in there the best way I knew how. I knew that again I had to trust. It became so hard on me that I needed a way out.

I called a former coworker who was working at a small Christian school and I immediately got a job as a prekindergarten teacher. I was thankful for this, but in a way I felt like I was going backwards. I didn't want to be a pre-k teacher, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher in a school where I have great benefits and made enough salary to survive. Again, God said no. This was His plan at this time. 

I took the job with a happy heart. It felt nice to teach pre-k again in a typical classroom environment. I then taught Kindergarten the following year at the same school. It was ok, but I knew deep down this was not where I was supposed to be. I also graduated with my masters degree during this time.

I talked to one of my co-workers from First Hope about my plans. She was our occupational therapist who worked with our students one on one. She and I became close while working at the school- mostly because we needed someone to lean on. It was tough. She told me that I should look into getting my certification through the state to become a pediatric developmental specialist. I looked into it, and was overwhelmed with the to-do list. I started this list in spring of 2013. I knew something was going to come of this, I just didn't know when. There was too much to do to prepare for certification. 

I prayed- I prayed all the time, even in the middle of the day on the playground while my kindergarten students were running around playing. 'God, send me a sign. Tell me what to do'.

He answered. He answered with- you need to tell the school you might not be coming back. 

WHAT?!

I didn't even have a job lined up! You are telling me to tell them I am not coming back, and I have no place to go?! Well, I told them. I may not be coming back. The last day of school, I was told that my contract was not going to be continued. They knew I wasn't coming back and did not want to wait on an answer. I was sad, and scared. What was I going to do? I was terrified. 

I went to Amelia Island June of last year right after this happened. It was a week long vacation that I needed for sure. I felt a sense of peace. God was speaking to me. I had no job, no income. But felt peace. I had 2 months of working at my mom's summer camp at her school for not even half of what I made at my teaching job. I was not surviving. And I kept praying. 

I planned on getting my certification for therapy approved by late summer, and I called daily to check the status. This was my only hope. Therapists do very well. And I was excited at the possibilities. 

I kept calling all summer. Setbacks after setbacks with the paperwork. I was getting so discouraged. In late July, I got a call. It was from The Christ School. After I listened to the voicemail, I sat in my car and cried. I was overwhelmed with God's perfect timing. I called back. After many interviews, I got the job 2 weeks later. 

Full time benefits, vacation time, and a wonderful school. It was all I have been praying for. God answered, but He wasn't finished. 

My paperwork with the state finally was approved. It was approved after I settled into my new school environment. God knew exactly what He was doing. He knew what was best for me. 

As I sit here and type this, I am joyful. I am in awe of how all this worked out. I have a wonderful kindergarten class in a school that I adore. I have seven therapy clients and the number is rising. I am able to support myself financially, I am able to help my grandmother with her needs, I am able to help children with their disabilities. I am able to teach in a Christian environment. 

Thank you God for all these things. Your timing is perfect.

My Best Yes

I am not a New Year' resolution person, but if I do make a "resolution" it's usually a goal or something very reasonable to accomplish. 

This year, I decided that I need to read more books. I have books, love to go to book stores and browse and browse, but I never really read much. Unless you count life and style, US Weekly or People Magazine, I have not been very good about reading. 

While browsing Facebook one morning, I came across a blog that I love to follow, http://courtneydefeo.com/blog and saw some recommendations for books. It was all in perfect timing! Courtney is one of the moms in my class, and author of In this House We Will Giggle. I just love her giving and gracious heart! 

I looked over her book list and drove to Barnes and Noble to see which one I wanted to purchase for my first read of 2015. The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst was the winner. Something about the cover got me, and off I went with my new book in hand. 

I am just about finished with this eye opening book. It teaches us how to say no when our life is already full of obligations. It teaches us to give our Best Yes to the person or situation that needs us most, without expecting anything in return. Two chapters that really stood out for me:

"But what if I say no and they stop liking me?"

"A Best Yes is seen by those who choose to see"

I know I have had issues with these situations, just as most women have. I want to please, and I want everyone to like me. But you cannot please everyone, and not everyone is not going to like you. You have to accept that. 

After reading till almost the end of this book, and realizing that I have to give my Best Yes when I already have a full schedule of teaching, tutoring and soon to be taking  on another job of providing early intervention therapy, my plate is full! I get a text...

"Would you be interested in being one of our volunteers for Whipping Childhood Cancer?". Before I give you details of this, I want to backtrack and explain what this organization is. 

My friend began this organization with another mom who has a child with cancer. This was formed to help spread the word about pediatric cancers and raise awareness of the reality these children and families face daily. My friend Candice has a child who is battling leukemia. 

Now, I am reading about the Best Yes right when I received this text. The book talks about God putting things right in front of you when a Best Yes answer is needed. I believe this was one of those moments. A few of my favorite reminders from this book are:

Today's decisions will become tomorrow's circumstances

Saying no isn't an unnecessary rejection. It's a necessary protection of our Best Yes answers

The decisions you make determine the schedule you keep. The schedule you keep determines the life you live. And how you live your life determines how you spend your soul. 

And I replied to my friend...Yes! 

Salt Tasting

This afternoon I enjoyed learning about all the salts that the Salt Boutique has to offer! Each day they have a tasting where you can try out the different salts from all around the world. The chef here at Salt restaurant makes these salts with infused flavors that you would never think to add to a salt!

This one below is a smoky salt, it was my least favorite. But it seems to be a favorite around here from everyone we meet!

While tasting the salts, you put them on bread with a little butter. This is how you get the full effect of the flavor. 

Some interesting ones were Bamboo Leaf and Cherry Plum salts!

The shop also has some wonderful salt cellars that are ocean inspired, along with Himalayan salt blocks that you cook on and lamps that clear the air of toxins.

Himalayan salt has huge health benefits. 

I am definitely going back tomorrow to choose my favorite salt to take home, I still cannot decide! 

Pool Day at the Ritz!

Today was a pool day! The pool here is lined with tons of Palm trees and is so pretty. I am also glad that the sun came out today!

I took a walk out to the beach and crossed over the dunes and saw this little fellow...

At the pool, there is an oceanfront grill. They serve you right at your pool lounge chair- that's my kind of service! 

For lunch I had a Taco Salad.

This afternoon I also got to check into the Ritz Spa. I am grateful to Suzanne for this lovely addition to my stay! Thank you :)

Today I soaked in the steamed whirlpool and relaxed with cucumbers on my eyes!

Tomorrow I am going to spend more time at the spa and use their beautiful pool area.  I'll be blogging more about the Spa tomorrow!

Salt

This afternoon my grandma and I arrived in Amelia Island. The drive was not so fun as it poured almost the whole way here!

This island is beautiful once you get to it, it is off the Florida east coast right before you hit the Georgia line. The actual island is such a quaint little place, lined with trees and beautiful homes. Sitting right on the ocean is The Ritz Carlton, where we will spend the rest of the week.

The hotel is sophisticated southern charm, that's the best way to explain it! Wooden oak, dark furniture, china cabinets and beautiful gift shops fill the lobby. 

Tonight we had reservations for their fine dining restaurant, Salt.

It was absolutely perfect! It's a true experience, as they give you nicely presented courses and little "gifts from the chef".

You begin with different types of breads that you are supposed to experiment with different Salts. Each salt is from a different region and they taste wonderful! Also very healthy for you!

The black one there in the middle is from Hawaii and is a charcoal salt that aids digestion. It was my favorite! 

Next they brought out a "gift" of Salmon Tartar. Yes, I ate it. Quickly but surely :

For my appetizer, I chose heirloom tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella.

My entree was seabass with pepper jelly and vegetable succotash with pesto.

We were recommended to try the banana foster soufflé. Yum! It had white chocolate gelato on the side.

They give you a lot of "gifts" here, they packaged up some of the salts we tried along with macaroons and painted truffles.

This was truly a beautiful, wonderful restaurant! 

Thankful For Clean Eating Chefs!

I have to thank Stephanie for sending me info about the personal chef I am about to blog about. If it weren't for you I would have never found her! Thank you Stephanie :)

Last week I got a message from a friend who knows a personal chef that delivers wonderful clean meals. I was so eager to learn more! Her business is called Collette's Clean Eats. She is a culinary school graduate and has been a personal chef in celebrity homes. I know when I used to nanny for one family, I LOVED their chef and the food! I can still taste some of those meals!

I contacted her and got more information on how it all works.
Each Wednesday she emails out the menu for the following week's meals. These meals consist of soups, salads, and entrees. You choose what you want from the menu, and then she delivers your prepared entrees on Mondays. Each item is priced separately and the entrees are for one person.

Today she delivered he following delicious meals to my home:
GF-Gluten Free  V-Vegetarian

Quinoa Salad- Quinoa, Tomatoes, Corn, Green Beans, and Zucchini with a Green Goddess Dressing (GF,V)

Tomato and Basil Soup- Organic Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Onions, Garlic, House-made Vegetable Stock, Milk (GF,V)

Eggplant Parmesan- Local Organic Eggplant baked with seasoned bread crumbs. mozzarella, and house-made marinara 

Cucumber and Kimchi Noodle Bowl- Soba Noodles, Tamari, Raw Honey, Green Cabbage, Cucumbers, All Natural Kimchi Toasted Peanuts

Each entree comes with "a little something sweet" that consists of a one or two bite healthy dessert. This week's "something sweet" is Orange Coconut cookies! 

Tonight I had the Noodle Bowl and it was delicious! I cannot wait to try my other meals and I will definitely enjoy my new chef each week :) 
Check her out on Facebook, Collette's Clean Eats, and her website is http://www.collettescleaneats.com

Vegetable Frittata

I am on day four of sugar free, clean eating! A few nights ago I made a recipe from my Clean Eats book that I would like to share. This recipe is a Vegetable Frittata and is basically a quiche with no crust.
I added organic eggs, kale, spinach, onion, green pepper, and zucchini with some spices. It was so good! You can serve this warm or at room temp. I think next time, I will let it sit for at least 20 minutes in order for it to form a more firm texture.



On the side, I made yukon mini sauteed potatoes. I found these at Whole Foods and they are usually in store seasonally. Cut in half, boil potatoes, and then saute' with with onion, garlic, salt and pepper :)



I am down almost 3lbs as of today. I have gotten through the sugar withdrawals, feeling less hungry and do not feel the need to snack more than twice a day. It amazes me what sugar does to your system!

Sugar and Gluten-Free French Toast

Yesterday I went through a little withdraw phase. I could tell my body was craving sugar, as I had a headache and felt hungry and weak later in the day. Today, I don't have these feelings and am hoping the withdrawals are short lived!
Last night I made french toast and berries. Sounds like a fattening bad dinner, but mine was sugar and gluten free. I am testing out the gluten issue, and am going to see if it affects me in any way. If it does, then going gluten free will be what I'll have to do. If not, I will eat only a little bit of it and really be mindful about breads etc. I LOVE BREAD! So this one is a little hard for me. But I also know its not good for my body, and that makes me not want it. You hear so many things about gluten. Is it good or is it bad? For me, it works, and in Dr. Junger's Clean Eats book, he talks about how our bodies have to work extra hard to digest the gluten. I would just rather give my body a break for awhile!

For the French Toast I used Udi's gluten free multi-grain bread, organic eggs, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and cinnamon. Instead of using butter to cook, I used coconut oil. I added strawberries, raspberries and pure maple syrup for the topping. It was pretty good, but sure didn't taste like the 900 calorie french toast I had aboard Royal Caribbean! So, if you are looking to make a "healthy" french toast. Try this one! You can also substitute the gluten free bread for whole wheat organic bread and follow the same recipe!

French Toast

4 pasture-raised eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp ground clove

1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg

Up to 1/4 cup coconut oil

2 to 3 slices gluten-free bread

Directions
Whisk together the eggs, coconut milk and spices in a large shallow dish.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil in it. While the skillet warms, transfer four slices of bread into the egg mixture and allow both sides to absorb a lot of the moisture.
Carefully transfer the bread slices onto the skillet and cook until golden brown.
Once cooked through, cut each slice of bread in half, top with fresh berries and drizzle with pure maple syrup.
 

A Clean Life

This weekend I stubbled across Dr. Alejandro Junger's Clean book. I am very familiar with Clean eating, and did it for almost 2 months awhile back, hence how I lost 20 lbs. I started eating sugar and white carbs again, and boom...on came 5 lbs in a matter of a few weeks. I'VE HAD ENOUGH!
Dr. Junger is also the only one I have found that knows anything about Fatty Liver, and has success stories of patients who were under his program.
Clean is a strict program in a way if you aren't used to what clean eating is all about. It's a lifestyle change in how you look at what you put into your body. Once you realize how terrible conventional processed foods are, you begin to not want them at all. This is what has happened to me. I go into now Publix and cringe at all the junk that fills the store.

I am starting Clean today. I prayed last night and this morning that temptation will not get in my way. I know I can, because I have done it, and I was successful. I have a goal of reaching another 20lb by the fall. I want to keep this blog as a journal of how this program is working. My trials, successes, and motivations will be posted here regularly, and if you are interested in the Clean eating lifestyle, I am always here to help :)

I will not lie and say that it is budget friendly! In the beginning, you will spend a lot on pantry necessities such as special spices, flours, etc. You will buy things you have never heard of and will have to go to specialty health food stores to find them. After you have these pantry staples, it won't be as bad. Instead of spending $3 on a big bag of all purpose flour, you will now spend $12 on a small bag of almond flour. Whole Foods has their own brand of many items, and that is how you can save money.

You will say goodbye to the following foods: sugar, white flour and wheat flour, gluten, and "bad for you oils". Instead, you will eat plant rich foods and healthy meats. It's as simple as that!

I look at it this way, I would rather be buy clean and be healthy, than buy cheap and be sick :)

"The problem is we are not eating food anymore, we are eating food-like products" Dr. Junger- Hungry For a Change Film

Here we go Day One...

 

Muffins with Mom

     Tomorrow morning is Muffins with Mom in my classroom. This little event is one of my favorites besides the annual Christmas breakfast I do with my families each year. Each year I have moms who tell me how much they love Muffins with Mom, because it is something special they can do with their child.
This year, I have many families who may not have a traditional Mother's Day celebration at home and I know that this will be extra special for them.

      Each year I go to Michael's Craft Store and get each of my students a project to make for their mothers. Last year we painted little jewelry boxes and made bracelets to put inside. This year, we made votive candle holders with lots of tissue and glitter! You have to have glitter!
I love seeing the children's faces when their mom opens their gift. It is a special time in Kindergarten!

May Excitement

It's been too long since I have posted here at my blog. I sure do miss it! The days are so busy and when I finally have time to relax, I usually fall asleep on the couch!

A lot has been going on lately, and I have a lot to process. God is doing big things. I know He is Faithful and that I can Trust He is leading me down the right path. It just all has come at once!
I have 4 more weeks until school is out for the summer! I can't believe this month is finally here. May is a wonderful month for a teacher, because it flies by and then we are DONE. Another year in the books and more student who flourished within our care, but it is also the busiest month of the year! So much to get ready for, like our Kindergarten graduation and parties. It will get done, it always does.

I am asking for prayer within the next few months. These are unspoken prayers. Nothing is wrong, but I have some decisions to make and for others to make. I pray that these decisions are made quickly. Thank you :)

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

I wanted to keep my blog updated with my new health journey. I posted awhile back that I was on an clean, mostly whole food, organic diet, and am very particular about the foods I eat now.

I am proud to say I am down 22 lbs in 5 1/2 weeks!! It amazes me every day that I have had these results in such a short amount of time. I am thankful that this is working the way it is for me.

People continue to ask what and how I am eating. So I thought I would share!

Here is a typical day:

*all organic ingredients*

Breakfast:

Egg muffins (egg and veggies scrambled together made in a muffin pan)

or 

Rudi's whole wheat honey bread with almond butter

or

Cereal (flax flakes with blueberries). Sometimes I add chia seeds :)

I also eat in moderation- whole wheat pancakes (homemade) with pure maple syrup and fruit

Lunch:

Amy's meals. Love her foods!

I get the Light and lean versions only

Dinner:

Baked chicken or Fish with lots of steamed veggies and Quinoa blend or some sort of brown rice blend. I rarely eat starch.

I stay away from all refined sugars, sweeteners, and anything white. Including potatoes.

So there ya go! I am loving this new me :)

Joy

It's New Years Eve and I am laying on the couch at 8:00pm. I am sure I can make it to midnight, right?!  Well, yes of course.
I have a lot to reflect on this past year, and to be honest, I am thrilled that 2013 is OVER. I have gone through some rough patches this year and am so ready for a new beginning. New Years reminds me of a scripture in the Bible, "The steadfast love of the lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22-23
This verse gives me such peace. His mercies ARE new every morning, even if things seem to be too big to conquer.
I have conquered a lot this year, and can say I am proud of myself. I got through the first full year of losing close friends, which at times I think about. I just sometimes wonder if I am ever on their mind too. I believe that God brings people in and out of your life for certain reasons.
I continue to be on an awesome track to great health. I know 2014 will bring a new me. That meaning my old lifestyle is over, and I cannot wait to see what God does this year in my life.
Late this afternoon, I took a long 2 mile walk around my neighborhood. It felt great to be outside, and I thought why have I been missing out on this all along? Forget the YMCA treadmill- I am walking outside!
Each New Year, I choose a Word of the Year. My prior church started this a long time ago. I have stuck with this tradition awhile now. This year, my Word is JOY. I have this canvas that my friend made for me, hanging in my kitchen above my stove. It will be a constant reminder this year to find Joy in life, and in all I strive to do. During the ups and the downs, I will find Joy and peace. This is something I have struggled with this past year, and I am making a point to change how I look at the small stuff, and even the big stuff.

In Romans 15:13 it says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" 
This is such a great reminder as we head into this new year.
Happy New Year 2014! May you be a blessing to others, and find the Joy in your journey.

Mallory

Thumbprint Cookies

I have been tortured with sweets all month and I finally decided that on Christmas day, I wouldn't be left out while everyone was devouring desserts!

I went on a search and found a recipe for Thumbprint Cookies, using whole wheat pastry flour, and no refined sugars. I will be bringing these with me tomorrow so I can have a treat too!
I wasn't sure how they were going to turn out, because they are not your average cookie, and don't have all "the bad stuff" that makes cookies taste good. To my suprise, they are soooo good!! Here is the recipe if you are looking for a "healthy cookie" :)

Ingredients: (All Organic)

• 1 cup almonds or pecans
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup expeller-pressed canola oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or brown rice syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 5 tablespoons fruit juice sweetened jam. I use Crofter's, because it's so good!

Preheat oven to 350°F. Put almonds and oats into a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Transfer to a large bowl and add flour, oil, syrup and salt. Stir to combine well. Roll walnut-sized balls of the dough in the palm of your hand to form each cookie, then arrange on 2 large baking sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart. Press your thumb gently down into the center of each cookie to make an indentation. Spoon a teaspoon of jam into each indentation.

Bake cookies until golden brown and just firm around the edges, 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to let cool completely, then serve immediately or store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container.

A Great Reminder

There are days like today when I am reminded why I do what I do. Almost daily, I have someone tell me or ask me- "How do you do it?" "I would go crazy!", or they simply bow to me. I am not sure why they think I am a Saint, but I have been called it more times than I can remember.

Kindergarten. A (small) classroom where you have around 20 children who love to tattle. ALL THE TIME. You are constantly re-directing- reminding them to sit down, talk quietly, stop talking all together, pick up your trash that you spilled all over my floor that I JUST swept. I am a a doctor who applies bandaids to non existent injuries, and a tooth saver who saves freshly fallen out teeth.
I am a counselor to the children who need to talk about their imaginary friends, children who are going through divorce or who simply love to be dramatic (my lovely 6 year old girls). My lunch time is surrounded by constant tattling about how someone is eating, what they mixed with what, and who put their ketchup on what part of the plate, as I open 17 drinks, yogurts and clean up spills. Don't forget that I have to TEACH. Math, Reading, Handwriting, Science, Social Studies and Art.
This is my life- every single day.

You get the picture. My days are hectic, and simply exhausting. I used to work in a school where the kids had everything they wanted, and more. The kids in high school had nicer cars than I did. It was the norm to see a 16 year old driving a brand new Mercedes.
The parents were so involved you wished they would go away! Thats how it was, and that's all I knew.

Now I am teaching in a school where most of the students are not so fortunate. Some of my kids have home lives that we can't even fathom, and it has made me realize that what I do as a teacher to these little ones, is so very important. When I start to get overwhelmed, I have to remember why God put me where He did. And I was reminded of that today.
I have a student in my class who's family is in great need. God put this child in my class for a reason, and it was shown today by another mother in my class who is stepping up and doing something for this family that is truly the hands and feet of Jesus.  I just wanted to say Thank You-

Holiday Perfection

This post is written for the person who has visions of holiday perfection :) That person is also me-

Every year; during the fall season leading to Thanksgiving and Christmas, I have visions of what the holidays are SUPPOSED to look like. In my mind, a big family gets together- at a perfectly decorated home where the table is magazine perfect with the Christmas tree ready on Thanksgiving morning while you cook and watch Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. HA! Well, I can tell you now that this is not how it really is. Not during my childhood at least.

As an adult, I have spent most of these years half with family and half with friends. I would rush out of my house to get to my best friends house for a holiday. They were just as dysfunctional, if not more than my family! I don't really know why I was in such a rush to get there, it was definitely not from Norman Rockwell.
The past two years, things have changed, and my holidays are now spent with my family. Last year, I went to Williamsburg VA for Thanksgiving with my aunt and uncle. Even though I loved the trip- it didn't feel "right".

This year- I am going to do my best to start my own traditions. I go to a wonderful new church where I feel that I am welcomed with open arms, and love it. So many familiar faces are there and it feels like home. This Thanksgiving Eve, I will be attending my church's Thanksgiving Service and Pie Social.
I am also hosting Thanksgiving at my house this year. I have a small family, so I have to make the best of it! I am cooking myself (except the turkey, gross) and have it all planned out- and yes, I am putting my tree up the day before and watching the Thanksgiving Parade while I cook :)

Princess Pizzazz

Yesterday, I went to my friend Kathleen's for her daughters 5th birthday party. She did such a wonderful job with the decorations and I just had to take pictures and share! The theme was Ariel, but with a princess twist.

The party was set up outside, which was a great idea since there were some messy activities :)

Pink lemonade filled little teacups :)

Nail painting, glitter tattoos, and hair pieces were a hit!

The girls loved decorating their own cupcakes. I put all the sprinkles and icing in cupcake liners, so it was easy access for little hands, and everyone could have their own set of goodies!

Sugar overload!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!