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Everyday Stuff.

November 11, 2013 by Morgan

Busy few weeks around here, I’ll catch you up!

Halloween was so much fun this year, mostly because this was the first year Liv understood what trick-or-treating was all about (as opposed to last year’s message: go knock on this stranger’s door and ask for candy ;), then say thank you! Quite counter intuitive…). The day of I dressed as a butterfly catcher (a big fishing net was the perfect prop) for my little bugs. It was a challenge to capture a group pic this year – ignore Liv’s finger in her nose. Kevin is making his best Pitbull impression. We also enjoyed a yummy pumpkin soup that night, remind me to share that recipe! It’s a keeper. Speaking of pumpkin, I mentioned how yummy this pumpkin cake was, right? Also a keeper. Fondant is like playdough for bakers, my little flour child and I made all of the hot air balloons for the cake by playing around last Saturday. All while Taylor and Bodie became good friends. And how cute are these little Halloween paint swatch cards from Liv’s little friend, Gigi?

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

everydaystuff_vanillaextract_bottles_500

Everyday Stuff. | PepperDesignBlog.com

Taylor was baptized on Saturday and we celebrated with a yummy feast (and two new desserts – a citrus cake & a persimmon cake). I also snapped her four month photo (four months!!) last week. It’s that time of the year and I’m infusing again… any guesses on what I’m up to? Be back soon with details so you can follow along with Christmas gifts if you’d like.

Whew! What a busy couple of weeks! You guys, I hope you have an awesome start to your week, too.

More of life caught in the little moments posted right here. Might consider this this costume next year for a party? or even a non-Halloween party like this one. 

- posted on November 11, 2013 Filed Under: Everyday Stuff, Family & Friends

Up, Up & Away! A Hot Air Balloon Shower

November 8, 2013 by Morgan

This past weekend family and friends and I threw a baby shower for our friend, Trish. The theme was ‘Up, up & away! A little boy is on the way!’, and we covered everything in little hot air balloons.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

The dessert table was a lot of fun to put together, I love how the cut out cookies came out. Lining the different platters helped to make everything ‘pop’.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

The paper hot air balloons were inspired by this post and assembled by my co-host, Stephanie. How great are the bright, playful colors on the table!

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

I made the cake – heavily inspired by this one – the day before (more to come on those fondant balloon decorations) and chose a pumpkin recipe for the season. You must, MUST try this recipe by the Novice Baker, this was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had. And the icing? A maple cinnamon that’s to die for.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Really wishing right about now as I look at these pictures that I had ended up piping the cake… ah well.

Stephanie made those adorable cloud and hot air balloon cookies, too.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

The shower was hosted in my parent’s backyard here in San Diego. Do you remember how I had mentioned that they were moving down here from Santa Cruz (in Northern California)? Well they bought the most perfect home for entertaining.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

We made simple table decorations out of craft paper cut into the shape of a hot air balloon (a cricut made it easier but isn’t necessary) glued to sticks (aka bamboo skewers) and set into plaster of paris. Handfuls of goldfish helped to cover the plaster. I found the chevron fabric for the runners (which I will definitely use again!) here.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

We served a lunch of chicken salad croissant sandwiches, fruit salad and a big green salad. Lemonade and champagne kept everybody cool.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

We borrowed twenty bright blue paper parasols and they were perfect for the sunny day! They also looked so pretty covering everybody up.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Games included a cute madlibs game, a ‘price is right’ shower game (guessing gift registry pricing) and the hilarious candy diaper game. Have you ever played this one?

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

My mom melted different chocolates into eight infant diapers and guests had to guess which was which by observing, smelling and even tasting ;) the contents. Just gagged a little.

Then it was time to open gifts.

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

Sees pops turned upside down became the hot air balloon baskets on these adorable favors made by another friend:

Up, Up & Away Baby Shower | PepperDesignBlog.com

It was a beautiful Sunday and we had a great time celebrating this new little one. More hot air balloon inspiration for this shower on this board. and this one, too – just in case you’re ever looking. Have a great weekend!

PS more baby shower ideas sorted here.

- posted on November 8, 2013 Filed Under: Craft Projects, Crafty Solutions, DIY, Family & Friends, Parties & Entertaining, Projects Tagged With: Baby Shower, Cake, Decorating, DIY, Kid's Party

Blog Redesign + Searching the Site

November 6, 2013 by Morgan

One of my favorite features of the new redesign is how easy it is to search this blog now. If you click on any category or tag (like: Handmade Gifts) you reach a page of tiled post images and titles. No scrolling through post after post after post to find what you’re looking for!

PDB Redesign | Searching the Blog | PepperDesignBlog.com

I’ve also created buttons for my favorite topics and categories there in the righthand sidebar.

Categories are up first, these are the broader post topics that this blog tends to cover. They include decorating, entertaining, crafty projects, holidays and so on.

PDB Redesign | Searching the Blog | PepperDesignBlog.com

And favorite topics are next, these are groups of posts that are a little more specific to a favorite discussion point. These buttons include posts on motherhood, photography, tutorials, favorite finds, different inspiration boards and more.

PDB Redesign | Searching the Blog | PepperDesignBlog.com

Then of course there’s the house. Click a specific room on the House Tour page (right there in that first graphic) and you’ll be taken to the before, after or in-progress photo, plus a link to search all projects (in that same convenient tiled format).

PDB Redesign | Searching the Blog | PepperDesignBlog.com

PDB Redesign | Searching the Blog | PepperDesignBlog.com

I’m all about easy! If you have any other ideas on searching around this site (or favorites from other sites), let me know :).

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- posted on November 6, 2013 Filed Under: Blog World News

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Welcome to my little slice of the web where I practice finding family, career, homemade & inspired balance on a daily basis. This is where I capture my happy moments, and I'm honored that you're here to join us. Home + creativity + good eats + journaling + life as a working mom. Read more...

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Welcome to my little slice of the web where I practice finding family, career, homemade & inspired balance on a daily basis. This is where I capture my happy moments, and I'm honored that you're here to join us. Home + creativity + good eats + journaling. Read More…

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