- Love Sparkle Pretty Blog -

DIY Floral Chandelier

2016-05-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to bring you this new DIY to celebrate the new Love Sparkle Pretty blog! It was so fun to collaborate with Afloral on this! See the DIY Flower Chandelier over on the new blog right here!

If you aren't a DIY kinda girl, no worries! You can also purchase a floral chandelier from the shop!

THE LSP BLOG HAS A NEW HOME!

2016-05-06T23:01:00.002-07:00

This year has been filled with so many changes and BIG news for Love Sparkle Pretty! Well, here's another...

The blog has moved!

With the creation of the new home for Love Sparkle Pretty, it just seemed fitting to start fresh with the blog as well. Although I've stepped back from blogging for several reasons, I will be posting from now on whenever possible in the new blog space at lovesparklepretty.com/blog to share all of the newest updates, behind the scenes, new collections, customer stories and custom orders.

I will keep this little corner of the internet as a keepsake for memories, business reflections and lessons learned along the way as well as inspiration but from now on (after tomorrow's celebration of the new blog with a special DIY post), I will be posting on the new site.

Thank you to all who have shared your kind comments, love, support and following me through this amazing journey! If you want to keep up to date, you can sign up for the monthly newsletter where I will be posting a collection of blog posts each month within the email.

PST! Be sure to at least stick around for tomorrow's announcement of the new DIY I will be posting in collaboration with Afloral!

Our NEW SHOP has LAUNCHED! Come Celebrate!

2016-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

After thinking about this new transition for a while, I FINALLY created the new website/shop and made the change for Love Sparkle Pretty to become it's own site where my wonderful customers can purchase directly from the home page rather than going through Etsy! I have loved Etsy so much and I'm so incredibly thankful for that platform as LSP has transformed and become the brand that it is today but I knew it was time to branch out-not only for the brand and the story behind it but also for future customers as well.

I still have my Etsy shop open for those searching for our floral crowns, veils, combs, etc. but from now on, traffic will be driven straight to LoveSparklePretty.com where I've re-created the whole design.

I'm so thankful for the experiences and opportunities this "job" has provided for me and my family and I'm SO excited to welcome the future possibilities! Thank you to everyone for your continuous love and support!

Check out our new website HERE!

& Shop our newest collection HERE!

Celebrating some BIG opportunities and announcing a little SECRET!

2016-04-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

I have some exciting news to share about some changes as well as a few awesome opportunities coming up! After a year of "rest" in 2015 and taking several months off from LSP to have my baby girl and just really enjoy time with my family, this year has been shaping up to be a busy but wonderful one! I just wanted to share some things with you that have made me oh so happy!

First off, a big change is coming soon-hopefully by May at the latest! I'm working on a whole new website where pretties can be purchased directly from my main site rather than having to solely go through my Etsy shop. I will still keep my Etsy shop open but my focus will now be on my main domain website which will turn e-commerce in a couple of weeks!

Next, I have some wonderful features coming up that I'm so giddy about! In May, I have a feature with Green Wedding Shoes with photography by Leighanne Herr, in June, a feature with Magnolia Rouge with photography by Mallory Dawn and in September, a print feature with Bridal Guide Magazine!

I also get to work with Tyler Rye (his work is stunning) with his upcoming workshop by sending him a few bridal pieces for the styled shoots.

I recently had the opportunity to work with the oh so talented Kristen Booth once again by sending her a couple pieces for a styled shoot in Ireland which turned out BEAUTIFULLY! See more photos here! It was magical! This shoot featured the Sienna Floral Crown.

I am also working on a DIY with Afloral that I'm excited about! I will be creating an ombre floral chandelier...stay tuned!

Also, this year I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with the best selling author and mama friend, Amy Kavelaris of the new children's book, Bloom with Mi! I've designed and created several bloom crowns to coordinate with her heart warming book for little's about sharing our gifts and talents we've been given. You can get the book here. As of right now, I don't have a listing in the shop for this crown but you can order one by email at lovesparklepretty@aol.com.

There has been so many other wonderful blessings poured out on our year so far and I am so incredibly thankful to my Lord and Savior for each and every one!

I share this because I'm still learning to celebrate my wins no matter how big or how small they may seem. Love Sparkle Pretty has turned from a small creative outlet to a business that has opened so many doors, opportunities and connections that I never thought possible over the years! Thank you to everyone for all of the continuous love and support! <3

The New Blush Collection has Arrived!

2016-04-08T12:47:00.001-07:00

The Blush Collection is now available in the shop!

Visit Love Sparkle Pretty to see the new crowns, garlands and combs!

Photography by Mallory Dawn

New Floral Combs Inspired by the 2016 Pantone Colors

2016-03-28T20:37:00.002-07:00

A while back, I created new combs inspired by the newest Pantone colors of Rose Quartz and Serenity. I absolutely love this color palette! These newest combs created with rose blossoms, freesia, magnolia blooms and greenery-all carefully attached to vintage-inspired gold combs embody the pretty pink and blue hues of 2016. I also created these combs to pair perfectly with a veil such as the Sophia Veil from the shop!

Meet the Rose Quartz Floral Comb created with a gorgeous rose blossom that looks and feels so realistic as well as pink freesia and greenery. View this comb in the shop.

Meet the Serenity Floral Comb which makes the perfect something blue addition created with pretty dusty blue magnolia petals, ivory blossoms and greenery. View this comb in the shop.

Photos by Mallory Dawn Photography
Dress from The Dress Theory by Rue De Seine
Hair by Savannah & Co.
Makeup by Sydney M Ross
Model Chyna
Combs and Veil by Love Sparkle Pretty

Behind the Scenes of the New Blush Collection Photo Shoot

2016-03-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, I've had a reoccurring vision of styling a photo shoot with a romantic and soft aesthetic centered around hairstyles that would complement pretty blossoms in the hair on a bride's wedding day. I decided to put that vision into action and started to search and reach out to some talented ladies that I knew would be a great fit. I am so thankful for this team of amazing women that helped bring everything together so beautifully! Mallory from Mallory Dawn Photography was behind the camera (actually, cameras since this girl handles business like a boss), Savannah from Savannah & Co. did all of the gorgeous hair styling, Sydney from SMRBeauty worked her magic with makeup, Marnie from Sweet Salvaged Rentals allowed us to use her gorgeous Belwood sofa for the shoot, The Dress Theory so graciously lended 3 stunning Rue De Seine dresses and I created the floral hairpieces and veils and did a bit of floral styling as we shot in a beautiful loft space in Los Angeles at FD Photo Studios.

These are just a few behind the scene shots from our day in Los Angeles! I can't wait to share a few snippets of the actual styling behind the camera soon!

Bloom with Mi children's book + crown GIVEAWAY

2016-03-03T12:26:00.002-08:00

These past couple months, I've had the wonderful pleasure of working with one talented mama, Amy Kavelaris of Bloom Print Studio. She recently wrote her first children's book which is now a number one best seller! Congrats Amy! The inspiration behind Bloom with Mi is using our gifts to GIVE and love others which are characteristics that are so beautifully important to instill in our children. Order your book right here!

I was so excited when Amy contacted me to create some floral crowns to coordinate with Bloom with Mi to debut at Hope Spoken this weekend! I sent my largest order out of 31 crowns (33 if you count the later 2) a couple weeks ago and I'm so thankful to have worked with Amy.

Right now, Worth While Style is giving away a book and crown package on her Instagram page! Visit her page here and enter! Good luck!

The shop just got PRETTIER + a SECRET!

2016-02-20T12:48:00.001-08:00

These pretty pieces are the newest additions to Love Sparkle Pretty! I've been working on new designs for a while now and I usually get several added at once but in this season of time, designs are trickling in. Sign up for the Newsletter to be updated when the others arrive!

Blush is a floral crown created with blush pink rose blossoms, sage greenery and pretty glass pearls hand wrapped carefully with rose gold wiring around its base.

Sophia is the newest veil design created with the softest english netting and a bit of intricate chantilly lace hand sewn to a pretty gold comb for a peek of romance. Pair this piece with a floral crown or wear Sophia by itself!

Visit the shop for more designs!

PSST!! I will also be hosting another FLASH SALE on the Instagram Sale page very SOON! (I haven't done one in a long time and I believe one is overdue). Follow along HERE for more details on their way...

Romantic and Ethereal Designs: The Newest Flower Crown and Veil.

2016-02-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

New designs have been added to the shop with several more on their way. Meet the 'Sienna' Floral Crown and the 'Sarah' Veil. Each of my designs are inspired by romance and ethereal aesthetic and these pretty pieces are no exception.

Sienna is created with light cream and ivory roses which look and feel so realistic. Sage eucalyptus leaves are intertwined throughout her design for a romantic aesthetic. She's perfect for the ethereal bride to grace her locks as she says her vows.

See more of Sienna in the shop here.

Sarah is a juliet cap style veil created with the softest english net veiling flowing from romantic and intricate ivory cream chantilly lace. The back of the veil has carefully sewn in cream florals and a touch of greenery to add a bit of ethereal beauty.

See more of Sarah in the shop here.

Photography credit: Desiree Shuey

Visit the shop: Love Sparkle Pretty

The Swoon Event: Mini Recap

2016-02-03T07:50:00.002-08:00

I had so much fun at The Swoon Event in San Diego last month! It was wonderful to meet with brides and share in their journey of wedding planning!

I'm so used to working from home as a mother and communicating over the internet. I did this show to learn and step out of my comfort zone. So happy I did because it's a totally different experience to meet customers and potential customers in person and have REAL conversations! Thankful for this event and the amazing people who put this show together.

Also, a huge THANK YOU to my dear friend Tara from Messy Mornings & Mascara for spending the day with me and Cristina from CC Vintage Rentals for letting me use her gorgeous bench and mirror for my booth! Here is just a small peak of the event. More to come!

NEW Pantone Inspired Floral Combs

2015-12-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely in LOVE with the new 2016 Pantone colors of the year! When they were announced, I knew I needed to create a couple new pieces inspired by this palette. So, I recently created some new floral combs to do just that.

These are not yet available in the shop but they will be at The Swoon Event next month and you can send me an email (lovesparklepretty@aol.com) until then to order!

Photo by Lauren Balingit

Rose Quartz Floral Comb

Serenity Floral Comb

Visit the shop to see more pretty pieces!

Self Worth, Value and Beauty-A Maternity Shoot to describe the DIFFERENCE

2015-12-18T14:21:00.004-08:00

I have been asked what makes my crowns so different from the several that have since come out since opening my shop back in 2011. I can give several answers (and have) but a few that I'd like to share today can be expressed through these beautiful maternity photos of Nicole Davidge taken by Savannah Kate.

Last year, I had the wonderful pleasure of creating a custom crown for Nicole for her Spring wedding as well as coordinating crowns for her bridesmaids. Before that, I also created crowns for her styled shoots for her photography business, Southern Shutter Photography. Now, Nicole just had her first little love-sweet baby Nixon. I am so honored to have been a part of Nicole's journey (even if it's just been a small part). I am so incredibly blessed to be able to work with the brides that I do. I don't just create floral crowns. I create keepsakes that can be treasured for years to come. My pieces are meant to be worn time and time again through engagements, weddings, maternity photos, family photos and even passed on to our daughters. These past few years, I have been trying to per-fect my designs to be loved and handled. I have gone through different blooms to use the highest of quality, added new techniques including hand stitching and now even adding sealant to the tips of many blossoms to keep from any possible fraying.

The difference is in the details and the time I put into each piece. I want each woman to feel something when they wear one of my crowns or veils-a feeling of self worth, value and beauty.

Nicole is wearing the 'Leigh' Floral Crown from Love Sparkle Pretty.

Photography: Savannah Kate Photography

Dresses: Sew Trendy Accessories

Hair: Cheveux by Robbie Meshell

Makeup: Bel Viso Makeup Artistry

LSP is going to The Swoon Event in San Diego!

2015-12-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Love Sparkle Pretty will be at The Swoon Event this January in San Diego! This event "features non-traditional inspiration for locals who are planning a wedding or shindig." It is intended for brides who enjoy unique touches and "a fresh take on wedding planning with a curated mix of creatives in an entertaining + interactive setting."

I am so excited to showcase our classic pieces as well as so many new pieces including the flower veils I've been working on, floral combs and lace veils at The Swoon Event! Follow along on Instagram to see more sneak peeks of the new collection!

Get your tickets here + the first 50 brides get free swag bags!

There will also be giveaways, great food and word has it, some dancing thrown in there!

Ethereal Beach Bridal Shoot FEATURED on Magnolia Rouge

2015-12-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

A few months back, I had the pleasure of collaborating with some beautifully talented women on this Ethereal Beach Bridal Shoot with Tenth & Grace and Jennifer Kulakowski behind the camera, soft florals by La Fleur du Jour, Makeup by 805 Makeup, featuring the new Laura veil, Poetry crown and Sadie crown from the shop as well as other creatives (see bottom of post for more wonderful artists).

I'm so excited to share a bit of this shoot and announce that it has been featured on Magnolia Rouge! I absolutely love the natural details and the glorious warm light throughout these photos! Thank you to all who brought this beautiful shoot together!

See more of this photo shoot featured on Magnolia Rouge.

Photographers: Jennifer Kulakowski and Tenth and Grace
Veils and Crowns: Love Sparkle Pretty
Dress from The Dress Theory by designer Sarah Seven
Makeup: 805 Makeup
Hair Styling: Laura Rocha
Florals: La Fleur du Jour
Wedding Cake: Crush Cakes
Calligraphy: Brown Fox Calligraphy
Model: Nicole Spahn
Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

35% OFF of PRETTIES!

2015-11-30T11:05:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Kristen Booth

I have been away from the blog for quite some time to focus on other parts of LSP as well as spend more time with my family since we welcomed our little girl in March, making us a family of 4! Thank you to everyone for all of the love and support as Love Sparkle Pretty grows and for all of the encouragement I've received this past year!

I wanted to pop back in on the blog for a bit to share our Cyber Monday SALE (which is extended until tomorrow night)! Get 35% off your order of $30+ (excludes custom orders) with the code, "XTRAPRETTY35" at checkout! Visit the shop now!

I'm BAACCKK with a 20% off code!!

2015-06-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

It's been an exciting past few months as I took some time off from the shop to welcome our sweet baby girl, Lyla Rose. She was well worth the wait as she was 2 days over due but hey, I should get used to waiting on her. After all, she is a girl! With two little ones now, life has definitely changed but in a beautiful way.

Although, I've enjoyed my time off, I'm ready to reopen the shop and get back to doing what I love! I'm so thankful for everyone's love and patience during this time and I can't wait to share the new pieces that I've created for the shop's reopening including new infant floral crowns and a bridal collection with veils, floral crowns and jewelry pieces!

As a Thank You, here's a 20% off discount code to use toward your order in the shop!

ENJOY!

Launching New Bridal Collection

2015-05-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been working more and more on getting the shop ready for reopening on June 1st. The moments I get to "work" have been condensed to a couple hours during afternoon nap times. It will be a change going from maternity leave for 3 months back to fulfilling orders, answering emails in a timely manner and trying to keep up with social media and the monthly newsletter. So, please forgive me if I fail miserably at first trying to keep to a decent work schedule as a new mommy of two now.

As far as the reopening of the Love Sparkle Pretty Etsy shop goes, I will be adding several new bridal pieces including a new floral crown, some shoulder pieces and a couple veils. Here is a tiny peek of the new bridal collection photographed by Kristen Booth with dresses by Chariot Marie and Simply Bridal.

{Personal} Living Life a Little More Slowly

2015-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Diaper bag by Seaport Stitches

Doing this the second time around, I'd like to think that I've learned a thing or two about motherhood. Although, I'm definitely re-learning and remembering things forgotten (i.e. diaper blowouts, creating a new sleeping schedule and cooking/cleaning/doing the laundry with one hand), one task that is teaching me a whole lot is leaving the house. With a newborn and a toddler in tow, time is usually not on my side. So, I've reminded myself of a couple things and figured I should write them down for refreshment and/or let some new mommies in on a few things.

1) Don't plan on being everywhere on time. I tend to stress out if I'm late to events and outings. Having a new baby though, I've re-learned to be patient and more lenient in this area. Usually, others will understand too and life isn't about rushing through it. You will get to your destination eventually. If though, I must absolutely be somewhere at a certain time, I tend to get everything ready(this includes myself and the kids) about 3 hours ahead of time.

2) Make sure everything is absolutely ready to walk out the door about an hour before you have to leave to give you time to relax and feed your baby. Since I'm breast feeding, I have to make sure our little girl is full and happy before I put her in the car seat. Otherwise, we will be making a stop or two on our destination to feed her which is definitely not uncommon.

A few places we've stopped so far? An Autozone parking lot, a gas station, a dirt lot next to a gas station, a dirt lot next to a stop sign where we imagined giving tickets to several cars making california rolling stops (I must laugh at this one), a grocery store parking lot and off a random dirt road as I counted 110 cars on a train going by...just to name a few "detours". My husband and our three year old son are complete troopers because they have sat patiently at just about every stop!

I remember just how quickly Levi went from being an itty bitty baby to being a rambunctious, independent toddler. I know our little girl won't be so little real soon so I'm enjoying Lyla's time as a wee one. The snuggles, the little giggles, the feedings, the random stops, the diaper changes, the tiniest outfits, the innocence, the coos, the cries, the soft skin, the spit up and all. I'm remembering to live life a little more slowly and enjoy it a day at a time.

SHOP REOPENING!

2015-05-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

The shop is officially reopening June 1st!

I've been on maternity leave from the shop since the very end of February to welcome our sweet girl to the family. (I wrote about her birth story recently).

Thank you for everyone's patience and support as I've been taking this time off to enjoy with the family. Excited to reopen with some new pretty pieces! So, let your friends know (brides-to-be, momma's, little loves, etc.)!

Life Lately

2015-05-08T10:23:00.001-07:00

A little compilation of Life Lately. I'm a momma keeping up with two kiddos now. Trading sleep for coffee and baby snuggles, clean shirts for spit up stains, skinny jeans for yoga pants and quiet time for chore time. I've been taking a break from the shop to spend time with my family and I am so thankful that I've been able to do so.

Follow along on my personal IG page @kayla.lsp for more.

Morning coffee...seeing how I'm currently sleeping in 3 hour increments when it comes to bedtime

Family trips to the Farmer's Market

Morning Kisses and Baby Smiles

Afternoon chases, bug hunts and flower picking in the sunshine

Afternoon snooze fests...because it takes a lot of energy to keep up with the babes

Morning, noon and night feedings.

Movie dates on the couch

Bike races

We recently got some chickens and and they are finally laying eggs! Mornings have now included egg hunts.

Follow along @kayla.lsp for more of life.

{Personal} Lyla's Birth Story

2015-04-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Now that our Lyla girl is 5 weeks old, I think it's about time I share her birth story. It took me quite a while because I didn't want to forget anything and the photos that I am sharing are snapshots from the video footage we captured (which is why they may be a bit grainy). Enjoy

Pregnancy: I found out I was pregnant toward the end of July 2014. Brandin and I talked about having another little one for a couple months during this time but left it in God's hands. Sure enough, I took a positive test soon after. When I showed it to my husband, we both sat on the couch together with big smiles. We were really excited and I felt at peace with our newest adventure ahead- becoming parents of multiples.

Throughout the pregnancy, I would talk to our 3 year old son Levi about his little sister growing inside of mommy's tummy to help prepare him for this new transition. As my belly grew, so did his fascination with babies and I learned that he was up for the task of being "big brother."

Labor and Delivery: It was 3am on Wednesday morning of March 25th 2015, two days after my due date. I woke up thinking I was leaking amniotic fluid and ready to get this show on the road...but not in the middle of the night so I quickly went back to sleep thinking active labor would start soon enough.

Once I woke up around 6:30am, I called my midwife to see what I should do since I still thought I was leaking fluid. She told me to come into L&D and after relaying the information to my husband, we made the plans to go in. I started to get ready which included doing a bit of my makeup and making a few calls to the family. I got some laughs from my mother and grandmother when they heard I was doing my makeup rather than scrambling around trying to get out the door but I was determined to at least look half way decent this time around (my photos after having Levi were more than unflattering to say the least)! I figured I should stay as calm and relaxed as much as possible and this was a way to help. I then grabbed my bag which was already packed and headed out the door. See what I packed for the hospital in a recent post-here.

It was about 8am when we arrived to L&D as "GreyPa" and "Miss Lee" took our little Levi for the time being. My grandma also met us at the hospital once I checked into triage and my mother and mother-in law were getting ready to be on their way.

While in triage, they ran some tests on the "amniotic fluid" which turned out to be negative. (Also during this time, a woman came in and delivered in a split second in triage right across from me. Sudden screams and two pushes later, that baby was born!! It was amazing yet the last thing I wanted to hear as I laid there waiting for my midwife to come in). Once my midwife arrived and checked my progression, I was dissapointed to hear that I was still only dilated 2cm and 75% effaced (which I had been for a couple weeks now). The nurse told us we would be discharged and as my husband was getting us ready to head home, we were then told that they wanted to keep monitoring the baby's heart before we leave and get an ultrasound to make sure everything was OK. After getting the ultrasound and finding out that everything was OK there, we were told that our girl's heart activity wasn't doing so well and we needed to have her that day. My midwife told me that I needed to be induced and I broke down in tears. My heart sank. That was not part of "the plan" and I was terrified after hearing about Lyla's heart activity. I told my midwife that I did not want to be induced and she mentioned a few natural induction techniques rather than pitocin which I considered. Thankfully though, my body went into active labor all on its own and I was dilated to a 4 almost instantly (~11:30am). Thank you Jesus!

Now that I was in active labor, they admitted me and I was able to walk through my contractions but had to get monitored every half hour. Due to monitoring, this meant I had to go back to the room and lay in the bed for about a half hour-an hour as they watched over our little ones heart activity. It wasn't easy laying in bed during these times because all I wanted to do was move to soothe the pain. As each wave came and went, I would kick my feet and rotate my hips when I could as I breathed and prayed silently until I could get up and walk again.

It was about 4pm when the walking went from the outside gardens of the hospital to the immediate hallways of our delivery room. I held onto my husband's arm and buried my head in his shoulders as I breathed and prayed through my contractions which were becoming seemingly unbearable as I entered transition.

5:30pm my water broke as I was laying in bed being monitored once again. I was dilated to an 8.5 and quickly progressed.

5:57pm I was now dilated to 9.5cm and felt the urge to push. I've heard mothers say that pushing gives a sense of pain relief during the birthing of a child. I never understood that until now (with my son, it was a whole different experience). During this time though, I thought our little girl would never come out as I watched the clock after each strenuous push. She hadn't descended into the birth canal (she was at the -1 station) which meant a heck of a lot of pushing before we can notice any progress and I was exhausted! Since my husband and I decided to have our mothers in the delivery room this time around, I had my mother fanning me with a paper, my mother in law filming with two cameras at the head of the bed and my husband holding one of my legs up as they all gave words of encouragement. It felt like it took an army to get this baby out!

The clock kept ticking and I couldn't help but say and ask some peculiar things as I grew impatient and tired. Things like, "Can't you just pull her out?" "Do you have like a vacuum or something?" "Do you see anything yet?" and "This taking forever!" are just some words on the list with many exchanges too inappropriate for the blog. God's timing I had to remind myself.

About 45 minutes into pushing and with a whole lot of focus, I was able to finally reach "the point of no return" (the terms used by my midwife which meant she was crowning).

7:04pm it had been over an hour of pushing and our baby girl was born at 7lbs 6oz and 18inches long. She came into this world perfectly presented as one of the best gifts the Lord has given us. We cried and I let out sighs of relief as I kissed her on the head. I felt like I waited for her for years and I still can't believe she is finally here!

She is so incredibly loved by family and friends-especially her older brother who anticipates giving her kisses each morning as he wakes up and holding her hand many times before going to sleep.

I am so grateful to be your mommy Lyla Rose, my little honey girl.

Walking through early labor contractions in the hospital gardens.

I chowed down on Miguel's Jr. that my aunt brought me just hours before Lyla arrived.

The grandmas about to be grandmas once again.

Daddy cried as he met his sweet little girl.

Levi meeting his little sister for the first time. He came in the room SO EXCITED! "Baby!" he shouted.

He gave her a kiss and wanted to play with her tiny toes. He's still such a good brother.

Since this day, our lives will never be the same-once again. We are truly blessed to be mommy and daddy to our little ones and pray that they live purposeful lives filled with joy and adventure as they follow God's will.

Thank you for all the prayers and to all the friend's and family who came to visit at the hospital:

Mom, James, Momma Tiffany, Charlie, Grandma (Gma), "Grey Pa", "Miss Lee", Aunt Erin, (Aunt) Kristin, (Uncle) Carltin, (Aunt) Chelsea, Aunt Tracy, Megan, Debra, Pastor Greg, Candace and Grandpa and Grandma Tate.

{Personal} We are now a Family of FOUR!

2015-04-03T13:50:00.002-07:00

Hello World!

I've been pretty absent with the blog and social media since having our little love at home with us! Lyla Rose was born March 25 at 7:57pm and weighed in at 7 lb 6 oz and 18 inches long. We've been enjoying our family time together so I will get to updates and emails soon but in the mean time, thank you so much for your patience as we have now become a family of 4!

We are so incredibly blessed and thankful that our little girl is finally here! Her big brother is so in love with her too! It's amazing to see him with her.

I will also be sharing her birth story soon when I can squeeze in some writing time and reminiscing.

Until then, you can see updates on my personal Instagram profile over at @kayla.lsp.

{Personal} 39 Week Bump Update

2015-03-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

As of Monday, I am 39 weeks pregnant (although this photo was taken at 38 weeks and 5 days but we will pretend it was at 39 weeks)! I still can't believe how fast time has flewn yet how slow it seems to be passing by. We are playing the waiting game over here and practicing our patience because we are so anxious to meet this little girl already.

Since daddy is now on vacation leave from work, he is also going a bit stir crazy waiting for the arrival of our little girl. I'm so excited for our Levi to meet his baby sister too! We went and got him a few gifts to give him when he meets her. From Lyla to her big brother Levi. <3

Lately, we've had family come over and help out as well as "spoil" me which I haven't asked for but I'm completely fine with since I will have my hands full before I know it. I'm not one to really ask for a whole lot. I'm learning to let people help. SO incredibly thankful for my family and friends!!

Here are some updates:

Size of Baby: In terms of fruit/vegetable comparisons, she's about the size of a mini watermelon and about 7lbs (according to baby websites). My son was 6lbs 11oz and I know I look like I'm packing a basketball in there but I'm hoping she will be around the same size as my son (yes, I was pretty big with my son too).

Sleep: It's not the best but it's more than I will be getting once our little one arrives. When 3am rolls around, I'm up (it never fails) so I use that time to use the restroom and rotate laying on my other side once I get back to bed for a few more hours (if I'm lucky).

Best Moments: Although I'm anxious to meet our little girl, I really have been enjoying the quiet moments with her. I know I'm going to miss being pregnant so I've taken opportunities to actually relax and enjoy the calm before the storm (that is, labor).

Levi has also been really cute with her and will take my stethoscope and try to listen to his little sister. He also has been really helpful too! I was having a contraction and I said, "ow!" as I placed my hand on my stomach. He immediately looked at me with such an innocent yet concerned look, ran to the bathroom, grabbed a band-aid, lifted up my shirt and placed the band-aid on my tummy. It was the cutest thing!

I've also been enjoying the time I've gotten with visits from my family. They've come over to make breakfast, bring lunch (thank you Aunt Erin for my Jack Rice!) and have cooked dinner for us! I will never turn down some yummy food and time with the ones I love!

Worst Moment: That would definitely have to be the moment where I chased after my 3 year old son at the park because he thought it was funny to run away from mommy and head to the parking lot. Without second thought (after he wasn't coming back as I called him), I ran after him-huge belly and all! Once I caught up to him, I was able to grab his shirt and when I did, I fell to my knees with him (don't worry, baby is ok). Needless to say, he got in BIG trouble for that but so did mommy because I couldn't walk for 2 days! I was in SO much pain from the strain of the running and falling to my knees.

Miss Anything: I miss being able to sleep in different positions other than on my side, being able to walk painlessly & at a quicker pace (I feel like a penguin!) and carrying my son if I wanted-now it's strictly cuddles on the couch and floor.

Symptoms: Last time I went to the midwives, I was 2cm dilated and about 75% effaced. I'm having a lot more uncomfortable contractions although they aren't consistent and more cramping. Trying to walk more when I can but really, this girl will come when she's ready.

I love you so much little one. I've loved you before I heard your heart beat for the first time, before I felt you move in my womb, before I've even looked into your eyes and before I could kiss you for the first time. I pray for you just about every day. I pray that your life would be beautiful, purposeful and full of grace, hope and faith. I pray that you would love the Lord with your whole heart and follow His purpose for your life.

You are so incredibly loved not only by your mommy but also your daddy, big brother, grandmas, grandpas, great grandparents, great aunts, aunties, uncles and COUNTLESS more!! We are SO excited to finally meet you baby girl!

Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower

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A few weeks ago, I had the honor of throwing a bridal shower for a dear friend of mine who is getting married to her high school sweetheart in May! With the help of the bridesmaids and mommas, we put together a Breakfast at Tiffany's themed shower which turned out even better than I could have asked for! I was in charge of all the invites, decor and coordinating so after scouring Pinterest and thinking of some pretty yet budget friendly ideas, it all came together beautifully for an afternoon to celebrate our beloved Bride to Be.

With black and white stripes, tiffany blue, pale pink, pearls and diamonds for details, I posted some ideas at the end of the post on how to throw a similar party for a shower, birthday or brunch friends.

Here are some of the photos captured of the lovely afternoon we had.

Enjoy

I am so happy for you Steph and this new life adventure ahead of you and Nathan! I'm so honored to be able to stand at the alter with you as you say, "I DO" to the man of your dreams. I pray for an unconditional love for all the years to come in your marriage. I pray for growth not only in your love between one another but also for your friendship and spiritual walk as ONE. I pray for strength, forgiveness and grace in the hard times and complete joy and appreciation throughout the years.

I love you friend!

Budget friendly decor tips for a

Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower

Centerpieces & Tables: I bought some tiffany blue paper bags from Party City which I tried my best to write the Tiffany & Co. logo on with a sharpie marker (I'm sure you can order tiffany bags online but I was running out of time). I filled the bags with mason jars and white and pink fresh flowers I picked up from the Farmer's Market a couple days prior (I really wanted roses but couldn't find the perfect roses anywhere I went). I used silver trays which I found from the Dollar Tree to place the centerpieces on. I also printed some Audree Hepburn prints from the computer to stick on photo holders and strung some faux pearls (both from Hobby Lobby) on the trays.

For the runners, I bought a tiffany blue plastic table cloth from Party City and cut it into 3 strips. I layed them on cloth-like table clothes which I also bought from Party City. To top off the table decor, I sprinkled faux diamonds (from Hobby Lobby) down the runner.

Photo and Dessert Backdrop: We needed backdrops that were simple yet captured the theme of the shower. For both the photo and dessert backdrops we strung streamers against the wall to create the patterns we desired-tiffany blue and modern stripes. We also used white balloons and a banner I made to attach to the photo backdrop. Easy-Peasy!

Other Decor: I thought a chandelier was certainly a must! I couldn't get a hold of a diamond chandelier so instead, I opted for a fun black chandelier from Hobby Lobby to hang above the dessert table. I also wanted to incorporate some "Tiffany & Co. boxes" so I painted a few boxes the closest to tiffany blue that I could, tied white ribbon bows around them and placed them in a few strategic spots.

Bride & Groom Advice Cards: A Bride and Groom could always use some encouragement, advice and silly stories as they embark on a new life journey together. Everyone had a lot of fun filling out the advice cards which I downloaded for free right here from The Elli Blog.

Invitations: I ordered these print at home Invites and Thank You Cards from Chromo Cuttle on Etsy which the shop owner customized for me with a black and white striped background instead of the damask print as well as some re-wording of the invite greeting. I got my order right away and highly recommend this shop for printables!

In the invites, I added a note for the guests which said, "Darling, come dressed to impress in pearls and your favorite little black dress!" Guests had fun with this and each arrived in their pretty LBDs!

There were many other little details added to the shower as well. The ideas are really endless with this feminine and glamorous shower theme! What are some ideas you can think of?