We hosted a small family party to celebrate Hannah's first birthday earlier this month, so of course I wanted to document it here. I should warn you that this post isn't filled with pin-worthy pictures of party decor. Despite my best intentions, our summer has been so busy that we ran out of time - and energy - for party planning (DIY-ing a patio days before the party probably didn't help). The good news is that you can still put on a pretty fun party without fabulous decorations and a perfectly styled food table ;)

 

In fact, the only decoration we had was this garland I made using streamers and gold ribbon (I bought balloons, but forgot to blow any up!).

 

 

I'd planned for it to be twice as long, but I left it to the last minute and ran out of time. It's still hanging - through wind and rain - so it's worth the time investment if you can use it for multiple events (I think). Plus, it doubles as a great photo backdrop.

 

We didn't manage to capture a shot of all three of us smiling, but I thought this one of Adam's brother and his wife (they got married over the weekend - congrats guys!) turned out pretty cute.



 

Since the party tooks place in the afternoon, we served up salads, sandwiches, chips and watermelon. Adam really outdid himself, baking two pies (blueberry-peach and banana cream) AND cupcakes.

 



 

The chickpea and edamame salad (I tweaked the ratios a bit, but you can find the recipe here) is so, so yummy. I also made a garden salad with red cabbage and walnuts, and spicy egg salad on argula (the spice comes from a healthy pinch of paprika). My mom made cucumber, dill and cream cheese sandwiches (not pictured) that are always a big hit at parties, and Adam made a really tasty BBQ sandwich with vegetarian chicken, a vinagrette coleslaw and blue cheese mayo. In addition to water and juice for the kids, we had beer, wine and made-to-order spritzers on offer (I use white wine, ruby red grapefruit juice and club soda).



 

The table and chairs are hand-me-downs from my mom until we figure out something more permanent (I'm thinking something like this), but they were perfect for the party. We scattered some planters filled with brightly-coloured impatiens around the patio to add some cheer. Now I'm really wishing I filled up those balloons, but oh well!

 

The party had several rain interruptions, and when it really started to come down we moved everything inside to open presents. Hannah was completely spoiled by her family - including those who couldn't make it to the party - and yes, the musical bubbles octopus has been a major hit during bathtime ;)

 

 

Luckily the weather cleared up again and we were able to get back outside for a bit.

 

 

We'd set up some of our patio furniture on the side lawn for games and Adam's nephews quickly organized some bocce ball.

Hannah had to take a nap toward the end of her party, so most of the guests had gone home by the time she woke up and could enjoy her first ever cupcake. I had a candle for her, but I thought it might be too much for someone who'd just woken up, so we presented her cupcake rather unceremoniously.

 

Not to worry - she still loved it! Adam captured a pretty funny video of her literally stuffing her face; I think he's looking forward to baking her future treats!

Icing first, obviously :)

 

I wish the weather had cooperated a bit more, but all in all it was a great afternoon. Happy 1st birthday Hannah - I can't believe it's already come and gone!

Two years ago we hosted a street party as a way to connect with other families. The event was a pretty great success. It helps build a sense of community for the little ones, and as a parent, you get to know other families around you.

I had the best intentions to host it again last summer but life got in the way - I was feeling pretty burnt out, and we were in the middle of a kitchen reno - so the street party took a back seat. I decided to host it again this year - and it happened 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately this year, Mother Nature decided to throw us a curve ball and have torrential downpour at 4:01 in the afternoon (The BBQ was set to start at 4pm) which resulted in a flurry of texts to my phone of people asking if it was still going on, and phone calls to our house of neighbours wondering what to do. We said it was cancelled because it was actually thundering - but a few friends made their way over with food. I had thought the event was a bust but all of the sudden others started coming, and coming, and before I knew it our house was getting full and I started to freak. I hadn't prepared our inside of the house for a party (We had a new toilet in the box, in the middle of our dining room!) Thankfully the rain broke and we got everyone outdoors. The head count was lower than we originally planned for - but it was still an awesome event. Many of the tips are the same as the previous event but here are my thoughts this time around... More after the jump!

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We threw a BBQ for a small group of friends this past Saturday to celebrate Oscar's third birthday. I almost didn't throw the party as I was plagued with self doubt about what to do and overwhelmed with seeing really detailed parties online. I finally realized I didn't have to do anything - all Oscar wanted to do was play with his friends, and have some balloons. So I went with that.

My Mom had given me some advice a few years ago with regards to setting up traditions with children. Although I forget her exact phraseology, the underlying advice was to be careful at what you do for an event, as you'll have to keep that up year after year with kids. I think the advice was originally was a reference to Christmas traditions (and Santa) but I've applied that same philosophy to other traditions over here.

I decided to throw a super low key BBQ.  I think sometimes we all get intimidated because of the explosion of Pinterest and people show off these amazing parties - and the parties that are low key just get forgotten. Or maybe they aren't forgotten - they just aren't blogged about. ;) Read more after the jump.

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Happy Monday, guys! Hope you all have recovered from pounds of stuffing, cranberry sauce and turkey and had time to relax this weekend with family and friends. What? Was that just me who ate pounds of food that day? Oh, well!

Our family picked up our Christmas tree the other night and I've finally gotten around to the beginning of turning our home from drab to fab with holiday décor! Of course, I'll be sharing that with you all as the weeks pass on. It's always such a process for me as I change my mind about what I like and don't like. What needs to go where, etc.

I'd also like to take a moment to say thanks to you all for your kind feedback and comments on my last post. Makes me so happy and fulfilled to know that what God places on my heart to share, is such a blessing to so many of you. Really is amazing. Thank you.

Now, on to the dining room. If you'll remember this post, I was in quite a dilemma trying to figure out how to begin decorating the dining area in our home. I really had decorator's block, if you will, and could not think of which way to go in the space so I sent out an SOS to you all!

I decided to begin with what will be the "centerpiece" of the space-the dining table.

I follow Kelli over at Restore Interiors and have gotten to know her a bit {she's a Bama Girl BTW} and absolutely love her personality, her talent, style and her love and passion for design. She posted a tutorial a few weeks back about how to achieve a faux zinc look. I had to try it. At the time, I wasn't really sure what I would paint.

I remember a few years back I was literally salivating over a table in the Ballard Designs catalog. I think it was over $1,000 and I knew there was no way I was going to spend that much on a table for a home that wasn't our permanent home. And, if you're like me, I always take it as a challenge to duplicate the look and style of expensive pieces. {Not a bit competitive, not at all...}

So, once I'd decided that my next project would be our dining area, I remembered the tutorial from Kelli and set out to get it done! Or, at least start it! Here's a pic of how it turned out. I really like it and it was even kid approved by my daughter. She walked in as I was waxing it and said, "Wow, mom, it actually looks like metal!" Yes. Yes, it does. Thank you very much! Always feels good to get the thumbs up from your kiddos!



I love how the finish makes it look like real metal.

 

 

Now, do you remember what the table looked like before? I really should have taken some close-up before photos. It was pretty bad. Chipped. Original wood beginning to show through. We've had it for over 6 years. It was time for a change.

 

Looks way better in this pic than it did in real life.
 

 

And another pic of the after...

 

 

I call it my galvanized metal look. Mine didn't turn out much link zinc but I am still absolutely in love with it!

 

Thanks to some major computer issues, no watermark on this one or full images of the entire space or table today. So sorry but I promise that as I continue to pull the room together you'll get to see everything!

 

 

Moving right along...

 

Now, what about this amazing holiday party? Well, you can read more about it here.

 

 

I am hosting the Home for the Holidays Linky Party with some pretty awesome women. The party is will be a series for the rest of this month through December and the first day is today! Our first host is Lorraine from Miss Flibbertigibbet! Do any of you follow her? Heard of her? She is one talented woman and is sharing holiday recipes over at her place today. If you've got something to share...hop on over and link up! And don't forget to leave a comment or even follow to show Miss Flibb some love! You seriously won't regret it!

 

And, here's a button for you if you'd like to share it over on your blog, FB page, Instagram, Pinterest...did I miss anything? Ha!

 

 

Can't wait to see all the yummy goodness everyone links up!

 

 

 

Party on!

 

I am so excited to share this with you all!   

 I will be hosting a Christmas themed link party along with 7 other bloggers!  We are so excited to see inside your home and life this holiday season. 

Each party theme will be hosted by the corresponding blogger on the date you see above on the graphic.

All you have to do is click on the host's blog name above on the correct date (up to a few days after), check out all the inspiration they are providing for that topic, then link your project up with the host so everyone can see! 

It’s simple to link up - just put in the link to your project.  It can be on a blog, on Facebook or even an image hosting site. 

I can't wait to share Christmas Trees here at RHI on Decmeber 13th! SO fun! 

We'd love to have your help spreading the word if you have a blog by grabbing the smaller button below 

Feel free to put it on your sidebar, in your posts, or whatever you'd like.

See you for our first party on November 27th with Miss Flibbertigibbet. Who's planning to join in? I seriously can't wait to see what you all have to share! 

This weekend I was afforded the opportunity to set up shop at a venue hosted by a Realtor friend of ours at a local farm called 21 Acres. 

Aside from the fact that I would get to share what I love about what I do with those attending, I was ecstatic about finally being able to tour this property. I'd passed by it a couple of times here and there and always wondered what it was and when I received the invitation from our friend, I knew that I would carve time out in our schedule to be there.

Their market sign had been hand painted by one of the employees. Isn't is great?

And the color on these was stunning. 

And these ornamental cabbages would be great in a garden bouquet. I just love the way these add so much texture, depth and style to arrangements.

After visiting the market downstairs I headed to the upper level of the building to setup my area. 

For the vignette, I decided to keep it simple and, quite honestly, I really didn't have enough space in my truck nor enough time to bring any of my larger furniture pieces. 

So, I decided to bring "Lovely" (that's what I am calling my new find) and center her as my focal point. 

I really love how it turned out. I lgrabbed a few small things as I walked out the door including my handy dandy dried hydrangeas from last season that were picked at just the right time and dried perfectly. I thought they were the perfect touch for the space. 

She really was the star of this setup. Don't you think?

During the tour, I was able to speak to attendees about Restoration House and what I do and even met a few new clients to boot! 

Through this experience I also realized that my business is evolving. (I've actually known that for a while)While there are many things that I CAN do...I CANNOT do it all. Restoration House really should reflect and encompass my strengths in creativity and design. 

There are many different avenues through which  I can share my talents, gifts and expertise...this blog is one of them. 

Over the next few months, RHI will be going through some changes. All good. Cleaning house, if you will, and really putting a "stamp" on this blog, my work and the business as a whole. 

I am so excited to have you join me on this journey.

That, however, is NOT the announcement as exciting as it is. 

Are you ready? 

Here goes...

<a href="http://liljahelmi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img></div>alt="restoration house interiors"src="IMAGE DIRECT LINK"/></a>

You see that? Yes! RHI will be hosting a party for the month of November through the first week of December so for you and all of your friends to show off all of your milk paint projects. Haven't tried milk paint? That's okay! You can link up any paint, DIY, craft or home decor project you'd like! Food posts won't be allowed this time around. 

We'll start the party next Monday, November 12 and end on the first Monday in December since we're striking this one up so late. So, go ahead and grab the button and start spreading the word, friends! 

Are you ready to post those projects? I'm ready to see them! 

More details about the party guidelines this week.

Happy Milk Paint and More Monday!

Okay, it's that time! Are you guys ready? I am! I can't wait to see all of the creative things you all have come up with and all the great junk you have found! Let's link up and show everyone all of your cool junk!

Please be sure that when you copy and paste your URL into Mr. Linky that it is the link to the post of your junk (your junk party post URL) and not the main page of your blog.

To get the ball rolling...here's a few pics of my junk finds and some before and afters to whet your palate! Enjoy!

BTW, I have posted MY before and afters since I didn't have any new pics of junk uploaded on my laptop (sorry no time and a bit lazy) but you feel free to post whatever you like: your finds, your recreations, whatever. We're ready!

And heeeeerrrrrrreeee we go!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

This little bench came just as you see it for $2!!! I know, I know...it should have been FREE! At least, that's what I thought...but then again, $2 bucks is like free, isn't it?

AFTER

It was hard to let go...just love the way the red ticking fabric added that country touch with the red paint. I distressed a bit but you can't really see it in the pic. This was my first bench redo...pretty darn good if I do say so myself....and I do! *wink*

DRESSER BEFORE

The infamous oak dresser that I just couldn't decide what color(s) to paint.

DRESSER AFTER

And then it HIT me...voila! I think this is one of my favorite junkin' finds yet and at $10 it's close to the best deal too!

I also loved the way this piece turned out. A Salvation Army find for little to nothing. With a bit of hard work and elbow grease it became a great conversational piece.

And a little more detail for ya....

Alright, let's link up...let's see whatcha got! I am SO excited! Hence, the early start!

***ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!***

p.s. Please, please, please be sure to add a link back to this post (the junk party post and NOT my MAIN blog URL) from your blog post about all of your good stuff! Be sure to add your party post URL and NOT your blog URL in Mr. Linky down below also. Again, in your post, there should be a hyperlink back to Me & My House in your text or a mention of the Junk Party. Thank ya, thank ya!

It's the party of all parties over here next week...yup, a Junk Party! Right here in this very place Me & My House will host its first party with the best theme ever-JUNK!

I want to see all of your finds, what you did with them, hear what you want to do with them, your dreams, your aspirations...wait, maybe not dreams and aspirations unless, of course, you really want to share those with me. Then, of course, I am all ears! *wink*

So, here's how it will go down:

STEP 1: Just grab this button and place it on your blog so that all your friends and family will know to join us for this event!

Just in case you need help, here's how you can make this badge active on your blog.

STEP 2: Once you have the button up on your blog, come back here and leave me a comment and let me know you've got it up. From those who leave comments and attach the badge to their blog, I will randomly select someone for a free surprise from the Me & My House stash! Ummmm,hmmm...some goodies are in store for you wonderful people!

STEP 3: Join me on June 18 to show all of your good stuff. It's that easy! I am SO excited!

p.s. it won't hurt to blog about it too...I'm all about kudos, you know.Follow me? More kudos...you get it!