Resolve

I envy those who are strong enough to abstain from making grandiose promises to themselves each January. Yes, I recognize that there are some who go to the gym regularly, avoid dairy products daily, and read because they enjoy it. Unfortunately, I need the new calendar year to encourage such aspirations.

I unashamedly make New Year's resolutions. I write lists and set wildly idealistic goals; most of which are sabotaged by February. However, this year (like every year before) is going to be different. Why, you ask? Well, because I have a blog; and because I have four devoted readers to whom I am accountable.

In 2012, I resolve to do the following:

Here's to a new year, a fresh start, and an impressive list of lofty ambitions. 

(I happen to be looking forward to 48 more hours of bad habits. Who's with me?)

Get some rest and enjoy the holiday weekend! See you next year - 

iLove

Christmas brought with it many thoughtful and lovely gifts; however, only one made me tingle.

I can't even bring myself to remove the plastic sleeve. Baby steps -

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Hello, Holiday Season!

Despite my best efforts to prepare, the holiday season made it's annual surprise visit once again. The last thing that I can remember [with clarity] is the turkey being served, and here we are - one month later. 

Since last we spoke, I have shared a few special moments with my family. 

We went to Connecticut to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew - Hudson.

I became an aunt for the seventh time. Meet my youngest niece, Ivey Carolina.

My oldest niece, Autumn, turned eleven. Isn't she beautiful?

As my first day of school draws nearer, and the days of regular health benefits and morning meetings come to a close, I can't help but be terrified excited for what's to come. That's the beauty of "doing what you love" right? In the mean time, while I prepare for a completely new every day life, you can rest assured that WYWH is keeping busy. 

This holiday season, I am happy to report that WYWH designed three sets of holiday cards. While I intend to provide a DIY tutorial for one or more of these, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite details.

While there are only a handful of days between now and December 25, I hope you are taking some time to enjoy the season. Hot chocolate, caramel, twinkle lights, etc. Because really, it doesn't get much better than this time a year.

From my little family to yours...

Happy Holidays,

Ryan 

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David Airey

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Pink Ivey

In a matter of weeks, I will become an aunt for the seventh time. My brother's wife will be bringing a [no doubt] beautiful baby girl into the world and her name will be Ivey Carolina. 

Over the last several months, there has been a lot of preparation for Ivey's arrival; and I could not be more pleased to share with you some of the celebratory details. The above image is the stool that will go down as the first gift I ever made for my niece. I would love to say that I carved the creation by hand, but instead I will tell the truth - I merely painted it, applied hot glue, and wrapped it in kraft. 

Last weekend, my family and I threw a baby shower for Ivey at Sun in My Belly. Prior to the shower, WYWH had the great pleasure of designing the invitations. Below are a few details from the project.

I particularly loved these invitations for a few reasons: (1) I had been craving #10 kraft envelopes for a while, so I was happy to finally have an excuse to use them, (2) I heart vellum, and (3) finally - when was the last time you used a brad? For me, it must have been third grade, so I was pleased to bring the ole' accessory back to life. 

The shower venue could not have been more perfect. First, the name, Sun in My Belly. (It really doesn't get better than that.) Secondly, the decor - I couldn't have accessorized a private space better myself! Sun in My Belly did a lovely job and we hostesses could not have been happier.

Now, for this shower, I did a bold thing. About a week prior to the event, everything was handled. The menu was secure, the guest list was finalized, and the cake was just about ordered... and then... Pinterest got the best of me. In a flash of DIY inspiration I decided that I was going to make the cake myself. And it wasn't going to be just any cake - it was going to be a cake covered in fondant. Keep reading if you would like to witness the chaos that ensued. 

Yes, I decided that I would make the fondant from scratch (primarily because pre-made fondant is really expensive and it tastes bad). Little did I know that this would jeopardize my sanity, my relationship, and my overall sense of well-being. Think long and hard before you ever attempt fondant, people. With all of that being said, know that the final product was not a disaster. I survived, and guests said that the cake was moist. (I did not have the nerve to taste it myself.)

In keeping with celebrating all things Ivey, I will be attending a shower next weekend for my sister-in-law as well. Luckily, all I had to do was RSVP for this shower. I did, however, manage to put the pink spray paint to work one last time. As a homage to my brother, whom I am expecting will need a break from all things frilly, I purchased the below print from HomeGrown in Decatur, GA, by artist, Dante DeStefano. I love her work and think that Ivey should love it, too. However, I knew it needed a girly touch - so I bought a white frame and defaced it. 

Not bad, right? I am usually not a fan of pink, but Ivey has really inspired me to embrace the blush tones. They aren't all bad. I've actually found myself day dreaming about the various ways I could use the rest of my pink spray paint, imagine that! 

Here's to celebrating the coming of a new baby, a new chapter for my brother and sister-in-law, and a good excuse to think pink. 

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Bonjour!

Orange You Glad

Orange you glad it's almost Halloween?

I thought I'd share some personal moments from this year's Halloween preparation. I think I love the color scheme more than the actual holiday. Is that so wrong? 

pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese icing and sweet carrots  

pumpkin carving

mid-week evening fire

stromboli 

vegetarian pumpkin - arghhhh

thank you cards sent out for my birthday gifts

Yep, that's right, I turned 25 on October 15. Now, THAT is scary!

 I hope you have enjoyed this month's celebratory traditions and good eats. Here's to a warm fire, candy corn, and a spooky Halloween. Be safe tomorrow night!

Ryan 

Pure Magic

Prepare to have your mind blown. 

Thank you, Wendy. 

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Etsy Find

Wild Animal 2012

In preparation for the new year, I thought I'd share another calendar that has me excited about 2012. Loopz [handmade for all ages] is an Etsy shop that I keep going back to. With a big family, it is always good to have a reliable place to go to for gifts, child-like inspiration, and quality craftsmanship. Below are some details from one of the many Loopz calendars that I have my eye on. 

April

December

February

January

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Love - 

Ryan